Archive for month: June, 2009

If Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) has a shape, then it would have to be a sphere because of the almost endless directions and angles the techniques are executed from.  Coincidentally, BJJ students use the word 'roll' when they wrestle which fits that description perfectly.  The thing about BJJ & stand-up Jiu Jitsu is you need a partner to learn and practice the skills – not normally done when training in the more traditional styles which involve movements executed in the air. 

When partnering up, you go 'live'.  This also includes partner work with Kickboxing and Karate.  Your techniques have to constantly adjust taking into account the partner's size, strength, speed and agility.  Students holding pads need to be reminded it is not about one person training only.  They are supposed to be involved with their partner by observing and, if possible, help them along the way.  My Thai Boxing coach, many years ago, told me that I needed to learn to hold the pads if I wanted to improve my skills so that I have a better understanding of the art.  One of my previous blogs makes mention 'if you really want to learn something, then teach it.' 

Going live is not about beating each other to a pulp.  How is anybody going to learn anything if we revert to caveman mentality in a club belting exercise?  It's about 'give and take'.  Famous World Champion Kicboxer, Benny 'the Jet' always stresses that.  The same said by BJJ professionals – going too soft, nobody is going to learn.  Also, going too hard, nobody is going to learn. 

Next time, don't get a 'shock' when I ask you to teach.
GA

Development is basically change which occurs in all aspects of life and technology.  Something good today, will one day in the near future, be improved or superseded with another.  It’s called progress.  This is a better word because the word 'change' can be quite negative to many people. 

This does not negate that some things need, or best stay, in their original state, eg traditional martial arts or tried and proven techniques.  Many of the modern martial arts have evolved to suit the environment and times.  However, they always pay tribute to the customs (bowing and respect) of the traditional martial arts (that part should not ‘evolve’).  The biggest problem of evolution, in the martial arts, is not understanding the grass roots level where it all began. To evolve is to progress and you need that to start at the very bottom to be part of the evolution process. 

The Muay Thai, I learnt in the ‘80’s, is nowhere near the same taught today; that has evolved and continues to do so.  The same goes for BJJ and MMA.  In fact, we should pay tribute to these arts which have shown us it is OK for any martial art to change (advance). BJJ, in particular, is an incredible art because it is constantly evolving from school to school, and from person to person. 

In addition, the techniques in traditional martial arts, on the surface are also evolving.  Even our karate has undergone some changes by the introduction of new techniques and new ways of training.  This is what makes it exciting.  However, as a Teacher, I frown upon students who amaze me with things I have not seen them do before but can't execute a basic punch correctly.  Progress is also about learning more, not instead of! 

Change is not something people are accustomed to, whether it be work, technology etc. This can also apply to the martial arts.  Changes must be useful and can only occur with an open mind.  Your Instructors have open minds.  Spread your wings and take advantage of everything else we offer.
GA

Knives come in all shapes and sizes and are more dangerous than they really look.  Last week’s 60 minutes programme should have alerted you to these facts.  Knives are readily available, easily concealed and you won't be able to tell who has one by their looks; that’s why it’s becoming increasingly difficult for authorities to detect.  Martial arts training, to defend against bladed weapons, is generally inadequate and not ‘pressure tested’.  Only professional people in the armed forces and law enforcement agencies, who train 2 hours a day, will ever be good at this.  Although there is a lot of good stuff out there, any martial arts training should be taken with a grain of salt when it comes to this risky business.  Because this area of self defence allows no margin for error, it is most important for instructors to seek expert training prior to teaching.  Australian Police Instructors sought their training from Benny Urquidez, many years ago, and have recently updated their training package with Ray Floro.  Both these guys are world reknown experts in the martial arts.

In brief, people who are going to use a knife will usually lunge forward towards the victim's stomach (there will be no ritual as a pro knife fighter who will slash before the kill).  Also interesting to note, the only person who holds a knife with a hammer grip (see pic) with downward strikes is likely one involved in a domestic situation. 

After learning the best from the best it is quite clear these techniques need to be practiced every day (not necessary if your lifestyle doesn't call for it).  Our recently discovered cutting edge technology takes into consideration victims will be on adrenalin overdrive, they will experience tunnel vision, and with sweaty hands are not going to be able to pull the knife off anyone.  Our solution is based on simplicity and reliability.  In the 35 years of martial arts I see this as a major breakthrough (compliments of Victor Matos).  Although so far, so good, I would like to see the system undergo a bit more 'pressure testing', and see what kind of feedback (good or bad) we can get from the experts,  Richard Norton and John Will.  

Just a helpful hint: If you are unfortunate enough to get held up at knife point, drop your wallet  on the ground and run like hell.  They are not going to chase after you if they got what they want!  Even if they do, you have already gained distance by distracting them with the wallet being dropped on the ground.
GA

Instructors know it more too well that everybody in the martial arts comes in all different shapes and sizes.  Age, gender, height, weight, strength, fitness, attitude, mental and physical ability (have I missed any) all have a bearing on the ability to learn, level of performance and results.  Instructors, including students must be made aware of these variables which will be either a hindrance or an advantage depending on what skill they are trying to master.  Speaking from experience, traditional martial arts training often demanded an amost similar physical outcome from each student.  This was achieved by the natural selection of the few who stayed on to get Black Belt.  The rest had to move on.  I remember one of my Black Belt's attitude, in the mid ‘80’ with his students, ‘you’ll never be any good, take up needlecraft instead’.  I don't think that sort of sarcasm exists today.

Martial arts have come a long way since then, encouraging everyone to take up training and Instructors are willing to help students achieve their goals.  This can be done in many ways which does not necessarily has to be solely based on physical attributes.  But having said that, I can’t remember any student who has not impressed me with something they can do better than the other person in the classroom.  It's all about discovery, students will eventually do particularly well in some specific area of their discipline.  I don't know whether they are good at it because they like it, or whether they like it and that is why they become good at it.  Maybe, John Will would like to do a bit of research on this.

Everybody in the martial arts, with time, will gain confidence, and become faster, stronger and fitter, that's the way the body works.  So there is no cause for concern to anyone hoping to achieve their goals. 
GA