Archive for month: October, 2009

You may have seen enough of these signs displaying, ‘old but new’ (usually found at furniture stores) which may appeal to many people because ‘old’ is back in fashion.  We now have new cars, with modern technology, looking like the old -Volkswagon or Mini.  When it comes to martial arts, I particularly like the ‘old’ techniques (or should I say the basics) because of the little discoveries on each visit, and then suddenly, the old stuff now seems like new!  When I throw out a basic punch there could be a ‘thousand’ things going in my mind.  To a junior student they may only see 2 to 3 steps to finish the move.  I might see 10 steps. 

Watch the same movie a few times and you will pick up on things you didn’t notice before; that’s because you start paying attention to detail once you get the big picture (pardon the pun).  You go through the same process in martial arts when you keep revisiting a technique.  Basically, it’s fine tuning ‘old’ stuff. 

Techniques are always evolving particularly in the non traditional martial arts and there you might find some of the ‘old’ techniques being brought back to life. 

Old Ideas, but new way of thinking.
GA

Listening is about allowing the information to get into your head in which you can then process the information.  In the martial arts we are trained to absorb information because we want to learn as much as possible but, sometimes, we just don’t want to step out of our comfort zones to do that.  Over the years martial artists have tried to resist the temptation or consideration in cross training (Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Reality Based Self Defence) probably because most people are just happy doing what they’re doing or not interested in doing a little bit extra.   

If martial artists are interested in the reality aspect of martial arts then there should be no borders in training which means stepping out of the circle but they may not like or appreciate components of other martial arts at first.  They’re like an acquired taste and you have to give it time before making long term decisions in other aspects of training. 

Most systems/organisations have their ‘core business’, ie karate, hapkido, tae kwon do and are absolutely fantastic with what they offer and teach.  I like to think of our school like Europe where you no longer need a visa to cross borders.  I remember the days (over 35 years ago as a white belt) when I used to get into a back stance with a knife hand block and challenge anyone.  I didn’t really know what I was going to do but I was so confident that nobody would dare have a go at me.   The mystical days are long gone and today I like to make sure I cover all bases in my martial arts training.   

I take my hat off to people who specialize in one style because it takes hard work and a very long time to become good at the one thing.  I became very good at the one thing but it was not until 20 years ago I decided to cross train.  I have been crossing the border, since.
GA

Emotional Acclimatization: This is something I’ve heard a few times at Shihan Richard’s seminars.  This is not new and it refers to 'overcoming emotional infringements arising from a stressful event which is important for vital activity' (straight from the text book).  Martial artists and other people with life experiences will fully understand this.  To give a couple of examples, the experienced doorman is far less emotional, than the average person, when dealing with confrontations, and an experienced prize fighter doesn't become overly concerned of being hit because of adaptation to the pain.

It’s quite common to feel the stress when first competing in tournaments.  In my early days of competition I eventually learned to adapt to this type of environment; there would be days where I would turn up to a tournament, after a night shift, and would have a nap until somebody would come and wake me up when it was my turn to fight.  You also learn to take pain; after a couple of full contact fights I never really got worried about getting hit. 

What’s equally important is emotionally adapting to real life self defence situations.  If you have to defend yourself for the very first time, expect emotions to escalate, which are likely to cause an unprecedented adrenal dump, resulting in considerable decrease in gross motor skills.  It won’t matter how many techniques you know because these will be difficult to recall if you're not emotionally acclimatized.  Those who disagree should think of a time where they may have over-reacted in a silly traffic incident with another motorist; this is why normal people can end up in road rages because they become too emotional and don’t know what they're doing at the time.  

We can usually choose our own environments which minimises the chances of getting into trouble but there are those who have no choice through necessity in their work, like I have!  It got to the stage, if I got into a fight, my attitude was 'I might as well enjoy it since there was nothing I can do about it at the time, but do, whatever it took me, to do the job; that was my way of overcoming fear.

Emotional acclimatization does not come in pill form, however, there is a remedy.  Remember, how painful was that first shin kick to your leg?  After a few of them, it’s not too bad.  You learn to adapt to the pain with repetition.  I am not suggesting self harm so please don't try and get the better half of a baseball bat.  What students need to do is experience emotions under controlled conditions so acclimitization can go to work.  It's OK to be man-handled by your Instructor (for the right reasons) or take a few good hits, at least you won't freak out if it ever happens to you in a real situation. This is much needed in the reality based component of the martial arts but the student must want this type of training and understand the way it should be administered.

By the way, don't stress out all over this.  Just keep in mind something which may appear bad might actually be good for you.
GA

Last night I was at a wedding at one of our Black Belts, Daniel Matos, who has been with us since the age of 10 years old.  It was in Darling Harbour with the best views in the world and my wife and I were sitting with Daniel's father, Victor (and his wife) who is one of our senior Black Belts; we were very honoured to sit next to them because he said I am one of his best friends.  Same goes here.

My kids, Jonathan and Marcia, both Black Belts, not sitting far away with Dr Chris and his partner.  A bit like a Budoshinkai get together.  People develop habits seeing each other as a result of family, friendship, work or common interest.

I have found one of the best things in the martial arts is the people you meet and get to know.  Ultimately, over the years, you end up being best friends and you couldn't imagine losing that friendship.  My friends, outside the martial arts, cannot understand that and they never will!

I asked Maria how did she feel losing her son but she answered she wasn't losing a son but gaining a daughter (good come back).

When Daniel was making his speech my memories at the time were of Victor bringing him to my school for the first time.  Outside school, Victor and I would regularly meet up, with both our sons, for coffee or lunch. Now, Daniel and Jonathan are grown up gentlemen.  I am looking forward to our other young students reaching adulthood.  Thank you, Daniel and Tamara, for the invitation.  It was an absolutely sensational night. 

The couple was extremely happy but I think the father was even happier.
GA