Archive for year: 2011

We live in a world where the martial arts once were taught behind closed doors so very little was known about anything and anybody in the martial arts.  In a world of rapid advancing technology, information about those arts can now be found easily as just browsing the web on the phone.  Information is so accessible so when someone has something to show to the world it can usually be found through schools with open door policies, seminars, on line training, media etc. 

Here’s the thing; how long would it take to invent something (even just the one thing) and then become good at it?  The truth is we personally may not really have the zest, ability or time to come up with something new.   The chances are, if you are looking for something different or new, then it’s probably out there.  The martial arts industry is like a giant supermarket and the cliché, ‘buyer beware’ makes sense when looking around so the Teacher is a bit like a broker making sure the student gets the best advice and training.  It should give piece of mind to the student when the Teacher is very active, innovative, always updating their skills and interacting with the right people because the fruits will be passed onto the students.

Many of these seminars which are always open to everyone (this would have been unheard of 30 years ago), are a quick way to pick up information and ideas which might take years to find out (or maybe never).  There is so much to do and learn out there and it is most important, particularly for Instructors, to exploit the industry.  I’d rather shop at a supermarket where everything is available to me compared to those who slip into a 7/11 store with only a couple of things in mind.
GA

The thing about the martial arts, as it is taught nowadays, the classes have to be innovative and students need to be updated with new training methods and techniques.  The days of just training the same stuff over and over again is not always popular with most people but that's what it takes to strive for perfection – a lifetime achievement.  If you look around at those who are really good at something, it is because most of their time is devoted to that.  Take, for example, a person who trains shot-put; that’s all they do which takes a special kind of person who doesn't get bored and gives up, and understands that is what's needed to win or perfect.  It really is a balancing act between repetition of techniques and collection of techniques. 

However, in the modern world of martial arts training, people like to see what else they can try out to add to their repertoire.  They have their core business eg karate, kung fu etc but in order to further stimulate their minds, people like to take on other challenges to beat boredom rather than resign to Foxtel or Facebook. 

It takes a special kind of person to achieve a Black Belt; it’s all about technique, attitude, ability and understanding the purpose of achieving that belt.  I have heard of a particular school that when a student is preparing for Black Belt, they have to wear a white belt for 6 months prior to examination!  I think that says it all.
GA

What I particularly like teaching are drills and techniques which can be shown across all ages, the only difference being in the delivery for each group.  This is best illustrated by a drill which I use called the Clockface.  Basically, 12 o'clock is where you first face in the fighting stance.  You give the first count for the students to shuffle forward in that direction.  Point to their left for 9 o'clock and they shuffle to the left.  Then shuffle back to 6 o'clock and to the right for 3 o'clock completing a full loop, and then start again.  You can then complicate it by breaking up the rhythm by randomly selecting the directions.  It seems simple enough but there's more to it than meets the eye, especially to mature students.

To the really youngs, it’s a lot of fun and even a great education about time and clocks.  The little older ones might find that more game of challenge.  The seniors see that as a great way to better their footwork.  The Kickboxers see that as a necessary part of their training.  The MMA fighters depend on this as a strategy to defend takedowns by Grapplers.  The Fitness people – it’s fitness and coordination.

The drill is shown exactly the same way for all groups.  The young learn many skills and drills and continue to do so as they grow older, the only difference being they have different reasons for doing them.

How does one answer a child when they say, 'what about 2 o'clock and 5 o'clock’?
GA

This is worthwhile blogging – our first BKJ Kickboxing grading at our full time martial arts centre just recently.  Over the years we have been cross training Karate students in Kickboxing because of our passion in other martial arts but difficult to do in a regular class environment where Karate is the main focus.  Finally, we were able to kick off separate Kickboxing classes under the auspices of Kyoshi Richard Norton.  It is almost 4 months now and we were impressed with the results of our students who just walked off the street to sign up for Kickboxing not that long ago.  Kickboxing today is much more user friendly, inviting and safer than it ever has been.

I remember, in the early '90's, training Thai Kickboxing, at the Everly St boxing gym in Redfern working out with World Champion Alex Tui and the legendary trainer, Kru (Master) Sakaad Pethyindee for 2 years.  Sakaad was infamous and a legend in Thai Boxing (with over 320 professional fights and 10 world titles to his name).  If you were game enough to walk down that street and didn't get mugged or attacked (let alone in police uniform), you were going to do alright except for the hard punishment you had to endure in class.  Luckily for me, my car was never stolen or ever damaged because I was regarded as a 'brother'.

It was difficult learning from a Thai coach.  Little communication, no manners, no promises – just hard training.  I would come home sometimes at 2am because to be part of the group, we had to hang out and drink Japanese Sake (crazy).  But that is what it took those days if you wanted to train with the best at the time.  At the end, I was rewarded an Instructor’s certificate from Kru Sakaad and Alex Tui.  Sakaad has long gone back to Thailand but Alex is still at the gym and now training his own people.

It is just so nice to be able to do this all over again but now with our own students.
GA

Gradings are based on benchmarks which are necessary for students to aspire to a particular level.  They should be within everyone's reach and not just for the elite few, which would, otherwise, discriminate the older person, the less strong and the not so athletic etc.  Martial arts is an education for everyone and it is the job of Instructor to ensure students have the best chance possible of achieving their goals.  The benchmark should be at a level so everyone tries hard, really hard. 

How is the standard set?  Instructors have certain expectations but take into account the student’s attitude, ability to learn, physical attributes and class attendance.   There are varying degrees of learning so not every technique taught is achievable by everyone, however, the 'try' factor takes the student to another level. 

The Black Belt Marathon benchmarks in the past are just a memory.  I knew Instructors who sent their students on a 15km run before starting their Black Belt test.  They could barely stand on their own two feet let alone do Karate; the Instructor asked me if they should pass.  What a silly question I thought.  

How hard would it be for the Teacher if a student asks for their black belt?  (don't ask the question if you don't like the answer).  It's a lot more prestigious to wear a black belt when its given to you because you deserve it rather than ask for it.   
GA