Blog
Sorting Things Out
As an Instructor I am always trying to find solutions for problems that pop up, in practicing the martial arts, whether it be my own or students. I thought I might give it a try when I told my senior BJJ students to do a private workout with me the other night. I thought to myself this will give me the opportunity to practice the higher 
level stuff and test my ability to be able to teach them. In other words, I better know this stuff well if I am going to demonstrate them. Everything went well and the session was extremely productive for both me and my senior grades. We all had smiling faces at the end of the session. It felt good!
It was the process of doing this stuff which made me work on what I needed to do. There was no threat or embarrassment if something did not work out right the first time. You just drill, analyse and drill until it happens without putting a time limit as what usually might happen in a classroom. Then we wrestled, taking it back a couple of notches, to maximise our skills and try something new without the fear of being 'hammered', The night turned out to be perfect.
When I get stalemate I look for new methods to further advance. This is not to replace anything I already do but it is another training method. It’s great to be a student but I need to be an Instructor to become a great student.
GA
Never Ending Story
During conversation, with Mr Norton on the way back from the ACT, it was interesting to hear how technical BJJ is compared to the other martial arts where there are only a finite number of techniques. In BJJ there are literally thousands of them and the number is still growing. Who would have ever thought this was going to happen when inventing this art?
I often tell people this is my back up art to what I already know. In the true spirit of martial arts it’s all about seeking new challenges and ways. All martial arts are challenging but BJJ can get quite intricate which requires the mind to be fully engaged. If martial arts were that simple then there would be a lot more people doing them. This is what separates us from the norm making us special in a certain way.
Going back to grass roots is always an interesting thing. Mr Norton and I were going over the basic knife hand block and back stance in a carpark one evening (Richard never forgets his routes). Proof to students that Instructors do get around to discussing the simplest techniques. Furthermore, I spent a whole 2 weeks with Richard going over and over a basic guard pass (lesson 101), picking up more and more detail of the technique each time. IT'S LIKE A NEVER ENDING STORY!
Kickboxing, when first coming on the scene, was quite primitive. Getting on the floor today with Sensei Urquidez and Mr Norton will certainly convince anyone it is as technical as any other martial art, if not, more. What makes masters of these arts is the way they do it effortlessly. That takes time, dedication, enthusiasm and a lot of work.There's really no finishing line to cross in the martial arts.
Looking forward to seeing Mr John Will over the weekend. Should do around 8 hours of training and 4 cups of coffees with him.
GA
Richard Sargeant – new BJJ Black Belt
Just got the news that my very good friend and one of my BJJ coaches was awarded his Black Belt in BJJ, yesterday, by John Will at a seminar in Penrith. Normally, I would be there, but at 
the time, I was in the ACT. Ten years in the making and I have to say Richard is a great martial artist and superb athlete not to mention he is one of the nicest guys around. I wish I was there because I would've liked to have shared the moment of joy. This would've also been a great moment for his Instructor, Steve Perceval.
Richard Sargeant has always taken a special interest in Instructors of other martial arts, like myself, by taking up new challenges such as BJJ. His example is about perseverance, dedication and enthusiasm which is what I am always looking for from our own students. An important thing to look for when a student deserves to get a Black Belt is passion and drive. Richard is extremely passionate and has mega drive!
Congratulations, Richard, from me and Mr Norton. Very well deserved promotion. It's always a pleasure to roll with you. I hope the guys are organising a dinner night out.
GA