Blog
Are we there Yet?
Generally, the longer time to reach each rank the better the value particularly in the case of BJJ. I am not saying ranks 
should be held back in every case but consideration should be given as to why grades need that extra time. This is to make sure you really earn that belt. Experienced Instructors know it all too well that a Black Belt is only as good as the system or the Teacher who gives it. Each rank symbolizes a certain mental and skill level. Many of us do martial arts for the enjoyment of training, not for the belts. If tomorrow, I was promoted to the next belt in BJJ, then what? If anything, I have a bit of worrying to do because I have to live up to it. I usually like to share the same philosophy when grading my students in Karate and which sometimes may be difficult to understand. If that's hard to take then try BJJ which takes 3 years to get Blue. That's equivalent to getting a Brown in our karate system. Thankfully, those who get their Black Belt in our Karate system, understand the reasoning.
I've had a number of enquiries from people asking me what belt could they wear, based on previous skill, if they joined our school. I always say, ‘White’. You should hear the stutters in their voices! (Oh, well, that’s another potential student lost and probably don’t need).
It's quite gratifying to hear other Instructors talking about our school's grading reputation (particularly, the Black Belt). I like Mr John Will's belt philosophy, 'you must be that belt before you get that belt'! It's also about the enjoying the time leading to the grade compared to that short moment of enjoyment of being give the grade. Belts to me are only good if the Instructor who gives them really means it.
I spent the whole Saturday with Mr Will doing seminars. The seminars were great and he raised some interesting points about time and grade. The one thing about John is he respects the person not necessarily the rank. Shihan Richard Norton has a similar view – SHOW US WHAT YOU CAN DO.
GA
What a Legend!
Well what can I say! I got to meet and train with the Kickboxing legend, Benny ‘The Jet’ Urquidez. last Tuesday evening. He is currently in Australia conducting a series of seminars. For the young ones, Master Benny is one of the most unique martial artists in the world and has 9 Black Belts in different styles which was unheard of in the late 70's. He holds 63 World titles in Kickboxing with an impressive fight record of over 200 wins, zero losses and 57 knockouts. Nicknamed ‘The Jet’ because of his lethal jump spinning back kick. Since retiring from the ring, he has devoted his time to acting and movies. Have a look at this fight scene between him and Jackie Chan said to be one of the best fight scenes on film.
I was in the Instructor's change room, with Dr Chris, at the Liverpool KMA centre when Sensei Benny and Master Fari walked in. The first thing he said to me, as we shook hands, was “I remember you.” That’s after 15 years when I attended his seminar in Sydney! That's amazing.
There was a large attendance which goes to show he still draws a crowd. He impressed us all with everything he said, did, show and teach. The floor exercises were outstanding. It was an absolutely sensational evening. We were then invited, by Master Fari, to have dinner with the legend which gave us an opportunity to have a really good talk with him.
The man has a certain aura about him; everybody listens when he talks, he is quite spiritual and is also into healing. In a nutshell, a super nice guy! Our Aussie legend, Shihan Richard Norton, has trained under him for many years and their friendship goes back to almost 30 years. Dr Chris and I get to see and train again with the legend next week which I am looking forward to. There's a lot more to say about this man but it's going to be too much for the blog.
On two occasions, Benny was having coffee with Richard at Starbuck's when I called Richard in the US. There will also be two legends this weekend having a cup of coffee – Mr John Will, and me (lol).
GA
OLD but NEW
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