Blog
Jammed Packed Weekend
Returned from the ACT after a 3 day weekend training with Shihan Richard Norton. Seminars included Reality Based Self Defence, MMA and 2 sessions of BJJ which were hosted by our ACT representative, Damien Philpott. John and Timothy Ellis also attended, and from Qld, 
Darren Grieve, Dean Taylor and Lee Bird. My body is a little sore and my mind is jammed packed with new information. I need a few days for the computer chip in my head to process all this.
The seminars saw many new faces on the scene. Shihan Richard did a splendid job as always. It is really impressive to see him perform whether on the ground or stand-up. Now I know why Mr John Will says he is the best all round martial artist in the world – there is no doubt about it. I also have to give Richard points for trying to be the best stand-up comedian in the world (maybe I can get him a gig on Red Faces in ‘Hey, Hey, It’s Saturday’).
It was a fantastic weekend. It was all about martial arts, training, getting together with friends and making new ones. Now that I'm back home, I’ll get stuck into the weights in the morning and into the martial arts in the evening. I’ve already had a break; 3 hours drive back from Canberra was enough.
GA
Let the Games Begin!
My weekend started 
off Thursday morning by picking up my buddy, Richard Norton, from the Airport. We went straight to the PCYC (police citizens youth club) where we got on the mats including Dr Chris for about 3 hours. Then off to Jordan Micakovski’s school at Austral for a BBQ with overseas visitors here for the World Martial Arts Games. That evening an MMA seminar (a mixture of Kickboxing & BJJ ) for about two and a half hours. The next morning, another 3 hours of BJJ with Richard. It was great to see Steve Micakovski get on the mats with us; great skills!
The showdown between Richard and I, did take place but he pinned me down and gave me a few slaps in the face but I claimed ‘unfair play’. Richard came back with a beauty, “Why, because I didn’t have my hands and legs tied up?” That’s exactly what I had in mind; Richard and Chuck Norris did the same thing to Carlos Machado! Very funny, Mr Norton, but you know, this is not over yet!
Seriously, I had a great time, training with Richard and learning so much from him. I wonder how he crams so much in his head. I’ve really improved on my techniques resulting in my ability to survive a little longer when getting on the floor. I am very fortunate because I am getting the full deal ie BJJ, MMA, Kickboxing, Reality Based Self Defence etc. Australia is very fortunate to have him.
Today was the first day of the Games. The World's got talent in the martial arts; Richard and I were quite impressed. Tomorrow is the second day of the World Games.
GA
Big Brother is Watching you!
The journey to obtaining a Black Belt is usually an adventurous one and can also be long. What the Black Belt symbolizes will vary from style to style, and from school to school but 
generically it represents ‘technical excellence'. To be successful at attaining this level depends on the expectations of the school and Instructor but they all have one thing in common – successful completion of apprenticeship. Your Instructor is like your big brother keeping an eye on you.
A Black Belt should be given to students who have worked hard and really deserve it, and will hopefully continue the journey; that's what makes it worthwhile. There are those who have only worn their Black Belt once, you never see or hear from them ever again. I've actually thought about filing missing persons reports for some of them. Giving up training at this level would be no different graduating in law and then taking up gardening for a living; the Black Belt you worked so hard for now just becomes a thing of the past. It becomes a dream when once it was your dream.
A new Black Belt has to get used to being at the bottom of the rank structure (Black Belt) again which can be a culture shock for some who once were the most senior coloured belt students. Becoming a Black Belt means you are now part of an elite group. Taking a 'well deserved break' at this level is like abseiling down a cliff. It’s not as easy to get back up there so it is important for students to consider the consequences in falling victim to the ‘stop and smell the roses’ attitude. There is nothing wrong with taking a little breather, every now and then, but don't forget how hard you have worked to get where you are and not lose all that knowledge and skills. Think of the time and money you have spent.
The journey recommences, it never ends!
GA