Blog
Quick Word – John Will seminar
Great seminar this past weekend with my pal John Will (I call him the QC of BJJ) and I am truly amazed with the response we are getting from people turning up to these seminars lately. Not
forget to mention a special thanks to our ACT Instructor, Damien, who has a following and brought a whole bunch of Ground Fitghters with him. The seminar was absolutely sensational as always. John is absolutely entertaining whilst getting his points across. He is quite theatrical.
Unfortunately, I could only spectate this time round, and video with my new toy which astounded John who had to have one then and there. Concerning my injury I do not have too long to go before I can start sweating again. I have been given the green by Dr Chris but I am still exercising caution. I am looking forward to my very good buddy Richard Norton who is coming down on the weekend of 25/26 July, 2009. We are very fortunate to have access to the best BJJ Instructors in the world.
It was a really great weekend for all and I, in particular, enjoyed John's company over the time we spent. There was a lot to talk about.
GA
Have You Got any Change?
Development is basically change which occurs in all aspects of life and technology. Something good today, will one day in the near future, be improved or 
superseded with another. It’s called progress. This is a better word because the word 'change' can be quite negative to many people.
This does not negate that some things need, or best stay, in their original state, eg traditional martial arts or tried and proven techniques. Many of the modern martial arts have evolved to suit the environment and times. However, they always pay tribute to the customs (bowing and respect) of the traditional martial arts (that part should not ‘evolve’). The biggest problem of evolution, in the martial arts, is not understanding the grass roots level where it all began. To evolve is to progress and you need that to start at the very bottom to be part of the evolution process.
The Muay Thai, I learnt in the ‘80’s, is nowhere near the same taught today; that has evolved and continues to do so. The same goes for BJJ and MMA. In fact, we should pay tribute to these arts which have shown us it is OK for any martial art to change (advance). BJJ, in particular, is an incredible art because it is constantly evolving from school to school, and from person to person.
In addition, the techniques in traditional martial arts, on the surface are also evolving. Even our karate has undergone some changes by the introduction of new techniques and new ways of training. This is what makes it exciting. However, as a Teacher, I frown upon students who amaze me with things I have not seen them do before but can't execute a basic punch correctly. Progress is also about learning more, not instead of!
Change is not something people are accustomed to, whether it be work, technology etc. This can also apply to the martial arts. Changes must be useful and can only occur with an open mind. Your Instructors have open minds. Spread your wings and take advantage of everything else we offer.
GA
Guilty until Proven Innocent
How often do we feel like giving training a miss because we couldn't be bothered? Not many times, I hope. But 
the thought has passed my mind but I always seem to overcome negative feelings when it comes to martial arts. After missing out 2 months of training, beyond my control, I see how more important it is not to miss out when you don't have to. I told students, the other night, 'if time or bad weather are your only excuses preventing you turning up to training, then I envy you'. I wish had that choice right now (but that's about to change shortly).
I love the look of guilty faces that come into class after their missing person report has been filed. Whatever, the excuse, it's great to see them again. People, understandably, do go through slump periods but there are consequences to go with them. Every delay now will mean a longer delay later. I wish there was an easier way out of this! Some students, feeling guilty, will even punish themselves. Some time ago, a student called to say he would return to training and admitted another hobby got the better of him (golf on the Gold Coast). To this day, I am still tyring to work out what he was trying to say, 'if I come to training tomorrow (which was a grading night), make sure you don't grade me'. He said this several times. I assured him that was not going to happen. Well, he didn't show up, ever! Maybe, he was punshishing himself (he should've let me done it for him).
Training should not be a chore and time should be put aside to ensure you do not miss out classes. It all comes down to time management. Solutions are better than excuses.
GA