Blog
Don’t Get Cut up Over Nothing
Knives come in all shapes and sizes and are more dangerous than they really look. Last 
week’s 60 minutes programme should have alerted you to these facts. Knives are readily available, easily concealed and you won't be able to tell who has one by their looks; that’s why it’s becoming increasingly difficult for authorities to detect. Martial arts training, to defend against bladed weapons, is generally inadequate and not ‘pressure tested’. Only professional people in the armed forces and law enforcement agencies, who train 2 hours a day, will ever be good at this. Although there is a lot of good stuff out there, any martial arts training should be taken with a grain of salt when it comes to this risky business. Because this area of self defence allows no margin for error, it is most important for instructors to seek expert training prior to teaching. Australian Police Instructors sought their training from Benny Urquidez, many years ago, and have recently updated their training package with Ray Floro. Both these guys are world reknown experts in the martial arts.
In brief, people who are going to use a knife will usually lunge forward towards the
victim's stomach (there will be no ritual as a pro knife fighter who will slash before the kill). Also interesting to note, the only person who holds a knife with a hammer grip (see pic) with downward strikes is likely one involved in a domestic situation.
After learning the best from the best it is quite clear these techniques need to be practiced every day (not necessary if your lifestyle doesn't call for it). Our recently discovered cutting edge technology takes into consideration victims will be on adrenalin overdrive, they will experience tunnel vision, and with sweaty hands are not going to be able to pull the knife off anyone. Our solution is based on simplicity and reliability. In the 35 years of martial arts I see this as a major breakthrough (compliments of Victor Matos). Although so far, so good, I would like to see the system undergo a bit more 'pressure testing', and see what kind of feedback (good or bad) we can get from the experts, Richard Norton and John Will.
Just a helpful hint: If you are unfortunate enough to get held up at knife point, drop your wallet on the ground and run like hell. They are not going to chase after you if they got what they want! Even if they do, you have already gained distance by distracting them with the wallet being dropped on the ground.
GA
To Teach or Not to Teach
To Teach or Not to Teach – that is the question. I’ve recently caught up with Richard Norton, who is recovering from successful surgery on an old shoulder injury whilst in the
USA. He told me I might have a chance in the next 'no rules' contest, with his arm in a sling. I told him he needn't worry because it’s not going to make much difference with my back (lol). Richard and Benny ‘The Jet’ Urquidez, (World Kickboxing Champion and Super Martial Artist) have had some interesting discussions about the difference between a Teacher and Coach in the martial arts. In a nutshell a Teacher is a 'life coach' and mentor.
There are literally 1,000’s of coaches (instructors) and only very few teachers in comparison. Anybody can literally be a Coach but not everybody can be a Teacher. A Coach, metaphorically speaking, can be an Instructor who picks up a few techniques from youtube and DVDs. The problem is, the techniques taught, have not been ‘pressure tested’ ie Instructors don’t have the experience, and real understanding and long term ramifications of them. A Teacher, should have a comprehensive knowledge of the mechanics and workings of all techniques they teach. A good Teacher also has a long term plan for the student and not just a quick fix like some of the MMA classes offer (unfortunately, today just about every Instructor claims MMA wisdom without getting suitable training). A Teacher can also solve problems and answer questions. Most Coaches may frown upon anybody asking them questions because they might consider it an insult.
Commercial schools tend to offer a variety of martial arts. Karate, Jiu Jitsu, Kickboxing, BJJ, MMA, Fitness etc. I have yet to find a doctor who is also an architect, lawyer, engineer. I am sure these schools have plenty of Coaches but I wonder how many Teachers do they really have.
In my opinion, the term Grandmaster title, is misused in terms of its true definition. If a Teacher is to maintain integrity of their martial arts ability,, they should be willing to keep their ego in check by training with the very best. I don’t believe they can give themselves such a 'title', it can only be bestowed upon by the very best. Me, personally, I wouldn't want to be called Grandmaster; it would make feel as if I know everything. Besides, there are too many of them around!
GA (the Teacher)
All Different Shapes and Sizes
Instructors know it more too well that everybody in the martial arts comes in all 
different shapes and sizes. Age, gender, height, weight, strength, fitness, attitude, mental and physical ability (have I missed any) all have a bearing on the ability to learn, level of performance and results. Instructors, including students must be made aware of these variables which will be either a hindrance or an advantage depending on what skill they are trying to master. Speaking from experience, traditional martial arts training often demanded an amost similar physical outcome from each student. This was achieved by the natural selection of the few who stayed on to get Black Belt. The rest had to move on. I remember one of my Black Belt's attitude, in the mid ‘80’ with his students, ‘you’ll never be any good, take up needlecraft instead’. I don't think that sort of sarcasm exists today.
Martial arts have come a long way since then, encouraging everyone to take up training and Instructors are willing to help students achieve their goals. This can be done in many ways which does not necessarily has to be solely based on physical attributes. But having said that, I can’t remember any student who has not impressed me with something they can do better than the other person in the classroom. It's all about discovery, students will eventually do particularly well in some specific area of their discipline. I don't know whether they are good at it because they like it, or whether they like it and that is why they become good at it. Maybe, John Will would like to do a bit of research on this.
Everybody in the martial arts, with time, will gain confidence, and become faster, stronger and fitter, that's the way the body works. So there is no cause for concern to anyone hoping to achieve their goals.
GA