Blog
Power of Volume Training
We envy top athletes, including martial artists, and we wonder what it takes for them to get there. Many of us will have us believe that that we don’t have the ability. Thank goodness that is wrong because the power of volume training can help anyone do a whole lot better. What this means is not so much repetition training such as doing a punch and kick 1,000 times but reassessing as you go along; eg after 10 kicks, analyse to see what it takes to improve. Then do another 10 reps, and so on. Get it right first before you commit to 1,000 times. Most people will stop practicing a drill once they have finally put things together when this is the time they should be getting right into it. Actors, repeatedly go over their lines even though they may already know them. Practice what you have learnt; not just practice what you are trying to learn. That’s the correct way of volume training. Realistically, you are not going to achieve a 1,000 reps in one session (and you shouldn’t) but that is what it takes to get good at something in the long term.
When doing a combination, don’t worry too much about the result. Practice how to get there not what happens when you land that kick to the head or when you finish off that armbar. This is unnecessary because it wastes time, and you will not get much help from your opponent if you are causing them discomfort. It is more important to do the techniques leading to the result.
A good way of capturing of volume training is giving students a time limit (usually a minute) of how many reps the students can clock up. The difference is amazing once there is a bit of competition; no time wasted and students are on full alert. Always remember the power of volume training.
Fantastic Time with John Will
I was at Steve Perceval’s school over the last weekend doing another BJJ seminar with John Will. I dragged the twins along with me and sacrificed them to Richard Sargeant (who was recently promoted to Brown Belt) who did some attitude adjusting (just kidding). It is really good just to see John again because I really enjoy, not only his BJJ, but his teaching skills. After that, John, Steve and I went to Rick Spain’s school in the city to do another seminar. I partnered off with Rick Spain who is well renowned and one of the most talented martial artists in Australia so it was good to ‘grab each other by the collar’. Surpise, surprise, John Will awarded him his Brown Belt (wasn’t Rick happy?). Rick Spain deserves it and he is a real gentleman. After that, John, Steve and I went to a Brazilian Restaurant in Leichhardt. John could not stop bragging about his wife’s cooking and Steve told him to not tell us anymore since he cannot offer any. I told John I am really blessed to be surrounded with people like himself, Richard Norton and Steve. John is really happy I am hooked up with Richard because he is the best martial artist in the world. Can’t wait for the next John Will seminar (next year). Next time, Portuguese cuisine!
Richard Norton in the ACT
We’ve had an amazing time over the weekend with Richard Norton. I arrived there on Friday and met up with our Black Belts, Damien Philpott (ACT) and Darren Grieve (Qld). Darren and I spent some time at the Australian War Memorial (I recommend this to anyone). In the evening I conducted a grading and went through some very basic ground work. Darren did a bit of sparring with the students and also did some wrestling putting on some beautiful submissions especially on Tim Morrow (NSW Police Officer). It was like the State of Origin because Darren is Qld police. I then took on poor Tim Morrow who did very well to last a lot longer after his first submission.
Richard flew in Saturday morning and we got straight into it. The twins (John and Tim) and Peter Tziliaskopoulos also joined us from Sydney. The Black Belt Complexes were the first order of the day. Many agreed this was the best session ever. I do not know whether Richard is getting faster or he has just decided to unleash his true abilities (he is lightning fast).
The afternoon saw us for another 3 hours – Kickboxing and MMA. All I can say to other Martial Arts Instructors they better leave their comfort zones; there is a lot out there to learn! Richard is available to pass on 40 years of knowledge as a result of training with the best people in the world so what is there to think about? To quote Chuck Norris and John Will, ‘Richard Norton is the best all round martial artist in the world’. After the Saturday seminars our Black Belts and I went to Richard’s suite and we had some white wine and some light finger food, compliments of the Airport International Motel. We all then went and had dinner at some great Turkish Restaurant which Damien had arranged.
The next morning (Sunday), a bit of 1st class breakfast, compliments of this classy motel again, and we then went to do the BJJ seminar. Danny Weir (a student of John Will) also attended with his students and we ended up having a great time. I was stunned again with Richard’s ability and knowledge which is odd because I have spent so much time with him so I shouldn't be surprised. I’ve got to find out what Judy (Richard's wife) puts in his food!
Damien did a great job putting this together. I must also give credit to his future mother-in-law, Kylie who was always there helping out; she is a fantastic person!
Many thanks, again, Richard.