Goals for Growth

As we approach August and the last stretch of summer I thought it would be appropriate to send out a word of thanks to all those individuals who have been coming out for regular training. I know it can be hard to find the extra motivation in the summer months when there are so many other options available to occupy your time. This summer in particular has been a real scorcher most days and sometimes the battle between going to class or hitting a patio or BBQ is often won by the latter.

I have been receiving some kind words via email lately, from parts of the US, Canada, Europe and even as far away as China. Some were updates from friends while vacationing, some looking for advice on training and some just sending a note to say that they receive my emails and enjoy reading them. All of these are very powerful testaments to the power of technology and communication but, more importantly, it shows the strength and openess of the martial arts family we are all a part of.

As I stated earlier we are approaching the 2/3 mark of a beautiful Canadian summer and eventually the inevitable move into fall. So, well before this happens I propose that everyone make a goal for this coming fall season, anything at all, and write it down on paper. By now everyone knows that your chances of reaching a goal are greatly increased when it is written down so get that pen and paper out and start creating your destiny!

For me Fall is a wonderful transition period, a time to look back on the summer months and evaluate where I was and where I want to go next. It is a powerful season in the sense that there is dramatic change all around us both in nature and in the attitudes of people getting back into stride. You can almost hear the world around you take a deep breath as it readies for a challenging time ahead. That is why it is important to commit early to change and growth and formulate a plan for success.

There are still a lot of people who I am waiting to see in class so to them I say, let this be a motivator for the fall. Enjoy August to the fullest but make your goals for September, write them down and follow through. You can do it, you have the power!

Old Info New Mind

I was fishing around online tonight, like I often do, searching for some martial arts content or fight vids or whatever I can find relating to the subject. I came across some older material with the late Remy Presas Sr. the founder of Modern Arnis, who was an instructor and dear friend of MY instructor Datu Kelly Worden. I immediately started understanding some of the underlying humor in Datu's jokes now that I have seen and heard the way Remy Presas presented his material. Mr. Presas was an excellent teacher and presenter and both his mannerisms and character provided a great first impression. What was interesting, however, was the immediate connection I saw between his training methods, motions, and theories and those presented by Datu Worden. What struck me most though was just how much the art has progressed over the past 20-30 years...undeniable!

That got me thinking.

Datu has absorbed the information, analyzed it, and refined it to suit both him and his environment. In the process he has kept what was useful and discarded what wasn't. This process has been recurring over and over again and always on the cutting edge. This is what makes the art ALIVE. This is what keeps it modern, progressive, growing, and adapting. It is a living thing.

In saying this it reminds me of what my goal and that of other leaders of the arts is: KEEP IT ALIVE AND ADAPTABLE. This is where YOU all come in. The next generation of leaders are responsible for taking this information and putting it through the ringer, testing it, moulding it, and adding to it. The cycle of adaptation should remain constant throughout your training. It is your time to take what is useful and discard what isn't, but also to return to the "recycle bin" and see if it may have a place within the bounds of new understanding.

Information seen in new light or within a new context often holds a newer, deeper meaning. Make a habit of visiting "old news" with a "new mind" and see what you find. Oftentimes the old material that you have discarded may hold the key to a better understanding of the new.

Personal Protection Intro

Thanks to everybody who participated in the Stampede Self Defence INTRO course @ Fountain Park Health Club. There was a real pinch in the timeframe and as everyone quickly realized an hour is only time enough to offer a small taster. Things to remember are:

1. Understanding RANGE and the tools that are most applicable in each range.
2. How to create space to increase power in striking.
3. The "power tools" like elbows and knees.
4. The versatility of open hand striking: finger jabs, pinching, percussive blows and clawing to name a few.
5. Low line attacks like the knee spike, oblique kick and stomp kick.
6. The complimentary pairs such as: pushing/pulling, sinking/springing and working hi/low in combinations.
7. Cultivating your common sense, awareness, natural instincts and intuition.

The intent of the course was to get everybody outside his or her comfort zone and open their eyes to different options regarding personal protection. As stated earlier it was only intended as an intro, a taste, by NO MEANS SHOULD IT BE TAKEN AS A SELF DEFENCE COURSE! This is very important. Not enought time was spent on each section to really grasp the concepts and NO time was given to adrenal overload training or to the application of techniques with a resisting opponent. Understanding this is paramount in order to avoid developing a false sense of security.

More courses will be offered over the year. Each showcasing a different aspect of martial arts or personal protection. Please feel free to contact me anytime via the web: www.spiritfitness.ca or www.fountainparkclub.com
or phone: 403.831.6787

Group classes for "Fighting Arts" are held Wednesdays 5:30-7:00pm and Saturdays 11:30am-1:00pm and private lessons are available throughout the week.

Have a great Stampede and summer! Take care and be safe!

-s-

Awareness and Intuition

Awareness:

This can be viewed from many angles but I will deal with two main ones here.

1. Knowledge of your environment: KNOW WHERE YOU ARE! Do your homework and avoid problem areas especially after dark or when there are less people around. Know your exits and make a habit of facing the door or other high traffic areas when you are in a foreign or otherwise unsecure location.

2. "Know Thyself." Understand and embrace your capabilities as an individual. An understanding of how you deal with a stressful situation physically, mentally and emotionally will increase your chances of success in any situation whether it be violent or not. Let's just deal with the physical. A lot of people have NEVER EVEN HIT ANYTHING BEFORE. This is important to recognize because how are you to assess your level of power or speed if you have never tested it out?

Natural Instincts:

Listen to your gut feelings and don't ignore those sensations that "something is wrong." In his landmark book, "Gift Of Fear", author Gavin DeBecker explains the rational breakdown of intuition and describes it as one's continuous sub conscious analysis of the surrounding environment and series of events. It has been found that after a violent encounter the victim who initially stated that it was sudden and couldn't have been avoided will later on remember more specific details. After recognizing them they will admit it could have been avoided. Your brain never stops working and it will always work in your best interests to keep you safe.

Of course, there are times when all the preparation in the world couldn't guarantee total avoidance and for these times you need to know yourself, your limitations and your strenghts. You have to know what you are capable of and what it would take to dissolve the threat of a potential attack and/or neutralize an assailant. This isn't something that can be taught in a single class or even a weekend seminar. However, taking a class or at least learning about personal protection is a definite first step and should be seen as building your AWARENESS level and alleviating the suppression of your NATURAL INSTINCTS.

-s-