Self Defense

A common reason to get into the martial arts is for self defense. We want to feel confident and be able to protect ourselves in a confrontation. I've taught self defense in many different venues for many years and although I am a lifer in the martial arts, I am going to say that self defense is not about being a martial artist. Three big components are: AWARENESS, ATTITUDE, and COMMITMENT. Now I will heartily agree that those things can be learned and ingrained while practicing the marital arts. They are part of the self development that happens as you train. But they can be learned in short-term situations as well specifically for self defense.

There are many women, men, and kids out there that just cannot or will not commit to the training schedule of a martial artist, but they will take a weekend to become acquainted with some skills. Learning simple techniques that can keep them from harm definitely will increase their self confidence, which will help with their attitude i.e body language, voice, etc. Many self defense instructors work basic skills until their students feel comfortable. I think it is also important to work on awareness. Create some awareness games. Have someone dressed in outrageous clothes run through the class, unannounced, then ask about details remembered. I just read an email asking, "Are you a zombie?" Good question! Many of us are on autopilot way to often.

Stressing awareness, teaching awareness, encouraging to live in awareness is very important in my humble opinion.

You can't give everyone self confidence in a short weekend but you can get them to pretend. Pretending is the first step to realizing the possibilities and the jumping off point to believing. I've seen where even pretending an attitude throughout a class will have a difference in the self confidence a student gains.

Commitment. Working on giving it your all for whatever time is required is much different than practicing one or two techniques. One of the ways I introduce this idea is "Wild Squirrel". It should be done after the class has worked with each other for a bit and some personal barriers have softened because everyone will feel kind of silly doing this exercise. For that reason I usually have a couple of mats going at once so there is more than one person doing it at a time. The student lies down on a mat and starts kicking and screaming full tilt until one minute is up, then two, If you can go to three with everyone, it is even better. Students will tell you, it feels like forever. (Kids love it!) Adults often feel pretty good after getting their ya-ya's out.

There are lots of great ideas for self defense out there. I'd welcome any comments or sharing. . .

Winter Training

I love outdoor activities but when the temperatures dip below minus 20°F, the dojo floor is particularly inviting. It is important to warm up and stretch out when you come in from the cold to get the energy circulating in the old body before letting go with a kicking exercise or an energetic set of basics. In Fairbanks, Alaska, the light is only around for about 3 hours a day right now so a workout is a great way to get the endorphins hopping and be able to face the long hours of darkness. A couple of years ago, we invited Shihan Mike Berger, recently from California, up to give us a clinic and some fresh ideas. We worked a two-step basic which was different from our usual run up and down the floor. I appreciated the emphasis on technique and working on power. We had two days of clinics and several regular classes that culminated in an outdoor session on the frozen lake next to the dojo. We were permitted our shoes but worked for about half an hour in just our ghi. A memorable end to a great clinic. I was surprised at how I was able to ignore the -20°F by focusing on technique and grounding so I wouldn't slip on the ice. A real lesson in awareness. . .It's -25°F today. Maybe I should try it again. . .

Martial Arts as a Way of Life

A lot of people think of martial artists as a group dedicated to beating on each other and getting their ya-ya's out. That is only a very small part of the truth. The martial arts encompasses many styles and many ways of interacting with each other. The main focus of any martial art is to develop the body, mind and spirit of the practitioner. The benefits walk out of the door of the training hall with the practitioner. I am a dedicated martial artist who has practiced Shudo-kan and Gosoke-ryu karate for 19 years (5th dan in Shudo-kan, 3rd dan in Gosoke-Ryu), Tai Chi for 6 years, played with Iaido and Aikido for a couple of years, and had fun with Kung fu for a few years. The hard and the soft complement each other well. This blog is dedicated to all martial artists and all are invited to participate as we explore the whys, ah-ha's and the wonder of the martial arts. My aim is to explore the martial arts and share what they have to offer. Join me.

Today let's talk about balance. Stand on one leg, settle in and spend some time. The knee up is above your waist. Hands are in a defensive attitude. This is actually a stance of strength and strength-building. How long can you balance? When you start to wobble, where does it initiate. Pay attention. Focus. Breathe into that point. Soften it. Stand a little longer. Now rest. Do the other side. When you come back to the first side, settle in and close your eyes. Now notice what happens. Try not to let your body "clench" but find the stance within the stance. Doing this balance exercise often will strengthen your feet, ankles, calves, knees, thighs, and core. It will help you focus and teach you to notice all the different parts of you that work together. Be aware. What can this do for you in life? Becoming aware can open a whole new vista in your life. Noticing your physical responses and feelings can heighten joy or allow you to change in a positive way. Becoming stronger will give you more self-confidence. I'll post my thoughts from time to time and I welcome any comments from any martial artist. I hope we can share resources and ideas that will benefit us all