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Monday, September 24, 2012

Clinic short re-cap


This is a bit late but I have been very busy. So here it goes.
I can’t describe all the things I saw or learned during the past clinic. Can’t give away all their trade secrets now can I? You will just have to get off your butts and attend their workshops.




But I can say that to see people, from a total novice to a more advanced martial artists (all sort of different arts were represented), learn “techniques” this quickly only helps adding a feather in those instructor’s caps.
Their teachings are principle based. When you understand a principle you can apply it to any situation. For example, we learned a few carotid restraints (chokes) and while randori-ing with a partner, I found myself with my left arm in a perfect position to reproduce one of those chokes, but my right arm was tied up, dang. But lookee loookee here…. my knee happens to be in the right location. So I used it instead and it worked beautifully. The principle of the choke stayed the same, I just used different tools. I did not have to have my foot at 32 degree north while my arm was at a 45 degree west and the moon was in the second cusp. I just used the principle of how the choke works under the circumstances that presented themselves.
And this is just one example on how amazing principles can be.

More than anything those 3 teach you to see gifts, to see or create opportunities in the opponent’s defense.



Another favorite thing was discussing articulation and legalities. I heard too many people talk about how thinking on the legalities will make you freeze in a self-defense situation. I have to say I call BS on this!!  It’s actually the opposite. Knowing when and why you are using SD makes a huge positive difference. You know that feeling you get that something is not right? Or the fact that you just know in your guts someone is about to attack you? You need to learn to be able to describe and explain those gut feelings. There is freedom and power in knowledge. Take one of their classes on “articulating”…. Very, very powerful!!


And the drills,  the wonderful drills… how I love thee. Best way to put in practice newly acquired skills. Especially having all sort of body types, skill level, gender and age, to play with.

Even if I described in details what I have experience during that week, it would only be a pale imitation. You need to experience those clinics to be able to truly absorb them.
Do yourself a favor and join in next time.
Minnesota is the only place those 3 amazing individuals come together under one roof to share their knowledge and experience.

Be smart, stay safe

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