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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