Shaw Martial Arts

Well, let’s just say I now understand why Kata/Forms were utilized for so long. It is a way to train and maintain techniques when one doesn’t have a partner as I have been without an active training now for quite some time. So - yes training physically, mentally and on techniques is possible but what it lacks is the interaction, the unexpected move, the speed of attack or counter needed to keep reflexes and muscle memory focused and sharp. I won’t complain as I can use Isshin-ryu forms or make my own in order to keep training to retain techniques but my concern will lie in my reflexes and how much further they may deteriorate!

So, my interest in FMA has continued to grow to the point where I bought courses from Datu Tim Hartmann (Modern Arnis) and from Suro Jason Inay of the Inayan system(Escrima). The material is great but becomes problematic when a partner is required. To this end, I took my first Kali(FMA) class at a local community center last week - the people were terrific and ready willing and able to adapt to various needs of students including this older fellow. The time with sticks only intrigued me more. However, to change things up, we started working with Bo(staff) and different spinning moves - while this was fun, the bo is not my thing. I would like more time with the striking angles and proper flow with sticks. This past week I was just mimicking the warm up leader with strike motions. Still, we did partner up and I got to bang sticks with someone. That is what I went for and can only hope for more in the coming week - perhaps they were taking it more easy with the new, older student. Find out next week.
In the spirit of Sensei Roy - and life-long learning.

I found a reel posted by Datu Tim Hartmann showing an FMA defense and a Jiu Jitsu defense against a haymaker attack. I answered as follows:

“For me, I will waffle and say I like them both. However, since I do not like turning my back into someone, a personal choice, I would prefer the FMA answer as it faces the attacker longer and uses striking that I am more familiar with - a grappler will probably disagree with me but that shows how personalized training is for each participant in order to make it effective for themselves.”

So my background started in grappling but this is what transpired. Although I touched on wrestling in elementary, high school(briefly) and university as well as at a YMCA class as one of many activities looked at and was also involved in Judo from the age of 13 to 16 as a junior (the reason I blew off the brief time a wrestling club existed in high school), I was never really comfortable as a grappler - I regret not dedicating more time to it - however, I did gravitate more toward striking coming up - my preferred striking background is why I chose the FMA approach as stated above. Neither are wrong of course, merely different and a personal choice of the practice you choose.
In the Spirit of Sensei Roy.

There is a newly released book written from a woman’s perspective on reimagining self defence for women. I have only just started reading it but I think it will truly be eye opening for me and many others.

I believe this caution extends beyond myth or legend and can be directed at most sources including internet, social media, politicians, advertisers, hucksters and others who want or indeed, demand you believe them, when in reality what they are spewing is either misdirection, untruths or blatant lies. Listen, consider, research multiple sources and sort the truth for yourself.

So, the gist of this is the structure of the nasal cavity is such that there is no dangerous nasal bone - the structure is primarily cartilage and will not pe*****te the brain. While head blows including those from under the nose can be fatal, it is from the concussive effect and damage to brain, not death by nasal bone. I have seen this idea used in movies yet debunked in various articles. This is just one of those.
That being said, a strike under the nose is still painful and potentially debilitating defensive countermeasure.

Get off your butt and do something - that’s my mantra - you can read and view all these wonderful ideas but it doesn’t give you that essential - Practice. Now, I don’t have a full-time training partner so practice is less inspiring - But one can still do at least some practice, some physical movement on your own. Not as productive or as responsive as training with a partner but it is better than just sitting there!
So, Get Off your Butt and Do Something!
In the Spirit of Sensei Roy.

Reflecting back on the 1980’s at Shaw M.A. - we did have fun.

Going back to rediscover some tools from my fitness toolbox. I am again adding some Yoga and Pilates moves to my toning and balance regimen. I have to dig out some of my videos and do the workout seriously - trust me they can be draining and as a Senior - oh my! Weights are not as helpful as they were and I can’t use enough weight to really stimulate muscle retention, let alone growth.
Now one might say what does all this have to do with martial arts & self defence. So here I will repeat what many heard me say in the school. You need fitness as part of your self defence training - you need the cardio and strength to help increase endurance since many fights will last longer than a few seconds - you don’t want to be the one powering out - Sorry but without fitness, your techniques are more fluff than finishing.
Stay strong - be safe.
In the Spirit if Sensei Roy.

Hmm - well my pondering about attitude has led to reexamination of some of my older books - some I bought expecting very little from them - but then you never know - in one if these books I found this gem:
“The greatest addition you can make, one that seems to be lacking in so many dojos, is attitude; lack of it will see your practice relegated to play.”

P.19 “Pavement Arena” Geoff Thompson 1993

How about that - apparently think and ye shall receive.
So, of course, attitude is important - some have that intangible essence intrinsically; others, like myself, have to find it through determination and self-discipline focused into attaining a particular goal, which can then bring forth the required mental state - aka attitude!
In the spirit of Sensei Roy

Well, with age comes reflection.
What came to mind recently was one year in the nineties - not sure when - but I was teaching out of a church basement - Roy would come over occasionally but on this day I was the only instructor. In strolled a young woman, rather demanding and argumentative, asking if we taught women’s self defense. Yes of course - but she resisted any thoughts or ideas I put forward - she wanted to know how a smaller woman could succeed. No matter what I suggested- she negated it. What I didn’t try was coming out of my pompous “our style will” attitude to ask her to sit down and explain her perspective to me as best she could - to see if we could find some answers for her - I didn’t - she left - I failed her!!
Hopefully, it has gotten better. Many martial arts developed from ancient systems, were developed primarily for men preparing for war or protection of some kind, ignoring the female perspective - now, there are many excellent women martial artists but is that because expansion of or in spite of any system’s limitations - and is their self defense really effective?
Many male practitioners are great in refereed fights or kata but are they street capable? - can that be taught or is it inner attitude that makes the fighter?- Points to ponder!