March 2014 Newsletter

March 2014 Newsletter

STUDENT TRAINING
Diversity is the topic of this months training tips. It is easy to get comfortable practicing your kata and techniques on the nice level floor inside the dojo. Climate is controlled, and the environment is safe and comfortable.

I strive to practice outdoors as much as feasible, in all types of weather. Not only does this add a dimension to the practice, but also forges a strong mental attitude to focus and concentrate regardless of the environment. Do your kata in the rain once in a while and see how well you can execute your movements!

When practicing self defense techiniques, grab your partner and go outside in the street or back alley near the garbage cans. Try to simulate actual conditions where you might have to really defend yourself. Adding a dimension of reality to your training will help prepare you for practical fighting.

Techniques that work on a level ground indoors might not fair so well on wet asphalt, uneven terrain, or when obstacles are in your way. Get out there and start pushing yourself!

INSTRUCTOR TIPS

To encourage your students and help prepare them for real street encounters, take the class out back of the dojo once in awhile. We had an alley behind one of my schools where I would often make my students practice self defense techniques to get a feel for the environment.

We would also train outside at parks, in fields, and vacant lots to simulate reality. Be creative and have fun. You will be surprised how motivated your students will become when your vary the routine!

STREET SURVIVAL

In this day and age, real street fighting often involves weapons and facing mulitple opponents. Be sure to complement your training by learning knife techniques or experimenting with improvised weapons.

There are many good videos on these topics available on the internet. I highly recommend the work of Mike Janich available online at Stay Safe Media.

Anyone wanting private training or personal consultation in modern day weapons training can also contact Kyoshi Mark directly at 360-461-5731.