Page 28 - Martial Science Magazine Oct/2014 #5
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WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY OF table and fluent with those movements to the
TRAINING? point where the thinking stops and the body
simply reacts. Repetition is key to turning lear-
Conditioning and fitness are things a student ning into reaction. We will follow up in each
should try and bring to the dojo. Now, a begin- class with review and further development un-
ner who is out of shape or overweight but who til the technique is completely ingrained in the
has the right attitude and ready to work will students’ bodies. Even so, we will occasionally
immediately be welcome. But I expect them to revisit that technique over years to make sure
put in the hard yards OUTSIDE of dojo time. we scrub off any rust and bring it to the fo-
This is not only important for their health, but refront of the student’s reactions. My goal for
also necessary for their safety and effective- all students, when the command is given for a
ness in training. I expect adult-level discipline technique, the response will be with no hesita-
and consistency, which is why I do not teach tion and with unconscious competence.
persons under the age of 16. As for the trai-
ning, I specifically believe the importance to WHAT MAKES YOU DIFFERENT THAN
establish trust between the instructors and tra- OTHER TEACHERS?
ining partners. There will be a clear agreement
about how much contact is acceptable between First of all, I don’t think I’m that different from
the participants. This will vary depending on other teachers. Like any serious instructor, I
age, sex, injuries, etc. Then we will break the am always a student of the arts, looking to im-
techniques down to about 3 movements at a prove both in my training and in working with
time, and insure everyone becomes comfor- my students. My students won’t always realize
it, but they are my teachers too. I hope they be-
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