tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-309313092024-03-14T02:48:02.857+11:00Martial Arts and Modern LifeThe "What?", "Why?" and "How?" of learning and teaching Martial ArtsDaniel Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05502083078481742896noreply@blogger.comBlogger197125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-89571057910166069772018-08-03T14:02:00.000+10:002018-08-03T14:07:31.887+10:00Theme of the month is back: August 2018 is KuzushiAfter a (gulp!) seven year hiatus, I'm bringing back theme of the month: a focus area for the class at Monash University Jiu-jitsu Caulfield class that will stretch across multiple classes.<br />
<br />
As with <a href="http://maaml.blogspot.com/2009/02/theme-of-month-february-2009-juicy.html">last time</a> we'll be starting with <a href="http://maaml.blogspot.com/2008/07/broader-meaning-of-kuzushi.html">Kuzushi</a>: the art of disrupting your partner or opponent's balance and alignment. <i>Kuzushi</i> is core to our martial art, and applies equally in stand-up and ground-work, when throwing, grappling or striking. When your foe is off-balance, contorted, or otherwise distracted their ability to exploit their advantages — e.g. size, strength, speed, skill — are greatly curtailed. By learning to apply <i>kuzushi</i> you learn how to gain and keep the initiative in self-defence.<br />
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Some other ideas I have for themes of the month are drawn from a seminar that I presented on the principles of jiu-jitsu, for which I singled out:<br />
<ol>
<li>Technique (which we focus on all the time)</li>
<li>Kuzushi (see above)</li>
<li>Jiu (the principle of "gentleness" or non-resistance, from which both Jiu-jitsu & judo get their first syllable)</li>
<li>The principle of the sword (many of the movements of jiu-jitsu are derived from the Japanese sword-work of the Samurai)</li>
</ol>
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And of course there are <a href="http://maaml.blogspot.com/2009/01/theme-of-month.html">many</a> <a href="http://maaml.blogspot.com/2011/03/ideas-for-theme-classes.html">possibilities</a>!<br />
<br />Daniel Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05502083078481742896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-3467756418126554602016-09-11T18:34:00.000+10:002017-02-22T11:32:56.344+11:00Book Review: The Tao of Gung Fu<b>Title</b>: <a href="http://www.tuttlepublishing.com/books-by-country/bruce-lee-the-tao-of-gung-fu">The Tao of Gung Fu, A Study in the Way of Chinese Martial Art</a><br />
<b>Author</b>: Bruce Lee<br />
<b>Editor</b>: John Little<br />
<h2>
Lightning review</h2>
For philosophically-inclined martial arts students (especially those learning <i>kung fu</i>)<i> </i>this book will be inspirational, while instructors will appreciate how Lee explains abstract concepts like <i>yin-yang</i>, <i>wu-wei</i>, and what it means to "be like water", making them accessible, attractive, and applicable.<br />
<h2>
Bruce who?</h2>
Although the actor and martial artist Bruce Lee died in 1973 at the age of only 32, his accomplishments nevertheless paved the way for <i>kung fu</i> to cross over into mainstream Western culture. His film performances were thrilling, his fights spectacular yet largely believable, his manner charismatic and highly engaging. Something of Lee's philosophical approach to life and martial arts came through in these performances and even more so in interviews, and the fact that he died so soon after achieving stardom and in somewhat mysterious circumstances contributed to his mystique.<br />
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<i>An iconic fight scene: avenging his sister's death</i></div>
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At the same time as he was performing on screen Lee was also developing his own eclectic approach to martial arts, which he called <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeet_Kune_Do">Jeet Kune Do</a>. Claiming the mantle of a modernist Lee portrayed his approach as superior to "the classical mess" of traditional martial arts, favouring self-expression and formlessness over adherence to tradition.<br />
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The foundation of Lee's martial arts skill was established in around five years of dedicated training in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wing_Chun">Wing Chun</a> <i>kung fu</i> under prominent master Yip Man, whose life-story has been dramatised in the recent <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ip_Man_(film_series)">Ip Man</a> film trilogy. Something of a prodigy, Lee had a voracious appetite for training and learning. Where instruction was not forthcoming he would experiment and cross-pollinate by exploring other martial arts methods and integrating aspects into his approach.<br />
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As an interviewee, even when faced with ordinary questions, Lee makes a fascinating subject:</div>
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All this adds up to a legacy like no other. The evidence of Lee's charisma, athleticism, and aspects of his philosophy survive on screen, while Bruce Lee books and merchandise continue to sell, and <i>Jeet Kune Do </i>and <i>Wing Chun</i> enjoy a degree of popularity worldwide.<br />
<h2>
The Tao of Gung Fu</h2>
This book is a posthumous publication of a collection of Bruce Lee's writings on Chinese martial arts, edited by John Little.<br />
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<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tao">Tao</a> (pronounced "dow") means <i>way</i> or <i>path</i> and signifies an approach to knowledge that cannot be grasped purely intellectually, but that can be attained through dedication and experience. It is a Chinese word, linked also to the native Chinese religion / spirituality of Taoism. Similarly, Gung Fu (an alternative spelling of <i>kung fu</i>) literally means skill from long practice and dedication, which could in principle apply to the practice of anything, but colloquially has come to refer to the Chinese martial arts.<br />
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In his book Bruce Lee describes his approach to the Chinese martial arts, and seeks to frame his over-arching philosophy in terms of selected pieces of ancient wisdom drawn from the classic work of Taoism, the <a href="http://www.sacred-texts.com/tao/taote.htm">Tao Te Ching</a> (the "Book of the Way of Virtue").<br />
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You cannot learn martial arts from a book, but good books make useful adjuncts to study. This text is primarily intended to convey something of the mindset necessary for learning <i>kung fu</i>, or at least Bruce Lee's account of what worked for him.<br />
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Lee is at his best making abstract notions accessible.<br />
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For example,<i> </i>he describes <i>Yang</i> and <i>yin</i> as universal opposites. Each contains an element of the other and they can be understood to complement rather than compete. To emphasise one over the other is a mistake. Lee gives the lovely physical analogy of pedalling a bicycle: it won't work if you push on both pedals at once! Linguistically, he observes that Chinese characters representing opposites often come together to form a new concept: <i>good</i> plus <i>bad </i>make <i>quality</i>, <i>buying</i> and <i>selling </i>together construct <i>trade. </i>In a martial arts context Lee instructs the student to seek out these complementary opposites: hardness / softness, attack / defence, striking / blocking. Each includes an element of the other, as illustrated in the <i>yin</i>-<i>yang</i> symbol.<br />
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Lee makes a strong case for dedicated training. The central problem of learning is that one goes from ignorance, but with the saving grace of spontaneity (assuming one isn't too inhibited) to being overly conscious and hence stilted. By sufficient practice and training one can return to spontaneity and intuitiveness, but with the advantage of now being skilled. What Lee describes aligns with the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreyfus_model_of_skill_acquisition">Dreyfus model of skill acquisition</a> and the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_stages_of_competence">Four Stages of Competence</a>. There's also an element of "Keep it Simple (Stupid)". One of Lee's preferred stratagems against a less skilful opponent is what he terms the <i>stop-hit</i>, wherein the opponent starts an attack, but the defender executes a counter-attack before the assailant has completed his technique. The beauty of the stop-hit is that the opponent is committed to a course of action, so if you can do it there's little chance of his adjusting. To be that fast you need to be reactive and lightning quick: there's certainly no time for conscious thought. The difficulty is you need to be <i>really</i> fast, both in reflex and execution. All of this has antecedents in the classical martial arts, but Lee explains the concepts beautifully.<br />
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The best anecdote in the book concerns Lee's personal realisation of the Taoist notion of <i>wu wei </i>or non-striving, that he would summarise as "be like water":<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
When my acute self-consciousness grew to what the psychologists refer to as the “double-bind” type, my instructor would again approach me and say, “[Bruce], preserve yourself by following the natural bends of things and don’t interfere. Remember never to assert yourself against nature; never be in frontal opposition to any problems, but control it by swinging with it. Don’t practice this week: Go home and think about it.” </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
After spending many hours meditating and practicing, I gave up and went sailing alone in a junk. On the sea I thought of all my past training and got mad at myself and punched the water! Right then — at that moment — a thought suddenly struck me; was not this water the very essence of <i>gung fu</i>? Hadn’t this water just now illustrated to me the principle of <i>gung fu</i>? I struck it but it did not suffer hurt. Again I struck it with all of my might — yet it was not wounded! I then tried to grasp a handful of it but this proved impossible. This water, the softest substance in the world, which could be contained in the smallest jar, only seemed weak. In reality, it could penetrate the hardest substance in the world. That was it! I wanted to be like the nature of water. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Suddenly a bird flew by and cast its reflection on the water. Right then I was absorbing myself with the lesson of the water, another mystic sense of hidden meaning revealed itself to me; should not the thoughts and emotions I had when in front of an opponent pass like the reflection of the birds flying over the water? This was exactly what Professor Yip meant by being detached — not being without emotion or feeling, but being one in whom feeling was not sticky or blocked. Therefore in order to control myself I must first accept myself by going with and not against my nature.</blockquote>
What a wonderful description of the thrill of discovering something personally meaningful in your training. How much better to realise this for yourself than be handed it on a plate!<br />
<h2>
Conclusion</h2>
What's so inspirational about Lee is that he was able to take what he learned through <i>kung fu</i> and run with it. One of my favourite proverbs is "The Master will show you one corner of the room, but it's up to you to find the other three." Bruce Lee certainly went searching for those other corners, and found some good stuff. Most of what he found was known before, but he succeeded in making what he found his own. <br />
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Much of what Bruce Lee espoused has strong antecedents in the classical martial arts, and my recommendation for a future edition would be to include some illuminating commentary and cite earlier sources.<br />
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Bruce Lee was never the last word in martial arts, but his writings and films continue to inspire.<br />
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<i>My review copy of The Tao of Gung Fu was provided by the publisher, Tuttle.</i>Daniel Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05502083078481742896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-23747824489981533312016-04-23T22:01:00.001+10:002016-04-23T22:01:36.809+10:0010 Reasons I keep practicing Jiu JitsuOne question I often get asked when I catch up with old friends is "Are you still doing jiu-jitsu?". It's fair to ask, since I've been studying it (at time of writing) for almost 25 years – essentially all of my adult life – which bespeaks a certain dedication, or at least dogged persistence.<br />
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What I don't get asked – but I'll tell you in a moment! – is <i>why</i> I keep going. I started martial arts because I was inspired by martial arts movies to learn some self-defence and improve my health and fitness. After trying out a few martial arts I stuck with jiu-jitsu because there was clearly lots to learn <i>and</i> I found the instruction method highly effective, despite my lack of conspicuous talent.<br />
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But the reasons one starts a martial art inevitably shift as you move from expectations and introductory experiences to sustained engagement and appreciation. In the remainder of this post I will try to give the reader a sense of why I've kept going for more than two decades.<br />
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Many of these reasons don't just apply to jiu-jitsu, but to martial arts more generally, and overlap with other disciplines such as yoga.<br />
<h2>
1. A workout for the mind <i>and</i> the body</h2>
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When I hear people gushing about going to the gym, running, cross-fit, or whatever I can't help but think "that's great, but I'd rather spend <i>my</i> discretionary time doing more jiu-jitsu". Jiu-jitsu systematically develops strength, balance, flexibility, fluidity and coordination in the pursuit of martial proficiency. Through martial arts training I get the physical benefits of regular exercise, and I learn self-defence, develop my mental sharpness, and much more.</div>
<h2>
2. Challenge</h2>
<div>
Jiu-jitsu isn't easy. It's humbling. You learn to re-coordinate your body. You learn the basic drills. You fall (a lot). You realise that you're not going to learn to do anything "right" any time soon, but rather progressively refine, and get stuck for long periods with particular techniques before the next breakthrough comes. But when you struggle, and strive, and hang in there, and then eventually something clicks, and you make the breakthrough it really is a great feeling. And it still happens to me to this day.</div>
<h2>
3. Practicality</h2>
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Jiu-jitsu is grounded in a practical and profound approach to self-defence. We learn to fall safely: I've fallen off push-bikes (sometimes spectacularly) and slipped up while inline-skating several times over the years. Every time this has happened I've performed a reflexive roll or breakfall and come away with no more than a graze. </div>
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For self-defence, we are drilled against the most common scenarios until they become reflexive. Additionally, the breadth of jiu-jitsu means there's scope to respond appropriately to the exigencies of the situation: from using simple tricks to escape from an unwelcome grab to restraining aggressors with locks and holds to more serious scenarios, experienced jiu-jitsu practitioners can respond in a way commensurate to the level of threat.</div>
<h2>
4. Fun and Camaraderie</h2>
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Plenty of drills involve refining your technique, helping others learn, or engaging in friendly competition. It's immensely satisfying to be able to use technique and skill to overcome raw strength and speed.</div>
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I also enjoy getting together with people of diverse backgrounds to pursue a common passion.</div>
<h2>
5. Teaching</h2>
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Our approach to teaching and learning jiu-jitsu is extremely effective: both systematic enough to support diverse learners and supportive (as time goes on) of individual exploration and expression. It's extremely rewarding to see things click as students and training partners progress on their martial arts journeys.</div>
<h2>
6. To pass on the art</h2>
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I can't help but feel an immense debt of gratitude to my instructors and training partners. And the most fitting way to acknowledge that debt is to pay it forward through my teaching and training with others. It's humbling to be a link in a chain stretching back into history, and (hopefully) forward well into the future.</div>
<h2>
7. Stress-relief</h2>
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Traditional martial arts have many ritualistic and meditative aspects. Paying our respects, being courteous, and carrying out our responsibilities creates a safe atmosphere and environment for practice. Many martial arts sequences, done well, embody a meditative aspect. We train to go beyond the fight / flight / freeze reaction and cultivate a calm yet alert state in which our perception is clear and our actions are effective.</div>
<h2>
8. There's always more to learn</h2>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">The breadth and depth of jiu-jitsu means that it's not just a matter of repeating a small number of drills. With a technical syllabus that spans throws, joint-locks, immobilisations, strangles, striking, escaping from holds, and self-defence applications against unarmed and armed opponents, even after decades of training there's always some area to refine. And, a bit like an onion, once you've grasped one element, there's always another layer to peel back revealing a new aspect.</span></h2>
My late master also built in bridges from jiu-jitsu into other martial arts, so there are commonalities and variations to explore. Truly more than enough for a life-time's study!</div>
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<h2>
9. You can keep getting better with age</h2>
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<div>
Although it is difficult to start jiu-jitsu when you're older, barring serious illness or injury, if you are reasonably accomplished it's feasible to keep going <i>and</i> keep getting better at it. The occasional soft tissue injury takes longer to heal after the mid-thirties, but strength, speed and balance can be maintained to an advanced age, while sensitivity and coordination and efficiency of technique get better and better with dedicated practice. Compared to the youngsters one may not have the same amount of energy, but one is able to use it more effectively and efficiently.</div>
<h2>
10. Application to life</h2>
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Beyond learning to fall safely, developing effective methods of self-defence, and staying fit and healthy, I've come to regard jiu-jitsu as a metaphor for many other aspects of life.</div>
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Getting up after falling is a constant reminder of the need for grit and resilience. Struggling with a particular technique teaches persistence. Bowing and acknowledging your partner is a reminder of the importance of not taking others for granted. Doing the same warm-ups every session year-in, year-out has taught me to appreciate consistency and subtle variation (and to work through boredom). The strategies for physical combat have analogues in non-violent conflict. The mental training from martial arts prepares you to be focussed and effective in the other crises that life occasionally delivers.</div>
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* * *</div>
<br />This post isn't meant to be say that jiu-jitsu is the be all and end all, but rather to state what some of its great benefits have been for me over a substantive period. <br /><br />My main wish is that more people would consider dedicating some of their discretionary time to jiu-jitsu and similar activities (not just martial arts) that will help them stay healthy and develop as people and help others develop similarly. <br /><br />When Jigoro Kano founded judo as a way of preserving jiu-jitsu for future generations, he envisaged three levels (in ascending order):</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>To teach self-defence and physical health</li>
<li>To develop people socially by helping each other to improve</li>
<li>To make the world a better place</li>
</ol>
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One hundred and thirty-four years on, that's still a vision I can get behind.</div>
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Daniel Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05502083078481742896noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-79349304187752408622016-03-14T17:59:00.000+11:002016-03-14T18:09:21.796+11:00Brilliant Illustrations of Martial Arts Principles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anthony Cheung has been compiling <a href="http://brisbanechentaichi.weebly.com/skill-knowledge.html">wonderful illustrated notes</a> on the principles of Chen style taijiquan, and more broadly too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatKrTmAzlXzYq15A4UIIXi1DBLWWMLs366lq54ZSpswdOGgwQKgo_JqfR2V4VxACaKDwoFyuDdH9jZqSwah2TiCnzglsYOTto_5VtDbWREoF2ZqoECY0VtEqnV86d48ZLXcQd/s1600/softness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhatKrTmAzlXzYq15A4UIIXi1DBLWWMLs366lq54ZSpswdOGgwQKgo_JqfR2V4VxACaKDwoFyuDdH9jZqSwah2TiCnzglsYOTto_5VtDbWREoF2ZqoECY0VtEqnV86d48ZLXcQd/s320/softness.jpg" width="420" /></a></div>
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Great stuff: check it out: <a href="http://brisbanechentaichi.weebly.com/skill-knowledge.html">http://brisbanechentaichi.weebly.com/skill-knowledge.html</a></div>
<br />Daniel Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05502083078481742896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-32602754844780280632015-09-21T06:51:00.001+10:002015-09-21T06:51:10.526+10:00Verbal Judo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A full seminar (90 minutes) with the late George "Rhino" Thomson, English literature academic turned beat cop, on his system for de-escalating conflict:</div>
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<br />Daniel Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05502083078481742896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-732277385263594652015-03-11T07:40:00.000+11:002015-03-11T07:40:10.103+11:00Kung Fu animalsMany styles of Chinese Boxing (aka <i>kung fu </i>or <i>gong fu</i>) have origin stories based around the observation of animal movements and fighting styles. This notion has been popularized in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kung_Fu_Panda">Kung Fu Panda</a> animated movie and its sequels.<div>
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Many <i>kung fu </i>styles incorporate aspects of multiple animals, with specific animals</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>identified with specific techniques, or entire "sets"</li>
<li>taken to embody a particular of mindset and/or physical characteristics</li>
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In drawing on the animal heritage of <i>kung fu</i> it is helpful to learn more about the nature of the animals in question. Ways to do so include:</div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Visiting a zoo for direct observation</li>
<li>Watching nature documentaries and clips</li>
<li>Learning about the cultural significance of the animals</li>
</ul>
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And, of course, go practice and pay attention to what you find!</div>
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In Hung Kuen chinese boxing (and other styles) the main <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Animals">five animals</a> are:</div>
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<ul>
<li><b>Tiger</b> (trains bones): sheer power, prowling, connection to the Earth, ultimate predator, claws</li>
<li><b>Crane</b> (sinews): balance and grace, light footwork, wings, beak, little claws</li>
<li><b>Leopard</b> (strength): speed, unusual angles of attack, no blocking, leaping, claws</li>
<li><b>Snake</b> (qi): adaptability, fluidity, precise attacks, bite</li>
<li><b>Dragon</b> (spirit): combines aspects of the other animals, mysterious, omni-directional, powerful twisting, wings, tail, claws</li>
</ul>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nyjS_QF5ANPVo_aaB50xnBHXoG824LWY9PsnJvfbORYiqFfhh8FUPYZ8z6C7R1T6pYteaejF03tz9mfpmPLJYcjIYVIfvJqThAfx08fH_yKL5TpLD5uaWntAzZb-7zSudM-W/s1600/hunggar22.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3nyjS_QF5ANPVo_aaB50xnBHXoG824LWY9PsnJvfbORYiqFfhh8FUPYZ8z6C7R1T6pYteaejF03tz9mfpmPLJYcjIYVIfvJqThAfx08fH_yKL5TpLD5uaWntAzZb-7zSudM-W/s1600/hunggar22.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Tiger posture</td></tr>
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<div>
The <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wmd4xJI-Cns">Five Animal Frolics</a> is a qigong based on a different set of five animals (with tiger and crane in the overlap): bear, tiger, monkey, crane, and deer.</div>
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Other animals of note include the praying mantis, monkey, and eagle. </div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xing_Yi_Quan">Xing Yi</a> features ten to twelve animals, depending on lineage.</div>
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Daniel Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05502083078481742896noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-34228142058911150522015-02-13T20:05:00.003+11:002015-02-13T20:05:57.886+11:00Jiu-Jitsu: Challenge yourself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Our new promotional poster:</div>
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<br />Daniel Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05502083078481742896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-88924335140707869712015-01-06T16:25:00.000+11:002015-02-13T20:08:48.714+11:00A few throws: animated!<div style="text-align: left;">
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We pulled out a camera (thanks Ash!) at the end of 2014 and several of my senior students demonstrated a few of their favourite throwing techniques.<br />
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Although we were after stills, I thought some of the sequences might make nice animations:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">Lejoe throws John: 3rd shoulder throw (kata guruma)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">John throws Damian: stomach throw with stick</span> </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Damian throws John: 3rd sutemi (maki tomoe)</span></td></tr>
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Daniel Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05502083078481742896noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-37698495023038661792013-08-21T07:20:00.000+10:002013-08-21T07:20:30.698+10:00Train as you fight vs deliberate practiceThe following extended quote is from <a href="http://www.dtic.mil/cgi-bin/GetTRDoc?Location=U2&doc=GetTRDoc.pdf&AD=ADA413046">Think Like a Commander</a>, the US Army's guide to Adaptive Thinking. It's a nice exploration of a big aspect of what <i>kata</i> can be -- deliberate practice -- arguably the most effective tool (although not the only one!) in the development of technical expertise.<br />
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<b>Train As You Fight versus Deliberate Practice</b><br />
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The maxim "train as you fight" has risen to such a level of familiarity in the U.S. Army that the value of the notion goes almost unquestioned. Yet studies of the development of expertise clearly indicate that "as you fight" meaning performing in fully realistic simulated battles is neither the most effective nor efficient method of developing expertise. Such "performances" can help a novice become acquainted with applying military knowledge, and can reinforce existing knowledge in an experienced person, but will not in and of themselves lead to the development of expertise. In many fields where expertise has been systematically studied, including chess, music and sports, development beyond advanced novice level requires large amounts of deliberate practice (Ericsson, Krampe & Tesch-Roemer, 1993) and good coaching (Ericsson, 1996; Chamess, Krampe & Mayr, 1996). The combination of long periods of study, relatively few chances to practice, and little or no deliberate practice with quality coaching has led to a situation in the army where most officers can talk an excellent battle command game, but reveal only an amateurish effort in actual performance. How does deliberate practice differ Irom performance or from casual exercise? Here are some characteristics that distinguish deliberate practice.<br />
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1. <b>Repetition</b>. Task performance occurs repetitively rather than at its naturally occurring frequency. A goal of deliberate practice is to develop habits that operate expertly and automatically. If appropriate situations occur relatively infrequently or widely spaced apart while performing "as you fight" they will not become habitual as readily.<br />
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2. <b>Focused feedback</b>. Task performance is evaluated by the coach or learner during performance. There is a focus on elements of form, critical parts of how one does the task. During an "as you fight" performance these elements appear in a more holistic fashion.<br />
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3. <b>Immediacy of performance</b>. After corrective feedback on task performance there is an immediate repetition so that the task can be performed more in accordance with expert norms. When there is feedback during "train as you fight" performance, it is often presented during an after-action review (AAR) and there is usually not an opportunity to perform in accordance with the feedback for some time.<br />
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4. <b>Stop and start</b>. Because of the repetition and feedback, deliberate practice is typically seen as a series of short performances rather than a continuous flow.<br />
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5. <b>Emphasis on difficult aspects</b>. Deliberate practice will focus on more difficult aspects. For example, when flying an airplane normally only a small percentage of one's flight time is consumed by takeoffs and landings. In deliberate practice simulators, however, a large portion ofthe time will be involved in landings and takeoffs and relatively little in steady level flight. Similarly, rarely occurring emergencies can be exercised very frequently in deliberate practice.<br />
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6. <b>Focus on areas of weakness</b>. Deliberate practice can be tailored to the individual and focused on areas of weakness. During "train as you fight" performances the individual will avoid situations in which he knows he is weak, and rightly so as there is a desire to do one's best.<br />
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7. <b>Conscious focus</b>. Expert behavior is characterized by many aspects being performed with little conscious effort. Such automatic elements have been built from past performances and constitute skilled behavior. In fact, normally, when the expert consciously attends to the elements, performance is degraded. In deliberate practice the learner may consciously attend to the element because improving performance at the task is more important in this situation than performing one's best. After a number of repetitions attending to the element to assure that it is performed as desired, the learner resumes performing without consciously attending to the element.<br />
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8. <b>Work vs. play</b>. Characteristically, deliberate practice feels more like work and is more effortful than casual performance. The motivation to engage in deliberate practice generally comes from a sense that one is improving in skill.<br />
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9. <b>Active coaching</b>. Typically a coach must be very active during deliberate practice, monitoring performance, assessing adequacy, and controlling the structure of training. Typically in "train as you fight" performances there are no coaches, instead there are observers/controllers who attempt to interfere as little as possible in the performance. </blockquote>
Daniel Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05502083078481742896noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-26035944489531331202013-08-15T07:56:00.001+10:002013-08-15T08:00:13.929+10:00New Delux Mat TrolleyLast night we assembled our new, industrial strength mat trolley, purchase from <a href="http://www.bremco.com.au/">Bremco Metal Products</a>:, to help us shuttle our mats between storage and the Aerobics room that we transform into our dojo:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newly assembled: Shiny!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loaded with mats</td></tr>
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The key advantage of the new trolley is that multi-directional castors let us steer round corners:<br />
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For many years we made do with a couple of old hand-me-down trolleys that we had to lug around corners:<br />
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Thanks to everyone for helping get it assembled, Carla at Bremco for answering all my questions, and Monash University for subsidy.<br />
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Next step, more mats!Daniel Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05502083078481742896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-50021141251271429342012-12-31T09:15:00.001+11:002013-05-18T16:30:22.262+10:00Ideas for visualisationsLori O'Connell recently blogged on <a href="http://pacificwavejiujitsu.com/blog/the-value-of-visualization-in-martial-arts-training">the value of visualization in martial arts training</a>:<br />
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In one of the most well-known studies on creative visualization in sports, Russian scientists compared four groups of Olympic athletes in terms of their training schedules (as described in <a href="http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/096264840X/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=westcoastjiuj-20&linkCode=as2&camp=15121&creative=330641&creativeASIN=096264840X" style="color: #5966a9; text-decoration: initial;">Karate Of Okinawa: Building Warrior Spirit</a> by Robert Scaglione):<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.ca/e/ir?t=westcoastjiuj-20&l=as2&o=15&a=096264840X" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px;" width="1" /></div>
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Group 1 = 100% physical training;<br />
Group 2 - 75% physical training with 25% mental training;<br />
Group 3 - 50% physical training with 50% mental training;<br />
Group 4 - 25% physical training with 75% mental training.</div>
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Group 4, with 75% of their time devoted to mental training, performed the best.</div>
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Personally, I find mental practice more challenging than physical training: the mind wanders ... So here are my top suggestions for mental training:<br />
<ol>
<li>Go to class! Training in the martial arts develops the <i>mind</i> and body from the get-go. Once a technique is familiar, don't go on auto-pilot:</li>
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<li><b>Observe</b>: Notice fine details.</li>
<li><b>Experiment</b>: Explore variations.</li>
<li><b>Reflect</b>: Make notes, start a journal or a blog.</li>
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<li>Practice with an imaginary partner. [<i>Your</i> movement is real; your partner is visualised.]</li>
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<li>Practice individual techniques. Visualise fine details, but also practice the flow of the technique.</li>
<li>Alternate between regular (<i>migi</i>) and opposite-side (<i>hidari</i>) versions of a technique. I quite like to do one rep <i>migi</i>, two reps <i>hidari</i>, three reps <i>migi</i>, etc. rather than one for one repetition.</li>
<li>Practice combinations of techniques: you attack, visualise your imaginary partner evading, you do a suitable follow-up.</li>
<li>Practice counters to techniques: your imaginary partner attacks, you evade and counter-attack.</li>
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<li>Pure visualisation: exercises as per the imaginary partner.</li>
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At first the aim is to reinforce what you learn in class and achieve basic competency. With regular imaginary practice deeper observations will arise: these can and should be validated in class. Increased fluency is another benefit, again testable with real partners.</div>
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There's a saying that "perfect practice makes perfect". Conversely there is a danger that poor practice can lock in bad habits. For this reason it's important not to eschew regular training for pure visualisation: rather start slowly and go gently.</div>
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I should also mention that for the more advanced practitioners teaching, judging contests and assessing candidates are all great forms of mental training that have the bonus of helping out others.</div>
Daniel Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05502083078481742896noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-87831832481199479592012-12-16T20:05:00.002+11:002012-12-16T20:05:41.731+11:00Promotions - December 2012Congratulations to everyone on your hard work for the year, and for those who graded, well-deserved promotions:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Combined Monash Caulfield and Clayton recipients at Presentation Day</span></td></tr>
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Well done to everyone at both Monash clubs, and at the Honbu.<div>
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Personally, I plan to enjoy the Summer holidays (including some training at the Honbu), and really looking forward to training in 2013.</div>
Daniel Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05502083078481742896noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-63357363922510818112012-10-26T07:19:00.000+11:002012-10-26T07:21:24.121+11:00Evolutionary movementHere's the first of an elegant three-part series in which the presenter, <a href="http://ancestralmovement.com/about">Simon Thakur</a>, starts with small perturbations of the spine and expands into a swathe of whole-body movements:<br />
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Well worth a look, especially if you are interested in improving your overall body awareness and quality of movement.</div>
Daniel Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05502083078481742896noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-48393276350153199472011-07-19T10:18:00.005+10:002011-07-19T10:25:33.919+10:00A jiu-jitsu demos from the 1980sJohn Coles of the <a href="http://kojutsukan.blogspot.com/">Kojutsukan blog</a> has posted a set of 3 videos of his instructor -- the late Greg Palmer -- delivering his impressive second dan jujutsu grading (under the late Jan de Jong) in 1985*. They feature lecture-style explanation and 'quick action' demonstration from Sensei Palmer and his students, including a young John. <br />
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Each part is just over 10 minutes. The links are to John's blog, which give additional commentary and historical information:<br />
<ol>
<li><a href="http://kojutsukan.blogspot.com/2011/06/jan-de-jongtsutsumi-hozan-ryu-jujutsu.html">Part I</a></li>
<li><a href="http://kojutsukan.blogspot.com/2011/06/jan-de-jongtsutsumi-hozan-ryu-jujutsu_22.html">Part II</a></li>
<li><a href="http://kojutsukan.blogspot.com/2011/07/jan-de-jong-jujutsutsutsumi-hozan-ryu.html">Part III</a></li>
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*Technically, these are "take two", done for the camera.Dan Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234352019207324148noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-72345424866335761572011-04-24T05:06:00.004+10:002011-06-02T14:39:35.325+10:00Bartitsu: Sherlock Holmes's martial artIn Arthur Conan Doyle's story <a href="http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Adventure_of_the_Empty_House">The Empty House</a>, Sherlock Holmes -- previously missing, presumed dead in <a href="http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Final_Problem">The Final Problem</a> -- explains to Watson how he was able to evade his nemesis's clutches on the edge of Reichenbach Falls, before disappearing for a bit of a breather from detective work:<br />
<blockquote>I had little doubt that I had come to the end of my career when I perceived the somewhat sinister figure of the late Professor Moriarty standing upon the narrow pathway which led to safety. I read an inexorable purpose in his grey eyes. I exchanged some remarks with him, therefore, and obtained his courteous permission to write the short note which you afterwards received. I left it with my cigarette-box and my stick and I walked along the pathway, Moriarty still at my heels. When I reached the end I stood at bay. He drew no weapon, but he rushed at me and threw his long arms around me. He knew that his own game was up, and was only anxious to revenge himself upon me. We tottered together upon the brink of the fall. <b>I have some knowledge, however, of baritsu, or the Japanese system of wrestling, which has more than once been very useful to me. </b>I slipped through his grip, and he with a horrible scream kicked madly for a few seconds and clawed the air with both his hands. But for all his efforts he could not get his balance, and over he went. With my face over the brink I saw him fall for a long way. Then he struck a rock, bounded off, and splashed into the water. [my emphasis]</blockquote><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Holmes and Moriarty grapple on the precipice</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>It turns out that the mysterious art of "baritsu", was a probable mis-remembering of an actual composite martial art of circa-1900: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bartitsu">bartitsu</a>, a mix of jiu-jitsu, judo, savate and boxing, popularized by Edward Barton-Wright.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="368" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4tC5O7HV_KY?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" width="450"></iframe><br />
<br />
Although there is (too the best of my knowledge) no surviving film footage from the era, here is a reconstruction from cinematograph images in a 1905 book:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="368" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/X4Q96TQoT6s?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" width="450"></iframe><br />
<br />
Hmmm: looks familiar!Dan Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234352019207324148noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-41329197974564488992011-03-12T09:50:00.001+11:002011-03-12T09:50:18.650+11:00Great advice for beginnersNev Sagiba, an aikido instructor, has written some excellent articles for Aikido Journal. Here are two aimed at beginners, not just in aikido, but in any martial arts:<br />
<div><ol><li><a href="http://www.aikidojournal.com/index.php?id=522">Training tips for timid beginners</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.aikidojournal.com/blog/2011/03/10/group-dynamics-by-nev-sagiba/">More advice for beginners</a></li>
</ol></div><div>And here's <a href="http://www.aikidojournal.com/blog/2010/11/19/pivot-by-nev-sagiba/">one of those great stories</a> that you hear from time to time -- or even end up in! -- when you study martial arts.</div>Dan Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234352019207324148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-56715638575067010842011-03-12T07:22:00.004+11:002011-03-12T09:33:52.490+11:00Ideas for theme classes<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">This year I plan to do a themed class roughly every four weeks. That may be too frequent: we'll see how it goes.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Where a regular class follows a standard format, allowing for repetition and reinforcement of foundational skills, with a couple of blocks where the instructor goes into a bit more depth, a themed class goes more in depth more most of the class.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
The approach I'm taking this year is a bit different from <a href="http://maaml.blogspot.com/2009/01/theme-of-month.html">theme of the month</a>, which I ran in 2009, in which the discretionary blocks for a whole month were on a unified theme, which also seeped into the rest of the class.<br />
<br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Here's a list off the top of my head:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Throws</b></div><ol><li>Kuzushi</li>
<li>Leg throws</li>
<li>Hip throws</li>
<li>Hand throws</li>
<li>Hidari class (everything left-handed)</li>
<li>Throwing with movement</li>
<li>Combination throws</li>
<li>Counter throws</li>
</ol><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Restraint and Control</b></div></div><div><ol><li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Come-alongs</span></b></li>
<li><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Reflexive self-defence</span></b></li>
<li>R&C throws</li>
<li>Standard escapes</li>
</ol></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Groundwork</b></div></div><ol><li>Immobilizations</li>
<li>Groundwork randori skills</li>
<li>Arm locks and leg locks</li>
<li>Strangles</li>
<li>Combination locks: such a good title!</li>
</ol><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><b>Advanced</b></div></div><ol><li>Sacrifice throws</li>
<li>Stick defences -- hmm: will need sticks</li>
<li>Nage no Kata (kata of throws)</li>
<li>Katame no Kata (groundwork)</li>
<li>Gonosen no Kata (counters)</li>
</ol><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Requests and reactions welcome.</div></div>Dan Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234352019207324148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-68959091454675337512011-02-20T07:01:00.003+11:002011-03-12T06:54:11.292+11:00Effortless jiu-jitsu and judo / first class back in 2011On Wednesday we had our first class back for the year with eight regulars on the mat -- what passes for a small class nowadays -- plus one prospective student.<br />
<br />
It was good to be back, even on a rainy night; never mind this Summer's floods and cyclones.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">* * *</div><br />
This year I'll be taking an over-arching theme of "minimal effort". How can we become so efficient in our jiu-jitsu and judo that it becomes near-effortless?<br />
<br />
Of course, the training for such masterly ease will entail a lot of hard work!Dan Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234352019207324148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-86147703934735431692011-02-20T06:37:00.001+11:002011-02-20T06:38:52.764+11:00A fun Judo kata<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="370" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/1sIf0_E4kPE?rel=0" title="YouTube video player" width="450"></iframe>Dan Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234352019207324148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-5894484088183622442011-02-01T17:26:00.000+11:002011-02-01T17:26:03.933+11:00Featured in Aikido Journal BlogA couple of days ago 2008 post of mine, <a href="http://maaml.blogspot.com/2008/07/broader-meaning-of-kuzushi.html">The Broader Meaning of Kuzushi</a>, was <a href="http://www.aikidojournal.com/blog/2011/01/30/the-broader-meaning-of-kuzushi-by-dan-prager/">picked up</a> by Aikido Journal and featured in their blog.<br />
<br />
Nice! Not only that, but one of their readers, Dan Rubin, was able to point me to the likely source of the quotation in the top left corner of this blog:<br />
<blockquote>The source of the quotation is cited as “unknown.”<br />
<br />
I thought you might like to know that the analysis, if not the exact quotation, is that of Donn Draeger in Classical Budo (1973), at page 11 (and elsewhere): “...a number of preconceptions and rigid beliefs about the relationship of the bujutsu (classical martial arts of self-protection) to the budo (classical martial ways of self-perfection) prevent a true understanding of these disciplines.”</blockquote>Thanks Dan!Dan Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234352019207324148noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-72687983205459133092011-01-06T08:37:00.002+11:002011-01-15T17:37:13.049+11:00Slap in the face<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86dPmkI0zwfPhX2ahXzon6XnwCK3CRiTFHzijNlnGjadMLmgFJnPgk-SaqFDF613Q-Eh9ebewwLKbKgjowB91-ZGkPt6HXtrzSlfR9YNZjzADav7nRZrp23HOWxHS9qsnfEDK/s1600/Screen+shot+2011-01-06+at+8.18.53+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86dPmkI0zwfPhX2ahXzon6XnwCK3CRiTFHzijNlnGjadMLmgFJnPgk-SaqFDF613Q-Eh9ebewwLKbKgjowB91-ZGkPt6HXtrzSlfR9YNZjzADav7nRZrp23HOWxHS9qsnfEDK/s200/Screen+shot+2011-01-06+at+8.18.53+AM.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freeze-frame: mid-slap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Who would have thought that a slap to the face could rearrange it, albeit temporarily?<br />
<br />
Here's the video proof, in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-p5zoufjOwc&t=35s">super slo mo</a>.<br />
<br />
Of course, copping a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90VyvOhPmA0">water balloon in the face</a> would be even more distracting!Dan Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234352019207324148noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-36101635741846116162010-12-28T13:06:00.001+11:002010-12-28T13:06:27.851+11:00The secret of a great turn-out?An anonymous poster asked "What's the secret of a great turn-out?" in response to a picture of a <a href="http://maaml.blogspot.com/2010/10/full-mat.html">packed mat</a>.<br />
<br />
I'd say that there are several elements, primarily:<br />
<ol><li>A great class</li>
<li>A core group of regulars</li>
<li>A good time slot</li>
<li>A convenient location</li>
<li>Patience</li>
</ol><div>At least these are the factors that have conspired for my class. It's always been a good class -- hands-on instruction in an excellent martial art -- but it's got better as I've developed as an instructor and a core group of regulars has coalesced. This year I have been greatly aided by having Anthony assist with the large classes as well as all the colored belts. Since Jiu-jitsu is predominantly a paired activity I can't teach a hall full of beginners single-handedly: students teach each other and I demonstrate and guide. Learning this martial art teaches you how to teach one-on-one ... from day one.</div><div><br />
</div><div>The core group of regulars also means that a newcomer observing the class for the first time sees a group practicing with real skill, learning and having fun. That's appealing.</div><div><br />
</div><div>One of the factors that seems to have contributed to the growth of the class was a switch from Monday to Wednesday nights: mid-week nights seem to draw a bigger group than Friday or Monday evenings in my experience.</div><div><br />
</div><div>We're situated across the road from a major railway station, making the class easy to get to and increasing the catchment area.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Also, it's taken quite a few years for the club to achieve "critical mass". In the early days sometimes I'd get just one student (or even none), but I was encouraged to persist by my own instructors through leaner times.</div><div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">* * *</div><div><br />
</div><div>The big classes are great because there's a buzz and energy that you get from a packed mat.</div><div><br />
</div><div>At the same time it's been nice to have some smaller classes from time-to-time, where we have room to do stand-up randori, practice sutemis, and in which I get to spend more one-on-one time with everyone.</div><div><br />
</div><div>Finally, I don't measure success purely in quantity, but in the quality of experience and the learning that takes place. There's such a thing as too big as well as too small a class.</div><div><br />
</div>Dan Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234352019207324148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-43983441039409766612010-12-28T12:39:00.001+11:002010-12-28T12:39:32.713+11:00Results!Congratulations to everyone who trained hard in the latter half of the year. Presentation day was on Sunday 19 December, and everyone who graded was successful.<br />
<br />
Well done:<br />
<ul><li>Lejoe: Orange belt (1 bar) in both jiu-jitsu and judo</li>
<li>Damian: Orange belt (1 bar) jiu-jitsu and yellow (2 bars) judo</li>
<li>Ashley: Yellow belt (2 bars) judo</li>
<li>Tegan: Purple belt (1 bar) jiu-jitsu</li>
<li>Ed: Purple belt (1 bar) jiu-jitsu</li>
</ul><div>Congratulations also to everyone else who successfully graded from the Honbu, Monash Clayton, and Cockatoo.</div>Dan Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234352019207324148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-58725212961591717892010-10-23T14:04:00.001+11:002010-10-23T18:48:36.750+11:00Full mat!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The mat's looking pretty full nowadays. With a large class it's starting to get cramped during warm-ups:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmyAnRfLn1BAG6PQhJkRRTaiTtWtY5BPRZlKj2mBQUJhF6kIJ9N978t0DsJOCdkz9odxkEofmXTyrm4DqMR4oBeKS_3BeUlhcfyDfZ0iqZ8dnvmXFHioblwJHqchNiPxR5H3z/s1600/full-mat-breakfalling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmyAnRfLn1BAG6PQhJkRRTaiTtWtY5BPRZlKj2mBQUJhF6kIJ9N978t0DsJOCdkz9odxkEofmXTyrm4DqMR4oBeKS_3BeUlhcfyDfZ0iqZ8dnvmXFHioblwJHqchNiPxR5H3z/s400/full-mat-breakfalling.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warming up with some breakfalls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>And it's really full when everyone stretches out:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglY_FFPc2UBUr98CAiHfTL3wq2fdlGE_dCqz_3RxXLERUle9Mvo-zSrRQShAP6tEV4saQdeVMeff66pEhv-78fuRBY2X-nk51UxbsbT8nPoFeE8c9aIGXYwtR4f5AIC7f0yq68/s1600/full-mat-resting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglY_FFPc2UBUr98CAiHfTL3wq2fdlGE_dCqz_3RxXLERUle9Mvo-zSrRQShAP6tEV4saQdeVMeff66pEhv-78fuRBY2X-nk51UxbsbT8nPoFeE8c9aIGXYwtR4f5AIC7f0yq68/s400/full-mat-resting.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The class at rest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Dan Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234352019207324148noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30931309.post-29024972247347314832010-10-10T07:06:00.000+11:002010-10-10T07:06:34.899+11:00Throw or takedown?John Coles is investigating the difference between throws and takedowns in the martial arts for his forthcoming book, and has written a couple of <a href="http://kojutsukan.blogspot.com/2010/08/shoot-for-moon-and-if-you-miss-you-will.html">blog</a> <a href="http://kojutsukan.blogspot.com/2010/08/bit-sure-of-yourself.html">posts</a> on the subject. John points to some discussion of the various takes on the difference <a href="http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-67196.html">this thread</a> from the Martial Arts Planet forum.<br />
<br />
An empirical exploration that anyone (with a bit of experience) can do is go through their style's syllabus and pull out the techniques explicitly labelled as throws and those labelled as takedowns and look for any differences of principle.<br />
<br />
That's what I intend to do!Dan Pragerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14234352019207324148noreply@blogger.com3