Behind Closed Doors

We live in a world where the martial arts once were taught behind closed doors so very little was known about anything and anybody in the martial arts.  In a world of rapid advancing technology, information about those arts can now be found easily as just browsing the web on the phone.  Information is so accessible so when someone has something to show to the world it can usually be found through schools with open door policies, seminars, on line training, media etc. 

Here’s the thing; how long would it take to invent something (even just the one thing) and then become good at it?  The truth is we personally may not really have the zest, ability or time to come up with something new.   The chances are, if you are looking for something different or new, then it’s probably out there.  The martial arts industry is like a giant supermarket and the cliché, ‘buyer beware’ makes sense when looking around so the Teacher is a bit like a broker making sure the student gets the best advice and training.  It should give piece of mind to the student when the Teacher is very active, innovative, always updating their skills and interacting with the right people because the fruits will be passed onto the students.

Many of these seminars which are always open to everyone (this would have been unheard of 30 years ago), are a quick way to pick up information and ideas which might take years to find out (or maybe never).  There is so much to do and learn out there and it is most important, particularly for Instructors, to exploit the industry.  I’d rather shop at a supermarket where everything is available to me compared to those who slip into a 7/11 store with only a couple of things in mind.

Changes Ahead

I was talking to an interested party about BJJ on the phone tonight, and whilst I don’t normally spend too much time with many people who are just window shoppers or ‘tyre kickers’, I find it interesting to elaborate my thoughts and speak what's on in my mind.  I was talking about BJJ being like computer hardware and software which constantly  need updating; there seems to be no end to this.  This can be sometimes frustrating compared with other martial arts such as Karate or Kickboxing because it is like not settling down.  But in essence that’s what is good about it; the complexity is what keeps our minds continually engaged. it is invetiable, martial arts evolve, especially BJJ, which makes it interesting to keep doing what we do. The changes are usually slow and unnoticeable but they do take place.

Cross training in martial arts, one usually aids the other, resulting overall learning being accelerated by this process; this has been proven.  Everybody has a sweet spot for a particular martial art and that is an advantage because they can become really good at what they like. Gone are the days if you don't step in the ring or cage, you should forget taking up Kickboxing or MMA.  All arts are there to be exploited and indulged by anybody who hears their calling.  There are very few who enter the gladiator arenas but that is not what the martial arts are all about.  For many of us we just enjoy the fruits of what the martial arts have to offer. 

The instructors are there for students but the students have to be there for the instructor.  Students should not miss out on training for the sake of it, because then it will likely happen again.  A thief is a thief because they cannot stop at one.  Once they start, they will steal again so don’t go robbing yourself of lessons.  If you have the time, we (instructors) have the patience.  Just turn up with an enthusiastic smile.

Wear a White Belt for 6 Months

The thing about the martial arts, as it is taught nowadays, the classes have to be innovative and students need to be updated with new training methods and techniques.  The days of just training the same stuff over and over again is not always popular with most people but that's what it takes to strive for perfection – a lifetime achievement.  If you look around at those who are really good at something, it is because most of their time is devoted to that.  Take, for example, a person who trains shot-put; that’s all they do which takes a special kind of person who doesn't get bored and gives up, and understands that is what's needed to win or perfect.  It really is a balancing act between repetition of techniques and collection of techniques. 

However, in the modern world of martial arts training, people like to see what else they can try out to add to their repertoire.  They have their core business eg karate, kung fu etc but in order to further stimulate their minds, people like to take on other challenges to beat boredom rather than resign to Foxtel or Facebook. 

It takes a special kind of person to achieve a Black Belt; it’s all about technique, attitude, ability and understanding the purpose of achieving that belt.  I have heard of a particular school that when a student is preparing for Black Belt, they have to wear a white belt for 6 months prior to examination!  I think that says it all.