Here is a short video I recently uploaded to our new Youtube Channel. This one is a basic variation of the bow and arrow strangle from back control.
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Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Mushin and Kata in Grappling Arts
Mushin
Mu = Nothingness
Shin = Mind, heart, spirit
The Japanese term of "Mushin" refers to clearing the mind of all mental blocks/obstacles and letting the actions of martial arts flow through us. The state of Mushin only comes with many repetitions of a technique.
The modern sports science explanation of this would be called "muscle memory" or "reflex".
Sensei Yuzo Kato would always tell me how it takes 3000 to 5000 repetitions of a technique for you to "get it right". Sometimes he would even say 10,000.
In the book "Motor Learning", Dr. Richard Schmidt illustrates that it takes about 300 to 500 repetitions to develop a "new" motor skill and goes on to explain that it takes between 3000 to 5000 repetitions to correct a bad habit and develop a correct one.
Bruce Lee said that martial arts development isn't about building up skill , but more about chipping away of bad habits.
Jigoro Kano, when asked what was the secret to Judo expertise, replied, "Practice, practice, practice."
No matter how we look at it, the only way for us to develop Mushin or muscle memory is through repetitions of techniques.
There is another expression that says, "practice makes perfect." Another that I've heard that I think is even more accurate is that, "perfect practice makes perfect."
Kata
The International Sports Sciences Association handbook for Specialist in Martial Arts Conditioning Certification defines Kata as, "a prescribed pattern of movement".
There is a common misconception about Kata in modern martial arts. There is the formal Kata that is known for choreographed patterns of footwork, stances, blocks, punches, kicks, etc. vs an imaginary foe. This type of Kata is generalized with Karate or striking arts. Formal Judo and Aikido Kata also make use of these choreographed patterns but, use a partner with both having a specific pattern to follow. One is uke (attacker) and the other is tori (defender).
Kato Sensei would often refer to Kata simply as form or the way you perform a specific technique with accuracy. It means that when performing a specific throw, pin, or submission, it is to be done as accurately as possible. Your body positioning, hands, arms, feet, legs, hips, head, all need to be in a specific place, doing a specific thing.
In my 30+ years of experience in martial arts, I have had many debates with "martial artists" that claim their art has no Katas. If you are doing repetitions of something while making the effort to have good "form", you are performing Kata.
When we drill a specific throw in Judo or guard pass in Jiu-jitsu, doing many repetitions and trying to make the transition as smooth and accurate as possible with each rep, we are in fact, performing Kata. When we practice shrimping, bridging, x-patterns, ukemi, technical standing, etc., we are performing Kata. We may call it something else, like partner drills, solo drills, exercises, scenarios, warm-ups, etc., but the purpose is still the same.
The reason we do these things is simply because perfect practice makes perfect. We want to have the ability to perform these techniques without having to think about it. We are developing muscle memory or Mushin.
We must also take into consideration that skills are perishable. After we learn them, if we do not continue to practice them or refine them, they will dull over time.
In order to get in the repetitions needed to become proficient and maintain it, you must practice. Thinking about it is not enough. Reading about it is not enough. Watching videos is not enough. You must physically perform the techniques. As the techniques become easier and more automatic, it is time to refine and work on details, combinations, set-ups, counters, etc.
Basically, the mysteries of Kata and Mushin can be explained as: Accurate repetition will develop accurate muscle memory. It's not mystery, it's science and what we call it doesn't matter, it's just a necessary formula for successfully learning an art.
Keep practicing. Get in many accurate repetitions. Remember, it isn't the hours of work you put in, but the work you put into the hours.
L.W. Keith
Mu = Nothingness
Shin = Mind, heart, spirit
The Japanese term of "Mushin" refers to clearing the mind of all mental blocks/obstacles and letting the actions of martial arts flow through us. The state of Mushin only comes with many repetitions of a technique.
The modern sports science explanation of this would be called "muscle memory" or "reflex".
Sensei Yuzo Kato would always tell me how it takes 3000 to 5000 repetitions of a technique for you to "get it right". Sometimes he would even say 10,000.
In the book "Motor Learning", Dr. Richard Schmidt illustrates that it takes about 300 to 500 repetitions to develop a "new" motor skill and goes on to explain that it takes between 3000 to 5000 repetitions to correct a bad habit and develop a correct one.
Bruce Lee said that martial arts development isn't about building up skill , but more about chipping away of bad habits.
Jigoro Kano, when asked what was the secret to Judo expertise, replied, "Practice, practice, practice."
No matter how we look at it, the only way for us to develop Mushin or muscle memory is through repetitions of techniques.
There is another expression that says, "practice makes perfect." Another that I've heard that I think is even more accurate is that, "perfect practice makes perfect."
Kata
The International Sports Sciences Association handbook for Specialist in Martial Arts Conditioning Certification defines Kata as, "a prescribed pattern of movement".
There is a common misconception about Kata in modern martial arts. There is the formal Kata that is known for choreographed patterns of footwork, stances, blocks, punches, kicks, etc. vs an imaginary foe. This type of Kata is generalized with Karate or striking arts. Formal Judo and Aikido Kata also make use of these choreographed patterns but, use a partner with both having a specific pattern to follow. One is uke (attacker) and the other is tori (defender).
Kato Sensei would often refer to Kata simply as form or the way you perform a specific technique with accuracy. It means that when performing a specific throw, pin, or submission, it is to be done as accurately as possible. Your body positioning, hands, arms, feet, legs, hips, head, all need to be in a specific place, doing a specific thing.
In my 30+ years of experience in martial arts, I have had many debates with "martial artists" that claim their art has no Katas. If you are doing repetitions of something while making the effort to have good "form", you are performing Kata.
When we drill a specific throw in Judo or guard pass in Jiu-jitsu, doing many repetitions and trying to make the transition as smooth and accurate as possible with each rep, we are in fact, performing Kata. When we practice shrimping, bridging, x-patterns, ukemi, technical standing, etc., we are performing Kata. We may call it something else, like partner drills, solo drills, exercises, scenarios, warm-ups, etc., but the purpose is still the same.
The reason we do these things is simply because perfect practice makes perfect. We want to have the ability to perform these techniques without having to think about it. We are developing muscle memory or Mushin.
We must also take into consideration that skills are perishable. After we learn them, if we do not continue to practice them or refine them, they will dull over time.
In order to get in the repetitions needed to become proficient and maintain it, you must practice. Thinking about it is not enough. Reading about it is not enough. Watching videos is not enough. You must physically perform the techniques. As the techniques become easier and more automatic, it is time to refine and work on details, combinations, set-ups, counters, etc.
Basically, the mysteries of Kata and Mushin can be explained as: Accurate repetition will develop accurate muscle memory. It's not mystery, it's science and what we call it doesn't matter, it's just a necessary formula for successfully learning an art.
Keep practicing. Get in many accurate repetitions. Remember, it isn't the hours of work you put in, but the work you put into the hours.
L.W. Keith
Monday, February 2, 2015
Plateaus, Perseverance, and Breakthroughs
Everyone goes through it. Anyone at any age that has practiced martial arts for any significant amount of time has gone through a phase when the training may become a little more challenging, overwhelming, boring, hard work, or maybe even too easy. Whatever it is, it causes us to become frustrated and perhaps a little disinterested in continuing our training. We call this a training plateau.
This is a time when students quit training, or "take time off to try another activity". Kids might even tell their parents that they don't like martial arts anymore and get upset when it is time to go to class.
This is normal. People (especially kids) usually do not realize that they are going through a normal and natural process. And, most beginners do not know that this time is crucial to their training both on a physical and mental level.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Remember, one of the most important character traits learned in martial arts is PERSEVERANCE.
Perseverance is needed to get through this phase. I always encourage parents to keep their child training until their next promotion. Many times, seeing the reward for their consistency and labor, the student will find new motivation and be eager to continue learning. What's more amazing is that the student will usually have a breakthrough before the promotion actually happens.
I encourage my teen and adult students to make training part of their regular routine. I also remind them that the dojo is a type of sanctuary for them to help relieve stress and clear their mind of the everyday clutter. Stay at it, and the breakthroughs will come.
The breakthroughs come in different shapes and sizes. Sometimes it is a technical aspect that connects with and handful of techniques. Sometimes it is a strategy that ties together the entire game plan. Other times, it may be a philosophy that brings new perspective to light. Whatever it is, the student is enlightened and motivated to make use of these new ideas.
As a student gains more experience, he/she will realize that plateaus and breakthroughs are all part of the growing process of the martial artist. By the time we become a black belt, we will have gone through this process many, many times. The highly experienced martial artist greets this process as a welcomed challenge. However, plateaus do not end with attaining black belt. It is never-ending part of the growing martial artist.
As parents, we sometimes have to persevere for our children. It's a little harder for them to understand what is going on. We can't give up so easily. What kind of lesson are we teaching our children if we encourage them to quit or give up whenever the going gets tough? Don't teach your child to be a quitter. Hard work pays off.
Those that learn perseverance in martial arts will also persevere in school, career, personal relationships, and life in general.
L.W. Keith
This is a time when students quit training, or "take time off to try another activity". Kids might even tell their parents that they don't like martial arts anymore and get upset when it is time to go to class.
This is normal. People (especially kids) usually do not realize that they are going through a normal and natural process. And, most beginners do not know that this time is crucial to their training both on a physical and mental level.
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Remember, one of the most important character traits learned in martial arts is PERSEVERANCE.
Perseverance is needed to get through this phase. I always encourage parents to keep their child training until their next promotion. Many times, seeing the reward for their consistency and labor, the student will find new motivation and be eager to continue learning. What's more amazing is that the student will usually have a breakthrough before the promotion actually happens.
I encourage my teen and adult students to make training part of their regular routine. I also remind them that the dojo is a type of sanctuary for them to help relieve stress and clear their mind of the everyday clutter. Stay at it, and the breakthroughs will come.
The breakthroughs come in different shapes and sizes. Sometimes it is a technical aspect that connects with and handful of techniques. Sometimes it is a strategy that ties together the entire game plan. Other times, it may be a philosophy that brings new perspective to light. Whatever it is, the student is enlightened and motivated to make use of these new ideas.
As a student gains more experience, he/she will realize that plateaus and breakthroughs are all part of the growing process of the martial artist. By the time we become a black belt, we will have gone through this process many, many times. The highly experienced martial artist greets this process as a welcomed challenge. However, plateaus do not end with attaining black belt. It is never-ending part of the growing martial artist.
As parents, we sometimes have to persevere for our children. It's a little harder for them to understand what is going on. We can't give up so easily. What kind of lesson are we teaching our children if we encourage them to quit or give up whenever the going gets tough? Don't teach your child to be a quitter. Hard work pays off.
Those that learn perseverance in martial arts will also persevere in school, career, personal relationships, and life in general.
L.W. Keith
Monday, November 24, 2014
The importance of throws/takedowns
Statistically, about 80% of fights will go to the ground. Often, in our dojo, you will hear me say that 100% of fights start from standing. More and more competitive Jiu-jitsu practitioners are realizing the importance of having good takedown skills.
The original design of Japanese Jiu-jitsu was as a hand to hand combative system for armor clad Samurai warriors. Punches and kicks were ineffective against the armor. However, throws can generate a great deal of impact and put the opponent in an instant vulnerable position.
A key element in Jiu-jitsu success is being a step or several steps ahead of your opponent. We refer to this as being proactive. If you are on the defense, you are a step or steps behind and are reactive (losing).
On the ground, the guard position is a defensive position (people often forget this fact). The basic premise for the guard is to defend against an opponent that is seeking to gain control of your upper body (head and hips). Submissions certainly can be performed from bottom guard position, but are more effective from top control. This is why sweeps are important.
If you pull guard, you are automatically putting yourself in a defensive and most times a reactive starting position. Some folks have a very aggressive guard game, but nevertheless, are still in a defensive position.
Statistically, competitors that start their match with a takedown have a higher rate of submission finish. Takedowns also give you the chance to score first and thus beginning your momentum towards the win.
The impact of a throw causes momentary physical and mental trauma and if done correctly, puts you in a position where follow-up attacks are easily accessible. You have become proactive and your opponent has become reactive.
In a self defense situation, it would not be sensible to "pull guard" against an attacker. However, if it is within your abilities, throwing your attacker to the ground and making space to get away would be the wiser choice. The guard would be a good choice if the attacker managed to tackle you or somehow end up atop you. You would look to improve position, clear space between you and the attacker and get away. Self defense is not a point scoring match, it is about escaping an attacker.
I often stress in the dojo the importance of position before submission. Raising you hips to finish an armlock is relatively easy. Getting to the position to perform the armlock on a resisting opponent is where the real challenge is. For similar reasons it is important to become confident in your throw/takedown skillsets. Grappling begins when the combatants get to the ground. Getting the fight to the ground can be quite a challenge against a resisting opponent. Being in a dominant position when the ground fighting begins is of paramount importance if you wish to be proactive.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Back Control
In Jiu-jitsu, there is something referred to as "positional hierarchy". This means that certain positions have greater value than others in combat/contest. That value is determined on how much damage you can inflict on your opponent in comparison to the amount the opponent can do to you.
In sport Jiu-jitsu, this hierarchy is reflected in the point system. The most dominant positions. back mount and mount, are worth the most points. Lesser points are also awarded for knee on belly position, guard sweeps, guard passes and takedowns.
There are hundreds of opportunities for other positions and submissions en route, but the positional advancement we seek in Jiu-jitsu is ultimately aimed at gaining back control.
As I like to put it, we "prompt" our opponents into certain positions by using proper body mechanics.
In the video below, Jiu-jitsu black belt, Jason Scully demonstrates many back mount entry options. I like the video and wanted to share it because it reminds us that in almost all controlling positions, there is an opportunity to take back mount.
In sport Jiu-jitsu, this hierarchy is reflected in the point system. The most dominant positions. back mount and mount, are worth the most points. Lesser points are also awarded for knee on belly position, guard sweeps, guard passes and takedowns.
There are hundreds of opportunities for other positions and submissions en route, but the positional advancement we seek in Jiu-jitsu is ultimately aimed at gaining back control.
As I like to put it, we "prompt" our opponents into certain positions by using proper body mechanics.
In the video below, Jiu-jitsu black belt, Jason Scully demonstrates many back mount entry options. I like the video and wanted to share it because it reminds us that in almost all controlling positions, there is an opportunity to take back mount.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Inside Dynamic Martial Arts--October 2014
Testing for youth and adult students went very well on the 27th. We had over 40 youth members on the mat performing their exam. Everyone got through it and either received a new belt or stripe. In the future, we do plan to split the testing into two separate times or days. I believe this will accommodate everyone better and help those on the mat stay focused.
If anyone missed the exam day and still needs to do a make up test, we are scheduling one for October 11th. Talk to your instructor about the times. If you cannot make it on the 11th, be sure to schedule a day with your instructor.
We are entering an exciting second week in the new cycle. This week our youth students will be working on positional escapes. The adults will be drilling some cool standing guard passes.
If anyone missed the exam day and still needs to do a make up test, we are scheduling one for October 11th. Talk to your instructor about the times. If you cannot make it on the 11th, be sure to schedule a day with your instructor.
We are entering an exciting second week in the new cycle. This week our youth students will be working on positional escapes. The adults will be drilling some cool standing guard passes.
Sunday, April 6, 2014
Dynamic Martial Arts | Stop the Bully | Spring Break Camp
Our "Stop the Bully" Spring Break Camp was fun and very educational for the students that attended. They each earned a black "bully-proof" stripe on their belt and are the first members of our Anti-bully task force.
The students learned a system of defense that begins with verbal Jiu-jitsu and follows a series of steps that help the student have the confidence to deal with bully situations.
Most schools have a zero tolerance rule for fighting. This means that if a child is assaulted by a bully, it is likely both kids will be suspended from school. The common definition of fighting is with punches and kicks. The zero tolerance rule does not serve as a bully deterrent so much as making the victim afraid to defend.
Jiu-jitsu allows a child to defend him/her self from a bully without the use of strikes, using our rules of engagement. Because the child is using a clear set of guidelines, they can minimize injury to themselves as well as the attacker. Plus the child has a clear definition of the steps that were taken to prevent the physical confrontation. Having this clear set of guidelines gives the Jiu-jitsu student confidence which is the first deterrent to bullying.
This is the video the kids made during their camp. We wanted to express a message with the statistics to show what a severe problem bullying really is and also demonstrate just a few of the techniques learned in the camp.
I think it is important to note that the kids in the video are able to use their learned Jiu-jitsu skills and talk to the attacker at the same time.
We will be hosting "Stop the Bully" camps this summer as well. Please watch for future posts with dates for these events.
Big "Thank You" to the kids for attending and to Tony and Brian for helping teach the camp!
The students learned a system of defense that begins with verbal Jiu-jitsu and follows a series of steps that help the student have the confidence to deal with bully situations.
Most schools have a zero tolerance rule for fighting. This means that if a child is assaulted by a bully, it is likely both kids will be suspended from school. The common definition of fighting is with punches and kicks. The zero tolerance rule does not serve as a bully deterrent so much as making the victim afraid to defend.
Jiu-jitsu allows a child to defend him/her self from a bully without the use of strikes, using our rules of engagement. Because the child is using a clear set of guidelines, they can minimize injury to themselves as well as the attacker. Plus the child has a clear definition of the steps that were taken to prevent the physical confrontation. Having this clear set of guidelines gives the Jiu-jitsu student confidence which is the first deterrent to bullying.
This is the video the kids made during their camp. We wanted to express a message with the statistics to show what a severe problem bullying really is and also demonstrate just a few of the techniques learned in the camp.
I think it is important to note that the kids in the video are able to use their learned Jiu-jitsu skills and talk to the attacker at the same time.
We will be hosting "Stop the Bully" camps this summer as well. Please watch for future posts with dates for these events.
Big "Thank You" to the kids for attending and to Tony and Brian for helping teach the camp!
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