Are you really expanding your comfort zones in martial arts and self-defence training? Many think that stretching yourself in the combative arts consists of training hard at what you’ve always done and studying what you always studied. Even in the liberating world of martial arts cross-training students and teachers are susceptible to group polarization and what Geoff Thompson would call “The Comfortable Uncomfortable”. “Vagabond Warriors” takes cross-training into a new dimension. Our aim is to develop a personalized compass that ensures you will always keep growing, learning and getting the most out of your martial arts experiences. This not about creating a clique or forming an organizing it is about putting YOU at the centre of you training and not an abstract idea. It’s not what you know, it’s how you think!
“Do not seek to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Seek what they sought” - Basho, Matsuo
Date: 22nd October 2011
Venue: St Nicholas Primary School, Priory Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2PE
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Kit list: Water, towel, note pad and pen, an inquiring and greedy mind
Contact: jamie@clubbchimera.com
T: 07973681732
A Typical Training Day for Vagabond Warriors
Introduction
Declarations
Safety Brief
Seminar Protocol
Refreshments, Amenities and Rest Periods
Coach introduction
Plan of the day
Course limitations
The Vagabond Warriors Approach
History of Cross Training
Clarification – Scepticism – Individuality
Deciding the purpose of your training and understanding the purpose of a deviation Constant rational inquiry – science and critical thinking
Putting yourself or your student at the centre of the training rather than the art, style or system
Warm-up
Relevant exercises – specificity, controversy and balancing maximum benefits
The Hierarchy of Training – Time Management for the Martial Artist
Specific Training
Defined as focusing on one specific technique or tactic
Quarrying instinctive techniques and tactics through restrictive pressure activities
Progressively drilling and then testing said quarried technique
Strategy One – Creating and maintaining distance
Tactics – Pushing, Controlling, Striking and Evasive Manoeuvres
Strategy Two – Closing down distance
Tactics – Covering, Grappling and Capturing Manoeuvres
Attribute Training
Defined as intelligent cross-training
Researching other schools, systems and instructors
Using a set structure to gain attributes for designated purpose
Strategy One – Strike-Based Systems
Strategy Two – Grappling Based Systems
Functional Fitness
Defined as improving physical and mental conditioning through relevant exercises (also see warm-up and warm-down)
Aspects of Training
Think like the coach – real leadership and discipline (clarification)
Critical appraisal (scepticism) - Can the drill be improved? - How is the drill flawed?
A map for personal goals in training (individuality)
Testing, Experimenting and Exploring
Assessing claims and trends in martial arts – consumer awareness
Common logical fallacies in martial arts
Pressure Tests – discovering what works
Pressure Ordeals – discovering how you work
Doubt, error and failure – True individual growth in martial arts
Warm-Down
Relevant exercises – retaining muscle memory and promoting better recovery
Closing Discussion
Recommended resources
Future training