Footwork versus head movement.

Folks,


Now I am going to admit, I have harped loud and long about people and their lack of movement. Especially in the martial arts. But I would like to make what I think is an important point about the kind of movement that can be made. In sportive aspects, most martial artists have attrocious foot work. Think of a cinder block with a gi on :) But in a self-defense setting, space may be at a premium, and it may hinder a person from using effective defensive footwork.

Having acknowledged this, I would like to speak a piece about the value of good head movement. While not as flashy as the Alis and Sugar Rays of the world, slight head movement is VERY valuable. The key is not to make the the opponent miss by miles neccesarily. If you can do that, more power to you. But making your opponent miss by inches may be more beneficial. For the first point, you can save a lot of energy by making slight movements, or by rolling your shoulders. While it does not look very cool, it is very effective, and it makes you hard to hit. James Toney in his prime, Roy Jones jr, and Floyd Mayweather jr. have perfected this concept.

Secondly, head movement can make your opponent spend a lot of energy trying to knock you out. When you can make your opponent BARELY miss, they think that they just need to put a little more energy. So your opponent will try to punch harder, to do damage, but they will not get better results.

In my dojo, there is a game I call phone booth. I basically outline a small area of the mat with belts. For 2 minutes straight, for multiple rounds, the students have to spar without leaving the confines of the "phone booth." Space is at a premium, and it also makes it clear how footwork is NOT always practical. Head movement becomes a lot more important. Give it a try, it can only help you.

Feeling too good about yourself

Folks,


I just wanted to speak on this for a moment. I have been in the martial arts for a long time. 31 years as of this writing. But I honestly have to say, that I feel clueless when it comes to the totality of martial arts training. I feel like I am still a rank begininner, and that the true understanding will come when I am too old to be able to perform it :)

That said, I just wanted to speak a little on the ego of some martial arts teachers. As far as I know, the 10th degree is reserved for the founders of an art. OR at least someone who's change or modifications were considered truly revolutionary. Notable mentions would be : Jigoro Kano, Helio Gracie, Remy Presas, and Masutatsu Oyama. There are more, but I am too lazy to mention them. But basically, the point is that the 10th degree should be so rare, that people thinking that they would ever be promoted to one are deluding themselves.

Now, that said, I would like to speak about rank in general. Like I said, I have been in this business for over 30 years, and I am an absolute beginner. My black belt says third degree, but really, what does that mean? I have not created anything revolutionary (yet, finders crossed). I have not been in the business long enough to be any higher in my opinion. I dont even care if I ever get to fourth degree. My father will give me one, or he wont. I am not going to waste one moment worrying about rank.

I have come across a lot of folks who has self-promoted. Doesnt that sound stupid? These folks are those who have usually received a legit black belt. Once they break away from their instructor, they may or may not tinker with what they were taught to create something "new". Then, as a creator of a style, they feel free to add rank as they see fit. Isnt that pathetic? I know some folks who dont even know all of the katas from their old system, promote themselves to a higher rank. I say to these folks, " Calm down!" Remember that the martial arts are not about rank. Fact is, that belts are not even that old of an invention. Kano only used the belt system because he wanted to include Judo into the public school system.

So basically, I am saying this: STOP WORRYING ABOUT RANK! The people who dont have high rank seem to pursue rank, rather than knowledge or skill. THAT is what is messing up the martial arts almost as fast as capitalism. Still waters run deep, and they always have. Spend less time thinking about stripes on your black belt, and spend more time perfecting your basic techniques and teaching methods. I am outta here like the smart kid in a horror movie!