Alan Armstrong

I teach and practice martial arts without a black belt. I don't give out belt rank either. I don't wear a black belt or sash or proclaiming to be either one. I teach martial arts without a title, or certification from any system or organisation. I don't charge money for teaching, has always been for free. The reason why I am exposing myself here, is to make it crystal clear that my many opinions on martial arts aren't from a specific organisation, system or style. Also that I don't claim to be a martial art expert of any particular kind. My opinions are from experience and not trying to make myself out to be something I am not. With this in mind, please take my comments on martial arts with these factors explained above. Criticisms and opinions welcome. ?

I will be sure to use one step retorical sparring, somehow on someone, somewhere, someday, just not today, unless provoked!

We could be talking about pain management techniques.Here are a few examples to think about in comparison to one's own strengths and weaknesses as a martial artist https://youtu.be/WNdlEAxKu4c

Happy to hear that proprioception is a part of your interests.Perhaps you have some useful insights that you would like to share on this subject. I for one would like to hear about your experiences in using proprioception with karate and clients.

That isn't a bad idea, indeed.To be honest, I only lasted one week with this challenge, getting to 500 on day five. As I was also doing a monkey bar challenge and damaged my ankle twice in the process, due to landing incorrectly when not getting from one end to the other without dropping down. When recovered I will take off where leaving off and start with 600 on day six. It is too bad actually that I had to stop jumping, as I lost a few kilos with this challenge.

I was hoping that you would be showing something practical with an explanation from a one step sparring session, to gain a better understanding of its value; instead of rhetoric.Nevertheless, here are more practical options available for those who are currently interested in developing their self defence skills. How to outsmart another fighter Here is something which is practical from a none one step sparring approach that involves five layers of defence There are plenty examples of one step sparring, however no one cares to ask or answer the "how" effective they are? Also "how" many years does it take spent practicing one step sparring to become proficient at using them? Why isn't one step Sparring taught in military academies or to police officers, yet boxing is prevalent in both? This is not one step sparring https://youtu.be/xwXlh1zugpA

There is nothing mutish here about one step, as seeing it for what it is can help younger people towards understanding how it might benefit them, by having more educated choices to look at.Watered down one step for children is fine but when taught to adults the same way then there is an obvious problem. Karate blocking has come under scrutiny in the wider marital arts community, there is an obvious problem with it being viable the way it is taught. All techniques can be modified to make them safer to train with the safety latch switched on, blocks included, which to my mind is what is happening. Take the safety latch off when blocking it becomes something very dangerous, as a block or deflection is also a devastating strike. Does anyone really think that traditional martial arts is the same as it was in the past? As in the past techniques were brutal and life threatening, today the health and safety latch is firmly in place, something to consider, not only when training but also in life threatening conditions. Sometimes being brutally honest with the truth is not favourable but there is no denying it's effectiveness It is mute if I as the CI, says so, whether one agrees or not because I run said dojo without any ambiguity whatsoever. If others believe my decision, as CI, is wrong, harmful, and/or injustice, then so be it because it's my right as the CI. Btw, I fully support one-step and so on and so forth. If I didn't, then I'd say so, and it would be so as to any training done in my dojo, and I'd care less what anyone would think!! Proof is on the floor!! Having a window on other people's opinions, is this not interesting and insightful, also in some way inspiring?Depends on many things, whether they are or not. I've an open mind, until I've cause to have a closed mind, as well. I believe you are in a position to open the minds that doubt one step's effectiveness.The closest thing to one step I do is limb destruction techniques, at the end of class for obvious reasons, that they work too good to be practiced at any other time; using "karate type blocks" as a part of these activities; including elbows, hammer fists and closed fist punches, upper cuts, with perhaps a back fist here and there. They are a good first contact, as attacking limbs first with an interception, helps breaking down the opponents intent. Where this might be the right time to bring up the element connection concepts. Whilst using these elements from an ancient martial art perspective. Water is the softest penetrating; destruction. Wood is straight linear sharp; destruction. Gravel is gritty and grinding wearing down; destruction. Earth is supporting holding trapping squeezing; destruction. Fire is fast changes everything it touches; destruction. Wind is flowing pressure; destruction. Metal is the hardest heavy; destruction. Adding attributes in any way that makes techniques appropriate. As with these elements, one learns to control contact, how much destruction is needed between friendly practice and deadly intent.

There is nothing mutish here about one step, as seeing it for what it is can help younger people towards understanding how it might benefit them, by having more educated choices to look at.Watered down one step for children is fine but when taught to adults the same way then there is an obvious problem. Karate blocking has come under scrutiny in the wider marital arts community, there is an obvious problem with it being viable the way it is taught. All techniques can be modified to make them safer to train with the safety latch switched on, blocks included, which to my mind is what is happening. Take the safety latch off when blocking it becomes something very dangerous, as a block or deflection is also a devastating strike. Does anyone really think that traditional martial arts is the same as it was in the past? As in the past techniques were brutal and life threatening, today the health and safety latch is firmly in place, something to consider, not only when training but also in life threatening conditions. Sometimes being brutally honest with the truth is not favourable but there is no denying it's effectiveness It is mute if I as the CI, says so, whether one agrees or not because I run said dojo without any ambiguity whatsoever. If others believe my decision, as CI, is wrong, harmful, and/or injustice, then so be it because it's my right as the CI. Btw, I fully support one-step and so on and so forth. If I didn't, then I'd say so, and it would be so as to any training done in my dojo, and I'd care less what anyone would think!! Proof is on the floor!! Having a window on other people's opinions, is this not interesting and insightful, also in some way inspiring?

There is nothing mutish here about one step, as seeing it for what it is can help younger people towards understanding how it might benefit them, by having more educated choices to look at.Watered down one step for children is fine but when taught to adults the same way then there is an obvious problem. Karate blocking has come under scrutiny in the wider marital arts community, there is an obvious problem with it being viable the way it is taught. All techniques can be modified to make them safer to train with the safety latch switched on, blocks included, which to my mind is what is happening. Take the safety latch off when blocking it becomes something very dangerous, as a block or deflection is also a devastating strike. Does anyone really think that traditional martial arts is the same as it was in the past? As in the past techniques were brutal and life threatening, today the health and safety latch is firmly in place, something to consider, not only when training but also in life threatening conditions. Sometimes being brutally honest with the truth is not favourable but there is no denying it's effectiveness

Subtle movements when waking up from sleep and when settling down for the night. Micro movements for martial arts are of great importance for body awareness. Starting out small with fingers and toes, neck and shoulders, wrists and ankles. This is different than pandiculation resetting muscle lengths. Micro movements can be very subtle hardly noticeable to those close by. I like to look at micro movements similar to a systems check before take off. This also includes doing things very slowly, such as with respiration, inhalation and exhalation, eye movements, small rotations of joints, spine activation, expulsing unnecessary tension in muscles, range of motion checks, fluid level as in needing to urinate or to drink water, having the right body temperature. Moving by using the least amount of energy, keeping properly balanced, with good posture. There is also the mind and body connection, as this prepares one's self for action. This is possible by meditating on spinning joints as if they are wheel cogs by only using thought alone. This micro movements are great for muscle twitching, similar to shadow boxing but being very subtle, an example with a Bruce Lee warm up. Small movements in the hips and shoulders can improve upone speed and stability as there are many techniques that start and from them. Here are some floor micro movements for example and practice https://youtu.be/cQYsm3XGJY0 Does micro movements have any impact or bearing on your martial arts such as this? https://youtu.be/FKhc8eTkht8

As I alluded to some of this is also about tradition and an organizations syllabus. If you want to teach under certain organizational banner you must teach that syllabus at a minimum, but you are more than free to add on. For many of us that is certainly a factor on some things we do. One other thing is that is it possible that we are not seeing the full benefit that was intended? How many times has this been said about kata or certain katas and then you have someone like Ian Abernethy breakdown and explain the moves that people performed like a dance routine for years? I understand that they are a requirement in many organizations--I will be leaving one such organization at the end of the year, in fact. When I have had to teach such drills, I explain that I don't like them, and they aren't realistic or practical, but required by the organization. Personally, I care little for traditions that do not serve to improve my karate, and the typical, formal step-sparring drills would fall into that category. I have had very knowledgeable and skilled instructors from 5th Dan up to 10th Dan explain what these drills are meant to teach, and I understand what they are saying, but I also disagree on much of it. Even where I agree that it teaches something, they have failed to convince me that such drills are the most EFFICIENT method of teaching those things. As to one of your earlier points, I have found no issues with teaching practical drills as part of a large group--even withing the organization I've been a part of for 9 years, which is one that does step-sparring. If a person, including the CI enjoys one, two and three step sparring, perhaps than sticking solely to the rigid confinements usually seen, then maybe some free style one step practice would breathe some kind of life in to play.Also suggest to try some one step, without prior knowledge of the technique being used, while wearing protective gear. As kicking the groin is not socially acceptable in the Dojo (as everyone else is oblivious to suchlike behaviour) one step, no matter how much is practiced, should be aware of none Dojoiers kicking that area without hesitation, as this aspect is notoriously overlooked and unprotected by one steppers. 100 ways to attack the groin 101 ways to attack the groin Another factor to consider with one step sparring, is with the predicting and none predictiveness of practicing them, as opponents are full of surprises and respond unpredictability. As spending time practicing what an opponent might do accordingly to a curriculum in a classroom setting among those trained to do the same thingy, is something which I find to be: Agreeing with what has already been pointed out as "organised despair"- Bruce Lee With one step sparring they are used mainly for developing self defence scenarios and there are many types of blocks; as there are those that believe that they don't work in real life situations and here is why Versus How to do advanced karate blocks Don't forget to read the comments below this video. Uke means "receive." In karate, uke refers to blocking techniques. Giving and taking, the yin yang concept Quote: "Karate is the art of sophisticated people" Secrets of karate functional blocking https://youtu.be/wthbaoK55fM

My favourite song https://youtu.be/0EygqL--RW4 Be water my friend

Bruce Lee is the single most influential person on my martial art journey, starting from this in 1973

We are no longer living on an island (Okinawa) where information travels slowly, this is (Sparta LOL) the information age. Having the experience of age, to know what is worth developing and what is not is important. Here IMHO are a few things (for starters) worth developing no matter what sort of fighter you are... It is not about ego here, it is rather a matter for seeing the value in learning something worthwhile, no matter where the information comes from. As if you don't care to know what is contained in these videos, due to being very good already, then your adversaries will certainly appreciate them

Dame!

As I alluded to some of this is also about tradition and an organizations syllabus. If you want to teach under certain organizational banner you must teach that syllabus at a minimum, but you are more than free to add on. For many of us that is certainly a factor on some things we do. One other thing is that is it possible that we are not seeing the full benefit that was intended? How many times has this been said about kata or certain katas and then you have someone like Ian Abernethy breakdown and explain the moves that people performed like a dance routine for years? Nothing wrong with katas except for those teaching inadequate Bunki.The key to all of this controversy is first recognising things for what they are and second being willing to change. Big organisation are similar to big ships, which take a lot of time to manouevre, yes they are big, strong and stable, with plotted out destinations. They know their strengths and accept their weaknesses, which is where adapting to change is slow. Whilst in the karate school, I attended, colour belts learned one step and spared that way, whilst the senior belts kick boxed the rest of us, seemingly for target practice. As this was back in the late 1970's, in reflecting back on those times, they the CI's stayed within the syllables but on the floor, it was a very different story. Where at the time it was puzzling on being taught one way with one step and getting beaten on when Sparring, with what all seemed to be something else entirely. As unfair from the students perspective at that time, eventually I have learnt what they were doing, as it was do what I say as the system name requires, including the syllabus, whilst highest ranks had their own agenda which was cleverly established at the expense of the students.

Why teach or practice something such as one step sparring, that knowingly is full of huge flaws and weaknesses. That by practicing them is not developing skills realistically, on the contrary it is instilling bad habits at the cost of the student's health, which they will depend upone, when you are not around to help them. You all know the difference between what works and what doesn't in martial arts. The future of martial arts is in your hands (the students) then why not give them the chance and opportunity to have a fighting chance. It is similar to putting soldiers in a combat zone and not giving them the adequate training to survive or protect themselves. Enough of out dated excuses, give students up to date Intel, as they are not fighting tooth fairies and snow men but more like gorillas and dobermans. Example of training punches towards potential

One step sparring. One step teaches line fighting, which is something that is very easily to counter by side stepping and or using correct timing and distancing, with jamming and countering... Yet where is the sparring in one step? Sorry, but in one step, there is no Sparring! Also it is punching and kicking air in an untruthful manner to a statuesque, dare I say the word "opponent" As opposed to pad work, there is some feed back that something has been struck, also combinations are very overwhelming for those that have never experienced them, especially for one steppers. As would you put the same person in the first video against the one in this second training video? The pressure of boxing punching combinations is overwhelming for those that have never trained against a person that knows how to use them effectively. Perhaps realistically practicing one step against boxing skills might turn out realistic fighters IMHO As for boxers to train against one step sparring partners would cause a lot of laughter, this is not a joke, IMHO As my heart felt condolences, goes out to all those, one, two or three... steppers, that have never had the opportunity to learn, or the realistic chance, of how to punch to their full potential; I say this with great sincerity.

If you don't want to fight and somebody insist, then you are defending yourself. The alternative is consensual fighting where an agreement has been made to fight. It is only when two fighters are equally willing and both being experienced and trained for a fight, then it probably is a fight.. Being trained in self defence is not the same as being trained to fight. This is where training sessions are important factors in knowing which way of being trained is important to know as this aspect can easily be overlooked. Those that practice self defence are not likely to condition themselves for likely events, whereas a fighter is constantly becoming more conditioned and effective in this respect. As the problem arises when a person trained in self defence, is required, for some reason or another, find them selves in a position to go head to head with a fighter. Consentualy fighting, where one is a fighter and one is not is another case of self defence. There is plenty of evidence, on video, that this is happening very frequently in bouts, where it is apparent that one is a fighter and the other thinks that they are. This for me is disturbing, because watching people becoming beaten due to being taught martial arts out of context. Martial arts and combat sports are two very different things, as self defence (virtual) scenario practice is another. Being very clear about what is being practiced, shouldn't be an issue but it is. As there is no strict requirements or regulations on calling combat sports a martial art, that includes self defence, therfore it is very vague on whatever is being taught, is being labelled correctly. My advice is this: knowing your craft Understand your training and what it is for Recognising is your training for fitness purposes or conditioning for fighting Yes you can be both, in it for the fitness and conditioning aspects but are you willing and confident to fight efficiently while being struck by another person? It is absolutely fine to practice martial arts, the question is whether you have given plenty of thought towards understanding the realty and virtual combat purposes in your training methods. Defending one's self contains a different set of strategies than it is for combat purposes. The idea hear is, to see the difference between knowing if what your training is reality based or virtual reality; as many people cannot understand the difference between the two. As feeling like a fighter is not the same as being one. Ask yourself honestly, am I a fighter? If you are a fighter, then fight but if you're told to fight and have been learning something else, then watch out, as you will be probably be trying to defend yourself...inappropriately. As self defence is a minefield of opinions, that differ tremendously, depending on who you are asking. Self defence is a highly controversial subject. However and please correct me if I am wrong, that self defence is a highly specialised specific type of martial art combat skill, that is especially designed and required for military field operations and security task force agencies. Where these individuals not only know how to fight but are also capable of defending themselves without doubts or hesitations. What is your profession? Be very clear on this aspect of what you are training for, you need to know and the only way is to evaluate what you see, is without clouded judgements of any kind. A helpful saying; "Train the way you fight and fight the way train" https://youtu.be/_u5SnsT46sc

Master, how may I walk a peaceful path, when the world is seldom peaceful? How would you answer this question to your student?

Katas and 1,2,3, step sparring in art terms would be the colours and lines, they are the basis of making art. The problem arises when not being creative or free to mix colours or explore the shapes that lines make. Katas, making or cutting out shapes that fit together, similar to making a garment. The garment has a use, for instance protecting oneself from the elements and with interior and exterior design features such as pockets that hold valuable information. If the garment kata, getting cut out, always stays looking like a white lab coat, then the meanings of katas will be forevermore lost or severely lacking usefulness. Or if the garment is ornately constructed then even a little rain or wind can destroy it. On the other hand considering to construct the garment to be light enough but strong to be something useful and practical for self preservation purposes. Problem with this is CI's without fully understanding art will keep the martial part and lack the importance of self expression. This also happens in art classes, that when the teacher is artless the students suffer the consequences. Might want to look at the art concept with sculpture which is 3 dimensional, as combat is three dimensional in nature. Oriental Martial arts come from artistic cultures, something western mind sets can very easily miss the point. Having an extensive art background makes understanding martial (fighting) arts far more clearer to what it is about. Boxing can be broken down to look robotic, which it is when showing and telling how techniques work, but they don't dwell on it, like other martial arts do. 10hrs of my 36hr training week is focused on boxing. While boxing training, I will slow down, almost robotic (kata) looking, just to do some self correcting and accessing, as always practicing fast can create bad habits, if not periodically checked. Mechanics, Katas and one steps, are maintaining one's skills, similar to having the family car in the garage, to make corrections and adjustments for improving performance and efficiency. Taking the car later on to the test race track, could be considered the one step. Kick boxing was the missing link desolving robotic movements making striking arts fluid and being creative with combinations. Now with the spotlight is on grappling arts, the importance of kick boxing has been sadly shelved. This is why now in MMA where and when maists don't practice katas, their techniques can seem to be missing good form, whilst others that dwell on katas and the like cannot fight effectively, as missing the understanding of self expression. This is why the TMNT (martial artists) were named after great renaissance artists, this is no coincidence, later re merging their origin as to be reincanated sons of Myomoto Musashi.

At the gym, I am known as, free spirited by the trainers. The gym is fully equipped with weights, machines, pool, spar and saunas. Being free spirited also a visual learner there is plenty to see and observe. Here are some observations; a little food for thought. Age and fitness ranges from teens too old, competitive athletes too getting in shape enthusiast's, also physiotherapists working alongside personal trainers. With plenty of discussions going around on what is better, low heavy reps vs high low reps and what plenty of other topics concerning on being the best of the best. Does heavy weights or ankle weights interfere with performance and do rubber thera bands work well enough in improving strength? There does come a point when opinions of others count and when they do not. With the hundreds of people I see exercising every week, not one of them does anything the same as the next person, for many reasons. With the vast amount of exercises and equipment available, the chances of two people training the same doesn't seem likely to exist. Also with age difference body types, personal fitness goals, once again the differences between each individual becomes even further obvious. To look even deeper, there are time restraints, where some don't have the available option of long workouts while others do. Some sweating profusely while exercising, as if trying to break world record, while others relaxing casually as if on a beach somewhere nice and peaceful. With these observations in mind, we are all different in many ways, also in areas of having prior knowledge in exercises where others have practically none. Compounding exercises programs with eating habits, then it is no wonder that many people fail in becoming fit and healthy and others grind away, with no pain no gain, no glory. Having the right attitude towards becoming fit is also an important factor, as there are many that when depreesed turn to comfort foods or excessive alcohol consumptio to relieve stress. Being fit and healthy is no easy task, when it really comes down to it. There is another type that go to the gym on a regular basis, that are happy enough to exercise; that have a smile on their face or look as if they enjoy what they are doing most of the time. With this in mind, if you are happy exercising on a regular basis, maintaining a youthful quality of life, this is on the right track; IMHO Than on the contrary of being obsessed with the whole process of being the fastest or strongest, there is an another option. That being the happiest while participating in regular exercise and activities. If you truly enjoy what you are doing, no matter what it is, you will become good at it, perhaps not the best on the planet but being satisfied with achieving personal goals are great mile stones. Try different types of exercises, give yourself a chance to explore and experience your strengths and abilities, play with them. Rarely is person good at something that they don't enjoy. Dance, crawl, jump, climb, swing, roll, stretch, walk, spin, squat, kick, punch, reach, twist, carry, push, pull, lunge, bend, squeeze, turn, lift, throw, drop, step, stand, hop, bounce, balance... Free your spirit happy training Enjoying the journey along the way You prefer structured training sessions, why?

How much time have you spent more with, the Couch or Dojo? Or course I am joking here a little, but I find that the most difficult thing about karate is showing up at the Dojo. Yet knowing, once there, after class, was well worth showing up for. When working long hrs it can become more challenging to show up for class, overcoming this situation, by learning how to power nap, is a practical way of spending quality time with the couch. As there are thousands of reason and excuses to not show up for a class and one reason why you do, because you are on a personal journey full of challenges and experiences. Entering the Dojo, leaving the comfort zone of the couch, where all of your senses are either to be sharpened or tested. Developing new habits and ways of moving, standing, sitting and kneeling. Using unfamiliar words that seem like from a far away ancient civilisation. Barefoot and wearing a GI, for most this looks like getting, ready for sleeping, however very far from the truth as the Gi is a funeral garment. For outside the Dojo the world routine you know continues for a short time without you but when you go back noticing that little or nothing has changed except you. When asked. How was class? "Intense" Seems like a good enough answer, as defining it can come across sounding pretentious, or as to say; with an honest answer could sound something like this. "Can I have a rain check on that question, due to the need to reflect on it for a while, as with the adrenaline rush and covering new material, it seemed overwhelming and challenging, as not sure if I was doing anything right or can remember any of it right now" Yet later something happens that can reminds you of what happened in class. Nothing happens if you do not show up for class. The couch is a powerful adversary, it uses softness against your hardness, some have been known to have the power to knock people out... So why does the Master sleep on the floor, could it have something to do with the couch? Testimonial 8 Week Challenge: From a school girl in Brazil From Couch Potatoe To Fighting Fit https://youtu.be/y2ROPTvQwF8 How has the Dojo changed your life? Or in other words, how has the couch kept your life the same? Weird Al couch potatoe

It has been a while since the last entry in to this discussion, perhaps because everyone is happy with their flexibility. For those that would like to look a little deeper in to this subject of flexibility, then this is for you. Weight training for flexibility. Strengthening legs while stretching them with ankle weights Gaining flexibility is getting out of the comfort zone you are in. If always staying in that comfort zone when stretching, is only reinforcing your body to never go beyond that level. As staying in that comfort zone is where many that stretch stay and remain thereabouts forever. There are many methods to choose from when stretching for flexibility, usually shown by a flexible people. Where it is easy to pass this seemingly flexible person off as naturally flexible, that didn't need to work very hard at it. Even so, do they have the techniques and the moves to learn. Perhaps this is true, that to be flexible is easier for some than others but they still had to do it regularly to attain it. Learning to relax and having muscles warm are two important things to consider when stretching; often times when teaching a person to stretch I tell them to think of sleeping. Flexibility is relaxation. How about "MUA" under anesthesia? Perhaps the takeaway from all this is, the more you relax the more flexible you will be. Using weights or ankle weights, while you are relaxing is using gravity towards you becoming more flexible, for me they are my trusty little flexibility helpers. Don't do flicking or ballistic movements whilst using ankle weights, slow and controlled movements are advisable; play safe. https://youtu.be/KDQDOJgSW7Q

Life at times can seem like full of sad circumstances and many types of things to worry about, however without all of these miserable, unseemlinglly unnecessary things, we would never be able to appreciate all the wonderful things and moments that life also has to offer. https://youtu.be/Ep9Vzb6R_58 Don't forget to read the comments below