Harmony

The age old debate. Old style, new style, my style, your style. The fact is substance far outweighs style. I hold belt ranks in different systems, but I never get hung up on which style is better. I prefer to focus on what techniques work, and which training methods work. The rest is just traditionalists passion, or personal ego. I teach here in my home town, and based on the various systems I've trained in, I have a preference to how I teach, and what I teach. Most of the techniques can be found, in several styles. When it comes to kicks, punches, ect., there isnt that much new under the sun. However, depending on your goal in training varying methods can and do produce different results. I teach reality based combatives, with no desire for sport application, purely defense and survive. I believe that saveral mainstream traditional classes don't equip students to face the harsh realism of violent attack. So I teach what works for me based on my knowledge. Heres the difference though, I dont claim to have a "new" style, and I dont claim to be the best style, in fact I dont wish to be compared to anyone or any style. I do what I feel is best for me, and I share it with those who want to learn from my perspective, its not about whose better or worse, or if I created a new thing , or modified an old one. I try to keep it about goals. My schools goal is survival and reality scenario fighting. It is never about being better or superior to anyone else, or belittling a traditional system, we just do what works for us. Anything else is just ego.

I think the most recognizable difference is marketing.

There are several good resources available to show you adequate stretching techniques. The secret to results is consistency it training. You should develop a streting routine, and give it the same reverance you would any MA technique. Tension is also a problem for beginners in alot of cases. Try to remember your breathing, and relax with each stretch. When you reach a point where you begin to feel the stretch your body will naturally tense up to protect against injury. This is a neuromuscular response that cannot be avoided initially. When your feel this tension, you can however, recognize it and attempt to release some of the tension. try getting to a nice point in a stretch that feels tight. Then take a deep breath in through the nose. Exhale through the nose as well and relax the abdominal region or trunk if you will. Then as you exhale relax and you should be able to move deeper into the stretch. Once you reach your max hold that for several seconds. DO NOT BOUNCE, just hold. Doing that will ensure you get the most out of your stretches, then the rest is repeating them often with consistant training. good luck! and stick with it.

a) My parents placed me in Martial art classes (Judo) at age 7 because I suffered an abuse situation at an early age, and became quite introverted and lacked confidence in all areas. b) I stayed with it because initially it was something I was good at. I learned quickly, and have always felt that MA was my thing to do. Now I stick with it to help others, especially children, to empower themselves with positive discipline, and motivation so they can master what life throw at them. 31 years later, I have my own Dojo and teach in my home town, life is good;)

Natural aptitude may play a role in some cases depending on the test subject. Early on in my training, I was able to retain much of what I was taught rather quickly, including practical application. I have seen that personality can play a role, when combined with aptitude or ability. I have seen several students breeze through early on, only to become irritated or distraught when they reach an area of study that requires them to remain longer. Still there are others that become overly focused on rapid gain, but lack the depth to be effective in a real situation. Then there are those that struggle along with every technique, each class is a battle for them. The outcome for each of these types can rest wholly on their personalities. As a teacher I have as students that would fall in every category above. I try to approach each of them in regard to their personalities, to remain focused on their goals. Yes the journey is as important as the destination, but I try to remind them that the time it takes is different for everybody. As long as we get where we set out to we're doing ok. If we happen to pick up some wisdom and patience along the way thats a good thing.

Hello all. Brand new to this forum, so I hope to compare and share all things martial with each of you. I'm 38 years old, and operate a dojo in Birmingham Al. See you all in the threads!