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Martial Arts Training should be thorough. Obviously, we hope it meets our expectations to educate and challenge us, but how do we take the information learned in a school environment and make it practical in “real world” situations? For many students, this may not appear to be significant, but for dedicated martial artists, it is essential. It is easy to fall into the trap of assuming that just because the training and techniques worked well in class, they will do the same outside of class. Unless you consider your surroundings, I can assure you that surprise and frustration will cause you to reevaluate your training.
Nothing motivates a Martial Artist more than failure. My rude awakening came as a rookie police officer. Training in schools that had ample room to move on even floors and fall on mats, gave me protection, but did not reflect the “real life” situations I was now forced to deal with. I was no longer in a secure environment.
Techniques that worked easily in the classroom now had to be adjusted to work in crowds at public places, inside and outside sporting events, cramped spaces, i.e., bars, trailers, halls, rooms, stair cases, elevators, offices, parking lots, etc. Altercations that occurred inside often required maneuvering around a wide assortment of furniture and using the walls to assist in making arresting techniques work more efficiently. Rugs can limit smooth footwork, and tile or waxed floors are slippery. Bars often have wet floors because drinks spill. When outside, I had to consider the terrain, i.e., grass, rocks, sand, water, fences, curbs, trees, cactus, hills, mounds, uneven ground, steps, ramps, etc. Working near any road or parking lot required a heightened awareness of other vehicles and other people. Tactical changes were necessary and I will discuss them next month.
Mr. Weber is the chief instructor at the Aikido Academy of Self-Defense located at 16134 N. Oracle Rd., in Catalina. He has more than 45 years of experience in the Martial Arts and has achieved skills in a variety of disciplines. He also teaches Tai-Chi on Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m.
Please call (520) 825-8500 for information regarding these and other programs. If you wish, check out the website at www.AikidoAcademyOfArizona.com.
Mr. Weber is the chief instructor at the Aikido Academy of Self-Defense located at 16134 N. Oracle Rd., in Catalina. He has more than 45 years of experience in the Martial Arts and has achieved skills in a variety of disciplines. He also teaches Tai-Chi on Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. Please call (520) 825-8500 for information regarding these and other programs. If you wish, check out the website at www.AikidoAcademyOfArizona.com.
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