Surviving a Traditional Dojo is a free e-book by Matthew Apsokardu of Ikigai - Blogging the Marital Way. It is geared towards beginning students; but, long time students of the arts can appreciate the reminder of what it is like from the beginners point of view. The sidebar comments highlight key areas. With lighthearted humor and 80's references, this 95 page book is a quick read.
As you might gather from the title of the e-book, the first half of the book covers what to expect before and at the very beginning of your training. Chapters on What is a Traditional Dojo, Beginners Mindset, Gi and Obi, and etiquette will help make the student's transition into a tradition dojo much smoother. Many useful pieces of information that would have been nice to have when I started.
The second half deals more with the ongoing training you will be doing. This includes discussions on sparring and the subtleties of rank structure. There are frequent reminders that this is a general guideline and to observe and follow your dojo's rules and etiquette. The concept of Shu Ha Ri is discussed. This is a model of progression in practice and shows that are many if not infinite levels of training in the practice of martial arts.
He also offers suggestions on additional resources from books and magazines to movies. You can brush up on the 80s references. One area I will recommend additional reading on is the use of 'Osu'. Some schools use it for everything. There is an excellent article that gives a lot of background on the term here. Personally, I use other terms. Usually 'Hai, Sensei' for yes or agreement. But, the background is good because if you are in Japanese arts for a while you are bound to hear it and should know some background.
The book concludes with some guest tips from Ikigai readers. This continues the warm feeling of the book. So check out the book and continue with the blog for a constant feed of topics to think about in your training.
E-book: Surviving a Traditional Dojo
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
6 Steps for Self Defense
When you hear Self Defense, what do you think of? Many will think of firearms, pepper spray, or martial arts classes. But, these should be the last step in self defense. Throughout history, society has used walls, moats and other barriers as a defense or deterrent. Personal self defense should also start with deterrents. Predators will go after the easiest target. This goes for wildlife and human predators. The less you look like easy prey the better. This will reduce your chances of being attacked; but, unfortunately it can not eliminate it.
Here are some basic steps you can use to help avoid becoming a victim.
1: Be Aware. First is being aware of your environment. Walk in the open on sidewalks and parking garages. If you are talking on the cell phone (or worse texting because your head is down) walking next to parked cars, someone can easily grab you and pull you into a car before you know what is going on. The longer an attacker is out in the open more risk of being seen. I am also not a fan of headphones when walking or running in the street. People can easily come up behind you. Also, you can't assume a driver sees you. Be aware of what is going on around you.
2: Breath. When we are nervous, we can become tense and freeze up. This is what happens in 'Stage Fright' or 'Fight or Flight'. You will hear the director say to take a deep breath and relax. This causes the parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation, awareness) to regain balance with the sympathetic nervous system (analytical). Conscious relaxed breathing will help you relax and maintain awareness. If you don't look like a victim, an attacker will move on to an easier target. If something does happen, you will be in a better position to handle it.
3: Remain Calm. This is sometimes easier said then done. But, by reviewing what to do and practicing awareness, you will be in more control of the situation. You have to draw the line between being aware and becoming paranoid. Being calm will reflect confidence and is another deterrent.
4: Defend. Learn some basic self defense or hit them as hard as you can with what ever you have (hand, foot, package). If you don't think you have it in you, think about if they attacked someone in your family. If someone grabbed your mother or kid, your instinctual response would be to do what ever it takes to defend them. Yell 'Fire'. People are more responsive to this then a scream. It draws attention to you.
5: Escape. As soon as you can, get out of the situation. Even before an attack, if you do not feel comfortable, leave. If someone follows you onto an elevator and you don't feel comfortable, step out and take the next one. Find someone else or go into another business on that floor. Being aware of exit options in new places can come into place. If Kids get separated from their parent or guardian they should seek an authority figure (police, teacher, or any other parent) immediately.
6: Fight. This is last because it should be your last resort. If your attacker is much larger then you or you feel overwhelmed, drop down on your back and kick and punch while yelling fire. This is an effective defense for kids. It draws attention and is very hard to pick up someone that is kicking and punching wildly.
Please share your story or website on avoiding becoming a victim.
Here are some basic steps you can use to help avoid becoming a victim.
1: Be Aware. First is being aware of your environment. Walk in the open on sidewalks and parking garages. If you are talking on the cell phone (or worse texting because your head is down) walking next to parked cars, someone can easily grab you and pull you into a car before you know what is going on. The longer an attacker is out in the open more risk of being seen. I am also not a fan of headphones when walking or running in the street. People can easily come up behind you. Also, you can't assume a driver sees you. Be aware of what is going on around you.
2: Breath. When we are nervous, we can become tense and freeze up. This is what happens in 'Stage Fright' or 'Fight or Flight'. You will hear the director say to take a deep breath and relax. This causes the parasympathetic nervous system (relaxation, awareness) to regain balance with the sympathetic nervous system (analytical). Conscious relaxed breathing will help you relax and maintain awareness. If you don't look like a victim, an attacker will move on to an easier target. If something does happen, you will be in a better position to handle it.
3: Remain Calm. This is sometimes easier said then done. But, by reviewing what to do and practicing awareness, you will be in more control of the situation. You have to draw the line between being aware and becoming paranoid. Being calm will reflect confidence and is another deterrent.
4: Defend. Learn some basic self defense or hit them as hard as you can with what ever you have (hand, foot, package). If you don't think you have it in you, think about if they attacked someone in your family. If someone grabbed your mother or kid, your instinctual response would be to do what ever it takes to defend them. Yell 'Fire'. People are more responsive to this then a scream. It draws attention to you.
5: Escape. As soon as you can, get out of the situation. Even before an attack, if you do not feel comfortable, leave. If someone follows you onto an elevator and you don't feel comfortable, step out and take the next one. Find someone else or go into another business on that floor. Being aware of exit options in new places can come into place. If Kids get separated from their parent or guardian they should seek an authority figure (police, teacher, or any other parent) immediately.
6: Fight. This is last because it should be your last resort. If your attacker is much larger then you or you feel overwhelmed, drop down on your back and kick and punch while yelling fire. This is an effective defense for kids. It draws attention and is very hard to pick up someone that is kicking and punching wildly.
Please share your story or website on avoiding becoming a victim.
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