A lot of times when you go to these types of events, there is a weak link in the instruction. I'm happy to say, however, that all 3 of the weekend's instructors were just awesome. Collectively, Andie Dobie Sensei (Shorinji Kan Jiu-jitsu), Steve Hiscoe Shihan (Can-ryu Jiu-jitsu) and Michael Seamark Shihan (Kokodo Jiu-jitsu) have over 90 years of martial arts experience between them, and it showed in their instruction (left to right in the pic below). They were like 3 peas in a pod of pure pain.
The participants in the event thoroughly enjoyed being twisted up, punched, squeezed, and slammed. The instructors never seemed to be without a smile when teaching (unless demonstrating their "mean face"). I'm not sure I can say the same for their ukes.
Steve Hiscoe Shihan also introduced us to a fun new "game." He created some Can-ryu Challenge coins (see pic on left). The idea is that you carry this coin on your person and if you whip it out to someone and say "Challenge!" they have to produce their own coin (if they have one). If the challengee doesn't have one, they must buy the challenger a drink. If they do have one, then the challenger has to buy. I got the ball rolling with my own coin (Sorry Dobie Sensei!). It didn't take long before people started buying their own (thankfully!).
Anyway, we all really got our money's worth, having learned/refined techniques, made new friends and shared drinks (so to speak). It was very successful and expect that it will be even better attended next year (we're gonna need more mats!). I feel very privileged to have the opportunity to train under such fine martial artists.
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5 comments:
That sounds like a spin-off of an American military tradition. Whomever has the coin given by the highest ranking person drinks free, on everyone else.
A friend of mine had one from a member of the Joint Chiefs (the only two higher are the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the President of the United States). Never saw him buy a drink.
Hey, it's your blog so you write whenever you have time and feel like it.
If it's not too much to ask I'd like to put in a request: lately I've been thinking a lot about defending against a knife on the ground after a takedown, trip... especially from inferior positions. I don't know if your style contains such defenses but ours doesn't and I feel this is a weakness which we need to work on. Some advice and maybe a short video would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Zara
HedgeMage, I believe the idea for the coin came from something similar that they have in the RCMP. I'm sure it all comes from the same roots.
As for knife defense on the ground Zara, I will make it a priority to do something on that topic in the not-too-distant future.
Thanks, of course this is just a request and you don't owe me anything, I'd just be interesting. Take your time, I'm looking forward to it.
Zara
"3 peas in a pod of pure pain" ... Nice alliteration, accurate description!
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