Bruce Lee May Be Dead, But This Principle Lives On

Martial Arts Mastery A Tell-All of Tips, Tactics, and Techniques ################################################### Okay, we're back to normal, this week ... uh ... with one exception: There are TWO articles in this week's issue, instead of one. I hope you don't mind ... and if you do, I'll be waiting for your challenge on the corner of ... just kidding. :-) The first article is the more practical of the two; it deals with a joint-lock problem that I have noticed recently. The second article talks about formality "while teaching martial arts." Some of you found fault with my tendencies toward informality during a martial-arts lesson. Allow me to shed some light on my reasoning, and offer you a suggestion for change in your own class ... uh ... assuming you are the teacher, that is. Let's get going.... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=Even when I meet another instructor who does similar locks, there can still be a difference of opinion of one or two moves, principles, or strategies. As mentioned, I recently attended a wrist-locking seminar. I thought that 95% of what they were doing fit into the "cool" category; still, I had a problem or two with a couple of parts of the training. Problems? Well, some of what I saw went against a Bruce Lee principle -- a principle that Bruce Lee, himself, occasionally ignored "in his films." You all know the scene that I am referring to.... You'll find it toward the beginning of "Enter the Dragon." He's working with his pupil. Thwap ... hit to the top of the head.

Okay, in your best imitation of Bruce-Lee's voice, say, "Never take your eyes off your opponent ... even when bowing." Good rule, eh? Well, we have already discussed, ad nauseam, how this principle can be applied against those who do spinning kicks and spinning back-fist punches. Let's not argue the spins here; you either follow the principle and avoid spinning, or you don't. But what about wrist locks and joint locks? "Pardon?" What about the locking techniques where you turn your back on your opponent? What about all of those controls that have you "rolling" and "tumbling" into position on the mat? To be completely open and up front about this, there were a few moves (okay, at least one), where I felt there was no time to punch or kick the 'dude' locking you. It "felt" like a safe lock, without weak spots. On the other hand ... most of the tumbles into the lock position felt that they had some "slack points" in the sequence of the lock. As the lock was effected, I felt a few points where I could have punched my partner in the back of the neck or kidneys. There were also a couple of spots, where if I shifted my weight just a little, I could have dropped a knee into his (or her) calf (lower leg). These locks, in my opinion, had problems. They had definite weak points. And the problems stemmed from taking one's eyes off the enemy. At this point, you have a few options. You can: 1. disagree with me and continue taking your eyes off your opponent during your locks. 2. loudly proclaim to the world that you don't do "no stinkin' locks," and especially "no crummy somersault-type moves." 3. avoid that variety of joint control in the future. Really try to keep your eyes on your opponent, at all times. (Yes, Yoda, "there is no try. Do or do not.") 4. examine the locks where you do lose visual contact. Look for those "slack spots" mentioned. Change the flow of the lock, so there "is" constant pressure all the way to the position of control. Tweak the lock, so you do keep your eyes on your opponent.

5. move on to the next article.... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Last week, I mentioned my tendency toward informality in martial-arts situations. I assumed even before I wrote what I did, that it would bother some of the more classically-trained martial artists. Well, 'Keith the Swami Mindreader,' was right ... and no, I won't continue referring to myself in the third person. (I have issues with teacher's who refer to themselves in the third person, by name ... but that's another story.) Rather than blindly following the level of formality presented in the classes you attended under an instructor, why not think through the amount and purpose of formality in the classes you teach. Note: Size of class doesn't matter. These principles apply to a class of one or a class of 25. Some teachers wrote to me saying that they have their students bow when entering the dojo to show respect. Addressing the teacher as "sir" is also a sign of respect. There were also mentions of the need for "self-discipline." First, I don't think addressing a teacher as "sir" or "ma'am" develops self-discipline. In fact, I don't see the two having a correlation, at all. (Or let's just say, there are all sorts of better ways to foster self-discipline in your pupils.) Next, let's talk about respect. Using the formal address "shows" respect, but it doesn't necessarily instill respect. For example, I remember my Tae Kwon Do classes that I took in the early 70s. Even though we used titles to show respect, there was one teacher we actually respected, two that didn't affect us one way or the other, and one that we thought was a real piece of fecal matter. They were all "addressed" with respect. To which I say, "So, what!" Wouldn't you rather build real respect? I don't want this article to drag on; so, let's talk about how formality vs. informality has affected my presentation as a

teacher. Maybe you'll appreciate this insight into my past: When I was a high school teacher, I used formality, or lack thereof, to my advantage. In the classroom, I was "Mr. Pascal," or "Seor Pascal." I was also called "Profesor," or, "Maestro." (Both mean 'teacher' in Spanish.") Both schools where I worked preferred this formality. They sited studies where the titles helped distance the teachers from the students. In the administrators' opinion, this was a beginning step toward fostering compliance in the "troops." Note: Another way to instill this obedience was to demand that students stop misbehaving, each time an act was noticed. If the behavior continued, the teacher was to ask, "Are you refusing a reasonable request made by a teacher?" So, first and foremost, they had to obey. They could complain about the forced compliance to an administrator, "later." We were teaching instant obedience.

On the other hand, when our school took a group of students on three-day retreats, we were trying to teach them counseling skills. It was important to break down barriers between the participants. So, everyone used first names, teachers included. Over the years, I began to notice that formality was most easily used to set up barriers. Sometimes, these barriers were/are necessary. For example, if you get a bunch of kids who come from homes with no rules, you might want to consider imposing more rules of respect, to shape them into young adults. But maybe you are teaching a bunch of adults who are used to being beaten down by their bosses. Maybe now is the time to help them to bond to their teachers, while improving their self concept. I am suggesting that you use the amount of formality appropriate to the situation. Analyze your students; give them what would help them the most. One last thought: Have you seen juvenile delinquents completely turn their lives around and achieve greatness? I have. Many teachers know that it only takes one adult to influence a kid and spin him or her into a complete 180. A teacher, or minister, or a rabbi, or a youth group leader, or a janitor, or ... It only takes one. So, what does this have to do with formality?

It might be easier to affect a kid's life, cause a complete shift in perspective, if you are in "less formal mode." The shift can start with the kid's desire to be like the adult -like you. In the particular case of affecting one child, I think it's easier to do without the wall of formality. I have been told that my printed books to a better job of making you feel like you are in the classroom with me. Students say that they love not only the lessons, but the anecdotes. So, which books do I recommend? Wrist Locks: From Protecting Yourself to Becoming an Expert Coin Snatching: The Reputation Builder Tiptoeing to Tranquility: The Parable for Finding Safety and Comfort in Dangerous Times (pure story ;-) and my newest soft-cover book: Control Your Fear: A Guide For Martial Artists

Of course, pass it on to all martial arts enthusiasts, and encourage them to sign up for their own free subscription. All content is provided as is. Use your own judgment when working out and defending yourself. Since people and situations vary, the publishers, author(s), and editor may not be held liable for the content of this ezine. Use only what is useful and helpful to you. And no matter what, always be careful. Stay safe. . . . .

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