FIGHTING

Something for you all to think about if you are contemplating getting hands on and fighting or defending yourself.

Usually when two animals fight one loses and limps off injured or worse, the victor will usually always limp of injured to some degree.

As you may or may not know I am, for my sins, a Police Constable. Yet again last night I had to effect the arrest of a violent man. In comparison to me it was a miss-match in my favour. In any violent confrontational situation there are certain factors you need to take into consideration before thinking about going hands on. These include age, size, gender, alcohol, drugs, mental derangement, etc.. I can go on and on.

The guy I had to arrest was a extremely violent offender who's violence was fuelled by a mental instability. In a nut shell, your usual run of the mill techniques simply do not work! All 5' 6" of his stocky frame held off three of us. All Pressure Point techniques failed, simple compound strikes bounced off of him and in terms of strength it was like fighting a Gorilla.

After 5 minutes of wrestling, during which ALL of my Ju Jutsu techniques were tried, tested and failed I emerged battered, bruised and injured (busted shoulder).

The guy was 5' 6", stocky build and weighed approximately 14 stone. I am 6' 2", heavy build and 17 stone. I have 20 + years experience in martial arts, I am not a cage rage fighter and I do not profess to be the ultimate martial arts guru. However, I can state firmly that I can look after myself. This guy held me and two others off him for a considerable time and I emerged injured.

Just bare in mind, no matter what size your opponent is, no matter how good you are at Karate, Aikido and Ju Jutsu. Fighting still carries a risk of injury for whoever is involved. Unfortunately I had to fight as I had to apprehend the suspect. If you have the choice, walk away, it's not worth it. Injuries suck! That's Christmas, training, work messed up for a few weeks now while I recover.

Oss

Sensei Jeffrey John Russell - Sandan
Chief Instructor - Braintree Shotokan Karate-Do

BSKD Training Time Changes

On the following dates Karate Training at Braintree will be as follows; Children 4.00pm - 5.00pm and Adults 5.00pm - 6.00pm;

Sunday 18th November 2007
Sunday 9th December 2007
Sunday 6th January 2008
Sunday 10th February 2008
Sunday 17th February 2008

Punch Bags, Black Belts and Freestyle

There are a couple of questions / points that I need to clarify and have chosen to do so via this blog. Please feel free to add your comments and discuss this topic further.

Firstly, I want to explain the difference between a Punch Bag and a Black Belt. In the picture you see a Black Belt training on a Punch Bag. Punch Bags are a great training tool, they enable you to practice all of your techniques with 100% speed and power.

That point brings me nicely onto my other question / point - Freestyle. We have already established that you can practice your techniques with 100% speed and power on a punch bag. Black Belts are not Punch Bags and during your Freestyle training sessions, no matter who you are, you will not treat a Black Belt as such. There are reasons for this;

1. Traditional Shotokan karate-Do Jiyu Kumite (Freestyle) is about control and the execution of skilled techniques. At no stage during any bout with any student should you be freestyling with optimal power - speed and control yes!
2. Respect - Black Belts have usually trained long and hard to earn their grade and belt. A black belt costs approximately the same as a punch bag to buy. However, the effort that goes into purchasing a punch bag is very little, where as the effort that goes into buying a Black Belt stems into years.
3. Physical Ability - Just because somebody wears a Black Belt does not necessarily mean they are extremely good at Freestyle. Being a Black Belt encompasses much more than simply fighting. I can recall a Green Belt beating a Black Belt once. That Black Belt is still training and teaching, better still they are an ambassador to Karate. The Green Belt is nowhere to be seen.
4. Finally, EDUCATION - if you chose to let a Black Belt lead you and teach you during your Freestyle bouts you may learn a little more and enjoy your bout more.

I am not disappointed to have to write this because it happens and we all need reminding of the rank system, etiquette and training. Whether these points are achieved by reading this article or learning the hard way by a disgruntled Black Belt giving you one dig for the hundred you've just attempted to hit them with (speed and power) it doesn't matter, so long as you understand!

Summary:

Black Belts are not Punch Bags

Punch Bags are for practicing your techniques with 100% speed and power

Black Belts will hit back 100% speed and power, usually because they are fed up of a lower grade thinking they are a Punch Bag

I think my stance on this is clear, oss.

Sensei Jeffrey John Russell - Sandan

Chief Instructors Credentials

Martial Arts Credentials;

Sandan (3rd Dan Black Belt) in Shotokan Karate

Honorary Nidan (2nd Dan Black Belt) in Aikido

Honorary Nidan (2nd Dan Black Belt) in Ju Jutsu

Honored Rokudan (6th Dan Black Black) in Seite-Do Karate by Soke Edward James Badiang of the World Siete-Do Budo Karate Organisation.

2000: Nominated for 'Master Instructor or the Year' in the Eastern USA Black Belt Hall of Fame.

1999: COMBAT Hall of Fame award recipient for Outstanding Commitment and Devotion to the Development of Martial Arts throughout the UK and rest of the World.

Columnist for COMBAT, Traditional Karate and Tae Kwon Do & Korean Arts magazines 1999 - 2002.

Columnist for USA'S World of Martial Arts magazine 1999.

Owner and Developer of Aerobox, training system designed to help develop martial arts throughout the world - 1998 to 2003 (still owner of patent / trade mark).

Started studying Martial Arts in 1982.

Started studying Karate in 1986.

Started teaching Karate in 1989 for Sensei Greg Durrant, Shotokan Karate Association (SKA).

Set up own small independent Karate Club in 2000, United Kingdom Budo Karate Association (later changed to Braintree Shotokan Karate-Do).

Developed own club into a small Karate Association in 2006 which became known as Traditional Shotokan Karate-Do (TSKD) in 2007.

There are now 3 Karate Clubs within TSKD; Braintree Shotokan Karate-Do (BSKD), Halstead Shotokan Karate-Do (HSKD) and Kingston Shotokan Karate-Do (KSKD).

Fitness Credentials;

Y.M.C.A. RSA Fitness Instructor

B.A.W.L.A. Weight Training Instructor

BTEC National Diploma in Business & Leisure Studies (Sports Science)

City & Guilds in Recreation Studies (Sports Coaching)

City & Guilds in Business & Communication

REEBOK Cycle Instructor

ADIDAS Advanced Performance Trainer (APT)

Bodylife Welness Instructor

Energise Nutritional Adviser

David Lloyd Leisure - Health & Fitness manager 1993 - 1997

Pinnacle Health & Leisure - Health & Fitness manager 1997 - 1998

AEROBOX TM- Owner, Pioneer and Designer of AEROBOX training system 1993 - Present

Personal Trainer 1992 - 1998

KARATE PARTY

If you want to give your child a party with a difference then try a Karate Party! It's a simple and easy way to give your child a knockout present.

You provide the Hall, Food and Part Bags. We provide Professional Friendly Instructors with real Karate Credentials.

Our Instructors are all Qualified Black Belts and include Award Winning Karate Columnists and Karate Champions. We guarantee a Professional Approach, Quality Instruction, Friendly Manner and Safe Learning Environment.

We can help with the logistics of Hall Hire too.

Karate Party Package: Cost £120.00 includes;

Up to 90 minutes of Karate Instruction for up to 20 Children (aged 6+)

2 x Birthday Presents for the Birthday Boy / Girl - RRP: £35.00

Voucher for the Birthday Boy / Girl, for a FREE Beginners Course in Shotokan Karate at one of our Karate Clubs (Braintree or Halstead) - RRP: £20.00

Handouts for all children attending the party on Karate, includes; Discount Voucher for a Beginners Course in Shotokan Karate at one of our Karate Clubs (Braintree or Halstead)

We can cater for more than 20 children.

For more information or make a booking please contact: Jeff Russell on 01787 473908.

Karate Party is only available in the North Essex area.

Beginners Welcome

A Beginners Course in Shotokan Karate and Self Defence

This is an effective 8 week course introducing you to the wonderful humble art of Shotokan Karate and Self Defence. Open to both Males and Females, children aged 7 years plus and no age limits on adults.

You will enjoy our Karate Course because it is taught in a Safe Learning Environment with a Friendly Club Atmosphere. All courses are taught by Professional Qualified Black Belt Instructors. Our Black Belts are among the best in the country and feature Award Winning Karate Magazine Columnist and Karate Kata Champions.

At: Braintree Shotokan Karate-Do - Braintree Leisure Centre, Panfield Lane, Braintree, Essex

Starting: Sunday 11th March 2007, Children 10.00am to 11.00am and Adults 11.00am to 12.00 noon.

Cost: £20.00 for an 8 Week Course

Contact: 01787 473908 for more information (Jeff Russell)

Alternatively;

At: Halstead Shotokan Karate-Do - Queens Hall, Chipping Hill, Halstead, Essex

Starting: Monday 12th March 2007, Children 7.00pm to 8.00pm and Adults 8.00pm to 9.00pm.

Cost: £20.00 for an 8 Week Course

Contact: 01787 476694 for more information (Glenn Hildyard)