We had an awesome launch with our kickboxing class! Come check out this new program with Jarrett McBride. Kickboxing is essential for those looking to enter the Roch NY MMA arena. It’s also a fun way to get in super amazing shape.
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We were super excited to be a part of Rage in the Cage 2, an amateur MMA event here in Rochester. Brennan Strimple helped to corner Jarrett McBride in his match and worked with him prior to the MMA fight. Overall I was impressed with what I saw. The fighters truly are athletes and it was obvious that they trained and worked hard in preparation. Even making weight is a difficult process for this kind of fight- not to mention all the striking and grappling training needed to perform your best. I was especially impressed with the women fighters. Their technique - especially the striking - was amazing to watch. I even thought the event itself was well run. Full Contact Promotions took care to showcase each fighter. Everyone got to have their walk of honor through the fog and lights as their name and credentials were announced. There were professional medical personnel on hand, though I didn't see any serious injuries. Jarrett McBride won his match! I was very happy to be a part of his training and to be able to see him fight. Are you confused in Jiu-Jitsu? Or Aikido? Or Karate?
That's okay, we all are. Or at one point we all were. These aren't easy things to understand. It takes time, and lots of practice. Here are some tips: 1. Record Classes Ask permission first, but most instructors won't have a problem with it. Recording the explanation of the techniques for reference later can help a lot. It can also help to watch yourself. You may pick up on things you didn't realize you were doing. 2. Keep a Notebook Writing and reflecting after classes also helps you retain and process things. Again, this gives you a reference to look back on. 3. Ask for Help Don't be afraid to ask for help. This can be done before, during, or after classes. Instructors are always happy to help explain things to you, and it helps us refine our teaching skills.  Should your training begin and end with your own school? For many people, coming to class and training in their own school is enough. However, extra training can be extremely beneficial for so many reasons.
Additional training can take many forms. Seminars, open rolls, and tournaments are just a few examples. Why are these events so important to your training? They Keep Things Fresh As you train and start working with others, you start figuring things out about your training partners. We all have habits, and the more you work with familiar people, the more you can anticipate just how he or she will react. By training with new people, you can better tell if your techniques are working properly. A technique will work differently on someone who has no idea it's coming. They Put Things Into Perspective Maybe you're the biggest guy in class. Maybe you're the smallest. Maybe you're the oldest. Maybe you're the youngest. By traveling to another school, you can seek out others with similar or different body types than you're used to. I'm used to working with people a lot bigger than me in our classes. At first I was getting a little discouraged because it seemed like everyone was better-- Until I went to another school that had several women my size. I held my own! Suddenly I didn't seem to be doing nearly as badly as I had been thinking I was. They Prevent "Martial Inbreeding" This is a term I use for when people substitute anticipation/expectations for technique. In other words, is something working because it's legit? Or because Sensei says it will work and it's working for everyone else? Other instructors and high ranking individuals may have new ways of looking at things or interpreting techniques. By going out and experiencing new ideas - even if you don't agree with them - you keep adding tidbits of understanding and knowledge to your belt. This keeps your martial world growing, expanding, and evolving. There are so many more reasons to venture outside your school walls. I'll tackle more in another post. One of the fun things about martial arts - for kids and some adults - is the cool uniform you get to wear! We have uniforms for a few reasons. One is because it's traditional, and the martial arts celebrate tradition and history within the classes. However, the uniform also has a very practical use as well. In arts like BJJ and Judo, the uniform is designed to withstand the rigors of training. It won't rip when grabbed and yanked. It also helps keep things fair in competition. If one person has a loose fitting uniform, it will make it far easier for their opponent to grab it and complete their throw or sweep. In Karate, a thick uniform acts as a training tool. Listening to the SNAP sound that a uniform makes when you throw a technique helps indicate how sharp and strong the punch or kick was. Aikido has a unique uniform as well. Since it doesn't need to be as strong as a Karate or Judo uniform, these are a lot lighter. The sleeves are short enough to not get in the way during weapon work. The knees on the pants are reinforced for some of the kneeling work. The uniforms might seem odd and confusing at first, but they are important! We can help get you the perfect uniform for whatever training you decide to take on.  Many people take advantage of the New Year to set goals for themselves. When it comes to training, this can initially be pretty easy. Set a goal to train a certain amount of time each week.
But there is a reason why New Year Resolutions tend to, well, not work so good. Setting out to make a change is one thing, but until that new thing becomes part of your lifestyle these changes may not last. With martial arts, it's best to adapt a lifestyle that compliments your training. There is so much crossover into daily life, no matter what kind of martial art you're taking. Weight loss and getting in shape are always popular resolutions. Here's a secret: I run because I don't want to be dead on the mat after two rounds. Here's another secret: I eat decently so I feel light and energetic during training. These things do lead to weight loss and fitness, but they also link directly to martial arts training. It works because it's part of the overall lifestyle. Aside from the physical stuff, there's the mental aspect too. Staying calm when someone is trying to punch you or choke you out-- Under those circumstances, staying calm when work gets stressful seems easy, right? Work your New Year Resolutions into your martial arts lifestyle!! |
Black belts onlineWhen Sensei Leigh and Sensei Brennan aren't training, we're keeping you updated on the happenings here at Rochester Phoenix Martial Arts! Categories
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