A weekend of the arts
By Mike Ashworth | April 28, 2010
I returned home yesterday after the most amazing few days indulging in the arts.
Now, for some of you who know me from old, you may think “the arts” means being a piss artist. I used to be able to drink for England, that’s for sure, however I knocked this on the head a few months ago, so it’s not that.
Perhaps it may have been some interesting exhibitions or similar “arts”. Whilst I love to visit these kinds of things, nope, not this time.
So what exactly am I on about when I talk about a weekend of the arts?
Martial Arts, thats what!!
Recently I wrote about taking the plunge and beginning Complete Self Protection classes in Milton Keynes run by a chap called Al Peasland.
Well, I’ve gone a step further and signed up to the inaugural Complete Self Protection Masterclass. This entails attending a five hour seminar every month for a period of six months, the first was on Saturday at MK Courtside in Milton Keynes.
During the six months I will be training in the core arts of the Real Combat System & Jeet Kune Do. In addition to being instructed by Al Peasland and Mick Tully they will also bring in guest instructors.
As well as a thorough grounding in the Real Combat System and Self Protection it is a fantastic opportunity to learn about lots of different martial arts, including, Boxing, BJJ, Muay Thai, Karate, Jeet Kune Do, Sambo Wrestling, Kali, Greco Roman Wrestling, Freestyle Wrestling, Silat and Panantukan.
There will also be an opportunity to grade during the final seminar.
Saturday
Wow, what can I say, Saturday was a fantastic day, all the people who attended were great. My initial apprehension at being completely out of my depth proved to be without foundation as those who were well versed in various arts were happy to slow things down during the training so I could get the hang of it.
The first session concentrated on striking, with hands and elbows. Jim Burns, the guest instructor for this session, came in and gave us an insight into just how effective elbows are when used to attack. Destructive power when used correctly.
Towards the end of the day we undertook a little challenge. How many press-ups could we do in one go. Bear in mind that we’d been punching all day, arms and shoulders taking a battering. I managed just under 40. And here’s the thing, we are going to all do the 100 press-up challenge. That’s right, by the end of the six months masterclass the aim is to be able to knock-out 100 press-ups from the go. Challenging but attainable.
After the masterclass we were treated to some lovely grub at the home of Al and Lou (his fiancée) whilst Mick entertained us with many tales of celebrity baiting and other such japes.
Sunday
Up early and made my way to the Way Of The Spiritual Warrior dojo in Coventry for the regular sunday session with Al and Mick.
We ran through a mixture of drills involving kicks with legs, knees, striking with hands and some grappling too.
I don’t have shin and instep pads at this point (on my list of must buy items) and as a result picked up a few knocks, bone on bone, to my shins and ankles. Wow, it makes you realise how much damage a shin/instep can inflict when used correctly. No pain, no gain.
I was talking with Lou afterwards and explaining about my apprehension around the arts and my lack of skills and she was kind enough to point out that I looked like I was holding my own in the dojo that day. Thanks Lou.
Monday
Monday evening and it’s the regular session at MK Courtside in Milton Keynes. This week we focussed on grappling and some groundwork. This was a great deal of fun. Not how you’d normally describe being thrown to the floor and vice versa however it’s amazing how easy it is to use someone else’s bodyweight and power against them.
So there you have it, three days of fantastic training. I’m already chomping at the bit for the next weekend up there in a couple of weeks. And to all the people I’ve met over the three days, you all rock!
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