Enter the Dragon!

In our classes, prior to the closing ceremony, it customary for the instructor to ask, "Are there any questions?".  Usually these are answered with briefly, then any announcements are made, and the we pack up, get changed into civvies, and go straight home*. This format is fine for covering Q&A about administrative matters, but not ideal for consolidating learning. While I have been toying with extending the time available to allow greater reflection and sharing about technical matters, I am coming round to thinking that keeping it brief is fine, and other approaches may work better anyway for enhancing reflection and learning. One approach that appeals is used by one of our Shihans.  After giving the class a new or challenging exercise to work on, he'll often get the group to debrief  by having the class form a circle around him and each in turn describe something they just learned or observed.  This encourages reflection, and also gives everyone the b...

I list the martial blogs that I regularly read on the right sidebar.  Some of the ones I enjoyed have dried up and stopped, so I'm on the hunt for replacements, especially (but not only) "Japanese" Jiu-jitsu blogs. What are your top recommendations?

Judo doesn't teach you to fly, but you will   learn to fall  (safely). A couple of weeks ago Lisa and Ash brought their digital SLRs to class and captured some nice action shots: Up in the air Seoi otoshi (4th shoulder throw): Sensei Dan, tori ; Brenton,  uke Hane goshi (6th hip throw): Damian & Lizzie Hane goshi (reverse angle):  John, tori ; Ash, uke   Remember to breakfall The moment before landing Lejoe's breakfall is a blur

When I started learning jiu-jitsu and judo, I immediately appreciated the broad, intricate and varied syllabus.  If I was unable to make a particular technique work, be it a throw, groundwork technique, or restraint & control application I was nevertheless making progress in other areas, which was good for my morale.  I would struggle for a few minutes with the problematic technique, try some things, get some tips, and often get a bit frustrated, but then my sensei would move us onto something else.  Over time, the progress on other fronts would help me get unstuck on my problem technique (really techniques), since the underlying principles all intersect and what I learned elsewhere I would eventually be able to apply.  From time to time techniques would cease to work, or fail on a particular partner, even in cooperative practice, but nothing was permanently stuck. By contrast, when I took some ken-jitsu (japanese sword class, performed initially with a wooden bo...

Dear reader As you can see, I have finally updated the template that controls the layout of this blog, including colors, fonts and what goes where on the side-bars.  I hope you like the new look! I'll continue to refine the layout, but I am keen to hear how I can make it work better for you : What do you like / not like? Suggest improvements And, while you are at it, please tell me what kind of posts you would like to see more of in the future. E.g. Principles Learning and teaching tips Connecting martial arts practice and real life Links to other online martial arts articles and resources Book reviews You name it (and I might do it!) If point me to examples of past posts that you liked (or don't! ;-), that helps me too. Also, since I have a few overlapping audiences, could you also tell me which camp you fall in?  E.g.: Prospective martial arts students, especially those considering learning jiu-jitsu My own students, and martial arts colleagues Other martial artists, includi...