FAQ
Scripted martial arts are step by step techniques which require a non-resisting opponent. Many traditional martial arts today practice in this manner, executing routines that are unproven in actual combat. Ever hear of a martial art that wasn't willing to participate in the UFC because they'd kill people? That's not actually a badge of honor. It just means they can't use the moves on a daily basis, nor can they test them actively because of injury or death potential. This translates to a faith based approach to self defense. Trusting that a move will work regardless of context. This creates a dangerous scenario where a practitioner of such an art may either suffer from false confidence, or a severe lack of confidence because he hasn't proven to himself the martial art is a successful one.
Resistance based training is a methodology that assumes an opponent wont be cooperative and may behave in a manner inconsistent with your expectations.
Example: Student A learns a technique and tries to execute it on Student B. Student B actively resists and tries to defeat the technique that Student A is attempting to impose on him.
This methodology creates a filter through which bad techniques do not survive, and good techniques become prized.
The results of resistance based training are exponentially greater in value than scripted. Not only have you proven to yourself that the move will work against your classmates (who are best equipped to resist it) but you can carry yourself out in the real world with the confidence that you are equipped with a valid set of skills.
How this plays out at HKD is as follows:
We spend an hour of class learning subject matter relating to a specific positional set of skills.
In the following half hour, students live spar with each other. Often we enter this resistance training with a constraint led approach where students are forced to develop skills relating to the curriculum of the day.
If you're ever interested in the history of resistance based training and when it entered the world of martial arts, ask Matt next time you see him. He loves talking about it.
While it's always better to be in good shape than not, it is not a requirement to begin martial arts training.
As a significant benefit of membership at HKD, you will get into shape as you train. We have a series of exercises that you will learn as you progress which will enable you to increase your fighting potential as well as get in great shape!
No, you are not too old to begin martial arts training. Martial arts students around the world have been known to continue training into their 90's. Helio Gracie famously trained at the age of 95.
Age is just a number.
That said, expectations should be realistic. If you've suffered from multiple significant injuries, surgeries, etc. You shouldn't try to keep up with the teens or twenty year old's in the dojo.
It should be you vs you. Is the 31 year old version of you that stayed home and watched TV better off than the version of you that came to the gym? The answer is obvious!
The world is full of a wide range of martial arts.
Striking arts: Boxing, Muay Thai, Kung Fu, Kickboxing, Tae-Kwon Do, Savate, Target Focus Training
Grappling arts: Judo, Sambo, Japanese Jiu Jitsu, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wrestling,
Weapons based arts: Firearms, Kali/Escrima, Kendo, Gatka, Fencing
Most striking martial arts described above escalate conflict by using them. Grappling arts, especially low impact ones are de-escalatory.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is more casual, yet incredibly practical. A Jiu jitsu practitioner typically follows the following methodology:
1. Take your opponent down to the ground, thus limiting his kinetic potential for devastating strikes.
2. Get past your opponents dangerous legs.
3. Establish and work your way through a hierarchy of pins.
4. Control, and if necessary, submit your opponent.
-Is the head coach providing your needs?
-Is the gym family friendly?
-Is the gym culture humble, or ego driven?
-Does the school have a reputation for harming it's students?
-Is the gym certified with it's parent organizations?
-While learning effective skills, is it fun?
-Does the gym do resistance based training (sparring) or is it entirely theoretical? This one is important. There should absolutely be resistance based training involved.