The Importance of Experimentation
If you are not able to view this video, click here.
A couple of weeks ago, I published a video called “Hunting for Disarm #2.” In that video, I identified six spots to execute disarm #2. I tell you that this was a fun experiment! I encourage everyone to try a similar experiment.
As I point out, in the video above, not all disarms will be practical. In particular, I pointed to one spot where pulling off disarm #2 is impractical.
This is where curiosity and experimentation come into play. Ask yourself, “Is there a more efficient technique to deal with this angle or situation?” Better yet, “Is there more than one way to deal with this situation other than disarm #2?“
In the above video, I offered four responses other than disarm #2. The options I presented are all much quicker and more efficient.
Again, experimentation is key. You have to be willing to tinker, play, and experiment. I’ve even experimented with FMA moves on a mook jong!
Further, I encourage my students to do just that as an instructor. Instructors often take an authoritarian “MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY” approach. Under those instructors, no independent thinking was permitted, and no experimentation was tolerated. Those days are long gone.
However, there are limits. First, the students must have solid body structure, appropriate footwork, centreline awareness and stick fundamentals before I let them experiment. Secondly, if I see that they have come up with unrealistic options, I will let them know and demonstrate the weakness of the unwise option. Once those are in place, I encourage experimentation!
One quote from the late Professor Remy Presas comes to mind: “He could do dat, but I would NOT!” That always elicited a chuckle from us. I have adapted that for my students: “You could do dat, but I would NOT!”
Resumption of my Vlog
After a five-month hiatus, I finally recorded another Vlog, clocking in at just over 2 minutes.
If you are not able to view the video, click here.
What inspired this resumption? In a fit of inspiration over the weekend, I came up with 30 different vlog topics. While I’ve eliminated some of them due to redundancy, the list remains intact. I hope that more ideas pop into my head. In any case, I’m aiming for one Vlog per week.
Now, I know I don’t have the most exciting or sizzling personality in the world. LOL. Nor do I delve into controversial or extremist content. My wife jokingly told me the other day, “Why don’t you put out extremist stuff on your YouTube channel and drive up the views?” We both had a good laugh. She knows me too well. Anyway, keep an eye out for Vlogs every Tuesday!
Inspiration for the Week
If you are not able to view the video, click here.
After watching this guy, how can anyone come up with an excuse for not training??
Additional Reading
- Hunting for Disarm #2
- Friday Recommendation #18
- Counters to Disarms
- Fix It Friday: Not Thissss
- Where’s Disarm #1?
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Brian Johns
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