While on the topic of seminars there is an additionally point I would like to raise. Although the recent event was well attended (as normal), the seminars have an added effect of showing the character of the students. Not only does it reveal which students are the most determined, but shows who is a ‘dreamer’ and who is serious. Many students proclaim their intention to become masters, but it is through the seminars that the truth becomes apparent. The seminar programme is intense, so only those that really have the ‘inner steel’ are present at all (and in all my time as a student I only missed 1). There are many reasons why a person cannot do something but those that really desire something always find a way. Lethargy and laziness is often at the forefront of being human, but determination, no matter the odds, is the characteristic of a martial artist. It is good to remember that in life it is actions, not words that show a person’s true ‘face’. (Incidentally, when considering an apprentice the above quality is one I look closely for.).

 

With regard to the knife defence seminar, this is indeed the last time that I teach on this topic for the foreseeable future. I have many other subjects which I need to teach so, having taught on this for 4 years in a row, I believe I have discharged my duty. It may be possible for students to learn this from me once more in private if they are particularly passionate to do so. However, this is not my intention.

 

To conclude the topic of knife defence I would like to relate a little more of the events that took place at the recent seminar. Fittingly it was, without doubt, the most comprehensive tuition on the subject I have ever taught. It is fair to say that even the students that have attended all the previous seminars were amazed at the depth of the learning. There is a reason why this programme is in demand by special force operatives...

 

Congratulations should go to the students that attended; this was, in many ways a difficult seminar, challenging attendees emotionally as well as physically. The very relevant topic of the psychology of dealing with the fear involved was an intense part of the seminar, requiring each person to deal personally with it. Facing yourself is one of the hardest, yet most important, parts of any art. It is only when you can get inside and ‘touch’ yourself that start to develop. To build yourself strong you must first know where your foundations are...

 

The training also necessitated that the students developed greater body awareness. As a knife is a weapon of close quarters, there is less time to react and, therefore, a smaller margin of error to escape unscathed. If you are to do this, your whole body needs to be working in harmony – once small position, dynamic or angle askew and there is a serious problem. As always developing effective skills is far more than just rope learning techniques...

Sifu