A VARIETY of different styles of martial arts schools joined forces recently for a mixed training seminar at the Mount Gambier Martial Arts Academy.
The first of its kind in the Mount Gambier region, the event was organised by Sidai Anthony Baseley of Jik Cheung Kung Fu Australia.
Participants came from the Mount Gambier Jujitsu Club, Mount Gambier Martial Arts Academy, Azure Tae Kwon Do, Jik Cheung Kung Fu Australia, Naracoorte Limestone Coast Kyokushin Karate and the Society of Martial Arts (SOMA) Australia.
The first training session was presented by president of SOMA Australia Hanshi Barrie Revell and his student Kyoshi Geoff Warden, who travelled from Adelaide.
Drawing on extensive experience in multiple styles of karate and other martial arts, Revell provided insight into the basics of hanbo (short stick) fighting, working on a variety of attack, defence and disarming techniques.
A short session on bokken (wooden swords) followed, providing the students with further exposure to new weapons.
To finish off the first session Revell performed the “eight cuts” sword kata.
Sensei Dave Grassi of the Mount Gambier Jujitsu Club delivered the second training session, focused on showcasing a range of jujitsu wrist and arm locks.
Students were instructed in the art of trapping an opponent from a variety of different attacks, including wrist grabs, throat grabs, side throat grabs and handshakes.
Methods of escaping these attacks without engaging the opponent or escalating the situation were also taught.
Grassi’s session highlighted the importance of the first movement of a sequence, a theme consistent across multiple martial arts.
Sensei Greg Povey of the Mount Gambier Martial Arts Academy demonstrated several conditioning drills of Kyokushin Karate, providing insight into the sparring philosophy of the host dojo.
The collaborative atmosphere of the training seminar saw students of various ranks guiding and mentoring students from other martial arts styles.
Participants were instructed in conditioning exercises to minimise the damage felt during sparring, distance manipulation drills to improve ring craft and control of a fight, plus response training to improve reaction times post receiving a hit during a sparring match.
Senior instructors from the Azure Taekwon Do Club then provided a session dedicated to balance, control and precision as students were guided through Taekwondo kicks and strength exercises.
Starting a traditional Taekwondo stance, seminar attendees were guided through a series of connected kicks, starting with smaller movements and gradually expanding.
The session provided an opportunity for karate, kung fu and jujitsu students to experience a different method of kicking and develop awareness of new methods of attack.
The session finished with a challenging series of stretches focusing on improving flexibility to allow a greater range of movement in attack.
A brief session by Jik Cheung Kung Fu Australia completed the seminar, with Sidai Terry Farrell demonstrating the use of Muk Yan (wooden dummy) and the applications of the apparatus in self-defence.
Students were shown how to adapt techniques practiced on the wooden dummy to real life defensive scenarios.
Utilising combinations of hands, elbows and kicks, students were shown how to redirect their opponent and complete an effective counter attack in one flowing motion.
Students were encouraged to train with different martial arts styles to develop further understanding of the principles and differences in each.
On the back of the successful seminar, all clubs hope the event will become an annual fixture.
