MASTER CLASS IRELAND DAY 2

Review of 2nd Master Class 1/11/08

Another great training day in the bag. Only the second session and everyone in the group is now striking with great accuracy and power. The group are now starting to look more relaxed, with many of their initial fears of signing up for the course having been dispelled. We looked at taking the aggression testing to a higher level, and all in attendance preformed really well. The main phase of the course dealt with impact development and restricted punching. I explained to the group the importance of correct body mechanics to develop maximum punching power, and after a few minutes of tuition – all were hitting with full bodyweight. We then progressed into restrictive punching, this was done from your back (ground fighting), from your back-side, from your knees and finally standing- with your back flat to the wall (which restricts your body mechanics), ultimately forcing you to use massive speed and power to create a knock-out shot. All students were asked to be extremely guttural during all impact development drills, when they triggered this mental state the power in the strikes was awesome.

For the next drill we took them out of their comfort zone with some realistic pressure testing drills. I took to the middle of the floor to play the role of the bad guy! Tony was making notes on the side-lines. Each student was then taken into a situation of being asked a series of brain engaging questions (a very common pre-cursor before attack) by me (playing the predator). Some drills where done with a very low level of aggression (to begin with) and then the aggression level was progressed, either very rapidly (exposing the student to adrenaline dump) or very slowly or intermittently. This exposed the students to the ‘Flight or Fight’ mindset.

Each drill presented a different problem, and solution. It was obvious to myself and Tony that some students still had a problem with controlling the situation and pre-emptive striking. However by the end of the session all in attendance were looking sharp.

During the session we invited two students - Deva and Ken to present short sections of the class, both lads have vast experience and their teaching skills and enthusiasm was very impressive. We now have 7 trainee instructors on the Hard Target instructor’s course and I am looking forward to them progressing through their grades in the New Year. Well done lads.

Our next master class is scheduled for December 6th. From this class on, all students will be asked to deliver a speech to the group on dealing with fear control, and how they themselves experience the negative and positives aspects of controlling fear.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank my great friend Tony Somers for helping me out recently. He took the time out of his busy schedule to help out on a government contract I am working at the moment. This contract covered 10 different counties, instructing over 300 government officials in various aspects of conflict resolution and hand to hand combat. Your help (and your friendship) – as always is very much appreciated mate.

Keep an eye on www.hardtargetselfdefence.com for new monthly work-shops and combat conditioning classes which will be starting very soon. Tony will also be releasing his second DVD titled ‘FEAR’ in the New Year; I highly recommend this film to everyone. We all have fears, and this new film from Tony will be invaluable to all us who want to lead an opulent, happy and healthy lifestyle.

This DVD will be available to buy from www.focusfitness.ie www.hardtargetselfdefence.com and from www.tonysomers.com

Until next month, train hard, rest well and remember, to achieve our dreams we must be relentless, there is no substitute for hard work. In absence of clearly defined goals, we become strangely loyal to performing daily acts of trivia.

Stay safe

Aidan Carroll