Review of Master Class with Aidan Carroll & Tony Somers: (Day 1)

We had a great turn out for our first ever master class (in Ireland) on 18/10/08. Over 20 students arrived at 9am for the first training day. We have people from 8 different counties and various martial art back-grounds, as well as some beginners on the course too.The day started with introductions from my good friend Tony and me.

Each student was then given a piece of paper and a pen and was asked to write a few words on any fears they may have on their first day of training. They were then asked to put their piece of paper in a circle on the mats. Tony and I also wrote down our fears. We also asked the students not to sign the paper; this was an excellent exercise that Tony introduced. It has two real advantages- one is that it allows each student the opportunity to address their own fears, and the other advantage is that we also get each student to individually read out someone else words (introducing the student to public speaking).

This anonymity allows the student to be more open about how he or she may be feeling.Some of the feed-back was amazing. Many had feelings of not being fit enough, not being qualified enough and many had a massive feeling of fear - just walking through the door to the training area.One gentleman who spoke to the group told us how he had trouble finding the venue, and was just about to turn back for home. He then went on to say how he knew in his heart that he was just not looking hard enough, and in actual fact was (by his own admission) reaching into the depths of his mind for any excuse not to turn up for training. He did make it to the venue and had a fantastic days training.

This gentleman, like all of us will consciously or subconsciously put up barriers or excuses when we know what lies ahead will take us out of our comfort zones.On the drive from my house to the venue Tony also spoke about the adrenaline he was feeling, knowing that this is his first (but certainly not his last) time to present a master class in Ireland, I knew exactly what he was going through.Over the years both myself and Tony have tested ourselves to the max (mentally & physically) and continue to step out of our comforts zones on a regular basis.We know (as I am sure many of you who read this article) the fear never leaves us, but we continue to test ourselves on a regular basis, because we understand (without any doubt) that there is growth in the discomfort.

The students were then put into two groups and lined up at opposite ends of the room. They were then asked to approach their training partner and be as aggressive (verbally & animated) as possible.This is what is known as the ‘situational control’ drill from the Hard Target syllabus. Some students found it hard to access this aggressive state of mind, others found it very easy.We then demonstrated how to control the aggressor with a FENCE. We wanted to see how many remained switched on after we showed the correct way to set up your fence and line-up the aggressor.

The next drill done showed Tony and myself how many students got completely caught up with the aggressor’s dialogue - brain engaging/aggressive posturing. We explained we always assume there may be another attacker/attackers involved and also always to assume that the aggressor/s may be carrying or concealing a weapon.We then armed half of the group with training blades and asked them to deploy the blade at the point when they had accessed massive aggression. Almost all of the opponents were stabbed, thus proving that “Action beats Reaction” every time.This then lead us nicely into the controversial subject of pre-emptive striking. After a brief discussion throughout the group regarding self defence and the law with regard to pre-emption, it was obvious that all in attendance where realists, and within a few minutes all where hitting the pads with massive amounts of controlled aggression.A small number had some problems with accessing a combative mind-set.

Tony and I lead the way by falling into our Oscar winning roles (very convincible!) as crazed predators. Some seemed a little shocked by our display. I think the word ‘shocked’ is the best description, because when I asked did anyone have any questions or comments, one gentleman asked for a change of underpants -but I think they got the idea!It wasn’t long before Tony and I would be looking for a fresh pair of shorts - after a few drills all in the group looked like extras from the Sopranos!Over the last 20 years of cross training, I have worked with some amazing instructors from all over the world, but I have to say Tony Somers is in a class of his own.

It is a complete pleasure to work with Tony and I am very honoured to have him as great friend. I believe we are all blessed with a handful of people who come into our lives and change it for the better. Some people are blessed with this great energy, and Tony has it by the bucketful!I am really looking forward to the next 5 months on the master class.

I will keep you posted as it happens.Until next month, train hard, rest well, eat clean, tell someone you love that you love them everyday, take one hour out of each day chasing your dreams, and above all show respect to others, and your karma will be good to you.

Stay safeAidan Carroll