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
Friday, 21 November 2008
Monday, 17 November 2008
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
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
HUMILITY
Looking around the martial art world or in particular the world of self defence one thing seems to be missing in a big way at the moment and that is humility.
My own journey through the arts started with me as an angry insecure young man however I would like to think that as my self confidence has grown so has my humility. And yet I see people who are undoubtedly very tough and very good bragging about their physical powers and slating everyone else at the same time.I cant help thinking that they have missed the point here!!
Surely as you grow you lose the need to brag and tell the world how great you are but then maybe that is the answer, have they grown? or underneath their bulging biceps are they still the little man with low self worth?Life is a journey and it is a never ending journey of self development and personal growth, if you are at the point in your life where you feel you have learnt it all, weather that be in any area including relationships, martial arts etc, then you have missed the point. There is always something new to learn and everyone you meet is both teacher and pupil.The old martial arts masters by all accounts were the most humble people you could ever meet, not for them the bulging biceps and LOOK AT ME MENTALITY!! remember David Carradine Kung Fu?
Now I know he was only a TV character but what a character. Great political and religious leaders are all humble. Look at George Bush, is he humble? No, Does he have a swagger? Just a bit! But will he be remembered as a great leader? I don't think so!As your inner confidence grows then so should your humility and if you think that is a sign of weakness then respectfully I suggest you go back to the drawing board and start again.I have just finished another master class In Ireland with my good friend Aidan Carroll once again it was a fantastic class full of great people.
The level two classes here are now well under way and are going very well. Stephen Smith a member of the class has written a great review which I have sent to MAI and will be on this site very soon. I have also posted some of the filming he has done on to you tube, so have a look.Matty and myself are running a training day on November 29Th just for people who have been on our master classes it will be very good.New master classes, level one and two will be starting in January we will keep you posted for the dates.I am working on a new fear DVD at the moment which is looking really good, it should be ready for release in the next two to three weeks.
It is not a fighting DVD but has some very powerful content including an interview with the man himself Geoff Thompson.Take care and my warmest Regards to you and remember to be confident but HUMBLE!
My own journey through the arts started with me as an angry insecure young man however I would like to think that as my self confidence has grown so has my humility. And yet I see people who are undoubtedly very tough and very good bragging about their physical powers and slating everyone else at the same time.I cant help thinking that they have missed the point here!!
Surely as you grow you lose the need to brag and tell the world how great you are but then maybe that is the answer, have they grown? or underneath their bulging biceps are they still the little man with low self worth?Life is a journey and it is a never ending journey of self development and personal growth, if you are at the point in your life where you feel you have learnt it all, weather that be in any area including relationships, martial arts etc, then you have missed the point. There is always something new to learn and everyone you meet is both teacher and pupil.The old martial arts masters by all accounts were the most humble people you could ever meet, not for them the bulging biceps and LOOK AT ME MENTALITY!! remember David Carradine Kung Fu?
Now I know he was only a TV character but what a character. Great political and religious leaders are all humble. Look at George Bush, is he humble? No, Does he have a swagger? Just a bit! But will he be remembered as a great leader? I don't think so!As your inner confidence grows then so should your humility and if you think that is a sign of weakness then respectfully I suggest you go back to the drawing board and start again.I have just finished another master class In Ireland with my good friend Aidan Carroll once again it was a fantastic class full of great people.
The level two classes here are now well under way and are going very well. Stephen Smith a member of the class has written a great review which I have sent to MAI and will be on this site very soon. I have also posted some of the filming he has done on to you tube, so have a look.Matty and myself are running a training day on November 29Th just for people who have been on our master classes it will be very good.New master classes, level one and two will be starting in January we will keep you posted for the dates.I am working on a new fear DVD at the moment which is looking really good, it should be ready for release in the next two to three weeks.
It is not a fighting DVD but has some very powerful content including an interview with the man himself Geoff Thompson.Take care and my warmest Regards to you and remember to be confident but HUMBLE!
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