Good posture – how to have youthful, comfortable, fluid movement at any age.

Posted on 15/11/201302/02/2015 by Matt Hill

Good posture represents a proper state of mind – Morihei Ueshiba.

Good posture – its not what you think. Dispelling some common myths about posture and tips on how to have youthful, comfortable, fluid movement at any age.

Good posture benefits us in many ways. It:

helps with elegant, effortless, fluid movement,
provides greater comfort and mobility,
puts less wear and tear on joints,
improves mood, self image and appearance,
provides space for internal organs to work and
improves blood and energy circulation.

It also means that you will have optimum readiness for your next movement, pretty handy as a martial artist or sportsperson. However, there are some common misconceptions about posture.

Good posture isn’t just about how straight your back is, or about sucking or pinching things in to be ramrod straight. It is more about being efficient, freely moving as you need to in a natural expression of yourself and being ready for your next movement.

There are three main misconceptions about posture:

Firstly good posture shouldn’t require constant attention to maintain it. If you think about it this is impractical at best. Try constant attention in any movement for more than a few minutes. I bet you can’t do it. For it to be effective we want to have good posture all day not just when we think about it. Good posture needs to be unconscious. Like walking.

Secondly good posture shouldn’t require extra effort. In fact it should require less effort than most people use. Good posture is very efficient. It uses the body’s bone structure to minimise the amount of muscle strength that needs to be used. The body ‘settles’ in a relaxed way. A simple test for this is to check and see if there is any strain in your current position. If there is you are probably not in a very good posture.

Thirdly, posture is not about keeping ramrod straight and still (think military recruit standing to attention) you certainly couldn’t manage that all day. Believe me, I have tried and failed. This type of posture brings stiffness into the muscles and reduces blood flow. This stiffness or tension interferes with other movements and breathing and impedes the natural relaxed state of awareness that you need.

Of course this is not a license to slouch. Slouching also inhibits breathing and readiness for athletic movement. You really need to find that happy medium between tension and complete relaxation. Alert relaxation if you like.

Are you evolving or de-volving?

The way that we have evolved is to be ready at any moment to meet an attack from a predator. Alert, ready, balanced, efficient. Watch an animal. They can move from complete relaxation to very athletic movement in an instant. Good posture then allows for three things:

It is efficient, conserving energy for when you need it most.
It allows for constant subtle movement such as scanning for information or danger.
It prepares you for your next movement, be that hugely athletic or a subtle change of position.

Efficiency really means minimal effort to get the job done. With posture this means holding a position to do the work while counteracting the effects of gravity. I am sure that you all agree that lying down is a pretty efficient posture. However it is not very efficient when it comes to doing other things at the same time (well with the exception of a couple I guess). Standing on the other hand, is a very unstable position. It is like balancing a bowling ball on top of a stick on top of two sticks. It requires constant corrections and movement to keep you upright (apparently for every inch the head falls forwards in bad posture the weight on the spine increases by 10lb causing long term muscle strain, disc hernaitions, arthritis and pinched nerves*)

In a standing or sitting posture you are in fact never standing still. We are all continually making minute falls and corrections in order to maintain good balance.You should strive to keep the main heavy body parts (feet, knees, pelvis, chest and head) stacked one on top of the other. Any change to this requires a lot of muscular effort to maintain balance. An understanding of these bio mechanics is what allows you to disrupt someones posture in a martial arts setting.

To keep alertness in our movements we need to be able to comfortably make subtle shifts of movement in a good posture to scan for information. Taking in the field of play, the location of different attackers or escape routes, or other dangers approaching. Alternatively it could be as simple as typing, eating or turning around to check over your shoulder in the car. If you are too tense and rigid, these on going movements will be restricted.

Finally you need to be optimally ready for the next movement, relaxed and ready to make a big exertion or just a subtle change of position. If you are too tense or rigid then your next movement will be slow, strained or cumbersome. This is however, situation specific. An almost perfect example of posture is a sprinter in the blocks. He is efficient, ready for information and perfectly positioned for his next movement.

As a martial artist you train for the time when you don’t know what is going to happen next, such as an imminent attack. In this instance your posture would be more neutral – ready to move any part of you in any direction, freely and spontaneously.

I want to get old gracefully. I want to have good posture, I want to be healthy and a good example to my children. – Sting.

In conclusion good posture is not just about sitting straight and still with an erect spine. It is more about a dynamic and ever changing event that takes minimum effort to hold, doesn’t cause injury, allows for constant ongoing activity and is ready for the next movement.

There are just two days left and only 6 spaces remain for the seminar with Jamie and I this weekend where we will cover in depth the last four posts on
Breathing, Movement, Relaxation and Posture. Attention to these four arts really can improve the quality of your health and life immeasurably, seeping into everything that you do. Click here to book now to ensure your place.

1 Day Holistic Performance Improvement Seminar

Posted on 02/10/201308/08/2024 by Matt Hill

For dramatic and lasting improvements to your physical, mental & emotional well-being….

Saturday November 16th
Melkham, Wiltshire
10.00 – 14.00
Cost: £40

This course is for people of any activity level from martial artists and athletes to couch potatoes who want to get active, or people who have lost thier mobliity and flexibility. The day is progressive and WILL change the way you operate, move and think.

One of the questions that I am most often asked is, ‘How long will it take me to get good?’ or, ‘How do I get faster results?’. This seminar is my answer. Not because it will give you magic pills, but because it will give you tools that you can use in almost every facet of your life, all day long. You see the honest answer to the oft asked questions is, ‘it depends on how much time you are willing to put into it.’ The more time you can put into training the better you will get, simple really. For most people the answer is two or maximum probably four hours per week. However, with most practices you have to set aside time to do them. Not with the material that Jamie and I will be sharing. You will learn habits that you can adapt easily and seamlessly into everyday activities helping you to train not just when you go the gym, the track or the dojo, but when you are doing anything and everything.

Jamie and I will be delivering an exclusive and new programme designed to radically change and improve your health, well-being and performance in everything you do. On the four hour course you will learn ancient breathing and relaxation techniques that you can practice throughout the day as part of your everyday activities.

You do not have to set aside time to do these practices as in meditation, yoga or exercise. They will become part of your daily habits, as natural as breathing and moving.

You will also learn subtle yet profound ways to improve your movement and posture that make everyday movements, smoother, more relaxed, less strained and more efficient.

Jamie and Matt will be sharing new material and tools that will make you:

More energised
Feel calmer
Think clearer
Less anxious
More mobile with greater freedom and range of movement
Able to deal with blood pressure and pain management issues
Understand what your body is communicating to you
Able to perform under conditions of increased physical or psychological stress and
Able to recover yourself from conditions of high physical or psychological stress

It will improve your physical performance whatever your level and whatever your activity be it yoga, meditation, walking, running, martial arts, football or anything else.

Testimonials:

“After so many years of back and knee pain I find that within just 2 months I can manage steps with a feeling of real strength in my knees and legs and almost no discomfort. For the first time in over 10 years I find I am now sleeping through the night without being woken by back pain. I’m even finding that when I lay in bed in the morning there is much less pain or discomfort. I can now bend over at the basin in the morning and clean my teeth without being in agony, something I never thought I would do.” – Gareth Leake

“After 8 years in Martial arts I can now roll straight up onto my feet, rather than putting my knee down. I have also found out that I can now jump from kneeling to standing. I contribute this new found ability to my daily practice of the four pillars of Systema, especially squats. They have opened my hip joints while removing tension from my legs. I have managed to achieve this new skill in a little under 4 weeks. With this in mind I am inspired to carry on discovering new freedoms that the four pillars can provide.” – Karl Durrant

“Just getting in touch to let you know that after just 8 weeks I’m feeling the benefits of Systema training in everyday life!
I’ve noticed that during times of pressure at work I am better able to identify the early signs of stress and prevent it from affecting my mood and productivity. Overall as a result of Systema training I am much more mindful of the state of my body and psyche (and often the state of others around me) and so feel equipped to deal with adversity in a relaxed manner and thus feel much more relaxed on a day to day basis. From a physical standpoint my body also feels refreshed. My joint mobility and strength is continuously improving and my ability to endure strenuous exercise improves without fail each time I apply Systema breathing techniques.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and time so generously.” – David Greenwood

If by the end of the morning you feel that you will not benefit from the seminar we will happily return your course fee.

Spaces limited to 40. First 20 places will get a discount of £10. Click here to book now for £30.

Or pay by bank transfer:

Barclays Bank
Seend Aikido Club
Sort code: 20-05-06
Account Number: 33042545.

From the mountains of Costa Rica to the jungles of Borneo Jamie has always sought out the best in Health and Combat methods. Jamie has studied extensively with masters in martial arts, martial sports, energy and mind development, including various healing methods.

Matt is a Certified Systema Instructor, 5th Dan in Aikido and an Ex-Parachute Regiment Captain. He has been devoted to the study of optimum performance of mind, body and spirit since childhood and has lived, studied and taught all over the world. Matt is committed to sharing this knowledge with others.

A Lighter, Leaner Pack

Posted on 23/07/201308/08/2024 by Matt Hill

helping you go further on an adventure, in everyday life and in martial arts.

Anyone who has had to carry a pack over any distance will know the value of making that pack as light and lean as possible. Imagine this scenario:

You park up at the car park and check off the kit list: basha, bag, roll mat, hammock, stove… all done. As you are closing it you see a spare set of trainers. Better throw them in just in case, my feet might get wet or hot you think. You also throw in a trusty top, an extra wooly jumper just in case it turns chilly; an extra pair of wooly socks, a couple of extra snack bars (not mars bars of course) and a light rain jacket for those occasional downpours.

Okay pack ready and I am now set for any eventuality you think.

You put the pack on and almost buckle under the weight. You brace yourself and set off on the trail with the pack digging into your shoulders. Its okay you say to yourself, I will get used to it.

The Fork in the Trail
However, ten miles in and the pack is really starting to weigh you down. The straps are digging in, your back is covered in sweat, your feet have ‘hot spots’ and all that extra stuff that you put in is taking its toll. And what’s worse? You haven’t used any of it. You come to a fork in the path. You have heard about a glorious spot about 8 miles further up the trail to the left. People have waxed lyrical about how stunning it is and how good they felt when returning from the spot. It is a small secluded glade by a pool at the bottom of a waterfall that almost no one goes to. It is quite a steep path with some loose rock and all uphill. Any other time you would do it but after walking so long with such a heavy pack you are thinking of taking the more traveled route down to the riverbank. Not as spectacular, quiet or secluded but still nice and rewarding.

Then you catch yourself in mid thought. When am I next going to be taking this trail? The last time was over a year ago. No, I am going to do it. You make the commitment and suddenly feel a surge of adrenalin and energy. You move into the bushes and take out everything except what you will need for the trip. Out come the spare shoes, rain jacket, wooly jumper, socks, extra snack bars and you hide them under a bush. You put the pack on and it feels so much lighter, almost half the weight. Buoyed by your decision and commitment you step onto the trail again with a fire in the belly and a spirit of adventure. The warriors spirit of knowing how fleeting and precious every experience and moment is. This day will never come again and you have the knowledge that you are seizing life by the horns.

The principle of sufficiency
I know that this resonates with many of my experiences. In the Army we would go to huge lengths to lessen the weight of the pack. Cutting the bottom half off toothbrushes, cutting a roll mat in half, squeezing half the toothpaste out so that you only had what you needed. Cutting towels in half, trimming the edges of the map. It sounds crazy I know, but all of these things added up to a significant lessening of weight. We were ruthless with it. Take care of the ounces and the pounds will look after themselves was the maxim. It was also mentally important to know that you were as lean as you could be. When you know you have extra clutter it is not just the physical weight, but mentally every step reinforced in your mind that you were carrying more than you should be.

Lightening your pack in life.
The worries of everyday life can be seen in the same light. Worrying about meeting the costs of our ever increasing outgoings for things that we know that we don’t really need. Meeting the demands of commitments to friends, family or co-workers that we couldn’t say no to even though you know that you should have. Wading through a life cluttered with stuff that we haven’t used in years. Items from old hobbies, an office and drawers overflowing with manuals for things we don’t even own anymore. Go through them and ruthlessly de-clutter. It will feel great afterwards.

Lightening your emotional pack
Then there is the mental fatigue of carrying anxiety, stress, worry, and tension. These mental things very quickly become physical. Worries and fears quickly become physical tension. Usually in the back, neck and shoulders. These sap your energy levels, drive, motivation and enthusiasm. They cause poor posture, knotted muscles, headaches and worse, and they rob you of your vital energy. Spend just 10 minutes sat on a bench or at an airport watching people as they walk. The majority won’t be walking naturally and at ease. Most will be hunched in the shoulders, back, legs or hips. Most of the time this will be worry or anxiety related tension rather than an actual physical injury.

A lighter pack for martial artists
Lightening our pack is vital as a martial artist. It is possibly the most important aspect. In training we work to create an environment where the training pushes our buttons. It triggers our fears, tensions, anxieties, pride, ego, frustrations and other unwanted ‘heavy’ emotions. It gives us the tools to be aware of these emotions and simple reliable methods of removing them. In battle, be that a combat situation, self defence situation or a high pressure negotiation, we need to be free of these inhibiting emotions. We need to be relaxed, fluid, loose and creative both physically and mentally. We are often blissfully unaware of the fears and anxieties that are running constantly through our minds. Our body and our movements are the physical barometer for them. Unchecked these fears and tensions inhibit spontaneous, natural, creative movement and a response that is ‘just enough’ and appropriate to the threat.

Daily Ablutions
As well as normal cleaning, the warrior would need to ‘wash’ themselves daily of these unwanted emotions. The tightness, headaches and knots are the roadmap of the fears and thoughts of the mind. Daily training and simple breathing exercises help you to firstly notice and then remove these tensions. The amazing thing is that once you notice and remove the physical tensions, the mental ones go too. Think of the body as your alarm clock. Once you start to do this you will find yourself much more aware of the daily tensions and be able to drop them, leaving you with more energy, feeling more relaxed, moving more smoothly, being more creative and much, much healthier.

Attention to keeping your pack light whether for a trip, in daily life or in a martial situation will make a huge difference.

De-cluttering your pack is an on-going process. It gets easier the more you do it, a bit like weeding a garden. In the beginning the best advice would be to tackle one area at a time. There are really 4 things to de-clutter:

1.     Your ‘stuff’ (old clothes, papers, manuals etc. for things you no longer need use, or even own)
2.     Your finances (BIG cause of anxiety.   The key thing for stuff you have is to ask yourself, do I need it, do I use it, and is it worth it?)
3.     Your schedule (is it filled with things that you should have said no to but couldn’t? Things that are not aligned with your key priorities?)
4.     And finally and most importantly your mind of fears, worries, anxieties and stresses that you don’t need.

Now watch your lighter leaner life fill with opportunities and adventures that truly matter to you. The view from the waterfall is exhilarating.

I am organizing a trip to Sweden in September this year that will focus on two of these topics. A lighter pack for an adventure and lightening the emotional weight of fears, tension and anxiety. Let the stunning Swedish forests and some simple effective, reliable exercises melt away your tensions, worries, anxieties and stresses.

For the ideal chance to get a better understanding of the unique breathing exercises in a martial arts setting come and see the hugely talented Martin Wheeler in Melksham on August 10^th and 11^th.

Shinrin Yoku – The healing effect of Forests

Posted on 17/05/201319/02/2014 by Matt Hill

As our lives get busier, time seems to go quicker. We have less time, more stress and seemingly ever greater responsibilities.

In 2008 we crossed the Rubicon. For the first time in human history more people lived in towns and cities than in rural areas. This is compounded by the fact that the average worker now spends 8 hours a day in front of a screen. They then go home and relax by watching on average 3 hours TV or the Internet.

Research tells us this is not good for us, that this behaviour makes us more aggressive, more depressed, less patient, slower witted and fatter. But we already know that. What research hasn’t been able to tell us is why, or how we can fix it.

The answer really is simple and obvious.

If you knew of a simple, scientifically proven way to lift your mood, make you 50% more creative, increase your production of cancer fighting cells by 40% and keep all these levels high for a month afterwards, would you take it? You bet. Read on for the answer.

I’ve often wondered why I take such pleasure from being in nature. I teach my classes outside whenever I can and get immense satisfaction from taking people into forests for weekend experiences. What I couldn’t really explain was why people seemed to ‘get’ things so much quicker in an outdoor environment than they do in a dojo. It is almost as if there is a secret accelerant in the air.

Why does a weekend in the woods would have such a profound impact on people? I thank Japanese researchers for giving me the answer.

Miyazaki San, a Japanese physiological anthropologist and vice director of Chiba University’s Center for Environment, Health, and Field Sciences, located just outside Tokyo has been at the centre of Forest Therapy for the past decade. In that time he has taken more than 600 people out into the woods and monitored their reaction to their surroundings.

The results are startling.

The findings show that leisurely forest walks, compared with city or town walks, yield a 12.4% decrease in the stress hormone cortisol, a 7% decrease in sympathetic nerve activity, a 1.4% decrease in blood pressure and a 5.8% decrease in heart rate. On subjective tests, study participants also report better moods and lower anxiety.

Is that really a surprise? When you consider that we have spent 99.9% of our evolutionary journey in nature and we are still physiologically tuned to it. The more time we spend there, the better we feel. Consider how you would feel…

Listening to the sound of running water and birds singing
Smelling fresh pine, wild garlic, bluebells
Feeling the sun on your back and the wind in your hair
Seeing sunrays through a canopy or a beautiful waterfall
And have you ever noticed that food tastes better outside – think barbeques and picnics or fresh fruit plucked straight from a tree.

As much as the forest gives us, it is also what it takes away that cleanses us. The anxiety of checking your smart phone, sweating the little things and lack of perspective that every day life brings.

Japanese Doctors have been prescribing a cure for these ailments called ‘Shinrin Yoku’ or ‘forest bathing’. Literally spending time in forests. You don’t have to do anything else. Researchers are building a body of evidence that proves at a cellular level what we already innately know.

So if we know it, why don’t we do more of it?

I think that it is too easy to stay comfortable and easily entertained. I confess that I am as guilty of this as the next person. I maintain numerous social network platforms, spend most of my day in front of a screen and yes, I relax in the evening in front of one too.

So how do I get my dose of forest medicine? I try to build in to my life as many reasons as I can to go outside. Building a business around the outdoors has been instrumental, as has having dogs and a family that loves the outdoors and wild swimming – so in no particular order:

I have dogs,who LOVE walks in the forest.
I have cultivated a love of wild swimming in my daughters and have a wife who loves walking
I make conscious decisions to live near woods.
I teach my general classes outside whenever I can.
I teach private lessons outdoors whenever I can
I run woodlands experience courses where people literally rediscover the pleasures and benefits of being outdoors.
If I have to choose a business hotel when travelling I will click the ‘countryside hotel’ option wherever possible.

I am sure that very little of what I’ve said will astound you. You will have felt it yourselves I’m sure.

All I would say is try to find ways to get out into nature and just be there.

An afternoon or a long walk will bring you lasting benefits. Even better would be a few days. The Japanese prescribe 3 days. If you would like to get some real benefits try a few days on a woodlands course and on top of the health benefits improve your martial arts capability way beyond where it is now. You will be immersing in at least 6-7 hours of training a day and far from leaving you depleted you will be energised in a way you will have rarely if ever felt.

Three days of this gives you about 21 hours of training with more time spent in discussion with like-minded people. Most people spend about 3 hours a week in training – 12 hours a month. You will be getting about 2 months worth of training in a weekend.

Add to this the compound interest of the training being condensed into a short period. without the skills fade that comes between sessions. You then have incredible value.

There are limited spaces for this years Devon Camp in June. Click here to find out more

P.S If you fancy something even more thrilling There is a four day course in Sweden in some of the most beautiful forests and lakes that I have ever seen. Once again spaces are filling fast for this so don’t wait too long to book. Click here to see a video of it

If I was to leave you with one message from this it would be that If you want to feel better, spend more time in nature. It really is that simple….

I hope to share some of those great forest experiences with you.

Stonehenge Course write up – Sensei and the Stones – by Karl Durrant

Posted on 10/04/201310/04/2013 by Matt Hill

Sensei and the Stones

It was a fresh morning, the journey to Stonehenge was certainly a lesson in night driving especially taking some unknown B roads. I arrived alert and excited it was 0530 Sunday 24 March 2013 I was here to watch the light come up and to practise aikido within the centre of this mystical site.

Being lead by Matt Hill of Wiltshire Martial arts the organisation of the event was very smooth and energising. Matt was on hand to liaise with the site staff and made sure all student attending the event had what they needed. This is an example of leader ship that is not commonly seen in martial arts, often it is the student serving the master. With this being my second course with Matt it is clear that his teaching to allows others to see themselves, not to see him.

From dark to light I began to see the face of fellow student clearly during the sunrise. The group stood in silence for a few moments in preparation to meet the stones.

Moving to the site car park, people adorned hakama and gathered weapons. After a quick security briefing we ventured through a tunnel to the site of our morning practise, the inner circle of Stonehenge.

With a briefing from Matt, we opened practise with a few minutes of sitting meditation. With my eyes closed I focused on the background hum of wind and traffic. Then all of a sudden it stopped, like someone pressed the mute button, after a few seconds all that could be heard was bird song and the wings of resident crows. Reviewing this later I found it was mutually experienced by all.

After meditation people had already began to feel the warmth that the stones provide. Moving onto tai-jitsu and awase practice the fresh weather was soon ignored for mindfulness, breathing and movement. Working with new people I felt nervous of my ability, this is common when stepping out of my comfort zone. But here in the circle I was safe as I had the pleasure of sharing this experience with some helpful and patient fellow Aikido students.

Before we knew the final kokyo-ho exercise came, grabbing my camera to get some final pictures my plans soon changed as Matt wanted to practise with me. A great end to a fantastic practise session. The morning was not over yet.

Heading back to the car park everyone was buzzing about the session and discussing the “mute button” during meditation. Some could not stay for breakfast so after goodbyes, the remainder gathered their cooking equipment and lead by Matt,headed for the woods 1 mile away.

Walking and chatting with new faces and future friends I began to feel a positive commonality in our experience. Arriving at the woods people naturally sat in groups of 3 and 4. Getting their stoves out and pans ready, a number of people , including me, realised that the wind was stopping their bacon from frying. I gave up on mine and settled for large mug of tea and some breakfast bars.

I noticed that Matt did not sit with any particular group while having his breakfast, once done, he made an successful effort to mingle with everyone. This demonstrated to me a key leadership ingredient, the ability to treat everyone equally allows for natural group cohesion.

Overall the experience will take a lot to equal, but the one thing I took was the lesson that a good leader stands behind ready to catch any who may fall.

KF Durrant.

Denmark Seminar with Matt Hill – 13-14 April 2014

Posted on 02/04/201303/10/2024 by Matt Hill

Aikido Seminar with Matt Hill hosted by Thomas Jessen
Svendborg 13-14 April 2013

Main focus theme of the seminar

Removing Tension from the body and psyche
Tension in the body tires you quickly, inhibits natural, spontaneous movement and thinking disrupts your mental and physical balance and reduces speed and power. We will look at how to raise your awareness of the tension in your body and how to let go of it and find dramatic increases in your speed, power, creativity and endurance.

It is just as beneficial to remove tension for health reasons and this is will be a natural consequence of the training.

Powerful and effective atemi
We will also look at striking techniques including: precision, placement, relaxed and hidden strikes, striking as part of your natural movement and striking to break your partners balance.

We will also do some rarely seen work from kicks and stamps.

The training is sequenced, logical and methodical so it is ideal for practitioners of all styles and all levels from beginners to advanced students.

There are now only 11 spaces left for the course – book now to avoid disappointment.

I sincerely look forward to training with you.

Yours in Aiki,

Matt.

Some recent testimonials:

Sensei Matt – Thank you for a very inspiring course at Stonehenge yesterday, I can’t really explain what I felt afterwards only that I felt very relaxed, all the tension had disappeared from my shoulders and neck but also I had a feeling of rejuvenation and, although tired from the early start and lack of sleep from the night before, re-energised and clearer thinking. Hope this makes sense because as I say it is difficult to explain. I would also like to thank you for your friendly welcome, it was great to meet you for the first time and I hope it will not be the last. – David Spuffard

“A weekend session with Matt Hill is a definite must for anyone who wants to call themselves a martial artist and who wants to explore the infinite ways of Takemusu“ – Mats Stromgren

Lots of energy in a very relaxed manner – Daniel Heed

Matt is a brilliant Instructor and very inspiring to train with! – Patric Noordstrom

Good, physical training and lots of fun – Karin Keereweer

Dont be afraid! – Malou Klock Stromgren

Matt will leave you thinking about your Aikido for the rest of the year – Robin Karlson

Finding a connection between what you want and what you need – Alula Kassa

Its like taking your understanding of Aikido and adding a jetpack to it – Mikael Zall

Systema Course UK – Martin Wheeler – 10-11 August 2013

Posted on 21/03/201317/06/2013 by Matt Hill

Martin Wheeler – Movement as a weapon Seminar
‘Martin Wheeler is the best kept secret in English speaking martial arts instruction’ Black Belt Magazine.

‘Movement as a Weapon’ is open to all levels and all types of martial artists.

Martin Wheeler will show you how to move fluidly and intuitively with any attack, from standing to ground. ‘Movement as a weapon’ will cover DEFENSIVE and OFFENSIVE work only ever shown before in the highly secretive Russian Special Operations Groups.

The seminar will include
– unique defense from hand-to-hand and knife attackers.
– simultaneous offensive and defensive work.

A tip from Vladimir Vasiliev

The power of Systema is in natural movements. We develop the power of natural movements when we train and start to understand ourselves.

Natural movements remove unwanted emotions such as aggression, pride and fear. The fighter then becomes calm and composed, he would just be doing a warrior’s job. For him defense-offense issue would not even exist.

For example, it does not matter for us whether we open a tap or close a tap, it is just a move. Being calm in a confrontation allows us to see the unnatural actions of the attacker – his aggression, tension, lack of mobility and other weaknesses. Spontaneously and instantly, we can then choose the right distance, movements and speed to get the job done.

NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NEEDED

WHO WILL THIS BENEFIT

Anyone practicing any style of martial art. Martin’s students range right across the arts from boxers to grapplers and eastern martial artists.
Anyone who wants to learn simple and effective training tools to become calmer, stronger, more relaxed and gain confidence in being able to look after themselves and others in all manner of stressful situations.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT: Training knife (not sharp)

ABOUT MARTIN WHEELER
Martin Wheeler is recognized as one of the world’s leading hand-to-hand combat masters. An expert in the Russian martial art Art of Systema as-well-as a range of the world’s most deadly martial arts. He is fourth degree black belt in Kenpo Karate, a black belt in Judo, has studied Filipino weapon fighting and boxing. The former bouncer turned contract instructor for elite police and military units is now teaching SYSTEMA exclusively at THE ACADEMY BEVERLY HILLS.

“Martin Wheeler is one of the few instructors who understood Systema very quickly and has a very high level of skill and knowledge. I highly recommend training with him to anyone with a serious interest in martial arts.” – Vladimir Vasiliev.

DATE
10-11 AUGUST 2013

LOCATION
The Seminar will be held at the gymnasium, Melksham Oak Primary School in Bowerhill, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 6QZ

ACCOMODATION
There are dozens of good value hotels within a 10 mile radius of the venue. Go to www.laterooms.com for great deals.

TRAINING INVESTMENT
Full payment must be received by dates shown to be eligible for those rates.

TWO DAYS
ADVANCE: MAR 7 – JUN 10, 2013
£100.00 both days

REGULAR: JUN 10 – AUG 10, 2013
£120.00 both days

AT THE DOOR (cash only)
£140.00 both days

ONE DAY
ADVANCE: MAR 7 – JUN 10, 2013
£50.00 per day

REGULAR: JUN 10 – AUG 10, 2013
£60.00 per day

AT THE DOOR (cash only)
£70.00 per day

SPECTATOR RATE
£15.00 per day

Registration fees cannot be adjusted retroactively one the rate deadlines have passed. To ensure you will not be charged for the higher rate, please make sure your registration is complete and payment is submitted by the corresponding deadline. All sales are non-refundable. *with the exception of the guarantee

Click below to register using PayPal or Credit Card now and save £40 by paying early:

To Register by cheque:
Make payable to “SEEND AIKIDO CLUB”

Send to:
Matt Hill
Holly Tree House
Seend Cleeve
Melksham
Wiltshire
SN12 6PX

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Notes from the knife defence day – March 16th – Poole

Posted on 19/03/201310/12/2024 by Matt Hill

‘Not what I expected. It was better’ – Rob Newton.

‘This is an excellent course taught with a fresh outlook on dealing with any attack: Excellent for any martial artist’ – Grant Mason

‘Sensei Matt teaches with a calm fluidity which keeps the learning at an easy pace and means you take away far more than expected’ – Daniel O’Rourke

Dear all, firstly thanks for coming along on Saturday. It was great to see old faces and to meet new ones. Especially on big match day which I am happy to talk more about if anyone wishes 😉

Ok as promised here are the keynotes from the day. If anyone wants clarification or to a better understanding of some of the drills please feel free to email me.

Theme – knife defence – basics.

General points:

We worked on four principles:
- Breathing (Kokyu)
- Movement (Sabaki)
- Relaxation (Raku Suru)
- Structure (Kuzushi)
When faced with a knife of course run away if you can – but this is a lot more difficult than you think. With someone intent on hurting you and not just scaring you you will be lucky to see the knife before the attack.
Knife work builds tension and nothing will hamper your ability to respond spontaneously more destructively than tension in the body and psyche. We did a lot of work on breathing, moving and relaxing. This is the most sure-fire way to stay calm in a stressful or dangerous situation but it takes regular, deep practice.
Train the body to move and not tense on contact. A life saving skill. Work to train the body to move with and not resist the first contact. To ‘ride’ the strike if you like. Especially when you don’t see it. Train from all angles and attacks with eyes open and closed.
Don’t disrupt his attack. Let it pass you by and use their energy and momentum to unbalance them. Blocking or moving them too much will alert them to the fact that they have missed and they will brace and steady themselves to attack again.
Deep Practice.
- This is the best type of practice for dynamic skill acquisition. It needs to be:
- Slow enough so that you can learn, see errors and correct them.
- Deliberate practice where you are reaching for a skill that is on the outskirts of your capability. You get it wrong more than you get it right but you are grooving the skill circuits with each attempt.
- Your cycle of practicing the skill is short giving you lots of attempts at grooving the skill. Obviously the more times you practice the skill with awareness the better you get. If you remember you were probably attacked several hundred times during the day, with instant feedback on whether it worked or not.
- Slow deep practice will make you swift and graceful without you realising it.
- Deep practice is typified by words like, attention, connection, building, whole, alert, focus, mistakes, repeat, wiring, exploration, edge, awake, alive and tiring!
A sense of playful exploration in the practice – just like when cubs are learning to play fight with each other.
Important not to fight against him trying to make a technique work.

Practices:

Familiarity
We practiced walking around drawing the knife and putting it away to get comfortable and familiar working with it. We then worked with going to ground, rolling and getting back up whilst drawing the knife and putting it away in a ‘hidden’ manner so that you would get used to how a ‘hidden’ attack looks and feels. We then progressed to drawing and stabbing someone else in the same motion in a crowd.

Structure
We practiced breaking the partners structure after moving out of the way of a strike along their balance points with finger tip lightness. Firstly really taking our time and then smoothly in motion.

Striking
We then looked at striking in precise areas to break up their structure and take them down.

Sensitivity
We worked from you grabbing the knife hand and then relaxing the body but still keeping a firm grip. Allow them to stab guiding it past with minimum interruption and then using this movement to take the balance and take down.

Slashing drill

We worked on three phases of slashing

Slow
Fast and aggressive
Attacking

The partner had to stay relaxed through breathing and moving and moving decisively through and past the slash.

Fix then attack.
We worked on the attacker grabbing you and then attacking with the knife. We worked from:

Wrist grabs
Elbow
Arm around shoulder.

You can and should of course try from any grab.

Pressure Testing
We then finished with a pressure testing drill with a short time in a circle with an attacker to see what had been picked up during the day and to highlight areas of strength and weakness. Most importantly you ability to stay calm under pressure.

What the participants had to say:

‘Take time to go to this knife seminar because you never know!’ – Keiran Best.

‘This is the reality of knife attacks; non-technique based defence’ – Mykola Kuntyn

‘I enjoyed the course and think that it could improve my chances in a knife attack’ – Steve Gardner

‘This was a great introduction to knife defence suitable for martial artists of all styles’ – Nigel Hymas

‘Well taught, very effective applications for inside and outside the dojo’ – Jon Flannery

‘A well structured course highlighting the underlying principles of coping with a knife attack’ – Tony Waknell

‘I would recommend this seminar to anyone involved in martial arts’ – Nicky Charles

‘This course has made me feel a lot more confident about my ability to defend myself in a real life attack situation’ – Isabelle Vinet

‘I enjoyed this course very much’ – Tony Clement

‘A well instructed and enjoyable course’ – Chris Ireland

‘Let this course help in your learning and understanding of your own martial discipline’ – Phil Figg

‘Great course that stretches your understanding’ – Andre de Mendonca

‘It’s a very worthwhile course for all martial artists to attend’ – Dale Harris

‘This is a fantastic day which taught me lots of new techniques – I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to learn knife defence skills’ – Kelly Palmer

‘Smashing – I’ll do it all over again!’ – Kemuel Spence.

‘A fun way to learn about a very serious topic. Hopefully I wont need to put into practice what I have learn’t’ – Glen O’Leary.

‘This is my first seminar with Matt Hill. I have learn’t so much that I will keep with me.’ – Dave Hartley

‘A great opportunity to learn with people who study many different martial arts’ – Danny Bailey.

‘Self defence for all’ – Mark Borley

‘Have a fun day and stay alive!’ – Jeremy Taylor

‘A well instructed and enjoyable course’ – Chris Ireland.

‘The whole course complimented itself’ – Lewis John Foote

‘The course was fun with lots of useful points’ – Andy Channer

I have also been asked to run the course again as a refresher/next step by several people. I will keep you posted.

For dramatic and lasting improvements to your physical, mental & emotional well-being….

Saturday November 16th Melkham, Wiltshire 10.00 – 14.00 Cost: £40

helping you go further on an adventure, in everyday life and in martial arts.

Sensei and the Stones

Saturday November 16th
Melkham, Wiltshire
10.00 – 14.00
Cost: £40