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.

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.

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

Devon Woodlands Systema Camp 27-29 June 2014

Posted on 31/03/201303/10/2024 by Matt Hill

Deeply relaxing, a wholesome immersion for the mind, body and spirit.

Health, defence and outdoor skills.

Set in a stunning area of Devon this course is much more than just a Systema course or camp experience. The course is deeply relaxing, invigorating, rejuvenating and wholesome for the mind, body and spirit. For three days you will live a very simple existence. Training, eating, sleeping, relaxing and learning all in the company of like minded People.

INSTRUCTOR: Matt Hill – Systema HQ Certified Instructor, 5th Dan Aikido, Parachute Regiment Captain.

A bit about the course.

You will immerse yourself in training for 6 hours per day. However, you will be suprised to find that rather than wearing you out this will restore you to an even greater level of physical and mental health and well-being. You will be studying the unique combat and health methodologies of Systema with its ancient practices of physical and mental training and wellbeing. I will also cover vital bushcraft skills including safe knife handling, basha set up and knots, waking and putting a fire to sleep and much more. The course is:

ALL INCLUSIVE Basic food and all essential equipment is supplied. You can bring your own if desired. *there is limited indoor accommodation for those who require/desire it.
COMPLETE RANGE of training including weapons, empty handed, multiple attack, awareness, striking, stretching, meditation and health promotion
ALL TERRAIN training in the forest, fields and water and practice by day and night,
SUITABLE FOR ALL LEVELS Ideal for beginners and advanced students due to the progressive nature of the training course building from basic concepts to advanced levels. *It is also suitable for all fitness levels as there is transportation to the campsite and all training areas are a short walk from the main camp.

Here is a video clip of highlights from last years course:

Comments from previous courses:

“An immensely enjoyable experience, that will not only put you back into the heart of nature but may also help to put you back in touch with who you really are”
– Danny Hamilton Mills

“Thank you Matt for a very enjoyable weekend and a life changing experience”
– Gergana Milkhanova

“Sensei Matt’s Woodland Intensive Aikido Course was well balanced, unique and highly memorable ““ I could not have hoped for more in a weekend!”
– Isabelle Vinet

“The woodlands course gives those that wish to see a glimpse into what is important”
– Mark Wood.

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

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

Read more testimonials here: https://www.matthill.co.uk/testimonials/

There are only 30 spaces on the course. Book now below to secure your place.

Cost is just £149 for the 3 day course.

Devon Guarantee

Or via bank:

Barclays Bank
Wiltshire Martial Arts
Sort code: 20-05-06
Account Number: 10699853

“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” – Henry David Thoreau

I sincerely look forward to welcoming you to the course.

Matt Hill.

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

Click here to see a clip of Martin

Sweden Seminar Gothenburg 2-3 March 2013

Posted on 07/02/201302/02/2015 by Matt Hill

‘Exploring Takemusu’ with Matt Hill hosted by Mats Stromgren
Gothenburg 2-3 March 2013

From Kihon to Awase to Ki-no-nagare to Takemusu
This seminar is all about making sure that SOMETHING in your aikido changes. We are all on the road to mastery and one thing is certain – if nothing about what you do changes then you are not growing. In conjunction with basic techniques we will be taking you through the levels from solid kihon, through smooth awase to devastating ki-no-nagare and then finally onto Takemusu.

Working with Atemi and awase drills to liberate your technique
I am not sure about you, but in general many dojo’s neglect the regular practice of atemi waza, & jiyu waza. We will be covering both areas in depth on the seminar.

The training will be sequenced, logical and methodical moving through empty handed and weapons techniques so it is ideal for practitioners of all styles and all levels from beginners to advanced.

Focus on Making 2013 your best Aikido year yet
There will also be a focus session on making 2013 your best Aikido year yet. It has been said that the secret to getting good at aikido (or anything else for that matter) is to ‘just practice’ As Woody Allen said, ‘90% of success is about turning up.’ However, we are going to look at taking that one step further. We are going to look at training intelligently. One way to maximise the time you put into Aikido is to give it some real focus.

Energy flows where attention goes…. A laser like focus on what you need to develop will lead to more enthusiasm which in turn cannot fail to give you progress.

If you find yourself struggling with the motivation to train (as we all do), or find yourself feeling as though you are not progressing (yep guilty of this one too) then this approach can revolutionise your training.

We will start the session with some work on setting goals for the seminar and then close by extrapolating these goals to your year ahead in Aikido to really strive to make it your best year yet.

I look forward to training with you.

Yours in Aiki,

Matt.

Important: Spaces are limited to 40 due to the dojo size. Please click below now in order to secure your place at this seminar.

Sweden Camp Fri 06th – Mon 09th Sept 13

Posted on 30/11/201223/07/2013 by Matt Hill

‘Profound, Inspiring, rejuvenating’

Set in the centre of the stunning Swedish forests and lakes this is more than just a martial arts course; the course will take you on a journey of exploration into wellbeing, relaxation, martial effectiveness, confidence, awareness and a deeper understanding of yourself and your environment.

INSTRUCTORS: Matt Hill 5th Dan Aikido, Parachute Regiment Captain and Systema Instructor in Training and Dirk Hanzic – 4th Dan Aikido, over 35 years experience in Martial arts including Kali, Iaido, Jodo, Judo and Kenpo.

A bit about the course. You will immerse yourself in training for 7 hours per day or more. However, you will be suprised to find that rather than wearing you out this will restore you to an even greater level of physical and mental health and well-being. The training is quite unique blending ancient practices of martial, physical and mental training and wellbeing in a stunning natural setting. The course is:

ALL INCLUSIVE Transportation from the airport to and from the camp, food and accommodation *accommodation ranges from cabin to tent or basha depending on your preference.
COMPLETE RANGE of training including weapons, empty handed, multiple attack, awareness, kokyu power, striking, stretching and health promotion
ALL TERRAIN training in the forest, fields and water and practice by day and night,
SUITABLE FOR ALL LEVELS Ideal for beginners and advanced students due to the progressive nature of the training course building from basic concepts to advanced levels. *It is also suitable for all fitness levels as there is transportation to the campsite as well as the option of joining me for the walk in.

Comments from previous courses:

“An immensely enjoyable experience, that will not only put you back into the heart of nature but may also help to put you back in touch with who you really are”

“Thank you Matt for a very enjoyable weekend and a life changing experience”

“Sensei Matt’s Woodland Intensive Course was well balanced, unique and highly memorable ““ I could not have hoped for more in a weekend!”

“The Woodlands course gives those that wish to see a glimpse into what is important”

Read more testimonials here: https://www.matthill.co.uk/testimonials/

A short video to whet your appetite for the course:

Click below to pay and guarantee your space now. First 30 only will be guaranteed a space. Your place will only be reserved with payment.