An insight into Systema from a Thai Boxer

Posted on 09/12/201308/08/2024 by Matt Hill

Hi, my name is Peter, I’m 46. I first met Matt when he came to Jersey to teach a Systema seminar in October 2013. I first saw Systema about a year before that but I come from a Muay Thai background. I began training in Bangkok in 1990 and since then I’ve been a fighter, trainer, cornerman, ref, physio and gym manager.There’s hardly a job i haven’t done in the sport. The reason I mention this is to state strongly that I was not easily swayed from Muay Thai, it was my life, it would have to be something pretty special to do that. After having spent years training both myself and our teams fighters, and then trying to strategically dismantle our opponents in the ring, through watching footage of Systema I came to steadily realise the beautiful and complex simplicity of the art. I know that sounds like a contradiction but thats what it is.

I had attended a previous seminar in Systema with another teacher but was still left a little confused, however after Matt came to Jersey something just popped in my brain. He explained and demonstrated everything so clearly for one thing, but the real lesson I took home was that he has the presence, balance, flow and demeanour of Systema. This is a bit like a nice warm hug, but with some punches involved, and also you may end up on the floor… and actually all that is surprisingly in total context with the hug. Regardless, we all felt much better afterwards!

I practised every day after that, it took over my thoughts so much that after only about a month I had to call Matt to get some more lessons. I travelled from Jersey and I’ve just spent 4 days training with him in Wiltshire, I had 16 hours of private lessons and also 4 hours training with his club [lots of good friendly people there]. On the combat side of things we covered knife fighting, fist fighting, kicks, rolls, ground movement, ground fighting, taking of the balance, multiple opponents and more. One night he had me finding my way through a forest in the pitch black blindfolded, then knife fighting in the dark, then sneaking up on each other blindfolded in the dark…I’ve not had so much fun since I was 10 years old. Its actually fair to say I felt both ancient and 10 years old at the same time, which a damn good feeling I can tell you. All this was taught with excellent and concise instruction, its serious but you can’t say that because its so much fun, and it’s always safe and friendly. Again its more like being hugged than threatened, you have to push yourself and dig deep sometimes, but its always entirely in your control and from that you learn so much about yourself.

Matt has also shown me here is a huge health benefit side to Systema, breathing exercises to improve the lungs, circulation, nervous system and heart rhythm, gentle posture correction, smooth joint rotation, both muscle toning and relaxing, balancing of blood pressure, steadying of the mind. This list could go on and on. There is no reason I have put this second after the combat, they actually are the same thing, and the combat won’t work without this. I studied Yoga in Asia, and If you can imagine, all of Yoga, it is like half of Systema.

Anyway, I’ve just had a journey into some unmapped parts of my body, mind, heart and soul, thanks Matt you were the perfect guide, I can’t wait to come back.

Peter Dolan 29/11/13

Kill or Cure: The health benefits of Martial Arts by Gareth Leake

Posted on 21/06/201310/12/2024 by Matt Hill

Testimonial from Gareth Leake on the health benefits of Martial Arts

A few months ago my two daughters came home from Youth Club buzzing from a self defence class run by Matt Hill of Wiltshire Martial Arts. My youngest daughter aged 12 said ‘Dad try and grab me around the neck.’ To show willing I gently did as asked only to find my daughter had disappeared, sliding out of my grip. Totally stunned by this I asked her if I could have another go only to find the same happened again. After my 4^th attempt and by this stage using all my focus and effort I still found it impossible to restrain her. She was visibly more confident and left me feeling somewhat perplexed as how this could be possible after the shortest taster into self defence.

Some weeks later I was chatting to one of the other Dads in the park, who had practiced Aikido under Matt Hill. I asked him if he thought Aikido might help to improve a chronic back problem I had been suffering from for well over 10 years. The last few years becoming increasingly disabling in terms of my day to day life. I wondered if the ‘rolls’ that are performed when you fall to the floor would have the same mobilising effect on my back as an osteopathic treatment. He said that the exercises that are carried out provide good overall strength and flexibility to the body and that in principle rolling should be beneficial. I thought to myself well it would be a ‘kill or cure’.

Up to this point I had invested a much time and money seeing, over a number of year’s osteopaths, chiropractors, cranio sacra therapists, physiotherapists and acupuncturists all sadly providing little sustainable improvement in my back condition. Many of them gave advice and countless exercises to do at home, which with the best will in the world on my part, were quickly shelved as time and life got in the way. So ‘what the hell’ I thought and gave Matt a tentative call to see if there was a place for a stiff and immobile middle aged man in his club. As I was so anxious about the prospect of falling over and hitting the ground, only to find my spine shattered around me in a thousand pieces I asked if it might be possible to have some private 1 to 1 sessions to prepare for the class and see if I was indeed capable of moving and falling. Matt suggested we could meet at an outside training area near his home to go through some basics. Odd, I thought at the time as surely the sports hall and the cushioned safety mats would be the place to meet. But not wanting to question the idea I thought, well it sounds different.

By this stage I had started to take my youngest daughter to the Saturday morning sessions where it quickly became apparent to me that Matt has a deep understanding how the body and the mind works with regards to movement, strength and relaxation and is able to convey trust and confidence in those around him. I felt increasingly reassured that the odds of ‘kill or cure’ for me were moving rapidly in my favour.

So, fast forwarding to the present I have now had a couple of months of club work and some highly focused 1 to 1 sessions with Matt. There are two main disciplines at the club; Aikido and a Russian defence system called ‘Systema.’ The impact of joining the club and learning these martial arts has made a huge difference in the quality of my life and is one I am still getting my head around as its all happened so positively and so quickly. The masters of Systema, Mikhail Ryabko and Vladimir Vasiliev talks of 3 principle aims within the Russian system of ‘Systema’ which capture and encompass all the areas of personal growth for me in the last 2 months.

1) Clearing the mind

2) Strengthening the body

3) Cleansing the soul

They are huge aspirations and beacons to have in anyone’s life and give such depth and validity to the art form. My own personal experience within each of these has been significant to me and I know will be common to others who commit time and an open heart and mind to Systema practice.

The first principle of ‘clearing the mind’, I have found the breathing practices which are taught and practiced in each lesson highly effective in promoting inner calmness and improved focus. In addition a significant factor in the practices taught is the removal of fear from the mind and body. It is this fear which presses down and limits us, be it the fear of hurting old injuries we carry to protect the body or fear of emotional and stressful situations in our daily life.

The second principle of ‘strengthening the body’ is astonishing in its effectiveness. There are four basic exercises are called the ‘Four pillars’ which include press-ups, squats, leg raises and stomach curls. If I am being honest my immediate thought at the time was ‘Oh here we go again, those old chestnuts!’ my reminiscent memories from school PE lessons I guess! But very quickly these simple exercises are elevated to being quite literally the pillars of movement of our daily lives. Taught and practiced with care, skill and depth these exercises not only provide the strength to develop in class practice, but more fundamentally are the keys to improving everyday movement such as getting up from chair, or in and out of a car, walking up and down the stairs, crouching down and getting up off the floor or out of bed in the morning. 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.

Matt said when we first met ‘whist we cannot stop the passage of time we can limit and even rewind the effects of that aging process on our bodies.’ In my experience not hollow words but statements of fact.

The third principle of ‘cleansing the soul’ Within Systema practice important words are spoken and handed down by the masters of Systema Mikhail Ryabko and Vladimir Vasiliev, such as the need for humility, living with an open heart, love and kindness for our fellow man. These are huge words and even greater principles to have in one’s life. They are handed to us in class by Matt during exercises and end of class talks for us to work with and aspire to. They form a deeper strength within us, than that which we alone can derive from physical exercise alone.

One surprising benefits I have found in my journey since knowing Matt is my renewed pleasure and joy of being outside and rolling around on the grass. Matt has a great love for the outdoors and all the health benefits it offers. Long gone now are my initial thoughts, of it being odd not training in a gym. I find now that whenever I see grass or slopes and banks I just want to roll down them! Its a lovely feeling smelling of grass, earth and sweat after an exhilarating session surrounded by views of trees, distant hills and inquisitive cows for company rather than four walls filled with MTV screens blaring away. I have no doubt that being outside and exercising is the way forward, getting away from the confines of a sanitised gym doing exercises that frequently hinder rather than help. I understand that Vladimir Vasiliev once said ‘when did you last see a Tiger do a bench press and they seem to do ok.’

My final thoughts to any health professional or commissioner who might read this or to anyone who suffers pain from stiffness and poor flexibility, that there could potentially be another way forward.Calling Matt was undoubtedly the most significant step I have made in years managing my own health.

Now I feel like I’m gradually claiming back a few years of my life and I hope others on reading this will do the same too.

Gareth Leake

Personal Sessions

Small group or 1 – 1 sessions to really focus on improving health, well being and combat effectiveness.
To book email Matt at wiltshiremartialarts@gmail.comMatt also offers highly specialised small group or 1-1 overnight sessions in bushcraft covering the basics of kit selection, layer management, navigation and route selection, knife and fire management, cooking and minimal impact skills. The courses leave you feeling light and invigorated. Find out more here

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.

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

Malaysian TV Chooses Wiltshire Martial Arts to shoot TV programme

Posted on 14/02/201310/12/2024 by Matt Hill

For three days in February a Malaysian TV show came to Wiltshire Martial Arts to film two of thier own Martial Artists on a crash course in Aikido and Systema.

All guests and beginners are always made very welcome and it was no exception for our Malaysian guests. They trained hard going through warm ups, conditioning, Aikido basics and an introduction to Systema, a new experience for them. On the third day they were tested in an arena to put thier new found skills to the test. They both fared well.

The programme is due to be aired in July and I will put a link to it on the website. Made me think about Saito Sensei’s comment about Aikido and the martial arts being a way to bring the world together in peace. What a beautiful oxymoron.

Yours,

Matt.

Dont Mess with Us! – Self Defence at Atworth Youth Club

Posted on 29/01/201303/10/2024 by Matt Hill

On Saturday 26^th January, Wiltshire Martial Arts (Seend Aikido Club) delivered a self-defence course at Atworth Youth Club.

The course was organized by Dawn Rossi, delivered by Matt Hill and ably assisted by David Stacey.

The participants, aged between 11 and 16, learn’t the simple principles of self-defence, practiced applying the principles in confrontational situations and learn’t the most important factor of all, how to avoid dangerous situations altogether.

The use of force is always a last resort, and the participants understood this point well.

Dawn Rossi, the Youth Club leader said, ‘Matt’s self-defence course exceeded my expectations. Judging by the laughter and questions all of the children were completely engaged from start to finish. I sat in on the whole course and it is so beneficial in teaching people to stay safe and avoid the danger of being attacked that I think that it should be mandatory for everyone!’

Matt says that Self Defence is mostly about being smart, staying aware and learning some simple principles that will stay with you and keep you safe for the rest of your life.

Matt is fully CRB cleared, A Nationally accredited Self Defence Coach and 5^th Dan Aikido Instructor and Systema Instructor.

Matt teaches self-defence awareness and skills for organisations, schools and Individuals and teaches regular Martial Arts classes at Christie Miller Sports Centre in Melksham on Monday, Thursday and Saturday Mornings. For further Details contact Matt on 07584025206 or hillmattc@gmail.com.

Here is what the participants had to say:

‘It has really helped me’ – Sophie Bailey

‘It is a great course to learn the best ways to disrupt, disable and escape from an attacker’ – Holly Leake

‘This is great for your own safety and it follows the law’ – Gabriel

‘It is so easy to learn and you have a lot of fun’ – Lily De Malpas-Player

‘It was great fun very useful and an interesting course’ – Tom Yateman

‘Its really easy and fun’ – Tommy De Malpas-Player

‘It was good and I will use what I have learnt’ – Simon Hornby

‘Fun, exciting and you get to protect yourself from anything!’ – Tabitha Williams

‘Very useful to have in your mind’ – Maisie Leake

‘The course was very interesting, it was useful and I have learn’t a lot’ – Jessica Rendell

‘This course really helps you to defend yourself it is a great way to learn. Amazing course!’ – Abby Pearce

‘A fun non-violent way to become threat-free in the open free world’ – Harry Heptinstall

The 40 Aikido and life lessons that 2012 taught me

Posted on 01/01/201314/02/2013 by Matt Hill

Here are 40 of the best lessons that I have learnt, had reinforced or found a new angle on in 2012: Hope they ring a few bells for you:

If you’re not improving something at each session, you’re going stale and backwards.
If you want an A-Level dojo, you can’t afford to settle for B-Level practice.
Practice Atemi in your aikido.
Practice against free attacks, punches, kicks, grabs, rugby tackles – taking the speed out of the training. This is where Takemusu lies.
Regularly practice multiple attack work – it is vital to efficacy and understanding O’Sensei’s magic.
When doing techniques look for complete precision. When doing randori look for takemusu.
Get hit – done right this can be therapeutic, honestly! And it is very good for your budo.
Transform your fitness and you’ll transform your Aikido.
Don’t waste time in bickering about other styles, train instead.
Exercising for 20 minutes first thing in the morning is a game-changer. As a teacher try to give your students exercises that they can do in their own time.
It is when you least want to get up and go training that you are going to get the most out of it personally.
Don’t do it if you’re not having fun. It is the job of the teacher to make training stretching and fun and the job of the students to bring enthusiasm to it.
If you’re not scared a lot you’re not improving and growing very much.
It’s never been easier to be of service to a large amount of people in aikido (and few things are as rewarding).
People are craving transparency, authenticity and community. Give it to them through your dojo.
Progress comes in hills and plateaus. Understand this and your approach to training becomes much more relaxed. (I’ve been working on integrating this lesson for years).
Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax (When you relax, your brain shifts into alpha state–the time when real breakthroughs and those profound realisations present themselves).
Change is hard at the beginning, messy in the middle and gorgeous at the end. (And without change, there is no progress).
Dream big in your Aikido – plan a trip to Iwama, or Japan or a big seminar – push your boundaries. Aim for that which you think is out of reach.
Pursue excellence versus chasing perfection.
Celebrate small wins in your club and with your peers and you’ll unleash a huge amount of momentum and positive energy.
“There is no purpose in wanting or pursuing many techniques. To master a technique, one needs to make each technique, one by one, his/her own.” – O’Sensei, Budo.
“I don’t fear the man who has done 1000 kicks once, I fear the man who has done 1 kick 1000 times.” – Bruce Lee
Begin with the end in mind: We should not lose sight of the fact that our aim in aikido is not to master techniques but to master the principles of aiki through the techniques.
Delete ‘victimspeak’ from your training. No more “I can’t” and “It’s not possible” and “It’s so hard.” More “I will” and “This is awesome” and “I can”
If you inspire one person each session, your class hasn’t been a waste. It’s been a blessing.
Live an amazing path in Aikido but enjoy your life, family and friends along the way. What’s the point of becoming an Aikido legend but a failed human being.
Look people in the eyes when you talk to them on the mat. Smile at people when you train. Say “please” to respect them. And “thank you” to appreciate them.
Don’t be on time–Be early.
The person who tries to master everything at once achieves nothing. Focus. Focus. Focus. **More on this with the goal planning to come
Spend time in silence each day. You’ll never do O’Sensei level work if you’re over stimulated by technology.
Your behaviour on the mat broadcasts your truest beliefs.
To have the results only 5% of Martial artists in the world have, have the guts to do what only 5% of the Martial artists in the world are willing to do.
World-class begins when you think you’ve done a great session but know you can do a better session.
Everyone’s in Aikido Human Resources. And we are all there to develop the talents of the people we train with.
Mediocrity is a mindset. Avoid the mental viruses of negative people.
Problems and loss of motivation come to test your commitment to your goals, hopes and dreams.
Begin to feel energised through your practice – be like a dynamo. You should generate Kokyu energy.
At the end Budo is as much about what you take out as what you put in. Rid yourself of tension, fear, doubt, redundant and superfluous movement and unnatural or incorrect movement. Your movements need to be precise, calm and powerful.
Use your time in Aikido to make the world a better place.

Enjoy your training and let 2013 take your Aikido to new heights.

Inspired by Robin Sharma’s 50 lessons of 2012. If you haven’t read his stuff check out, ‘The monk who sold his Ferrari’ – awesome book.

In Aiki,

Matt.