Will this work for real?

Posted on 17/09/201421/10/2014 by Matt Hill

Will this work for real?

Probably the most common question asked by martial artists is: ‘Will this work for real?’

They ask it of themselves, others and their instructors.

A common theme running throughout this year’s Full Immersion Systema Training Camp in Toronto was belief; the removal of doubts. If you have doubts, you won’t be able to perform, you have to be totally confident in your capability.

If you watch a person filled with doubt, it is immediately apparent in their movement, their aspect and even every breath that they take. Right from start, the drills at camp addressed this.

In the first session, we did a number of different breath holds with specific emphasis on introducing physical as well as emotional/psychological stress. Detailed instruction was then given on the recovery process. In fact, the real work of the breath hold was in the ability to restore as quickly and thoroughly as possible. We were shown how to use the breath to remove emotional stress, and movement to eliminate physical tensions. We soon realised that recovery from breath holds is very close to recovery from strikes. We also did a fascinating and revealing exercise on faith in yourself during prolonged breath holds.

This solid foundation of preparation for the body and psyche continued into the combat phases and was a strong theme throughout the week. It was clear that progression in Systema was much less about changing your surface movement. Rather, it was about changing your operating system on a fundamental level in the way that you deal with your own fears, anxieties, stresses, pain, tensions and ego. We were gently (and not so gently) being trained to give our bodies the correct responses.

Watching Vladimir, Valentin and some of the other great instructors work, is like seeing this faith manifest. Every demonstration is perfect in that moment. If you are new to Systema, there are no pre-ordained movements or katas, just the right response for that moment. The masters wait calmly and peacefully and then deal swiftly, precisely and effectively with whatever presents itself. There is beauty in this. There is a self-knowledge that your movement and response was wholesome and perfect: neither too little nor too much. You may never do that same movement or series of movements again, but in that moment, it was perfect.

Watching Vladimir during one demonstration, I was struck by the level of unconscious skill that he possesses. He was dealing with three multiple attackers and talking to us at the same time. At one stage, he had two in front and another joined from the side. He threw the side attacker behind him without any obvious diversion of attention from the front two attackers. Without looking, he delivered a heel kick to the chin as the attacker hit the ground. A ‘wow’ escaped my lips as he did it. The spontaneous, effortless precision was stunning.

In the end, it was clear that it doesn’t matter what you do. Whether you are a performer, an artist, in business, a martial artist, a person of God or a soldier, if you are good, you must have an unshakeable belief in yourself. Systema, with its unique drills and methodology has the ability to give you this. The courage to find a deeper pool of strength rooted in humility.

It is said of the great generals in history that they knew themselves and they knew their men. Their persona instilled a belief and confidence in those under their charge. Caesar was said to be able to walk the camp fires at night and be able to talk to his men on a personal level, knowing their names and their families. This instilled cohesion, loyalty and belief that was unshakeable. Vladimir has this persona. As does his whole family. During mealtimes, Vladimir would walk around the room with a word and a smile here and there, before eating his own meal. Vladimir’s wife Valerie knew all of the instructors by name and so did their daughters, Melissa and Julia.

Vladimir is the kind of martial artist that comes along once in a generation. Much more than this, he is one of the most open-hearted, generous and decent men I have ever had the privilege to meet.

To understand more about Systema’s unique drills and exercises join us for a unique event. Vladimir Vasiliev and Mikhail Ryabko are coming to the UK for the Legends of Systema seminar on October 4th and 5th.

Systema Falling, Rolling & Movement Workshop – 28th Sept

Posted on 31/08/201421/10/2014 by Matt Hill

‘Systema is transmitted body to body‘

The bottom line is that you learn Systema or any other martial art by having it done to you, body to body. If you can lose the fear of falling, you will be able to concentrate more on how it feels during the takedown and in fact at all times during the training process. This will accelerate your learning.

‘You build a body from the ground up‘
Just like a baby, you build a strong body, with freedom of movement through relaxation in every range of motion, from the ground up. I will be showing lots of exercises to develop balanced core muscles and to maintain good posture and graceful, powerful, easy movement.
Lose the fear of falling
As we get older, we become more and more scared of falling over. We become tense and brittle. Learn to lose this fear and tension through simple methodology that can be practiced by anyone of any age. Learn to heal the body through movement. Watch cats and dogs stretch and roll around on the floor with ease, well into thier old age. They do it because it makes them feel good and keeps them healthy. Even if you are not a martial artist you will benefit from this workshop. Learn to:

Move freely and easily on the floor.
Transition from standing to ground and from ground to standing with ease, slow or fast

Basic to advanced – speed, height, distance, obstacles
We will move from basic falls rolls and ground movement to more advanced levels such as increased speed, height, distance and obstacles. through the day. Everyone is free to sit and watch some or stay at basic levels the advanced work is not mandatory. That said progression will be methodical and gradual.

Details

Date: Sunday Sept 28th
Location: Unit S3, Avonside Enterprise Park, New Broughton Road, Melksham, Wiltshire
Time: 10am-2pm
Need to bring: Loose, light clothing, Water bottle.
Investment: Just £40 (Discount for club members).

Numbers will be strictly limited. Book below to secure your space to avoid disappointment.

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

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.

Legends of Systema: Mikhail Ryabko & Vladimir Vasiliev – UK October 4th-5th 2014

Posted on 27/05/201310/12/2024 by Matt Hill

Facebook events page here

In October 2014, Systema Founders and head instructors, Mikhail Ryabko from Moscow and Vladimir Vasiliev from Toronto are coming to England. Over two historic days, these great masters will share the stage in delivering a unique and rare experience for all. Organizers Jamie Robson and Matt Hill are proud to invite you to Legends Of Systema.

Training topics:

Day 1: HAND TO HAND COMBAT
11am – 5pm
Morning section by Mikhail Ryabko – Single Opponent
Afternoon section by Vladimir Vasiliev – Multiple Opponents

Day 2: WEAPONS – please bring a training knife and stick if you have one
10am – 4pm
Morning section by Mikhail Ryabko – Single Opponent
Afternoon section by Vladimir Vasiliev – Multiple Opponents

The seminar will be held at Lilleshall National Sports Centre in Shropshire, England.

This stunning estate location has excellent and very reasonable on-site accommodation. 24hr residential rate including all meals is £80.

The capacity for this event is 200. The event WILL sell out long before the date. THE EVENT IS NOW WELL OVER HALF FULL. There are not enough beds for everyone at the venue so it is first come first served.

The price is £220. It is £250 if you wait and pay on the day.

Please note that the cost is £228 on PayPal, this takes account of the PayPal fee.

Accommodation bookings:

Please make accommodation bookings through the following contact at Lilleshall.

Alex Jackson Enquiries.Lilleshall@serco.com 01952 603003 www.Lilleshallnsc.co.uk

Seminar release and waiver.

This is mandatory for all participants. Please download print and bring with you on the day.

LEGENDS SEMINAR RELEASE AND WAIVER

Directions and Travel links.

For International attendees the closest airport is Birmingham International.
From here it is a 1hour train ride to Telford. Trains run 2 or 3 times per hour. This is approx £16. Click here for the train link
From Telford get a 10 min taxi to the venue from the train station.

Legends Of Systema – 4th-5th October 2014

Jamie Robson Academy

Wiltshire Martial Arts

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