What would be a good vehicle to learn one's own style?

[Aaron Mcgrath]

I've been disillusioned with my Karate/Capoeira training since discovering RMAX. What I really want is to start developing real martial art mastery. I am commited to making this a lifetime pursuit but I don't know where to start. Ultimately I want to be very capable of defending myself in real life, unexpected situations.

What kind of martial arts school would be optimal for incorporating the Softwork to Hard Work approach?

Respectfully

Aaron McGrath

"Be the change you want to see in the world." - Ghandhi

[Scott Sonnon]

You are the vehicle, Aaron. Get some partners together, get some RMAX materials and start drilling together a few times a week.

[bob_stra]

That's a good question - one that 99.9% of us are faced with.

As I see it, there are two options - study groups as Scott suggested, or trying to shoe horn the material into 'other' avenues.

If you chose the latter, I suggest an art that is permissive of kinesthetic exploration. Judo seems to be a good one. Aikido too, though IMHO that is a much more "formal" setting. (Note: I'm speaking of martial contexts. There are other avenues too - acrobatics, dance etc)

In any case, you will most likely be stuck with "doing unto" others without any real follow up, discussion or exploration. (consider yourself lucky if you can attend and participate in kids / juniors judo classes. "Softwork" experiences galore)

Having said that - it's all abt the people you work with. I'm met a lot of "clowns" over the years in Judo / BJJ that I wouldn't trust not to eat their own young.

People matter. Find good people. Wherever you find em. But finding them is very, very difficult. And time consuming.

Gawd - the situation is depressingly like dating really, isn't it? 'Looking for someone special, with GSOH and DTE..." :lol:

[Coach Hurst]

In any case, you will most likely be stuck with "doing unto" others without any real follow up, discussion or exploration. (consider yourself lucky if you can attend and participate in kids / juniors judo classes. "Softwork" experiences galore)

Having said that - it's all abt the people you work with. I'm met a lot of "clowns" over the years in Judo / BJJ that I wouldn't trust not to eat their own young.


I hear you there. :shock: I am currently going thru a bit of a challenging time with my judo practice after these years and giving some serious thougth as to 'deepen my personal practice'.

Starting a 'study' group of your own might be of your best interest as Coach and Bob suggested. I know how hard it is to even THINK about stopping/ or breaking away from something that you have done for so long. But sometimes in order to better yourself you have to move on.

Just my two cents.

[Ilya Kleyman]

Hmm....out of curiosity, where do you live?
I had a similar experience. I found the RMA's and was faced with the decision to either give up on my current arts or drag on through them.
I did the latter, and it was a mistake.
In Muay Thai I did my best to make it a vehicle for my RMAX training, and it just wouldn't work. Luckily, I have a certified RMAX teacher and plenty of partners to work with now, so the only reason to stay in my previous arts was a few good friends.

My suggestion is to start a study group. You'll be absolutely amazed what you can learn with a few willing individuals. There aren't any techniques in RMAX, so you don't have to worry about having an instructor to teach you them.
Just get a partner or two, work on your movement, your breathing, and figure out how the body works. You'll be surprised.

-Ilya

[Aaron Mcgrath]

Awesome advice,

I'm blown away by the idea of "being the vehicle" and I'm also inspired. I feel like I'm free of a cage I never new I was in (Like when Neo first leaves the matrix). Now I just need to find some new friends.

Amazing...I'm overwhelmed!

Aaron

"Be the Change You Want To See in The World" - Mahatma Gandhi

[HereBeADragon]

Sorry for possibly going off topic in this but I wanted to thank Ry29 for his comments (I dont know how to do that quote thing :) .

"I know how hard it is to even THINK about stopping/ or breaking away from something that you have done for so long. But sometimes in order to better yourself you have to move on."

This really hits home for me as I have had to make a very hard decision in my martial art. Due to well to put it bluntly a lot of Bull$#!t that has happened to me recently. Just wanted to point out a very well stated thought on an important subject.