My girlfriend is about 100lbs and a little over five feet tall. She is very shy and non-confrontational. I really worried for her safety, for I teach a Women's Rape Prevention and Self-defense course and I am aware of the dangers of appearing..."victim-like".
I tried to get her to enroll in one of my classes, but her shyness prevented her from attending.
So, I came up with the idea of teaching through play(original, huh?) Almost everytime we are together, we do some playful wrestling. Initially, I wanted her to just oversome the fear of physical contact and get use to physical pressure.
When she first watched MMA event, she was impressed by what she called, "what they can do with their bodies". We even attended an event together this summer.
I was surprised when she wanted to know what to do "technically" when we were play fighting.
I saw this as a chance to teach some basic "FlowFighting®" strategies. I wouldn't teach "techniques", but "tactics". If you are familiar with the RMAX combat materials, you know it's not about technique, but tactics. I wanted her to utilize her "Natural Flow and Instincts" in her combative tactics.
I gave here three simple concepts: 1) Relax your way out of situations
2) Locate her obstruction and focus only on what's keeping you from escaping. 3) "it's all in the hips" to escape you want to move your hips away and to control, you want your hips close to them
That's it! No, techniques!
Tonight, I had her in my guard. I told her all she had to do was end up in "cross-side". It was amazing. Without knowing any technique, she did things that BJJ blue belts would do. She came up with the basic guard pass on her own, "invented'" right there on the spot. She also stood up in my guard, forcing me to go to an open guard. She then fought, passed my legs and ended up on my chest.
I was a little embarrassed, but very impressed.
This little story was an example how we all have an innate "combative problem-solver and warrior" in us. "Martial Arts" styles and techniques often interfere or abate our natural tactics.
When Scott Sonnon first came out with "Arthrokinetics", he said you could actually "invent" your own techniques. I think this is what he was referring to.
I think your learning curve is amazingly enhanced when you are not taught techniques, but simple basic strategies and tactics.
Since my introduction into "FlowFighting®", my teaching has been greatly enhanced by Scott Sonnon's work. I owe you a great deal, brother!
Thanks.
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