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Taking Control by
Movement & The Mental Switch
Course report by:
Sensei Mathew Velvick 3rd Dan, Course photo by: Senpai Daniel Congerton
1st Dan
A course with a lot of high
expectations and anticipation, all students from Junior Purple Belts to
the most Senior and experienced grades benefited substantially.
There were two parts to Shihan’s course, Control by Movement and the
Mental Switch, which when used together work extremely effectively. The
first aspect taught to us was Control by movement using the area which
you are in, be it the Dojo or in a practical situation to take advantage
and control quickly. Shihan explained that every situation is different
and combining these two aspects together with the correct technique
could in fact save your life.
In the Dojo, during a hard sparring session it is controlled, but you
can still become mentally and physically fatigued very quickly if you
are too tense. In this circumstance, Shihan explained that control by
movement can bring you back into the fight, with simple but useful
techniques, such as the coil to divert your opponent’s power. Using the
area you are in, moving into techniques before they have time to
generate any power, side evasions pivoting on your front foot, but never
going backwards as this would subsequently set your opponent up for a
combination. Using the outline of the Union Jack to evade and meet
techniques giving you enough time to‘re-boot’ and take control using the
Mental Switch.
It is important to train as hard as you can during your sessions and
practice these techniques so that in the event of a practical situation
you are able to use the necessary force needed. In a practical situation
there are no limits as to what can happen, and how many attackers there
may be. This is why it is even more important in this situation to take
control quickly. Using the mental switch with control by movement in a
practical situation takes you from being normal to a fast thinking and
effective way of mind, using the correct techniques ‘not to be nasty but
necessary.’ Quote from Senpai Aleks Wulff (MAI magazine June 2010)
Partner work throughout the course allowed different interpretations and
constructive criticism giving everyone the chance to get involved and
voice there opinions, using trial and error to utilise the best out of
each individual’s capabilities. This worked particually well with the
visiting karateka’s.
The course was concluded with Shihan demonstrating these aspects
effectively on the visiting students, and proving how easy it is when
you utilise these very effective techniques. ‘The tiger may be fat, but
it is still dangerous’ quoted from Shihan.
It was clear to see the amount of
respect towards Shihan Joe Ellis through the size of the course and how
in-depth the discussions were. Shihan’s different and unorthodox
approach on Karate and Martial Arts shone through and his enthusiasm and
technical skill was demonstrated to, and appreciated by all.
It was clear to say that everyone went away thoroughly enjoying the
course and seeing how much the visiting Karateka’s enjoyed Shihan’s
course gave me and all of his students a great appreciation as to how
lucky we are to be taught by him.
Overall a massive thank you from
everyone who attended, a truly excellent course.
Osu
Sensei Mathew Velvick 3rd Dan
NAKMAS Senior Instructor |
