Etiquette

I wanted to put this up as it's easy to forget some things however basic they may be.

Hygiene and well being:

• Spraying deodorant doesn't always cut it! hygiene is important, wash after each session - yourself and your clothes.
• Antibacterial soap never hurt anyone, especially after a particularly sweaty class!
• Clip your finger/toenails, it's no fun spotting little cuts after a session and wondering whose dirty nails cut/scratched you.
• A good antibacterial spray extends the lifespan of your gear, gloves, headgear, shin-guards etc. a quick spray after each session then leave them out to air dry.
• Wear the appropriate gear to the class you're attending, goggles are often neglected in weaponry classes but you only have two eyes and getting poked in either by a stick is no fun! 
• If you have injuries let the instructor and your training partner(s) know.If you're sick, ill or otherwise have any type of condition let your instructor know and think about taking some time off. It's no good training when you're not well, especially if it's something catching!

 Training:

• Arrive on time, let the instructor know when you arrive if you arrive late.
• Don't invade a class. Enthusiasm is great but don't get on the mat and start warming up or hitting the bags while another class is in progress, check with the instructor if it's ok to do so first.
• Show respect to your sparring partner, senior students and those that are older than you.  
• Pay attention to the instructor, he/she is giving up their time to share things with you.
• Don't chew gum when training, not all chokes are successful sub attempts!
• When partnered up for drilling or sparring, show respect to your partner. You can touch gloves, knock fists, high five or bow etc. 
• If you're more experienced than someone you're partnered/sparring with, don't take advantage. Make it more challenging by working your weaker areas or better yet, by offering tips to help them do better against you. 
• Remember that we are all friends in the gym, these are people that help you improve. 
• When sparring don't be afraid to ask your partner to slow down or bring the pace down a notch, similarly don't go too hard unless your partner has agreed. Sparring is to aid learning and raise conditioning, don't hit harder than you're willing to get hit.
• Remember that you do, to some extent represent your school or gym, but especially if you're competing and fighting out of the gym.
• The gym is your gym, keep it tidy and help maintain it for future use.
• Have fun, you learn and improve more when you're enjoying yourself!

Osu!

CFS at the London Open & European No-Gi Championships 2012

Check out my instructor (CFS Head Instructor) Guro David Onuma's fantastic blog with loads of great instructional material

Here's a picture of the post on the tournament... Read more here!

Congratulations to all the CFS warriors that fought on the day!

JKD/Kali International Oct 2012

 Last month I was fortunate enough to attend another fantastic instructor camp with none other than Guro Bob Breen. Among those in attendance were some of Guro Bob's students from all over the UK and Europe, some who have previously or currently compete in national and international circuits in Boxing, Shootfighting, Stickfighting and BJJ.

Throughout the day we covered boxing, trapping and immobilisation to takedowns and empty hand drills vs knife.

We finished off with some sparring which was great, particularly when sparring with Miad Najafi who has quick, accurate hands and heads Elements Martial Arts down in Brighton as well as the brilliant iMMAculate clothing line.

Although I was only able to make the first of the two days of, nothing less than world class training, I took away some great things to work on and teach my students.

It was great to catch up with friends afterwards over chilli tofu and noodles, I can't wait until the next camp!



Thank you to Guro Bob and everyone I partnered up with on the day and sparred with... John, Anil, Miad, Louis and fellow CFS members, Carl, Richard and Jesus. See you all next time.





Photos courtesy of Carl Jackson.