Something I keep running into when I look at some MA websites is using articles from newspapers, and other websites, to sell their product. Immediately that doesn't seem to be much of an issue...this is the internet after all.
What gets on my tits though, is that these articles are ALL about people being attacked and hurt. And 80-90% of those I've seen are about Women being attacked and hurt in some fashion.
I salute anyone's attempt to broaden the horizons of someone visiting their site, and I also applaud it when initiatives are pushed to illustrate how potentially dangerous the world can be on a personal level...but the fear-mongering I see on some sites is sad and disgusting.
I found a site for a WC school which started off with information about classes, teachers, fees etc...to only then be followed with articles about women being attacked. Essentially this is telling the visitor, "Hi, this is what we do and what we can provide...by they way, did you know that you NEED US TO SAVE YOU!!??"
Women are no weaker than men, however there is a cultural response which suggests a woman should 'Take It', and that they're lesser beings than men. I've actually heard people spew this ridiculous shit out in public.
Don't get me wrong, I'm an advocate that PEOPLE should learn something to defend themselves with...ideally WC (knuck-knuck), but gearing their approach directly at women using only articles about fear, rather than with statistics and additional links that could help...I find it reprehensible.
It smacks of a marketing gimmick...and an avenue, through which the primary goal is, to make money.
https://womensrefuge.org.nz/WR/Domestic-violence/Statistics.htm
As an example, the above link takes you to some New Zealand domestic violence statistics.
- One in three women experience psychological or physical abuse from their partners in their lifetime.
- On average 14 women, six men and 10 children are killed by a member of their family every year.
Other than being disgusting and alarming, these numbers are powerful.
These numbers come from within the family unit. Think about that for a moment...within the FAMILY UNIT. That place which is supposed to be uncompromising safety and love.
We're foolish if we think domestic violence doesn't happen. We're deluded if we ignore it.
However we're disgusting if we use a topic, such as this, to sell a product or service.
On top of the potential for domestic violence we find the chance for violent interaction in our everyday world. You might be waiting in line for a coffee, walking down the street with your fast food, or experience an art gallery with your sweetheart.
So yes, go out and learn to defend yourself. Learn to defend your loved ones.
But don't trust someone that would ride on the tail coats of such an important issue.
If you want something fast and effective go learn Boxing, Wing Chun, or Aikido.
If you want something long term...go learn the same options! Check them ALL out, I don't care...I don't know you, but I want you to be safe.
Why am I waffling on about this again?
While I was away in Melbourne attending the Asia-Pacific WSL gathering, my friend broke up with her boyfriend. They hadn't been together too long, so there certainly shouldn't have been any possessive feelings involve, however he couldn't take it and he struck her. She called the Police and now its in the hand of the cops. She came off lucky. She's still alive. But...
WHAT...THE...FUCK?!?
When I found out and she'd assured me she was ok, I became furious for her....I wasn't going to roll in and try to save the day, she's a complete enough person to do that for herself. But now I'm having conversations with her about protecting herself.
It's her life...and its important.
As long as she does something.
Monday 2 November 2015
It's worth every cent.
The weekend was touted to be an extraordinary time, and it didn't fall short.
A collection of Wong Shun Leung's own students were all giving talks on their perspective on this detail, or that idea and it was refreshing to have such highly skilled practitioners reiterating the importance of the fundamentals while illustrating the evidence, and being open to rolling (in chi sao) with anyone interested. They allowed us to see what they were talking about, and to experience it.
These pillars of 'our' community were, firstly and foremost, Chan Kim Man. Chan Sifu was a student of Wong Sifu, and sadly a member of an ever decreasing circle of knowledge, those taught directly by Wong Sifu.
Chan Sifu is a remarkable man of personality and character. At no time did he exhibit the negative aspects I've seen in other 'Masters', such as the mystery and sifuism we hear more about these days, or the arrogance of people prone to making claims. I dare say, he was even humble.
Also in attendance and in no particular order, were: John Smith from Illawarra, New South Wales; Enzo Verratti of Brunswick, Melbourne; David Peterson, with his school in Malaysia; and Darren Elvey of Melbourne Central.
Each teacher brought their perspective to eager students and opened many eyes to the complex details that lie below the surface of our beautiful and simple system.
More importantly, each Sifu continued to champion Wong Sifu's core teaching. Simplicity. Being Direct. And being Efficient. Test your structure, test your theories. Prove the idea works the same way each time and that there isn't an easier alternative requiring less energy.
Like Chan Sifu, John Smith, Enzo Verratti and David Peterson were also direct students of Wong Sifu, with Darren Elvey being a student of David Peterson. While their circle may diminish overtime, (and I hope they all make this a long and drawn out process), I am comforted to know that the torch is carried on by teachers like Darren Elvey. His command and understanding of the system attributes laurels both to his teacher, and his self. Darren approaches the system with an analytical mind and an ever growing curiosity. He's open to any idea, and is more than willing to test it.
Surely that's enough gushing about the teachers...for now.
So what did I get out of this opportunity to listen to 5 masters and roll with so many different people?
...So much...
The differences in teaching style varied from the Hong Kong concentration on chi sao; to drills training connection to the waist and hips allowing for power from the ground; to not bothering with drills and training within the application; to analyzing the situation, examining the physical laws in play, and the biomechanical responses involved therein.
Such a vastly varied and wonderfully colourful approach reached into the core of me and gave me a shake up!
Where once I was dealing with potentially 2 entries in chi sao and one or two responses, I'm now endowed with any number of potential ideas that previously I couldn't even picture, let along apply. And strangely they're physically easier to execute than many of my previous attempts.
I've spent so much time working on my Bong Sao that I've neglected some super-effective and ridiculously fun hands such as Laan Sao, Jut Sao and Wu Sao (forgive the spelling, I'll get better as I learn more).
And now, after such a short time, I'm pulling them out in chi sao. This is a huge step for me.
I haven't had the confidence to push my learning curve.
Now I'm inspired!
And I'm going to Keep On Pushin'. As I get better so will my training partners, and as they excel, so will I.
It's a beautiful relationship we're building here.
*edited 12/01/16
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)