Senior Training Course
February 2005

Course Title: Adult Training Course
Course Date(s): 12/02/05– 13/02/05
Venue: John Paul Academy, Summerston

Course Reporter: Dave McDicken, 4th dan Blackbelt from Linlithgow Shotobudo

The overall objective of the weekend was to study and improve on our ability to defend ourselves in a one to one unarmed combat situation. This was achieved by breaking down the final outcome of unarmed combat into its component parts, which we then practiced in turn. First of all we looked at Sparring and Parrying, i.e. the ability to attack and defend using the arms and legs from an upright position, and then we looked at takedowns, groundwork and locks, with the final objective being to bring you opponent under control whilst protecting yourself against injury. Each of these component parts were then brought together to create a general combat situation, initially with sparring and parrying, and then moving in to a closer combat situation which led to take downs, groundwork and bring your opponent under control hopefully by the use of a lock or hold.


As usual, I enjoyed aspects of the course, but from a Senior Instructor point of view what I really enjoyed was the competitive spirit and the work ethic of those working through the grades at all levels, as it is fair to say the skill levels, particularly in the aforementioned areas are probably higher than ever across the board. This gives myself and the other Senior grades the impetus to push ourselves further, to ensure we are continually learning / developing and setting a high standard that others will aspire to.

The course was great, let's all keep pushing forward.

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