STEPPING OUT OF THE BOX

On a Facebook group, I got a response to a BLOG that I posted there by a man named Ajani Winston. I’ve been watching him and his Martial Journey for a few years now, and His insightful comment shed light on key aspects that I was eager to bring into focus in another POST.

Here’s what he wrote.

Ajani Winston

“great post and I can see that took a lot of time, consideration, and research. I think it all depends on what the individual desires in their practice and what their Mestres have to give. I came from other arts where there was heavy sparing before coming into Capoeira Angola. Then after some time in capoeira I began to experiment with sparing other martial artists and instructors using the skills I learned. I had time to experiment with mma fighters and retired pros, bjj practitioners, boxers, karate, and kung fu practitioners and instructors. I found that the skills obtained by our play was enough to prepare me for all of the other styles. But, the same couldn’t be said for the other arts. Other martial artists aren’t comfortable or equipped dealing with the unknown. Boxers hate kicks, kickers hate being grabbed, grapplers are helpless against punches. Light sparing is always the best. Hard sparing only builds injuries, but it doesn’t build skill.

So my recommendations. Study everything you are curious about, but make sure it complements your goals. I trained at a local MMA school, and enjoyed the bjj, gi and no gi. The striking was basic as hell, and I ran clinics in people on sparing days (but I kept my capoeira hidden). But, I found that their methodologies only made me stiff and decreased my agility to the point where Role’s were near impossible. So I stopped. I did a savate workshop and really enjoyed it. I think it’s a great complement to capoeira. There is a bit of rhythm and timing to it and can fill in the blank for people less confident in their upright fighting game. But, learning to box will build a habit of being less reliant on escaping, which is a mistake and will take away from your best attributes in a fight. So take care when studying other arts. I’m currently learning Balintawak (look it up if you haven’t seen it), it’s a great style to develop stick, knife, and hand traps.“

First of all, in case you don’t know what Balintawak is, check it out.

Okay, now back to stepping out of the box.

As I “typed” before, Ajani’s above comment highlights something that I don’t think gets talked about enough.

As Martial Artists, we dedicate ourselves to continuous training, honing our skills over many years to gain proficiency in our chosen art. However, such dedication can inadvertently lead us to confine ourselves within the boundaries of our existing knowledge, becoming too comfortable in our skillset and reluctant to venture beyond it. Stepping outside our comfort zone is essential for personal growth and mastery. Embracing new techniques and exploring different martial arts styles can open up a world of possibilities, offering fresh perspectives that enrich our practice. Through this journey of exploration, we not only enhance our physical abilities but also deepen our understanding of diverse philosophies and approaches. By broadening our horizons, we elevate our overall martial arts experience, embracing the richness of the martial arts world.

And for a Martial Artist, this is very important. So, how do we break free of this stagnation? WE DO IT BY stepping out of the box! Learn whatever you’re interested in, as long as it compliments your long-term goals, whether it’s Self-Defense, or to be a champion kickboxer, or whatever your goals may be. Do some friendly sparring with people from other arts, exchange techniques, and broaden your knowledge base. Additionally, consider exploring different training methods, such as cross-training in disciplines like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, or Taekwondo. In addition to these activities, it’s beneficial to attend workshops and seminars led by experienced martial artists to gain new perspectives and insights. Another way to break free from stagnation is to set specific short-term objectives and track your progress to keep your training dynamic and focused. Engaging with a community of martial artists, either in person or online, can provide valuable support, motivation, and opportunities to share experiences. Seeking out mentorship and guidance from seasoned practitioners can also offer fresh perspectives and refine your skills. By continually seeking new challenges and experiences, a martial artist can transcend limitations and evolve to reach their full potential.

If you consistently apply yourself to the practice, you will undoubtedly achieve positive results. Take, for instance, the case of Ajani as depicted in the videos. Despite performing Textbook Capoeira Angola in both instances, he demonstrates remarkable adaptability to varying circumstances, a skill that eludes many martial artists. This, however, should serve as the ultimate aspiration for every practitioner of martial arts. The ultimate goal should be the seamless and proficient application of one’s art in any given situation, irrespective of its nature.

Martial artists must cultivate not just physical skills, but also mental and emotional resilience, enabling them to respond calmly and skillfully to unexpected challenges. This adaptability and versatility are essential for an effective martial artist, as it allows them to apply their techniques in dynamic and unscripted scenarios, making the art come alive in real-world situations. With training and dedication, martial artists can develop the ability to fluidly transition between different styles and techniques, harnessing the full potential of their art in diverse and ever-changing environments.

This exposure will not only enhance your skills but also open up new perspectives and approaches that can benefit your overall martial arts journey. Remember, the key to growth and evolution in martial arts lies in embracing diversity and continuously seeking new challenges. Exploring different styles and techniques, as well as learning from practitioners with diverse backgrounds, can enrich your understanding of martial arts. Additionally, immersing yourself in various training environments and testing yourself against different opponents will help you develop a well-rounded skill set. Embracing versatility and being open to unconventional methods can greatly contribute to your progress and proficiency in martial arts.