Matthew Sylvester
karate
Pressure Testing
Pressure testing is a buzz word right now along with ‘reality-based’, ‘pressure points’ and ‘cross-training’. Just as with the other buzz words there is some misconception as to what pressure testing is. Most people seem to think it involves blood, sweat and tears in copious amounts; somewhat like an MMA fight actually. This isn’t far … Continue reading
Applications – They need to be Practical
When looking for applications in your patterns, it is important to always be critical. When you’re doing this from a Practical Taekwondo perspective, it’s vital that you also be practical. Take the picture below. Normally you see this sort of thing performed by people wearing doboks. I took it with us wearing street clothing to show just … Continue reading
Instructing – a privilege that can be taken for granted
Let’s face it, when you’re feeling ill, down, tired, grumpy or just plain lazy, teaching of any kind can be a chore. When what you’re teaching is as physical as most martial arts, and as athletic at Taekwondo can be, motivation can be as hard to find as hen’s teeth. This weekend, it was hammered … Continue reading
Open-mindedness is vital to success in the martial arts
As a former technical consultant and features editor for what were the four leading martial arts magazines in the U.K. I had the opportunity to meet a lot of great martial artists with an open-minded approach to training and evolution. I also et a lot of their students and, interestingly, a lt of these students … Continue reading
Lawrence Kane – Traditionally Modern Warrior
What was it about the martial arts that attracted you? It’s breadth. There is so much to cover in martial arts that it can become a never-ending journey. There are some pretty cool stops along the way, of course, but you’re never really done so long as the desire to learn remains strong. I started … Continue reading
Matthew Sylvester 