Our Open House Seminar introduced the participants to different forms of martial arts. Sensei Aric Keyes led the warm up which included drills and exercises from both the karate and jujutsu classes. Sensei Paul Gardner, an Instructor of Aikido, discussed the importance of balance and led some exercises that demonstrated how a positive thought and attitude can affect posture and movement. He also taught some throws and wrist locks.

Professor John, our instructor of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, emphasized the importance of technique and the use of technique over ‘muscling’ an opponent. He taught a takedown and a guillotine choke as standing defense, an escape and a reversal from mount, as well as wrist and shoulder locks from different positions.

Sensei Keyes then led a KU drill involving punches, kicks, elbows, knees and a head butt. This drill, as well as the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu idea of always having a back-up plan, reminded me of what Sensei Keyes always says in the self defense classes. “The longer you fight the closer you are to winning.”

I think each of these martial arts have lessons and attributes that contribute to self defense ideals. Each session of the seminar displayed attributes that were unique to the individual martial art while also showing the ties and relationship between these martial arts and how each form can be used to strengthen one another.

A special thank you to Sensei Gardner and Professor John for taking time out of their busy schedules to help lead the Open House Seminar!