Kyoshi Gary Maas 7th Dan

Club Visit - 12th February 2018

Today was a little different at Seishin Ju-Jitsu, as we had the pleasure of welcoming guest instructor Kyoshi Gary Maas, a highly experienced 7th Dan Ju-Jitsu instructor with over 40 years of training, teaching and practical martial arts knowledge.

It is always a privilege when a senior instructor gives up their time to visit another club, step onto the mat, and share their experience with students from a different dojo.

Martial arts may sometimes appear to be divided into separate styles, systems and organisations, but in reality the martial arts world is a small and closely connected one. Many instructors know one another personally, have trained together in the past, or have crossed paths at seminars, gradings and courses over many years.

Ju-Jitsu itself has influenced, and been influenced by, many other martial arts. Techniques involving throws, locks, escapes, holds, striking, movement and balance can often be seen across different systems. Because of this, there is always something valuable to learn when a visiting instructor brings their own interpretation, experience and teaching style onto the mat.

Kyoshi Gary Maas delivered a session that was enjoyable, informative and practical. His teaching gave students the opportunity to look at familiar techniques from a slightly different angle, while also introducing ideas and details that helped improve timing, movement, control and awareness. For students, these moments are extremely valuable. They allow us to step outside our usual training routine and experience Ju-Jitsu through another instructor’s eyes.

For instructors too, visits like this are a reminder that martial arts training is a lifelong journey. No matter how many years someone has trained, there is always another detail to discover, another principle to explore, and another way to improve. Good martial artists never stop learning, and good instructors are always open to new ideas.

The session was taught in a friendly, respectful and relaxed atmosphere, which made it enjoyable for students of all grades. Everyone was encouraged to take part, ask questions, try the techniques and learn through practice. This is one of the great strengths of traditional martial arts: the sharing of knowledge from one generation of practitioners to the next.

At Seishin Ju-Jitsu, we believe that guest instructors and inter-club visits help students grow not only as martial artists, but also as people. They build friendships, strengthen respect between clubs, and remind us that martial arts are about much more than simply learning techniques.

We would like to thank Kyoshi Gary Maas for visiting Seishin Ju-Jitsu and sharing his time, knowledge and enthusiasm with us.