2nd Multi Style Seminar

October 2018

Kyoshi Gary Maas’ long-awaited 2nd Multi Style Seminar took place on Sunday, 14th October 2018, bringing together martial artists from different styles for a busy, enjoyable and inspiring day of training.

The seminar offered students the opportunity to experience a variety of martial arts in an informal, friendly and relaxed environment. Events like this are a valuable part of martial arts training, as they allow students and instructors to share knowledge, explore different approaches, and enjoy time on the mat with old and new friends.

The day included instruction in several disciplines, each taught by experienced and respected martial artists:

• Ju-Jitsu with Kyoshi Gary Maas 7th Dan, Shihan David Keenan 6th Dan, Renshi John Michell 5th Dan, and Sensei Bob Blackshaw 2nd Dan.
• Kenjutsu with Renshi Kyle Burks 5th Dan.
• Aikido with Sensei Andy Morris 2nd Dan.

Seishin Ju-Jitsu were delighted to be in attendance, and Renshi John Michell was honoured and humbled to be invited to teach as part of the seminar. For our students, it was a fantastic opportunity to train with a range of instructors, experience different martial arts, and develop a broader understanding of traditional and modern self-defence systems.

The Ju-Jitsu sessions gave students the chance to explore practical close-quarter techniques, control methods, locks, escapes and variations from different teaching perspectives. Although each instructor brought their own approach to the mat, the shared principles of timing, balance, movement and control were clear throughout the training.

The Kenjutsu session introduced students to the discipline and focus involved in Japanese sword work. Training with the sword helps develop posture, distance, timing and concentration, all of which can improve a martial artist’s wider practice. The Aikido session also gave participants the chance to explore movement, redirection, blending and control, adding further variety to an already packed day.

Our students thoroughly enjoyed getting involved in all the activities, meeting familiar faces from previous get-togethers and making new friends along the way. The six-hour seminar passed incredibly quickly, which is always a sign of a successful and enjoyable event. Everyone came away with new ideas, fresh motivation and plenty of great memories.

We would also like to congratulate Shihan David Keenan once again on his promotion to Shihan and 6th Dan. It is wonderful to see 27 years of commitment, dedication and hard work recognised in such a meaningful way.

A big thank you goes to Kyoshi Gary Maas for organising and hosting such a successful seminar, and to all the instructors and students who helped make the day so memorable. We look forward to seeing everyone again soon.

Photos courtesy of Renshi Kyle Burks.