Hi,
I'm currently reading Dennis Martin's book Working with Warriors. It's a true life account of his early years working the doors of various nightclubs in Liverpool with fellow martial artists Terry O'Neil and Gary Spiers.
It's a no punches pulled account of real-time violent encounters from the perspective of Traditional Karate men of their time.
It focuses on the adaptation of formal drills and technique to fit the street, with the confines of limited space to move, multiple opponents and limited or no preparation time.
It's great to have such material to read and reflect on. Dennis went on to become a leading figure in the bodyguard world and still publishes and teaches to this day.
The fierceness and courage displayed by these men, while also retaining a sense of personal honour and martial code makes for a good blend of no-nonsense martial spirit and context.
Its made me think alot about how we best fit what we do in FCMA to our surroundings, be they environmental, social or interpersonal (in the case of therapy).
Best wishes and here's to a safe, fierce and compassionate 2020!
Syd
