Every so often, there is the incredibly sad story regarding a martial arts instructor accused of molesting a student. Here’s another. Innocent or guilty, it’s a black eye for the industry. It affects us (kempo folk) directly as it is a USSD school. How do you handle the risks involved?
This story is probably the tip of an iceberg. What do you do to protect yourself and the kids you work with from situations like this?
Note: this is under discussion at Bullshido and Martialtalk.
I was contacted by a reader from Ireland, Jonny Figgis from Hard Target Self Defence Systems (yes, they mean to spell it that way) about some sources for Shaolin Kempo information. We had a great discussion regarding what to do with his material and what if anything he should add. From the sounds of his training, I encouraged him to keep on doing what he was already doing, and here’s why:
They train a limited syllabus (basically the shodan level give or take) and focus on applying it in realistic situations. I pointed to a few folks who he could look up, but really I don’t want to mess up what they are doing – I think they are on the right track. Do what you do well. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for these guys.
I found a video on Youtube that I thought had an interesting approach toward training wrist grabs. The instructor is Richard Grannon, an instructor with a basis in traditional martial arts, but who has headed out in his own direction searching for anwers.It’s at times a bit irreverent (perhaps that’s why I liked it) and uses some crass language. With that in mind, instead of posting it on the front page, I’ve embedded it in a thread in the discussion forum section where it will have a more ‘controlled’ audience. As far as I know, you have to be signed in to the forum to see it at this point. Please go to the forum, click on the ‘sign in’ link in the top corner, and let’s talk about it. Love it or hate it, it is a fun watch. If you can’t bear the thought of using the forum, you certainly can find the video on youtube, so don’t let that stop you.
