Mr. G's Corner Septermber 08 Edition
What is the best martial art?
Do you have any idea how many times I've been asked that question? To this day people still ask me what's the best style. Hey, I'm guilty of this, too. When I first started my training I had a good friend who had been involved in martial arts for years. I drove him crazy with all of my questions about Bruce Lee, Ninjas, Samurai Swords, etc. Ask 10 different people involved in martial arts and you'll probably get 10 different answers.
After several years of training under my belt I felt I was enlightened enough to respond to this question with the following answer; "There is no such thing as the "best" martial art because every style has something to offer." Wow, wasn't I wise and all knowing.
Now, I still believe this is true, but…. There's a better answer. Now when someone asks me what is the best martial art I'll respond with; "For what? Mixed martial arts, self-defense, fitness, flexibility, weapons?"
I believe every martial art, fighting style, system, etc., has something to offer as long as it is what that person wants. Do you want amazing fitness and flexibility? Capoeira and Wushu Kung Fu come to mind. Want to step into a cage? Muay Thai, Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and Wrestling are what you are after. The truth is that some styles are much better suited than others for specific goals. Figure out your goals, do some research, and you're sure to find the right "style" for you.
Train well,
Mr G.
July 2008 Edition - Just say NO!
Remember that friend of yours who got involved in that multi-level marketing "opportunity" and then tried to get you involved with it, as well? You know who I'm talking about. He (or she) tried to tell you how much money you could make by selling the product and how easy it would be to get others under you to do the same thing so you could reap the financial rewards? Remember how you tried to say no (repeatedly) but your friend just wouldn't hear it? I'll bet this sounds familiar.
I've been in this situation a few times, especially since I've had my own business. And what's hard to do is to say no to a friend. But... I've done it. Actually, I've had to be very mean about it once in a while to drive home the point that I'm not interested. Do you know what I've noticed, though? The moment I've clearly and unequivocally said "no", the sales pitch/attempt stops.
This is very similar to certain self-defense situations. Just like that annoying friend of yours, the person with bad intentions may come across as friendly in an effort to try to do anything to weasel a "yes" from you. This is known as the approach. Teenage women especially experiencce this at parties, coffee shops, etc, and because a great majority of them don't want to be mean they sometimes give in to that persistent sales pitch. "C'mon, what's your name? What's your number?".
Do you know how you shut these people down? Just say no. Be mean. If you don't want to be "sold" on anything, then no is the only answer. Stand up for yourself, say no, and walk away.
Train well,
Mr G.
May 2008 Edition - Technique, technique, technique!
When students are training,
I try to emphasize proper technique over everything else. In my opinion,
proper form and execution of a technique is more important than speed,
power, and athleticism combined. Why? Well, a bigger person will have power as long as they are big. A fast person will have speed as long as they are fast. So, if a person relies on speed and/or power as opposed to technique what happens when they are not fast and/or big anymore? What happens to that young guy in his twenties who is fast and powerful with no technique when he turns seventy? If he relied on physicality as opposed to technical ability do you think he will be as effective in defending himself when he is older, or even when hes not feeling well? Absolutely not.
Not that I like to admit this, but speed and power fade. We will not always be at the peak of our physical abilities. With that being said, good technique stays with us. In my opinion, the order of importance is technique, speed, and then power. Get the technique down, then apply speed, then add some horsepower (if youve got it.)
Train well,
Mr G.
October 2007 Edition - Self-Defense is like Car Insurance
An
interesting thing happened the other day. As I was sitting at the front
desk, a woman (probably in her sixties or early seventies) walked into
the school and inquired about kickboxing classes. As I described our classes
and our emphasis on self-defense she rolled her eyes and said "I don't
need self-defense". With that type of response I stop any sales talk and
get very direct. I asked this person (politely) why she felt she didn't
need self-defense training. Surprised by the question, she re-answered
by saying she hoped she would never have to be in a situation where she
would have to defend herself and would rather believe that nothing will
ever happen to her.
Here's the deal I never plan on having to defend myself. With that being said, I'm very glad that I'm doing everything I can to make sure I'm as prepared as possible if the need every arises. In other words, it is very rare that I ever have to be in any type of self-defense situation as I take precautions and do my best to stay aware of my surroundings. But if I ever have to protect myself I know I'm as covered as possible. This is why self-defense is like car insurance. You don't plan on getting into a car accident and having to use your car insurance everyday, but everyday you are glad that you are covered just in case. This is exactly how I see self-defense training. Stay covered so that IF the situation arises, you are as protected as possible.
Train well,
Mr G.
Chief Instructor: James Gavsie
Known to his students as “Mr. G.”, James started his martial arts training in Canada. Having moved to the United States in 1996, Mr. G. continued his search for the very best martial arts instruction he could find. Focused on the practical aspects of martial arts and effective self-defense techniques, Mr. G. went on to become highly certified as both a martial artist and a martial arts instructor.
Along with adults, teenagers, and children, his students have included members of the D.E.A., Navy Seals, Army Rangers, Police Force, and Secret Service. Mr. G founded MAX Impact Martial Arts to help as many people as possible to be more confident, better prepared to defend themselves in an attack, and most importantly, to never be a victim.
Training
James Gavsie has trained extensively in numerous martial arts including:
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- Boxing
- Muay Thai Kickboxing
- Wing Chun Kung Fu
- Jeet Kune Do
- Kali Stick and Knife Fighting
- Kids Safe Network, Certified Agent
Philosophy
During his training, Mr. G. found the best self-defense techniques are most effective
if the individual is prepared psychologically for a physical confrontation.
Mr. G. has also conducted extensive research into patterns, methods, and
thought processes of criminals. As a result, Mr. G. provides instruction
that helps all MAX Impact students learn how to spot, avoid, and if necessary,
protect oneself in the event of a physical attack. In addition, Mr. G. provides
insight into what an attacker looks for in a target.
Finally, James believes in providing a positive environment, with a high energy
atmosphere. Known for his passion for instruction and attention to detail Mr.
G. strives to ensure that at the end of every class each participant has had
fun, learned something new, and has had a great workout.