RESPECT YOUR TRAINING PARTNER

I cringe everytime I see people deliberately hurt their partners during demos just to look....well, authentic is what they say. That's really stupid! Yes sometimes there should be intensity and a sense of realism during ones performance. But always remember that your partner trusted you with his body (his/her life even) to do whatever you wish to do to make you look good but not to the point of literally hurting and beating the hell out of him/her. I have seen videos, live demos wherein the other guy (mostly men of course) is almost begging for mercy to laylow the degree of intensity just by the looks of their face and yet the one applying the technique begins to add more pain and seems to enjoy the other's agony and suffering. I do get the weird feeling that they're putting these poor training/demo partners to shame almost intentional. Especially when they kept repeating it over and over just to prove a point that the technique works. This is especially true during compliance holds (just see how the other taps like crazy while the other just continues to up the notch). And then they have the straight face to say we can't do these for real because it's really painful and dangerous. So they do it to their compliant friends instead. I mean of course there should be a little application of pain for this is martial arts. I totally understand that. But safety and compassion should always be a priority. Be sensitive to the other guy at the receiving end of what you're doing. That's our responsibility as martial artists. And of course, first and foremost, as human beings. Be reminded that he/she at this time is under your mercy because they have allowed it for your sake. So in return there should be complete trust going both ways. Now toss him or her like a rag doll all you want but do it with care. Although there is somewhat a hint of irony into it, but those who know it, understands the meaning of it.

Note:

Take a look at boxing. Whenever they do demos all they have is their training coach with mitts, a punching bag, a skip rope and good pair of gloves and boxing shoes for shadow boxing . Then they do their thing. You'll never see the coach beating up or deliberately punching the boxer just for the sake of making it real. And for most part which may include some light sparring, that's it! But we all know that as soon as they step into the ring against thier opponent. Then what they do is the real deal.

Bong Abenir

Abenir Kalis Filipino Blade Art

AK Kalistas Ilustrados