Today is black mat day
Published: Tue, 04/19/16
Nine black 30mm thick training mats are due to arrive today. Over the past three years Venetia and I have been transforming the Stav Centre from a sadly neglected and unloved old shop, actually an eyesore, into the Stav Centre, or Somerset Stav Martial Arts as it is known locally.
We are equipped with training weapons, everything from daggers to spears. We have pads and a hanging punch bag. The main thing we were lacking was a safe area for practising falls, throws and take downs. I have just had a message to say that delivery should be here mid morning so we will have nine black mats laid out for the juniors class this evening. The floor currently has a very durable carpet type covering laid over a concrete base which is great for walking on and for standing up weapon training. It is a bit harsh for any kind of ground work though. Maybe I am getting soft but it is difficult to train consistently with injuries. One needs to be especially careful of course with children. Yes, they do heal faster but they also complain more, I am sure we were tougher in my day (or maybe not).
There are still a few things we could do. The back door needs improving for example and I want to put an instant water heater in the toilet for hand washing. But those are details we basically have the complete Stav centre now, ideal for Stav martial arts training.
Of course we didn’t wait until now to start teaching at the Stav Centre, we began there even before we applied for planning permission (don’t tell the council) and there is some very good training going on.
Last Tuesday at the Advanced Weapons class we went right through all 9 two person axe drills. There were things to improve but everyone training knew the drills, so it was details we were working on.
What is special about training at the Stav Centre? Stav teaches principles and seeks to develop the whole person. Yes, I do teach training drills, such as the axe drills but what matters is not learning the training methods for their own sake, what counts is what you learn from working with the basics and practising them. No drill has any value in itself, only in the effect it has on the one who practises the drill.
Of course the stances are the most basic, and the most potentially beneficial practice of all.
If you want to see what we have been up to we have two exiting events coming up, June and September. A CQC weapons seminar with me and my old friend Fox Walters in early June http://stavcamp.org/
A weekend with Ivar Hafskjold in late September http://stavcamp.org/ih.html
Or please check out the pictures at http://www.somersetstav.co.uk
regards
Graham