I am often asked, why should I train with you on the online academy or in person with you in a private lesson. Good questions. The thing is, I put together the entire Northstar Ju jitsu syllabus. It is based on my years of fighting. For those of you that have done one of my classes, remember we must keep it live and relevant. There must be an element of free movement in every class. I don’t quite know what the licensed instructors do, and I know that they teach to the best of their ability. The biggest difference is, if you do lessons with me, you learn how to fight, really quickly. I draw upon the entire syllabus and if need be, I modify the moves to suit your body, fitness and age. I then taper moves for maximum efficiency.
Now, let’s talk about Zanshin. It is a word that I hear being bantered around. It all sound good in theory, but unless you regularly train with an instructor that fully understands what exactly Zanshin is, and how it should be incorporated into class, you are only giving it lip service.
Zanshin is not a concept, and it certainly is not an add on. It will not make the technique more powerful; it is not the breaking of balance. Zanshin is just a feeling. It is all encompassing, and completely commits you for the entire time you are training. Zanshin incorporates killer instinct, but is not killer instinct. It is an attitude of oneness and complete attention. I asked my Sensei about Zanshin many years ago. He said it is just a feeling. Now, you can’t get any ore vague than that.
For my students, I encourage them to start by becoming present as soon as they think about the lesson in the morning. My most senior students always start the lesson with Meditation. This enables them to let go. In mainstream classes, being present is often used. In my classes being present means you are free to make a choice. Violence or non-violence. In my classes, if you practice this attitude every day, use the ready stance to fast track you to being neutral, you will not have any opinion about your opponent or training partner. This makes you very dangerous.
Couple this attitude for all ranges of fighting, choosing techniques that will best enhance your self defence, you will get very good, very very quickly. This kind of training will not suit every on. That’s why the group classes will give you a taste self defence and a taste of Northstar Ju Jitsu. The option is then always there for people that want to go the extra step.
You may have heard or seen that I have Parkinson’s. I can still teach to the best of my ability; I have no limitations. I am incredibly fit as I train every day. Because I keep so fit, my movement is not impaired in any way. Look out anyone that thinks I am now a push over. All of us are on a limited time line. I just have to remember to not try to be a 30 year old. I am over 60 now, and feel that I am in my best years. Living the best version of myself as much as possible.
At present, I am only taking Black belts on as private students. If you would like to know if and when I open my books to anyone else. Please sent Liz an email. admin@northstarmartialart.com.au.
For more information on the Mastery Academy: www.northstarmartialarts.com.au
Northstar Ju Jitsu is also taught by senior Black Belts at their own studios'.
These are independently run from the Headquarters .Andy Dickinson Sensei is the head of and founder of Northstar Ju Jitsu and oversees the teaching of his program.
All Black Belts are graded by Andy Dickinson Sensei.