Long time ago, when I was a college undergrad in the "capital of Siberia", I had a roommate who was totally passionate about martial arts. I remember he would regularly get the 3 or 4 of us out at the University stadium and teach us some Karate - punches, blocks, stances. Being young and having too much extra energy, we would often get into dynamic sparring sessions, occasionally getting each other's noses to bleed, or knocking the wind out - but it was fun, and we kept it friendly. One day, a real Karate sensei showed up at our school, and for about a month I had my first real martial art class experience. I really loved the class, but unfortunately, life circumstances prevented me from continuing on this path for a number of years...
Years went by, I moved to the US, and every time I would pass a martial art school, I would feel the urge to go and join it... But I thought I was too busy for that. Until one day, already in California, one of my friends finally dragged me into a dojo of a Korean martial arts called Kuk Sool Won. I liked the instructor and his gentle yet quite precise way of teaching. I was fascinated to see my progress, and stayed with the school for a few years until I got my black belt rank.
However, something was still missing in that school. Even though I was pretty good at doing forms and kicks and various techniques on the mat, I didn't feel confident that I could actually fight in real life, if the need be. Also, I had a sense that there has to be more to martial arts than what I was learning...
...And I was right. Not too long ago, I met a sensei of a rare Japanese variety of Aiki Jujutsu, who graciously agreed to teach me the art. And after a few classes, I realized what I have been looking for, and could not find in the other schools - the practical approach of simplicity, elegance, time-proven concepts (not just techniques!) that really work in a real fight. My new sensei has been systematically showing me new defenses and movements that were so effective that I just couldn't believe it! It took me several years and many tests to get to the black belt rank in another system just to be totally blown away by the techniques I never thought were possible! I feel that after only a few months in the new system I have probably learned more ways to defend myself than in all my previous years of martial arts experience.
What is also remarkable about my current sensei is his amazing level of skill. He has been studying for many years under a Grand Master of the system - and before that had many years of martial arts experience from other schools, some of which were also quite effective for a practical fight. Listen to the Grand Master talk about the art himself.
In addition, this art is not just an extremely effective self-defense system. It is a rather holistic art that pays a lot of attention to the balanced development of body and mind, together. And it starts right there, in the first class. I cannot really do a good justice in explaining or describing it here, you have to go and experience it for yourself.
By the way, for a limited time, my sensei has opened the school for new students. So, if you live in or near Mountain View, you are welcome to join the school. This is truly a rare treat, as this particular art is usually not openly taught to the public, and if you are serious about martial arts, you don't want to miss this one out.
How to join us? Really easy. We practice in the Rengstorff park in the open-air dojo, in Mountain View every Monday and Thursday from 5:45 to 6:45pm. The cost is only $75/month (which is a steal compared to most commercial schools), and we have some scholarships available for students in need. All you have to do is show up, and ask to be admitted to the floor.
If you have questions about this art, feel free to contact me through my website at http://martial-arts.sergeyberezin.com
