Anjing Banfa Cultural Topics

Toes on the line

   When this order is called out all martial arts participants must move quickly to the line. The line is defined by Sensei prior to the class starting. This line is where you put your toes, standing at attention; your right hand is a fist and is cradled in your left hand. There is no talking. There is no fidgeting. The reason why we must have this is that Sensei will discuss important aspects of the class or lesson, and he needs your undivided attention. The line also shows rank order. That being the highest rank is on Sensei's left side and the lowest rank being that of his right side. In addition to standing at the line your equipment should be directly behind you on the floor or ground, ready for use. Place your equipment there prior to Sensei calling “Toes on the line.” The line is a critical place for an orderly class.

What did you learn?

   At the conclusion of every class Sensei asks, "What did you learn"? Usually what you want to respond with is that technique or concept that was really important for you. That technique or concept that really stood out over everything else you did. The reason why Sensei wants to know is because this is insight into your mind as a warrior. Sensei calibrates you based on your learning style and content that you like to consume. It is not a laundry list of things that you learned in class because he knows that. What he's after is that one thing that made you say to yourself "wow".

Note book stealing

   We often steal a person's notebook and then they have to pay us a fee to get it back. Why? It is very important that a warrior develop the skills of awareness. This can mean awareness of where your equipment is, what shape it's in, and how far away from you is your equipment. All of this is vitally important to develop an awareness skill in the real world for the battlefield. That battlefield could be your kitchen in your house. You need to know where your nearest weapons are, or other items that you need for your self defense. This awareness also develops skill sets so you don't lose your equipment. During a test, Sensei routinely attempts to steal your equipment. Your equipment will only be stolen when you do not have awareness of its exact presence and location. When you lose sight of your equipment, it is a candidate for stealing.

Gear inspection

   All of our equipment should be ready to be used at a moments notice. We routinely inspect equipment bags, weapons packs, or backpacks to determine the status of your equipment. Being able to grab your equipment and run to toes on the line with your equipment ready for class is very important. From time to time we will give equipment preparation classes to assist you in this effort.

Back packs

   Backpacks are used to carry your equipment to and from class. We also use that same backpack if we deploy to the field for training. Always have a good backpack filled with your equipment and ready to go. Remember this backpack needs to be water-resistant and your equipment inside needs to be water-proofed. This can be accomplished by using Ziploc plastic bags.

Training gear

   Each particular Sensei will have his or her own set or a subset of training gear required for their students. Check with your particular Sensei on his request for equipment and also check any appropriate website suggested by your Sensei.

Cup

   Protective cups are required for male participants. There are a protective groin pads that females can wear if they find this important or their Sensei feels it's important.

Tapping out

   When a technique is applied to you, to the point of pain, you tap out. Tapping out is the act of taking your hand and slapping it two or more times on an object. That object can be your body, or a part of your opponent’s body, or even the floor. Tapping out can also be done by tapping on the floor with your foot, or even by using your voice by saying tap-tap. Once you “tap out”, the power in the technique will be stopped such that you don’t receive or transmit more pain to your opponent.

Injuries

   In the martial arts we all take injuries. When you come onto the mat you should always tell Sensei if you have an injury that he or she needs to be aware of. Just because you're injured doesn't mean you cannot train. Rather, it means that Sensei needs to take into account your injury in your training.

Don’t help your opponent up!

   Many martial arts help their opponents back up off the mat. We do not. The reason is, you will fight like you train. It would be instinctual for you to help your opponent up in the real world if, and only if, you trained that way on the mat. I have heard stories of policemen disarming a bad guy and then handing the gun back to them. Their training failed them.

Kids and women

   Kids and women are martial artists, not kids and women. Each person on the mat is a martial artist first. I'm not suggesting that you not be consider to a woman, or a child, but do not treat them as a woman or a child. They are your opponent, and they are a martial artist.

Urgency

   When Sensei double claps his hand or calls for attention, or even changing technique, your urgency to his needs is paramount. Do not make Sensei wait while you finish a technique or discuss something with your opponent. There is only one person talking on the mat, during Sensei's instruction, and that is Sensei.