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"Every Mose is on his toes, I mean this joint is jumpin'" - (Fats Waller)

Tuesday 24 May 2022

There's no standing still at Meiji Martial Arts, as a visit to the Temple Fortune Dojo one evening in late May demonstrated. Meiji Kickboxing had already established itself as a leading proponent of its art, with an unmatchable history of excellence in London going back nearly 40 years. The founders recently decided to add two art forms to complement their kickboxing success, with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Krav Maga, thus attracting a wider range of students as well as providing existing students with more choice to mix'n'match. The brand-new Temple Fortune Dojo is big enough for all three disciplines to operate on the tatami mats simultaneously.

The physical, psychological and aural output from this environment creates a field of energy that literally hits you as you arrive. It almost takes your breath away. Shouted commands, the thump of bodies hitting the deck with practised falls, spontaneous cries from downed opponents (and sometimes from the victors), all contribute to a 'joint that is truly jumpin'.

Kickboxing is the most elegant of the three disciplines, where the aspiration is to 'flow like water' with kicks, punches, spins, sweeps and good posture.

Jiu Jitsu is the least aggressive (though highly competitive), where the aim is to neutralise your opponent by turning an apparent disadvantage into a dominant position, and forcing submission. There's a lot of floor work (most real fights end up on the ground, and this is where the battle is won, by someone who knows what they're doing).

Krav Maga takes no prisoners, there is a simple maxim: minimum time, maximum damage. In other words, learn how to finish an attack (including knife attacks!) almost before it occurs. It is aggressive, very fast, and uses grappling techniques as well as psychology to distract and disarm, while delivering a devastating conclusion for your opponent.

Spontaneous comments from students included:

Been kickboxing for 11 years, achieved 1st Dan Black Belt. This is my second week with Mark Roberts and Krav Maga. It's great to be able to simply 'cross the floor' to another discipline, new techniques, and a new mental journey to boost confidence further.

Elliot

Been 4 years doing Jiu Jitsu with Coach Abel. I'm approaching 50 but feel as fit as a fiddle. Great to be working with such enthusiastic people, many (most!) who are younger than me! Do it now!

Tom

Tom's a big Irishman, so quite a persuasive suggestion!

My first Krav Maga today, having previously done kickboxing. But it's already strengthened my confidence, knowing you need never fear being attacked, with what you learn at Meiji.

Tina

You're never too old! My son's much into kickboxing, which is doing him so much good. But I'm 47, and I'm not going to have him leaving me behind. So, I'm doing Krav Maga classes. I'll show him!

Nilesh

Been with Coach Abel for 5 years now. Took me a year and a half to earn my Blue Belt. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is very demanding and detailed. I like that, because it means you really have to earn your belts. They don't give you your belt, you have to take it off them. You have to be ready and confident for the next one, so there are no illusions.

Mary

I've done 4 years Jiu Jitsu. I've actually done a lot of things. Weights and fitness training. Karate. Kickboxing. There's nothing like this place, though. Look around. You get it all here. Fantastic discipline, ultimate fitness, self-defence, positive benefits you take with you throughout your life. I'm totally hooked.

Darren

This is my third Krav Maga class. Al I can say is, I leave here each time with a spring in my step, one of the best of feelings, with increased confidence.

Matus

I was so thrilled when Meiji added these new disciplines. Having already done kickboxing, I now feel that the extra choices so complement each other, and provide a complete training environment. I'm really enjoying Jiu Jitsu currently.

Algeria

I get so much from Jiu Jitsu, and have been doing it now for 4 years. Coach Abel frequently uses me to demonstrate his techniques in front of the other students. I also assist generally with the classes. They say that the best way to learn is to teach, and how true that is.

Jan

The last word is from Avantika (5 months Jiu Jitsu), for the simple reason that she literally gave a single-word answer when questioned on what she got out of it all - "JOY " - simple, but profound.

What greater reason or accolade would you wish for? Perhaps joy is in short supply right now, an oasis in a desert of uncertainty, called Meiji Martial Arts.

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