24/07/2019
Good morning,
It's been a while since I wrote a news letter ,but I have a bit of time on my hand at the moment.
I did not want to put on here that Iv just had a hip replacement,as it seemed boring and may come across as a plea for help.I then saw pictures of pets,egg and chips Sunday lunch ,so here goes.
Michael Cain once said to me "Jim,always turn a disadvantage into a advantage",I think he may have said it to one or two other people.
Having a second hip replacement is not the worst thing in the world but was not on my bucket list either,possibly caused by wrong exercises and striving to kick higher than my body type naturally allowed.Iv resolved that problem for my students by educating them and encouraging them to train with Marc Bowler one of my high grades who has been studying this aspect .
What I have Gained from this time that I do not normally have is the opportunity to tie up some loose ends with my notes and syllabus especially my own version of bu jutsu.
Iv have had the good fortune over the years to travel and train under many great teachers ,my bu jutsu syllabus gives me the opportunity to put the bits Iv remember and like under one umbrella .
At this point I'd like to give my thoughts about "styles"and systems.
My views are personal not general.To train and be loyal in one style of martial arts is great,beneficial,apart from the internal politics has direction ,and history.
To train in a less traditional system can be difficult,explaining that the art /system has not a Japanese name etc.,but can be as good.
My point is,find what you like and suets you,train hard and be a loyal good student.
One thing Iv realised is motivation,Iv been set of exercises to promote recovery,I hate them!!they hurt! and bore me,as a instructor Iv neglected the exercises which made me what I am,not a natural but stubborn,Iv gone back to that mode.
What I am learning is that in teaching we have to find a way to motivate our students,at certain grades we are awarded on our dedication and time put into the art,the standard of what we maintain is our responsibility.
I have students who can train on their own,others need pushing.Gradings or competition are good ways to motivate them,but what when they do not want to compete or take further gradings ? Something for me to think about.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank friends,students and family for their messages and visits,especially Jacqui,for her help and patience.
I'm writing a book about Bob Lawrence,I need as much Input as possible to give a overall picture of one of the greatest martial arts teacher in the world.Bob,not known for his social skills.....was a man of mystery ,how and where he got his knowledge from can not be tracked down to one source ,but he could teach,perform,invent almost any aspect of martial arts to a exceptional standard.So any experience or stories will be gratefully received.
I'm also helping another good friend to write his autobiography "Billy Blundell ",so again if you have a story about Bill can you either contact me or email me please.
Sitting with Bill is great,often his friends pop in,the stories they tell are hair curling and always funny,the problem is writing them down .so I need some help please,any story ,I'm trying to portray both sides of him,a tough villain with a heart of gold.
Ok enough for today,the good news is the sun is out,Iv a lovely garden,love getting a tan.
The bad news is ,I'm wearing surgical socks,so imagine brown top half of legs white bottom parts,look like a schoolgirl.
Also a Honda goldwing that I can't ride ,and convertable car that I can't drive,but I'm walking on one stick.
Iv just had a delivery of my book,the journey if interested.
Jim(the bionic man)mcallister
