Martial Art Training

In the same way that physical trauma inhibits efficient movement between an organism and its environment; trauma encoded in the nervous system inhibits movement of energy and information between body and mind. Utilizing techniques informed by traditional Karate, Filipino Martial Arts (FMA) and other disciplines; participants strengthen the body-mind relationship heightening awareness of the ebbs and flows of stress response, and increasing adaptive capacity for the ordinary and extraordinary moments in daily life.

Private Lessons / One to One Training

Trauma informed Martial Art Training respects that group environments can be intimidating. One on one training provides articulate focus on technique development, and simultaneously builds tolerance for what often feels like heightened and stressful demands that come from working with or simply being in the presence of others.

Gradual Exposure Training

Training is tailored to the individual. One is always encouraged to step out of their comfort zone (exercising the window of tolerance), but not in a way that overwhelms or re-activates trauma. Basic movements, reactivity and response, striking objects, contact partner drills, edged and impact weapons, and free sparring can all be structured and introduced in a gradual manner.

Mushin no Shin - "The mind of no mind."

The above Japanese expression is another way to talk about "Mindfulness." Martial Art training supports the reach for present moment orientation in a non-critical and non-judgmental manner, integrating meditation and breathing exercises. Participants are aware of the danger of dissociative states or "checking-out," while actively engaged by an aggressor. It is also thought in some circles that giving oneself reprieve from a mind that's full is a step to increasing self-compassion.

Simultaneous System Activation

The sympathetic (fight or flight) and parasympathetic (calm and connected) systems are often simultaneously activated in training. As one contends with potentially overwhelming stimulus (combat threat), they also monitor breathing, thought process, and bodily states for reactivity and sensitivity. The oscillation of system activation and developed capacity for attending to such activation is 'stretching' for the window of tolerance.

Bilateral Stimulation (back and forth movement)

Bilateral stimulation in martial arts cycles patterned movements and exchanges involving the left and right side of the body which in turn activate both hemispheres of the brain. While under stress and carrying a memory with high emotional content, it's believed that bilateral stimulation alters integration of brain regions supporting memory, allowing recall and reminders to happen with reduced emotional arousal. Other examples of this may be noticed in jogging and swimming. Bilateral stimulation is also discussed in Emotional Freedom Therapy technique and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Co-Regulation / Group Training

Co-regulation is sometimes described as a biological imperative. Dr. Stephen Porges (2012) noted that our relationships by way of presence or absence effect our physiology. Martial art training is working together with others utilizing back-and-forth exchanges, cultivating skills in the mitigation of overt physical and psychological stress. This also permits mutual reciprocity of care and regard for each others development. Working together to not abandon each other (nor feel abandoned) in the pursuit of excellence is a high art.

Special thanks to those who invested in my journey...

Sensei Robert Lee [Burnaby Chito-Ryu Karate-Do], Sensei and Dr. Chee Ling (and family), and Sensei David Akutagawa [Delta Renshikan Karate School] Guro Brando Marrisigan [Abbotsford Filipino Martial Arts], Guro James Bryndza [Pekiti Tirsia Tactical Association Abbotsford] and Maestro Jon Escudero [Lightning Combatives - Israel]