COMBAT SURVIVAL FORUM

[Fuller]

Hi Folks,
I just finished the level 1&2 course in NY and obtained my Instructors certificate - what an outstanding experience! Moni is an inspiration, and the course delivers so much more than advertised. Now it's on to level 3 and beyond (I hope)!

As a doctor I wanted to take the course mainly for self improvment ,I am a novice to martial arts (only few years of MMA training), and I also had no partners to practice CKM with, so I had a great deal of anxiety and self-doubt about whether I could meet Moni's uncompromisingly high standards to pass the course. I did 4 things that were very helpful to me, so I thought I'd share them in case someone else might also benefit. First, I hired Moni for a day of private lessons at my home. The best part of this was getting to know Moni and spending this time with him, and he also gave me a great foundation for practicing the skills needed. Second, I got the CKM DVDs and watched them many times. Third, I played the CKM DVDs for levels 1/2 on my computer and captured 3 or 4 images of each technique (chokes, punches, headlock, etc.). I put these images in a microsoft word document where I typed in the name of each technique followed by the pictures of each technique. I printed out this document (about 15 pages), put it in a manilla folder which I took with me to work or other places, and in a few minutes I could read the folder and review the techniques. Fourth, I needed a way to prepare for surprise attacks (an essential component of CKM), so I decided to use mental imagery, and this is how I did it: I got some note cards and wrote each defense technique for level 1 and 2 on a separate card (i.e. 'wild punch' on one card, 'knife attack - thrust' on another card, 'knife attack - overhead' on another card, 'choke from the front' on another card, 'gun to head - front' on another card, and so on). I ended up with about 20 or so cards. I then layed out these cards in a circle in my living room. Next, I got in the center of the circle and imagined attackers were coming at me from all directions using these various attacks. I would look at the first note card I saw in front of me and then defend myself from that attack using the techinques illustrated in my folder and on the DVDs. I would then immediately see another note card which listed another type of attack and defend myself against that bad guy. I'd then immediately see another note card and defend myself against the bad guy attacking me as written on that card, and so on. I did this at least 1-2 times daily for most days of the week for over a month before the course, and I can tell you this was very valuable in helping me prepare for surprise attacks. You should know, however, that the CKM course contains more than is on the DVDs, but this was still invaluable preapration for me.

I wish you all best of luck in your training. Believe me, Moni and CKM will never let you down!

Steve Fuller
_________________
Steve Fuller
CKM Level 4 Instructor

[Tony Kraemer]

Hey Doc!
It was great working with you. Your mental preparation was a great idea. We use mental imagery w/mental health patients all the time, especially in the treatment of anxiety. It's also used extensively w/ athletes to enhance performance. I tried to use mental images to help me as well, however, I think adding the photos was a stroke of real genius! I also tried to prepare myself for the training by increasing my cardio with a combo of distance and interval sprint training. I tried to imagine myself doing the techniques while running, so I could be more prepared for the physical effects of the physical exhaustion with the technique, pairing the mental and physical effects. I found this to be helpful as well. See you at Level 3, pal!
P.S. My wife DID laugh at my bruises, but she was kind to me!
_________________
Tony Kraemer,
CKM Level 5 Instructor
Northeast US CKM Director
Peaceful Warrior Systems
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing"

[Impact5]

Hiring Moni for day of private lessons? If only we could all do that, what was cost like. You had to wait until he was in your area I assume.

Regarding mental imagery many people use it and it is a good idea, many tournament champions have used it and attribute success to it.

You mentioned DVD's 1&2 is all the material on both those DVD's in the CKM 1 & 2 course, so worth practicing it all? Is there much material in CKM course 1 & 2 that is in the other DVD's (3/4/5) or not much? - as trying to practice everything from all 5 DVD's in preparation for Instructors Course CKM 1&2 is too much information.

How did you find it fitness wise, it was hard or incredibly hard going cardio wise?

[Tony Kraemer]

Impact5,
I found it to be one of the most physically challenging things I have done. Several of the guys mentioned it was harder than the basic training they did in their respective military services. It reminded me of some of the wrestling camps I attended as a young man. The difference was that Moni was trying to teach us how to apply the techniques under extreme physically and mental exhaustion. I would suggest getting into shape using alot of body weight exercises (push-ups, pull-ups, squat thrusts, etc) and cardio, such as running and sprinting, hill sprints and the like. Moni may have some suggestions and has always made his advice available to those who ask it. Other than that, watch the videos (1&2 are fine) if you are going to an Instructors seminar, but realize that as good as you THINK you may have the moves, Moni will be able to provide SOOOOO much more detail into the execution. It was truely an experience I would not trade, and the folks you go through it with become like family to you. Best of luck!
_________________
Tony Kraemer,
CKM Level 5 Instructor
Northeast US CKM Director
Peaceful Warrior Systems
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing"

[coreym]

Great stuff Doc. it was truely nice meeting you and working with you this past weekend.
Corey
_________________
Corey J. Molinelli
CKM Instructor
Florida
www.commandokravmagafl.com

[bogatyr]

I'm hoping to attend the Instructor training in Toronto next March. I have the DVD's and I am studying them religiously to help prepare. For the cardio/strength aspect, I am training daily via pullups, sprints, intervals, ab/core exercises and more burpees than I can stand! Before applying for the course, I plan on driving up to Newmarket and training for a day at Reality Combat Fitness in Combat Fitness and Survival. Knowing this, what else could you new instructors recommend to ready myself for my turn in the barrel?
_________________
_____________________
Tim Kubit
Level 3 CKM Instructor
Phase 2 WCKM Instructor
Phase 1 ECF Trainer
Two Edged Sword Ministry of Defense
http://ckmrochester.blogspot.com

"The last thing I want to do is hurt you...though it is on the list."

[Tony Kraemer]

It sounds like you are on the right path. Moni is an excellent instructor, and will guide you through the techniques at a high level ofintensity and quality. Just relax, pay attention, and have fun with it. That and plan on drinking alot of Gatoraide!
_________________
Tony Kraemer,
CKM Level 5 Instructor
Northeast US CKM Director
Peaceful Warrior Systems
"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing"

[COMBATSURVIVALNYC]

bogatyr,

If you are game contact one of us and we'll be more then happy to get you "trained up", I know you have a lot of uncertainty as I once did. I am sure Tony or myself will be more than willing to take care of you.
_________________
Train Hard and Stay Safe
-Frank-

[Fuller]

Bogatyr,
Keep up the terrific training. The only other thing I could suggest is to practice surprise attacks with the techniques you see in the 1st 2 DVDs. You will do great!
_________________
Steve Fuller
CKM Level 4 Instructor

[Elizabeth]

Hey everybody, good training during the Bronx instructor course. I am still on a natural high from the information and the HARD work.

I use mental training all of the time. If I have spare time in my studio I go through the moves of the particular defense I am working on, but I also envision techniques when I lie in bed, ride the subway, or wait for a webpage to load. Top atheltes in any field use mental training all the time. They say the brain does not distinguish very well between a real experience, and a vividly imagined experience. Tony may have better information on the topic, but I seem to recall a study in which basketball players had to shoot free throws. The basketball palyers that uded mental imagery every day did practically as well as those that actually had a chance to practice their free throws.

Of course, during a CKM instructor course you will be put through the wringer physically. The better shape yopu are in, the better off you will be. This includes strength, agility, and endurance. Especially important is interval training. Yes you have to last all day for every day of the course, but it tends to be in a work, break, work, break format. This ties in with the mental trainig because the less you gasp for breath and struggle to jump (or squat, or whatever) one more time, the more more you will be able to devote yourself to the training intellectually. The body only has so many resources.

One way people practice this is to train very hard, and during the training have someone ask them (in in Doc's case, have a prepared index card) a question about technique or strategy in the midst of their training. In CKM both the brain and the body have to work under pressure.

Even if you do not know what techniques you may need to perform in an instructor course, you can do well by having a mind and a body that can work well under pressure, and that can work together.

Stay safe.

- Elizabeth
_________________
Elizabeth Greenman
CKM level 4 instructor

SPARnyc
real safety for real people

[shinyallard]

Hi doctor you just awesome , the way you prepared mentally really attracted me ,your message has got great stuff, one should get inspired by seeing your message , i am one among them.
=============================================
shinyallard
Pennsylvania Alcohol Addiction Treatment