Goal Setting: A Short Primer

Sometimes achieving our goals can be such a daunting process. Much like trying to score against a goalie that appears larger than the goal they protect, it may take several attempts to accomplish the desired outcome.

Going through my notes recently I came across one handwritten by me on a memo pad page. Of course, I can’t recall where I seen or heard this, however, I jotted it down because it resonated with me at that time.

I’ve found that simplicity of direction is the key when working on goal setting. These key points have helped me out throughout the numerous goals I’ve set for myself. I truly hope they help inspire someone else to set and meet their goals as well:

1. Learn about, develop and create a desired lifestyle through trial and error that is in-line with your goals (i.e. behaviors, habits, diet, exercise, etc.)

2. Determine what your goal is and what it will take to reach it. You may not fully understand everything required to meet the desired goal you want.

3. Invest time, money and resources to obtain this goal, which may include additional training and/or education.

4. Finally, live your passion and enjoy the achievement of reaching the goal(s).

Coach Chris

MMA FOR THE STREET An Instructor’s Synopsis

While reviewing my teaching records recently, I came across interesting data regarding the MMA For the Street class, which I teach at AXT Jiu-Jitsu. Since beginning the program over 10 years ago, 71 students have actually touched the program via my guidance or instruction over that timeframe. That’s amazing!

Looking at the records from each class, from each year, over the last 10+ years, some other things came to light for me:

• Of the 71 students to cross my path via this program, 20 of them passed their Basic Level Test, which is outstanding

• Six students are currently working through the Basic Level curriculum

• There are six students currently at Level 1A with at least 2 of them a test away from leveling up

• One student has made it to Level 2, where the training really begins to integrate various range transitions and includes more advanced techniques and strategies

• Four other students are currently a test away from moving up to Level 2

• Out of those 71 students, only one ever made it to Level 4, which is a step away from testing for instructor level

• Finally, only one student continues to train with me to this day from our original MMA FTS group which formed in 2013

The MMA For the Street program, created by Burton Richardson, was designed to utilize the concepts, principles, techniques and strategies from the truly effective combat sport of MMA, or mixed martial arts, and apply them in a self-defense context. Very few people can argue with the fact that MMA fighters are some of the toughest, most well-conditioned athletes on the planet. This is in large part due to their training for realistic fighting conditions.

Burton recognized the need to bring these traits into the forefront of self-defense. He spent years examining various aspects of his own martial arts training, and then trying to apply those aspects against resistance to arrive at the truth he was seeking…functionality.

How Burton defined the MMA For the Street fighting goal speaks volumes when it comes to functional martial arts training and as it relates to self-defense…

”Our fighting goal is to:

1) become functional

2) in all the ranges

3) with or without weapons

4) against one or multiple

5) unarmed or armed resisting opponents

6) in a variety of environments.”

This simple statement is what I use as a guide before pursuing any martial arts training.

The MMA For the Street program was carefully designed to bring someone without any fighting experience up to functional. Notice I didn’t say that the program will make someone an expert or a master martial artist. Simply functional. Continued education, training and experience will elevate one higher.

However, as the student learns how to become functional, they also develop competence, in all of the ranges of combat. If and when they finally make it to become eligible to take the instructors test Burton looks at specific areas of their training.

STICK

This area of the test represents blunt for trauma with anything that can be held in the hand (i.e. stick, crowbar, large wrench, etc.) If it’s weapon vs weapon, then taking out the hand holding the weapon is a priority. If it’s empty hand vs weapon, then managing the distance is very important. Either get in or stay out. Controlling the weapon arm and obtaining a disarm goes a long way.

KNIFE

Another weapons situation, except this one can cause major blood loss and a quick death if the right artery or organ is lacerated or punctured. Again, a successful knife vs knife outcome can often be determined by whoever “defangs the snake”, or the one who is just more skillful. Empty hand vs knife though is just a nightmare. There can’t be hesitation in action, so continuous training in this genre is highly recommended to obtain experience, skill and motor memory.

KICKBOXING

The idea here isn’t to make someone into the next K1 champ, far from it actually. In this area the student learns to become confident is their ability to utilize their medium to longer range natural weapons. This is useful, especially when dealing with multiple attackers. Footwork and defenses are the real priority for all students in kickboxing. Also, learning how to be hit goes a long way because if one gets into a fistfight with one or more attackers, they most likely will be hit.

CLINCH

This area can really separate those decent at fighting from those absolutely scary at delivering a beat down. The clinch is also the range where weapons defense is paramount. Without education and skill in this area size and strength can become a serious issue for many people. Being able to cycle through positions to find a dominant one is important. Having ready takedowns or throws is recommended as well.

GROUND BOTTOM

Nobody wants to fight from this position, especially on concrete or asphalt, and definitely not on gravel. However, understanding how to fight someone when on bottom is a must for any martial artist. Actually, for anyone who just wants to understand self-defense better. You may think that you won’t end up on the ground. But one well timed hit, or one slip or stumble and down you go. Better have a way to defend yourself or get back to your feet.

GROUND TOP

Honestly, the more ground fighting I do the more it comes down to control of your opponent (or attacker) or having an out if needed. Training to control someone while on top of them lends to effective top skills. Knowing you have the advantage in striking and submitting from a top or dominant position is also a huge plus.

SCENARIO

I’ve heard others argue that scenario training really isn’t necessary when it comes to fighting or defending oneself. Perhaps, but after being involved in this type of training for over a decade I disagree with those folks. Reason being: You don’t know what you don’t know. When you’re accosted, it won’t be in your club, on the mats, while doing a flow roll, or even a vigorous roll, or while sparring or hitting pads. Most likely it will be when you least expect it. The first time someone begins shouting at you angrily, or some person invades your space, or drives erratically behind you, or approaches you at an ATM, or grabs you forcefully, or sucker punches you…I can go on. Adding these aspects to your training gives your training purpose.

This is a short look at the MMA For the Street program from an instructor’s perspective. My hope is that this helps influence others to begin, or include, this type of training into what they already do. If you need more information, please reach out.

My site is www.mikutamartialarts.com, plus I’m on FB and IG. Or better yet, go right to the source and get in contact with the man himself, Burton Richardson at www.jkdunlimited.com

Chris

My BJJ Brown Belt Demo

This test took place in January of 2019 at Coachella Valley BJJ in Palm Desert, CA. Joe Perona and I worked on the technical portion for approximately 4 months. Preparation also included strength and cardio training. Not to mention all of the rolling rounds to get myself ready for the shark tank.

I appreciate my instructor Roy Dean for filming this rite of passage and putting it out for the world to see. Seeing the supportive comments and how this helped inspire others was special to me. Jiu-Jitsu is powerful and is for anyone who embraces the training. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/GMeIlHY-zxk?si=XLjR_rKyIDYOy0A0