FFMA Blog, by Alan Macdonald

Ridiculous as it may seem, I am sitting here with writer’s block. I’ve heard it talked of but until now, I have had no experience of it. As is typical, this blog must be done rather sharpish, as this afternoon a few of us are off to Birmingham to see our friend Darren fight in the art of Muay Thai. Late night is in the offing so needs must. Talking of experience, Tony and I were discussing this the other day and relating it to the journey we have been on since FFMA started. We have learned many things and made a few mistakes during this time but the experience has been invaluable for our future. Tony made the point that teaching is for me, a great experience because not only do you make your own mistakes, you get to see everyone else’s and that can only grow your own game.

I love talking to people with vast experience. Every now and then in life you meet a character and, sometimes wholly unexpectedly, as their appearance belies the wisdom underneath, they astound you with what they have been through in their lives. But however much you admire or sympathise with whatever it is they have done, we cannot live the emotion and feelings they can. We can’t relive the smells or touch or the inner feelings they had and it’s that I think which implants the real memory or wisdom within us. I sometimes wonder how people cope with terrible tragedy, especially when they seem to cope without bitterness or cynicism. Some of the most hardened individuals I’ve ever met have also had a layer of fragility under the surface, which is sheathed by the nut-hard, guarded outer shell. Hard experience toughens this shell but is it a good thing for it to get too thick? My training in the military was extremely harsh at times, but I recognised at the time that it had to be to deliver a soldier who would not only comply in times of real hardship, but also revel in it. It is only by training like this that these levels are reached. This also explains why elements of the British Army and other elite units around the world have this unbeatable aura surrounding them, which is proved in battle over and over again. However I think this is changing. I have heard stories of recruits now being able to refuse to obey an order they didn’t agree with until it had been referred and ratified by a more senior rank. What!! Imagine in the thick of battle Wimpo Johnny refusing to fix his bayonet, as he might cut himself! Or refusing to charge a trench in case he tripped. It beggars belief and the forces risk ending up like many British institutions, which are now long past their sell-by date and their reputations consigned to ancient history books. On my high horse now!

Better calm down and tell you about the classes hadn’t I. Monday’s class had a good mix of techniques from Tony, with all limbs being utilised in a useful variety of routines. He finished up with his killer of a combat conditioning routine, which drilled the arms mercilessly for 4 minutes followed immediately by another 4 on the legs. Lactic inferno or what!! On Wednesday Ed and I enjoyed giving another BJJ class and we recapped on what we had previously done whilst ‘bolting on’ another couple of techniques. We plan to do another this Monday 30th and as a result, had another fun session in Tony’s garage on Saturday planning our torture to give you guys. Couldn’t make Joe’s class on Friday but I gather he had another crowded and eager bunch and, as usual, he delivered a great session.

Around 15 of us are going to the tournament tonight. This time having a personal interest in one of the fighters promises to make it more exciting. I love the whole ethos of Muay Thai anyway so vastly looking forward to it. An update next week.

Have a great week ahead. Thanks for reading.

Thought for the week:

"If you will call your troubles experiences, and remember that every experience develops some latent force within you, you will grow vigorous and happy, however adverse your circumstances may seem to be."
James Russell Miller

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