Hey all-
I've made this announcement once or twice in the kickboxing class, and I figured I'd put it out here in case anyone wasn't around to hear it.
Effective immediately, our Muay Thai Kickboxing class at North Shore Academy will be re-branded as our CM (Crazy Monkey) Kickboxing Class.
First, a short list of reasons why the change is happening:
1. IT'S FUNCTIONAL - The more I train CM, the more I realize that this is the best training program I've ever seen for learning the stand-up fighting/kickboxing game. Whether you're looking to have more fun doing stand-up, to develop more real world skill at the boxing and kickboxing games (rather than just learning cool techniques and pad drills and leaving it at that), or get in better shape using kickboxing as your vehicle, this program delivers in a way that no other program I've ever experienced has. My personal sparring game has made some very large leaps since joining the program, and with each session I can feel my game becoming more solid. I know that everyone who immerses themselves in this program and believes in it will achieve the same degree of positive results.
2. IT'S FUN! - Representing the Crazy Monkey Defense program allows us to emphasize and develop an in-class culture that sets us apart from nearly every other Boxing, Kickboxing, and Muay Thai program out there. The truth is, most other programs out there either emphasize the competition element WAY TOO MUCH, or they focus exclusively on the fitness and "martial artsy" elements of kickboxing without allowing the client (you) to try things out for themselves, make mistakes, and PLAY THE GAME. We strive to embody the PLAY ETHIC in every session, and as a coach I strive to help all of you uncover your own strengths and develop an individualized game that FITS YOU.
3. IT'S NOT JUST ABOUT "FIGHTING" - Because we're no longer bound to a linear "Technique A-Z" curriculum, we can take the time that we normally spend working on "the list" of techniques for each level and shift that focus to playing the game, as well as talking about most important aspect of martial arts training, HOW WHAT WE DO HELPS US IN OUR DAILY LIVES. We get to talk about mental game, emotional regulation, stress management, focus, goal-setting, and all that cool stuff.
I have a lot of other reasons why I feel this program rocks, but I also wanted to give a brief summary of what will and will not be different with this shift in programs. Of course, if you have any questions or concerns that I'm not covering in this post, please shoot me an email or ask me any time.
WHAT WILL NOT CHANGE:
1. Conditioning Day - Technique Day - Sparring Day ---- This format has served us very well for several years, and since this ain't broke, I don't plan on fixing it. Our Tuesday-Thursday format will not change. We'll still have an optional Saturday class, and I'm leaving it up to those of you who attend Saturday class to define what you want the class to be (even if it changes from week to week).
2. Conditioning-Conditioning-Conditioning - Just cuz we want to have more fun in class, it certainly doesn't mean we won't be working HARD!! So don't worry, your old friends "Mr. 5X5" and "Ms. Burpee" aren't going anywhere, haha.
WHAT WILL CHANGE:
1. Narrowed focus/Quality over Quantity - Rather than listing out drill after drill, technique after technique, and counter after counter, we'll be shifting our focus to things that are high priority and high impact, so that we can develop true competence and confidence in our techniques.
2. RANKING - We will no longer be ranking in the WMTA Muay Thai Curriculum as part of our weekly classes. If you are still interested in ranking, we can work this into Saturday classes or you can set up a private with me.
CMD does have a phase evaluation similar to a ranking, however it is not the same linear approach that most of you are used to (i.e. learn techniques 1-12 and you qualify for rank X). It'll be a while before we can implement this, but I feel that it's a form of evaluation that makes more sense than what we'd been doing.
Again, I can't cover everything in one post, so if you have any questions or concerns about the changes, my door and ears are always open.
