The Mindset of a Martial Artist

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Introduction to Higher Concepts
Review: "The Mindset of a Martial Artist" is an excellent introduction to the higher concepts and skills of martial arts. With an emphasis on things such as timing, distance, awareness and also an explanation of the yin-yang concept, this book serves as a launchpad of understanding for those uninitiated into these areas. It's sad that there is even a need for such a book, as it should be common knowledge taught in all martial arts schools.

Mr. Clerc's admiration for Bruce Lee is quite evident as many of the concepts presented in the book are staples of the curriculum taught to Jeet Kune Do students. But the great thing about this book is that it is non-specific in style. The concepts and exercises can be taught to fit any school.

It's very comforting to find such an emphasis placed on time and distancing skills. Timing and distancing are such an integral part of successfully dealing with an attack that it is amazing that it is not streessed more forcefully in the majority of martial arts schools. The Reading drills presented by Mr. Clerc's book are both simple and practical. There should be no problem at all substituting a particular style's favorite techniques in place of the presented material.

In the chapter "Outward Extension of Focus", Mr. Clerc suggests using blindfolded drills in order to better learn to deal with an opponent's energy. I think this is very practical advice and is an excellent method to "feel" the energy. When removing the sense of sight, which many times leads to anticipating an opponent's movement, a student is better able to use his sense of touch to flow with the attack. Although this has been advocated by Wing Chun practitioners in conjunction with their Chi Sao/Sticky Hands drills, Mr. Clerc applies it to self-defense situations such as a rear bear hug. It can only serve to better equip the student to the unexpected.

I would like to bring up the topics of rote learning and repetition of techniques. At first, I misunderstood Mr. Clerc's intentions. My first grasp of his material led me to believe that he did not value the importance of repetition of technique. In an effort to stress his point, the author states that advocates of rote learning are "....in the pursuit of developing automatic responses". In my own mind, the merit of mindless repetition is worthless, but concentrated repetition, maintaining good form, intensity, speed, power, etc. is a necessity to make your techniques second nature and therefore effective. I would say that I am an advocate for training techniques to the point that they are automatic responses. The point being that to free the mind for tactics and/or adjustments and to let the "tools" do their work.

I soon came to the realization that it was not the automatic response that Mr. Clerc objects to, but the idea of training specific self-defense moves as if they were the only answer to the situation and training those moves without any forethought as to variations of timing, distance, angle, etc. I had to switch my thinking and go back to my earlier days of training and remember how so many students had trouble dealing with unconventional attacks. All they ever studied and trained were the specific techniques on theri belt list. No variations, just what was on the list. I gather that this is what Mr. Clerc is trying to get across and help martial artists to transcend.

It has also been my experience that the truly great teachers who stress a great deal of repetition in their students, also-after the student has grasped the basics-will teach the same technique but in a variety of situations. This way, the student learns the strengths and weaknesses of each technique and to adapt to changing situations. I believe the author's point was when the focus is only on advancing to the next belt level and not on the actual skill level, you have what the author terms "rote learning", which is basically training without thinking. We should all heed Bruce Lee's advice to put 100% effort behind each technique that we perform.

Mr. Clerc is to be commended for his effort. His sincerity at trying to improve the martial arts community at large is quite evident. The concepts and skills presented by the author are communicated quite clearly. Overall, this is an excellent book and is written in a straight-forward style that can be easily understood. I would recommend this book to all interested in the martial arts and especially for beginners who want to make the leap from simply performing their techniques to acquiring a real relationship with the opponent.

Rating:
Summary: Exceptional Book
Review: "Mindset of a Martial Artist" by Dean Clerc is an exceptional book. This book does not contain anything truly new, but what it does contain is a good healthy dose of common sense, something that is not always that common in the martial arts community.

The book accurately describes the problems of narrow minded training techniques and offers practical solutions to them, it includes training drills that can be implimented by martial art practitioners of any style to deal with these very problems while offering an insight into the personal philosophies of the author.

The book is clearly written and presented with excellent graphics, it is easy to read and in my opinion would be an important part of any martial artist's library particularly instructors wanting the best for the students.

Wayne Hanley (Shihan)
Kokoro Ryu Bujutsu
Australia

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Introduction to Higher Concepts
Review: "The Mindset of a Martial Artist" is an excellent introduction to the higher concepts and skills of martial arts. With an emphasis on things such as timing, distance, awareness and also an explanation of the yin-yang concept, this book serves as a launchpad of understanding for those uninitiated into these areas. It's sad that there is even a need for such a book, as it should be common knowledge taught in all martial arts schools.

Mr. Clerc's admiration for Bruce Lee is quite evident as many of the concepts presented in the book are staples of the curriculum taught to Jeet Kune Do students. But the great thing about this book is that it is non-specific in style. The concepts and exercises can be taught to fit any school.

It's very comforting to find such an emphasis placed on time and distancing skills. Timing and distancing are such an integral part of successfully dealing with an attack that it is amazing that it is not streessed more forcefully in the majority of martial arts schools. The Reading drills presented by Mr. Clerc's book are both simple and practical. There should be no problem at all substituting a particular style's favorite techniques in place of the presented material.

In the chapter "Outward Extension of Focus", Mr. Clerc suggests using blindfolded drills in order to better learn to deal with an opponent's energy. I think this is very practical advice and is an excellent method to "feel" the energy. When removing the sense of sight, which many times leads to anticipating an opponent's movement, a student is better able to use his sense of touch to flow with the attack. Although this has been advocated by Wing Chun practitioners in conjunction with their Chi Sao/Sticky Hands drills, Mr. Clerc applies it to self-defense situations such as a rear bear hug. It can only serve to better equip the student to the unexpected.

I would like to bring up the topics of rote learning and repetition of techniques. At first, I misunderstood Mr. Clerc's intentions. My first grasp of his material led me to believe that he did not value the importance of repetition of technique. In an effort to stress his point, the author states that advocates of rote learning are "....in the pursuit of developing automatic responses". In my own mind, the merit of mindless repetition is worthless, but concentrated repetition, maintaining good form, intensity, speed, power, etc. is a necessity to make your techniques second nature and therefore effective. I would say that I am an advocate for training techniques to the point that they are automatic responses. The point being that to free the mind for tactics and/or adjustments and to let the "tools" do their work.

I soon came to the realization that it was not the automatic response that Mr. Clerc objects to, but the idea of training specific self-defense moves as if they were the only answer to the situation and training those moves without any forethought as to variations of timing, distance, angle, etc. I had to switch my thinking and go back to my earlier days of training and remember how so many students had trouble dealing with unconventional attacks. All they ever studied and trained were the specific techniques on theri belt list. No variations, just what was on the list. I gather that this is what Mr. Clerc is trying to get across and help martial artists to transcend.

It has also been my experience that the truly great teachers who stress a great deal of repetition in their students, also-after the student has grasped the basics-will teach the same technique but in a variety of situations. This way, the student learns the strengths and weaknesses of each technique and to adapt to changing situations. I believe the author's point was when the focus is only on advancing to the next belt level and not on the actual skill level, you have what the author terms "rote learning", which is basically training without thinking. We should all heed Bruce Lee's advice to put 100% effort behind each technique that we perform.

Mr. Clerc is to be commended for his effort. His sincerity at trying to improve the martial arts community at large is quite evident. The concepts and skills presented by the author are communicated quite clearly. Overall, this is an excellent book and is written in a straight-forward style that can be easily understood. I would recommend this book to all interested in the martial arts and especially for beginners who want to make the leap from simply performing their techniques to acquiring a real relationship with the opponent.

Rating:
Summary: An excellent first introduction, to any Martial Art Form
Review: Before I begin let me first and foremost impart that there are so many holistic (facets) aspects of martial arts training that to speak only of one is to stray down a path that is counterproductive in and of itself. Martial arts is a combination of a multitude of mental, physical, emotional and spiritual factors that must be seen from a Gods-eye view to be accurately appreciated.

Because of this, I would venture to say that even an ineffectual system, which does not actually prepare a student for "mortal combat," but which teaches them other aspects of the craft as it were. Is better than no system at all or not having become involved in martial arts period.

By that I mean the respect it inculcates, the discipline it enforces, the camaraderie it teaches along with team work, self-control, confidence, honor, and its requirement for physical exercise and sacrifice is well worth the negative aspects it may also offer.

In defense of rote learning and repetition of techniques used in many facilities, they have their important function. Even though I do not believe that Mr. Clerc was totally against them in his book, he only meant that they are not the sum total or epitome of martial arts training or even the most important part for that matter. Mental acuity, flexibility, adaptability, fluidness, counter movement and much more are far more critical in self-defense, than merely learning a set of static movements, as he implies.

They (forms) do however allow, for the strengthening and toning of muscles needed to master the other skills and they tend to assist in the underlying development of so many other aspects of the martial artist, such as concentration, endurance, balance, breathing, resistance, stamina, power and others. Try as a beginning student in martial arts to hold a forward lunge punch position for five minutes for instance. The beginner will be lucky to endure 25 seconds of such exertion and muscle strain. So they do have a very important purpose. However Mr. Clerc is correct that they are merely the tip (visible portion) of the massive iceberg that is the serious study and training of marital arts

If the art being taught is worth anything at all, it will, on top of all else, teach the student how to avoid confrontation, especially if they are not as good as they think they are, but even more so, if they are that good. For any martial art that creates bullies or ultra-ego offensive showoffs, due to belt colors or rank, as I have seen many do. Has violated its first and foremost duty and failed to teach its student anything of value.

It is true that, regardless of what anyone else may say "the greatest martial artist of all...is the one who never has to use his skills." So learning to bend with the flexibility of the young oak sapling rather than standing ridged like the might oak must also include lessons in using this vast martial arts knowledge in avoiding confrontation as well. It is much like defensive driving where you watch the road five hundred yards in front of you constantly. This is the first and foremost principle of the true martial artist. Knowing that you have the skill to defend yourself as a last resort, but using all your training, cunning and "reading of the situation and your potential attackers," to counter with wisdom, humility, intelligence and counter-activity any potential threats, before resorting to violence towards another.

That being said, I have also often contemplated the same difficulties as Mr. Clerc in evaluating the modern martial-art trends particularly here in America. From Karate to Taekwondo the Americanization of the martial arts has as Mr. Clerc indicates. Become nothing more than assembly lines of unearned advancements through a wide variety of colored belts to a "Peter Principle" position of incompetence. Read the book you will certainly agree.

Unfortunately, and it pains me to say this, as one who has been inside the beltway sort of speak, the new systems are designed along the lines of "a pyramid scheme." Designed to give an instructor or group of individuals first a business of his own, then money in the bank and also prestige that is often times not deserved, in the overall scope of actually teaching students to be capable of defending themselves in real world situations.

There has been a regressive process going on for years, a watered down of the ancient and esteemed philosophy of martial arts. It seems to be an American tendency, to accept a cheapened version of everything, to save a buck or a minute's time or the exertion needed to truly achieve ones goal or earn its accompanying respect.

The Americanization of the martial arts has lowered the bar so that in almost every activity less than qualified individuals will have an opportunity to succeed even when not ready. They are allowed to participate in various activities, without having to truly earn the right through hard work, self-discipline, dedication, sacrifice, effective training and setting the highest of goals for oneself. We have become so time sensitive that expediency has become the driving force rather than wisdom, understanding and true ability.

Mr. Clerc's book would be an absolute Godsend for just about every instructor, student and program regarding martial arts to have as a required and continuous read before beginning or entering any martial arts program, as well as a continuous reading requirement during that training.

It should be said at this point that there are some out there who do teach and preach this philosophy and it shows in the way they work-out and the way they compete, but that appears to be the exception rather than the rule. Mr. Clerc's view is a valuable tool to consider in evaluating the present historical position and the future of martial arts training.

Rating:
Summary: NO GOOD
Review: Dean Clerc has a profound understanding of what must be done in the Martial Arts. To say that you are a martial artist without understanding the basics of what is covered in this book, is like saying you can read after learning to recite the alphabet.

He has a true understanding of the principles of the Yin-Yang and how to apply them.

Mr. Clerc's drills on awareness and off-line attacks are similiar to what I do and teach, so I know they work. I have even included several things from his exercises to my own.

We all know that to change our own ideas and training methods is hard, but these simple steps will fit right into what you are teaching and will maximize your efforts 100%.

In my humble opinion I recommend this book to any and all that are interested in "The Mindset of a Martial Artist".

Michael Nottingham 3dan Oshito-Ryu, 3Dan TKD, 1st Dan American Kenpo, I currently study 6 other arts as well as teach full time. I have almost 20 years of experience in the martial arts and I believe anything you can learn is worth the time and effort.

Rating:
Summary: Study Ethics
Review: Don't just read it. Use it for the utmost reliable source for teaching, techniquing, and preparing your students for the ultimate challenge. I recently had a group of students in my backyard for a real life training drill. I took each of them and set them with different sparring partners and different times of their actual training. I explained the concepts in this book by Sensei Clerc. They were amazed at the finalities of their bouts with each opponent when taught how to examine and treat each experience individual. The book will truly give a teacher the satisfaction that their students are getting the training they deserve. Rest Assured, this IS a GOOD Book. And a necessity for all who wish to learn.

Rating:
Summary: Instructional Guide
Review: I can honestly say that the timing for this book could not be better. The majority of most schools train in rote drills and that leaves little time for the student to think on his own. This book reminds me a little of Dan Anderson's "American Freestyle Karate." The book solely concentrates on sparring, critical distance, line of attack and timing. However, you bring up the need for the instructor to allow the student independent thought in the dojo and the ability to risk assess one's environment. Two points that, I am sorry to say, are lacking in martial art schools. I really do like the drills. Many I have used in class myself.

Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Terrific Book
Review: It's rare to actually read a book that I can so completely identify with. Dean Clerc has articulated his ideas & inner-most thoughts in a very effective way. The real challenge is to maintain my focus outward during stressful situations (just as described in the book)but it so very difficult to do. Without knowing any better it almost seems contrary to human nature (outward focus).....but the way it's described in the book just makes so much sense! It requires more than just repeating things that I'm told to do. For myself, it requires coming to terms with my own inner-most fears. Fortunately, I have a wonderful instructor who is willing to put me into "situations that stray from the norm" to test my ability.

There are so many things about this book that captured my interest. This book means alot to me. It's motivated me to learn as much as I can. I only wish I had the opportunity to read it sooner.

Rating:
Summary: Waste of Money $$
Review: My Instructor told me not to waste my time or money on this book, but I did not listen. He was correct. A book to help a martial artist better understand mind-set was written by Forrest Morgan, Living the Martial Way. Buy that book instead of wasting your $$$ and time on this book.

Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Book that emphasizes Mental Awareness
Review: The bold statement that greets you in this book is "The core of genuine understanding.....". This right away made me apprehensive, how could a small book bring about genuine understanding? Dean Clerc has put together such a book.

"The Mindset of a Martial Artist" is one of the most comprehensive martial arts books that I have read. It looks beyond typical martial arts training manuals to incorporate an essential yet greatly overlooked training aspect, mental awareness or mindset.

Mental tools such as visualization, focus and awareness are incorporated into training drills and exercises. The drills and concepts within, such as reading, timing, line of attack and adapting to the environment are vividly described. All can be easily blended into any training program as they have in my school.

The plain fact is that no defense situation can be predicted. Dean pushes the reader to go beyond the false boundaries that exist in many styles and schools. He encourages you to gain a wider understanding of defense techniques and to develop one's own concepts and ideas.

This book can benefit anyone, not only martial artists. Visualization and awareness of the environment that surrounds us are skills learned in this book that can be applied to many aspects of life outside the studio. This is an excellent book and it will always be a part of my journey, both in the Martial Arts and in life.