P.F.S.

[Holdfast]

Hey first post on the new Forum!!!
I am going to go to Cali. for an P.I.T.P. at P.F.S. If anyone has been to one or trained there, how should I prepare?
Thanks

[BIG Sean Madigan]

Check out Blackbelt....

Hi Jack,

There was a very imformative article in Blackbelt a couple of months ago. It detailed what an IPTP is like.

I've never taken one, but I friends of mine that have said that the article was pretty much on the nose.

All the best,

BIG Sean Madigan

http://www.bigjkd.com

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[Type-GRR]

Material things to prepare and bring:

- camcorder, camera, film, batteries, tripod
- anything you want Vu to sign for your memories
- two training sticks and at least one knife
- boxing gloves for empty-hand sparring and weapons sparring
- clothes and shoes

One word of advice, Vu likes to see your movements done slowly and fluidly. Almost an exaggeration so he can see your body mechanics, weight transfer, torque through the hips, etc. For example, any weapons or empty hands sparring (you will do lots of this) or even any numerada drills should be done relaxed and without any tension. Guys that freak out are considered novice and without any control. Vu's main point is that speed and strength are more than apparent when adrenaline hits you. Going faster will not even be a factor when it comes to the time. However, proper body and weight placement along with a relaxed mind (esp in long range) are what is required to make a great fighter.

If you have any more questions, feel free to e-mail me for more info.

[Tony10]

Hey, Nate. Obviously, you've done one. How much did it impact your MA skills? Seriously.

I did one with Vu in Indiana a couple of years ago, but it was actually a 10-man deal where we did a lot of things that you mentioned. I enjoyed it, but in the larger setting thought that it was pretty tough for him to assess my strengths/weaknesses with any sort of specifics when you've got 10 guys going at it.

I did, though, manage to accidentally elbow him in the face to start class (oops!). The next day was a much larger class which was basic but good. In that one, I got to challenge Roy Harris on the mat (doh!) and have him chicken-wing me when he finally got tired of me basically falling off him for 60 seconds!! LOL!

I've always been curious about what people felt after taking an individual one.

[Type-GRR]

Hi Tony10

Your assumption is correct. I have trained with Vu, Tom, Erin, and Ryan in Paul's garage during an Intensive Personal Training Program about two years ago. This was before his change of residence to Capistrano Beach. His driveway was crazy steep!

In regards to your question, the IPTP is great for both teacher and student in that the teacher is able to correctly identify and address various strengths and weaknesses in the student. In my case, I was with two close friends with similar backgrounds and attributes allowing our training program to be quite streamlined for the development of all of us. I agree that a semi-private situation is very good for applying your knowledge of what you have learned and testing it out, however, like you said, in most cases it is hard to work on the specifics. To become proficient quickly, there are several types of training situations that greatly benefit a practitioner. Firstly, the group class scenario affords a student a level playing field in which to learn the basics. Semi-private instruction allows a more detailed breakdown and analysis of the group's strengths and weaknesses. Private instruction allows the custom tailoring of specific training for that individual. Additionaly, once these weaknesses and strengths are addressed and worked on, they can then be applied and tested in the group or even semi-private environment. I honestly believe that a combination of all three types of training greatly benefit the JKD man or woman. There is only so much to be gained from group class; likewise semi's and privates.

As for the elbowing, that is pretty funny man. I am surprised you are still able to type properly. Hehehe.

[Tony10]

Lucky for me, he thought it was funny too.

Hey one other question: did you, or anybody you know, every go on that summer retreat? That looked like it could be a great intensive instruction over a weekend.

[Type-GRR]

The last one this past August was not so good but the previous years have been good. Some of my cousins have attended and said they enjoyed it and do not regret it. However, the comaraderie and contacts made were a definite positive aspect as well as the world-class instructors on hand.