It’s
Much More than “Kicks and Punches”...
At ASC, we focus on biomechanical soundness in addition
to martial efficacy to offer you the best of two worlds.
The term "Functional Martial Arts" is intended to
emphasize the applicability of our approach to martial
training to both 1) fighting effectiveness and 2) one's
everyday physical life. Actual, noticeable gains in
balance, coordination, speed, strength, power, endurance
and accuracy (of striking) are pivotal to the success of
our students at ASC, and our program and instructors are
fully committed to making this happen. In fact, we have
functional screens (tests) that we use to measure the
gains of our students during their time in our program.
These gains emerge from a combination of solid
traditional conditioning and contemporary knowledge of
human biomechanics and training. The chief instructor,
Jim Eubanks, has considerable experience in both
modalities, enabling him to synthesize an ideal
Functional Martial Art he calls American Shaolin.
Tradition donates much wisdom to the martial artist,
particularly when a given martial style has proven the
"test of time" on and off the battle field. The
traditional Chinese arts certainly fit this
qualification, as the Chinese have effectively and
efficiently defended themselves with hand-to-hand combat
methods. Additionally, however, some aspects of
traditional approaches might not best fit the training
models and considerations now made known through Western
science. Thus, when modifications are necessary, ASC is
happy to make them for the benefit of the martial
artist's long-term health.
A possible breakdown of training for a typical ASC
student might include:
I) American Shaolin Basics: Philosophy, Stances,
Footwork, Kicks, Hand Positions, Punches &
Strikes
II) The Role of Qi:
Meditation and Mental Training in American Shaolin
III) Defensive Maneuvering & Strategy
IV) Offensive Maneuvering & Strategy
V) Throws
VI) Joint
Locks
VII) Countering Techniques against Common Attacks
VIII) Introduction to Sparring (striking only)
IX) Grappling
X) Advanced Sparring (includes the use of striking, joint
locking & throwing, and grappling)
XI) Weapons Training
Advanced
& Instructor Training at ASC
One may typically declare an intent to become a formal
student after no less than three (3) months of consistent
training with ASC (Note: In some cases exceptions are
granted to this time requirement, allowing for a student
to train at an accelerated pace). It is during the first
three-six months that the student's time is spent
focusing on the basic principles and fundamental skills
of American Shaolin (see above).
If the student is deemed qualified in the basic methods
of American Shaolin (outlined above) and becomes an
official student, then he or she will be granted the
first rank of American Shaolin: that of Disciple I. It is
at this time that the student is also granted the first
sash of American Shaolin, the black sash. To advance
beyond Disciple I, the student will learn the specifics
of the American Shaolin, and, upon satisfactory
completion of a series of Training Tests, advance to
Disciple II, III and finally to Training Instructor I
(1st degree) and official teacher of American Shaolin.
Advanced training in American Shaolin is comprised of a
detailed examination of one's technique during the
execution of moves, as well as specific applications
during various situations in sparring sessions. Advanced
training spends considerable time in partner sparring.*
At ASC, we spar with the intent to refine movement
fluidity, technique and strategy.
*A mouth-guard,
cup/groin protection, and MMA style grappling gloves
(open fingers and palms) are required for all sparring
matches.
Weapons
Training
Advanced students of ASC have the opportunity to become
proficient in various weapons, including the bo (6 foot
staff), jo (4 foot staff), escrima and extendable ("ASP")
baton. Stick weapons are utilized because of their
practicality and availability in our contemporary
culture. Weapon training, as a practical approach to
martial training in general, helps to refine the
student's ability to center and ground him or herself
during the execution of various techniques.
