SEMINAR/WORKSHOP PROGRAM

In this seminar, we will be covering a variety of topics to help orient practitioners of all levels to the concept of takedowns, throws, and break falling. Shuai Jiao is a skill that is applied when in close range to an opponent, typically used against punches and kicks. Getting your opponent on the ground is one of the most valuable skills you can add to your repertoire as it gives you a significant advantage over your opponent if you can remain standing. This seminar is a short introduction to the concept of intercepting an attack and how to affect, redirect, and manipulate your opponent's center to work in your favor. We are limiting this seminar to 3 hours to limit the quantity of material in order to allow for better quality practice. This short time block will allow students to get a good introduction to Shuai Jiao takedowns while not becoming completely fatigued and tired from the takedown practice and falling. We will review:

• Break Falls
  It is important to fall properly in order to prevent injury and to maintain your endurance. When you fall, you don't want the wind knocked out of you. We will also have a heavy emphasis on working cooperatively with your partner for the beginning stages of the training, to prevent unnecessary injuries.
• Short Defense Techniques
  We will be reviewing YMAA's standard set of "Short Defense" techniques, which are takedown techniques that are specifically designed to combat a straight punch.
• Tips on Effectively Applying Takedowns
  We will review some drills, conditioning, and exercises that students can practice to improve upon their own sense of balance, equilibrium, and body structure. It is essential to develop this sensitivity and awareness, especially when you get to the stage of sparring.

WHO'S TEACHING?

YMAA instructors Nicholas C. Yang, and Ben Warner have been studying under Dr. Yang for over 10 years and will be leading the seminar exercises.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

We will be emphasizing a cooperative environment to accommodate for all levels, so at this stage of the training, we will not be stressing any combative speed or power. However, we highly recommend that you do not have any current injuries, weak areas, or sharp pains in your joints, muscles, arms and legs. Previous experience, especially in break falling, is a plus but not necessary. This seminar will benefit:

• Those who want to know the keys to getting your opponent off balance to quickly turn situations in your favor
• Those who are new to takedowns and throws and would like a fresh introduction
• Those interested in learning the standard Short Defense takedown techniques that YMAA students are tested on in the standard international YMAA curriculum. There are 10 techniques required for 2nd rank Shaolin.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING?

We recommend wearing loose practice clothing (T-shirt and pants) and a pair of indoor shoes, unless you prefer training barefoot or in socks. Street shoes are not permitted on the training floor.

TRAVELING TO BOSTON

YMAA Boston is located approximately 20 minutes South of downtown Boston. If you are traveling by car please visit YMAA Boston webpage for detailed driving instructions.

Free on-street parking is available on weekends, and there are several paid lots nearby.

A good alternative is to use the MBTA subway transportation system. YMAA Boston is about a 3-minute walk from the Forest Hill Orange Line station. Visit MBTA website for more information.

If you are flying to Boston, you can also easily access the MBTA subway system. After arriving to Boston’s Logan Airport take the free airport shuttle bus (Route #22, #33 or #55) to the MBTA “Airport” station. Then take the inbound Blue Line train to “State” station. At “State” station, board the Orange line outbound train to the “Forest Hills” station, the last stop. Exit the “Forest Hills” station, go upstairs, and proceed straight through the exit towards Hyde Park Ave. Once outside, turn right to proceed downstairs. Cross the street and walk 2 blocks right to YMAA Boston.

STAYING IN BOSTON

For information about hotels, guest houses and inn lodging, please visit the lodging page.

EXTRA INFO

If you need help making a decision about attending, have further questions about this seminar, or would like to register now, please contact us here or call (617) 524-8892 (for international calls please use +1-617-524-8892).

Private lessons can be arranged with instructors.