A couple weeks ago, in early March, Frank Arias and Brian Beauchamp came to west coast Florida and brought a weekend seminar to us in Ft. Meyers. There were nine of us that attended from Sarasota and all had a challenging and enjoyable weekend.

For me, the “topic” was one of my favorites. Actually it was two topics that combine together well, groundwork and striking, with single and multiple attackers. Vlad gave a similar mix of work in a seminar last year and it works really well. One trains groundwork and all the muscles get warmed and tired. Then when one almost can’t go on, we get a break and strike each other. The body then wakes back up in a sense, but it is painful enough that after a while one is glad to go back to groundwork. Alternating keeps it bearable for long sessions and when tied together with transitional work as Frank and Brian did, it really makes sense.

Brian brings a more technical approach which to some extent works well for my style of mind. I like to know the parameters of a system and have distinct rules to work with (-not entirely possible in Systema…or at least so big a picture as to not appear that way). His presentation of locks and methods was concise and easy for the mind to grasp. It was a little more complicated that could be learned in a day but it nevertheless gave a good overview of some of the most fundamental aspects of groundwork, BJJ groundwork in particular. I wish we had more time as I really enjoy this type of training.

Frank gave a Systema interpretation to balance it out. I remember him saying, I don’t know which direction my foot points to prepare or how I technically set up but I just let my body do the work. This works well for me in general. My mind likes to learn in a method as Brian presented but my body works best when my mind doesn’t interfere too much. I see the value of both. Franks easy going teaching style is really a joy to experience. I wish we had more time to work together: I got allot out of our short time and was very happy to get to know Frank a little better …only having briefly met him at camp years ago.

Frank and Brian are both serious and admirable practitioners. Whoever gets to train with them on a regular basis is undoubtedly blessed by their expertise and genuine enthusiasm. We will be looking foreword to training with them here on an annual basis if the tradition continues. Just that next time you are both expected to make a stop in Sarasota. For training if you can, but mostly for hospitality, and to share a meal.

Thanks again you guys. Come back when you can. You always have a place to stay here in Sarasota if you like.