Our first semester began in September and just finished a few days ago, I must say that the course exceeded my expectations.  The classes are a combination of basic striking skills, escape techniques and awareness.  Although I use role play and scenario extensively at my full time job I had never really used it at jiu-jitsu.  I started using role play with the kids and quickly realized this was the way to go.  The role playing which combines all the elements of the training really assisted the kids in putting all their skills together.

Katie Bartel, a reporter with the Chilliwack Progress, wrote the a great article on the program which has generated some great interest.

I have also received many comments from the parents that this is exactly the type of training they were looking for.  The kids have grown tremendously during the 4 months of training as evident by their increased level of confidence and ability to perform the techniques without really thinking about it.  The class is now progressing from their level 1 course to level 2.  I was so pleased with the success from the first group that I am starting a second group in January.

Over the past 15 years, like many other martial arts organizations, some of my black belts have left the dojo to pursue their own journeys.   I am alright with that, I am actually very proud of some of these black belts because they have continued to train and teach and some have even applied their training to their real jobs.  Now I have been asked by those who are still around and active to try and unite the group under a common umbrella.  This of course is going to be a challenge as for many years this as not happened.  I think the timing can be right to make this happen, but obviously it cannot happen without the black belts wanting it to happen.

I need to create a vision for what this could look like, what would the benefits to the black belts be, what is there to offer, what is there appetite for this to happen.  Because it is not going to happen with them.  But if they are asking for it there must be a possibility.

Personally I am excited about the possibility of getting this group together.  I have some ideas of what might work and also what is not going to work.  This must be a collaborative effort between all of us, not a situation of control where others have no say.

I see this as a real chance to apply the leadership skills I have read about and help others to achieve their goals.  This cannot be about me but more about the black belts who all the same desire.  The desire to have a unique organization, with common goals and the ability to collaborate and share ideas for the betterment of all members.

I was especially interested to see how my son Matthew was going to do.  He had been asking to do jiu-jitsu for the past year and now the time has come.  He was a little distracted at times but overall did a great job.  I’m sure he did a much better job of his first class then I did with mine 34 years ago.  All the kids appeared to interested and had a good time, the ages ranged from 6-9.

I am happy to be on the mat with the kids again, if you can teach kids you can teach almost anyone.  I am especially happy because I can see the value in spending quality time with my own son, the same way my dad did with me growing up.   The Hiscoe family has been involved in jiu-jitsu since 1975.  The kids program at our dojo ran classes on Friday night and Saturday morning, so on Saturdays we would have a father and son lunch after class.  This was a tradition till the day I left Ottawa for the RCMP Academy.  Even after living in BC for several years I would find myself calling home on Saturdays at lunch time.

It has only been one night but I can envision the possible success for everyone involved.

In thinking back to the training camp Hiscoe Jiu-Jitsu held in Sicamous this summer I remember a conversation I had with Shihan Michael Seamark.  The conversation was over a black belt announcement we had seen in which a student has endured a 24 hour shodan exam.  We both thought this a little odd and commented that every class a student attends is kinda like a test.  How much attitude does a student bring to class?

I discussed with my class that not all students are created alike, not all students will be able to do perform identically to each other or to the Sensei.  That being said what is important is the student’s attitude towards learning, training hard, respect for others, attending class etc…. It is the student’s attitude that will determine how they progress through the ranks.  Personally, I would rather have a student who might not the best technician but pushes themselves and works hard every time they are on the mat.  I can forgive this student a few mistakes or lack of style at an exam.  What I cannot except is the naturally gifted student who seldom pushes their potential in class, only train for themselves rather then helping those who need help, misses classes etc… From this student mistakes are not welcome.

Not all students are created equally.  This also reminded me of a situation which occurred to me about 15 years ago.  At the time I have a few black belts who were awesome practitioners, students and black belts.  I also had another student who was a little more advanced in age than the others, had a few physical challenges but gave absolutely 110% every single class.  This student gave of themselves in helping others and was always a pleasure to have in class.  When this student performed their black belt test it was at the same technical level as the others but I can tell you the attitude certainly was there.  I was challenged by some black belts about my decision to pass this student.  I had no problem explaining my reasoning for promoting this student.  I also explained to these black belts that my goal in opening a dojo and teaching jiu-jitsu was first and foremost to teach people how to protect themselves.  It was never about creating awesome black belts.  That is a by product of diligent teaching, and students with great attitudes.  I explained that if the goal was to create great black belts only, we would not have many students.  I would have to turn potential students away at the door if I did not think they would fit the persona of a black belt.

Not all students are created equal, it is their attitude that will set them apart.   Remember, “it is your attitude not your aptitude that will determine your altitude”.  Did I see I like this quote, actually I love it.

I now operate a small dojo, although I do have other dojos which are under my direction and are lead by some excellent black belts.  Some of these dojos are facing the same situation I once faced, having black belts who decide being on their own is better than where they are.  As instructors it certainly makes you wonder if you are failing as a leader when students who you have guided and mentored through the ranks decide to leave.  I have experienced this a few times and wondered it myself.

A couple of years ago I was promoted to a supervisory position at work (not jiu-jitsu) I supervise 7 full time trainers and a couple of other full time employees in a different program.  I have had a lot learning to do over the past year, human resource issues, programming issues, and many more.  I really had to learn how to deal with people, in my last position I was a one man show responsible for many programs but without supervisory functions.  So you can imagine I have made a few mistakes over the past year in dealing with people.

During the last year I have started to read leadership books.  I have read and really like the books authored by John Maxwell, I have found his books easy to read and more importantly easy to understand.  The book I am reading now is titled Failing Forward, it basically talks about using you mistakes as stepping stones for success.  Those people who achieve have learned how to analyze a mistake and benefit from it.

One of the mistakes I see which results in black belts wanting to leave their sensei or organization is a lack of communication. I recently experienced this with one of my high ranking black belts.  In order to learn from this mistake it is important to have open and honest communication with your students.  The relationship you have with your team is very important in building a successful organization.  In the book the use the acronym REAL, Relationship, Equipping, Attitude and Leadership.

Relationship is the ability to get along with people, they will make you or break you.

Equipping, those closest to you will determine your level of success, surround yourself with a great team.

Attitude “your attitude more than you aptitude will determine your altitude” (I like that)

Leadership, everything rises and fall and your ability to lead.

As leaders of our dojos or organizations I see the same lessons which apply to leading in the corporate world applying to our martial arts.  Look at your past challenges and learn from them and determine how you would do it different next time.  This will help you become successful.

I see this as an important step in progression for the dojo and for my family.  My son Matthew has been expressing an interest in jiu-jitsu for some time.  I guess now is the time to get things started.  It probably is the right time as I started training when I was six also.  I see this as a good time to bond with my son and begin creating some common ground.  Growing up my dad was also involved in jiu-jitsu, we taught a kids programs at the dojo we belonged to and got to spend a lot of quality time together.  Still to this day jiu-jitsu is the common ground for all of us.

In my 33 plus years of being in the martial arts I have seen a lot of benefits to children who are involved in martial arts.  Getting a child into a routine of fitness and discipline will stay with them for a lifetime.  I was fortunate to have parents which kept me involved for the long run.  I have been able to merge my martial arts life with my professional career in policing.  I am a full time use of force trainer and supervisor, I have traveled across Canada developing other use of force instructors more specifically in the defensive tactics area.  I am frequently asked to evaluate of DT program for their effectiveness in relation to policing.  I have also made many friends and contacts in both Canada and the US.  I thank my martial arts training for the things I have been able to accomplish in life.

The time is now right for me to try and pass some of the things I have learned to my son and other kids.  My goal is to help them learn how to protect themselves, gain confidence and self esteem.  The classes will focus on basic jiu-jitsu, flexibility and coordination.

If you are interested in enrolling your child please contact me at my email address shiscoe@shaw.ca

If you are involved in a confrontation where you needed to protect yourself and possibly hurt someone you might have to explain your actions to someone.  If so, tell the story based on facts but also on the emotions  you felt at the time.  Remembering that the person asking you questions was not there and will need to understand what happened.  They will also want to know why you reacted in the way you did.  My supervisor came up with a great question which we have included prominently in the training.  The questions is “What did that mean to you?”  Tell your story using descriptive adjective to make others understand.

As I mentioned the training was a success, I also really enjoyed the trip overall, although very long days it was great to get a little sight seeing in.  We took the ferry from Nova Scotia over to PEI.  The country side was beautiful and it was obvious this would be a great place to sit back and relax.  It just seemed like life was at a slower pace.  At the end of our trip we traveled over the Confederation Bridge and returned to Halifax.  We were able to make a trip into Halifax for dinner and went straight to the waterfront for dinner at the Lower Deck.  The weather and sights were awesome.  This is a place I would take my wife to for sure.

Many people have opinions about use of force and what level of force should be used in any given situation.  Many of these people have never been involved in a use of force situation let alone probably in a fight.  There are many factors involved in deciding what time of force an officer should use, it is not solely based on the actions of the individual the officer is dealing with.  The officer must take into account all the factors present, their perceptions of the event and what it means to them, the tactical considerations available or not available to the officer  and the subject’s behavior.  Once all these areas have been taken into account then the officer can make a decision as to what action to take.  The officer must deal with the potential of a threat and deal with it before it is actually executed.  Police officers are not paid to be assaulted and are expected to protect others.

It is very easy for an armchair quarterback to make comments and have opinions on something they have never lived.  Often police officer must make split second decisions, Lord help us if it is the wrong decision because the armchair quarterback in the comfort of their office, not faced with any threat or immediacy will not doubt have done something different.

It would be nice if those making comments actually had some experience dealing with someone who is trying to hurt them.

As a self protection instructor who teaches civilians, I believe that it is my duty to properly inform them about these matters also.  If one of my students is attacked I want them to have the skills to protect themselves physically at the time and also be able to explain what happened (if need be) after the fact.  I want them to be able to relate a fully descriptive “story” of the events.  The person who is “asking questions” most likely was not there during the attack, did not see the attack, did not feel what the victim felt, did not hear or see what the attacker might have done.  The student must make the questioner understand exactly what transpired.  Therefore the skill of articulating or storytelling is very important not only for police officer but also for civilians who might find themselves having to explain why they injured someone who was assaulting them.

Next was Shihan Michael Seamark from the Sadohana Dojo in Vancouver.  Shihan Seamark built upon the techniques demonstrated by Sensei Phil with more advanced techniques.  Shihan Seamark is an expert in wrist manipulation and the students were able to gain his knowledge first hand.  Wrist manipulations from various attacks were shown.  Although the purpose of the training was to gather Can-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu, Shihan Seamark’s techniques are very applicable to our syllabus and can be introduced in many ways. 

I ended the day with a session on knife defense .  I explained to the students that even our knife defense techniques are applicable to the basic principles of Can-Ryu.  Simplicity, Gross Motor Skills, Commonality of Technique and Multiple Opponents.  I also tried to show the students and instructors present how to bridge training and real life situations.

At the end of the day all the students gathered at Sensei Phil’s house for a BBQ.  Sensei Phil took charge of the grilling while many of his students brought salads and desserts.  Those of us who traveled in for the seminars were able to set up tents in Sensei’s backyard.  The whole atmosphere was absolutely awesome and everyone had a great time.

Thanks to Sensei Lori O’Connell from Westcoast Jiu-Jitsu who traveled from Vancouver with her students.  

Thanks to Sensei Aird Flavelle who traveled from Abbotsford with his students.

Thanks to Shihan Seamark for his awesome instruction, you always have a repeat invitation to attend.

Thanks to Sensei Phil Wiebe from the Sicamous dojo for putting on a great event and to his students for the hospitality.  We are looking at putting this event together again next year and I am sure it will be another success.

First I have been involved in jiu-jitsu since November of 1975.  I started training in Can-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu at Therien Jiu-Jitsu in Ottawa Ontario Canada.  I left there in 1989 when I was hired by  the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.  After my graduation from the Academy I was posted to Abbotsford British Columbia in late 1989.  I have trained locally in a few other styles of martial arts but my devotion has always been to Can-Ryu Jiu-Jitsu.  The founder of the style is a Professor Georges Sylvain, (he is recognized as one of the founders of jiu-jitsu in Canada along with Ron Forrester) I was promoted to the rank of 8th degree black belt directly by him prior to his retirement.  Hiscoe Jiu-Jitsu is the name of my school, Can-Ryu is my style.  

Currently I am a police use of force instructor.  I assist in the development of use of force training and also travel nationally developing other police officers into use of force instructors.

The JJBC was founded in about 1996, it was created due to a lack of support for JJ clubs in the western provinces of Canada.  I have belonged to other organization such as Work Kobudo Federation, and the Canadian Jiu-Jitsu Association.  The later had a couple of clubs in BC but were unable to support us with training or instructors.  Although a very good and respected organization it made no sense to me to send money and not receive support in the end.  I personally approached the 2 other clubs in BC and suggested the creation of a non-profit society for the Province of BC.  The other clubs agreed and JJBC was launched.  The goal behind the JJBC is the sharing of knowledge and information.  We belong because jiu-jitsu it is a passion of ours.  No one individual ultimately controls the JJBC, it does not exist for anyone to make money from it.  It is there to fuel our passion for sharing jiu-jitsu knowledge.

Like any organization the JJBC is contacted by new dojos and at times we seek out new members.  When a new member wishes to join they provide us with their black belt certificate and we have the instructor conduct a seminar for us.  This is to evaluate the knowledge they possess, the kind of individual they are on and off the mat.  We want to ensure as much as is possible the quality of people who belong to the group.  We look at their technique and teaching skills.  This process is used unless you are a new club who has direct links to an existing JJBC affiliated dojo.  

This is exactly what we did Sensei Ari Bolden.  Prior to his acceptance into the JJBC he was asked to conduct a seminar at one of our events.  The high ranking members of the JJBC were in attendance and participated in the session.  The Senseis  discussed his suitability and admission.  The other high ranking black belt and myself have been to numerous seminars and have watched hundreds of black belts teach.  It was my opinion that Sensei Ari knew his stuff and was definitely black belt caliber. He was a dynamic presenter and most of all (and very important to the JJBC) was a humble individual.  As an organization we really don’t have the time and effort to deal with over inflated egos.  

No one individual has a vested interest in the money of the JJBC.  For that reason the leadership of the JJBC  is shared.  We see it fit to provide all who wish leadership opportunity.  Annually at the AGM a new President is determined, and at the last meetings the black belts voted on a new president.  It was agreed that some new blood would be a good thing for the post, as such Sensei Ari was selected for this post.  He is supported by the rest of the black belts in the JJBC.

The JJBC also provides junior black belts the opportunity to develop their skills in both training and teaching.  I (and the other higher black belts) have all done our share of seminars so we don’t have to teach all the time.  

It is true that Sensei Ari is not listed on the HJJ website as a black belt.  Sensei Ari (in addition to all other JJBC black belts) was given a JJBC certificate not a HJJ certificate.  As President of the JJBC at the time my signature is attached.  The certificate is a recognition of the individuals achievement of a black belt and that the JJBC recognizes it.  

I hope this addresses some questions as it relates directly to Hiscoe Jiu-Jitsu, JJBC (involvement of Sensei Ari Bolden) and myself.