Seminar long staff (桿 gǎn) fundamentals

solo and partner exercises

with Robert Wąs, president of YMAA Poland

Saturday and Sunday October 1 & 2, 2011

09:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 02:00 - 05:00 p.m.

lange stok Robert Was

1. Introduction

This seminar will cover staff fundamentals, meaning solo drills as well as two-person matching drills with real weapon contact. No solo sequence will be taught in this seminar. Too many martial arts students learn solo sequences or forms without mastering the fundamentals and without understanding the martial applications of the movements or understanding how the weapon is to be used or how it functions and reacts in reality. This is pointless. It should be exactly the other way round: first learn the basics and learn how to use a weapon with real partner contact, with real intercepting, blocking and attacking drills. After all, solo sequences are just a collection of these techniques performed solo in order not to forget them (and to train some other fundamentals like good rooting in eacht movement etc.). They are like a reference listing of the techniques in your style, but they are useless if you have never learned how to apply them. Besides, if you don't have that feel for the weapon, this will show in your solo sequence. Practicing fundamental partner drills will change your solo sequence too, making it more realistic and accurate. Otherwise your solo sequence will be nothing more than a dance.

Do not be misled by the word "fundamentals", though. These exercises start with very basic stationary drills, but later move on to exercises with stepping that becomes more and more complex (usually straight-line first: half-step, full step, and then angling/circling) plus changing your lead hand and changing from normal to reversed grip, eventually evolving into something very intricate that comes close to free weapons sparring. At this stage, protective gear may be needed.

There will be several groups according to different levels. Every year there will be a staff seminar and you may advance to a higher level in future, provided you meet the necessary requirements.

2. Cost

a. Seminars

  • Prior registration :
    • non-YMAA members: € 120 for the whole weekend (12 hours)
    • YMAA members: € 100 for the whole weekend (12 hours)
    • foreign YMAA students: € 60 for the whole weekend (12 hours)
  • Registration at seminar location: € 30 supplement
  • Please do not register for only one day. You will not see all the material covered in the seminar, which will create problems if you want to go to the next level in future seminars.

b. Meals

It is possible to have meals at the seminar location.

  • breakfast: € 5,65
  • lunch (hot meal) : € 14,14

c. Lodging

Lodging is provided at the seminar location. Please contact us for prices and information: ymaabelgium@gmail.com

3. Registration

How to register

  • Please send an e-mail to ymaabelgium@gmail.com with the following information:
    • your name
    • telephone number, preferably cell phone (we will only use it in case of last-minute changes or problems)
    • details about meals or lodging if necessary
    • calculation of what you should pay
  • Please transfer the registration fee to the following bank account:

Your registration will only be valid after we have received the correct amount of registration. The money should be on our account at least one week before the seminar starts and is not refundable under any circumstances, even in case of illness or circumstances beyond your control. If you cancel we will however grant a credit for a future seminar.

Bank transfer in Belgium
Bank transfer within the European Union
  • Account number:

    •   001-3723931-80

  • Our address:

    •   YMAA Belgium vzw
      Uilekot 26
      B-3210 Lubbeek
  • IBAN : BE47001372393180
  • BIC : GEBABEBB
  • Bank : BNP Paribas Fortis, Brussels, Belgium
  • Our address :

    •   YMAA Belgium vzw
      Uilekot 26
      B-3210 Lubbeek
      Belgium

4. Address and map

  • Address:

Sporta-centrum
Geneinde 2
2260 Tongerlo (part of the municipality of Westerlo)
The seminar will take place in the "Marathon" room

  • See below for a map of the seminar location.
    • Both the entrance to the sports centre as well as the seminar room are marked with small red balloons.
    • Click on the red balloons for more information.
    • To see the buildings on the map, click on "Satellite" at the right upper side of the map.
    • Move map by clicking anywhere on the map with your left mouse button, hold the button down and drag.

 

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