I know the SKK system has a lot of controversy around it, mainly because Fred Villari supposedly promoted himself to 10th degree, however ive found that each school does things there own way and that the founder isn't the prime example of the ability's of a style. The place I found calls itself Shaolin Defense Center. Interesting name and it gave me the hint that just PERHAPS this place focused more actual SELF-DEFENSE then anything else. It has about 7 locations (a good sign in my opinion, too many and its a scam too few and your gonna think they suck anyway) I went inside and found it to be slightly decorated but not overly so (also a good sign) and the atmosphere was, well REAL! Relaxing yet brimming with energy. Then I began to notice things and talk to people and for several reasons I feel that this place might be....well effective!
1. The head instructor, who is there every day and teaches all classes to some degree himself, is a 2 time world champion in kickboxing and has over 20 years in the style of SKK. 5th level black-belt.
2. When I asked him to tell me about the style he wouldn't. He insisted that he SHOW me, as actions speak louder then words. Every other place I have gone too has talked my ear off for a half hour and then tried to get me to sign something. We went in the back of the dojo, went through some basics, I asked a few questions and then he asked that I show him what I have learned at the kempo school I was going to. I did a simple combination and he responded with "Why did you aim to miss?" My face was like 0.o He explained that the way I was taught to do the move insured that I would miss even if I knew how to do it correctly, if your taught not to make contact in the dojo, you have no shot in the real world and he was having NONE of that ****. He INSISTED on contact and explained the science behind every move that I did. In 45 minuets I learned more then I could remember learning in any other place.
3. None of the other instructors were lower then 3rd degree black-belts and he oversaw THEIR training personally.
4. He demonstrated ON me (not TO me) different and effective moves. Like a joint lock that set my arm on fire and a very simple snake strike to the throat that if applied with a bit more force would have most likely caused me to choke. Everything with him was less about flash and "style" and more on practicality.
5. I got a look at the curriculum and....its big. Bigger then the one at my school. But its also paced out. However they start on joint locks and throwing early on as well as free sparring and something called "no mind" As I was told its basically, do what comes instinctively. They also have a very solid knowledge of where they come from, the "family tree" is very full.
6. They actually save the complicated **** for HIGH LEVELS!!
Knocking The Pillars of the Temple
Snake Whips to Eyes
Iron Butterfly
Snake Drops from Tree
White Crane
Monkey Hangs in Tree
Dragon leaps from clouds
Snapping the Crane's Wing
Leopard Lockout
Falling Pine
None of it taught before 2nd degree (and thats not ever half of it) I can respect there common sense lol.
Overall it seems a very solid place. Oh and before I forget, its $120 a month and you can leave at any time. The Gi is free but the tests are not.
I would not call this a McDojo by a LONG shot but im curious to see what you guys think.
1. The head instructor, who is there every day and teaches all classes to some degree himself, is a 2 time world champion in kickboxing and has over 20 years in the style of SKK. 5th level black-belt.
2. When I asked him to tell me about the style he wouldn't. He insisted that he SHOW me, as actions speak louder then words. Every other place I have gone too has talked my ear off for a half hour and then tried to get me to sign something. We went in the back of the dojo, went through some basics, I asked a few questions and then he asked that I show him what I have learned at the kempo school I was going to. I did a simple combination and he responded with "Why did you aim to miss?" My face was like 0.o He explained that the way I was taught to do the move insured that I would miss even if I knew how to do it correctly, if your taught not to make contact in the dojo, you have no shot in the real world and he was having NONE of that ****. He INSISTED on contact and explained the science behind every move that I did. In 45 minuets I learned more then I could remember learning in any other place.
3. None of the other instructors were lower then 3rd degree black-belts and he oversaw THEIR training personally.
4. He demonstrated ON me (not TO me) different and effective moves. Like a joint lock that set my arm on fire and a very simple snake strike to the throat that if applied with a bit more force would have most likely caused me to choke. Everything with him was less about flash and "style" and more on practicality.
5. I got a look at the curriculum and....its big. Bigger then the one at my school. But its also paced out. However they start on joint locks and throwing early on as well as free sparring and something called "no mind" As I was told its basically, do what comes instinctively. They also have a very solid knowledge of where they come from, the "family tree" is very full.
6. They actually save the complicated **** for HIGH LEVELS!!
Knocking The Pillars of the Temple
Snake Whips to Eyes
Iron Butterfly
Snake Drops from Tree
White Crane
Monkey Hangs in Tree
Dragon leaps from clouds
Snapping the Crane's Wing
Leopard Lockout
Falling Pine
None of it taught before 2nd degree (and thats not ever half of it) I can respect there common sense lol.
Overall it seems a very solid place. Oh and before I forget, its $120 a month and you can leave at any time. The Gi is free but the tests are not.
I would not call this a McDojo by a LONG shot but im curious to see what you guys think.