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A MESSAGE FROM THE BOSS
A character structure is a system of relatively permanent motivational and other traits that are manifested in the specific ways that an individual relates and reacts to others, to various kinds of stimuli, and the environment that will most likely bring about a normal or productive character structure. 
What are your core beliefs and values? About training, about self defense, about commitments, about family, about love, about your work? WHAT EXACTLY MAKES YOU TICK? Do you lead or do you follow? Or neither?
The word "integrity" stems from the Latin adjective integer (whole, complete). In this context, integrity is the inner sense of "wholeness" deriving from qualities such as honesty and consistency of character. As such, one may judge that others "have integrity" to the extent that one judges whether they behave according to the values, beliefs and principles they claim to hold.
It is important to understand what your core beliefs and values are. Above all “know thy self”. What are some consistencies in your behaviour and the results you are presently getting in your life? Do you like who you are? Do you like what you are becoming? What do your family and friends think of you? Are you a character or do you have character? Do you shrivel up when things get tough or do you stand up and plow forward? Do you shy away from confrontation? Do you look for opportunities to learn or improve or do you make excuses for not participating or getting involved?
UCS is a system that makes you dig deep inside yourself. It is not some sort of magic pill. And, as I' ve seen for the last 20 years of teaching is that it is definitely not for the mainstream population. Some of my students have been with me over 13 years. Why? What makes them want to stay? What makes them want to move ahead? Why do some students only last a few classes or a few weeks or months and others stay for years and years? When I first started to train I joined with my cousin over 21 years ago. He lasted one month exactly, he got his white belt then quit - I trained 6 days a week, holidays, Sundays, anytime I could and became a MASTER INSTRUCTOR ......... well the rest is history in the making. You wouldn't be reading this now if it weren't for my CHARACTER and INTEGRITY!! Learning is a journey not a destination!
Get to know yourself thoroughly. Write all your beliefs down. Know what your values are. Know what you need to work on. If you need help - call me or email me anytime. My door is always open.
Thanks, Sifu
The willingness to accept responsibility for one's own life is the source from which self-respect springs. ~ Joan Didion
UPCOMING EVENTS: UCS SUBMISSION FIGHTING
In the combat training world we!ve all heard the saying “90% of fights end up on the ground” I used to say - you!re right - if you fight with me - I!ll hit you so many times - so hard and so fast - you WILL end up on the ground! Seriously, groundfighting is a dangerous range to be in if you don!t know what you!re doing. A must for any serious practitioner regardless of skill or training background. I will be covering how to overcome an opponent in the mount, guard and sidemount positions. Many many techniques. You will develop skill, endurance, strength, tenacity and above all YOU WILL HAVE FUN.
Starts Wednesday July 7 7 pm - 8:30 pm
4 - 90 minute sessions (July 7, 21, 28, August 4)
See Dave Rabinovitch for signup information.
Hope to see you all there,
Sifu
SOLID FOUNDATIONS: THE CENTERLINE CONCEPT
By Adam
In April, we learned the importance of proper footwork for mobility and tactical advantage. Since every part of the body plays a vital role in combat effectiveness, this month we'
ll look at the centreline principle.
The centreline is a conceptual division of the body into left and right halves. Most of us are accustomed to being either right- or left-hand dominant. In combat, it serves us well to be equally adept with both sides of the body.
This is where the centreline principle comes into play. Mastery of the centreline allows the fighter to strike, deflect, kick, use weapons, and move effectively, from either a left or right dominant position. UCS eschews the notion of turning one side of the body toward the opponent, preferring to have all weapons of the body available from the same distance. The development of power from this position depends on excellent body mechanics and power developed through movement and intensity.
“Centreline control” means maintaining a square posture toward your opponent and guarding the core of the body against attack through posture, tactics and techniques and movement. It enables rapid deployment of your entire defensive and offensive arsenal without prejudicing your skill development toward one side of the body. This effectively expands your tactical options, while disadvantaging your opponent.
In addition to the hard physical benefits provided by centreline control, it facilitates use of the de-escalation stance, which I will introduce in the next article.
BIO: Adam
By David Rabinovitch
Adam was born in Ottawa in 1979, and has been enjoying this fine town ever since. As a kid, Adam was into reading, mostly of the science and non-fiction variety. He claims to have been a "nerd", but that's somehow hard to believe! In high school, Adam played rugby and began getting serious about sports and fitness. He attended Merivale High School, played bass guitar in a rock band, and refuses to admit to specializing in tunes by the Village People.
Around 1997, Adam wandered into the Patenaude Kung Fu school run by Sifu Dino Urbani. It was an immediate click, and Adam has been a loyal and dedicated student ever since. When Sifu struck out on his own in 2000, Adam moved with him, and has been involved in the gradual development and evolution of the TACT/ UCS system.
Adam recalls his early days of training with great enthusiasm. He describes a rough and tumble aura where old ideas were being discarded and replaced with practical, reality-based techniques via the trial and error method. In those days, Sifu & Co. were developing the mirror drill, spear and combat squat, and multiple opponent ideas that are a fundamental part of what we do today.
Fast forward to 2010, and Urban Combat Systems is a significant component and main motivator in Adam's life. All his fitness efforts are geared toward TACT/ UCS training, and Adam has reached the point where he's able to explain various aspects of the system without even having to think about it... or in his own words, "it's in my blood".
Adam's advice for all levels of self defense students is simple - Be persistent and tenacious. UCS can be physically taxing and mentally exhausting, and it is difficult to be continually humbled. But therein lies the beauty, because for the dedicated and committed student... one day it all just kicks in and you forget all the awkward moments and struggles with technique, and things just begin to flow smoothly and naturally! But the key for this to happen, as Adam says, is dedication and intensity.
Adam's been at this for 13 years... and here's to the next 13 years of training with Adam!
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