Many thanks to Rich, Craig and Debs for a great Weekend of learning and training!
It never ceases to amaze how much there is to learn from Senshido, and it is great to learn from Rich, who has
obviously dedicated a large chunk of his life into putting the system together and then developing a method of
teaching which is both refreshing and gives you understanding of the Senshido concepts.
The two days in Sheffield were fantastic and at the end of the weekend I feel that I have learnt plenty to apply
to my training and life in general.
We were also lucky to have Rich teach the 'Kick Boxing' class before he left England, and it was brilliant that he
took the time to do that.
Once again many thanks for a great Seminar!
Rgds
I (Senshido Seminar March 08)
P.S Keep your beanies safe, Craig and Monkey both have cold heads yet Rich seems to be perfectly warm! with a more
selective choice of beanies than he had when he first landed in Sheffield!
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Just to say thanks to Craig and Debs for organizing a terriffic seminar, great to finally meet Rich, the guys a legend.
A lot different to what I expected, in a good way, goes to show you should never prejudge someone or something,
looking foward to Sept.
Duncan (Senshido Seminar March 08)
Finally congrats to Kev for having one hard melon
OOPS almost forgot to say it was that good, I was supposed to be working Sunday but went into work @ 4am just so I could go for
the second day.
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This was my 5th & 6th day spent attending and training with Rich Dimitri and his U.K Senshido affiliates. I have learnt
& picked up new ideas & training concepts on every one of them attended so far. This weekend was no different.
Hosted in a warm and friendly environment by Debbie and Craig Welsh at KAPAP Sheffield, the first & 2nd day Seminar was
to be on Knife Defence.
After introducing himself to the group Rich began to deliver his concepts. Rich explained the difference between
self-defence and 'fighting'. He talked about the importance of having or developing a combative mindset to enable
you to survive a violent encounter.
Rich had no reservations in explaining to us that this combative mindset is to be supported with a moral and ethical
understanding of our own emotional state of mind – Violence without reason is pointless.
Rich talked more about spontaneous improvisation and how we train our emotional state of mind. Among the many areas
covered he explained how scenario dictates response, the integrity of energy and dialogue, and the 3 reasons why a
criminal would attack.
All this led up to various static knife attack training drills and concepts aimed at surviving an encounter with an
edged weapon. Every concept taught and practised was grounded in a sobering sense of reality – Nobody wins a violent
street encounter! You survive it!
Two guys i got chatting to who worked in a Hospital (sorry guys i am terrible with names) said to me that these were
some of the best knife defence concepts they had ever come across.
The shredder was then thrown into the mix with these concepts and the fun began. Guys who weren’t used to training in
this way were surprised by the energy dump experienced during these drills.
My standout moment was when i was partnered with a great guy i met called Andy. Andy was keen to experience the shredder,
i thought about it for a second then noticed Rich was passing. "Excuse me Rich, Andy was wandering if you could shred
him?"
Andy seemed so surprised he just nodded in agreement. Rich asks Andy to attack him, Andy still stunned obliges and
receives a quality shred in return. Rich taps Andy on the back and walks off to see how others are getting on leaving
Andy now back on his feet, with a bemused expression, checking his face to make sure it’s still there!
Day 2 spent a lot more time on behavioural science concepts. Rich was on top form delivering information with his
trade mark passion and enthusiasm. This led into the Passive Strategy, flinch response drills, target acquisition,
scenarios and tactile sensitivity training drills. This day built upon what was learned yesterday with more dynamics
gradually being added to the physical drills. From what i could see everyone was getting stuck into these drills with
100% enthusiasm. It was great fun changing partners all the time and getting to meet and work with as many different
people as possible.
Les, Craig and Debbie all took turns partnering up with Rich. These guys must have had acting lessons because when
partnered with Rich their muffled screams, and body contorting in agony expressions looked so convincing!
Rich Dimitri invited all who attended to take these concepts and integrate them into whatever style or system they
currently use. He said take what works and use it – take what doesn’t and discard it – It is that simple! He also
answered all questions thrown at him with sincere honesty and respect for the point of view of the person asking.
I believe and will gladly go on record and say that in my humble opinion Rich Dimitri is one of the best self-protection
instructors teaching in the world today. Many of you already know this - for those of you who don’t - seek him out!
Why do I say this?
March 2006 I attended 2 of his Senshido seminars - Doors opened for me and changed the way I viewed self-protection
entirely. In fact the journey I am currently on is a direct result of those first steps. I have taken these concepts
added them to my own, drilled and trained them full contact with my brother and have taught them to others and guess
what? They work for me and have yet to fail!
At extreme close quarters the shredder is an absolutely devastating concept.
Yet I am equally impressed with its passive capabilities to subdue and dominate a potential attacker.
A big thanks to Rich for travelling so far, Debbie and Craig for hosting and all who turned up. It was great to meet
and train with you all.
To quote Contemporary Fighter, who recently became a hero of mine.
CHALK ANOTHER ONE UP TO DA SHREDDER!!!
Peace
Pete Morrison (Senshido Seminar March 08)
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Pete,
Good to meet you. thought i'd post a reply given that it was indeed myself who pete refers to in the above post.
Pete took me by surprise when he asked Rich "would you mind shredding Andy?".....perhaps i'd offended pete!? haha
I have to say i am still absolutely astonished (and still stunned!) at how if felt to be shredded. until you experience
it from the man himself i really don't think anyone is in a position of authority to question it. in an odd kind of way
it was a pleasure to be shredded because the ability of the man is awesome to take someone to pieces, from any background
or discipline, in a matter of seconds . i walked away completely unharmed but with a feeling of "why have i wasted years
learning other stuff if this was here all along".
I've been on loads of seminars including geoff thompson, bob spour etc etc but i honestly feel that listening and
experiencing directly what Rich teaches i've found the right place in terms of mindset, training and concepts.
wish i'd found out about this stuff sooner.
Andy (Senshido Seminar March 08)
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hi all,
i'm new 2 this forum so let me start by saying i train in bjj, kickboxing, boxing, kapap & senshido. i'm also a semi-pro
mma fighter (fight record 2-0-0.
i went 2 the seminar at craigs place 2day & i just want 2 say i was blow away not only with the physical stuff but also
with mind set used by rich.
let me just say that what ever you train in you should incorporate the shredder in 2 what you do,
in 1 of the drills we did 2day rich had me on my belly & applyed the shredder & all my bjj trainin went out the window
(i'm a bjj blue belt 3 stripe) i couldn't do a thing.
so let me finish with saying thanx 2 craig & debs for hostin the seminar & a big thanx 2 rich for comin 2 england & doin
the seminar
thanx 4 readin this
mark "the monkey" bottom (Senshido Seminar March 08)
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I attended the first day of seminar yesterday and was blown away by the realism and honestly of the material, the
discussion surrounding it and the practical work. Here's hoping I never need them.
I'm about to drag my aching limbs to the second session and I'll post a full review sometime tonight.
Nigel Wood (Senshido Seminar March 08)
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Hi Craig and Debbie
KAPAP vs KRAV MAGA
The below is not meant to offend any practitioner or teacher of either Martial Art – it is a personal reflection on my experiences studying both systems.
| Krav Maga |
Kapap |
Very simple to learn – very few 'forms'. Movement based on 'natural reactions'.
A reasonably fit person with little or no fighting experience ought to become proficient in a class environment within 6 months. |
More complex system. Some moves not as intuitive as Krav.
Much larger syllabus.
Individual techniques can be taught quickly (nail gun is a favourite!!).
However overall proficiency will take longer. |
Very 'fixed' in it's approach.
Blocks, releases etc are 'done this way', irrespective of the likely effectiveness of the technique. |
Hugely flexible.
Students encouraged to 'play' with techniques.
No fixed form etc. There is a great deal of emphasis on the fact that any fight is unpredictable in nature, and therefore techniques have to be adapted to the situation in hand. |
Some techniques not very effective.
Rear choke release is useless in 99% of 'real life' situations. |
Techniques effective.
Instructor emphasised that a good rear choke is virtually impossible to release without a huge amount of luck.
Emphasis therefore is around avoiding these situations. |
Weapons defences focus on simultaneous block and strike.
Result leaves attacker in possession of the weapon! |
Weapons defence focuses firstly on defence, and then removing weapon from attacker.
Only after the weapon has been removed from the attacker are counter attacks are considered. |
Syllabus is very 'closed'.
Instructors tend to focus on Krav, and Krav alone.
No real attempts to incorporate anything from other systems.
Even teaching by other Krav 'masters' tends to be rubbished.
There is often a sense that the particular governing body licensing the instructor is the ‘true’ Krav body. |
Syllabus is very 'open'.
Incorporates BJJ, Muay Thai and stick systems as well as Israeli martial arts.
Instructor happy to arrange and host other ‘reality based’ seminars from groups affiliated (if not directly related to) KAPAP. |
Overall I would say KAPAP is a much fuller, more realistic and a better fighting system.
The standard of tuition is better in my experience (probably driven by the much more demanding training and licensing of instructors – some Krav instructors seem to be able to buy an instructors license!).
Although the system is more complex, I believe it is more realistic in its approach to defence.
I feel that an experienced KAPAP practitioner would be able to deal with any dangerous situation much more effectively than a Krav practitioner.
Finally KAPAP is much more open to change and challenge than Krav.
My experience with Krav was that ‘this is the way it is done’ (no matter what – almost to the point of idiocy).
KAPAP emphasises flexibility and learning as its core value.
Jim
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Hi Craig
I think Kapap is absolutely amazing.
After having done Krav Maga for a few months - at the time I thought Krav Maga was one of the best "practical"
martial arts I had ever done.
But now having seen a bit of Kapap I am quite amazed at how much more effective Kapap is than Krav Maga.
For someone who came from a Krav Maga background and who thought that Krav Maga was
everything - well, Kapap is just so much more effective, so much more
practical, so much easier - and so much more to the point.
Hard to believe, I know - but it is.
I am really glad I started Kapap and now won't be able to go back to Krav Maga.
Rudi Jansen
Chartered Accountant (South Africa)
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Hi Craig & Deb
Someone once told me that Krav Maga was designed as a crash course in self-defence.
I have no way of knowing if this is true or not but it makes sense of my personal experience of the system as its taught
in the UK.
As an introduction to the basics Krav Maga is OK, it gives you a few simple tools and the confidence to use them in
real-life situations but that’s about it.
From then on its week after week of the same thing, not in the way an Eastern martial art will refine and polish your
technique trying to make it perfect just repeat, repeat, repeat…
KAPAP, for me, adds the essential but missing ingredient, the techniques are just as practical but they run much deeper
allowing the student to explore and learn.
Along with this is the great way that way the system is taught as a constantly evolving living thing.
Every student is encouraged to ask questions, to try things out for themselves and to build up techniques combining simple
but highly effective building blocks, the atmosphere in the classes always encourages exploration & learning.
KAPAP is that great combination of solution to real-life self defence situations and a system that you can really make
your own.
Cheers
Sam
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Hiya Folks
Thanks very much for the seminar on Saturday it was well worth stopping around for, was absolutely blown away by Avi
don't think I've ever met anyone so small who could so easily waste me, a genuine fountain of knowledge and absolute
gem so thanks again for that.
Ash was equally impressed and I think you have found another Kapap disciple in the making there, I spoke to the other
guys who have flown out to Gibraltar for an exercise last Friday and they were genuinely sick with jealousy that they
missed the chance to train with Avi, no doubt they'll all be turning up to the club once they are back.
Thanks again for Saturday and I'll see you both when I get back.
take care
Gareth
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Details: Craig/Debbie
Thank you for a fanstastic training session last night.
Avi, Albert (and Sam) are undoubtedly the most accomplished "martial artists" I've ever had the good fortune to meet (
second only to you two of course!)
In the past I've paid £60 for 4hour seminars and left feeling deflated.
Last night was probably the best money I've ever spent - the quality of training and the atmosphere generated was superb,
in fact I enjoyed and learnt so much I,ve felt obliged to contact Avi and Albert in order to offer my personnal thanks
(a copy of the e-mail is attached for your perusal.
Once again thanks for injecting some enthusiam back into my training - my last club instructor didn't quite do the job!
Cheers - David
--------------------------------
Dear Avi, Albert.
Please accept my greatest thanks for the training you provided at our sheffield club yesterday (May 20th 2006).
I've trained for many years under many instructors - including European Kick boxing Champions, however all pale into
insignificance when compared to the ego-less ease in which you both teach and demonstrate the essence of Kapap.
Craig Welsh is our accomplished and respected tutor and the way in which you related your advanced techniques to the
ladder of training Craig and Debbie will provide in the future was a great motivator.
Unfortunately I have become totally dissillussioned with a Krav club I was a member of, but thanks to Craig/Debbie and
now most certainly yourselves, I have rediscovered a waning enthusiasm for self and family preservation - for this you
have my greatest thanks.
I look forward to training with you in the near future.
Again, thank you
David
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Last nights class was fantastic, many thanks! really enjoyed it.
Having gun blanks go off certainly re-inforced the training!
Many thanks.
I felt as though I learnt something!
Ian
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Hi Craig & Debbie,
Just like to say thank you for the fantastic training sessions i had. I have learned so much yet never enough.
I enjoy the friendly atmosphere and warmth welcome during training, that i almost forgot i'm the only foreigner in the
group.
I have made friends and became comfortable training with them.
Thank you very much for welcoming me.
I won't be training again until we come back from our holiday. I shall see you then, probably last week of April.
Regards to all!
your pal,
Ray R.
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Hiya Craig, Deborah
Many thanks for Saturday night it was a fantastic evening, really interesting, good fun and and it was great to try some
of the techiniques Craig has taught linked together.
Although the big Guy "with the husky voice" not sure of his name.. has a grip like an angry Polar Bear, my arm is still
numb.
Anyhow, many thanks for a great evening.
Regards
Ian
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Read my testimonial published on
Usadojo recommending Avi Nardia.
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Craig,
Please feel free to use this on your site:
I’d like to say that anyone regardless of fitness and skill level can come to Craig’s classes and feel at ease.
The clubs are really friendly and Craig is a great guy and has no ego or attitude. You’ll be hard pressed to find
somewhere with such a high level of tuition and such a nice atmosphere.
No wonder people travelled from London for the seminar. Great seminar.
Thanks again Craig and Debs for your efforts and input into a great club.
LMA.LYNN
Royal Navy Medic
Black serpents unit
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Hi,
Craig I'd just like to say, thank you for such a great seminar, great stuff and put across perfectly.
I would be very interested in coming to your classes as I mentioned in previous emails.
I'm on 2-10 all this
coming week but the week after if I may, I'd like to pop along.
Jason
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Dear Craig & Debs,
After two lessons with yourselves i am well and truly hooked and will attend as many lessons as i can in the future
(Work permitting).
Please can you put me down for your seminar in april.
Dan
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Hello Avi,
I have been doing Krav Maga in the UK for 6 months. 2 weeks ago I attended an induction course for KAPAP in Sheffield
with Craig Welsh. I enjoyed it a great deal and would like to continue to train in KAPAP as well as KM.
I am returning to Australia in 2 weeks, and have been unable to find anywhere in the Melbourne area with a KAPAP
instructor. Is this the case?
Is there any likelihood that we might get an instructor out there in the near future?
Regards,
Paul Amailuk
--------------------------------
Dear Paul
Thank you for your email, yes Craig is a great instructor and I`m happy you met with him.
thank you
Avi
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Dear Avi,
Please excuse me emailing you as I realise your a very busy person, but I did want to bring to your attention the
quality of IKF Kapap tuiton in the Sheffield, UK.
Having some martial arts experience and a military background.
I was very keen to see Kapap in use.
Having attended a brief four hour seminar and then classes with Craig Welsh in Sheffield.
I'm sure youll be
proud to hear that the level of tuition was excellent further more Craig's laid back, ego free friendly manner made
it a pleasure to learn.
I look forward to many years of tuition and to become part of the Kapap group.
People are fast to point out bad tuition and experiences so it seems only fair to praise the opposite.
Thank You
Regards & best wishes
Jace
--------------------------------
Dear Jace
Thank you for your email and I was happy to hear it.
Craig is a great guy and great teacher and I`m happy you had the opportunity to train with him.
Wish you the best and Happy New Year!
Avi
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Hello you two,
Just wanted to say thanks for yet another great class, it was even better when I got home and got my dislocated little
finger to go back in. Couldn't believe it, just thought it had got a bit sprained but it was a small sacrifice to make
for the techniques you showed us tonight.
Once again congrats on your teaching methods and good luck for the future.
All the best
Howard
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I've boxed and done karate and kick boxing for nearly 20 years and have done Krav Maga before and thought that was
pretty cool but kapap is just awesome.
Trained first session last night (a couple of karate black belts are regulars) and everyone was just blown away by
how simple and effective Kapap is.
Kapap is an ever evolving, close quarter combat self defense system designed purely for survival on the street. There
are no competitions, no rules, no uniforms, no formality, no grades, just an extremely effective system that might just
save yor life (and your wallet) one day.
Trainer
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I've done an intro KAPAP seminar with Craig a few Sunday's ago at the Source, arranged via my local Krav Maga club.
Before we went, our local instructor explained a bit about KAPAP - ie the 'Special Forces' version of Krav Maga.
However the reality really blew me away.
I found it fascinating, and scarily effective.
I'm concerned that Craig might read this, and I don't want him to get too big headed or anything, but he is a really,
really good instructor. I've worked with good , bad and indifferent coaches in Krav, Boxing, and Karate, and he's
definitely one of the best instructors and coaches I've met.
The method we used was to set up a 'real life' scenario (being grabbed, punched, attempted stabbing or whatever). He
would then demonstrate the counters at reasonable speed. He'd then break it down into chunks to show exactly what
we needed to do, and then finally demonstrate again at full speed. It's a really good way to learn, and he was
constantly checking back to see if we all understood, and then moving round to check individual progress.
Also, a twist that we don't often use elsewhere, was that we kept changing partners every 20 mins or so. This was
great, as firstly you get to work with a whole variety of different shapes, sizes and abilities, and secondly, you
get to meet people really quickly.
I'm sold on it. It's a great system, relatively simple to learn and frighteningly effective. I've been back for a
private 1-2-1 session, and I'm going to try to get up to some weekend classes when time is available. It's a bit tricky
getting up as often as I would like from Derby, but it's definitely worth it.
Jim
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Hello all,
I've been going to Craig's class at Greens for the whole 4 weeks now and am totally gobsmacked by the effectivness of
the system he teaches.
Many,many years ago I did Shotokan Karate, but now I can't do most of the techniques I learned. Kapap seems suited to
all all ages and abilities and I'm really enjoying it.
Well done to Craig for establishing a great class and making Kapap enjoyable to learn.
Catch you all later
Kapaper
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Hi Craig,
I really enjoyed tonights class, learned some good moves and also had a good laugh. The students all seem to be a decent
bunch of blokes and you seem to have found the balance of seriousness and fun which makes it a fiver very well spent.
I was telling one of my mates about what you've taught us so far and he immediately found a fault with it, you've taught
us defence against knives, guns and baseball bats, but not the most important one, when is the lesson going to be in
defence against a rolling pin wielded by an angry wife at 2 in the morning when coming home pissed up and with
lipstick on your collar?
Seriously though, congratulations and best wishes for the future of all your classes and thanks again to Debbie
for the photos.
Best Wishes
Howard Otter
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