Study merger

With the pandemic, social distancing and lockdown still ongoing, it has become pretty much normal to study fighting methods via Zoom and/or similar online avenues. Naturally, it will never be the same as training in person, but there are some advantages - such as actually getting to learn from instructors that had previously been simply unavailable due to geographic constraints etc. 

Now, there are some ways to maximize the learning experience. Of course, the optimal version is to have had personal, hands on, training with the instructor doing the online teaching, as in my situation is the case with Roger Agbulos. In those circumstances, I know exactly what he means when saying or showing something (be it a technique or principle), so the retention is higher. Especially so with his able coaching, even via online video platforms. 

Short of that, it helps to have access to different formats of someone's instruction. In my case, this is intertwined with the aforementioned opportunity to try instruction from someone who had been out of reach before. For quite a few years I have been aware of the FMA instructor Abundio (Abon) Baet, especially having read a couple of his books. The material in the books is nicely presented, with interesting info about his family lineage and several methods/styles that comprise his system, called Garimot Arnis. I was particularly intrigued by his book on Cinco Teros style, as it seemed to portray that specific style in most detail and with some logical learning progression. 

This one

However, as good as the presentation is, still photos and written descriptions obviously cannot carry over all the details and intricacies of a martial activity. Fortunately, it turns out that Gat Puno Baet (as happens to be his title within the art), offers a Facebook group in which all the drills from the book are shown in video (done solo), and then supported with periodical Zoom session, during which he demonstrates and explains in detail the previously selected and assigned drills from those shown. His explanations are then followed by critical, yet encouraging coaching and evaluation of other participants' performance in the live session. 

As it turns out, Gat Puno Baet is at the same time demanding instructor with a keen eye for detail, but also cordial and easy going in communication. He talks openly about his attitude and expectations from the students, with no hidden agendas or ulterior motives.  Oh, and he was highly approving of guro Agbulos, too 😊  For anyone interested, I would recommend contacting him on Facebook to ask about training in this or any other subsystems of his art.

The combined approach of studying material in the book (most helpful with terminology, if you are interested in the cultural aspect of training), recorded videos and live sessions makes the whole learning experience as enjoyable as can be. All that remains is to then put it to practice between those sessions as well. 

In conclusion, the pandemic and isolation certainly do have negative effect on everybody's training, but there is still silver lining to be found. My experience with Garimot Cinco Teros and Abon Baet is great proof in the case. So, not only are there no excuses for slacking, but you could even enrich your training in some domains, if only you chose to do so.