From a long-time student who is leaving the club for a while, this post lists the top 10 reasons why training at maelstrøm is a great idea.
- The people you meet become your family of unlikely nerds, stick-wielding friends, and like-minded classmates. Everyone comes from different backgrounds, and the fact that malestrom unites us all in this common endeavour and makes us friends is the number one reason to be involved. I’ve met all sorts of people I am glad to call friends – there is no doubt in my mind that maelstrom has made my life richer.
- The art you learn is beautiful, complex and dynamic. It’s rooted in culture and history, but also has nuances that change and develop through not only the Grandmaster, but his various students and instructors all of the world. It’s impossible to get bored with the material, which has rarely seen aspects and techniques but somehow still unified in theme.
- The price is affordable. To say the least, maelstrom is reasonably priced and as we are a non-profit, we have a rule that finances should never stop someone from training. From our regular rates to promotions for professionals, coming out is never a burden.
- The atmosphere is informal and authentic. We’re not in the most esthetically pleasing of training grounds but the feeling of learning the true, undressed-up version of martial arts is inescapable. And the approachability offered by the people and the space is also a draw.
- There is no ego. Martial arts can often be filled with infighting and trumped up claims of the supremacy of one art over another. We don’t appreciate this at maelstrom. In fact, there is no swearing ,drinking or smoking on the premises.
- We are part of the community. A member of a larger non-profit called Monsoon Society, we participate in all sorts of community events: parades, festivals, and more. We put on our very own festival every year as well.
- You become more aware of weapons and surroundings. There is some statistic out there about the number of assaults that involve weapons, and the class show just how important to know and appreciate the dangers of a weapon – be it pocket stick, knife, sword or rattan.
- You get to say that you trained the same style as Jason Bourne. And innumerable other superheroes and characters who appear in movies kicking ass.
- There are seminars from all sorts of knowledgeable instructors and different arts. When they come up it’s a great way to learn in a shorter amount of time.
- The hours of the classes make sense for people who work jobs during the day!