FIrst I would like to say that my teaching job at a local high school pretty much eats up my time…read more This has never been more painful than recently, when I had the privilege of signing up to 3DMMA in Hanover Park, only to have to withdra a few months later. I will return when my teaching schedule is more realistic. That being said, I have to leave a few parting words.
Coach Dennis (who overseas 3DMMA Hanover Park), and all of his coaches, were accomodating, and downright kind. I felt inspired (I am 55 years old...) though I was not physically not up to snuff with these athletes. That being said, I was supported 100%, and given privy to some of the most comprehensive (and realistic) martial arts I have ever experienced, and supported in a controlled pace that challenged me, but permitted me a sense of growth.
I respect all the arts, but for the sake of common sense self-defense applications, my time in the Muay Thai part of the program was incomparable. Kata and tradition are wonderful - alleged specialty martial arts with exotic titles are intriguing. I have been there - and done that, as they say. However, this round, my goal was to learn how to improve my physical fitness (and count all the gaps in my cardio), as well as learn how to work on effective self defense skills.
At 3DMMA, I was able to engage in a combination of boxing and kicking drills that have been honed in Thailand's backyard arenas. Learning how to kick with more power than anything any art ever taught me - was amazing. The fact that the coaches could so easily improve my lacking skills, my humbling.
Focusing on proper movement (head included), as well as developing striking skills, was off the charts eye-opening. I feel as if I have been blind in every other art I have pursued. And again, while I have respect for those arts, I feel it is a shame it took me so many years to realize what I was lacking.
Coach Dennis and his team never once overwhelmed me. I never felt out of place. They supported me every step of the way. You can be a total beginner (where I was at this juncture in life), a 3rd degree in whatever belt system you follow, or a hand to hand specialist in an art that claims elite, military viability. But, if your goal is physical fitness, and a growing awareness of what the human body can accomplish in a martial setting, and, you are looking for something beyond Tae Kwon Do, Krav Maga, and other similar forms of martial arts, then I humbly suggest a school that gets "right to it." This was the most no-nonsense program I have ever been a part of.
On a side note, I recall turning at one point, sucking in air, but feeling driven and invigorated, stating to Coach Dennis, "It's crazy that I'm here at age 55." He wisely replied with, "It would be crazy not to be here at 55."
Thank you again, Coach Dennis and staff, You are all truly champions.