The curriculum is similar to each workshop. There are both physical skills as well as psycho-educational content relevant to the overall topic. For example, situational awareness, combat stress management, non-violent conflict resolution is taught along with escapes from grabs, holds, pins, and chokes.
The primary instructor is Bruce Bibee, and we have additional instructors from Anchorage Brazilian Jui-Jitsu to help with the ground fighting.
In these first four workshops, we examine the ‘problem,’ because ‘knowing the enemy’ is a rule in defeating the enemy. However, we also derive from the information ways to either avoid or de-escalate abusive/codependent interactions. In later workshops, we explore healthy communication and conflict resolution skills, stress management, and self-esteem.
This southern Chinese martial art is not a sport. Rather it is a combat art designed for self-defense. As such, there is no sparring, nor do we participate in tournaments. We train for the street. Paradoxically, the system was developed in a Buddhist monastery dedicated to Kwan Yin (a bodhisattva of compassion). The Buddhist idea was that when one trains for no-rules combat, then fear is ultimately cancelled and the heart naturally opens in the absence of fear.
We use a belt rank system, and it takes about four years to earn a Black Belt. The training consists of Lessons, Fighting Techniques, and Form (similar to tai chi).
Since not everyone is capable of dedicating years to training, we offer a variety of specialty workshops in practical self-defense.
Bruce Bibee is a Master’s level clinician with 30 years experience in trauma recovery, relationship dynamics, Adult Children of Alcoholics recovery, teen issues, and grief counseling. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor who frequently contracts with agencies around the state to provide trauma-informed services and trainings. He has also authored three books that are available on-line.