Online Martial Arts

The following article was originally published as a cover story of the Life Section of the Victoria Times-Colonist on Saturday, March 29, 2003. 

 

Getting Your Kicks On-Line

By Grania Litwin

Times Colonist staff - Saturday March 29 2003

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Mary Gallinger leaves home at 7:00 a.m. every day to work at Malaspina University College, but by the then she has already put in half an hour of intense weight training. Years ago she was attacked on a train in Sicily by an amorous admirer who refused to heed her screams, but thanks to some basic judo instruction, she managed to throw him off the slow moving train as it pulled out of the station. “I was completely shaken up afterwards, but it was an important lesson,” said the engineer working at Malaspina University-College as the emergency preparedness coordinator, and mother of a 10-year-old daughter.

She took up martial arts seriously five years ago and says it has kicked up her strength and self confidence. “I was never attacked again, but I think it is important to know some self-defense. You can see the training in the way a person holds their body, walks, and is aware of things around them. It’s an important skill to have.”

Kung fu was her martial art of choice this time – for fitness, protection, and strong bones – and she tries to attend four classes a week. “I get home from work, make dinner quick, then fly out the door.”  But on days when she can’t make it to class, Gallinger pulls on her exercise gear, boots up her home computer, and logs onto a brand new virtual kung fu training site designed by her teacher.

“It is an excellent learning and review tool,” says the 45-year-old, “even though I keep a book and write lots of notes during class. I like being able to stand in front of my computer and play a move over and over. Last night I used it for a couple of hours. It’s  

almost like taking private lessons.” She used to do aerobics but found it monotonous after a while, while kung fu is endlessly challenging, and a mental workout too.

For a person who has always wanted to master a martial art but could never muster the motivation, find the right instructor, the free time, or the ready cash, them a Web-based training curriculum may be the answer, says her teacher Cathal Walsh, 33.

His new site – www.islandkungfu.com – is one of only three like it in North America. Several sites show video clips, but only those three offer a full curriculum developmentally appropriate to advancing students.   “It’s mainly for my own students, but it’s a good ice-breaker for anyone who is curious,” said Walsh, who combines his penchant for high kicks with a solid grounding in technology. Last year he worked as a technology coordinator for the Ministry of Education, and took part in a variety of communication standards projects. He is now principal of St. Joseph’s Elementary School in Chemainus. “What I learned about distance education last year inspired me. I had a sense of the potential this could have, so I hired a videographer and had it professionally done.” 

The virtual school has only been running one month, but has already had more than 1,000 hits and students are registering form as far away as South America and Africa. He charges $9.95 U.S. per month (special start-up price) and 50 people have already registered.

University student Mark Little, 22, says the virtual class is convenient, clear “and the warm up section is especially good. I only manage to get to one class a week so it really helps to have on-line training,” says the student who is working towards his BA in music and plays sting bass. “I am able to practice longer since I started doing kung fu last August, and to use the Web site every few days.”.

Duncan carpenter Shawn Smith, 32, has been studying martial arts for 1 ˝ years and says he is much fitter. The virtual training is a “big time confidence builder because you do it from home, get the technique down. When I first started I felt quite judged in class. I don’t think I really was, but that was just me. Now I can practice at home and look forward at new stuff, so much to learn in a one-hour class, it’s a quick refresher for a person who is serious about learning.”

Walsh has been studying martial arts himself for sixteen years, and holds a black belt. (Within the black designation there are various levels and he is working toward a master’s level). His virtual training program offers detailed demonstrations of hundreds of techniques at various belt ranks, ranging from beginners to advanced, and it is interactive so students can post queries and get clarification. Students can also watch live classes at the other schools across North America, and participate in seminars form around the world. Walsh is currently networking with other school so on-line students can be tested in person, in communities coast to coast. 

It has taken him about a year to set up the virtual school, which features nearly 100 hours of instruction by him, his brother and his students. In this spare time Walsh also teaches a street safety program and hopes to put that on-line later this year. The idea for on-line lessons grew out of the increasing demand he was experiencing for private instruction. He thought it would be a good way to replicate himself.

“I Think it will be very good for people who go to a martial arts class, go home and forget everything,” he said only half jokingly. It can also aid experienced students preparing for tests or seeking extra clarification, as well as those wanting to get a taste of martial arts before enrolling in a program. It’s tailor made for people who are shy or don’t have much time. “It’s a way to get started.” Yet Walsh is quick to add nothing can replace hands-on personal instruction at some point.  “You can practice and train, and advance through virtual classes, but with long distance training you are going to miss out on some aspects. The ultimate class will always be with a live instructor.” 

He explains that while the study of martial arts stretches back many centuries, instructors have always been known for innovations, so while at first glance this kind of teaching may seem contrary to traditional training it is not. “Martial arts masters have always been cutting edge.”

To start your virtual martial arts training, Click Here

Sifu Cathal Walsh is a former school teacher and principal. He is also a former Education Standards Coordinator for the BC Ministry of Education. He conducts workshops for parents and educators on topics of school safety and bullying prevention. He is the founder of SHAKU Family Martial Arts, with locations in Ladysmith, BC and Kingston East and Kingston West, ON. Got A Question? You can contact Sifu Cathal at 1-888-742-5810 or by email at asksifu@shakumartialarts.com 

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