News and Events
E.S.D.C.S Combat Grading June 29th 2010
Saturday 29th may saw members of the Evasive Self Defence Combat System attend the yearly grading course at the Byker community centre in Newcastle.
E.C.D.C.S. members only grade once a year in order to gain a good understanding of the system techniques and combat drills from a variety of combative positions and attacks including grappling, range work, multiple attack drills, combat drills under pressure, pad work, weapons defence, sparring and dirty street fighting tactics.
The course was well attended by the system members and all members completed the six and a half hour gruelling course. Unlike many other styles or systems the E.S.D.C.S member’s grades consists of the full course with only a few moments for lunch and water breaks. All members must finish the course in order to proceed to the next level of the system. The techniques and drills are repetitive and relentless moving from one drill to another under pressure.
The course culminates in what the system calls the battle royal, were all members take part in a mass sparring session were anyone is fair game as a target. All system techniques are allowed to be used except strikes to the groin, biting and eye gouging. The battle royal only lasts three to five minutes however after six and a half hours of none stop repetitive training those three to five minutes feel like a life time.
The course is designed to ware out the student before the battle royal so that all members are equally tired before the battle. The battle royal system is used to show members how quick a person can become tired during a fight which will affect motor skills and reaction times. During the battle anyone is fair game and multiple attacks and ganging up on students is encouraged so that members understand how difficult it is to defence two or more attackers.
Assistant instructor Matt Chadwick was given the chance to teach an hours ground fighting techniques to all members. Senior instructor John Barrass also participated through out the days training including the ground fighting techniques. Matt Chadwick took control of the course for his hour’s session and performed very well keeping all system members under pressure and encouraging all members to be difficult to ones training partner during the ground fighting drills.
“It is important for everyone to understand that the system is not about being better that any other a martial art or self defence system. Our members range from seventeen year of age to over fifty years of age. All members are encouraged to work hard under pressure for their relevant age and fitness.
Many of our members train in various other styles and martial arts, something we encourage and condone. We are not hear to abuse or beat up students but to hopefully add realism to the training. Our ultimate goal is to teach members just how difficult a violent confrontation can become. Simplicity is very much on the agenda for all the students during the grading course. Everyone is encouraged to move and keep moving during a response to violence and if left with no choice but to defend oneself then dominate wherever possible and fight dirty. An attacker/s will not show any feeling towards you during the assault for your well being so we encourage system members to show none in return.
Many new students find it unusual that we only grade once per year and quite a lot of new members leave because of this very reason. However it is essential to have a good understanding of the techniques both physically and mentally for all conceivable attacks. There is no favouritism and no politics in the club, just good old fashioned training. I also like to keep system members feet on the ground by explaining to them that no matter how hard you train or how much you learn there are no guarantees that you will walk away from any encounter unscathed, in fact you will probably take blows and get hurt. It’s not about how black your belt is it’s about training for the world we live in today and hopefully dealing with violence as best we can should the worst happen.
I would also like to thank assistant instructor Matt Chadwick for his hour of mixed MMA ground work. Matt’s ground work is stronger than mine and it was a great chance to join in the training and let Matt take control of the hours training and learn from a student. I am very confident that Matt will one day make a very fine instructor and hopefully follow his own path into combative self defence training.
I would also like to add how proud I was of every single member for completing the course. Even under repetitive pressure they performed like troopers, it’s a proud moment to see everyone just get on with the training and work hard. Grading only once a year definitely pays dividends for the student’s standards and they all deserve a pat on the back and a big well done to all those who passed their grading assessment.
I was asked a few years ago what make our system so special anyway? Well I can tell you without any bias that it’s not just the training but spirit of the system members.
Each and every one of them makes the E.S.D.C.S what it is and I could not be prouder of them.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank my instructors from the various martial arts that I have studied over the years as well as all those whom a helped with knowledge and support of the system. Without these chaps the creation of the system would not have been possible.”
John Barrass
Cobra Martial Arts Summer Course - July 26th 2009
Having once again been invited to teach the techniques from E.S.D.C.S training regime, the club attended the Cobra Martial Arts annual summer course in Stalybridge Manchester on Sunday July 26th.
Once more the attendance to the annual course was high as was the quality of the martial arts from around the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. The course was a good chance to catch up with old friends and make new ones. From a personal point of view the best thing about the course apart from the training is the political free environment and lack of ego. All manner of techniques and systems were taught on the day such as Crazy Monkey Boxing, Tai Jutsu, self defence, S.D.F. techniques and of course E.S.D.C.S combat techniques.
It was good to catch up with fellow instructors Andy Morrell, Dave Cummings, Jason Olsen, Gus Mastumura, former work colleague and friend Steve Young, Steve Hallam, Gus Matsumura, Chris Lowe, Richard Dillon, Martin Folan and Ian Travis.
Our teaching slot was dedicated to fast defence crippling techniques: head butting, groin grabbing, fast sweeps, elbowing, eye gouging and the use of verbal aggression and control. My thanks to our assistant instructor Matt Chadwick and Victor. To the outside looking in these lads take some punishment; however the way that the techniques are taught on courses are the same ways they are practised in the club.
My thanks to the instructors and students that attended the summer course for there support. My congratulations to all those achieved their Dan grades and promotions.
Bollock grabbing will end most fights, if you have the balls to do it.
With sensei Dave Cummings from Bushido Karate Jutsu Club and a fellow swordsman.
Fast attack to the throat from a rapid punch.
Eye gouging, can’t see can’t fight.
With assistant instructor Matt Chadwick and Victor. Two good students and friends.
With sensei Jason Olsen from Shukokai Karate.
Cobra Martial Arts instructors, Stalybridge, Manchester 26th 2009.
Aggressive throws and takedowns. Take them down and keep them down.
John Barrass
C.R.T course -July 12th 2009
Sunday July 12th saw three members of the Evasive Self Defence Combat System achieve their level one instructors training programme in conflict resolution.
Matt Chadwick, Lisa McNally and Jeff Allan completed the course at the Alnwick Community Centre, Howling Lane.
Conflict Resolution Training covers the area of self-protection prior to the use of physical force in self-defence. So, it’s a skill that compliments martial arts as the best form of self-defence - a basic tenet of martial arts - is not to get into a fight in the first place.
CRT teaches important skills such as how to read another's body language in potentially violent situations, and how to body language to help defuse the situation. Verbal distractions, guard positions and assertiveness all are part of CRT. The course was run by DFM CRT solutions and taught by DFM Director Phil Doherty.
My congratulations to all E.S.D.C.S students that successfully passed the course.
John Barrass
Club Grading- May 10th 2009
Sunday the 10th May saw members of the Evasive Self Defence Combat System attend a five hour combat course in gutter fighting and street defence, ending with system grading in Byker, Newcastle.
The course was the culmination of a year spent training in the system combative techniques and street fighting drills. The drills include attacks from every conceivable method of attack. The grades and training places great emphasis on fighting smarter but dirtier than your assailant. Shutting down the aggressors attack, closing the distance and take the fight back to them.
Chief instructor John Barrass explains: The whole course is geared up in such a way that even the warm up helps deal with violence. The whole idea is to wear out the system member before attempting his or her grade at the end of the course. Grades are held around once a year so that system practitioners obtain a good understanding of the technical ability that is needed to deal with violence, in all manner of combat drills. The E.S.D.C.S is not a martial arts club; our ultimate goal is to study any and all forms of dealing with violence from what ever source. Practitioners are taught that were violence is concerned there are no guarantees; they must give one hundred per cent. They learn to use any and all weapons at there disposal, biting, eye gouging, head butting, knees, elbows and even object in the immediate area. As all self defence and martial arts instructors know violence takes many different forms so we always train for the worst. It is important for the students to perform under stress to test their metal. What we provide is a no frills fighting system that encourages its members not to fight fair should the worst happen - there is no etiquette or rules of fair play in the street, bar and crowd.
We do not claim to have all the answers to deal with violence; we are always looking to learn from whom ever can teach us something new. We will learn from any self defence or martial arts instructors from around the country to improve our knowledge and skills.
The day was exhausting for the system members and all worked really hard despite injuries, bruises, bloodied knuckles and a general feeling of being worn out. The group showed real determination and spirit throughout the day, I could not be more proud of them and their achievements over the last few years, even those whom failed to make the grade. The students have made the system successful because of their hard work and faith, without them there would be no system.
Congratulations to;
Matt Chadwick, achieving level four – blue belt
Lisa McNally, achieving level four – blue belt
Geoff Douglas, achieving level three – green belt
Vitalijus Samovas, achieving level three – green belt
For those who did not achieve the next level and those who attended the course a huge well done for getting through the day.
John Barrass
Chief Instructor
Chris Crudelli Seminar - November 9th 2008
Organised by Sifu Steve Youngman, on which Sifu Chris Crudelli taught his Jiu Fa Men style as well as Chi Gung.
The course was well attended, with over 50 martial artists training on the day, with some travelling as much as 150 miles. The seminar started with warm ups, including some interesting variations on the usual themes. This was followed by learning a 18 move Elbow strike form (kata) and application with a partner. Various aspects such as the importance of “rooting” ones stance before striking and angles of attack were covered. Control of self was next, in various guises, the most painful of which was holding a deep horse riding stance for as long as possible! Following on was weapon disarmament, with Stick/ bat and Hand gun defence taught, and finally, Sifu Crudelli took the students through breathing exercises and Chi Gung techniques to channel Chi. With this being the first time many of the attendees had experienced Chi channelling at a personal level, these led to many surprised, but positive reactions.
Perhaps the most pleasing part of the course (or to clarify pleasing as it is so often omitted) was the open questions and answer session. During which Sifu Crudelli talked about his wide experience in the arts, and answered at length many questions about his well known series (Mind Body and Kick Ass Moves) as well as his current projects and future ambitions (Including his intention to open Jiu fa men schools in the North east in the next year or so)
Throughout the Seminar Sifu Crudelli came across as quite humble and a genuine martial artist, willing and wishing to pass on knowledge. He was quite happy to pose for photos and sign books etc, qualities not every notable martial artist or T.V presenter possess.
It was great to train with such a talented and experienced martial artist and also to meet up with our friends from The Directional Fighting Method, White Tiger kickboxing and honorary ESDCS member Sensei Peter Bagnell!
The featured photo’s show ESDCS members and Sensei John Barrass training in the various techniques with Sifu Chris Crudelli.
Thanks to Sifu Steve Youngman – Kong Sai Kung fu for hosting the course
Matt Chadwick
ESDCS Assistant Instructor
Having spent quite some time chatting and training with Sifu Crudelli throughout the course, I am very pleased to say he is every bit the martial artist. Chris has a real passion for all forms of martial arts and this is quite evident during his instruction of technique. Chris was only to pleased to to help with questions from all members of the course and if he did not know the answer he would simply say "I am sorry, but I don't know".
Sifu Crudelli has gained a wealth of knowledge during his travels around the world, studying with masters and students alike from most martial arts styles and is only to pleased to share this knowledge. It is no secret that Sifu Crudelli has shot to fame through TV, DVD and books etc, but i am very pleased to say that in my opinion that even with the fame of his series "Mind Body and Kick Ass Moves" Chris presented himself as just a regular bloke with no ego or attitude whom is very approachable and every inch a martial artist in the true sense of the word.
I am sure my students whom attended the course would agree that Chris was a stand up bloke with a genuine interest of spreading the knowledge he has gained on his travels around our world.
John Barrass 4th Dan.
E.S.D.C.S Cheif instructor
C.R.T course - September 7th 2008
John succesfully completes his C.R.T instructor training programme. Phil Doherty of D.F.M self defence solutions awards John his conflict resolution instructors certification certificate.
Cobra Martial Arts Summer Course - August 17th 2008
This year I was invited to teach my evasive self defence combat system (E.S.D.C.S) on the cobra national course in Manchester by sensei Andrew Morrell, president and founder of the Cobra Martial Arts Association. This being my first course under the Cobra association banner I was a little apprehensive, especially with such well known instructors as Sensei Ray Bell, Sensei Jason Olsen, Sensei Dave Cummings and of course Sensei Andrew Morrell attending the day.
It has been quit a while since I attended a martial arts course that was so well set up and run. To be honest I usually shy away from large courses because of the politics and egos I have encountered since childhood on many other courses with previous association. However on this occasion I would have been very wrong not to have gone and taken part. Once at the venue I was totally at ease, every one that my students and my self spoke to was polite and friendly and made us feel right at home.
During the day I was introduced to sensei’s Ray Bell, Jason Olsen, Dave Cummings and Gus Marsden. Plus many more instructors from around the Cobra association. The wealth of knowledge these guys have in the martial arts is immense, having chatted to these guys it was a good to find out they also had a sense of humour. What pleased me most was the lack of politics on the course, just good old fashioned martial arts training with different instructors from various styles. It’s been a long time since I was on a tatami mat that was so packed, with everyone just getting on with the technique that was taught.
John with Dave Cummings
Having studied Ju, Tai and Goshin Jutsu since my youth it was nice to see Ju Jutsu taught first on the tatami by sensei Jamie Ward. This guy really knows his art and I enjoyed his session a great deal. I had a brief discussion with Sensei Ward before his departure from the course. We also had Brazilian ju jutsu, pressure point systems, grappling etc taught on the course.
The instructors were: Jamie Ward, Steve Hallam, Steve Campbell, Sam Wood, Ricky Fletcher, Gus Marsden, John Norman, Phil Wright, Debbie & Chris Lowe and myself.
One thing that impressed me most was the amount of effort that went into the days events, especially for the kids on the other mats. As they are the next generation it’s important they receive the best possible training they can. The general feed back from my students was excellent and I was very pleased that all my students stayed on the mats for every instructor and got stuck into every technique like a trooper.
When it was my turn to instruct I was a little apprehensive as to how the systems techniques would be perceived by the rest of the students on the mat. It also made it a little difficult with top instructors like Jason Olsen, Dave Cummings, Ray Bell, and Gus Marsden and of course Andy Morrell keeping a watch full eye on me. In the end I just decided to be myself, what you see is what you get. There are no frills in our style, elbows, knees, head butts, kicking, stamping, gouging, throwing, shouting and screaming and of course my favourite technique, biting. I taught the techniques with the same intensity we train in the club. My thanks to Matt Chadwick and Victor Shamov. Like most of my students they have gone through Hell in the club and stuck with me right from the clubs creation. On the day they were both my training partners and rag dolls to demonstrate the techniques. Both excellent instructors in the making. I had some good comments from most of the people on the mat about the system techniques and my instruction. The best comment of the day was, “Does exactly what it says on the tin.” I was also pleased to get comments on the standard of my students, the ultimate compliment for any instructor.
John pulling Matt's cheek off
At the end of the day we were all suitably knackered but in high spirits and all of my lot left happy having had a good day. I have trained in various martial arts since childhood. I have often thought for a long time that many people put to much emphasis on getting belts around their waists, especially a black belt. I have always maintained that it’s the person that makes all the difference to the art not the belt, a student of any martial arts of combat system will only be as good as the amount of effort they put into it. As a kid I wanted a black belt so bad, having had some good instructors over the years I have achieved four in different arts before creating by own.
The highlight of the day for me was teaching, however Sensei Andrew Morrell 6th Dan saw fit to award me my 4th Dan Jutsu. I was a little surprised having turned it down in the past. Thanks Andy.
Sensei Morrell awarding John his 4th Dan
In the end all my lot enjoyed the day and I enjoyed meeting the other students and instructors. What was more important though we all learnt something new in a friendly hard working martial environment with no egos. A rare thing these days.
Thanks to all the instructors and students we met and trained with on the day, see you next year.
John.
E.S.D.C.S