OK, I started an ongoing, rotating self defense class at my school. We just had the second week there and I'm happy with the drills and the talks, but... my assistant suggests a change to the ambiance, such as lighting and music. What would you suggest? He, of course, wants the hard rock music, which sets the mood for him, but I think that would turn women off. What music gets you in the mood for "fighting"? Would turning the lights down set the mood for self defense or hinder it?

Any other ideas to get people to see that this is serious business and be in that mood?

WhiteBirch

whatever helps the students concentrate. I like harder driving music personaly, but that's just me.. Talk to the students and ask.

We have a varied variety of music at our studio.. from swing.. to techno.. if we spar.. we use good beat music.. on Friday nights we do Penjak Silat and Kali.. so drum and techno works.. I have burned Classical Remixes and use that with the kids class.. not only does it introduce them to classical in a sense.. they enjoy it..:) The lighting changes are a fun idea.. I just draw the line in our school from turning them totally off.. too much room for error in the possiblity of someone getting hurt. We have the gauntlet where we line up on both sides of the room.. and take turns walking down the center like it's a hallway.. having random attacks from the people in the lines.. works well *G*

Have fun while training.. ~!

Tess

We have no music where I train. However when I train by myself I normally listen to either Japanese instrumental music or hard rock.

So maybe you want to ask, not assume.

I like tribal drumming myself; sets a beat but isn't too distracting. Best bet; ask and see what will work for the students.

when I train, I find music extraordinarily distracting. Part of this is that I'm an auditory learner, so my attention naturally goes to the sound rather than the movement. When class is over, I'll be able to tell you the names (and most of the lyrics) to every song that played on the radio... but will remember virtually nothing about the class itself and what I was actually supposed to be learning.

Turning down the lights will just make it hard to see.

Originally posted by nightingale8472


Turning down the lights will just make it hard to see.
That is the entire idea of turning down the lights. You cannot always rely on your eyesight and must learn to depend upon your other senses.

Originally posted by nightingale8472
when I train, I find music extraordinarily distracting. Part of this is that I'm an auditory learner, so my attention naturally goes to the sound rather than the movement. When class is over, I'll be able to tell you the names (and most of the lyrics) to every song that played on the radio... but will remember virtually nothing about the class itself and what I was actually supposed to be learning.

Turning down the lights will just make it hard to see.

Focusing your concentration to developing your other senses. Learning to, training yourself to focus on all but the music.. it will be challenging.. Because it's an innate form of learning. Unfortunately if you're in a situation or a school where there is music playing.. is your Brain going to shut down to potential danger.. or to your sparring/tec partner.. and only listen to the lyrics, music?
I would think would be a problem.
I understand how people learn auditorilly.. verbally, visually.. and since you're a lucky one who knows exactly how you learn.. utilize that and expand your other senses.. :)

Just my humble opinion..

We ran the class last night, with the lights down and with more "rock" music playing in the background. The idea was that we have drilled specific moves for the past 2 weeks and wanted to have a "contact" drill. The lighting and music was to set a more serious mood and it seemed to work well. Last week the lights were on full and I played some pop music. It seemed too lighthearted for a serious situation.

One of the reasons I use the music is to make the students use good voice for keeping distance and maintaining control. I've found that with no music or very low music the students are shy about speaking very loud. It seems to echo in the room. With the music louder, they can talk louder without feeling out of place. Once they're more comfortable, the music will be turned down and they still have a firm voice, at least I hope.

Last night went well, the students definitely were "in the zone." One actually had a breakdown at the end of the drill. She nailed the attacker and "got away" but was somewhat traumatized afterwards. I think the situation brought forth some serious emotions. I had anticipated it, and have seen it before, but it always surprises me when I see it happening.

WhiteBirch