Hello!
I want to interduce myself, I train many years DBMA under my instructor Benjamin "Lonely Dog" Rittiner from Berne (Switzerland). I`m a trainer in DBMA under Benjamin. I saw Marc several times at his seminars in Berne.
Well, here is my question. When I have beginners, I teach the "4 walls" first, because it seems to be the easiest blocking maneuver at the highline and the cross step for the lowline.
I have a common problem with beginners, that the roof/umbrella is harder to apply in a combative situation. I know that the stickgrappling (enter with a roof) happens at the gatherings, but my main focus for now is in self defense. I want to stay outside.
So, I feel that the chance is higher to get caught with a fake when you use roof/umbrella than the 4 walls. (I`m aware of the danger of hand hits)
We know all the phrase "keep it simple", what would you teach at a self defense seminar with beginners? Would you teach all of the basic blocks, or would you skip the roof and the umbrella? I`m not sure if the "false lead game" is too early to teach it, because this beginners haven`t a foundation yet (basic strikes, footwork, blocks).
What is your opinion?
Ok, I wish you a nice day!
Peace
Combative
PS: Marc, I `m JUAN, I wasn`t able to visit your last seminar in Berne, because of a wedding. I think you know who I am.