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Ross Ianaccarro - with the Chongshin Do Students

Ross demonstrates some ground work defence

Ross demonstrating the clinch - take down

Chongshin Do Instructors show the Jujitsu Masters a few tips in sparring

Chris Whiting demonstrates the focus needed to break wood - using a knife hand strike he cuts straight through.

"What a great day, so much learned of such great importance. The Chongshin Do students and I will be practising and developing this area further with a view to compete at the Jujitsu Kumite Grapple and Strike competitions soon. This was a day that answered many questions and yet as always made more to be answered in the future. Thank you Ross for a superb day and with your help we shall be adding more to this and answering more questions soon." Martin Blakeway.

Ross Ianaccarro Seminar 2000

A Question of ground work

Editorial used for Martial Art Magazines

Sensei Ross took a day out of his busy schedule to visit one of the Midlands newest Martial Art movements, Chongshin Do - Way of The Spirit. Chongshin Do is based around three styles of Martial art - the dynamic strikes and blocks from TKD, the flow and grace of Aikido and the practical self-defence of Jujitsu. Ross had been asked to come by Chongshin Do Instructor (and student of Ross's) Sue Sparrey, to develop a few area's of the Jujitsu syllabus, in particular the ground work and grappling skills.
"As a Martial Artist it is important to keep asking questions in order to evolve and improve. Not one martial art has all the answers to every situation and one of the most important questions is the one when both fighters are on the floor, this is why we brought in my opinion, one of the best grappler's Britain has to offer - Ross Iannoccaro 6th Dan from the NJJKC". Martin Blakeway.
Ross started the day with a gentle warm up then it was straight into the grappling art that Ross teaches so well. Ross highlighted the importance of effective ground fighting skills, with most real life situations going to ground. From being upright and ready to defend to being down on the floor is a big picture to take in at once so Ross broke it down into smaller "bite size" easily digested pieces. The group started at ground level learning some simple yet very effective escaping techniques. The Chongshin Do students quickly took on board this information and got to work throwing off an opponent from a potential dangerous situation. Warmed up nicely now, Ross demonstrated the importance of clinch, which is the safety position that precedes the take down or finish. The clinch was demonstrated from a variety of situations with many different take down techniques and finishes applied. This was then added to the already learned ground fighting skills and the "picture" developed. Hip throws, trips and leg takes were added to expand this scenario still further. Once on the floor again, leg and arm locks were introduced to add even further dimensions to this ever growing picture of self-defence. The subtle movements and pressure applied at the joints and muscles made many of the biggest members of Chongshin Do tap out very quickly. Ross showed how these techniques should be applied and the smallest movement can mean the difference from winning or loosing the fight. A few counter moves and strangle holds were added to this and the three hour seminar on ground fighting was almost over. It was time for Ross and Mark Evans to show us the completed picture. Ross demonstrated many additional techniques and their counter moves showing the complexity of the whole picture and the natural progression of the moves learned on the day, giving us all an insight into the Jujitsu Kumite. It was now our turn to try it out and the group set about grappling using what we had learned to force our opponent into a submission. This is an area we will develop and compete in the future. A small interval meant that the members of the Chongshin Do could demonstrate their skills with wood breaking, one step Jujitsu and free sparring. The afternoon was finished of with a short session on knife and cosh defence, using the more traditional side of Jujitsu to disarm and finish an opponent.