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We started the LMA Learning Lab a year ago with a group of middle-aged radicals and organizers with zero kickboxing skills, chronic pain, health conditions, trauma, limited time and money, and high anxiety about being hit and hitting others. We had no teachers, former fighters, or experienced kickboxers to lead our training. We didn't have equipment or even an appropriate place to train. There were no drills or instruction. All we had was the LMA Approach and trust in ourselves.
It started with two people, and now, in our Saturday crew, there are six people. Two of them have been with us for less than seven months. We're hobbyists who feel unsafe in commercial gyms and only train once or twice a week. This demographic is different from commercial gyms that might sort for people attracted to the idea of hitting and being hit.
We began with relaxation exercises and movement diversity because, in LMA, we believe good movement stems from ease and exploration, while tension, anxiety, and perfectionism lead to maladaptive movement. Less than a year ago, we were still playing foam noodle tag. Then, we began playing tag with our feet. This is what our training looks like now as we prepare for our second point MT event. We'll soon have a 100% competition participation rate but most importantly, we've had zero injuries. In fact, through the LMA Approach, people have been healing from nagging injuries and trauma. Our progress and desire to compete emerged from our want for fun and experience.
To access the Liberation Martial Arts curriculum and contribute to the sustainability of this project, consider upgrading your membership. Find other ways to support me here. – Sam
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(I write daily about martial arts and other topics from a liberatory perspective. If you like my work, upgrade your subscription. You can also support me on Patreon or make a one-time donation on Ko-fi. Find Southpaw at its website. Get the swag on Spring. Also check out Liberation Martial Arts Online.)
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