It seems like a very long time since I went to a seminar that wasn't online, so it was refreshing to be able to spend two full days this past weekend at the "Triple Threat" seminar, hosted by Seal Martial Arts in Rugby, Warwickshire, UK.

It was an eclectic mix of training which ranged from the uber-practical Combatives taught by Tommy Joe Moore (with a specific focus on practical JuJutsu application, with a Bartitsu slant, through to the more traditional - and "Budo technical" - Eishin Ryu Battoho and Musō Jikiden Eishin-ryū sword work, with a good sprinkling of long range weapons in the form of Yari and Bo, with a Kukishin Ryu slant.  More than just being nice to be able to get out and train again, though, it also reminded me that the current tendency to "require" martial artists to make exclusive choices as to what they train is, frankly, utter nonsense....

Not only was there a mix of styles and experience levels training together at this particular seminar, everyone had a good time and everyone learned something new - especially me.  No-one, however, went away thinking that their Iaijutsu had been improved by the Combatives sections, nor was anyone kidding themselves that an afternoon of getting in and out of seiza with a sword suddenly made them better equipped to look after themselves on the street. 

You simply don't have to make a binary choice between practical self-protection and "martial arts" - it is perfectly acceptable to enjoy training in both.... The key, though, is to be clear, and truly honest, with yourself about what - and why - you are training in whatever you choose.