AWCA Notebook

I wanted to bring everyone up to speed as to what is happening at the AWCA, especially with the eBook releases, the Distance Learning Program, and our new gym.

eBooks

Volume 4: Biu-Tze and Volume 5: Muk-Yan-Chong are being written and still in progress. Both will be released as soon as possible, so I apologize for the later-than-expected delivery date. A lot of trials and tribulations have been happening, as well as a lot of GOOD things. Through it all, however, the eBook projects have been delayed simply because of life in general.

I appreciate your continued patience, and I am still working on things. I do not believe in releasing half-baked training materials, and I will not release the remaining two volumes until I am satisfied that they meet our standards. Just know that they are still on-going and being worked on, and they will be made available just as soon as I can get them finished up.

Distance Learning Program

The DLP is going strong and seeing a LOT of enhancements. What started 8 years ago as a basic VHS-driven series is now a full-fledged DVD production with continuously evolving improvements.

Our latest enhancement is adding a virtual classroom in order to broadcast our training sessions. We are seeing a few bugs here and there but nothing we cannot work through.

I am also seeking a paid service to host the weekly sessions and to eliminate the various headaches that pop up sometimes, so as things unfold I will implement the changes as-needed.

Our Members Only resources are beginning to grow, as well, with a host of videos almost ready for upload. These uploads include keypoint training videos to supplement the DVD’s and study guides, as well as illustrating how easy it is to set up your own home gym to achieve the results you have always wanted.

From building your own equipment to some of my favorite online resources, from how to tain the forms properly to how the drills are applied, I have poured a lot of time and effort into making our program the absolute best it can be. However, by no means will it ever be “enough.” I continuously work to improve the program so that it is always being the most efficient it possibly can.

Over the past couple of months I have learned of a few organizations that have attempted to copy our system of training and how we deliver our media. Some might be peeved at that, but personally I consider it a compliment. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and I most certainly wish them the best of luck in their endeavor.

What they are learning, though, is that it is not as easy as they might have though at first. A successful, efficient, truly usable program is more than just throwing information into a video or publishing a few manuals or study guides. With 20+ years in adult learning theory, I can tell you first-hand that it requires viewing everything from the point of the end-user and anticipating problems before they arise.

Those wishing to create their own program, you should definitely go for it! It is very rewarding to know that what you are doing is being used successfully by members all over the world. But do not kid yourself, either: it is one of the most time-consuming, all-encompassing endeavors you will encounter.

I am very proud of what we have accomplished with our DLP, but it could not have been possible without our members. Their feedback and use of the program - especially their performances at our yearly training camps and seminars – are a testament to what a well-rounded, well-developed program can accomplish.

New Gym

As my students know, we are in the final stages of completing our new gym. For some odd reason I have been getting emails asking if we are “online only” or a real gym. The answer is yes, we are a real gym. We train at a home gym vs. a commercial location, but yes, it is a working gym.

Yesterday I finished the floor and Thursday morning the epoxy clear coat goes on. After 72 hours of curing, the equipment goes back up, the in-gym cameras go in, and we can resume training and broadcasts of classes.

There are a variety of new resources in the works, with many nearing completion. 2010 will be a benchmark year for the AWCA, so stay tuned as we reach the end of literally years of development. I guarantee that it will be worth the wait.