Between tradition and fashion

Today, almost all modern martial arts styles claim to be effective, adaptable, and realistic.
In practice, many are nothing more than a reflection of the trends of their time, change the packaging, but don't solve the central problem.

The pattern repeats itself, to appear more complete, many systems simply add a bit of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai to their training... But without a deep technical adaptation.
The result? They bring the same defects that already exist in competitive practices into their own systems, and still believe they have solved the problem.

The problem with mixing competition with real combat training

Some schools, to increase dynamism, incorporate internal competitions.
Initially, the idea seems good, to test reflexes, create challenges, and motivate.
But in the medium and long term, competition inevitably changes the objective of training and creates its own distortions.

I'm not against competition, on the contrary, I think it can be extremely useful, but only when it's separate and inserted into specific combat sports.
In a system designed for real combat, competition as a central part almost always leads to habits that, outside the mat or ring, can be costly.

The mistake of eliminating unproven techniques

Another common extreme is to completely remove techniques that are not applicable in competition, such as certain locks and throws from Aikido.
Many ridicule these techniques because they do not understand their technical subtlety or their context of application.

Of course, you have to be careful, training only this type of movement, without real contact, leads to the risk of mysticism and illusion.
But just because they aren't used in intense sparring doesn't mean they aren't usable in a real-life situation.

I can speak from experience, I have benefited from this type of work in multiple aggression situations, especially in controlling the center, something that Aikido taught me in a unique way. 
I'm not sharing this to create hero stories (some use this kind of rhetoric to mislead students), but because it's part of my journey and influences my approach to training. That's why I avoid talking about it too much in general, but I also can't pretend it never happened...

The risk of extremes

The truth is that extremes, whether 100% competition or 100% choreographed training, always create dangerous limitations.
Human beings, guided by ego and the need for approval, tend to imitate what is fashionable instead of seeking real progress.
They want applause, likes and students… But not necessarily effectiveness and personal growth.

Most, fortunately, will never be attacked, so you can play around with less functional approaches without major consequences.
But for me, martial practice is a search for truth.
And this quest doesn't begin with deception, neither of others nor of oneself. Knowing that those who deceive in one way will naturally deceive in many ways. It becomes natural. And this will impact any life goal. We must act in accordance with our initial goals, honestly. 

The balance of the Mentadorio

The Mentadorio was born from this observation, taking advantage of the best of each approach and discarding what is not useful.

- From tradition, precision, body awareness, technical discipline.
- From modern combat, adaptability, realism, pressure management.

And we bring this together in a simple and fluid way, without an excess of useless rules, without limiting rigidity and without competitive biases when the objective is real effectiveness.

Adapted and realistic training

At Mentadorio, each student's training is tailored to their physical condition, goals and learning pace.
The focus is that each reflex be functional and that the strategy makes sense both in training and in a real situation.

Train in Linda-a-Velha or online (to be completed with internships.)

In our space in Linda-a-Velha (Oeiras), you will find:

Personalized attention.
Modern methods that respect martial philosophy.
A serious environment, without egos or toxic competition. (The first class is free)

And if you cannot always be present, the Online Mentadorio Academy ensures that you continue to evolve from home.

Conclusion

Neither too closed systems, nor unfiltered combat.
The Mentadorio is the modern synthesis of martial arts: effective, simple, and adaptable.
If you want to train in a smart and balanced way, you are invited to try.

Mikael Martins, Founder of Mentadorio