Watch, Weep and Wonder @NAFF !
- Chris Spencer
.jpg/v1/fill/w_320,h_320/file.jpg)
- Sep 17, 2022
- 19 min read
Updated: Mar 14
The Norway Action Film Festival held its premiere / Inaugural Year at the Stabekk Kino (Cinema/Theatre), Stabekk (near Oslo/Sandvika), Norway.
The event was first of many more to come, if the reception we received from the attendees was anything to go by. We have been asked to go back soon for a follow-up.
A really great, warm and supportive crowd, some of whom, being professional caterers, also supplied the wonderful food buffet. In particular the Philippine barbequed pork on skewers was a special treat, and gone within minutes, before many people even realized they were on the table.
Our presence was also graced by the Philippine ambassador to Norway and his wife, representatives from the local British Council and other national representatives.
Briefing: A summary of the article
Here's a briefing document synthesising the information from the provided sources:
Briefing Document: Analysis of SETS Ryu and Related Presentation at NAFF
Introduction
This document analyses information from three sources relating to SETS Ryu, a functional education and training organisation, and a presentation given by Chris Spencer, a member of their team, at the Norway Action Film Festival (NAFF). The analysis aims to identify key themes, important ideas, and connections between these sources.
Source 1: "NAFF22 event - Chris Spencer"
Context: This source is a transcript of a presentation by Chris Spencer at the NAFF event. He is introduced as a multi-faceted artist, originally from England but now living in Finland, and a qualified instructor in parkour, self-defence, and fitness.
Key Theme: Real-World Application of Martial Arts: Spencer stresses the disparity between the portrayal of martial arts in media and their real-world applications. He critiques the "sterilisation" of martial arts in the West, arguing that it loses its broader educational and life-applicable value. He states, "true martial arts are not Combat Sports they are not cultural antiques and unfortunately in the west many of the Arts have become highly sterilized."
Key Idea: Principles over Techniques: Spencer emphasises that the core of true martial arts lies in the underlying principles, not simply techniques. He teaches these principles to children with the aim of helping them “understand the principles.” He notes: “the principles and security that we learn at the base level they can teach you about life in general at every level in every area.”
Key Idea: Questions for Reflection: Spencer structures his demonstration around prompting reflection, rather than providing answers. He encourages attendees to consider questions such as: "what are the basic principles and priorities involved in what we're doing?", "how does it work?" and "why is it appropriate a proportion to the situation we're dealing with?". He uses these questions to encourage critical thinking about the presented techniques and apply the principles to other areas of life: “think about how can that help you where else in life does that help you.”
Demonstration Analysis:"Hello" Technique: He deconstructs a seemingly basic "hello" handshake, highlighting the potential for aggression or discomfort within such a common interaction, and how to respond by not escalating the situation. He asks: "is there a problem can I help you" when confronted with an aggressive hand grab. This demonstrates a focus on de-escalation and communication.
Wrist Grab Technique: He illustrates how to react to a wrist grab not through force or counter techniques, but through movement and awareness. He emphasises that he is “not trying to trick him [the aggressor] I’m not trying to use a counter technique I’m not trying to beat it.”
Emphasis on De-escalation: He continually stresses de-escalation, communication and understanding the intention of the aggressor, rather than fighting back. “Why resist why fight back?”
Life Application: He draws a parallel between these martial arts principles and basic life skills like first aid and emergency response, using examples like "CPR Emergency Services" and "if you're a first responder to an accident scene what's your first task what are your priorities".
Source 2: "SETS Ryu: Online Functional Education & Training"
SETS Ryu Identity: This source explains that “SETS Ryu” distinguishes the SETS education business from other similarly named organisations. “Ryu” is identified as a Japanese word meaning "school". It is important to note that this meaning is not given in the source itself.
SETS Mission: SETS, which stands for "Specialist Education and Training Services", focuses on "functional education and exercise". Their aim is to "break down the silos and bridge the gaps between knowledge systems, people and cultures". They are described as "functionality specialists with a passion for redefining learning".
Cross-Functional Approach: SETS programs combine education, sports skills, and fitness exercises. They offer a range of courses including racquet sports, parkour, self-defence, security management, and functional fitness.
Experiential and Borderless Learning: SETS provides "innovative hybrid education and training programs" that are "experiential and borderless whether online, on-site or hybrid".
"Sound and Body, Sound and Mind": The company’s motto “sound and body, sound and mind,” demonstrates their holistic focus on physical and mental well-being.
Online Education Emphasis: The document highlights the convenience, flexibility, and interactive nature of online education, including the use of a Learning Management System (LMS).
Specific Program Details:Parkour: Online tutorials are used to teach parkour, breaking down complex movements and prioritising risk management and environmental awareness.
Self-Defence: Online courses are highlighted as an accessible means of learning self-defence, focusing on "community and personal growth," "risk awareness and conflict management," as well as physical techniques.
Fitness Training: Online fitness programs offer tailored guidance for various goals.
Overall Goal: SETS aims to encourage "continuous learning and personal growth," offering "a journey of self-discovery and skill enhancement".
Source 3: "Watch, Weep and Wonder @NAFF !"
Context: This source is a brief news article on the SETS website about the Norway Action Film Festival where Chris Spencer’s presentation occurred.
NAFF Debut: It highlights the premiere of the Norway Action Film Festival and notes that SETS was present.
Limited Information: The article is short and primarily serves as a promotional piece for SETS, with the main text hidden behind a paywall.
SETS Branding: It reinforces the branding of "Borderless & Experiential Learning, by Design”. It also highlights that the site is “proudly created by SeTs ry with Wix.com”.
Connections and Key Themes Across Sources
Functional Application: All three sources emphasize the practical, real-world application of skills and knowledge. Spencer's presentation demonstrates the functional principles behind martial arts techniques, while SETS aims to provide functional education and training across a range of disciplines.
Holistic Development: Both SETS and Spencer’s presentation promote a holistic approach to well-being. SETS focuses on “sound and body, sound and mind” and Spencer connects his martial arts teachings to life principles beyond physical self-defence, such as first aid training.
Experiential Learning: SETS prioritises experiential learning and Spencer’s demonstration at NAFF reflects this approach by engaging the audience and promoting critical thought.
Accessibility and Flexibility: SETS' online platform emphasizes accessibility and flexibility, mirroring Spencer's desire to make martial arts relevant to all and help people understand the "reality" of self-defence.
Bridging Gaps: SETS' mission to "break down the silos and bridge the gaps between knowledge systems, people and cultures" aligns with Spencer's approach to contextualising martial arts principles within everyday life.
Conclusion
These sources collectively paint a picture of SETS Ryu as an organisation dedicated to functional and experiential education, with a strong emphasis on real-world application and holistic development. Chris Spencer's presentation at NAFF serves as a practical example of this philosophy, showcasing the value of understanding principles over techniques and applying these principles to daily life. The sources also demonstrate a commitment to accessibility through both online and in-person learning opportunities. They seek to empower learners through self-discovery and continuous personal growth.
Take a Quick Quiz to focus your reading efforts and test your current knowledge
PODCAST
Festival Venue
The theatre was ideal with scope for expansion and larger future events, being located on the outskirts of Oslo. In addition to good transport links, there were several local restaurants and café services just around the corner, including a good Sushi bar. Future events will likely include additional activities, such as on-site discussions/interviews and even workshops on some of the topics or arts presented.
The local scenery is also stunning as evidence by some of the photos in our discussion forum post and on the NAFF homepage.
Film Submissions & Screenings
The film collection was very broad and wide ranging, with something of interest for everyone's taste, and this was only in the first year still. Many of the films were short productions, so it was easy to take in several films in one session, adding to the interest of the event.
In addition to the selected film screenings, there was the awards presentation, accompanied by a couple of brief presentations on related topics of interest to further entertain the audience. You can watch a short video presentation of the NAFF awards 2022 on youtube, here below, or via the NAFF website where you will find even more information about the event, including information about any private screenings held.
Collaboration without Tears, Learning without Frontiers
SeTs was represented there also as part of the KEG Oy team that organised the event and even made some presentations / shows for the audience as part of the final awards ceremony. Rudy, a former dance student of StyleDanceIndustry (SDI ry) and professional chef, sang a song he himself had written.
PODCAST
SeTs, of course gave a live presentation all about martial arts and self-defense to compliment this Action Film Festival. As stated in the presentation, the show was not a demo of various martial art magic tricks, but intended to raise awareness, educate and make the audience think more critically about the kind of action scenes we see everyday in action movies, especially the popular mainstream movies. Thereby being better able and willing to filter our the less suitable garbage on behalf of, and for the sake of our kids, if not ourselves.
You can watch the SeTs presentation here...
The Social and Behavioural Influence of Film and Video
One of the biggest issues involved is the type of violent action and aggressive behaviour we are exposed to today, and especially our kids, all in the name of entertainment. Most of the film and cartoon makers of kids programmes, are clearly not trained in any of the arts, little or no experience of real life combat, conflict intervention and management, and even less so in education science and child development psychology. There also seems to be little or no counter-balance in terms of censorship / suitability selection, or, any other guidance provided to these 'entertainment' creators as to what is appropriate. The 'so called' age rating standards are very generic, inconsistent, and say nothing about the underlying messages being conveyed to our kids. This leaves it all up to the parents as a back stop, by which time the tidal wave/Tsunami has already slammed against the dyke/border control point and invariably overwhelms it, much like the use and abuse of smart phones by modern kids today.
You can read and discuss about the issues raised in our Discussion Forum...
Join in the discussion on the NAFF Post
The Role of Mobile & Digital Technology
Smart phones (SP) and Social Media (SoMe) have exacerbated this problem exponentially in recent years. Many video presenters I have seen are simply dumping their own hang-ups and 'chips on their shoulders' on the audience. Some seem to have rather darker undertones and agendas. The over use and abuse of smartphones is well recognised even if no one is or has been willing or able to do anything about it. Many parents have simply acquiesced to the convenience for the sake of 'home peace' here and now. Safe Family applications and systems seem to be only partially effective if at all, as kids are adept at bypassing the blocks or just adapting around them to continue using the phone for something else. Add to this is the cultural imposition and attitude of unqualified SoMe corporate giants without any social authority, telling parents at what age their children have unfettered rights to view whatever they like, regardless of parental consent, all in the name of acquiring viewers for their profit.
An old man said to his grandson, “Boy, I have two tigers caged within me. One is love and compassion. The other is fear and anger.” The young boy asked, “Which one will win, grandfather?” The old man replied, “The one I feed.”
Indian tale
The problem is further exacerbated by the ubiquitous use of personalization engines that keep feeding us more and more of what has already been viewed, This totally distorts all perspectives of reality and limits our awareness and options. This mechanism has already been abused for political and electoral influencing purposes, as clearly illustrated by the Cambridge Analytics scandal. A recent research project exposed the fact that personalised feeds change the ratio of political opinion posts seen/presented from roughly equal to several thousands against a few tens of opposing opinions and stories, most with unverified/unsubstantiaed 'fact' claims. Most 'independent' news media, as we all know of course, are anything but independent or unbiased, and some frequently spout propaganda and rhetoric surpassed only by 'Russia Today' Official state Tv channel, otherwise known as 'Redacted Téxt' (RT) in order to conceal their true identity and purpose from foreign viewers.
Watch, Weep & Wonder
Despite all the good and connectivity aspects of smart phones, one can only Watch, Weep and Wonder at the potential social problems are accruing for the kids later years, as many become digi-junkies, unable to function without a SP. The inability to cope with silence and even periods of boredom without the continuous externa stimulus feed, has a great effect on ability to focus, concentrate and create. True creativity comes from stillness and calmness, which requires a transitional period of relative boredom to reach. It is also the reason Meditation practice needs and uses repetitive manual labour tasks as a way to calm/warm down after a period of activity (school/work) before attempting any meditation.
More pertinent still, is that without the calmness of mind, people become irritable, impatient, and intolerant with a greater proclivity towards aggression and violence as a reaction to social conflicts and other problems. Conversely many become more lethargic and apathetic, being too lazy to go knock on a friends door to come out and play. Instead they sit at home in a room reclusively, chatting with their friends by phone instead, which means missing out on a great deal of social interaction and communication skills experience (e.g. body language) and development. Aside from general lack of maturity, social and mentally, this can lead to various health and wellbeing problems in later years. As parents and educators, it is part of our responsibility to help develop these adult traits in our children, not feed the childish primal urges.
It is interesting to note that boys have a tendency to react to social problems and the 'tensions of life' by becoming wilder (social disorder/delinquent) and taking greater risks in their activities, whilst girls tend to withdraw and become more prone to self-destructive behaviour, including drug abuse. There always exceptions to these tendencies however that depend greatly on personal disposition, physical strength/confidence, and family support and environment. The sad fate of a 14 year old girl in the UK should be a reminder to us all of our vulnerability in these respects no matter how hard we try to stem the flow of negative influences. The girl reportedly found posts and videos of people harming themselves and even committing suicide. 'Personalization Engines' of Social media ensured that she was continuously fed with a deluge of such material and messaging with the community to which she became engrossed if not obsessed. This led to depression and her eventual suicide. Her father fought for five years to bring the social media giants to court over their complicity in these sad events.
Basically, our kids are being/have been turned into passive consumers, sheep and fodder for the profit of the creators of those phones and entertainment apps. These people, incidentally, have in recent years reputedly , themselves realized the problem and started removing devices from their kids and instead sending them out into the forest to get back in touch with themselves and nature. This can be very 'Grounding' and usually is a highly cathartic experience that most humans greatly need on a regular basis for the sake of their nerves (stress and anxiety management) and mental health.
"Censorship is like telling a man he can't have steak just because a baby can't chew it"
Mark Twain
Censorship: A sword that Cuts Both Ways
Like any tool, the sword cuts both ways, so whether it works for good or bad depends entirely on the wielder. There is no doubt however, that we could all use a little help in this department so that we can more reliably find and select suitable films and entertainments for our kids. Social media allows anyone to post anything they want, without restriction or verification of the veracity of their claims and opinions. Well established academic rigors and requirements for providing evidence and references to verify claimed facts are non-existent. Most blog articles, films and film documentaries are not an education or educational in themselves. They cannot and should not be used in that way. They are however, informational about 1 person/groups unvalidated opinions and perspectives, to which extent they can be used as 'Food for Thought', subject to further factual analysis and assessment in conjunction with other opinions and evidence to the contrary. This is why the requirements of academic study are so rigorous, and hence a bit of a quagmire for the untrained general public. Whilst nobody is advocating such exacting standards for the general public, a bit more discipline coupled with some down to earth guidance and training as part of a 'Life Skills for Life' general education programme would seem highly advisable.
Main stream news media also struggled for several years with the advent of social media, quite unsure what their role and place in the brave new world is. The emergence of 'Fake News' and automatic posting software called BOTS, has prompted them to position themselves as the champions of truth based on evidence and fact finding, yet, despite most being independent broadcasters - a central tenet of western democracy - most still have trouble shaking off the accusation of being governmental puppets. Whilst social media provides very quick/fast news flashes and updates from anywhere in the world, there is no filtering system as to the credibility of the source or the reliability of the content. This responsibility is now firmly in the lap of an inadequately prepared and educated global public.
Professional film critics and other authorities seem to be regularly out of touch with the rest of society, the people/consumers, and almost always behind the times. They are a small minority of people that are hardly representative of the majority. This is the reason why start-up businesses such as KEG Oy, with whom SeTs (Specialist Education & Training Services ry), SDI (StyleDanceIndustry ry) and other organizations are collaborating, in a project to build their own system to democratize the ratings and rankings process, whilst at the same time guiding and educating people to make better informed rational choices within a professionally design viewing and rating system. The SeTs chairman is also a member of the board at KEG Oy and member of SDI ry team for film festivals.
An Independent Rating & Ranking Platform for Independent Film Makers & Audiences
The FilmVIA system has the potential to go well beyond the usual benefits of a 'Thumbs' up or down feedback system, whilst also helping and supporting Independent Film Makers and other non-mainstream movies/films through this system and their network of film festivals around the world. For example, the potential educational aspects go well beyond simple democratization of film ratings and rankings. Combined with educational guides about how to rate and rank intelligently, SeTs and others are developing complimentary courses, such as SeTs own source and content evaluation skills course in order to further empower the general public.
And this is just the beginning!
Upcoming film festivals...
October 2022: Helsinki Education Film Festival International (HEFFI), Held in Helsinki, Finland is already three years old and growing rapidly in popularity and prestige.
November 2022: Divulge Dancers Film Festival (DF2) in Hollywood, USA, is one of the first festivals created and well established being several years old already.
November 2022: SMUSH is a dance show and film film festival held as a collaborative project with the DF2 festival. This is a 'Top Gun' dancers show, the best of the best!
January 2023: Espoo Digi Dance International (EDDI) held in Espoo, Finland is in its second year and also growing very fast in popularity.
May 2023: Florence Romance International Film Festival (FRIFF) held in Florence, Italy just completed its first inaugural year and is already preparing for next years festival.
August 2023: Norway Action Film Festival (NAFF), held in or near Oslo, Norway.
Whether you are just interested in watching interesting and quality films, looking for good quality and enlightened training in Fitness, self-defense training, Parkour, street dance, or , or even perhaps, you are interested in becoming an investor in this project...
LEARN MORE...
For a more informed debate, POST your thoughts in the discussion forum >> , and
Leave comments and feedback on this article >>
Learn more about SeTs Edutainment & Coaching services, Get in Touch >>
Glossary of Terms
Glossary of Key Terms
Functional Education: An educational approach that emphasizes the practical application of skills and knowledge in real-world scenarios, focusing on holistic development and integrated learning.
Experiential Learning: A learning process where students learn by doing and reflecting on those experiences.
Silos (in education): A situation where different disciplines or areas of knowledge are kept separate, creating barriers to integrated learning and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Hybrid Education: An educational approach that blends online and on-site learning methods, offering both flexibility and face-to-face interaction.
Learning Management System (LMS): A software application used to plan, implement, and assess a specific learning process, often used in online education.
Parkour: A physical discipline of movement focused on overcoming obstacles with speed and efficiency through running, jumping, climbing and similar physical actions.
Self-Defence: A set of methods and techniques employed to protect oneself from physical harm. This includes physical techniques as well as psychological strategies.
Situational Awareness: The ability to perceive, understand, and anticipate events and their potential impact within a given environment.
Principles (in Martial Arts): Core concepts and beliefs that underpin martial art practice; often referring to efficiency of movement, awareness, and use of power.
Multi-faceted: Having many aspects or sides, applicable to education or training when referring to various skills and knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the core philosophy behind the martial arts training advocated by Chris Spencer?
Chris Spencer emphasises that true martial arts are not about combat sports or cultural relics, but rather a multifaceted discipline applicable to various aspects of life. He stresses that real self-defence techniques, unlike what is often portrayed in film, have little to do with fighting. Instead, they are grounded in principles that can serve as a guide through life at every level, enhancing personal safety and overall well-being. The focus is on understanding the principles behind the techniques, which extends beyond physical skills to inform decision-making in broader life situations.
2. What are some of the key principles highlighted in Chris Spencer’s approach to self-defence?
Spencer demonstrates that self-defence is less about aggressive counter-attacks and more about understanding the situation and de-escalating conflict. He emphasizes principles such as: evaluating intent (asking questions instead of immediately resorting to force), using minimal force necessary, understanding the mechanics of an attack (such as how a grab affects leverage), and being aware of surroundings. He advocates for using simple, basic movements that have solid underlying principles, rather than complex, showy techniques. He highlights that the first response is often to seek understanding rather than to resist or fight.
3. How does Chris Spencer address the impact of media portrayals on people's understanding of martial arts?
Chris Spencer notes that TV and film often portray a distorted view of martial arts, particularly self-defence. This misrepresentation is a significant problem, especially for children, as it leads them to believe in unrealistic and overly aggressive approaches. As an educator, Spencer aims to correct these misconceptions by demonstrating practical, principle-based techniques and encouraging critical thinking about what they see in media and online.
4. How does the SETS Ryu approach to education differ from traditional learning methods?
SETS Ryu, operated by Specialist Education and Training Services (SETS), takes a functional, cross-disciplinary approach to education, aiming to bridge gaps between different knowledge systems, people, and cultures. Instead of siloed subjects, SETS creates innovative hybrid programmes that integrate education, sports skills, and fitness exercises. Their experiential and borderless learning methods are designed to be interactive and dynamic, offered online, on-site, or as a combination of both, making learning accessible and engaging. This breaks down the traditional educational barriers.
5. What does SETS Ryu offer in terms of specific training programmes?
SETS Ryu offers a diverse range of programmes in areas like racquet sports (squash and football), street arts (parkour), self-defence, security supervision, functional fitness and strength training. These programmes are designed to provide a holistic approach to well-being, both physically and mentally. They integrate games for all ages and focus on the principle of 'sound and body, sound and mind' to give all-around benefits to learners.
6. How can parkour be effectively taught online, according to SETS Ryu?
SETS Ryu utilises online platforms to effectively teach parkour by breaking down complex movements into manageable steps. They offer demonstrations, guidance, and virtual classes to help learners progress at their own pace. This online instruction focuses on technique and safety, allowing individuals to develop a solid foundation and the theoretical knowledge needed to pursue parkour effectively and safely in the real world. The approach also highlights environmental awareness, risk management and fear management integral to parkour training.
7. What does SETS Ryu emphasise about self-defence education beyond physical techniques?
SETS Ryu's self-defence training goes beyond simply teaching physical techniques. It fosters risk awareness, conflict management, and resilience, encouraging personal growth through collaborative learning. Self-defence is presented as a means to build community and individual empowerment, and includes situation coping skills. The accessible nature of online training provides a safe way for people to build their confidence and personal security.
8. How does SETS Ryu utilize online education to enhance accessibility and personal development?
SETS Ryu leverages online platforms to provide convenient and flexible learning experiences. Learners can access materials at their own pace and schedule, irrespective of location or time constraints. These platforms are designed to offer interactive content, fostering a dynamic learning experience. Ultimately, SETS views online education as a tool for self-discovery, allowing individuals to explore interests and develop new abilities, contributing to personal growth, confidence, and empowerment.
Quiz Answers
Quiz Answer Key
Chris Spencer notes that films and television often portray martial arts as combat sports or cultural antiques. This misrepresentation causes issues for educators who try to teach the reality of martial arts, which are much more multifaceted.
Chris Spencer stresses that the principles learned in martial arts, such as situational awareness and response priorities, can be applied to many areas of life and have great educational value. He believes that they teach not only self-defence but also provide a guide for life.
Chris Spencer advises that individuals should first question the intention of the other person and assess the situation before taking action. Asking "What is the problem? Can I help you?" helps to de-escalate conflict and assess the danger.
Chris Spencer initially does a normal handshake, then when it becomes too intense, he steps in, disrupting the grip while creating space. This shows how a simple action can be used to create leverage and regain control.
The first principle Chris Spencer teaches is to not resist or fight back immediately, but to assess the situation and create space. He emphasizes the importance of making the movement simple, focusing on awareness, and not escalating conflict when you are unsure of the intent.
"SETS" stands for Specialist Education and Training Services, and it focuses on delivering functional education and exercise. It aims to bridge gaps between knowledge, systems, people, and cultures.
In the context of SETS Ryu, the term 'Ryu' is a Japanese word that means 'school'.
SETS programs cover diverse areas such as racquet and ball sports, street arts like parkour, self-defence, security supervision and management, and functional fitness and strength training.
Online education from SETS is designed to be convenient and flexible, offering interactive content. The intention is that it allows learners to engage in a dynamic learning experience regardless of location and traditional educational barriers.
SETS emphasizes that parkour can be taught online by breaking down complex movements into manageable steps, offering demonstrations, and providing learners with theoretical and foundational knowledge. The process allows them to practice safely in a real-world setting.
Test your post-reading comprehension.
Instructions: Answer the following questions. Write down your thoughts or, preferably a short (2-3 page) essay on one or more of these Essay Questions. Then ask the same question of Chat GPT or other LLM and request feedback by comparison of the two answers. Next share your results and learnings with the rest of us in the discussion forums:
Critically analyse the challenges and solutions proposed by Chris Spencer regarding the accurate teaching of martial arts in an environment influenced by media representations.
Discuss how the principles of self-defence, as described by Chris Spencer, can be applied to other areas of life and what educational value they offer.
Explain the methodology used by SETS in delivering functional education and training, highlighting the importance of hybrid approaches and diverse disciplines.
Evaluate the advantages and limitations of online education platforms in teaching complex physical skills such as parkour and self-defence, referencing the benefits as set out in the texts.
Assess the role of "experiential learning" in the teaching approaches of both Chris Spencer and SETS, and compare how each incorporates practical application into their educational methods.
Comments