Wild Practice: Combat Improv Workshop

Wild Practice: Combat Improv Workshop

This workshop explores the emerging practice of combat improv—a dynamic melting point between martial arts and contact dance. Rooted in both the discipline of combat training and the fluidity of improvisational movement, combat improv invites us to discover how these seemingly contrasting forms can weave together into a shared language of connection, creativity, and play. Participants will study the interplay of grounding and agility, resistance and flow, tension and release—unlocking new ways of moving with, through, and against one another. Far from competition, this practice is about cultivating awareness, trust, and responsiveness in the body. Together, we’ll explore how martial precision and dance’s openness collide and converge, generating a kinetic dialogue that is at once powerful, intimate, and beautiful.

Core Principles of Combat Improv

• Improvisational Base — the practice is rooted in spontaneity, curiosity, and moment-to-moment response.

• Gravity is our partner — we learn about ourselves by working with, against, and through gravity’s pull.

• Falling to fly — the act of falling becomes the fertile ground from which the practice unfolds.

• The ground as our friend — learning to tap into the power of the ground as the third partner in the interaction, and as an untapped resource for beautiful movement.

• The body as landscape — each partner’s body offers unique possibilities and affordances for movement.

• Partnering in tension and harmony — we explore the dance between manipulation and collaboration with others.

• Releasing roles — when we cling to the idea that we are “fighting” or “dancing,” we limit what’s possible. By releasing those roles, surprising and interesting things begin to emerge.

Event Info: Combat Improv Weekend

Dates & Timings

Join us for a weekend of Combat Improv:

• Friday, 1st November: Please arrive by 12:00 PM, ready to start practice promptly at 12:30 PM, and continuing until 6:00 PM.

• Saturday, 2nd November: We’ll begin bright and early at 9:00 AM, pause for lunch from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, and wrap up at 6:00 PM.

Transport

• Nearest train station: Bristol Temple Meads. From here, you can catch a bus directly to Bristol South Aikido Dojo.

• Nearest airport: Bristol Airport.

Whether arriving by train or plane, the dojo is easily accessible via public transport.

Accommodation

Accommodation is included for those who would like it, though please note it is very basic. We’ll be staying on the floor of the dojo, so you’ll need to bring:

• A mat

• A sleeping bag

• A pillow

The dojo is equipped with showers and a basic kitchen with a kettle, microwave, and small fridge. Food will not be provided, so please bring your own meals and snacks. your own equipment ensures you can rest comfortably and fully enjoy the weekend.

Kit List 🧳

For all participants, please bring:

• 💧 Water bottle – stay hydrated throughout practice

• 🩳 Clothes for movement – comfortable and easy to move in

• 📝 Notebook – to capture reflections and notes

• 🧥 Warm clothes – the dojo temperature is uncertain at this time of year, though heaters will be provided

• 🍎 Food and snacks – meals are not provided

If you plan to stay overnight at the dojo, you will also need:

• 🧘‍♂️ Mat

• 🛏️ Sleeping bag

• 🛋️ Pillow

There is also potential for a 🍲 shared potluck dinner in the evening for anyone staying overnight, so feel free to bring something to share if you’d like.

We look forward to hosting you for this weekend of Combat Improv. 💛✨
Lots of love,
Chaz and Ben.