In reality, the most common attacks in human violence have always been the same. No matter how you slice the pie, the effective responses to those attacks have the same four key elements*: AVOID the attack if possible, PROTECT yourself from damage, DEFEND yourself with vigor, and ESCAPE to a place of safety. These principles hold equally true in sport and self-defense.
Read moreUnique Physique
I recently watched a video of a young man who was deformed from birth with no arms and hardly any legs. As I watched, he got onto the stage in front of hundreds of people and performed a pattern and several choreographed self-defense techniques along with his team. His focus, confidence, and dedication were evidenced in every movement of his body.
Read moreVehicular Security
Unlike the 1950s, most cars have both heat and air conditioning along with a number of creature comforts that make us feel at ease and at home while we drive. In fact, most cars today have an amazing ability to make us feel safe. So much so, that people often forget just how dangerous these hunks of steel and plastic can be.
Read moreWhat Is Mastery?
Someone who has physical technique but doesn’t know the reasons behind their movements, will only be able to apply them in the prescribed situation they have practiced in the dojo. On the other hand, someone who has all of their martial knowledge from reading books and watching Youtube videos will be extremely clumsy if they ever attempt to apply any of their knowledge in a physical altercation. Mastery in almost any art or skill requires both mental understanding and physical practice. What does this mean for the martial artist?
Read moreMicro Training for Long Term Success
The New Year has a way of making people think about trying to change their lifestyle for the better. Have you made any New Year resolutions yet? What about “Slow down and enjoy life more” or “Get in better shape”? Those two resolutions are very common, but unfortunately very few people can keep them. There is, however, a solution.
Read moreTraining for Trauma
Real violent encounters are messy, often loud, and very frightening. Students need to be able to operate under those circumstances. As an instructor, I cannot in good conscience allow my students to become over confident in their skills simply because they can perform them in a static drill situation.
Read moreThe Birth of Legends
As I walked out of the gym where I teach after the belt test, I realized that what I had just witnessed (and been a part of) was the birth of legends! I was humbled, and honored, and excited to think that maybe, just maybe, one of those students would go on to become another legend in the halls of dojo history. I will never see a belt test the same way again...
Read moreSelf-Defense: The Sound of Safety
Have you ever heard the saying “silence is golden”? I suppose when you are sitting up in a mountain cabin escaping from the hectic pace of everyday life, the saying is still true. Also, keeping your mouth shut can keep you out of a lot of trouble. But there is a sinister side to that phrase as well. Silence is the criminal’s best friend.
Read moreThe Struggle
God has endowed the human race with the ability to achieve greatness on any number of levels. We are created to be adaptable, intelligent, and stubborn. These attributes are what make humans more creative and accomplished than any other creature on the planet! The trick to achieving, is to find the right recipe of all three and apply it to your goal.
Read moreFunctional Fitness Part 2
Martial arts doesn’t just affect your body, it actually has the ability to improve your mental and spiritual health on a number of different levels. Whether you just need to lose a few pounds or desire to increase the length and quality of your life, martial arts training has something to offer you.
Read more