COMBATIVES A Rose by Any Other Name Part 2

The advent of World War One (the war to END all wars) brought warfare into a new and foreboding era of man to man killing and slaughter. Air power, mechanized warfare, chemical warfare and the general widespread use of machine guns changed the face of battle almost completely. However the solitary fact remained that in the end it was STILL man against man in a desperate, brutal and deadly struggle for survival. The static and stagnant lines created by entrenched warfare demanded new and innovative tactics and strategies. Among these was the advent of �raiding� parties. Small groups of lightly armed men who ventured out into �no man�s land� for the purpose of recon, probing, intelligence, prisoner grabs, and psychological �demoralization� missions. The nature of fighting under these conditions became popularized as �trench warfare�. This was close-in knife to belly hand to hand combat. All manner of expedient, purpose designed and improvised close-combat weaponry was employed. While technological advances were being made in all other forms of warfare, this particularly nasty and vicious man to man fighting reverted to the most barbaric, primitive and bloody �methods� imaginable. Just as it has been since Cain slew Abel and how it WILL be until the last two humans clench fists or seize stones in raging anger during the final melee of the Apocalypse.

Fostered by this, most military forces researched, developed and implemented fairly comprehensive and rigorous training methods specific to close-combat and �trench fighting�. The bayonet, the knife(especially the trench knife), and hand to hand combat became prime training doctrines along with advancements in general physical conditioning and battle preparation. The unarmed hand to hand methods were drawn from any and ALL sources of man to man combat. Boxing, wrestling, Savate, jiujitsu, and any number of �rough and tumble� gouge and kick back alley tactics were employed. Those charged with the task of developing such training programs were well AWARE of the fact that NO ONE SINGLE �approach� to combat was SUFFICIENT in REAL man to man kill or be killed battle!

Punching, kicking, striking, butting, stomping, biting, gouging, throwing, tripping, choking, strangling, bone breaking and the use of ANY and ALL weapons of close combat expediency were STRESSED! The foregoing should satisfy and fulfill anyone�s �definition� of MIXED martial tactics and techniques (even if Muay Thai or more accurately Siamese boxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu were not included). And to be fair, I do have English language books circa the late 1920�s � early 1930�s that detail Siamese boxing quite well. As an aside, one manual details the �favorite� attacks of Siamese style boxers as being directed at the liver with brutal kicks and at the throat while grasping the hair with one hand and smashing the throat with the other fist (gloves were NOT wo at this time). The liver attack was lethal in many cases because of the widespread epidemic of malaria which left the spleen swollen and distended even if you survived and made it a deadly focal point of attack. DEATHS occurred DAILY in these matches and were considered just a routine hazard of the �trade�.

The years after WWI saw an increase in self-protection �systems� designed for and �marketed� to the average citizen. Law Enforcement organizations also began to pay more heed to this area of training. This was just part of a movement to increase the professionalism of law enforcement personnel in general. Virtually ALL of these �systems� advocated an all-around well-balanced approach to personal combat. Elements of boxing, wrestling, foot-fighting and jiu-jitsu as a �mixed� toolbox of personal defense tactics became quite popular. Even methods that relied primarily on weste boxing and wrestling maneuvers acknowledged that a well rounded combatant MUST be able to BOTH strike effectively as well as grapple. Other methods that touted �jiu-jitsu� as a singular answer to personal attack and defense were advocating a �jiu-jitsu� THAT was quite comprehensive in it�s syllabus of blows, strikes, kicks and grappling methods. It would be VERY good to remember here, that for all the �talk� about W.E. Fairbai, during this period the Shanghai Municipal Police academy trained their recruits in BOXING � WRESTLING and JIU-JITSU! OR as one veteran of the SMP put it��������.�our training in this area was a MIXED BAG of physical skills�!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There was virtually NO �authority� or �expert� in this field who DID NOT advocate a �MIX� of striking/kicking and grappling either as a combined �method� or as found singularly as in �real� Japanese jiu-jitsu. When it was �for all the marbles� NO ONE would be as short-sighted as to negate ANY and ALL possible methods of attack and defense. As far an �aliveness� training goes, jiu-jitsu (NOT Kodokan Judo) �free practice� of this period allowed virtually ANYTHING. Including atemi to almost ALL kyusho points, including the testicles, base of skull etc. The ONLY �advisement� proffered was NOT to hit so HARD as to KILL your training partner, SAVE that for �matches� against OTHER jiu-jitsu schools!

ONLY in the arena of sporting combat did this division of method, pitting one against another, become a somewhat popular past time. Matching wrestlers against boxers, either of the two against jiu-jitsu men, or Savate fighters against boxers (Biddle fought in such a match while in Paris) was done under a constantly varying set of rules so that it became virtually impossible to ever really determine what �method� was superior, and even then, as some sportswriters of the time pointed out, what did ANY of this have to do with REAL fighting when NO rules applied. Even Jigoro Kano�s nephew got involved in promoting these types of matches between weste boxers and native Japanese Judoka. They were called �JU (as in Judo/Jujutsu) � KEN/KENTO (as in fist or fist-fighting)�. Even Choki Motobu when asked if his Kempo-Karate was �superior� to boxing (after his KO of a weste style pugilist) said that in order for his �method� to be used against a boxer specialized training specific for that type of match would have to be undertaken. Judoka interested in these JU-KENTO bouts sought out SPECIFIC instruction in just HOW to make Judo work against boxing. An entire book on this subject was published in Japan in the early 30�s. It is of the UTMOST importance to remember that ALL of these bouts had strict rules and regulations of engagement! Few if any of these mandates would have had much bearing on what one could do in a real pier-six back alley brawl. As an example: Judoka were almost ALWAYS forbidden to use any methods of ATEMIWAZA (striking, punching, kicking, butting and smashing). However, Judo �experts� of the time have advocated often and in their writings that ATEMI would be the MOST preferable method of attack and defense in a serious engagement.

The bottom line here is simply this: for use in a REAL violent assault NO ONE, but an utter FOOL, would suggest an attitude or method approaching anything LESS than that of an ALL-IN �anything goes� doctrine. In regards to �sporting combats� NOTHING was ever, or could ever be, conclusively proven to be superior to anything else. At one time or another ANY of these various �methods� had BOTH big and impressive WINS and equally impressive FAILURES.

Next installment we�ll look at the World War Two era and define the true meaning of the term �combatives�������

�2005 www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com

Carl Cestari began his study of the martial arts with judo at the age of 7 under the direction of Yoshisada Yonezuka. During the past forty plus years Carl has dedicated his life to studying the martial arts, hand to hand combat systems, history and religion. What makes Carl unique is his combination of martial arts, law enforcement and military and real world experience. Carl has been exposed to a multitude of people with a wide variety experience. The following is a list of some of Carl�s ranks and honors.

Shinan (Founder) Tekkenryu jujutsu Ryokudan (6th degree) Koshinkai Karate under John Burrelle Godan (5th degree) Jujutsu under Clarke of the World Jujutsu Fedaration (now defunct) Sandan (3rd degree) Nippon Kempo under Narabu Sada Nidan (2nd degree) Judo under Masafumi Suzuki Shodan (1st degree) Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka Shodan (1st degree) Shukokai Karate under Kimura, Kadachi and Yonezuka Shodan (1st degree) Daitoryu Aikijujutsu Instructors Certificate- Charles Nelson System of Self Defense under Charlie Nelson http://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com

A Martial Artist s View of Ronin Robert De Niro

My first thought for this article was to focus only on the film, �Ronin,� starring Robert De Niro, but I found, after meditating on its real appeal to me, that �Ronin� is just one element in a career that puts De Niro into the role of a warrior.

And seeing this fellow�s work as a whole teaches us more about the martial artist than looking at the individual pieces.

To be sure �Ronin� is great work, a tense and enjoyable action picture set in France. De Niro plays an ex-CIA operative who is out of work and looking for a gig. He signs on with a crew that is tasked, by whom we aren�t sure, to recover a case, which contains something super-valuable, but we don�t know what.

There is one of the best car chase sequences ever put on the screen, and I recall reading that the film company crashed a few hundred vehicles in the process. You�ll believe it, when you see it.

Jean Reno, currently featured in the film, DaVinci Code, is also in �Ronin,� playing a good natured sidekick to De Niro. They make a great team, and you�ll enjoy watching them as their respect for each others� skills and styles grows.

It occurred to me that De Niro is substantially the same guy in a lot of films, but in his case, like that of John Wayne, Gary Cooper, and even perhaps, Tom Hanks, it wears well.

Basically, what I see in De Niro is the ethos of a battler, a warrior, and a martial artist.

Watch him, as I did last night in the film, �Sleepers,� where he plays a priest in Hell�s Kitchen, New York. He�s the same, thoughtful man of action that you see in a picture he directed, which I also commend to you, �A Bronx Tale.�

He�s someone who has a moral compass, a code by which he�s steering his life. While he may be the young Vito Corleone, a criminal in Godfather II, he�s a family man, and he�s also a man�s man, taking care of his pals.

De Niro is a guy that can keep a secret, won�t rat on his friends, will come through in a jam, and can take a hit, and the pain that comes along with it.

Circumstances surrounding De Niro�s characters are always ambiguous. There is no black and white, morally, when he steps into the frame.

But he stays the same, amidst the flux.

In �Ronin,� we�re treated to an update of The Samurai�s Code, where honor and duty are uppermost. In a lot of other De Niro features, we see the Code of The Streets, specifically of the neighborhoods in which he grew up.

Are they the same thing?

Check out a few of De Niro DVD�s and have your own private film festival, and then decide for yourself.

And either starting with or ending with �Ronin� is a good idea!

Dr. Gary S. Goodman, President of http://www.Customersatisfaction.com, is a popular keynote speaker, management consultant, and seminar leader and the best-selling author of 12 books, including Reach Out & Sell Someone and Monitoring, Measuring & Managing Customer Service, and the audio program, "The Law of Large Numbers: How To Make Success Inevitable," published by Nightingale-Conant. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, worldwide. A Ph.D. from USC's Annenberg School, a Loyola lawyer, and an MBA from the Peter F. Drucker School at Claremont Graduate University, Gary offers programs through UCLA Extension and numerous universities, trade associations, and other organizations from Santa Monica to South Africa. He holds the rank of Shodan, 1st Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate. He is headquartered in Glendale, Califoia, and he can be reached at (818) 243-7338 or at: gary@customersatisfaction.com

For information about coaching, consulting, training, books, videos and audios, please go to http://www.customersatisfaction.com

The philosophy of samurai swords

Decorating your 21st century interior in a Japanese manner has become very popular. The Japanese artifacts, like the samurai swords, are proof of great taste not only because of their eye catching colors and shapes but because they hold a lot of meaning. They represent moral values like patience, discipline, honor, loyalty and determination. The mode world has forgot some very important codes, but their symbols still exist as a reminder in the Japanese works of art that distinguish some homes or offices.

The samurai swords, for example, are very used objects of decoration. People who appreciate martial arts or the Japanese life style often hang them on walls. Owning samurai swords means you appreciate Japanese history and the virtues that this object stood for in an antique society. For those of you with the good idea of buying samurai swords here are some hints about these beautiful and meaningful objects and their philosophy. Knowing how they are made and their value will make them more treasured decorating objects.

The value of the samurai swords comes not only from their handcrafting, but also from the fact that they are a symbol of the worrier. The samurai swords define power, duty, responsibility, self-defense and ethics. The samurai swords were weapons used by a class of people who cherished their freedom above all and defended it with great skill. The samurai swords were used in hand to hand combat which was a very demanding perhaps the most, form of combat. Having to fight with a sharp weapon required skill of body and mind, abilities, reflexes and technique. Only through a lot of practice, exercise and patience one could become able to handle the samurai swords in order to protect the code of honor.

The Samurai (knights-retainers) were also called Bushi (warriors) and their most treasured weapons were the samurai swords. They considered the swords a part of themselves and sometimes believed the swords were the soul of their worriership. They gave their samurai swords names and awarded them medals. Some samurai worriers even died trying to retrieve their treasured samurai swords for their Shogun (the most powerful samurai worrier for a period). Bushido means Way of the Warrior and the heart of the Bushido philosophy, which lead their beliefs and conduct, is freedom from fear. This meant they had no fear of dying. They were able to use their peace of mind to give themselves power to serve their master faithfully to the death. Therefore, duty and loyalty were a great part of their philosophy. Their way of life ranked them at the top of the social hierarchy in Japan for hundreds of years until 19th century.

Artisans of ancient time put a lot of thought in the creation of samurai swords. They had to create weapons that were not too heavy to handle, nor too rigid to brake off. They discovered sharp samurai swords, used against an armor, broke and that samurai swords made of soft steel were flexible and light. So, they considered the most appropriate weight for samurai swords would have been around 2-3 pounds. However, to create such samurai swords would have meant a lot work.

There were many methods used to handcraft samurai swords. Some used the repeated and tiring process of heating and folding of steel. The blades had to be polished afterwards carefully and the smiths engraved their signature on their work of art. The samurai swords were proof of great handcrafting skills, which meant that the person who created them possessed some unique virtues. Like for any art object, to create samurai swords meant to put soul in your creation, to invest patience and will together with intelligence to obtain the best results possible. A lot of artists worked on their detailed oaments of the hilt, on their handle bindings and sheaths and the results were samurai swords worth being wo by worriers.

These virtues have been forgotten as the mode society no longer cares, respects or praises the military man as much as in the past. The samurai were (and still are) highly appreciated figures of history. The samurai swords were priceless and were identified with the worrier class. Made from the heat and pounding of skilled smiths, the samurai swords brought honor and the spirit of the true worrier to those who carried them. Because of this, many mode people buy samurai swords as a reminder of that time and those values. Samurai swords decorate today's homes, as symbols, for those who know what true beauty means virtue and honor.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

If you are looking for samurai swords you can click the link.

Are You Combat Fit

If you are looking to compete in submission grappling then one of the main factors to consider and improve is fitness. This, in and of itself, is a vast subject.

Now, when I first began to compete, my supplementary training was primarily weight training and long slow distance running. In terms of strength development I scoffed at anything else other than weight training.

However when sparring with friends and training partners, while initially strong, I soon found myself running out of steam. Eventually, I had to admit, my physical training (while providing aesthetic benefits) was not functional for the goals I had.

When I fought in competition in the earlier days I relied too much on strength and this led to technically superior fighters often using this against me. Essentially, due to my supplementary training, I was gifting fighter�s victory over me!

I began to look into other training and fitness methods from old time fighters and wrestlers, along with more contemporary training protocols.

The result?

Out went the longer slow distance style training along with the weight training the way I had been doing it and in came bodyweight exercises along with deep breathing exercises. As I began to train using my own bodyweight more, and using it as a unit and not isolating little muscles here and there, I noticed my strength endurance go up noticeably!

This is vital when training to compete in a competition format. I also developed a better awareness of my breathing that allowed me to loose tension when I gained a decent controlling position against my opponent. Instead of wasting energy in these positions I conserved it while letting my opponent use his energy trying to escape.

I found that working my body in this more holistic fashion allowed me to condense my workouts into quick, brutal, sessions that closer reflected the chaos of a real time fight than did my previous training methods.

When I first began I could barely do fifty body weight squats in a row, but that repetitive use of strength is often what is required in a touament format. I worked my way up to doing, at one time, five hundred in a row in about fifteen to sixteen minutes (I don�t suggest you do this or that it is necessary, it is just I am an extremist!).

Combining squats, push-ups of different varieties, bridge work, hill sprints (a favourite of collegiate wrestlers in America) and many other exercises done in sequence with little rest in-between all served to really improve my competitive fitness.

Also, due to the nature of the training, using as it does the whole body with a keen focus on the breath, I found that my RHR (resting heart rate) dropped down to the low forties! (A normal adults should be around sixty to eighty).

OK, what lesson can be leat from my experiences?

Well, first of all, I have to say that such training won�t make you technically better. However, it will often allow you to push your opponent beyond his physical thresholds while you remain within yours.

First, train your Ju Jutsu.

Secondly, add in relevant physical fitness and health training.

Allow this training to reflect the full-bodied activity that fighting actually is.

Don�t make the same mistakes I did!

NOTE: This article is not meant to be a knock on weight training. I teach weight lifting as part of my job. It certainly does have benefits and has helped many people. However, never ignore the power and functional strength you can create using your bodyweight from all angles and positions. The crossover to competing is substantial!

Tim Webb is a fitness instructor, Ju Jutsu instructor, and competitor. His site http://www.JuJutsu-Training.com offers inspiration through articles and product recommendations that can boost your mental focus and physical fitness for martial arts!

Martial Arts Judo versus BJJ

This is one of the hottest topics up for debate in the martial arts community and quite frankly I don't think either side understands the other's point of view. The bulk of the issue stems from the many misconceptions of the two respective arts but more so the lack of understanding of Judo. It is funny that most people understand that BJJ was created when a Judoka taught a Brazilian the martial art of Judo but both sides fail to agree on how similar these martial arts are. If you take into account that Judo is one of the biggest sports in the world and is also recognized as an Olympic sport, you would wonder why it receives so much disdain. The average Judo club will charge around 25 dollars per month to join while the going rate for a BJJ school is 100 dollars or more. For this reason alone I think this topic needs some further investigating.

Like everything in our society, we view higher priced services as being of a better quality. Surely no car that costs a fraction of the price of another car can be even remotely comparable. BJJ costs more to take so it must be more effective. Just like the marketing exhibited in the car example martial arts often fall prey to these smoke screens. The fact is people are willing to pay more to take BJJ then they are to take Judo. The real question is why. When the UFC was created by the descendents of the creator of BJJ the world was about to witness one of the greatest infomercials they would ever see. Many people agree that the real reason this fighting organization was created was to bring attention to BJJ. Well it worked! A skinny BJJ fighter by the name of Royce Gracie defeated 4 other fighters from various other martial arts backgrounds, quite easily and showed the dominance of BJJ. Based on the momentum of Royce's success his family began to open BJJ schools throughout America. The question that many people don't ponder is what if a Judoka would have been invited to the inaugural event and did the same thing this BJJ practitioner did? It is not hard to figure out that Judo would have boomed even more so than it already has and could've demanded much more for its services.

Let us take a look at the many differences betwen the 2 martial arts. Although BJJ was spawned out of Judo it has adopted a completely different philosophy. Judo is a sport that focuses more on throws while still covering submission holds and ground fighting. If I were forced to give a percentage of each aspect I would say that its 50% throws, 25% submissions and 25% ground fighting. BJJ in comparison is 95% submissions and ground fighting with only 5% of the time allocated to throws. You may be wondering why there is such a discrepancy between the two martial arts. Simply put they're both sports and their rules are quite different. In a judo match you are awarded points for throws and can even end a match with a perfect throw while you're only allowed 30 seconds on the ground. BJJ on the other hand has an unlimited time on the ground and rewards its competitors for attempting to try various techniques while on the ground. As you can see from the way their respective competitions are formatted, the way each school is focused is a direct reflection of this.

The number one argument I always hear in support of BJJ is that whenever a Judoka and a BJJ practitioner fight, the BJJ fighter reigns supreme. They also claim that a Black belt in BJJ tends to be better with submissions and ground fighting then a black belt Judoka. What they fail to realize is that this is not a fair comparison. Rather then viewing it as a belt versus belt matter, why not look at it as a timing matter. The point I am trying to make is that it takes 3 years to obtain a black belt in Judo while it takes over 10 years to receive a black belt in BJJ. In Judo a black belt represents a student's understanding and beginning of mastery while in BJJ a black belt represents a student's mastery. A fair comparison would be between a Judo 4th dan black belt and a BJJ black belt because the time they have both spent in the respective sports would now be equal.

Although after reading through this article you may still be confused on which martial art is truly better you would have to admit you have a better general understanding of the two martial arts and that you fully understand how similar they are.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Martial Arts Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Reach Out And Punch Someone

The thought of being punched is unsettling to most people. Unless you have a history of participating in contact sports, the fear of being hit can be intimidating and can compromise your ability to defend yourself. In a confrontation the chance of being hit is significant.

What if you were struck, kicked or knocked down in a violent encounter? Would you be able to shrug it off and stay focused on defending yourself? If you want to enhance your ability to defend yourself, you need to come to terms with the reality of being hit.

Boxing and kickboxing training have become very popular with both men and woman as a means of developing all around fitness, skill, coordination, timing and reflexes. Just as importantly, training with boxing gloves improves your emotional resilience y "de-sensitizing" you to impact and reducing your fear of being hit. What's more, this training can be safe and enjoyable.

This article contains:

=> the benefits of boxing glove training drills => advice to improve training and reduce the

potential for injury => recommendations about the equipment you need

BENEFITS OF BOXING GLOVE DRILLS

Far too often, people walk away from a self- defense class with a false perception of their own effectiveness. There is a good chance that defensive skills were not included in the training and if they were, they were probably in response to a static, predictable and unrealistic "attack."

Incorporating light to medium contact boxing glove drills provides you with experience in responding to actual blows. Contact work, if properly done, can make you more resilient and relaxed in a confrontation.

Psychologists call this "de-sensitization." You deliberately and repeatedly expose yourself to something you fear (being hit) and that fear will dissipate.

Before long, you can be "hit" several times during a training session and think nothing of it.

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NOTE: When I say, "hit" I am not talking about a full force, solid punch to the head. I am referring to light to moderate impact, with protective equipment, during training drills consistent with your physical condition and skill level.
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TRAINING ADVICE

If you are considering incorporating some light boxing glove drills I congratulate you. However, I must also caution you that if done improperly, this training can be counterproductive and result in injury.

Keep these issues in mind when participating training with boxing gloves:

DRILLS ARE NOT SPARRING

Unless you are already skilled at self-defense or martial arts, I do not advocate "sparring" on your own. For "self training" purposes I recommend simple, controlled training drills. If you are interested in sparring, I encourage you to seek out a qualified instructor and participate under supervision.

TRAIN WITH A NON-COMPETITIVE MINDSET

Nothing sabotages the quality of impact training like a competitive attitude. In order to train safely and gain maximum benefit, avoid "keeping score" or trying to out do your partner. The best way to de-sensitize yourself to impact is keep it light, non-threatening, and view being hit with disinterest. Lea to relax and have fun.

TRAIN AT THE THRESHOLD OF ERROR

How intense should this training be? In impact training, intensity refers to the speed andforce of the strikes being thrown.

In an unsupervised, self-training session punch lightly and train on the "threshold" of occasional errors.

If you are making no mistakes and successful defending yourself against each and every blow, chances are the training is too easy. If you are being hit repeatedly, it is unlikely you are developing anything useful.

Adjust the speed and complexity of your drills based on an occasional strike landing.

DESIGN YOUR OWN DRILLS

I wrote this article in response to requests from students of my self-defense and defensive tactics seminars. I assume that the reader has knowledge of basic defensive skills.

Start slow and simple by having your partner throw a single attack. Gradually change the timing, the order and the number of strikes. Use your own "threshold of error" to determine the speed and complexity. Focus on relaxing and enjoying yourself.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO THIS TRAINING?

In order to conduct this training safely, you need the right equipment. It's easy to justify the cost of training equipment when you realize that this training not only de-sensitizes you to impact but also is also excellent for conditioning and skill development.

You will need the following:

A TRAINING PARTNER

Duh!!! Obviously you'll need a training partner. Notice I said training "partner; not training "opponent."

If your partner is not mature and trustworthy don't bother!

The idea is to conduct this training in a safe and cooperative manner. Competing or proving how tough you are will get someone hurt.

BOXING GLOVES

I recommend a decent pair of 14-16 ounce boxing gloves. These are firm enough to provide some impact energy but padded enough to reduce the potential for injury. Look for good quality gloves with Velcro around the wrists instead of laces.

A MOUTH GUARD

A good "boil and bite" plastic mouth guard can be picked up at just about any sporting goods store for a few dollars. These guards are soaked in hot water until they are soft and then they can be molded to your teeth with your fingers. (read the instructions!)

Mouth guards prevent you from biting your tongue or chipping your teeth. The can also reduce the potential for a concusion if you were to take a hard blow to the head. (which shouldn't happen if you're training properly)

GROIN(AND/OR BREAST) PROTECTION

Wear groin protection. Boxers use equipment that protects not only the groin but the kidneys as well. If you can afford the boxing gear fine, but if you are doing only light, controlled impact work, a regular athletic groin protector will do. I encourage women to invest in athletic breast protectors.

HEADGEAR

Boxing headgear is an optional piece of equipment you might want to invest in. If you are going to get into sparring and more intense training, I highly recommend it. However, for lighter, more controlled "de-sensitization" training, it is not necessary.

CONCLUSION

If you are interested in developing realistic self defense skills you must come to terms with the reality that you might get hit. Self-doubt or being overwhelmed with fear compromises successful defense.

Properly conducted impact training is an excellent fear management strategy that will enhance your resilience and effectiveness.

Randy LaHaie
www.ProtectiveStrategies.com

Randy LaHaie is the president of Protective Strategies and has been teaching reality-based self-defense for over 30 years. He is the author of several "Toughen Up Combative Training Guides" (http://www.ToughenUp.com)

Subscribe to his Free Self-Defense Newsletter at http://www.ProtectiveStrategies.com.

Martial Arts Instructors Tips For Strong Retention

1. Disguise Repetition

Students can drop out very quickly if there classes are monotonous,to develop skill students do need lots of repetition. It�s your job to make the leaing process exciting and fun through variation. Be creative have students work with partners, on pads, in lines, circles and facing the instructor, keep things moving.

2. Keep Your Students Progressing

The martial arts belts system is one of our biggest advantages over other activities. It helps set goals for students and gives them something new around their waist that tells them they are progressing as they succeed at each leaing hurdle, which motivates and builds confidence. Make the curriculum the main focus of your school, infact make it your responsibility to help every single person be ready to take their next test, if you do this 80% and above of your student body will be ready to take the test. We are not talking about reducing your standards we are talking about refining your focus; encouraging students to attend class consistently and practice at home. Introduce mini monthly assessments, awarding stripes to belts to breakdown the testing phase into small chunks �inch by inch it�s a cinch, yard by yard it�s hard!�

3. Recognise Your Students Efforts

Students must feel progress; we all thrive on someone recognising our efforts and giving us praise, so if your student�s side kick has improved tell them about it, make their day! Be honest and sincere and lea to look for the good in your students.

4. Keep Safety In Mind

Protect your students especially beginners, consider proper pairing of students, teach correct use of equipment, preframe control at all times, and introduce sparring gradually. Make sure you can see and maintain control of the full class at all times. Beware of any past injuries or medical conces, and plan your classes accordingly to be within people�s physical limitations. Check the floor space is clear and that people are not training too close together.

5. Motivational Curriculum

The perfect curriculum should be like a pyramid upside down, with less material at the beginning and gradual increases at each belt level. Using this method will not reduce the standards of your black belts and will dramatically increase the numbers that achieve this standard. Having too much material at the early stages of a curriculum just overwhelms students and tells them this is too difficult for me.

6. Know Your Students

Make the effort to lea and use all our student�s names every time they come to class. Make eye contact with all your students and make appropriate physical contact such as handshake or high five. Seek out the quite ones that disappear without anyone noticing, make an extra effort to speak to those students. Take time to develop rapport and show your students they are important to you, be careful not to overdue it, be friendly but not friends. Students don't care how much you know until they know how much you care!

7. Smiling Sweating & Leaing

Try and achieve a balance to your classes so students can smile and enjoy themselves without losing discipline, they get a workout as well as practicing the technical elements and they lea something in every class no matter how small. Using SSL will ensure your classes have a healthy balance that encompasses all your students� needs.

8. Paint The Picture

Never assume your students know where they are going with their training, make every class encompass the theme of achieving the goal of Black Belt, this will keep your students focused. So when something comes up in their life and something has to give, it will not be their martial arts training as they will realise how important it is to achieve their goals. Help your students to visualise the mental and physical skills they will achieve through their black belt goal.

Lee Mainprizer is a martial arts business expert and founder of http://www.mainstructor.com "the ultimate instructors tool"

Facts About Martial Arts for Kids Part 1

There are many myths about martial arts training, and the general public accepts some as fact. In the following article, I have outlined general guidelines, and precautions, for parents who are considering enrolling their child, or children, into martial arts.

Below, I have listed some common issues and questions that parents often ask about martial arts for their children. Also, you will be much more informed about the benefits of martial arts, the structure with a martial arts school, and know what to realistically expect.

What should I be looking for in a martial arts school?

Safety comes as a first priority for parents who seek martial arts instruction for their children. Here are a number of key factors to consider:

Is safety equipment used when children are performing exercises and drills that require contact? This is especially important when children are sparring in martial arts. In many martial arts schools, sparring equipment is required, or the child cannot spar. The number of injuries resulting from sparring in Karate, Kung Fu, and Tae Kwon Do is surprisingly low in comparison to many league sports.

Never the less, I once had a father pull his son out of our martial arts school because he found a karate studio that would let his son "fight" without protective equipment. In our school, it is mandatory to wear martial arts equipment for the safety of the students. Sparring equipment has come a long way, so why not use it?

The flooring surface should match the martial art. If take downs, sweeps, and throws are required, there should be some kind of matted floor available. Many of the state-of-the-art martial arts schools have a floor surface specifically designed for martial arts. It makes no sense to have anyone throw a classmate on a hard floor, with the type of flooring available, as this can result in long-term injuries.

Can parents watch Karate classes?

Let's put it this way, if you cannot watch your child practice karate, or any other martial art, you should find another school. I can appreciate the fact that some martial arts instructors don't want to deal with interfering parents. This is the reason for rules and signs.

Remember the "hockey dad" incident? There are a few people who, through their own conduct, create rules for the rest of us. However, you are the parent and are entitled to see your child train in karate or any martial arts class.

Fire exits, fire extinguishers, and someone who monitors visitors, as they enter a karate studio full of children, should be standard features. We have three fire exits and one main entrance, in our studio, but only one door is used for an entrance. Kids understand security because they see the same precautions in elementary school.

Also, watch out for poles in the middle of the room. Adults will spot them, but an excited child in a karate class may forget and end up crashing into one. Make sure that you feel secure about the studio, surroundings, rules, and the staff before you make a decision to have your child take martial arts classes.

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote Yoga: The Key to Self-Mastery. His martial arts site is: http://www.kids-karate.com

Bruce Lee With A Gun

Can you imagine Bruce Lee with a gun?

Me neither.

Truth is, there's very little about Bruce Lee's view on guns. He was more focused on using his body, other weapons, and his mind to win and dominate fights.

But here's the rub:

If you want to give yourself the highest chance of survival in a violent situation you should at least familiarize yourself with the basics of firearms. Even if you are someone who doesn't want to have a gun, use a gun or even look at a gun.

Why?

Because -- and this happens all the time to people who never thought it would -- you never know when you will have to use a neighbor's, or one that you've just wrestled out of the hands of an attacker.

This is a very common scenario, actually. You just never know when you are going to be thrust into a situation where you will have to use someone else's firearm to save your own life.

For example...

Imagine you are fighting some thug and you manage to disarm him. He gets up and pulls a long, blood stained knife and starts coming at you.. You have the gun pointed at him and have maybe five seconds to use it.

Do you know where the safety is on it? Do you know how to quickly tu off the safety if it is on? Is the gun cocked? Are there any bullets in it? If so how many? Do you know how to check?

For some people, these are simple questions. For others -- especially people who are deathly afraid of guns, or hate them and have never really considered they may need to use one some day -- these are just a few things to consider leaing about.

Sifu Matt Numrich is one of only a few instructors with Full Certification in Bruce Lee�s Jeet Kune Do, and also the Filipino Martial Arts. His students include everyone from Federal Air Marshals and military elites�to small children and 65-year old ladies. Matt also offers free weekly street-fighting lessons by email at http://jkdondvd.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Numrich

The Benefits Of Focus Pad Training

In my years as a self-defense instructor, I have tried and tested many training methods to find out the fastest, most effective way to produce the best results in the shortest time possible.

I don't run a self-defense club or ongoing long-term classes. My "specialty" is short-term courses and seminars. I need to share knowledge and teach physical skills in the shortest time possible. And that training has to "stick."

I don't "train" people. I teach them how to train themselves. I encourage my clients to take full responsibility for their own leaing process and the results that they produce. There are many excellent resources out there, but that's all they are�

Information is inert until you apply it to accomplish something. Its up to you, study and apply them.

One of the most powerful methods I've found to teach proper punching and striking skills in the fastest, most efficient way is FOCUS PAD training.

WHAT ARE FOCUS PADS?

Focus pads (also called focus mitts, coaching pads, punch mitts and target pads) are flat, hand-held pads that are about 12 inches in diameter.

They are made of dense foam covered in leather or vinyl. They have been used in boxing, kickboxing and martial arts training for ages.

HOW ARE THEY USED?

The pads are held by a coach or training partner at different ranges, positions and levels. The puncher and pad holder work together to build offensive and defensive skills, sharpen reflexes and condition the body.

THE BENEFITS OF FOCUS PAD TRAINING

Focus pads are cheap, portable and easy to find. They are an excellent training investment that allow you to conduct a wide variety of drills for the development of several combative qualities.

If you're still undecided about whether or not focus pad training is right for you, here are some of the benefits.

FOCUS PAD TRAINING IS FUN AND CHALLENGING!

Focus pad training is a blast. Partner training with focus pads allows you to perform a wide variety of drills and "fighting games."

Because there are so many ways to use focus pads, it's easy to keep your training fun and interesting. And most importantly� if you enjoy doing something, you'll do it more often.

FOCUS PADS ARE INEXPENSIVE

You can pick up a pair of focus pads at a good sporting goods or martial art supply store. A decent pair will set you back about 50 to 70 bucks.

You'll also need a good pair of bag gloves or boxing gloves to protect your knuckles. They'll cost you about the same. $100 bucks for a full-blown training system seems like a pretty decent investment to me!

FOCUS PADS ARE PORTABLE

Unlike equipment such as heavy bags, focus pads are small, light and extremely portable. You can throw them in a sport bag or knapsack and take them pretty much anywhere.

Because they don't have to be installed or mounted, they are excellent where room is limited or its impractical to install more cumbersome equipment.

FOCUS PADS DEVELOP EXCELLENT HITTING SKILLS FAST

If I had to teach you how to hit properly, in the shortest time possible, I'd use focus pads. If you already knew how to punch but you wanted to improve and refine you hitting skills, again I'd recommend focus pad work.

Because the pads are relatively small, they develop accuracy.

Because they can be moved quickly into different positions and at different angles, they are one of the best methods available for working punches in combination.

Because they can be moved dynamically and even pulled out of the way, they can be used to develop quick thinking and "non-telegraphic" delivery.

FOCUS PADS SUPPLEMENT HEAVY BAG TRAINING

All impact training stresses the body. If you hit too hard or too often you're going to get injured. The problem is that punching power increases faster than the body can adapt and become resilient enough to withstand that impact energy.

There is a period of "adaptation" required before for tendons and ligaments become stronger and more resilient.

It takes about 6 to 10 weeks of more moderate training before all out, full power hitting efforts can be performed safely. That's where focus pads come in.

For starters, there is far less resistance to hitting a focus pad than a 60 to 100 lb heavy bag. That allows you to work on your punching power with less strain on your joints and connective tissues. This allows you to work your way up to more demanding heavy bag training which is undeniably harder on the body.

If you already do heavy bag work, you can do your focus pad work on days in between your heavy bag sessions. That will afford you some "active recovery" and the ability to continue working on your hitting skills while giving your body a time to recover.

FOCUS PADS IMPROVE YOUR SPARRING AND FIGHTING SKILLS

If you ever watch a good fighter sparring, you'll notice that he begins to react to being punched at BEFORE the punch is even thrown.

Its almost as if he is reading their opponent's mind and anticipating what is about to happen before it does.

What is actually happening is that by being punched (or kicked) at over and over again, the brain begins to interpret the meaning of certain positions, weight distributions and body signals.

When holding the pads and watching various punches travelling in your direction, you begin to establish "patte recognition" which will enhance your ability to anticipate and defend yourself from attack.

STRESS INOCULATION (HIT PSYCHOLOGY)

Many people are terrified with the idea of being hit in a fight. Just as many are uncomfortable with the idea of punching another human being. (I'm not sure why because I kinda like it! ;-)

In fact, because it is an "unknown" people are far more conceed about being hit than they should be. Speaking from the perspective of someone who has been punched, hit and kicked thousands and thousands of time; its not so bad! You do not want to be terrified by the idea of being hit or overwhelmed if it happens.

I refer to your comfort level with the idea of hitting and being hit as "Hit Psychology." People with weak hit psychology are more prone to panic or "freeze up" in a combative situation. They can become overwhelmed by an exaggerated and unnecessary fear of the encounter and perform poorly.

We have a term for that in the self-defense field� Its called, "NOT GOOD!"

Stress inoculation is a process of de-sensitizing someone to the fear of combat by exposing them to controlled amounts of impact in a low stress, non- threatening environment.

In a short period of time, the student finds that situations that formerly terrified her are far more manageable and even enjoyable!

FIGHT-RELATED CONDITIONING

Did you know that conditioning is "exercise specific?" If you are a runner, your body will become fit and accustom to running but not nearly as much for swimming or cycling.

If you work out on an elliptical machine, your body gets more efficient at working out on an elliptical machine. Your body adapts and improves specific to the activity that you are participating in. So what you ask?

I'll tell you what� the best way to condition your body for fighting is by mimicking movements and actions that are like fighting. It's as simple as that.

I have trained with people who would be considered extremely fit athletically but tire very quickly when introduced to combative training drills.

The good news is that there are a wide variety of combative drills that you can do with focus pads that will tone the muscles, build your stamina and endurance and enhance your self-defense performance.

SO� what I'm saying is this. Not only is combative training such as pad work an excellent, whole body form of exercise. The conditioning provides fitness qualities directly relevant to self-defense and fighting.

FOCUS PAD TRAINING BURNS FAT

Many people undertake ongoing martial arts and self-defense training to get into shape� and more specifically to lose weight (excess body fat) and regain a lean and mean physique. Focus pad training is excellent for fat loss. Here's why�

Not that long ago, the belief was that the best way to lose body fat was through LSD (long slow distance) aerobic exercise. In other words, low intensity exercise that was sustained for at least 20 to 30 minutes. The theory was that during exercise your body uses fat as a fuel source at lower intensity and it bus glucose instead of fat at higher intensity levels.

That might be true, but the assumption was that fat loss is based on the amount of calories you bued during your workout. That's not the case. The amount of calories you bu during your exercises session is minimal.

What does matter is the extra calories you bu BETWEEN your workouts.

Fat buing is accomplished more effectively by interval training. Interval training involves periods of moderate to high intensity exertion intersperse with low intensity periods to catch your breath and recover your energy in between.

This type of training will increase your metabolism for hours after your workout and you will bu more overall calories and body fat.

Focus pads are excellent for interval training.

FOCUS PAD TRAINING REDUCES STRESS

There have been very few evolutionary changes in the human body in millions of years. One thing that has not changed is our survival mechanism. The body is predisposed to "fighting or fleeing" from a threatening situation.

What HAS changed however is the fact that in mode day life, most of the "threats" we perceive are not actual, physical threats and do not merit kicking butt or running off. So what happens is that we activate this "fight or flight response" but do neither.

A host of chemical and physical changes occur that, if left unchecked become toxic and unhealthy. That is why exercise is so healthy and such a great way to manage stress.

I suggest that cardiovascular exercise satisfies the body's need for flight. I believe that impact training such as hitting a pair of focus pads or a heavy bag satisfies the bodies evolutionary need to fight.

FOCUS PAD TRAINING MAKES YOU MENTALLY TOUGHER

Mental Toughness is the ability to be effective, healthy and happy regardless of the challenges and stressors in your life. It involves building your ability to cope with stress by repeatedly exposing yourself to stress and then recovering from it.

The more you do this the tougher you get on a physical, mental and emotional level. Focus pad training can be used to improve your mental toughness in two ways.

Physiologically, The interval training that I've already mentioned builds mental toughness. Doing "round training." (intervals of exertion interspersed with short periods of recovery) teaches your body to expend energy and then recover. This expend, recover, expend, recover process makes you tougher and more emotionally resilient.

Another opportunity that focus pads provide is the ability to design "never give up drills." I've referred to this in my Power Punching Guide as "blitz" training.

Blitz training is an advance training method that involves going "all out" for a predetermined period of time. You push yourself through the pain of lactic acid in your muscles and the discomfort of being winded and push, push push yourself until you reach the end of the drill.

This is not only a terrific conditioner for your body but it is also an excellent mental exercise to teach you on of the most important traits that you can have for self-defense: "NEVER GIVE UP."

FINAL THOUGHTS

Bottom line� if want to develop and refine your punching skills quickly, condition your body with fight-related exercise and design challenging and versatile training sessions then take a serious look at focus pad training.

Randy LaHaie
Randy@ToughenUp.com

Randy LaHaie is the president of Protective Strategies and has been teaching reality-based self-defense for over 30 years. He is the author of several "Toughen Up Combative Training Guides" (http://www.ToughenUp.com)

Subscribe to his Free Self-Defense Newsletter at http://www.ProtectiveStrategies.com

Relaxation for Martial Arts

In some areas of life, tension can be a good thing...at least in the short term. Tension can motivate us to complete a task. From my experience, this isn't true for sportsman and woman. In martial arts, increased tension can slow your movements, can dull your brain and make you a soft target.

Is your heart racing even before you have started your exercise and you feel rushed and panicked?

Are the weeks leading up to a grading, demonstration or competition characterised by a disrupted sleep patte and a stomach full of knots? If so, it is likely that you are tense and the resultant tiredness and lack of energy simply feedsback to your mind and you tell yourself that you are not going to succeed.

This negativity will stop you from performing well on the day even if at every training session your flying around the dojo and nailing each move at every attempt. Unfortunately, tuing off the tension is not like switching off a light bulb; its not easy but it can and should be done. There are two areas of your body that need to relax; firstly, the mind and secondly, everything else! I dont believe the two can be seperated.

To help relax the mind, start by ditching all stressful thinking and replace it with more pleasurable thoughts. Completely switch of the stress inducing thoughts; put them in a mental bucket as you go through the day and then empty your bucket before you start training. Okay, your bucket might fill up again during the next day due to the pressures of work and mode life but you can empty the bucket as many times as you like and as often as you like.

If you find the visualisation technique described above a little too 'out there', then try this instead...day dream. Imagine yourself somewhere nice, doing something fun and relaxing with people that keep you calm. This should lead to you feeling good and happy about life. When you bring yourself back to reality, keep a grasp of those good feelings you have just generated.

The most useful tip for keeping yourself mentally relaxed may come across as a little harsh, but here goes... do not surround yourself with people or situations that get you stressed. You might know someone with the kind of personallity that generally brings people down, if so, have as little to do with them as possible. Life is far too short to let other people drive a wedge between you and your deserved peace of mind.

In the Martial Arts, physical relaxation is heavily influenced by the exercises and stretching that you do with your instructor. But I believe that you can practice total body relaxation at any point during the day which, in the long term, will help you become a relaxed individual. One simple exercise is to tense your muscles and then relax them, making sure you can clearly differentiate between the two sensations. Relaxing from an enforced muscle tension can force your body to relax.

Obviously, for many Martial Arts regular stretching is required to help reach your potential. I'm not a doctor or physician and have only my experience to support this, but I do believe that through simple exercises such as the ones above, we can become more relaxed and de-stressed. This can only help us with our martial arts training.

David S Evans, co-founder of UK-MartialArtist.co.uk, Martial Arts Resource and BigRedBall website design, Birmingham (UK).

Japanese Samurai Swords Buying Guide

When it comes to samurai swords, there is quite a bit of terminology for the new collector to understand. But we want to make it easy for anyone to find a good quality samurai sword that will last a lifetime, no matter if you're looking for one of the very sought after Paul Chen Katana swords for battle or just a quality sword to hang over the mantle.

The first thing to consider for your new samurai sword is the type and quality of the blade. If you're looking for a you want to be sure and choose a full tang blade, which all of our authentic samurai swords feature as well as all of our battle ready swords. The term "full tang" means that the blade and the part of the sword under the Tsuka (handle) is one long piece of steel. If you get a sword that is not full tang then you're basically buying it to hang on the wall and nothing more.

The next thing to consider when choosing a sword is the type of steel that the blade is made of. There are basically 3 types of steel, 420 J2 (Stainless steel), High Carbon, and Folded steel. If you are looking for a battle ready sword you'll want to stay away from the 420 J2 Stainless. High carbon steel is very high quality steel; however folded steel is the strongest. Actually it's not that the folded steel is a different type of steel, but how the blade is forged.

A folded steel blade is typically made from high carbon steel. The difference is that a folded steel blade is just like it says; the steel is folded over and over again until the smith believes that it is adequate.

Some people say that a good high carbon steel blade can be just as strong as a folded steel blade. The smiths for the Thaitsuki Nihonto Swords claim to have mastered a form of forging high carbon steel blades that is just as strong if not stronger than many of the folded steel blades.

When choosing a sword samurai sword there are basically 3 different styles to consider, the katana sword, the Wakizashi sword and the Tanto sword. The Japanese Katana Sword is the most popular among collectors and martial arts students alike.

The katana sword was the first and is still the most popular of all samurai swords. The blade is typically 29" long with an overall length around 40"

The Wakizashi sword is the shorter companion blade of the katana sword. We first see the Wakizashi sword during the Muromachi period (1568-1603). The Wakizashi was about 18" long and only allowed to be carried by a samurai. Carrying both the katana and the Wakizashi was popular for the next few hundred years.

The smallest samurai sword would be the tanto sword or dagger. Originally tanto swords were 12" in length or less but it's not out of the ordinary to come across a Tanto that is 15" long.

Samurai sword collecting is a very popular past time for many Americans. Something that is becoming even more popular is martial arts that make use of samurai sword for fighting and cutting exercises. The most popular and affordable authentic samurai swords are the Paul Chen Swords. You can find a decent Paul Chen Practical Katana Sword for under $200. However for less than a hundred more you can get yourself a Paul Chen Practical Plus Katana. If you're looking for something a little more pricy the Paul Chen Bushido Katana or the Orchid Katana will last a lifetime and can take quite a beating. The Orchid and Bushido also come in a Wakizashi and Tanto.

In conclusion, the most important thing when buying your sword is that you know what kind of blade you're getting. If you want a functional sword be sure that you're not getting one that's only made to hang on the wall. If it's not clearly stated on the page for the sword, don't hesitate to contact the store to ask any questions you might have.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

At Japanese Swords 4 Samurai we have a samurai sword expert waiting to answer any questions you might have. Want to own a real Japanese Samurai Sword come and check out our store. You can find us online at www.japaneseswords4samurai.com

In the Ninja Warrior s Martial Art of Ninjutsu Practice Makes Perfect

In the ninja's martial arts, just as with everything else in life, experience brings many benefits. The more a person does something, the greater the level of confidence, understanding, and proficiency they will have with that 'thing.' This is a truth but as with any medicine, is often hard to swallow.

If we are to become truly skilled at our martial art - able to use our skills in an actual confrontation should one ever arise - we must be able to do our techniques as easily as we tie our shoes or lift a fork to our mouths to eat. And, unfortunately, two classes a week will NOT bring about this mastery and skill.

True mastery comes from practice - the homework done when we're away from class to perfect our skill. Just as with any other schooling, homework is necessary to really get good at what it is that we're trying to lea. This is something we cannot get in the classroom where the leaing takes place. Practice is the constant experience derived from having done the techniques repeatedly. It is the magnifying glass which spots the errors that must be fixed for the technique to work quickly, efficiently and correctly.

The basics - the bare essentials - that every technique or kata form is based on must be drilled over and over until we can do them without thinking. The basic skills - the Kamae, strikes, rolling and breakfalling skills, and the basic footwork pattes - must be practiced over and over and over and over and . . . Remember that, your body tells on you. The instructors can see who practices at home and who does not. We can tell by the questions asked (or not asked) and by the corrections that have to be made.

We know, because we have been where our students are now. We have had...

• The same time constraints

• The same familial obligations

• The same conces with job, travel, and money

• The same practice area limitations; and...

• The same excuses...

... given in the hopes that our teachers will somehow see our plight as more forgiving than others and 'lighten-up' on us so we won't have to work so hard.

Your teachers know that what they're giving you in class is only the tip of the iceberg. They know that you cannot possibly lea all there is to know in just a few short classes a week. They know how hard mastery is and, most important of all, they know what you will be up against if you should ever need your training to save yourself or someone you care about.

We do live in a relatively peaceful society, and chances are most of us will never need to use our skills in defense of ourselves or others. But, who knows if he or she will ever be the target of a brutal attacker? And, most importantly...

...who wants to have a black belt and not be able to survive if an attack does happen, and...

..."Tag - you're it!"

Read more articles like this by subscribing to the author's newsletter at: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/newsletter.html Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior Concepts Inteational. In addition to regular classes for local students, he is called upon by groups and organizations as a speaker, lecturer, and seminar leader on such topics as child-safety, leadership, self-defense, and the benefits of training in the martial art of ninjutsu He may be contacted for media interviews and seminar/speaking information at (570) 988-2228 or through his website at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com

The Bizarre Self Defense Secret That Terrifies Violent Thugs

Did you know that when you begin leaing martial arts, self defense and how to handle yourself in a violent situation, you actually start to give off certain "vibes" in your regular, every day life, that tell people you're not someone to mess with?

It's true.

In fact, I've seen this phenomenon so many times, it doesn't even surprise me anymore.

For example, a martial arts student of mine (someone who is small and looks anything but "tough") once told me how his wife started noticing a change in him within just weeks of starting his self defense classes.

She noticed it one day when they were at the store. Apparently, he was just kind of standing there in this crowded store, where a bunch of cash registers were down and people were tense and getting angry.

Yet he just kind of stood there in line and she noticed he looked...well...tough. She never thought of him like this. And never in a million years would have guessed it was possible for him.

But there was something in his eye, she said, the way he looked and even the way he stood, that said, "back off."

And you want to know something?

When you start leaing martial arts -- and especially how to street fight -- and when you really know, in your heart and mind, you can take out someone who attacks you -- even if they're bigger, stronger and meaner than you are -- people will sense it.

The chances of someone picking you out to rob, mug or threaten go way down. You won't come off as being weak. You'll come off as being tough, and in control. Even if you're a naturally small and skinny guy or completely out of shape.

It won't be a conscious thing, either. In fact, you won't even know it's going on. You'll only know when someone, like my student's wife did for him, tells you about it.

Sifu Matt Numrich is one of only a few instructors with Full Certification in Bruce Lee�s Jeet Kune Do, and also the Filipino Martial Arts. His students include everyone from Federal Air Marshals and military elites�to small children and 65-year old ladies. Matt also offers free weekly street-fighting lessons by email at http://jkdondvd.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Numrich

Samurai Swords Choosing a Sword to Buy

It�s undeniable that a well placed and mounted samurai sword or samurai sword set looks fantastic and an ads character to any room of the home, but is it worth spending upwards of $650 on such a sword or sword set? This all depends on your reasons for buying a samurai sword.

If you are merely purchasing a samurai sword for display purposes and positioning it as a focal point in a room then you certainly don�t need to spend anything like the amount suggested above, you can just go for a relatively cheap manufactured replica with the necessary sword stand. Sword stands come in a variety of applications � table standing, wall mounted or single standing sword stands. How you display your samurai sword or set is up to you, although I personally think they look fantastic on the wall above the fireplace. It gives the room a real atmosphere.

If you�re interested in martial arts however, buying a quality forged blade is an absolute must, both for safety in the Dojo and simply because it will be required for cutting. Handling swords is extremely dangerous alone, never mind trying to cut through objects and swing about a manufactured replica not meant for that purpose.

The Paul Chen range of practical Katanas is a brilliant start to your samurai sword martial arts career, and come in a variety of flavours � the popular Katana, Wakizashi and of course the Tanto. These blades are designed for cutting and are extremely sharp � always seek proper training when it comes to handling swords of any kind.

Article by Nick Johnson, visit his website on samurai swords for more information on samurai swords

Martial Arts 5 Ways Too Build Your Self Confidence

If you appreciate a strong, healthy self confidence that carries you through overwhelming times and drives you to achieving your most far reaching goals, martial arts is for you.

A person�s self-confidence is like a muscle, it needs to be exercised in order to grow and develop. In the 20 plus years that I�ve been teaching Martial Arts in our community we have developed a 5 step approach to building self-confidence. These 5 steps can be leaed by anyone � with the right guidance:

1. Correct Body Posture. The importance of the correct body posture is paramount. We all send hidden, sub-conscious messages with our body language and the way we carry ourselves. Carry yourself with pride, confidence and security. Carry yourself like a successful person and your confidence will show.

2. Proper Eye Contact. Making proper eye contact when speaking to others has a huge effect on the conversation. Have you ever been talking to somebody and instantly felt connected? Like you�ve known this person forever? Chances are, they understand the importance of body language, and proper eye-contact.

3. Goal Setting. Goal setting is talked about by everybody, and most people understand the importance of this process. Then why do most people miss their mark? Because they don�t have the discipline and confidence to see the goal through. Our process teaches you the right way to set goals and actually achieve them!

4. Communication. Inspiring those around you is critical to getting what you want. Whether they are your children, co-workers, employees or boss, good leaders are inspirational. We teach this inspirational formula.

5. Mentors. All of the skills above, a healthy body and mind combined with a good mentor or two will make all the difference in the world for your happiness and success.

Mr. Robert Jones runs three successful martial arts schools located in Bellevue, Lynnwood, and Kent Washington. He has been helping families make positive changes in their lives through martial arts for over 20 years. He has also written two guides on how to pick a martial arts school. One for adults and one for parents wanting to pick the right school for their children. He can be reached at martialadvice@hotmail.com or at the Academy of Kempo Martial Arts. 800-508-6141.

The Karate Myth Why Most Martial Arts and Self Defense Programs Are Wrong

You know, when I first started leaing how to protect myself, the training was almost entirely focused on the memorization and performance of the technique. What I mean is...

...the lessons revolved around the step-by-step mindset. Even testing was centered around the correct "performance" of the technique in question. But, that performance was tied more to duplicating a string of "moves" than it was on...

...the successful resolution of the situation based on what was going on!

I remember a friend of mine during those days. He was very good at the art that we were studying and much further along than I was at the time.

He was testing for his black belt and everything was going well. His "performance" was flawless -at least as far as I could tell.

Then, during the last part of the final kata ('preset fight scenario'), he changed the move from a strike to a shoulder throw. The throw was awesome and his partner never saw it coming. It was great!

He told me later that, everything was going along as it should be and he knew what was to come next but...

...something was "off" with what his partner was doing with that last punch.

He literally "found himself" executing the throw, and remembered thinking, "this isn't right."

Well, long story short...

...he failed that test.

I couldn't believe it. According to the judges - the panel of "experts" who were supposedly teaching him to be able to "go with the flow" and defend himself... He failed!

He took a surprise situation, adapted to it, and still maintained control of the flow of things in a way that ended with him being the victor.

"Yes", said the judges, many of whom were our instructors, "that's true. But he didn't do the technique correctly."

This was one of the most significant moments of my life. When I realized that, the reason I was there for training - to not die in a situation - was not the focus of the training...

...at least NOT at that school.

Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and director of Warrior Concepts Inteational in Sunbury, Pennsylvania. He is the author of the "Foundations of Self-Defense Mastery" eCourse, which is available free of charge to subscribers of his self defense newsletter. You can subscribe to the newsletter at: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/newsletter-subscribe-self-defense.html He is also the creator of the EDR: Non-Martial Arts Defensive Training Program, author of the book, "The Karate-Myth" as-well-as the powerful, "Danger Prevention Tactics" video. Additional information is available by visiting http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com

Why Is Everbody Always Picking On Me Short Circuiting the Victim Selection Process

Michele was uncomfortable when alone in public and questioned her ability to protect herself. She was tired of being the brunt of lewd remarks, unwanted advances and harassment. She was constantly singled out and bothered by panhandlers and drunken Casanova's at the bar. She decided to do something about it.

About a year ago, Michele enrolled in a self-defense class at a local community center. She was committed to put an end to people taking advantage of her. She wanted to lea to defend herself and resolve her fears and worries once and for all.

Michele enjoyed what she was leaing. She began reading about self-defense and leaed more about victimization and what to do about it. She became more interested in her fitness and practiced what she leaed in self-defense class. She even hung up a boxer's heavy bag from the rafters in her basement and pounded on it to "bu off the stress" of a hard day at the office. She was feeling more confident and in control over her life.

On a cold November night, Michele was walking alone to her car at the end of the late shift at her job as a hospital receptionist. Usually, she timed her departure to walk with the other employees but tonight she was too tired to wait and just wanted to get home.

Unbeknownst to her, a predator was lurking in the shadows hunting for an unwitting victim. He spotted Michele walking in the distance. She spotted him too. She had trained herself to be aware of her surroundings and noticed him advancing toward her.

A surge of adrenaline coursed through her. Her knees grew weak and her heart pounded as she fought off the urge to panic. She began to assess her situation and formulate a plan of action. She looked directly at the shadowy figure making it obvious that she was aware of his presence. Walking briskly and deliberately, she continued toward her car well aware that she was being followed.

Do you know what happened next? Nothing! For whatever reason, the predator aborted his plan and renewed his search for someone else; someone who would be easier to catch off guard and control. Exactly why he chose not to finish what he started remains a mystery to Michele.

You were probably hoping for a more dramatic climax to the story weren't you? If this was a Hollywood movie, Michele would have been attacked and, with an impressive blur of martial wizardry, she would have transformed her assailant into a crumpled, crotch-holding heap on the sidewalk. Sorry, not this time.

The "Preparation Equals Prevention Theory"

The more prepared you are to deal with a crisis, the less likely you will have to. Preparation equals prevention. People are drawn to self-defense training for varied and personal reasons. Often it's because they've been bullied, harassed or victimized in the past. Sometimes they haven't been but are conceed about the possibility. People need to feel safe. It is a fundamental human need and necessary for mental health. Many psychologists consider the threat of interpersonal violence to be a "universal human phobia."

Proper self-defense training builds skill, fitness and self-confidence. Students soon become more comfortable with the idea of standing up to their harassers, whether they be a school yard or workplace bully, a drunk at the bar or a panhandler demanding money. They become more aware themselves, their surrounds and their options to deal with volatile situations. They become more indignant that someone would consider them and easy target.

Often, as in Michele's case, the incidents that formerly plagued them just stop. Why is this?

===== Victim Selection Criteria =====

Psychologists have known for years that human predators select their prey based on signals given off by their potential victims. In a matter of seconds, the predator acquires a sense of who is and isn't a suitable target. For every victim that is attacked, many more are past over. What are the criteria that predators use to select their victims? I'll tell you.

What does a predator look for?

Like a wild animal, the human predator wants an easy conquest. He does not want his job to be any more difficult or hazardous than it has to be. He will seek out those he perceives as weak, submissive and unlikely to fight back. He doesn't want resistance and he certainly doesn't want to be injured himself. A sign of strength or defiance, whether blatant or implied, is often sufficient to cause him to abandon the predatory process and look for a more "cooperative" victim.

If they can help it, bullies don't pick fights with people who will pound them into the pavement! They won't select people who will confront and challenge their behavior. Rapists, muggers, abusers and bullies look for someone they can dominate and control.

Note: Some self-defense programs advocate ALWAYS adopting a defiant and challenging response in a confrontation. Don't accept simplistic solutions to complex problems. The world doesn't work that way.

What may dissuade one assailant may infuriate another. A defiant response may create a situation where the assailant feels obligated to carry out his threat or "lose face." People will fight to save face even if think they'll lose!

As you will lea in subsequent articles, we need to develop a range of skills and apply the most appropriate one for the circumstances encountered.

===== The Grayson/Stein Study =====

In 1984 two researchers, Betty Grayson and Morris I. Stein, conducted a study to determine the selection criteria applied by predators when selecting their victims. They videotaped several pedestrians on a busy New York City sidewalk without their knowledge.

They later showed the tape to convicts who were incarcerated for violent offenses (rape, murder, robbery, etc.) They instructed them to identify people on the tape who would make easy or desirable victims. The results were interesting.

Within seven seconds, the participants made their selections. What baffled researchers was the consistency of the people that were selected as victims. The criteria were not readily apparent. Some small, slightly built women were passed over. Some large men were selected. The selection was not dependant on race, age, size or gender.

Even the convicts didn't know exactly why they selected as they did. Some people just looked like easy targets. It appears that much of the predator/prey selection process is unconscious from the perspective of both predator and the potential victim.

Video Analysis

Still at a loss of specific selection criteria, the researches had a more thorough analysis of the movement and body language of the people on the videotape. Here is an overview of the results:

1. Stride:

People selected as victims had an exaggerated stride: either abnormally short or long. They dragged, shuffled or lifted their feet unnaturally as they walked. Non-victims, on the other hand, tended to have a smooth, natural gate. They stepped in a heel-to-toe fashion.

2. Rate:

Victims tend to walk at a different rate than non-victims. Usually, they walk slower than the flow of pedestrian traffic. Their movement lacks a sense of deliberateness or purpose. However, an unnaturally rapid pace can project nervousness or fear.

3. Fluidity:

Researchers noted awkwardness in a victim's body movement. Jerkiness, raising and lowering one's center of gravity or wavering from side to side as they moved became apparent in the victims analyzed. This was contrasted with smoother, more coordinated movement of the non-victims.

4. Wholeness:

Victims lacked "wholeness" in their body movement. They swung their arms as if they were detached and independent from the rest of their body. Non-victims moved their body from their "center" as a coordinated whole implying strength, balance and confidence.

5. Posture and Gaze:

A slumped posture is indicative of weakness or submissiveness. A downward gaze implies preoccupation and being unaware of one's surroundings. Also, someone reluctant to establish eye contact can be perceived as submissive. These traits imply an ideal target for a predator.

In his book, "The Danger From Strangers," author James D. Brewer quotes one of the researchers who conducted the above mentioned study, "Grayson is convinced that when people understand how to move confidently they can, �be taught how to walk that way and substantially reduce their risk of assault'"

How does this apply to Prevention Theory?

If you read between the lines of this research, the "Preparation Equals Prevention Theory" makes more sense. The traits described above indicate varying degrees of balance, coordination and awareness. They imply a person's perceived vigilance and potential to fight.

Self-defense study and training develops the qualities of movement that discourage victim selection and project a "don't mess with me" demeanor. This explains why a person who had formerly been bullied or victimized takes up the study of self-defense and the incidents that originally plagued him or her stop.

Unlike Professor Grayson, I doubt that the solution to reducing one's victim potential is as simple as taking "walking lessons." Also, contrary to what many self-defense instructors suggest, you cannot simply "pretend" or "fake" confidence and expect to ward off predatory selection.

I doubt that a deliberate attempt to modify the way you walk, move and swing your arms (even if you could do so) would bring about the desired results. Imagine an awkward, out of shape person trying to consciously correct flawed body movements associated to being awkward and out of shape. You can't fake coordination. You can't fake balance. You can't fake strength or endurance. However, each of these qualities can be developed through the study of self-defense and can dramatically reduce the risk of assault.

==== So What? How Can I Use This Information? ====

Much of the predator/prey selection process is subconscious. I believe that it is an evolutionary quality of the subconscious mind that we inherited from our ancestors. It would have been necessary for survival to select a prey that would not tu around and bite your head off! Those who lacked this quality would have undoubtedly been eliminated from the gene pool.

It is unlikely that you can consciously and consistently control non-verbal signals that you project. However, this is not to say that you cannot impact those signals in a powerful and positive way. Here is what you can do.

=> Develop Your Awareness Skills

The predator is looking for a victim who is unaware, preoccupied and easy to ambush. By becoming more aware of your surroundings, you not only increase the odds of detecting a potential predator, but you project an image of vigilance. This, in itself, can terminate the selection process.

=> Get Into Shape

Your level of fitness impacts your ability to defend yourself. First, if you are attacked your ability to successfully escape or fight off the attacker is dramatically impacted by your physical condition. Secondly, a strong, well-toned body will manifest the quality of movement of a non-victim. Finally, fitness impacts your personality in a positive way. The increased self-esteem, confidence and emotional resilience that result from being in good physical condition are non-victim qualities that predators want to avoid.

=> Enroll in a Self-defense Course

There are no superior martial arts, only superior martial artists. Don't get hung up on picking "the best" style or program. I am a strong advocate of self-defense and martial arts training (either at a club or through self-study) to reduce your risk of assault. For reasons I've mentioned, self-defense training reduces the likelihood of having to defend yourself. Lea all you can about confrontational situations and develop tools to deal with them. Incorporate regular practice such as boxing glove drills for example* or lea how to punch and kick a boxer's heavy bag. Have fun with it.

=> Knowledge is Power:

Knowledge reduces fear and builds confidence. Confidence is a non-victim quality. Read books and articles about self-defense. Do what you can to clarify your "mental maps" of how confrontations happen, how to avoid them, and how to respond if you can't. The most dangerous attitude in a confrontation is the, "It will never happen to me Syndrome." The fact that you are reading this article already puts you well ahead in the "non-victim game."

Work On Yourself From the Inside Out.

I narrowed the content of this article to the more "straight forward" aspects of reducing your victim potential. There are many other aspects associated to personality and psychology that impact your victim potential and your ability to deal effectively with a confrontation. I will discuss these qualities, and how to develop them, in future articles. In the meantime, do what you can to increase your self-esteem, mental toughness, motivation etc.

Conclusion

Your potential of becoming a victim is influenced, in large part, to the unconscious signals you project to an assailant. Predators, whether deliberately or intuitively, form an opinion about you and how easy you will be to dominate and control. They are looking for a weak, submissive and unaware target that won't (or can't) fight back.

You can control the non-verbal signals you project by investing time in the study and practice of self-defense. Your projected body language will take care of itself. You can't fake it. You must ea it. This is not as difficult as you might think. If you really want to prevent or dramatically reduce the probability of becoming a victim, prepare yourself. Preparation equals prevention!

Good luck and Stay Safe.

Randy LaHaie
Protective Strategies

How to Create Effective Kata Applications

How often do you perform a kata movement and think, 'What on Earth could this be about?" Times change and so does the nature of karate. We are better off working with kata movements in a mode context than trying to guess the original intention of the technique. So why not do a little research and experimentation of our own?

The term bunkai means to break down and study. Anyone with a little imagination and common sense can contribute to this area of karate as long as you understand the basic principles that hold kata together. You can begin by leaing the interpretations created by other people, or better still, discover how they added meaning to the techniques.

We can start with a simple example. One principle of bunkai relates to the angle of your movement. The opponent is not necessarily coming from that angle (although he could do), but the patte shows you the best angle to stand in relation to him. More often than not the best angle allows you maximum effect while reducing the opponent's options. A good strategy involves tuing the opponent's centre line away from your own while you maintain an advantageous position. From there you can bring all your weapons into play while he is restricted to perhaps just one side.

Armed with this knowledge and a few examples you can now have a go at creating some interesting applications. Think about the following alteatives.

First, define what your opponent does. You could decide upon a common type of attack, perhaps a lapel grab and punch.

Secondly you could work the technique from your end. Ask yourself "Are there any significant clues in the movement?" - look out for mechanical efficiency, grabs, tus and twists or body movements to amplify the effects of a strike.

You don't have to take the entire kata movement and use it literally. Get the feel for the movement, the idea behind it or take a small segment. Another good example would be the first set of techniques from pinan shodan/heian nidan. How many options are covered within the three basics movements (raise arms, pull inwards, shooting outwards). Look at the whole body movement including the stance. Do not be locked into the arm actions alone.

Allow your training partner to make his attack slowly. Start by performing the kata movement as you might see it when training solo. Does that help? How can you make the movement more effective without losing the essence of it? How does changing the angle and line of attack affect the application?

You'll probably find that transition and "in-between" movements in the technique will stop, redirect or off-balance your partner and the end movement represents your counter blow, tie-up or throw. What further options are available afterwards?

Work with a number of alteatives and see which is best. Then swap roles so that you are now the attacker and your partner must find a suitable response. When you are both satisfied test out your applications by showing them to someone else. Can they make them work too?

Incorporate the application into your combat drills, flow drills and progressive sparring. If it still holds out as you pile on the pressure there is every chance you have found a winner. Train as close to reality as possible with a partner you don't normally work with. Be sure to train under as-near-to-live conditions as you can. It's better to find a flaw in the application now than outside in the street.

As a final check ask yourself if the application fits in with the essence of the kata or your system and if all the basic principles are adhered to. Is the technique easy to perform? Does it put you at a position of advantage? Is there a back-up in case it goes wrong? Can it be used against variations of the basic attack?

Fun and play are an important part of the leaing process. So play with your kata! Training in this way helps you uncover the principles and perhaps remember the form better. And of course there's the satisfaction of creating something for yourself and your colleagues.

For more information about karate kata training Please visit http://www.thekatabook.com.

Stephen Irwin has studied martial arts since 1985 and presently teaches non-sports wado ryu karate.

Parents Here s How You Can Help Your Children To Progress in Martial Arts

It is very important to remember that parents are also martial arts coaches. When children first start their training in the martial arts, especially in the case of very young children, we often find that they have not yet developed the self discipline to practice at home on a regular basis. Practicing at home greatly enhances performance at the school and it should be encouraged. We suggest that you talk with your child and agree on a daily practice time. It can be as little as ten minutes per day. Pick a category each day and work on it for a solid, focused ten minutes. ( form, one steps, etc.) Developing the habit of setting a goal ( next belt) and working for it on a regular basis will give your child life skills that go far beyond punching and kicking.

One of the easiest ways to help your child is by simply showing that you are interested in his or her training and talents. Children love to show off what they have leaed in class and we encourage parents to ask their child what they have leaed every single week. Show your encouragement by offering positive feedback, and compliment them in the areas where you can see improvement. In fact, if you use this approach in just about everything your child does, whether it be homework or chores, you will soon notice the difference. If children believe that they are getting better it boosts their self-confidence, which in tu encourages them to try even harder. When children know that they will receive recognition and praise, they will want to do well because it makes them feel good. Children will rise to the level of your expectations, but only if they are encouraged and praised along the way.

Our "Intent to Promote" letters are an excellent opportunity for you to praise your child�s accomplishments. Use the comments section to say something nice that your child will intealize. Help your child to reach his or her personal best by being the martial arts coach at home.

Master Wayne's Martial Arts School, The Family Martial Arts Center located in Mt. Dora, Florida is the largest in the area. The programs themselves range from Little Ninjas ( for 3,4 and 5 year olds) to a comprehensive childrens program ( geared for 6 to 10 year olds). Master Wayne has also introduced a Black Belt Club for advanced Tae Kwon Do studies as well as a Tai Chi program for the spirital development of his students.His center also involves family members with parent /student night and mommy and me classes. His center is listed in the top 15% of all matrial arts schools in the country and will continue to serve his students with up to date and cutting edge ideas and concepts.