Blocks in Martial Arts are Strikes
I recently was explaining our concepts to a man who had been training at a local martial arts school. It was almost as if...
Why the Front Squat is the Real Judoka’s Best Friend
I have seen more than one article on the web, heralding the Squat as the best exercise for a judoka. While I can’t argue...
The 7 Keys To Martial Arts Speed
Regardless of your martial arts style or method . . . you cannot apply it unless you can react quickly and respond instantly. Speed...
Etiquette Among Martial Artists in China
CHINA began its history several thousand years ago, and has since been a state of ceremonies in the world. As early as in the...
6 Stretch Yourself: High Kicks with No Warm Up – Side Kicks
High Kicks with No Warm-Up: The Right Body Alignment for Side Kicks
Stretch Yourself: High Kicks with no Warm up, The Right Body Alignment for Side...
Observe, Orient, Decide, and Act – The O.O.D.A. Process
When confronted by an aggressive person, whether it's training in a self-defense school or an actual conflict situation, your mind always follows a predictable...
The Myth of Earning A Living in MMA
Rocky Marciano was born poor and died rich. But that was boxing. Lets look at the myth of earning a living in MMA.
In 2011...
How to Properly Hold a Knife for Self-Defense and Military Applications – Part 1
Of the innumerable knife concepts and maneuvers that I consider unsound, the most egregious of these are the unsafe knife grips that abound.
Break Through Tension with A Systema Breathing Drill
We all know that breathing is our best tool to eliminate tension. We have done numerous great drills at Systema classes and seminars including aSystema...
Martial Arts Vs Crash Test Dummies
How many of you out there have ever wondered just how powerful a good karate spinning back fist is compared to a boxing right...
The Tradition of Folding the Gi
Traditions in every aspect of life are extremely important. They not only give direction to the culture; they uphold the values and reason for...
Neihanchi Kata: A Half-Century Musing On The Kata Of Okinawa
In this essay I will share my observations of the Neihanchi kata of the Isshin Kempo and Isshinryu systems. I discuss Kiko and its...
Young Bo Kong on Cutting Down Your Opponent with an Axe Kick
Tae Kwon Do Grand Master Young Bo Kong has been called the fastest kicker alive. However, even with his speed, this two-time national champion...
Sharing Martial Arts Knowledge Openly
Since I had originally trained in the Shotokan style, I decided to attend a seminar by Shotokan master Hirokazu Kanazawa. During the seminar, Kanazawa-sensei...
Break It Down: Breaking in Martial Arts
A prevailing image associated with the martial arts is that of an intense, screaming guy in pajamas screaming as he breaks a board, or...
Mastering Armlocks
By Jake Westlake ~ In one on one combat there are a variety of ways to ensure victory. Whether it be by striking your opponent, or...
