Martial art techniques

Learn Killer Street Based Martial Arts Techniques!

This article will cover a few martial arts strategies and excellent tips that can be cited to an assortment of fighting techniques, giving you the edge you need in any critical life or death situations.

Learn Street Martial Arts Techniques 1: Trapping Trapping literally means physically preventing any attacker from hitting you or raising their limbs to attempt to hit you. In order to do this, restrain your attacker by holding their arm tightly to their thorax, and taking advantage of their immobility by hitting them multiple times with your other hand.

Get Street Martial Arts Techniques 2 - Many people believe that high kicks like the ones you find in taekwondo to be completely useless in a life or death battle. However, in a true fight, you should never engage in any action that will alter your balance or allow your attacker to do so, as this will shift the advantage to your attacker instead. Refrain from trying to kick at the head, instead choosing to focus on areas like the shins, knees, and groin.

Learn Street Martial Arts Techniques 3 - Causing as much damage and pain to your attacker by striking the weak and vulnerable areas. Clean fighting does not apply here, and you should be ready to do whatever it takes to guard yourself or someone else, meaning you may have to engage in trachea hits, groin kicks, biting, or anything else to defeat your attacker. Remember that there is no such thing as a code of conduct in the streets.

Learn Street Martial Arts Techniques 4 - Keep everything simple, and remember to practice basic defense techniques such as barring blows and keeping distance. Try to keep all your movements short and close, learning to halt blows in order to protect yourself, but never overextend your reach.

You also want to be able to use as many self defense techniques and martial arts moves you have learned in the past. I also highly recommend that you train in as many different styles of martial arts and self defense that you can.

Also be sure you work out and train with weights and do cardio exercise four times a week. Being in good physical condition is one of the street martial arts techniques you must learn to insure you survive any street based self defense attack.

Follow the tips I've outlined and stay safe and alert everywhere you go and be sure to always be prepared!

Another thing I highly recommend is that you download 2 free street based martial arts eBooks right now! I will train you and make you a much deadlier figher completely free!

Download these self defense moves eBooks here!

Or if you want my secret prison self defense system visit here!

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Martial arts kenpo

Here's a great article on the martial arts kenpo style of karate.

Rules of Shaolin American Kempo Karate & Martial Arts

Here are some principles that can get you some better leverage out of any art, not just Kempo Karate.

Establish Your Base

Any combative artist needs to be rooted on the ground. It's only from the rooting into the ground that your blocks, strikes and kicks will have any real power to them. It might help to think of pushing a car or sawing wood to get what I mean. If your not planted correctly you will have no effect.

Distance

This the distance your attacking limb moves before impact. This will very with each individual. Bruce Lee for example generated some pretty impressive power from his now famous 1-inch-punch. You can have the most powerful punch or kick in the world, BUT if you deliver it too close OR too far away it will have little effect. Bag work helps master this.

Your Block should be a Cocked Position

This is about making better economy of motion. The block you use should be the cocked position, or prelude to the strike. You should also have enough "Distance" to generate the power you need as well. An inward block followed by a back fist or cross chop is an example of this.

Timing

You know the old saying "Timing is Everything" Blocking or landing strikes relies heavily on this one principle. You don't have to have a lot of speed if you master your timing, BUT speed DOES help. This can be acquired through practice.

Keep Your Hands Above the Opponent's

You will be able to react more quickly to your opponents attacks if your hands are above his. Kinda giving you a head start sort of speak. It also sort of gives you the high ground which is always an advantage in combat.

Blocking

When you're blocking on the inside of the opponents arm do so between the wrist and elbow. On the outside, block above the elbow. This will eliminate his ability to use the same arm to continue its assault on you.

Margin of Error

Good martial arts techniques should build in insurance policies in case there's an "accident". Whether it's your fault or not. First start with the "ideal Phase" and then look at the "What If" phase to find your answers. These changed up positions will allow you to compensate for intentional and/or unintentional reactions from the opponent.

Command Presence

This one applies mostly to advanced practitioners. Simply put, the team with the football is most likely to make the touchdown. The one asking the questions is in control of the conversation, and "Offense is the BEST defense". You can control a fight by being offensive, OR inviting in an attack.
This is just a VERY brief explanation but will suffice for now. You also have to achieve this on the MENTAL side as well as the physical. Just look at a Bruce Lee fight scene and check out the "Trance Like" state he achieves in combat, it almost intimidates you out of the room.

Dr. Jim Brassard

Dr Jim Brassard Ph.D/Ma.D.Sc. Holds Doctorates of martial arts philosophy & martial arts science. He is also a 10th Degree Black Belt in the art of kenpo/Kempo Karate and has been a Martial Arts & Combat Fitness instructor for 30 years. He is also the author of Combat Fitness: Exercises if the Iron Men.

Please give us your E-mail address and you'll receive a report on 20 ways to shred your mid-section.

http://www.shaolinamericankempo.com/

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Martial Arts Tournaments

A good martial arts article below covering sport martial arts, which is where many people train for martial arts tournaments.

Sport Martial Arts - Pros and Cons

You first must ask yourself why you are training in the martial arts. Many people begin martial arts training after being inspired by a specific sporting event or athlete; it is their intention to compete in this sport. Boxing is a type of martial art, but not a complete one by itself; alone it is just a sport and a way to practice your striking skills. Even within striking itself, the rules of the actual sport make it incomplete as a self defense art. So you have to ask yourself whether you are an athlete first or a martial artist first. If you are a martial artist first, you will view sports as training tools for specific types of fighting. In that case, it will not be necessary for you to chase after medals or trophies at tournaments, simply practicing in that sportive manner at the school or dojo will be enough for you to enhance your training.

Pros

For all martial artists, sportive versions of any martial style have their benefits. As a Jiu-jitsu teacher, I can tell you that the sport of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is an excellent instructional tool for beginners because it teaches them the importance of position and places a value on each movement. It will also promote safe daily practice that allows you to train more and get better faster. Let’s face it, you can’t go 100% all of the time, so sport (sportive practice) is a nice happy medium between going nuts and unrealistic cooperative training.

Cons

The biggest problem with sport martial arts is that quite often, people who do them feel as if they are a complete martial artist and ‘street ready’. Even in a sport like Mixed Martial Arts fighting, where it is as close as it gets to reality, it still isn’t ‘real’ fighting. If you do not balance your training, you are apt to become delusional and not realize that you are not as prepared as a well-rounded martial artist. An 80 year old woman with a gun can easily take out the current Ultimate Fighting Champion if he doesn’t have one, so even “Reality Fighting” is still a sport. In some cases, the rules may cause what was once a martial art to become more of a sport. We can see this with Judo, where it began as a collection of Jiu-jitsu styles and was quite effective in all ranges of unarmed combat; addressing strikes, throws and groundwork. Now, it has become known as primarily a throwing sport and not taken as seriously as a complete and well rounded self defense system. When too many rules are added to a martial art in its practice, it will become more of a sport and lose much of its value as a martial art.

Ideology

A True Martial Artist is humble and without ego, does into boast or brag and is generally unassuming. In an ideal and perfect world, a true competitor should have some of these qualities, but the reality is that most do not and it is the nature of sports in general to be associated with just the opposite. This has always been the problem with sports and martial arts; getting oil and water to mix. The greatest hypocrisy in the Martial Arts instructional industry is when a teacher asks you to leave your ego at the door, but prominently displays his competition record for all to see.

The question you have to ask yourself is, “are you are martial artist or an athlete first?”, then train accordingly. If you are a “Self Defense” guy, realize that a little sportive training (not necessarily tournament, but at least opening yourself up to practicing that way) can accelerate your skills and if you are a “Sport Guy”, know that its not for everyone and make sure you are balancing your training with real martial arts; don’t get carried away with an ego or the 80 year old woman with the gun might disagree.

Gene Simco is a career Martial Artist and Author of several Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Books. In addition to holding a Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, he has appeared in many instructional videos. He is available for instruction via an online video training program at http://www.jiu-jitsu.net or at his school in N.Y. (http://www.jiu-jitsu.net/nyma).

For more information about him or his products, visit http://www.genesimco.com.

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Try martial arts classes online with these free martial arts training videos

Bruce Lee martial arts

Bruce Lee, The Greatest Martial Arts Action Hero

Before Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Steven Seagal and Jean-Claude Van Damme, there was Bruce Lee. In a way, it is a real shame that many of today's generation of action film fans have never been exposed to Bruce Lee because he was perhaps the greatest martial arts action hero of all time. His martial arts on film may not have been as fancy as say Jackie Chan's or Jet Li's but his on screen ferocity and charisma are unequalled. Even more important was the impact on martial arts that Bruce Lee had which still endures today even over 30 years since his passing.

Bruce Lee always considered himself a martial artist first and an actor second. As a martial artist, he was way ahead of his time in developing his own style of martial arts he called jeet kune do. His martial arts incorporated the most practical techniques from various combative disciplines as he moved away from the traditional and classical techniques. His martial arts abilities were real and respected by other prominent martial artists like Jhoon Rhee, Chuck Norris, Ed Parker and Joe Lewis. His name was inducted into the prestigious Black Belt Hall of Fame twice, once while he was alive and the other after his death. These are honors that no other martial arts action hero has ever come close to. Martial arts schools in North America enjoyed a huge growth in enrollment because of Bruce Lee.

North America got an early glimpse of Bruce Lee when he played Kato in the Green Hornet television series and a bit role in the movie Marlowe. He went to Hong Kong and made a few films like Fists of Fury (called the Big Boss in the Asia market) and the Chinese Connection which made him a huge star in Asia. Bruce Lee also wrote, directed and starred in his own movie production called the Way of the Dragon which featured perhaps one of the greatest martial arts fight scenes ever. This scene took place in the Roman Coliseum and was with Chuck Norris which gave Norris his first film start. It was Enter the Dragon that broke him to North America. Unfortunately, he died tragically at the age of 32 in 1973 before he was able to witness the success of that movie. At the time of Lee's death, he had completed the fight scenes for another movie called Game of Death which featured basketball star Kareem Abdul-Jabar, who was actually one of his martial arts students. Other students of Bruce Lee included actors Steve McQueen and James Coburn. Game of Death was completed with look-alike actors later on.

One of the most significant contributions Bruce Lee made is that he opened the door for other Asians in the entertainment industry worldwide. He was the first Asian to achieve any significant success in the North American entertainment scene. He became a star in North America and the rest of the world by playing heroes rather than past stereotype roles for Asians such as like servants, gangsters, laundry workers or other 'pigtail coolie' characters. On an even greater scale, Bruce Lee gave Asians, particularly the Chinese people worldwide, a reason to be proud. Bruce Lee influenced them to be confident in pushing forward to achieve their goals no matter what field they were in.

Clint is a lifelong martial artist with over 36 years of training experience in kung fu, tae kwon do, karate, kickboxing and martial arts weaponry. He has won Canadian and world championship titles (NASKA, NBL and WSKF). He is also owner of Martial Arts Articles Online (http://www.martialartsarticlesonline.com), an online martial arts information resource.

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Elite martial arts

A great article on nutrition, from regular martial artist, to the ranks the elite martial arts practitioner!

The Role of Nutrition in Martial Arts, Police & Military Personnel

For a considerable amount of time, nutrition has not played a prominent role in the life of many martial artists, police, and military personnel as a means of improving performance. Top athletes are always looking for an edge. Although the martial arts are more of a way of life and a life style than a sport per se, the needs of the martial artist are the same as that of the elite athlete.

Mental aspects not withstanding (i.e. mental awareness, strategy, cunning, etc.), the need for speed, agility, strength, flexibility, and the ability to recuperate from tough workouts (and unforgiving sparing partners) is paramount to the success of athletes and martial artists alike. Police and military personnel can also have unique requirements that require them to perform at peak physical and or psychological levels.

Over the past decade our knowledge of sports nutrition has evolved into a science that has swept the athletic world and has been partially responsible for the ever increasing numbers of athletes who are pushing the envelope of human ability and performance. Although a handful of the worlds top martial artists, police, and elite military units have taken advantage of the 'cutting edge' nutrition being used by top athletes, the majority of these communities has not taken advantage of the new science of sports nutrition.

The advantage of improving one's performance through nutrition and correct supplementation is obvious for the athlete, but what about the martial artist? Obviously technique, form, and knowledge of one's chosen martial art is essential to the mastery of that art, but what if the person, regardless of skill level, becomes a little faster, stronger, and able to resist and repair from injuries and training better?

Will they not be an improved version of their former self? Of course they will! Proper nutrition can make the martial artist, as it has for so many of today's top athletes, an improved and potentially more accomplished practitioner of their art, plain and simple. If a policeman is able to stay alert, has more endurance or strength, etc., will he/she not have an added advantage to the job? Of course.. The benefits to the soldier are obvious. Bottom line? To not take advantage of the science of nutrition and supplementation, is to short change the martial artists, police, and military personnel.

As a trainer for many athletes from various sports, police, and, military personnel, and the author of numerous articles on sports nutrition and training, I have come to a few general guidelines that should be of considerable help and interest to the martial artist, police, etc. who want to improve both health and performance. Though nutrition is a complex topic, I have devised a basic guide to the major and minor nutrients that should be helpful to the martial artist, police, and athlete alike who are trying to make food and nutrient choices. Of course this guide is in no way total or complete, and many individual differences may apply, but as a basic guide to examining these nutrients, it could give you the edge you have been looking for.

Protein

Proteins are made up of amino acids which are the structural units of the protein molecule. There are approximately 20 amino acids. Eight of them are considered 'essential' because the human body cannot make them on its own - which is the definition of an essential nutrient. Link a few amino acids together and you get a peptide. Link a bunch of peptides together and you get a protein. The shape of the individual amino acids (and resulting proteins) is unique and highly specific, so I won't go into great detail about it here.

Suffice it to say, proteins are an essential part of virtually every function in our body from the muscles, to certain hormones, to our immune system(s) and a whole lot more. In particular, the amino acids known as the 'branched chain' amino acids (leucine, isoleucine, and valine) and the amino acid L-glutamine are of particular interest to active people as they are anti-catabolic (muscle sparing) and immune enhancing, to name only a few functions and benefits of these particular amino acids.

Though the RDA for protein is generally sufficient for couch potatoes (with some debate) the majority of athletes and/or highly active people will benefit from higher intakes of high quality proteins. Proteins with the highest biological value (BV) are the proteins that should constitute the majority of the active person's diet, as they are superior for maintaining positive nitrogen balance, reducing recuperation time from workouts, improving immune function, etc.

Whey protein concentrate (WPC) and isolates (WPI) have the highest BV of any protein, is almost 50% branched chain amino acids, and is high in L-glutamine, which is why I recommend several servings a day of WPC/WPI to all the athletes/martial artists/police I work with.

There are several brands of WPC/WPI on the market. Other high quality proteins such as skinless chicken, fish, eggs, soy, and lean red meats, have relatively high BV values and are good proteins. Another point that is important to know, the higher quality the protein, the less the person has to eat and this allows the person to keep total calories lower by sticking to these high BV proteins.

For a person who is active in the martial arts, has a busy job, and probably does some weight lifting and/or aerobics, an intake of .7 ? .8 grams of protein per pound of lean body weight is what I have generally recommended. For high level bodybuilders and competitive distance athletes, the protein intake will be higher, approximately 1g of protein per lb /bodyweight being the most common.

In certain situations, amino acid supplementation is useful, but most people will have no problem getting what they need by eating plenty of high quality protein foods. Low grade, high fat, preservative loaded, protein foods such as luncheon meats, hot dogs, etc., should be avoided for obvious reasons.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are made primarily of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms that cycle into a ring. They can be 'simple' or 'complex' depending on the number of rings that are hooked together and the way the carbohydrate effects blood sugar (1). Though the rings can be slightly different in shape, their common theme is the ring structure. Similar to amino acids that make up proteins, when you link the simple units (the sugars) together you get carbohydrates with different properties.

As most people know, carbohydrates are a primary source of energy for the body. The best type of carbohydrates to eat are those that are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Though foods such as pasta, breads, and white rice are considered 'complex' they are highly processed foods, totally inadequate in fiber, vitamins, and minerals and should not make up a high percentage of a persons carbohydrate intake. Though these foods are often fortified with certain vitamins, in my opinion this does not truly replace what is lost during processing, not to mention the many nutrients that are not replaced.

Americans are notoriously low eaters of fiber, and heavily processed foods mentioned above do nothing to correct this deficit. High fiber carbohydrate foods such as brown rice, beans, lentils, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, and many others, are the preferred carbohydrate foods for health, performance, steady blood sugar levels, and reduced bodyfat levels.

Though the high carbohydrate/low fat diet is all the rage these days, it has not been in my experience the optimal diet for the many athletes, martial artists, and ?normal? people I have worked with (see fats below). Data continues to support the fact that high carb low fat diets are not optimal for either health for weight loss. Eating too much of anything, including carbohydrates, will make one fat (too bad the makers of non-fat foods fail to tell you this) and cause a host of other ills I don't have the space here to cover.

There are many researchers, books, and studies using both animals and humans that seriously questions the high carbohydrate/low fat diet as the optimal diet for health and performance. Two grams per pound of lean bodyweight of carbohydrates is more than sufficient to fuel the energy needs of most athletes if other aspects of their diet is adequate (i.e. correct use and amounts of certain fats and proteins). And, as mentioned previously, the source of those carbohydrates is of paramount importance.

Fats

The very word sends a shiver down the back of the leanest person. There is not a more misunderstood nutrient in all of nutrition than fats. Many people know there are big differences in how various carbohydrates effect the body and some people even know that different proteins have different properties, but 'a fat is a fat, no'? is what the majority of people would say if you asked them about this much maligned nutrient.

Fats have just as many biochemical differences in the human body as do carbohydrates and proteins, and thus have just as many different effects on the body that range from very good to very bad. It really depends on the type and amount of fat(s) we eat(2). Americans tend to get their dietary fats from saturated fats, rancid fats, and highly processed fats ( which contain by products such as trans fatty acids), thus giving fats a bad name.

As mentioned earlier, an essential nutrient is anything the human body cannot manufacture on its own and must be obtained from the diet, or the person will become sick and/or perish if the nutritional deficit is not corrected. We know there are a multitude of vitamins and minerals, eight amino acids, and two types of fats that are considered essential nutrients for life itself to continue.

You should be aware that there is no such thing as an essential carbohydrate, but that's a whole other story. The two fats that are known to be essential to health are Linoleic acid (LA) which is an Omega-6 fatty acid and Alpha-linolenic acid (LNA) which is an Omega-3 fatty acid. Both of these fats can be found in various foods that have not been heavily processed.

These two fats are highly sensitive and reactive to heat, light, and oxygen (i.e. they go bad quickly), and are totally ruined or lost during the processing of our foods. The reason poly -unsaturated vegetable oils that line the shelves of most super markets can sit there for years on end is because they have been heated, deodorized, and generally processed to the point that they are the nutritional equivalent of white bread and table sugar. I recommend people avoid those oils.

Because of all the fat bashing by the popular media and health professionals who should know better, most people have come away thinking that all fat is bad and serves no other purpose than to make our hips and stomach wider while ruining our health. Nothing could be further from the truth. The membrane that surrounds every single cell in your body, the sheath around nerves, various hormones, prostaglandins, and countless other parts of the body (especially the brain) depend on the dietary intake of the right fats.

The importance of the essential fatty acids for health and performance cannot be understated. It is true that certain fats, such as, saturated fats, rancid fats, and trans fatty acids (found in margarine, Crisco, and other products), can cause numerous health problems from heart disease to cancer and insulin resistance, to name only a few ills of a diet high in the wrong types of fat.

However, the essential fatty acids (especially the Omega-3 fatty acids) are anti-lipolytic (stop fat storage), anti-catabolic (stop the break down of muscle tissue), increase metabolic rate and beta oxidation (burn calories/increase fat burning), improve insulin sensitivity, reduce the chances of heart diseases, and a whole lot more (3).

Though early research told us that we need a bit more LA (the Omega-6 fatty acid) than LNA (the Omega-3 fatty acid) in our diet, we find in practice that a diet containing higher amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids (LNA) gets the best results in health, bodyfat levels, and performance.

The richest source of the Omega-3 fatty acid LNA is Flax oil, which also contains a small amount of the Omega-6 oil LA (4). Flax oil can be found in the refrigerated section of any good health food store and is derived from the careful processing of flax seeds (5). As a nutritional consultant to various athletes, I have used flax oil with many of the country's top bodybuilders (a group of athletes notoriously fearful of eating fat) to reduce their bodyfat levels and improve their performance and health. Two/three tablespoons a day over a salad, taken straight, or in a protein drink does the trick (6).

Another major source of Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in deep water cold fish such as sardines, mackerel, and salmon (7), and I recommend that people eat two to three servings of these fish per week. Good sources of LA are unprocessed vegetable oils such as safflower, sunflower, sesame, and many other oils found in health food stores.

Fats to avoid are highly processed vegetable oils and other processed vegetable products (such as margarine), rancid fats, and to a lesser degree, saturated fats. The key to health and performance is a proper balance of essential fatty acids (LNA and LA), mono unsaturated oils (found in olive oil, avocados, etc.), and small amounts of saturated fats found in lean meats and other sources combined with the right carbohydrates and proteins.

Vitamins/Minerals

Obviously a full description of every vitamin and mineral and all their functions would take several large text books, so I won't even attempt it here. A good multi vitamin is an insurance plan to make sure we get all the major vitamins and minerals that for what ever reason we failed to get from our food on any given day.

There is not a single cell in our entire body that does not require the use, or interaction with, some vitamin, mineral, or biological function that is dependent on the above nutrients in adequate amounts. If you think we get all the vitamins and minerals we need from our highly processed food supply (as some health professionals maintain), then I have a bridge in Brooklyn I would like to sell you. Some (but not all) nutritionists and other health related professionals will often say something like 'vitamins supplements just cause expensive urine'.

The last time I checked, chemo therapy, heart bypass operations, and hundreds of other medical treatments cost considerably more than the average multi vitamin. If the intake of vitamins were to prevent any major disease in say one out of a 100,000 people, it would have been worth every cent in my book. In my opinion, the correct use of vitamins, minerals, herbs, essential fatty acids, and many other nutritional based compounds, is the best route to optimal health and performance. Any major brand of multi vitamin from such manufacturers as Twin Lab, Solgar, or Nature's Best, to name only a few good brands, would be fine.

Anti - oxidants

'Anti-oxidants' and 'free radicals' are the hot buzz words these days on television news shows, news paper articles, and magazine features. Though scientists in the health and nutritional fields have known about them for decades, they have recently been getting a lot of attention by mainstream media and more open minded medical researchers.

Anti-oxidants are a special class of vitamins and other non vitamin compounds that neutralize free radicals before they can damage cells in our body. What is a free radical? A free radical is a highly reactive molecular fragment that has a single unpaired electron. The unpaired electron wants to ?pair up? with another electron.

The free radical will steal this electron from virtually anything it comes in contact with, including our cells. This reaction, if left unchecked, leads to a free radical chain reaction and damage to various parts of the cell depending on where it takes place. An anti-oxidant can donate an electron without itself becoming a free radical and thus can break the chain of events leading to an uncontrolled free radical chain reaction (8).

Free radical pathology is now believed to be linked to diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and dozens of other afflictions. Without going into a long (and boring) biochemical explanation, there are many things that cause free radicals to be released, such as smoking, exposure to various toxins found in air, food and water, sickness, exercise, and stress in general.

Anti-oxidants such as vitamin E and C and other compounds such as selenium, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), and proanthocyanidins (derived from grape seed extract), to mention a few, will help recuperation from tough workouts, improve immunity, possibly prevent certain diseases, and improve your health in so many different ways it would take another article to explain. A good anti-oxidant formula made by any one of the brands I mentioned previously, should be added to the diet in addition to the multi- vitamin. Whey proteins can also greatly improve anti oxidants status and is recommended.

Sports Supplements:

The topic of sports nutrition supplements, such as: androstenedione and other ?andros,? Arginine, Colostrum, CLA, Creatine, Ecdysterone, GH Supplements, Ginseng, HMB, Myostatin Inhibitors and Tribulus, to name just a few, is beyond the scope of this article. Each supplement has its potential uses, dawbacks, doses and other variables that need to be examoned on an indavidual basis. People in the martial arts, law enforecement, or military that want to understand these supplements ; whether or not they are worth useing, doses, types, etc., should consider reading my ebook on the topic of sports nutrition supplements, nutrition, and training called Muscle Building Nutrition.

Conclusion

The above list of foods and supplements is in no way complete or the entire picture when it comes to additional ways the martial artist, police, and military personnel can improve his or her health, strength, bodyfat levels, and recuperative abilities. However, the information presented here can make for a foundation of health and performance that could add a considerable edge for those who seeks it.

(1)The way a carbohydrate effects blood sugar after it is eaten is known as the glycemic response. The glycemic index (GI) is a list of foods and how they effect blood sugar. Some foods we think of as 'complex' actually raise blood sugar much faster than many foods we think of as 'simple'.

(2) The health problems related to fats is are far more complex than most people appreciate. The pathology of disease(s) caused by high fat intakes of the wrong types of fat is a complex interaction between certain fats, carbohydrates, a lack of certain vitamins and other nutrients, free radical/anti-oxidant mechanisms, and other factors that are poorly understood.

(3) For more information on the many benefits of the essential fatty acids and to find out more information about fats and health in general, read ?Fats the Heal fats that Kill? by Dr. Udo Erasmus published by Alive books.

(4) LNA and LA are in a 4:1 ratio in flax oil.

(5) Like fresh eggs, milk, meat, etc, all fresh unprocessed oils will spoil (go rancid) if not refrigerated constantly and eaten shortly after opening the bottle.

(6) All highly unsaturated oils, including flax, should NEVER be used to cook with as this will change the structure of theses oils making them toxic and of little use for the purpose they are intended for.

(7) The 'fish oils' DHA and EPA can be formed in the human body from LNA by desaturase enzymes.

(8) It is important to note that free radical reactions are a normal and essential part of metabolism. It is the uncontrolled free radical chain reactions that we are concerned with.

Copyright 2005 Internet Publications

Author Bio

Will Brink is an author, columnist and expert in the supplement, fitness, bodybuilding, and weight loss industry and has been extensively published. Will graduated from Harvard University with a concentration in the natural sciences.

His often ground breaking articles can be found in publications such as Lets Live, Muscle Media , MuscleMag International, The Life Extension Magazine, Muscle n Fitness, Exercise For Men Only, and numerous others.

He has been co author of several studies relating to sports nutrition and health found in peer reviewed academic journals, as well as having commentary published in JAMA. Will formerly trained high level Olympic athletes, bodybuilders and fitness and now runs seminars for (SWAT).

He is the author of Bodybuilding Revealed which teaches you how to gain solid muscle mass drug free and Fat Loss Revealed which reveals exactly how to get lean , ripped and healthy completely naturally.

Find out more at http://www.bodybuildingrevealed.com or http://www.fatlossrevealed.com

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Martial arts lessons

The Role of Zen in Martial Arts

It's said that the roots of many of the Martial Arts is in India, with Buddhist monks. While many sources give conflicting data, it's known that in Japan, the only places that were large enough to allow for indoor training during inclement weather, were the huge Buddhist temples. In fact, much of what is done in Martial Arts schools with a Japanese background comes from, and can be traced back to this connection.

For example, white uniforms were the attire of Japanese Buddhist monks and lay-people alike. The kyu and dan "class" and "level" grade rankings were originally developed for and used as markers for how much a monk had learned and progressed through his training. And, much of the etiquette within dojos "training halls") is identical to those used in these same temples to show respect to all that has gone before me and to all that I aspire to become. In fact, the Japanese kanji characters used to write the word 'dojo' actually refer to "a place where enlightenment takes place."

Now, before you run out and scream about quitting for fear of being converted to Buddhism, Hinduism, or some other 'foreign', sacrilegious cult - don't panic. Buddhism, while often practiced like many conventional Western religions, is not really a religion at all - at least not the way most people define or practice a so-called 'religion'.

As developed by the founder Siddhartha Gautoma, refered to as the Buddha ("one who is awake"), and fine-tuned over the past two and a half - plus centuries, Buddhism is a philosophy of personal development whereby the practitioner works to understand his or her true nature and the immutable laws of the universe that govern the world and everything in it. It is not at all a belief system as are many religions today, but instead relies on the student coming to an intimate understanding of reality and truth through direct, personal experience.

One of the monks credited with developing martial Arts in the Buddhist temples of the time was known as Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen. This new training was readily adopted by the monks for many reasons. And while the monks may have been interested in defending themselves from unfriendly outsiders, it is also likely that they also wished to prepare themselves for the demands of their daily lives - lives which required that they sat unmoving for hours while in deep meditative practice. The Martial arts they practiced were a great means of physical exercise while still being based heavily on their philosophical beliefs of peace through "understanding conflict."

Zen, the most popular form of Buddhist thought known today, is directly related to the cross-cultural interchange between Martial Arts and the many philosophical systems that came together as these teachings travelled from India, across the Himalayas, through China and into Japan. Ironically, many Westerners have no idea that Zen is a form of Buddhist study and practice, nor is it usually seen as much more than "seated meditation" to most martial artists - both teachers and students.

Japanese Zen Master Taisen Deshimaru often wrote about Zen and the principles of Bushido, or "the way of the warrior," which grew, in part, out of Buddhist thought.

The principles of:

Gi: Having the right decision, right attitude, the truth

Yu: Bravery tinged with heroism

Jin: Universal love; compassion

Rei: Right action; courtesy

Makoto: Utter sincerity; truthfulness

Meiyo: Honor; high ethical character

Chugo: Devotion; loyalty

were the common ground between the monk and the warrior. In fact, there is no difference between the two.

Deshimaru emphasized that the learning and practice of these principles is a lifelong process, and needs to take place "...in the body, through the unconscious." The ancient tradition of the Martial Arts is an internal process, a gradual connection with one's own deep-seated intuition. Deshimaru explains: "In the spirit of Zen . . .everyday life becomes a contest. There must be an awareness at every moment: getting up in the morning, working, eating, going to bed. That is the place for the mastery of self."

Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior Concepts International. A senior teacher in the Japanese warrior art of Ninjutsu, he specializes in teaching the ancient ways of self-protection and personal development lessons in a way that is easily understood and put to use by modern Western students and corporate clients. Through their martial arts training, his students and clients learn proven, time-tested lessons designed to help them create the life they've always dreamed of living, and the skills necessary for protecting that life from anything that might threaten it. To learn more about this and other subjects related to the martial arts, self-defense, personal development & self-improvement, visit his website at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com

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Martial arts drills

The Myth of The Ultimate Martial Arts Drill

There seems to be a prevalent myth that a common martial arts
drill is some kind of ultimate drill. That if you become adept at
this drill, you'll be able to defend yourself in any type of attack
in the street. Martial arts instructors have developed drills to
improve this drill and others have made it an integral part
of a sport.

Have you figured out what the drill to which I'm referring? That's
right ladies and gentlemen, the ultimate, the one and only - spaaarrrriiiinnnngggg!

For the purposes of this article, we will define sparring as an
abstract martial arts drill in which two or more partners exchange
attacking, defensive and counter-attacking techniques and tactics
in a non-synchronized manner.

All drills, including sparring, have positive and negative attributes.
I'd like to point out some of these attributes, both positive and
negative to bring this good but sometimes misunderstood drill to
the level and categories it belongs.

Positive Aspects of Sparring

Sparring is an Abstract Drill

The drill is flexible enough to train for a variety of situations
and environments.

General defensive, offensive and counter-offensive tactics
are developed and improved.

Distances can be experienced and tested of a variety of partner body types.

A variety of strikes and combinations can be experienced and executed.

The timing between blocks and or evasive movements and counter-striking
can be observed, executed and improved.

The drill has positive aerobic and anaerobic factors similar to a
type of interval training in which the athlete jogs then sprints a
prescribed distance or time at intervals.

Sparring is executed by a number of styles and seems a good
basis for different styles of martial arts to both train and compete together.

Negative Aspects of Sparring

Sparring is an Abstract Drill
The drill is flexible enough to train for a variety of situations
and environments.
There is not enough repetition of techniques and tactics to
increase learning speed in a reasonable amount of time as
compared to single focus drills.

General defensive, offensive and counter-offensive tactics are
developed and improved.
There is not enough repetition of techniques and tactics to
increase learning speed in a reasonable amount of time as
compared to single focus drills.

Distances can be experienced and tested of a variety of partner body types.
The wide variety of experiences are a positive aspect of sparring,
however my own experience is that often times the number of partners are limited.

A variety of strikes and combinations can be experienced and executed.
Strikes and combinations can be experienced and executed,
however in my experience partners tend to only execute those
techniques and combinations the partners are comfortable with
in order to avoid being struck. This tends to limit experiences
in both observation and execution.

The timing between blocks and or evasive movements and
counter-striking can be observed, executed and improved.
There is not enough repetition of techniques and tactics to
increase learning speed in a reasonable amount of time as
compared to single focus drills.

Sparring is executed by a number of styles and seems a good basis
for different styles of martial arts to both train and compete together.
The schools which spar a great deal will have an unfair
advantage over those schools which treat sparring like any other drill.
This would be comparable to students thinking their style is
better by comparing how well breaking-holds are executed or any other drill.

The drill has positive aerobic and anaerobic factors similar
to a type of interval training in which the athlete jogs then
sprints a prescribed distance or time at intervals.
From strictly a self-defense point of view, anaerobic capacity
is more important than aerobic capacity. A long sparring session
doesn't emphasize the intensity of a self-defense situation.

Variations of Sparring to Overcome Negative Aspects

I'm the first to admit, despite its weaknesses, I love sparring.
Well they don't call me The Drillman for nothing. So I developed
several variations of sparring to focus on various aspects of
self-defense training and compensate for some of the weaknesses.

Repeat Sparring
This helps me quite a bit. If my partner tags me with a strike,
he/she repeats the same combination over and over until I develop
a block and or evasive movement. This benefits my partner as
he/she repeats an effective combination and it benefits me as I learn
to avoid being hit by an effective combination.

Taking Away Weapons
Remember I mentioned martial artists tend use only techniques
and combinations of techniques they are comfortable with
(okay okay with which they are comfortable for you English teachers out there)?

Now we take away those favorites techniques and combinations by removing weapons.

The possibilities are only limited by your imagination

When attacking you may only use these combinations of weapons

All

Left arm right leg

Right arm left leg

Right side weapons

Left side weapons

Left arm

Right arm

Right leg

Left leg

When defending you may only use these combinations of tools

All

Left arm right leg

Right arm left leg

Right side

Left side

Left arm

Right arm

Right leg and evasive

Left leg and evasive

Add or take away evasive

Evasive only

Now mix them up

You're attacks and defenses are unlimited

You're attacks are limited by a set of guideline above but not you're defenses

You're defenses are limited by a set of guideline above but not you're attacks

You're defenses and attacks are limited by the same set of guideline above

You're defenses and attacks are limited by different sets of guidelines above.

And the list goes on.

Think think think. Add a safely knife right in the middle of sparing.
One student throws another that's sparring a safety baseball bat
another student joins another.

Tai Chi like slow motion free for all with three martial artists.

This is a great drill done slowly. Temporary teams against one
student are formed, but you have to keep an eye on your
temporary partner as well.

I've actually got a lot more drills than this , but many of them
do not match the topic of this article, my carpal tunnel hands
are getting tired, and the drills don't match our stated definition
of sparring. Feel free however to check out my printable ebook,
Bringing the Martial Artist Out from Within for more drills.

Thank you for your support. If you have martial arts drills or
articles feel free to share them in any of the martial arts groups below.

J. Richard Kirkham graduated from Eastern Illinois University as a dual certified teacher. He is the author of Bringing The Martial Artist Out from Within and Step by Step Learning Martial Arts Internal Energy Strikes.

Feel free to visit his website at http://KirkhamsEbooks.com or you may email him at help@kirkhamsebooks.com Get Kwik Self-Defense and Fitness Tips and Share Your Own

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A great martial arts drills article covering sparring.

Most effective martial art

Aikido Techniques - The "Most Effective" Martial Art - Who is The Fastest Gunslinger?

In the 1950's movie "The Fastest Gun Alive", Broderick Crawford portrayed the bad guy. He claimed to be the fastest gun alive but was taunted by an old timer in the saloon who claimed "no matter how fast ya are, there always someone faster'n you". In the end, the story's central character, Glen Ford, out draws and kills him.

Which art is "better" is an age-old question that is the center of much discussion by people who are focused on a specific martial art. So many bad martial arts movies show one dojo sending its best guy to another school for a showdown to settle it once and for all. Of course, it only answers the question of who had superior skills on a given day. YouTube is full of clips that pit experts from different arts against each other in an attempt to address "the big question".

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu vs. Karate, Aikido techniques vs. those of BJJ, the permutations are too numerous to count. Regardless of the outcome of an given competition, such match ups can never settle the issue for the same reason that Broderick Crawford's loss in the gunfight didn't prove who was the fastest gun alive (you have to keep "proving it"). Even within an apparently "no holds barred" match like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the championship is elusive even to skillful competitors such as Randy Couture and Chuck Liddell.

Part of the answer to the question is that it depends on your frame of reference. It involves asking oneself "what is the goal for martial arts training?" Is it so that you can enter a bar, pick a fight and kick someone's butt or are you interested in how your training can help the lives of others? Even if you could knockout someone in a bar, does that prove you are "better than they are" or does that make you the just fastest gun in the West...that day? In reality most of the popular martial arts have virtues AND limitations. Judo has rules that prevent striking but an accomplished practitioner, such as Karo Parisian, can definitely do substantial damage by throwing a person directly on his head, even if he had to take many punches to "get inside". Striking arts such as Shotokan or Jeet Kune Do, can be very effective in self-defense.

However, if taken to the ground by a skillful opponent, all of these techniques would be rendered useless. Even MMA has specific rules of competition, which exclude certain blows and even if they were allowed, how would these techniques hold up against an expert with a knife, not to mention the fact that "Smith and Wesson always beats four aces". Many arts focus on one-to-one competition, but how would these arts hold up with multiple attackers? If one's goal is to dispatch (kill) an opponent, then joining the Special Forces might be the most appropriate choice.

To summarize, to answer the question "which art is the best" we need to look at ourselves objectively and ask "what are the core beliefs that provide the framework for this comparison?" The answer is that the best martial art is the one that gives you what you are looking for. Under the right circumstances and in the hands of the right person, each art can be effective in self-defense. For those interested in an intense physical workout, Judo or Jiu Jitsu can give you a real run for your money. If you are not as interested in grappling, an art like Karate, or Jeet Kune Do may be what you are looking for. If you search for an art with a spiritual dimension, Aikido techniques may be worth checking out. Trying to "prove" that one art is better would be the same as saying the heavy weight champ in the UFC would remain so...forever. The answer then lies in the attitude of respect that many of these arts include in their fundamental training. Respect, then, is accepting that each person takes martial arts for their own reasons and that its purpose is meaningful from their perspective.

Dan Kudo has been a practitioner of Aikido for thirty-seven years and teaches the art in Santa Ana, CA and holds the rank of Yondan (fourth-degree black belt). His interests also include other sports such as skiing and flyfishing as well as music, photography, and videography.

He provides martial arts information in the form of articles and web pages for everyone to enjoy free. Check out this page for more on Aikido techniques and martial arts.

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A great article on the most effective martial art, so if you are looking for adult martial arts classes, try a few, you will eventually 'click' with one.

History of martial arts

A Beginning History of Old School Jujitsu - Part 1

Over the next couple of day's I will writing an article of the history of Pre-WWII Japanese Jujitsu/Judo. I wasn't sure where to start, but here I am so let's get started.

I'm going to start with H. Irving Hancock, who in the early 1900's wrote several books on the history of Japanese physical training & Jujitsu. I will start with his book Japanese Physical Training written in 1903.

"Subsequently he studied in Nagasaki, under Inouye San, instructor of Jiu-jitsu in the police department of that city".

This was the first time I heard of Inouye. Now if we look at Hancock's other book Jiu-jitsu Combat Tricks written a year later in 1904:

"Exponents of the Tenjin School of jiu-jitsu have developed in all its possible perfection a style of stopping the boxer's blow that cannot be surpassed for neatness of execution, effectiveness and swiftness. It is a feat that applies only to stopping a left-hand blow by the boxer."

Before leaving this book, the reason for the above two quotes are:

1.) The mentioning of Inouye, the jujitsu instructor of the Nagasaki police dept.

2.) The mention of the system "Tenjin/Tenshin"

Later you will see where I'm going with this.

Another quote that is very interesting.

"In Japan the full course in jiu-jitsu requires four years time".

That seems very reasonable, as I have read that it takes about 15 years to receive a Menkyo Kaiden in Tenjin Shinyo Ryu today. The question is, why so long? I don't have 15 years to devote to one art.

At this point I would like to bring up another old book on jiu-jitsu, "THE YABE SCHOOL OF JIU JITSU" written in 1904 by Yae Kichi Yabe. In Yabe's book he mentions that the system is based on that of "Tenshin". Also in this book is the phase "Vital Touches" used to describe Atemi or "Ate"!

Professor John J. O'Brien states that he received his diploma in Jiu Jitsu in 1905 from the Governor of Nagasaki. O'Brien spent ten years as Inspector of Police in Nagasaki. He was responsible for introducing Presiedent Teddy Roosevelt to Jiu Jitsu as well as instructing Colonel A.J. Drexel Biddle.

Next we move on to Col. Risher W. Thornberry. Thornberry wrote several books on jujitsu from 1905 to 1933. In his first jujitsu book written in 1905, the first page is very interesting. It shows a picture of Prof. Kishoku Inouye, "Instructor to the Nagasaki Police". At the top of the page it reads, "Jiu-jitsu - As taught by Prof. Inouye to over 2,000 Officers and Soldiers now at the front line." Reference to the Russo/Japanese war.

This book was written only a year or two after Hancock's book. They both mention Inouye & Tenshin. A definite connection is beginning to develop.

An interesting quote from Thornberry's book,

"Jiu-jitsu has a weapon in the form of "atemi, or vital touches", which may be administered with the thumb, the clenched hand, the elbows, the tows, the edge of the hand, or even with the head." Again, the reason for mentioning this quote is the use of the word "Vital touches".

Research shows that Thornberry actively taught jiu-jitsu. One of Thornberry's students was Samuel R. Linck. Linck went on to publish a book in 1943 called "COMBAT JIU JITSU". An excellent book. Linck studied under Thornberry in Los Angeles for a number of years. Linck received a "Master Diploma" from Thornberry in "Tenshin Ryu" dated May 6th, 1935.

In Linck's book he offers a brief history of jiu-jitsu.

"These forms of the art were closely guarded and only taught to the samurai or warrior class, the group now known as the Black Dragon Society".

Linck taught a man by the name George Tate. Linck and Tate taught a jiu-jitsu class in Los Angeles. Later on, Tate succeeded Linck as instructor and continued to teach and train in Jiu-jitsu. Tate went on to become the jiu-jitsu instructor for the Los Angeles police department and later conducted class at the L.A. Judo Club.

Copyright 2003 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. He is continually improving himself through his studies. What makes Carl unique is his combination of martial arts, law enforcement, military and real world experience. Carl has been exposed to a multitude of people with a wide variety experience. Below 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
Martial Arts | Martial Arts Training | Martial Arts Videos

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Best martial arts style

Best Martial Arts For Self Defense

When people ask me which is the best martial arts for self defense, I often wonder if they do understand the difference between winning a fight and a self defense situation? I think to get the right answer to the original question; the question should be rephrased into which self defense strategies would be right for me?

There are plenty of thoughts and opinions on the issue of the 'best martial arts', be it for self defense, or otherwise. Some believe that when it comes to self defense, there should not be any pre-set strategy. However, you can consider putting to use some of the best karate moves, known as kata. A successful self-defense strategy is aimed not at winning any competition. More often than not, strategic thinking is more important than moves.

If you are structured in your thinking, you may prefer to know which of the martial arts techniques to use and when to use. Firstly, there are essentially two lines of approach in martial arts when it deals with self defense. They are the karate or kata approach and the free response approach.

While the kata approach involves learning a host of pre-determined karate moves called 'kata' or 'forms' , the free response approach involves learning how to get the 'feel' of the attacker and the combative situation through the effective use of intuition. Here you are allowed to develop your own and unique 'style' to handle any self defense situation.

Strategic thinking in martial art techniques for self defense involves getting more 'result oriented' rather than concentrating purely on the perfection of techniques used. There is no competitive edge by using trickery or force. When you are dealing with intuitive tactics, the strategy involves knowing the exact way a fight or attack progresses; from start, escalation, progression and so on till it comes to a defeat of the attacker.

These are not based on any one's imagination but the observation of a real attack situation and gauging the strategies which should be put in place for effective self defense. The truth about self defense is that one has to respond to what the attacker is going to do, and then control the assailant's options and perceptions to prevent any harm to self.

The 5 phases of any self defense strategy using martial arts involve the following:

1. Observation

This involves watching carefully whether your opponent is setting up for grabbing or striking. If the assailant has already struck, then you have to discern where he is taking you with regard to balance, direction and control.

2. Avoiding

This involves you trying to evade his forthcoming strikes and take control of your balance and dilute or neutralize his moves. This stage is not about hurting him in return. Simple dodge and let his moves get lost.

3. Putting him off balance

After we have regained balance and control it is time to get into the combative mode. It is not time to attack the opponent but simply unnerve him making it difficult to continue with his strategy. Putting him off balance can be done emotionally, physically or mentally or use a combination of all the three.

4. Bring him down

When we have taken control of the balance of the attacker, usually he would find it difficult to remain erect. It is at this stage the attacker can not leave you nor get at you. You are left with two choices: to make him leave or put him on the ground. Karate techniques can be used depending on your preference and the situation.

5. Wait and watch

Now that you have effectively dealt with the attacker, it is time to wait and watch his next move. Our next course of action would depend on whether he decides to run away or willing to give it another shot.

While these are not 'steps' or 'action plan', they are simple control phrases which allows us to manipulate the attacker's intentions, energies and techniques to drive him away from us- all within martial arts guide lines.

Read on to find out how you can ignite your fighting skills with some of the best martial arts around. I will reveal all the martial arts secrets that you want to know. Go to http://www.martialartsmagic.com right now before we wise up and decide to no longer reveal our secrets!

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To me, it also depends on the individual, the best martial art for self defense may vary from person to person. The best martial artists can make the softest martial arts style, the deadliest martial art!

Martial Arts Info

Self-Defense Within Martial Arts Training Demands a Real-World Perspective

This story is being offered in response to a request made by my teacher, Soke (Grand Master) Masaaki Hatsumi, during a recent training visit to Japan. During one of the training sessions, Soke was suggesting that everyone, regardless of rank, should make it a point to talk to those with actual combat experience and to learn from these people. The point was, if you do not know what a real fight is like, you will not be able to train properly for an authentic situation.

I was asked to share some of my experience in dealing with an attack and the following story came to mind. Though I have much experience with dealing with danger and dangerous people, this particular situation stands out as both a successful outcome where I was able to use some of my ninpo-taijutsu martial arts training, and a learning experience where I was actually able to control both my awareness and response, instead of mentally shutting down and "hoping" for the best.

***

The incident occurred many years ago while I was stationed in, what was then, West Germany. I was serving with the United States Army Military Police Corps. My partner and I were called to respond to a unit where a serviceman was assaulting others, including the officer-in-charge.

When we arrived at, what we thought was, the location of the incident, there was no one but the Charge of Quarters present. He had no idea about the incident. What none of us knew was that the 'problem' was occurring next door and moving in our direction.

While my partner and I were confirming the call with our superiors, the attacker entered the building where we were. He was obviously intoxicated and shouting racial insults and demanding satisfaction before he started a 'real war.' By the smell of him, he had been drinking heavily and primarily whiskey. His clothes showed signs of a struggle and at this point I wasn't sure if I was facing an attacker or the victim of an assault.

I immediately tried to calm the individual and find out what the problem was. As I was doing this, several other soldiers, including the command duty officer entered the building and became involved. The belligerent soldier was going on with his racial attacks and how he was attacked by what he thought were his friends. It was then that he turned his attention to me and began implying that he had martial arts experience and "didn't have to prove himself to anyone."

During this, and later after interviewing witnesses, we found that the individual had tested for his black belt in another martial art earlier that day and was out 'celebrating' with his friends. Witnesses testified that the more intoxicated he became, the more he started "showing off" to his friends which involved hitting and kicking. Eventually, his friends had had enough and then attempted to stop his obnoxious behavior by pushing him away and leaving him behind. This only made him more "playful" at which time he jumped on his friends resulting in them throwing him down on the ground. It was this that finally enraged him enough to chase them to the barracks and begin attacking others.

As he was telling me that he didn't have to prove himself, he also made statements that I only thought that I was tougher than him because I carried a gun, a nightstick and wore an MP helmet. I responded by removing my helmet and handing my night stick to my partner in an attempt to neutralize any perceived threat that I might be projecting and bring the soldier's anxiety level down. I informed him that the gun stayed where it was but that we needed to talk like civilized men so we could solve whatever problem was going on.

The soldier continued on with the "I'm a black belt and don't need to prove how tough I am" speech when he closed the distance and, from about an inch from my face, stated that, "I'm going to show you how tough you're not."

I ordered the soldier back and before I knew what was happening, I sensed his fist coming up between our bodies toward my jaw. I rode off the strike which landed before I could evade and then backed out as he began to flail widely with both arms at my head and body. I remember taking up a hoko-like position (a guarding posture in ninjutsu designed to create a protective 'bubble' that is difficult for the attacker to get through) to cover against the incoming attacks and having to simultaneously deal with an officer who thought that I was the one doing the attacking!

At one point, I realized that his right arm had wrapped around my left forearm and that a 'musha-dori-like thing' (uplifting elbow - shoulder dislocating technique) was happening. I remember moving to capture his balance and laid him down when suddenly his feet went out from under him. Later I found out that, in an attempt to help, my partner chose that moment to sweep my assailant's legs out from under him. I felt the soldier's shoulder give way as I applied the lock and took him down. This didn't help with the anxiety and emotional pressure I was dealing with as I was now worried about a possible 'police brutality' charge for excessive force.

This injury didn't deter his aggression though as he continued to fight against our restraint. We were finally able to subdue him and get him onto his stomach to be handcuffed when his wife and young child entered the building. I don't know how they found out about the situation but there they were. I felt sad for them and was only able to give a look of apology for having to do this. Again, more stress was added in that I didn't want to have to physically hurt this man in front of his family.

Unfortunately, their presence only served to escalate the problem. When the soldier became aware of his wife and child, he blamed my partner and I for his "embarrassment" and began to fight against his restraint again. I am not a big man and this soldier's build was easily 150% of my own size and weight, so holding him was a serious problem. Having to improvise and immobilize the man, I placed my night stick between the handcuff chain and his back and applied leverage against his spine which created a situation where he would only hurt himself with his continued resistance. This was only necessary for a moment or two, as he passes out from his exertion.

*************

As I related during my initial telling of the story at the Hombu Dojo ('main training hall'0 in Noda-city, Japan, my legs begin to shake and I can feel my breathing change as I recall this situation and many others like it. It does not control me or the way I go through my life in the ordinary sense that I am not afraid to associate with people or the like. What it has done is imprinted on me much more than just a step-by-step memory of the events, and I'm sure that my recollection of these is less than accurate because the experience was much more emotional and from what Soke has called "budo-nerves" orientation or perspective than from any sort of memorized technique string.

I will simply end this by saying that, this situation is one that has forever changed my perspective on how I should train, and as a teacher, how I should train my students. It has taught me that kata-like, step-by-step training is only a piece of the training puzzle but, anyone who believes that they will fight this way is deluding themselves. Conversely, it has also taught me that training that is just henka-based, where the basics like cover, distance and the like are not drilled until they become second-nature and the student just "does whatever" in an attempt to imitate (his or her teacher) is also deluded. This type of practice is necessary but, again, only a piece.

I am in complete agreement with Soke when he points out that it is the ability to go between the animal instinct response required for surviving an attack and returning to the civilized state to live a happy life, unstained by fear, defensiveness or antisocial behavior because of the attack that should be the goal.

Let me also say that, I respect Soke and the Shihan master instructors that I train with. But, not simply because they are Soke and the Shihan. I respect these people and continue to train in this art precisely because my own experience with having to handle danger tells me that what they have to offer is authentic and "on the mark" with that experience. Because I know that should I ever be attacked again, it will be the lessons that I have learned from them and not my admiration of them or their abilities that will help to insure that my family gets to have me around a little while longer. In a world filled with martial artists and instructors who want trophies, admiration and to 'look good,' it is comforting to know that there are still those who have what the true warrior needs to create a life worth living and the power to protect that life from whatever might harm it.

*****************************

If you liked this article, please do me the favor of rating it in the space below. It only takes a second and will send a message to the site's owners that they should allow me to post more information. I would appreciate your help.

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Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior Concepts International. A senior teacher in the Japanese warrior art of Ninjutsu, he specializes in teaching the ancient ways of self-protection and personal development lessons in a way that is easily understood and put to use by modern Western students and corporate clients. Through their martial arts training, his students and clients learn proven, time-tested lessons designed to help them create the life they've always dreamed of living, and the skills necessary for protecting that life from anything that might threaten it. He is also the author of the "Foundations of Self Defense Mastery" eCourse. To learn more about this and other subjects related to the martial arts, self-defense, personal development & self-improvement, visit his website at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com

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