Nuts & Bolts of Self Defense

Fundamental "Nuts & Bolts" training for close combat should be directed at dealing with the extremes. That is a life and death struggle for survival, i.e. worst case scenario. Restraint, control, and use of force scenarios and methods are peripheral to this core training. In other words train to deal... Read More

Catholic Self Defense

Note: I wrote this essay regarding the development of Tekkenryu jujutsu. However, I think it is applicable for all methods of self defense. It may also explain why martial arts are the way they are.Catholic, by definition, means universal or "broad minded".I could pull out STACKS of manuals, syllabuses, films,... Read More

Martial Arts

Traditionally, people trained in Martial Arts in order to utilized their skills as a form of attack and defense in both armed and unarmed combat. Today, people train in Martial Arts in order to keep fit, as a form of meditation, to learn self-discipline and as a... Read More

Sensing Intention

One of the 'mystical' aspects of the martial arts has always been the ability to feel another persons intention.Sensing intention gives a person the ability to be in instant control of a potentially violent encounter, and it's one of the ways we use the martial arts to test our energy... Read More

Are You Still Standing Toe to Toe?

How many times do you practice techniques with your training partner and you stay in the same spot? Next time you are training, see how much you and your partner move. You will find you move very little or not at all. You see, when you are training, or doing... Read More

Bogu Training

About four years ago Carl recommended we start using the Bogu during our kumite (sparring practice). This method was developed in Okinawa and then found its way into mainland Japan and eventually to the U.S. where only a few clubs still do this. And even in those clubs, only a... Read More

The Test

"Will this work so that I can use it instinctively in vital combat against an opponent who is determined to prevent me from doing so, and who is striving to eliminate me by fair means or foul". ~ Rex ApplegateIt really does NOT matter one iota what style, system, method,... Read More

Learning the Modern Dynamics of Judo

You may have the erroneous idea that force is not necessary in judo, especially when you see a sixty-year-old instructor throwing many young- and strong men seemingly without effort. Dynamics, however, denies this illusion. A body begins to move only when an external force works on it, as will be... Read More

Samurai Swords and The Swordsmiths

Back in the early times of sword manufacture, the production of super strong high-grade carbon steel wasn't even a vague dream. But we know, as history has taught us, that sword makers of ancient times still managed to produce superb quality, strong weapons.So just how was this possible all those... Read More

The Economics of Self Defense

The following is a recent email I received; I thought I should respond to the list rather than to the individual because this situation is common:"I'm a 52 year old guy who has been pretty active lifting weights for about 20 years but about a year ago I found myself... Read More

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Showing 1 - 10 of 89 Articles
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Applying Law of Gravity to Judo

In judo it is important to throw your opponent by... Read More

A Samurais Power Is In His Little Finger, Not His Samurai Sword

In the 12th Century the Shogunate was formed. The head... Read More

The Acronym That Saved My Life

Frequently, I get asked about certifications, systems or methods. We... Read More

Samurai Sword Basics, A Brief History

Capturing the spirit of old Japan and recognised by its... Read More

Is it a ?Hurt? or is it an ?Injury?

My father fed me this line every time I felt... Read More

Women in the Martial Arts

1st Lady Assistant to Sensei Henry Ellis Ellis Schools... Read More

Martial Arts Strength Training

According to various sources on the internet, a 1996 article... Read More

Samurai - The Honourable & The Treacherous

The Japanese Samurai were warriors. Highly trained, skilled and efficient... Read More

Fight Simulator Theory for Reality Based Street Defense

This is such a powerful tool that it should leave... Read More

Have No Misconceptions

I just received an Email from a woman who has... Read More

COMBATIVES A Rose by Any Other Name?....Part 2

The advent of World War One (the war to END... Read More

The Dojo

Just as an aside. For those who would "box" us... Read More

The Thumb Jab

I'm sure a lot of you remember the scene in... Read More

Generating More Power from Hip Rotation - Lessons from Martial Arts

One of the important lessons of Martial Arts training is... Read More

Is Aikido a Martial Art ?

Sensei Henry Ellis Co-Author of the new book Positive Aikido.-... Read More

Do You Take Yours Trained or Untrained?

If you ain't pissing anyone off, you're not doing anything... Read More

Samurai Sword Facts

The first samurai swords we're actually straight bladed, single edged... Read More

Real Life Self-Defense Starts From...

"Nicky Bats" was an "old school" kinda guy. He was... Read More

Fairbairn on the Fairbairn Method

Something for our shooting "enthusiasts" -PRELIMINARY STATEMENTBackground:"Prior to my association... Read More

Its Not a Matter of Who is Right

"People here may belittle sports arts...."Who?Almost EVERY "combatives" man of... Read More

John Styers

Most people have only been exposed to John Styers work... Read More

The Fallacy and the Myth

It's always amusing when "know it alls" dismiss certain methods... Read More

Are You Frustrated Yet?

I was talking to a parent recently and they told... Read More

Samurai Swords ? Choosing a Sword to Buy

It's undeniable that a well placed and mounted samurai sword... Read More

What Can We Learn From What Has Already Been Done?

Pre-WWII Judo was a far different thing than what we... Read More

Dermot Michael (Pat) ONeill

Dermot O'Neill was born in 1905 in County Cork, Ireland.... Read More

Sensing Intention

One of the 'mystical' aspects of the martial arts has... Read More

Samurai Armor Part 1

The first prototype for Japanese samurai armor came about in... Read More

Safety Awareness & Self Defense: Circle of Safety

Safety Awareness & Self Defense is the responsibility of each... Read More

Benefits of Martial Arts Training For Kids

Admit it. When the going gets tough at home, we've... Read More

Judo Nagewaza (Throwing Technique) In The Street

How practical are throwing techniques (nagewaza) for self-defense or street-fighting?... Read More

Catholic Self Defense

Note: I wrote this essay regarding the development of Tekkenryu... Read More

Tae Kwon Do As A Means To Stay In Shape

Becoming a martial artist is a fanatastic method of fitness.... Read More