Samurai Armor Part 1

The first prototype for Japanese samurai armor came about in the form of the yoroi during the Gempei War of 1181-1185. The weight of the yoroi was around 60lb. The upper-body armor of the samurai was known as the 'Do'. This comprised of the 'Sode', the suspended shoulder and upper-arm... Read More

How to Become A Modern-Day Ninja Master

The ninja were a military order in Japan. Most people have seen them in movies and fictional books.They are the guys dressed in the black suits that seem to have amazing powers, such as climbing the outside of buildings with no rope, or seeming to disappear instantly.Behind ninjutsu you will... Read More

5 Steps to Choosing the Right Martial Art for You

One of the questions I get asked most frequently, in several different variations is about which martial art an individual should study. Generally which martial art, and more importantly which school to choose are fundamental decisions someone should make. My answer is usually something along the lines of, "choose the... Read More

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

In the 12th Century the Shogunate was formed. The head of this regime was the Shogun, the supreme ruler. Under him where his regional 'daimyo' or 'dukes'. Under each 'daimyo' served the Japanese samurai. When a samurai stepped out of line, became too unruly or displeased his 'daimyo', the samurai... Read More

Content, Are We?

I asked a simple question at the last seminar:"How much has everyone improved in the year since we last got together?"I've practiced the same basics everyday for decades.Everyday Rain or shine. Summer, winter, spring and fall. Over and over and over.............................................And I'm never satisfied. I'm not fast enough, I don't... Read More

Elements of Unarmed Combat

Custom build your own personal "system":Useful areas of training and study to find, train and develop the various "parts" -To develop STRIKING: Western BOXING Savate Muay Thai (Burmese Boxing) Jiu Jitsu ATEMI Old style KEMPOTo develop GRAPPLING: Catch/Freestyle Wrestling Greco-Roman Wrestling JUDO Sambo (Real SAMBO/SOMBO) Brazilian JujutsuA comprehensive study of... Read More

Fronting

"Fronting": The dodge to get in close to you. The frontal assault, as opposed to the ambush.Fronting can be either a direct confrontation (intimidation) or it can make use of "artifice", i.e. "got a light?", "got the time?", "how do I get to such and such?" Anything "innocent" to throw... Read More

The Dojo

Just as an aside. For those who would "box" us in to specific "category".........We don't just write articles. There is a place we actually train in these methods every day. This is where people of various backgrounds come together and have one thing in common, TRAINING.At the "Dojo"(which it is),... 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

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

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Showing 1 - 10 of 89 Articles
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Makiwara Training

Shigeru Kimura Sensei 9th Dan Tani-Ha Shitoryu Shukokai had a... Read More

Regular or De-escalated

We always stress that NOTHING occurs in a vacuum. There... Read More

Samurai Sword Basics, A Brief History

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

Does It Hurt When I Do This?

Let me tell you something. I don't bruise too easily.... Read More

Do You Take Yours Trained or Untrained?

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

Okinawan Karate

So you are thinking of starting to train in okinawan... Read More

Combatives

This is our last installment on "defining" the parameters of... Read More

British Aikido Board National Nepotism Seminar

For many years The British Aikido Board (BAB) have shown... 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

Tae Kwon Do As A Means To Stay In Shape

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

Aikido Philosophy: An Oriental Concept of Energy, Self, and Mind

PrefaceThere are many different ways to understand Aikido philosophy and... Read More

Fairbairn on the Fairbairn Method

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

How To Defend Against A Knife - Dont Use The Stuff Taught In The Dojo!

Defences against Knife attacks, Firstly if at all possible get... Read More

Why Every Cop Should Study Judo Part 1

Up until 30 years ago, JUDO was the martial art.... Read More

Content, Are We?

I asked a simple question at the last seminar:"How much... Read More

How to Select Your Martial Arts and Self Defense Equipment

The most common place to buy martial arts or self... Read More

Grown Man Quits After 3 Mat Pulls!

A matt pull is the simple act of lying on... Read More

The Fallacy and the Myth

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

Fight Simulator Theory for Reality Based Street Defense

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

Elements of Unarmed Combat

Custom build your own personal "system":Useful areas of training and... Read More

Eight Simple Rules for Saving Your Life

Let's put the non-lethal fantasy to rest.1. Never trust your... Read More

By-Rote Combinations

Do not believe that practicing "by rote" 1-2-3,etc. type "responses"... Read More

Martial Arts Strength Training

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

Martial Arts: Mind, Body and Spirit Presented Online

This Martial Arts website uses body, spirit and mind to... Read More

Fun Games for Children Training in Martial Arts

Keeping children interested in their Martial Arts training requires an... 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

So You Think You Train Hard

"Tokio Hirano (1922-1993) 8th Dan The Man Who Revolutionized Judo"... Read More

Samurai Sword Facts

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

5 Steps to Choosing the Right Martial Art for You

One of the questions I get asked most frequently, in... Read More

Things to Know About Learning Tai Chi Chuan (Tai Chi Boxing)

For Easterners, particularly Chinese, this MAY not be an issue.... Read More

Fronting

"Fronting": The dodge to get in close to you. The... Read More

Sensing Intention

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