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Discovering the Three Levels of Martial Arts Secrets

All students want to know the secrets of the martial arts. There's got to be martial arts secrets behind all those blocks and strikes, right? Well, it may be tough for some people to handle, but this article is going to point you in the direction of those hidden gems that only the mightiest of the martial arts masters know.

One out of a thousand people who begin a study of the martial arts get a black belt. This is a sad commentary, and does not speak highly of the various styles, and especially of their teachers. So only one in a thousand people have gone to the top of their art and found the truth of the various taekwondo secrets and karate secrets.

Out of the thousand people who reach black belt, only one can be considered a real black belt. A real black belt (one in a million) is one who has 'matured,' which is the actual meaning of the word 'Dan,' which word signifies the levels of black belt. To mature means to give up the desire to fight, to stop being foolish, to take responsibility for what one does, and this is the indication that somebody actually understands the first level of mystery in the various types of martial arts.

Now, the story goes strange, for out of the people who learn the external arts to this high level, only one out of a thousand will study another art to the point of understanding that arts mysteries! This is the next stage of the martial arts mysteries: wudan kung fu secrets and aikido secrets. That's one in a billion who will actually pursue their dream to the point of understanding both the hard and the soft sides of the martial arts!

Now, of those billion people, only one in a thousand--that's right, one in a trillion--will finally understand the truth of the fighting disciplines. This means overcoming the slant and taint of school and system and such and actually perceiving the true physics inherent in the martial arts. The actual physics are described by such laws as 'For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, but they develop into 'For every action there is a source point.'

Interestingly, one would assume that Wudan based arts, or Aikido, or that ilk, would teach second level physics. Unfortunately, though one does see isolated incidents of individual achievement, the arts themselves are biased and slanted. Just as a person who thinks he is the only one... isn't, so do arts which hold themselves up as the only one... are not.

Interestingly, and here is the crux of the problem, of the few people who do become capable, and who do manifest the second level of physics, none understand it. They teach through mysticism, you see, and do not offer concrete science for explaining what they are doing and why. For there to be a true art there must be a science, a system backed up by a method which works every time, and which leads one through and to solid manifestation of the second level of physics.

So one in a thousand actual learns an art, and one in a million actually becomes an artist, and one in a billion actually can do something which is mystical, which means they can do something which follows certain rules, but they have no idea what the rules are. And only one in a trillion has penetrated through to the third level of martial arts secrets. And if you want the secrets, study one art until you understand it, complement it with a second art until you understand it, then find the person who understands the science behind what you are doing, that is the only and true way to find out those fabulous martial arts secrets.

There really is a science which encompasses all martial disciplines, you can find it at Monster Martial Arts. Get a free ebook while you're at Monster Martial Arts. 2

Mixed Martial Arts: An Introduction to MMA

The popularity of mixed martial arts contests like the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) has soared exponentially over the last decade. However, some may still wonder just exactly what mixed martial arts is. Well, to a certain extent it's just what its name implies. It is the combining of different martial arts and the incorporation of those techniques into one's repertoire of fighting skills.

If mixed martial arts (MMA) is so popular, then why hasn't it been done before. Actually, it has been done before. The ancient Greek Olympics had a sport known as pankration which involved grappling and striking and had no rules. Pankration means "all powerful." Pankration was the no-holds-barred (NHB) fighting of its day. Vale tudo contests were popular in Brazil during the twentieth century. Vale tudo also had a limited number of rules. Vale tudo means "anything goes" in Portuguese. Vale tudo contests are probably the nearest descendant to the UFC.

As you can see, MMA is not exactly new. But, it's been perfected and polished to a high degree over the last few decades. When the UFC first began, it was merely a contest to see which martial arts discipline was superior. The Gracie family of Brazil believed that their Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was the best. And, to some extent they proved that it was. Royce Gracie won UFC 1, 2, and 4 often fighting against bigger opponents. I still enjoy watching videos of Royce. Royce Gracie put Brazilian Jiu Jitsu "on the map." However, the UFC evolved from its humble origins. Weight classes and other rules came into being. Competitors realized that they could combine wrestling, grappling, and striking skills. Thus, the sport of MMA was born.

For More UFC History, Check Out the Books:

Blood in the Cage: Mixed Martial Arts, Pat Miletich, and the Furious Rise of the UFC
A Fighter's Heart: One Man's Journey Through the World of Fighting

Boxing and Other Martial Arts

When I was growing up, boxers were well known in America. I was familiar with the names Muhammad Ali, Leon Spinks, Larry Holmes, George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini, Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns, Hector "Macho" Camacho, Oscar de la Hoya, Mike Tyson, James "Buster" Douglas, and Evander Holyfield. But, the popularity of boxing has diminished over the years perhaps in part because of the increased interest in MMA. The only boxers that I am very familiar with now are Floyd Mayweather, Andre Ward, Bernard Hopkins, and Manny Pacquiao. Boxing movies like Rocky may have contributed to its popularity. Even now, one can still see boxing movies such as The Fighter.

The Karate Kid introduced some of us to the discipline of karate. And, the movieKickboxer introduced me to Muay Thai. Steven Seagal did some interesting martial arts in his movies. Many of us have seen kung fu movies as well. I grew up in the Midwest, so I was always interested in wrestling. I took a Taekwondo class during college. I saw kickboxing competitions on television occasionally. There seemed to be a time when practitioners of a certain martial art weren't interested in learning another martial art and many people thought that the martial art of their choice was the best. MMA seems to have shown that a combination of fighting styles works the best to attain fighting dominance. Even the military and police forces utilize MMA techniques.

Primitive Mixed Martial Arts

The legendary Bruce Lee recognized that traditional martial arts had their limits and weren't always practical in real world situations. Bruce Lee studied and critiqued many traditional forms. Lee's approach to martial arts and his emphasis on practicality makes him a forerunner of mixed martial arts. "Judo" Gene LeBell defeated boxer Milo Savage in 1963 with a lapel choke in one of the first MMA type contests. In addition, Muhammad Ali fought Antonio Inoki to a draw in 1976 in what would be considered a primitive MMA contest.

Ground and Pound, Sprawl and Brawl, Submissions

As I discussed earlier, mixed martial arts, the UFC, and other MMA competitions came into being and showed that combining martial arts could create a dominant fighter. Soon strategies developed. Some competitors were better at wrestling so they liked to employ the "ground and pound" strategy. Some were better at kicking and punching so they employed the "sprawl and brawl" strategy. And, others were experts at submissions (lock and choke) sticking with that strategy.

Fighting Backgrounds

Mixed martial artists come from many different back grounds:

Royce Gracie - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Pat Miletich - wrestling, karate, kickboxing

Matt Hughes - wrestling

Tito Ortiz - wrestling

Randy Couture - wrestling

Chuck Liddell - wrestling, Kempo, Koei-Kan Karate-do, and kickboxing

Keith Jardine - karate

Lyoto Machida - karate

B. J. Penn - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Kazushi Sakuraba - catch wrestling

Fedor Elemianenko - sambo

Karo Parisyan - judo

These fighters, of course, combined other skills with their primary fighting style to be complete fighters.

Mixed martial artists combine many skills from many disciplines including but not limited to freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, catch wrestling, judo, sambo, Brazilian Jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing, kickboxing, and karate.

Basil the Greek

I read a book while in elementary school called The Great Brain. In one story in this book, the Great Brain (Tom) helps teach a Greek immigrant boy how to fight in America so he won't get bullied and picked on. Tom notices that Basil isn't very good at boxing but is great at wrestling, especially headlocks. Tom develops a fighting strategy for Basil around this.

Here's a tiny excerpt from the book:

Tom and Basil were waiting inside the barn. "This is going to be a rough and tumble fight,"Tom announced. "Anything goes, lumberjack style."

"Suits me," Sammy said, grinning.

Well, Basil was able to catch Sammy in a headlock and straddle him on the ground (a la "ground and pound"). Basil was able to neutralize Sammy's punches and win the fight. That's how MMA works. A fighter can use his skills to neutralize the skills of another fighter. Combining skills works better than using one fighting skill exclusively.

There you have it. I hope you enjoyed this introduction to mixed martial arts. And, I hope you continue to watch and perhaps participate in this sport as it evolves and gains in popularity.

Tharin Schwinefus is a former high school conference wrestling champion and state qualifier. He maintains a passion and interest in all things related to the sport of wrestling. He is also passionate about the grappling arts and submission grappling. If you would like to read more information regarding grappling and wrestling then please visit http://essentialgrappler.webs.com/ and http://essentialwrestler.webs.com.

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Mastering Effective Martial Arts Teaching - The Green Check Approach

More often than not Martial arts instructors approach the sale of their product thru two different venues: either the self-esteem approach or the self-defense approach. Either way an instructor approaches it to the child, parent, or adult student; an effective instructor can eventually blend the two approaches together in a way where the student not only gains the self-confidence, self awareness, self-respect or to sum-the self-esteem they need, but he/she also gains a defined and unique understanding of the material that they are learning.

All too often, however, Martial arts schools lose students due to their inability to blend the two approaches together. Two different scenarios would go like this: One, either the instructor allows for their students to develop sloppy technique, or have a misconstrued concept of their art due to the fact that the instructor doesn't want to offend or bruise their students fragile psyche. Two, the instructor becomes so focused on the self-defense aspect of the Art that they are teaching that they put that before the student. This student loses motivation quickly due to the lack of encouragement and charismatic touch that the instructor lacks that they simply quit because practicing Martial arts is no longer fun and exciting. The trick to effective Martial arts instruction is truly a blending of the two in a process called the Green Check approach.

To elaborate, the Green Check approach isn't a new way for Martial arts schools to do banking, instead it's an evolution in teaching that focuses on both the students intrinsic needs that he/she looks to gain from the art, but also on the art itself. It's a dynamic approach to teaching that uses classic techniques such as PCP (Praise-Correct-Praise) among other more modern teaching techniques, such as spotlighting (publicly singling out a student's performance) and direct-lighting (individually singling out a student's performance) to give the student both the physical and mental abilities necessary to be not only successful in the Martial arts, but in life as well. But how do Martial arts instructors use the Green Check approach effectively. In order to do it right, the instructor not only has to change how they teach, but also change how the student learns.

I'll give another example. Take the life of a normal ten-year-old boy named Billy. Billy wakes up on a Friday morning to his mom waking him up. Of course this is the third time his mother has come in the room to get Billy out of bed, so she makes a comment like, "I will not tell you again, I am so tired of doing this every day.... Get out of bed now or you will get it," or what have you. Well, Billy goes to school on the bus, and the only thing that he hears from the bus driver is, "sit down!!" Now Billy is at school and he gets his spelling test back from his teacher and it's covered with corrections in red ink. He also receives a book report back also covered in red ink, and a multiple choice test that is the same. Billy leaves school to go home to a list of chores, which include cleaning his room. He does them all superbly but at the end of the day when his mother comes home all she sees are his shoes laying in the middle of the room. Again she says something like, "I thought I told you to clean up your room. Do it now!!!" Even though Billy did, he just took off his shoes afterward. Now it's 6:30 and it's time for karate class, but on the way to karate class, he receives another lecture on how he really doesn't deserve to attend karate class today because his room was a mess and he was hard to get up on a Friday. What's the problem here?

Billy's life is nothing but a red X. He learns what not to do or how to fix something because everyone in his life is correcting him thru what he does wrong. An effective Martial arts instructor can't just be another one of those people who red X everything. They have to be a hero. By teaching with the idea of Green Checks rather than Red X's the instructor becomes just that. But what constitutes a Green Check? The answer: anything that the student performs well or better than the time before. Time for another example, but this time I'll demonstrate how to use the Green Check approach correctly.

So Billy made it to class after all, and in class today one thing that the class is working on is the Horse stance. It's a classic stance found in almost all Martial arts styles. Feet shoulder width and a half apart, knees bent deep, back straight, toes pointing forward, hands up and pulled tight... but Billy, even though he is working hard, just doesn't quite get it. His knees are bent, but his posture is slouching, his feet aren't aligned properly and his body is way too tense to relax into his stance like he needs to in order to make the stance effective. An instructor who is just a part of Billy's world of Red X's would simply walk up to Billy and say, "Don't slouch, straighten your back... fix your feet... bend your knees more." I wonder how long Billy is going to think Martial arts are fun with that approach? But Billy's instructor is really a master of Green Check Fu so when he walks up to Billy, the scenario is much different. He would approach Billy with raised eyebrows and big eyes and say something like, "Wow Billy, your horse stance is really deep, I really like how your knees are bent. But we can make your stance even better by doing one thing. If you straighten your back and relax your shoulders... excellent Billy just like that... oh, and where are those toes supposed to be facing?... exactly, forward just like you have them now. Man Billy, your stance was good before, but now... wow, you have got it going on... your back is straight, your knees are bent... Billy I think you are on your way to greatness here... high five... keep up the good work."

See the difference. Not only did the Green Check instructor correct Billy's technique, he gave Billy praise in the process, thereby achieving the blended balance mentioned earlier; and it can be bet that the next time Billy performs a Horse stance in class, he will be an even bigger success at it because he will strive for the level that his instructor set for him. Not because he doesn't want to be corrected again, which is the approach that he has with the rest of life from home to school; but because he is looking for another high five which he will get because that same instructor cares enough about Billy to ensure that he does. I'll put it differently. Instead of spending his time figuring out ways to eliminate Red X's in his life Billy is figuring out ways to gain more Green Checks.

That is what the Green Check approach is all about. Generating students that seek the positive things that they have and can accomplish rather than students that are struggling to have less negative in their lives. This, over time, leads to the self-esteem gains that Martial arts has to offer, while still maintaining the integrity of the Art itself which compounds on developing more than just an effective Martial Artist, but an effective person.

Michael D. Hamel

Michael D. Hamel is a Third Degree Black Belt in MudoKwan Taekwando. He has been an avid practicer in the Martial arts for well over the last decade, and has been teaching for the last 5 years under Martial Arts America in Pace, Fl. He is currently attending University of West Florida for a degree in Philosophy with a specialization in Religious Studies, minoring in Business Management, and Marketing Applications and acquiring certifications in Ethics, and Sales Marketing. He is scheduled to graduate in Spring 2012.

Which Martial Arts Is The Best Martial Arts?

Martial arts is ideal for the simple reason it teaches people some basics of self defense. For this reason, a vast majority of people keep asking, which is the best type of martial art? However, this is not a question that should be taken lightly for the simple reason that each type of martial art has its own strengths and weaknesses and for this reason the best will be based on the style that suits you best and the type of skills you want to learn. As such, when looking for the best martial arts, there are two major factors that you need to consider and they are stated below.

Physical Condition

This simply refers your physical state and as such, it is imperative to note that if you choose arts such the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the MMA you must be in top shape. During the early days of training, they demand a lot of work and as such, might prove to be a trifle difficult for someone who is not physically fit. For this reason, you will be required to go through extensive cardio and core training to ensure that you get into the right shape.

Ideally, if you have any injuries or are a little older, though this are ranked among the best forms of martial arts, you will be forced to choose a training school that ensures you go through extensive workouts. However, if your situation is a little over the top, it is advisable to stay away from these two types of martial arts.

Mode Of Training

The mode of training is another major factor that will influence your choice of the best martial art for your body. This is largely due to the fact that this is broken down into striking, grappling or both. If you are interested in a mode of training that involves throwing punches kicks or using your elbows, then you can opt for striking arts such as kickboxing, kung fu, karate and Tae Kwon Do. On the other hand, if you are interested in grappling arts, then you should opt for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, judo or wrestling. However, if you are looking for a form of art that delivers both these tactics, then it is ideal to consider enrolling in a MMA gym or school since more often than not, they combine both styles. Additionally, it is important to ensure that you do not indulge in a martial art that could cause further damage to any problem area you have.

Conclusion

After weighing the factors mentioned above, the next thing you have to consider is the reason you want to learn the best martial art. This will go along way to ensure that you make your selection wisely. Ideally, it is imperative to note that this will be based on whether you want to learn the art as a form of self defense or as a sports activity. In this regard, it is important to state that this aids you establish whether you will opt for an art that ends the fight quickly which is a prerequisite for defense or whether you should go for prolonged martial arts training.

As such and for all the reasons mentioned above, the best martial art is solely based on your expectations and what you intend to achieve out of the training. By understanding these facts, you are placed at liberty to make informed decisions.

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Martial Arts & Christianity

Christians need to be very careful in the decisions they make regarding their recreation. Many Christians dismiss all martial art training as diabolical and unfit for Christian practice. As a Christian myself and a martial art instructor I agree that it is better to leave something alone if you are uncertain, rather than dabble in ignorance.

Many martial arts are not separable from the Eastern religious aspects from which they evolved and therefore unfit for practice by Christians that take their religion seriously. Some martial arts, on the other hand, were not created with any religious foundation, making them better for people that want to study the martial arts without the saturation of Eastern religious concepts.

This article will discuss two main points. The first part will try to prove that it is Biblically acceptable to train in the martial arts as long as the focus is right. But even if there are no religious aspects to a martial art, martial arts still teach people how to hurt someone and even to kill. Does not this prove that martial arts are unacceptable for Christian practice? The second part of this article will elaborate on exactly this point, showing that a Christian instructor must do more than just keep Eastern religious teachings from the dojang (practice hall) in an effort to keep it Biblically permissible.

Other than the health benefits associated with the good overall exercise, there is just one reason that makes martial art training an acceptable recreation for the Christian student and that is the preservation of yourself and your loved ones. In other words self-defense. The Bible promotes peace with your neighbor, which is the foundation of the all Christian doctrine; namely, Love -- i.e. selflessness.

I would like to use two passages that would prove self-defense a valid option for Christian people. It must be stressed that in context both these passages does not dictate earthly struggles, but rather spiritual readiness, yet the principles are the same.

In Ezekiel chapter 33 God gives the prophet a parable, saying:

"Son of man, speak to the children of thy people, and say unto them, When I bring the sword upon a land, if the people of the land take a man of their coasts, and set him for their watchman: If when he seeth the sword come upon the land, he blow the trumpet, and warn the people; Then whosoever heareth the sound of the trumpet, and taketh not warning; if the sword come, and take him away, his blood shall be upon his own head. He heard the sound of the trumpet, and took not warning; his blood shall be upon him. But he that taketh warning shall deliver his soul." Ezekial 33 : 2-5.

It would help nothing if the citizens heard the trumpet and although they took note of it, went back to sleep or whatever they were doing prior to the sound, would it? No, the logical thing would be to prepare for the oncoming battle, flee if possible, and if it comes down to it, fight for survival.

The other passage is a parable by Jesus:

"But know this, that if the good man of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up." Matthew 24 : 43.

This is the same principle as the aforementioned passage. It would be logical to accept that the good man of the house would keep the thief from his house and family using even force if need be. The burglar do not come with good intend and even in a supposed civilized age as we live in we can assume that the thief will not be satisfied with just stealing everything you have, but will also rape and kill you and your loved ones.

No wonder the wise man says: "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: ... A time of love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace." Ecclesiastes 3, verse 1 and 8.

The God that gave all animals some method of self-defense (the porcupine its thorny hide, the octopus a squirt of ink, the wasp a sting, the insect a poisonous taste), has also given humans a means of self-defense and that is the ability to think, to learn and to use the best method applicable. This might be turning the other cheek if that would shame your assailant or running away if you have a choice, or standing your ground as a last resort. God has more use for living Christians that can still spread the gospel and reflect His light than for dead Christians that allowed their own demise due to negligence.

This should be enough proof that learning martial arts for self protection can be considered a Biblically acceptable recreation. Many proof of martial art knowledge can be read in the Old Testament, especially considering that when the Israelites went to war they did so with spears and swords and armor. Think for example of Saul that offered David his sword and heavy armor (I Samuel 17:37, 38) . It would be ignorant to think that the Israelites had weapons but without any knowledge of how to use them. In fact David is described as a man of war:

"Then answered one of the servants, and said, Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, that is cunning in playing, and a mighty valiant man, and a man of war, and prudent in matters, and a comely person, and the Lord is with him." I Samuel 16 : 18.

This brings me to the second part. As a Christian instructor I have an obligation to have my dojang reflect my Christian beliefs. Learning the martial arts in order to hurt someone is not Biblical. Learning it in order to protect yourself, even if as a result you hurt your assailant, is. This is where the fine line between a Christian and a non-Christian dojang is set. It is a paradigm shift from fighting to protecting.

Every aspect of your training should reflect this. If you are training sparring it should be in order to teach certain principles about self-defense which you could not otherwise have learned. If you teach how to break an arm it is not with malicious intend, but as a resource in protecting yourself or your loved ones. The idea of hurting someone should never overshadow the idea of protecting yourself with as little conflict as possible.

To retreat when the opportunity arises is always the better option, and this must be made clear to students learning martial arts. Fighting is always the last resort. The student should be taught not to use more force than which is needed to take control of the situation. To break the knee of a pickpocket is absurd, but breaking the knee of rapist may not be.

Students should be taught how to control their techniques. There should never be a focus on killing and techniques that are aimed at this should be taught with great discretion and ought only to be used as the absolute last option.

A big pitfall in the martial arts is that the student might start to believe that he is so good that he is infallible. The Bible makes it clear that victory is not of your own accord. "The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the Lord." Proverbs 21:31. Although one has to prepare oneself, it is God that brings victory. "For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me. But thou saved us from our enemies, and hast put them to shame that hated us. In God we boast all day long, and praise thy name for ever. Selah." Psalm 44:6-8.

In the moment of battle all trust should be in the Lord, because: "Blessed be the Lord my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight:" Psalm 144:1. If you trust in Him, God will use your abilities to his glory, and He will protect you. "In famine he shall redeem thee from death: and in war from the power of the sword." Job 5:20. "Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall nor fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident." Psalm 27:3.

If we as Christians learn First Aid, we too may learn self-defense. In both cases it is our hope that we should never have to use this knowledge. And as with First Aid, the focus of Christian martial artist should be on preserving and protecting life.

Sanko Lewis
http://www.NovaMartialArts.com

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Who Else Wants To Learn Extreme Martial Arts?

With the recent surge in popularity of UFC fighting, many people are curious about learning extreme martial arts. This type of self defense is a combination of many martial arts styles using a combination of philosophies, movements, methods and techniques. It is also combined with gymnastics and acrobatics. Extreme martial arts is usually what is seen on TV in the UFC ring, movies and on the web.

Those who are involved with the sport of extreme martial arts believe that utilizing a combination of the skills that students learn in seld defense classes can have students reaching goals once thought impossible. Not only that by focusing on more than one type of martial art encourages students to become better then was thought possible.

The goal of XMA is to show as much strength of the mind as the body. If you can stand with your feet planted firmly on the ground and command the attention of others without using movement, or sound you could be able to fend off attackers by fear alone. The intense eyes of a extreme martial art expert would be enough to scare a normal person without even having to throw a punch or a kick.

Where You Can Find More Information on XMA

With the popularity of XMA growing everyday, it is easier than ever to find classes that will teach you how to successfully begin to practice this art. It is thought that those who practice extreme martial arts have more flexibility, strength, and a higher degree of coordination than those who only practice one type of self-defense. This form of martial art appeals to not only kids and teens, but young adults as well. It is also a more exciting and visually appealing form of self defense that can be enjoyed by many members of your family. It is a great way to get healthy and fit, physically and mentally.

You can look in your local yellow pages to see if you can find an extreme martial arts studio near you. If this doesn't offer you any suggestions, you might try searching on the internet. The internet will be able to give you much information regarding techniques, philosophies and where you can find an extreme martial arts class in your area. Those who are pure martial arts practitioners frown upon XMA because it lacks applications that can be used in the real world. However, in my opinion most martial arts and self defense moves are useless in the real world. Most self-defense classes should be intended for physical and mental well-being.

Most martial arts techniques take years to master and are too difficult to remember in a spur of the moment street attack. 90% of self-defense experts actually freeze in fear during an actual attack due to the brute and violent force of their attacker. To defend yourself against violent street criminals, such as an armed 300 pound skinhead ripped on crystal meth you need serious defense techniques, like that they train the military's special forces with.

Self-defense classes are great for kids and your fitness, but as Madison Greene knows first hand, those techniques are no match for a viscous street criminal who is intent on robbing, raping, or murdering you. If you would like to be introduced to techniques that are easy to learn and can actually protect you in the real world visit: www.HardcoreFightingSecrets.com [http://www.HardcoreFightingSecrets.com]

Review of Martial Arts Games For Kids

With both a martial arts background and a degree in Physical Education, I admit to being skeptical when I read Martial Arts Games for Kids by Aaron Perry. I found some excellent games for education and maintaining student interest, loyalty and promotion of your martial arts school. I also found some points in the book I believe could be improved. Read on....

The Writing Itself

I have to admit, I've been in sales related fields over 30 years. Aaron Perry knows how to write good sales copy. Not only that, he has the martial arts knowledge and the ability to transfer his knowledge and experience to his fellow martial arts instructors. I believe this skill was taken into consideration as he developed these martial arts games to help ensure learning, loyalty and even advertising via word of mouth and game days amongst his students and his students guests.

I Kept a Suspicious Attitude As I Read Martial Arts Games for Kids

With a background in physical education, I'm very picky about games being associated with the activity. When my son was six, I took him to observe several martial arts schools and observed the children's classes. Every single one of the martial arts classes for children did the same thing.

* Warm-ups unrelated to martial arts or self-defense training. By the way one of my methods of teaching physical education classes stated children have such a high metabolism they do not technically need to "warm-up" before engaging in a physical activity.

* Relay races of various types unrelated to martial arts or self-defense training. In these relay races students spent most of their time standing behind another student looking at the back of his or her head than they did engaging in or watching the activity. So much for any benefit of observation.

* The last fifteen minutes or so were spent executing actual martial arts drills. Unfortunately, per my sales experience, it's the last 15 minutes the parents remembered, thus remained satisfied with their child's progress. I cannot state for certain the parents remained satisfied as I never inquired about the martial arts schools turn around or retention rate.

As both a professional educator and parent, I was appalled at what I considered to be a waste of time for the students as well as a waste of financial and time investment for the parents.

I Admit to Becoming Impressed As I Read The Book

I realized Mr. Perry took associating a game with the activity he was trying to promote, martial arts, seriously in his book.

The book includes games to increase:

- Physical Condition

- Coordination

- Strength

- Balance

- Accuracy

- Techniques

- Stances

The sections were divided similar to public school lessons plans. Each game explains

* Number of players

* Equipment

* Procedure

* Modification suggestions

* Benefits of the game

He even includes a frequently asked questions section along with advice on how to slowly incorporate games into your schools curriculum. There'sl marketing suggestions such as game day. Students bring a friend for this naturally and Mr. Perry offers a way to control the number of people who show up for this promotional event.

When I Finished Reading The Book

I admit I was impressed. However, all lesson plans and activities could be improved upon. For example, Mr. Perry made no mention of having smaller groups to increase actual activity. I would have also liked to have seen mention forming any lines need for the activity in such a way as students could observe their fellow students participating.

Note to Those Who Believe Martial Arts and Games Should Not Be Combined

Our goal as educators, is to transfer knowledge to our students. Games is an effective tool in achieving this goal. Games are used in all types of classroom and physical topics to enable and reinforce learning.

Whether or not your students take their training seriously does not depend on whether or not you play a game which your students may enjoy. Games are only and should only be a part of your schools curriculum.

Whether or not your students take their training seriously and do not abuse the knowledge which you transfer to them, depends on you and your attitude, not whether or not you allow them to enjoy their lessons in a variety of ways, thus wanting to continue to learn even more.

Conclusion

I recommend Aaron Perry's book which comes with a monthly newsletter. Get more information on this must have alternative learning book by clicking here http://kirkhamsebooks.com/MartialArts/MaGames.htm

And now Mr. Perry has agreed to release a sample newsletter Just visit the page above for details. This is an amazing offer and won't last long....

Deadly Martial Arts and Marketing Madness

The martial arts industry is highly competitive, and to stay ahead you need an image that you can market to the public. Misrepresentations and outrageous claims have done a lot of damage to the martial arts industry, though, and Count Dante is a primary example.

In 1964, there were only 13 martial arts schools in Chicago, and two of them were owned by local boy John Keehan. Keehan trained as a boxer; after graduating from high school he joined the Marine Corps Reserves and later the Army, where he learned hand-to-hand combat and jujitsu techniques. After completing his service he trained with Robert Trias, who had opened the first karate school in the United States. After earning his black belt Keehan began marketing martial arts to everyone, not just soldiers and police officers.

In order to attract students Keehan put on tournaments, and trained anyone who wanted to learn practical martial arts meant for street fights. His students became members of his Black Dragon Fighting Society, and trained in either karate or judo. In 1967, Keehan changed his name to Count Juan Raphael Dante and began promoting himself in comic book ads, declaring himself the "Deadliest Man Alive." Keehan told friends that his parents fled Spain during the Spanish Civil War and changed the family name; in reality, though, his family was Irish. Keehan had always been a dedicated martial artist, but he soon began to believe he was the comic book hero.

Controversy would follow Keehan for the remainder of his martial arts career as he made more outrageous claims. He said he had become a martial arts master by killing other masters in "death matches," and reportedly challenged Muhammad Ali to a bout, a challenge the boxer's camp ignored. He had kept a lion as a pet, and claimed to be a hairdresser for Playboy magazine. Some sources even say he trained gang members, and had ties to organized crime. During Chicago's "dojo wars," Keehan was charged with attempted arson when he tried to blow up a competitor's dojo. Later he and some of his students attacked Black Cobra Hall dojo, and during the bloody fight Keehan's best friend would be killed. By the time of his in death in 1975 from a bleeding ulcer, the infamous Count Dante was a burned-out and broken man.

Keehan's story is a tragic one not just because he died so young, but because he had the potential to be a good martial artist. The problem was he began believing his own hype, and what started out as an over the top marketing campaign turned into a destructive lifestyle. He was among the first to teach combat martial arts and practical self defense techniques in the United States outside of the armed forces, but he made things overly complicated. He claimed he created many moves when he only renamed traditional moves. A martial arts instructor doesn't have to be serene and calm all the time, and there is nothing wrong with making money, but an instructor should never sacrifice integrity or misrepresent martial arts. In the end, Count Dante damaged the reputation of lethal martial arts training [http://www.TopSecretTraining.com] and turned the title of martial arts instructor into a joke, simply because he wanted to feed his ego.

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Chinese Martial Arts

Chinese martial arts is generally called Wushu, where Wu means military and shu means art, thus Wushu means the art of fighting. It is an important and unique component of Chinese cultural heritage. Being a complex art form, Wushu combines Chinese philosophy, meditation, aesthetics and physical exercise. It is definitely a highly demanding sport that trains one's physical ability, health, willpower and mental discipline. Owing to its popularity, Chinese martial arts is not only practiced by the Chinese men and women, but also people around the world!

Some of martial arts fighting styles that are still practiced in present-day are types of Kung Fu including Bagua, Drunken Boxing, Eagle Claw, Five Animals, Hsing I, Hung Gar, Lau Gar, Monkey, Praying Mantis, White Crane, Wing Chun and Tai Chi Chuan. Some styles are copied from the movements of animals; while others are inspired by Chinese philosophical thoughts, myths, and legends.

Chinese Martial Arts always emphasize a basic skill, such as strength training, staff sparring, fencing, and eight methods of Shaolin. All of these methods are very effective to be an expert in Chinese Martial Arts. According to some Chinese experts, the martial arts of China are the ancestor of all types of martial arts practiced in Japan, Korea, and Tibet. Many different techniques derived from the arts of China.

Chinese Martial Arts have produced many eminent martial art practitioners. All of them had important contributions to make the art popular throughout the world. Some of them are NG Mui, Wong Fei hung, Huo Yuanjia, and Ten tigers - all of whom have had a strong influence in the culture and society of China.

Chinese Martial Art influenced other parts of world too. In the USA, it has been very popular since the 1960's and it's popularity continues to increase. increasing. Several Television shows were aired based on Chinese Martial Arts. There isn't a country in the world, where a Chinese Martial Arts training center doesn't exist.

China has one of the longest histories of continuously recorded martial arts tradition of any society in the world. There are styles that mimic movements from animals and others that gather inspiration from various Chinese philosophies, myths and legends. Some styles put most of their focus into the harnessing of qi energy, while others concentrate solely on competition and exhibition. Each style offers a different approach to the common problems of self-defense, health and self-cultivation.

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The Benefits Of Cross Training In Martial Arts

Wikipedia defines Cross Training as :

In mixed martial arts and self-defense applications, cross-training refers to training in multiple martial arts or fighting systems to become proficient in all the phases of unarmed combat. This training is meant to overcome the shortcomings of one style by practicing another style which is strong in the appropriate area. A typical combination involves a striking-based art such as Muay Thai, combined with a grappling-based art such as Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Many hybrid martial arts can be considered derivatives of such cross-training.

Modern mixed martial arts training generally involves cross-training in the different aspects and ranges of fighting.

Some people train in multiple styles in order to become more rounded martial artists. The ability to be able to "hold your own" in any given range, from weapons down to striking, and finally grappling and ground-fighting, is something that you can rarely get from any one single art.

However, some would say this can result in a bit of a "jack of all trades" and not someone who is actually focusing and striving to attain expert skill levels in any one area. Moreover, some take it to the natural conclusion of studying multiple martial arts styles and systems so as to reach for expert skill levels in the world of mixed martial arts. A kind of expert "jack of all trades" if you will.

This, for me, is all perfectly fine and to see someone who has a supreme talent in whatever range you place them in, be it kicking, punching, or grappling, is fantastic to see and most certainly a fierce and dangerous adversary. Someone who can cope with an expert in any range and with the added ability of being able to take that opponent to a different range where they then become the superior force, is an art-form and a fine example of a martial artist.

However, there too, is absolutely nothing wrong with remaining focused on your one chosen art or range. In fact, we need true experts and masters (if one can every really attain such a level) in each and every style. After all, who else does the cross trainer go to when he needs the very best tuition in any one of his/her chosen combined arts.

Over my own martial arts career I have sought to gain knowledge in all of the main ranges and I have done this by seeking tuition from the best I can find in each of those ranges. I learned boxing from professional boxing coaches, I then learned to grapple from some of the best wrestlers and judoka I could find. I've taken myself to find the very best instructors in all of the arts I've studied and most of those have been specialists in their own chosen art.

So we need specialists and we need those who follow a path that is 'one art' and 'one direction'.

However - here's the twist.

When I suggest to a fellow Karateka that he may want to consider some roadwork to improve his endurance in the dojo; or to introduce a couple of weights sessions per week to improve his overall strength and explosive power, I get very few raised eyebrows.

And yet, when I suggest he go and study another art that may complement and enhance his own form and technique in his chosen art, this often still doesn't get the warm welcome that my previous advice received.

If my Kata contains throws, then why not pop along and take some advice from a judoka who does this for a living?

If my Kata contains hooks and uppercuts, then what should stop me from gaining some expert advice from the world of Western Boxing where they too do this for their primary art?

If my TKD sparring doesn't contain leg kicks or elbows, that is not to say that committing a few hours to a Muay Thai class to experience how they are done won't benefit the rest of my sparring game.

I have made a few statements above, not to single out the arts of Karate or TKD in any way at all, but merely to emphasise my point.

Cross Training doesn't have to simply be about leaving your main art behind to become a "jack of all trades" Cross Training is about complimenting you own style. About gaining more experience from the "Experts" who dedicate themselves to studying the things you wish to experiment with and bring back to enhance your own game.

In 2010, I was blessed to be invited to teach in Seattle alongside of some fantastic instructors from a wide range of arts and backgrounds. As I always teach in shorts and t-shirts now, and not a traditional gi, I think a lot of people forget where my origins and roots lie, that of Shotokan Karate.

So it was refreshing and wonderful to be sharing a dojo floor with a fantastic group of experienced martial artists, predominantly wearing their karate gi, and yet all of whom were massively receptive to the techniques and teachings being thrust in their direction from quite diverse styles and arts.

It showed me there is most definitely a place for Cross Training in traditional arts and not just that of using weights or hitting the road, but using other martial arts to enhance your own preferred style.

Cross Training: It's not selling out, it's buying in more!

Cross Training: It's not about detracting from what you are already doing, it's about adding to it!

Cross Training: It's not about watering down your traditional art, it's about enriching it with more flavours!

So I urge all the traditional martial artists out there to consider looking further afield; to widen your field of vision and consider delving into some other arts. It's fun to put on a white belt again, it's rejuvenating to start something new and it's a great way to enhance what you already have.

Stay Safe and Have Fun

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For integrating heart rate monitoring into your training, this watch enables you to track your avareage heart rate and pre-set target heart rate zones with data for time spent within that zone and alarms. It also offers up to four linked interval timers, each with its own target zone, and a recovery timer that measures your heart rate after a timed recovery during or after your workout. Other features include:

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Street Self Defense - Why You Must Learn to "Think Outside the Box"

When you think about self defense, what comes to mind? How about what you're able to do against a real world attacker?

The reality is that, regardless of the opinions and theories being tossed around out there by the sport martial artists, a street self defense situation is NOTHING like a competition. And that very truth begins before the combatants ever get anywhere near the ring or actual attack location. The very fact that a fight - sport or not - is not the same thing as an all out attack on an unwilling victim by an assailant who wants more than a trophy, makes a self defense situation something worthy of more attention than merely learning how to punch, kick, or put someone in a submission hold.

You must remember that, if you're training for effective self defense, that there are certain truths that must be considered when you are training and learning what you need to know. These truths begin, not with the attacks and self defense techniques that everyone seems to focus on, but rather with the mindsets that create them.

To understand this, lets go back to the questions that I asked at the beginning of this article. They were:

1)"When you think about self defense, what comes to mind?" And...

2)"What you're able to do against a real world attacker."

The answers to these 2 questions point to, not just the need to think outside the box, but the very "boxes" that you need to learn to think outside of! I know that sounds confusing, but it really isn't.

What I'm talking about are the preconceptions that we human beings tend to carry around with us - the ideas that precede our thoughts, words, and actions. The point here is that, if you believe that a self defense situation is a particular thing - that it looks any particular way...

...then you will train to be able to deal with just that thing.

Just as if you never give any thought to the different types of attacker logic, you will be naturally prone to assume they all think alike, or worse yet - that they would think and do the same things that you would! Here are a few of the boxes that you will need to explore and learn to "think outside of" if you are going to really master this thing called "self defense":

1) How an attacker thinks

2) Your own perceptions (and misconceptions) about what it's like inside an attack

3) What it means to strike

4) What it means to "control" another person

5) The definition of "self defense"

6) And MORE!

Effective self defense requires more than just a few "karate moves." It involves the ability to think strategically, and understand how to defend yourself with as little wear-and-tear on you as possible.

For more information on what you MUST know to survive a real street attack, read my newest self defense book: "Fight Smarter - Not Harder!" It's available free at: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/street-fighting-self-defense-book.html

Jeffrey M. Miller is an internationally-known self defense expert. Each month he teaches literally thousands of students through live seminars, corporate training events, and his in-demand Self Defense Success Secrets Home Study Courses, the lessons to be able to survive in Today's often dangerous world.

Building Self-Discipline Through Martial Arts

It's common for people to enroll themselves or their children in a traditional martial arts program to cultivate "self-discipline," although they often can't really articulate what they mean by that word. They just know self-discipline is a good thing, and training in martial arts is supposed to build it, so they enroll themselves (or their children) in classes. However, they don't really stop to think how the process of building self-discipline works.

On a basic level, the structured environment of a well-run traditional martial arts class encourages the development of such basic social skills as courtesy and self-control. While a student may be able to function in a class setting, however, mere exposure to the structured environment doesn't automatically result in self-discipline. That comes through internal motivation, which comes from cultivating such life skills as perseverance (refusing to quit), integrity (being realistic about areas that need improvement), and above all indomitable spirit.

What is indomitable spirit? These words are often used as an interpretive translation of the Korean words baekjul boolgool. This phrase represents a complex concept and doesn't easily translate into English. A good approximation is "to be fully committed to fulfilling one's personal vision."

To fulfill a vision, a student must set and achieve a progressive set of goals. Rank progression in the traditional martial arts, provided it is linked to meaningful standards, provides an excellent context for learning how to set and achieve goals. For example, many new students will set the goal of reaching first degree black belt. To reach first degree, they first must achieve a series of intermediate goals (a set of color belt ranks). When a student learns to set goals for progression in their training, the next logical step in their personal growth is to apply these goal-setting skills outside the studio: education and career, relationships with others, and community citizenship.

Students need to know how to set goals that will lead to personal improvement rather than frustration. Whether or not they relate to martial arts, useful goals should fit the following criteria:

Specific: A goal should state in detail what you hope to achieve. "I want to earn a black belt someday" and "I want to lose weight" are not specific; "I want to test for blue belt at the next rank testing" and "I want to lose five pounds by the end of next month" are specific.
Motivating: A goal should lead to something desirable, whether it's a new belt, or the loss of 20 pounds, the honor roll at school, or a promotion at work. If there's no benefit to a goal, you'll have no incentive to work to achieve it.
Achievable: Your goal must be within the realm of possibility. Reaching black belt in 36 months, or losing eight pounds in a month, is possible for most people. However, earning a black belt in 12 months -- or losing 50 pounds in a month -- is not.
Relevant: Your goal needs to fit within your overall vision. For example, if you want to be a martial arts instructor, your goals should focus on building your teaching skills. For weight loss, focus on diet and exercise.
Trackable: You should be able to measure your progress toward reaching your goal. A martial arts belt (or a scale for those trying to lose weight) provides instant feedback on progress.

Setting goals using this formula makes them easier to achieve and the process of achieving them more encouraging.

So where does self-discipline enter the equation? It takes effort to achieve any goal that is worth setting, and sometimes setbacks can be discouraging. When a person is committed to achieving their vision, regardless of how hard it is to attain, they build the internal motivation necessary to succeed, and the commitment to achieve their goals without being prodded by others. This forms the foundation of self-discipline.

If you are a martial artist reading this, challenge yourself to expand the self-discipline you are developing through your training by setting goals outside martial arts. Start by asking yourself the following questions:

Over the next 30 days, what one thing can I do to improve my academic or job performance?
Over the next 30 days, what one thing can I do to become a better family member or friend?
Over the next 30 days, what one thing can I do to be a better citizen of my community?

If you are not a martial artist, and you want to build self-discipline, consider beginning training. Traditional martial arts concerns self-improvement as much as self defense. Look for a studio that encourages you to set a vision for your personal growth, and guide you to set goals to fulfill that vision. A studio that only cares about physical skill is only providing half the training it should. The total-person approach to training is your first step to self-discipline, and ultimately to personal success.

Craig Willits has been teaching traditional martial arts since 2001 and reality-based self-defense since 2003. He is the owner and chief instructor at Spotsylvania Martial Arts in Fredericksburg VA. Spotsylvania Martial Arts offers training in the following areas:

* Tiny Tigers (Martial Arts Pre-Skill Program for Ages 4-6): Physical and Mental Agility, Focus, Awareness, Child Safety

* Martial Arts for Children (Ages 6-12): Better Grades, Self-Discipline, Respect, Enhanced Focus, Kids' Self Defense

* Martial Arts for Teens & Adults (Ages 13 and Up): Self-Discipline, Physical Fitness, Goal-Setting, Self Defense

Spotsylvania Martial Arts Training Facility
4100 Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg VA 22408
Commerce Center Plaza (across from Spotswood Baptist Church)
Phone: 540-891-9008 Website: http://spotsybba.com

Copyright ? 2010 by Spotsylvania Martial Arts - all rights reserved. This article may not be copied in whole or in part without the written consent of Spotsylvania Martial Arts.

A Personal Safety Weapon To Consider: The Self-Defense Keychain

I use a generic term, "Self-Defense Keychain," to describe this device but you may have heard of it by more popular, commercial names such as "Kubaton" or "Persuader Keychain." Because, "Kubaton" is the most popular, I'll use that term interchangeably with the one I use.

The Kubaton is a light-weight metal, plastic or wooden dowel. It's about five inches long and one half inch in diameter. The shaft of this weapon is usually knurled or grooved so that it doesn't slip in your hand. On one end of the Kubaton is a ring or two holding a cluster of ten to fifteen keys.

Recently, manufacturers have attempted to enhance the Kubaton with sharpened ends, telescoping tubes, spikes, enclosed canisters of pepper spray and even hidden knife blades. I won't get into these additional "bells and whistles" and will limit my recommendation to the basic model consisting of a shaft, key rings and keys.

=====================================================

The self-defense keychain is discrete, unassuming, and convenient to carry. If used properly, it can dramatically increase the odds of surviving and escaping from a serious, life-threatening assault. I discuss the keychain during my self-defense seminars because it stands up nicely to the seven evaluation questions.

I prefer to discuss and provide information about the keychain but hesitate to make blatant recommendations about it, or any other device or weapon. I believe that the decision about whether to carry a personal safety device, and which one you carry, is YOUR decision. I prefer that you evaluate and analyze the "pros and cons" for yourself. This article is to assist you in that process process.

=====================================================

SEVEN EVALUATION QUESTIONS

If you missed the last issue of the Protective Strategies Self-Defense Newsletter (December 2000) I'll review the seven Personal Safety Device Evaluation Questions:

1. Is it legal?

2. Will I carry it all the time?

3. Will it be immediately available when I need it?

4. Do I have legitimate confidence in my ability to use it?

5. Is it as effective as it has been held out to be?

6. Could it be taken away and used on me?

7. Am I physically, mentally and emotionally prepared to use it?

====================================== ===============

1. IS IT LEGAL?

In most jurisdictions that I am aware of, the Kubaton is legal. It can be purchased over the counter in security, martial arts and sporting goods stores. I found several online merchants selling them for $5 to $25 dollars. Because they have a utility function (to hold your keys) they can be legally carried.

--- Sidebar ---

In Canada, the Kubaton is neither a restricted nor a prohibited weapon. It is therefore legal to carry providing it is not used for illegal purposes. They are also available across the U.S. However, if you are considering carrying a Kubaton, you might want to make your own enquiries to confirm if they are legal in your jurisdiction.

--- Sidebar ---

2. WILL I CARRY IT ALL THE TIME?

This is the beauty of the self-defense keychain. What is the most common thing that you carry in your hand when coming or going from your vehicle, home or workplace? Your keys! Because you carry your day-to-day keys on the self-defense keychain, it is likely that you will have it in your hand more than any other object. This increases the odds that, if you are attacked, it will be in your hand and ready to go. This is a huge benefit when considering a personal safety device or weapon.

3. WILL IT BE IMMEDIATELY AVAILABLE WHEN I NEED IT?

Again, the self-defense keychain is likely to be ready to go when you need it most. It's not enough to have a Personal Safety Device in your possession. It won't do you much good in your purse, pocket or vehicle. If you keep your keys on the keychain, it is a simple matter of establishing a habit of carrying it in your hand whenever you leave your home.

4.DO I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN MY ABILITY TO USE IT?

There are a number of "SILLY" techniques associated with the Kubaton. They include fancy wristlocks, takedowns, releases from holds and other elaborate techniques that just won't stand up in the stress and chaos of a real-world confrontation. Even if they did work (which they don't) they would require extensive practice and training to become competent.

Secondly, in a stressful encounter, only simple, large-muscle actions can be performed effectively. For that reason, a practical self-defense system must be simple and have as few techniques as possible. The system that I teach, for example, consists of three basic striking methods that are natural and consistent with what one would conceivably do during a combative situation.

Because the Kubaton is a hard object, it concentrates and intensifies the striking energy that is transferred into the assailant. Even with minimal training, a keychain strike is far more likely to incapacitate a violent assailant than an empty-handed response.

5. IS IT AS EFFECTIVE AS IT HAS BEEN HELD OUT TO BE?

When used properly, the self-defense keychain is a devastating weapon with potential to seriously injure and incapacitate a violent attacker. For that reason, it should only be used in situations where you reasonably believe the attack is serious and life threatening. You must also believe that you don't have less forceful alternatives available to protect yourself.

--- Sidebar ---

WAIVER - Because of the potential consequences of using a personal safety weapon, I need to be clear that I provide this information for educational purposes only. How you use the information is up to you. Refer to my disclaimer statement at: http://www.protectivestrategies.com/disclaimer.html

--- Sidebar ---

6.COULD IT BE TAKEN AWAY AND USED ON ME?

The honest answer to this question is, "yes." ANY personal safety weapon: a knife, pepper spray or a shoe for that matter, can potentially be taken away and used on you in the same fashion you intended to use it on your assailant.

However, the general consensus amongst my seminar candidates is that the benefits of having one outweigh the possibility of losing it. A benefit of the self-defense keychain is that the assailant may not recognize it as a weapon and, if he did gain access to it, wouldn't think to use it as one.

It is important to consider the potential of being disarmed when carrying a personal safety weapon. Acknowledge the possibility of dropping or losing it and do everything you can to prevent it from falling into the hands of your attacker.

7. AM I PHYSICALLY, MENTALLY AND EMOTIONALLY PREPARED TO USE IT?

This is a question only you can answer. Don't just buy a self-defense keychain, attach it to your keys and carry it around expecting that you will magically resort to it if you are ever attacked. A basic, self-defense response system should be learned and practiced when adopting this device.

Developing competence does not require thousands of repetitions and hours of training. However, you should spend some time learning how to prepare and grip the weapon as well as how and where to strike an assailant for maximum effectiveness.

Ideally, you should seek out instruction from a competent self-defense keychain instructor. However, if the system is simple enough (as mine is) I believe you can teach yourself the basic skills you need from a manual.

The keychain basics are simple and not hard to learn. Using the keychain will intensify the destructiveness of your response to a violent attack and increase the potential of escaping death or serious injury. Learn the basic concepts (mental preparation). Practice the basic strikes (physical preparation). The only thing left is to develop the emotional resolve to do whatever it takes to protect yourself and survive!

==================================================

CONCLUSION

Whether you decide to explore the issue of the self-defense keychain further; whether you decide to buy and carry one, is entirely up to you. I can provide you only with information to assist you with that decision making process but ultimately you must take full responsibility for your personal safety and draw your own conclusions about what is and isn't right for you. If you've read this far, I'm sure you'll make a wise choice.

Take care, train smart and stay safe,

Randy LaHaie

====================== So What? ==========================

Now that you have this information, what good is it to you? Before we get into that, let me be clear on a VERY IMPORTANT POINT. I am NOT an advocate of carrying a weapon or device as a "PRIMARY" self-defense strategy. A PSD is a piece of the overall puzzle but not nearly as effective as developing a comprehensive and balanced personal safety strategy.

Your "BRAIN" is your primary tool for staying safe. Your mental, physical and emotional development determines your ability to avoid and detect danger and to deal with it effectively if it does arise.

Fighting back... especially with a weapon, should be considered a last resort, not a first, and especially not the only one you have! If you must fight back, the keychain will help, but don't lose sight of the need to explore and develop the other components of self-defense that will have a greater affect on your ability to stay safe.

The keychain is just one more tool in your "self-defense tool box." Keep Looking for and developing other skills, knowledge and response options. That's why we say one "STUDIES" self-defense. It's an on going process. We can't buy it, borrow it or carry it in our pocket. Don't forget that.

================== Self-Defense Quote ====================

"Remember: it's not the weapon that counts so much as how you use it. Even the most commonplace or seemingly harmless item becomes an efficient weapon when directed toward the vulnerable parts of the human body. Household weapons are often at your fingertips, so use them!"

Al Marrewa

The Feminine Warrior

A Woman's Guide to Verbal, Psychological and Physical Empowerment

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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

Is Your Martial Arts Or Self-Defense Program Really Teaching You the Right Lessons For Self-Defense?

Countless adults enroll in martial arts and self-defense programs every year. Likewise, it seems that there is a never-ending line of parents enrolling their children into martial arts schools. And, while many of these people - adult students and parents alike - are looking for a sport or activity, most would say they are looking for self-defense.

Why then, do most adults who have dropped out of a martial arts program within the first hundred days say they did so due to a lack of real-world self-defense training early on? Who do parents convey a sense of doubt that "Johnny" will be able to defend himself, despite the fact that he's earned his Black Belt?

Why do most women, and many men, still voice their own doubt to be able to actually use what they've learned under pressure should they ever be attacked by a real attacker in the real world.

While there are many factors that play a part in whether or not you learn any subject well enough, there are 7 areas that you can take control, or be aware of when researching, choosing, and participating in a martial arts or self-defense program; especially if your goal is the development of real-world self-defense skills.

7 Ways To Know If Your Martial Arts Or Self-Defense Class Is Worth Anything

Many people ask the question, "If I have no experience and don't know what a real street attack is like, how can I even begin to know if the program I'm in is teaching me what I need to survive?"

And that's a really good question.

Here are 7 things that you can look for that will help you to gauge the value of any martial arts or self-defense program that's promising to teach you real self-protection skills and ability against a real-world attacker throwing real-world attacks at YOU!

1. The attacks that you're practicing against are modern, street-fighter, attacks. You've seen what real, modern attacks look like. All you have to do is to watch an action (non-martial arts) movie, a boxing match on ESPN, or remember the fights you saw in school, the bar, or wherever.

Make sure that you're not defending against robotic, 16th century-type attacks that you'll NEVER see in today's world.

2. Techniques EASILY work on bigger, stronger attackers. Not because you have to be the bigger, stronger fighter, or because your partner fell down for you.

Many things will challenge you in the beginning, like where to put your foot, or which hand-does-what. But...

...in the world of self-defense training, remember K.I.S.S - "Keep It Simple Stupid!"

3. You don't have to be a super-fit athlete to do well. Again, self-defense situations are very different from the sport and competitive world. In sports, you are always matched up with someone who matches your size, skill level, experience, etc. However, in a real-world attack scenario, you are almost always the underdog.

As I always tell my students, no attacker is going to look at you from across the street and think, "They can kick my butt. I'll attack them!"

You should never have to be the bigger, faster, stronger combatant to win. Because, in a self-defense situation, unlike a sport-oriented tournament... You WON'T be!

4. You're lessons are based on principles and concepts, not preset, stylized moves that always conform to the "style" being taught at that school. It's true that there will probably be "techniques" that you'll be learning. But these should be "models," or examples of an idea that is flexible and adaptable to the situation.

An example of a principle or concept would be, "remember that the thumb is the weakest joint in the hand." So, when you learn the technique for escaping a wrist grab, you know "what" you're doing to cause the escape to happen. Not just that "pulling your hand out 'this' way."

5. Your teacher has real-world experience. Contrary to popular belief, a black belt around someone's waist, or a certification in a particular training program, has NOTHING to do with whether or not the person has ever had to use what they're teaching in a real-world self-defense situation against a violent attacker.

Is it possible that a person with no actual fight experience can still teach viable, effective self-defense?

The answer to that is, of course, "yes."

But, and this is a BIG but (n pun intended!), he or she will have to:

Have done a ton of research on what it's like INSIDE a self-defense situation


Know the body's responses to, and limitations when under the fight-flight-freeze response, or...


Have a teacher who has the experience and made sure they passed on the right lessons in the first place

6. You're seeing progress immediately and often. It's one thing to learn something. It's something altogether different to KNOW that thing. And, it's something different still to be able to USE what you know, under-pressure, when you need it most.

I've seen programs where beginning students are stuck at either of two extremes. While some are forced to endure classes where they do nothing but bow, block, stretch and exercise for weeks or months until they can move onto the "next lesson," others are at the other end of the spectrum where they are given so many different techniques that they can't get good at any one thing.

In a solid program teaching effective skill development and understanding of self-defense principles, students have the time to develop the skills they're learning, while being given a few options that will allow them to produce results in a short amount of time.

7. No part of your training is there, "just 'cause." So many programs being offered are lacking in substance, either because the person teaching doesn't have enough knowledge, or the program itself consists of little more than a few "tricks" that are guaranteed to work against every attack.

Many martial arts programs, in an attempt to maintain connection with the foundations of the lineage and remain "traditional," overload students with information that has absolutely nothing to do with being able to defend yourself. This is in no way meant to take away from the importance of a student understanding the roots of the program they're learning. But, such information should be used to valid and add value to what you're learning, not add "fluff" and substance where little exists in the first place.

It is up to you, and you alone to insure that you are getting what you need from a program that's supposed to be teaching you how to keep yourself and loved-ones safe. No amount of blind-faith, discipleship, or blaming after-the-fact will substitute for learning good, solid, and effective techniques, tactics and strategies that will allow you to be effective against a brutal assailant looking to beat, break, or kill you.

I know how easy it is to choose a school, program, or teacher because it or they are...

close to home


a friend


inexpensive, or...


they're wearing a black belt

But, none of these things has anything to do with effective self-defense. Choose wisely, and above all, look for value and the key points that I outlined above. And, in the end, if you ever have to go through the hell of a raging assault, you'll be glad you did what you needed to - not what was easy.

Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior Concepts International. A senior teacher in the Japanese warrior art of Ninjutsu, and a former federal police officer, undercover agent, private investigator, and bodyguard, 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 his powerful programs, you will learn proven, time-tested lessons designed to help you create the life you've always dreamed of living, and the skills necessary for protecting that life from anything that might threaten it.

To learn more about real-world self-defense training and other subjects related to the martial arts, self-defense, personal development & self-improvement, visit his website at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com - For more free tips, strategies, and lessons for making yourself more safe in this often unsafe world, don't forget to subscribe to his powerful and informative online newsletter.

Forms of Martial Arts

Generally, the martial arts mean self-defense techniques originated in Asian countries. Some martial arts stress using the feet to attack the opponents, while others concentrate on the use of the hands to render the opponents. Mental discipline and the search for enlightenment are also the focus of martial arts.

Some popular forms of martial arts are Tae Kwan Do, Judo, Kung Fu, Aikido, and Karate. Each has its own discipline. Through regular practice of moves, punches and kick of the martial arts, the players develop their mental discipline, strength and grace.

Tae Kwan Do is modern martial arts originated in Korea that is characterized by fast, high and spinning kicks. Though primarily an art where strikes with the foot are the focus, Tae Kwon Do also teaches the use of one's hands to strike an opponent or to block an opponent's kicks or punches. This Korean-born art stresses flexibility and mental discipline.

Judo means "the gentle way" in Japanese. Of course, it is derived in part from jujitsu, a Japanese martial art originally developed to complement the weaponry fighting of the Samurais. With the spread of Judo's popularity, it became an Olympic sport in 1964. It has continued to increase in popularity as a competitive sport, though some claim it has done so at the expense of the intellectual and spiritual elements of the art itself.

Kung Fu is another time-honored and popular form of martial arts. The teachings of Kung Fu are based on the movements of five animals: the dragon, the tiger, the snake, the leopard, and the crane. Grace, strength, and mental discipline are the goal of any student of Kung Fu.

Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba , as a martial art, Aikido stresses throws and joint locks. Its focus is not on using punches or kicks to defeat an opponent, but rather on using their own energy to gain control of the opponent or to toss the opponent aside.

The root of Karate can be traced to the 5th century BC, and as such it carries a great deal of mystery with it. Karate developed primarily as a form of fist combat, and the teaching of Karate instructors still focus on using the hand as a weapon. Today, Karate is still taught at martial arts academies through the world.

Click to find more about Mixed Martial Arts

Click to find more about Martial Arts

Buying Self Defense Products

Self defense products are the weapon against attacks and the ultimate security tool because it can save your life. It is for that reason that many people are becoming very aware of the need for their safety and protection using self defense products. These include stun guns, pepper sprays, tasers, personal alarms, and more, which have all become extremely popular since the increase of crime.

These self defense products are utilized by security companies worldwide, law enforcement agencies and the military. Since late 2007, it is reported that more than 11,000 law enforcement agencies use Tasers. Stun guns are considered more effective and is used by most police departments.

Legal in most, but not all, fifty states across America is Pepper spray. Be sure to check your city and state for any current restrictions. The manufacturer of self defense products should provide safety use and quality in the product. After quality and safety have been established, then the next requirement is for the Hazleton Laboratories to test and verify that the product is of high quality and safe to use. There are no shortcuts on quality or safety here.

The police are limited to how many places they can be at one time and at all times, so people are equipping themselves with their own method of self defense to protect themselves and their families. The word is spreading too amongst friends that self defense products should be included in their daily carrying cases, purses, or cars.

Self defense products can be found online where there is a wide variety of selections at the best prices and with low shipping costs. You will also find self defense product websites online that provide additional information on each product to give you an informed decision before you buy. You will see enlarged pictures of each product and a list of the different features of each product.

If you are looking for tasers, pepper sprays, stun guns and maybe an electronic home security system, go online and search for "self defense products," and you will find what you are looking for.

It is apparent that crime is here to stay whether at a large or small scale so that is the first and foremost reason for adequate protection. Secondly, we already established that the police cannot be everywhere when you need them and so you have to provide protection on your own.

Thirdly, the popularity of self defense products cannot be overlooked and it shows how many people are seeing the value of owning self defense products for their safety and protection. Self defense products are not popular because of any trends, but due to the increase of crime and the fact that people feel that their lives are threatened.

These products are become quite respected because they have saved so many lives and could save your life. By just having it in your possession is enough to give you that sense of peace and safety.

Steve Lane is a freelance writer of informational websites on personal self-defense and home security products including high tech surveillance. He is one of the leading writers on home security and personal self defense products in the country.

He started "Self Defense Shop" in 2004 to help people prevent crime in their lives. "Self Defense Shop" is an Internet business specializing in hard to find and unique self-defense and home security products that help people protect themselves, their family, home and business. His website includes self defense products like pepper sprays, stun guns, personal alarms, and self defense training DVD's.

His business is poised to meet the needs of security conscious consumers who want to protect their families, home and business in increasingly dangerous times with growing crime rates.

www.laneselfdefense.com