09/10/13

Martial Arts Koncepts classes resume on 09/10/13 at 0800 PM.  We will be discussing the new class format and breaking in some new material.  Be prepared to take notes and try some new skills and drills out.

See you then!

Gun Myths

Are firearms a part of your martial arts training?  Should they be?

Most people don't know that many traditional martial arts have employed firearms training as part of their curriculum.  I had firearms training as part of my traditional Ninpo Taijutsu and Filipino Martial Arts training... good stuff that still applies today.

If you are not conversant with firearms you should be.  If you are then you should be training with them more often and working on fine-tuning your drawing and recovery skills.

The Side Kick

Joe Rogan is known for his commentary during the UFC and for his television appearances as host of "Fear Factor".  What a lot of people don't know is that he is also an accomplished martial artist (BJJ and MMA) and trains on a regular basis.  In the following video clip he demonstrates how to set up and execute the Side Kick.

Too Funny Not To Post...

Best Bond Ever - Part 8

Best Bond Ever - Part 7

Best Bond Ever - Part 6

Best Bond Ever - Part 5

Best Bond Ever - Part 4

Best Bond Ever - Part 3

Best Bond Ever - Part 2

Best Bond Ever - Part 1

Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell

If you haven't read the book written by Marcus Luttrell about Operation Redwing then get the short version on Wikipedia.  Then check out the following video for the movie "Lone Survivor" coming out later this year.

Handgun Hubud? :)

Thanks to Stuart Yee for bringing this movie back to my memory! Not a great movie but the handgun fight scenes are entertaining... especially if you can catch it on Netflix or YouTube! :)

Suck It Up Princess!

Convict Conditioning... for Non-Convicts

Convict Conditioning is the name of a book written by Paul Wade, an ex-con and a student of bodyweight conditioning methods.  He has two books out currently (CC 1 and CC 2) and was the author of the Progressive Calisthenics Course given by Dragon Door.  So what does this mean to you as a martial artist or combat athlete? More than you are willing to admit I'm sure...

First and foremost your body is your weapon. If your weapon is dull and stiff it is going to be useless when you need it - kind of like leaving your gun in your sock drawer.  You're weapon is your body and it needs to be honed to a razor edge and the only way that's going to happen is if you learn to use it.  I'm not talking about maxing out on your bench and biceps curls.  I'm talking about learning how to move your body: push-ups, squats, handstands, etc.  Getting the feeling behind how the muscles, joints and connective tissue work together to generate power - you can't learn this doing curls and triceps kickbacks - I know you think you can but you can't.

Take a few minutes to check out this article by Paul Wade and see if the information in it could help you move better and maybe live a little longer...

Do I Need To Repeat Myself?

Guro Dan Inosanto Seminar

Guro Dan Inosanto will be at Trident MMA on July 20 and 21, 2013 for a two-day seminar.  Topics to be covered will be JKD, Kali, Silat and Grappling.  For more information and to register for the seminar contact Pat and Tina Trey at (703) 490-2425 or go to their website.

NOTE: this is Guro Dan's only local seminar this year so don't miss this opportunity to train with him!

Training with Erik Paulson

There are very few instructors that I recommend without reservation and Erik Paulson has been and always will be one of them.  His tremendous knowledge of grappling and striking are second only to his engaging personality and presentation style.  If you ever get a chance to train with him do so - and tell him I said "hello"!

God Bless Our Country and Our Warriors

The Essence of JKD

Couldn't Resist!

Movie Night?

In Case You Missed This The First Time...

Really?

The concepts behind fighting multiple attackers are pretty universal in most combat systems.  Line them up, engage them individually if possible, use terrain to your advantage, crowd them and make them fight themselves to get to you, use one as a shield against the others, etc.  I'm not sure this video exemplifies any of those principles but it is entertaining nonetheless.

Soldier of Steel - Episode 4

Great Prank... that almost worked!

300: Rise Of An Empire

Zack Snyder, the director of "Man of Steel", "Watchmen", and "300", is the producer behind the sequel of "300" entitled "300: Rise Of An Empire".  On top of being a talented director and writer Zack is also a student at the Inosanto Academy and has tapped from their talent pool on several occasions to provide technical and fighting expertise to his productions.  Mark your calendar: March 07, 2014.

Do You Have a "Kill Face"?

Status of MAK Classes

I am going to be taking a break from teaching for an unspecified period of time in order to take a close look at the curriculum and class structure.  I intend to start teaching again with a new focus on developing skills in a linear or compound manner in all of the arts we train in.  This will entail some retooling on the part of some people as well as a lot of new material to be introduced.

I have been teaching several times a week since 1980 and I don't intend on leaving this behind.  It is imperative that I reassess the direction I want Martial Arts Koncepts to go in so that it will be a viable entity for an additional thirty years.

Thanks for your patience and support.

Who was Henry Slomanski?

Most of you don't know who Henry Slomanski is, and that's unfortunate.  He was one of the foundational instructors for Guro Dan Inosanto and was also key to the inclusion of combat effective martial arts in our armed services.  The following video is from the television show "To Tell The Truth" in 1959.  If you want to learn more about Sergeant Major Henry Slomanski and his Chito Ryu roots do a web search ... or ask Guro Dan the next time you see him.

A Martial Arts Master on Strength Training

Those of you who have been around the martial arts for a couple decades might recognize the name Don Draeger.  If you don't you'll need to jump onto Google or Bing and do some research.  Draeger trained during a period of time when training in traditional martial arts (in his case Japanese) was not only frowned upon by the Japanese, it was downright dangerous to your health.  Draeger's physical presence and mental intensity served him well and allowed him to rise pretty high in a Japanese dominated environment and to eventually gain the respect and admiration of his peers.  His keen intellect also allowed him to write and publish several books (I have several copies that are over thirty years old) on Japanese and Asian martial arts.  NOTE: he was also the fight choreographer on the James Bond 007 movie "You Only Live Twice".

Check out this article from the StrongFirst website on Don Draeger and his thoughts on strength training that are still valid today.

Following is some rare footage from a Jo Jutsu demonstration with Draeger. Note the size difference between Draeger and Kaminoda Sensei

In Honor of Memorial Day

Muay Thai High Cover

Take a minute to watch this video on the Muay Thai High Cover versus an Overhand Right or a Haymaker.  Thanks to Stephen Mullins for sharing this info! :)

Soldier of Steel - Episode 03

Soldier of Steel - Episode 02

Soldier of Steel - Episode 01

Sorry... Couldn't Resist the Muppets Performing Queen!

May 2013 Saturday Workouts

Please mark you calendars for the following dates:

• Saturday May 04, 2013
• Saturday May 25, 2013

Thanks and I look forward to seeing you in class!

A Good Reason to Watch "Spartacus"

More Zombie Apocalypse Wisdom

I think I'll wear a cup instead...

Martial Art vs Sport

Take the time to listen to my good friend Bryan Mossey's interview concerning training for Martial Arts or Sports.  It's worth the time invested!  BTW - this is a three-part interview.

Saturday AM Classes in April

Saturday morning Martial Arts Koncepts classes will be held on the following Saturday mornings this month:

• April 13, 2013
• April 27, 2013

Also, there will not be a class on Thursday April 18, 2013.

Thanks and I'll see you in class!

How is your hip and back flexibility?

If it's not what it should be, and I'm going to guess that it's not, then you should read this article on the Dragon Door website on the benefits of Bridging.  Check out this video by Master RKC Phil Ross for some progressions to get you started:

Wolverine Returns...

I'm not a real big fan of a lot of the characters in the Marvel universe but I've always liked Wolverine - maybe it's all the sharp objects or the women in leather that he attracts!  Will be looking forward to this story hitting the big screen later this Summer...

New STX Material from Erik Paulson

Look for a new DVD to be available soon that covers Erik Paulson's STX Kickboxing.  Based on the following video clip from the DVD it will be packed with great information.

Something to Think About

Survival Skill for the Zombie Apocalypse

Unarmed against the Knife

Want to be in a situation that goes from bad to fricking horrible in the space of a heartbeat?  Try surviving unarmed against a knife.  Nothing is like it and nothing tests who you are and what you can do like it.  Check out this video for a view of your chances against a trained and determined attacker with a knife - you won't like how it ends.

The Next Blockbuster

Most of you know that I am a HUGE movie buff and I have always enjoyed the Stat Trek television show and movies.  I especially liked the re-boot by J.J. Abrams and am looking forward to the next installment ("Star Trek - Into Darkness") which arrives in May 2013.  Check out this action-packed trailer:

Commando Combatives

Training at the gym and training for the street and/or battlefield are totally different.  Some martial arts translate well to all environments and others get left far behind.  Make sure that when you are training you take environment, improvised and existing weaponry, and clothing into account.  Any one of these, or a combination of these and other factors, can work in your favor or against you.

Check out this article concerning how an Australian SF Commando came to similar conclusions.

To Live and Die a Warrior

A Blast From the Past!

Take a look at this clip of Guro Dan Insanto and Guro Cass Magda doing knife flows and disarms.  What's so amazing about this clip is how relaxed Guro Dan is while he feeding, countering and giving directions and commentary on the drills.  Enjoy!

Saturday AM Classes in March 2013

The following Saturday mornings we will be open for Martial Arts training:

• Saturday March 2, 2013
• Saturday March 16, 2013

Thanks!

RIP Ramon Dekker

Rammon "The Diamond" Dekker was an amazing fighter and innovator in the ring.  His style of Muay Thai was unrelenting and he was known for his powerful punching technique and aggressive fighting style.

A Tribute to CPO Chris Kyle

Which One Are You?

I've been one my whole life.  For a good part of the last fifty years I didn't know exactly how to phrase it but I always knew that I was different.  It wasn't until I started reading the work of Lt. Col. Dave Grossman did I finally have a term to quantify who I am and what I represent.  I'm a Sheep Dog - and proud of it.

Which one are you? Sheep?  Wolf?  Sheep Dog?

MURPH: The Protector

Keep Your Hands Up...

And protect yourself at all times!  I think a lot of you could learn something from the girl in this video... I'm just saying! :P

Can Training Overcome Stress?

If you watch the following video and listen to what the reporter says you would have to come to the conclusion that having a gun is worthless because you are just going to get shot anyway because you would overwhelmed by the stress of the encounter.  Good point - but what if you train on a daily basis to function at a high level while under stress?  Will this improve your chances for survival?  I think so and I think that the people that train in a similar manner stand a much better chance of surviving than most, if not all, civilians.

Train the way you intend to fight - hard, fast and unrelenting!

Can Juggling Improve Your Martial Arts?

Saturday AM Classes in February 2013

Please mark your calendars now and save the time for the following Saturday morning workouts:

• Saturday February 02, 2013
• Saturday February 16, 2013

Thanks and I look forward to seeing you then!

Indian Club Training

Being able to master Indian Clubs this size takes incredible grip strength, shoulder mobility, and hip drive.  Watch how my good Friend Army Maguire uses his whole body to move the Clubs and think about how this applies to your ability to strike with your hands or a weapon.

From White to Black Belt

I say it all the time, and I'm sure that it's falling on deaf ears, but you have to own the basics in order to be able to move forward and get a firm grasp on advanced concepts and principles.  Do you have a good enough handle on your striking skills to really apply them? Is your defense based on a solid offense? Does your structure support all the tools you are going to be bringing to the fight?

You might want to spend some time thinking about this and make some honest assessments on what you really need to be working on.  Until then, take a look at the following video on how an arm bar changes from  the perspective of a white belt to a black belt.

Listen to Army...

My good friend Richard "Army" Maguire has forgotten more about martial arts and fighting than most people will learn in two lifetimes. So when he talks about generating power and speed I listen.  How about you?

A Voice of Reason

The subject of gun control is a highly controversial one.  Either you are pro-gun or you are anti-gun.  I can't tell you what makes a person go one way or the other but I'm pretty sure you can guess which side of the debate I'm on.  I believe that you have the choice to either be a victim or take responsibility for you and your families safety.  If you think that the police will be able to respond in time for your request for help then I have some lovely swamp land in Florida that I'm willing to sell to you cheap.

Headstand and Lever

Take a look at the following video where I demonstrate some variations of the Headstand and Lever.  This is a relatively simple technique that requires a strong command of your midline and stabilizers - something that you can not develop enough.  BTW - I said it was simple - not easy!

Girls and Guns

Great Quote from Sigung Bruce Lee

So, to paraphrase Sigung Bruce, the key to JKD is to practice... what a revolutionary concept!

How Bruce Lee Changed the World

Sit back, grab a bottle of water and a healthy snack and watch the following video titled "How Bruce Lee Changed the World".  It's a long one (1.5 hours) but if you haven't seen it before, and are unaware as to how much influence Sigung Bruce had on everyone from Rappers to MMA fighters, then you're going to love this!

Beyond Stretching

Pavel Tsatsouline has done some amazing work with stretching.  He has identified the specific areas that need to be strengthened and mobilized in order to strech more effectively and to get results faster.  Check out this great video from one of Pavel's Beyond Stretching workshops.

From Yip Man to Bruce Lee

Great interview with Guro Dan Inosanto on the place that Wing Chun plays in the JKD arsenal.

Primal Move Certification - 01/26/13

If you are a martial artist and want to be able to move better, faster, and pain free then you need to look into Primal Move.  Primal Move (PM) is the product of Peter Lakatos, a Russian Kettlebell and Martial Arts Expert (Krav Maga, BJJ, etc.), and is based not only martial movement but rehabilitative and functional movement skills.  The PM certification will go through the basics of the system as well as how to integrate them and combine to most benefit you.  Even if you think you don't "need" to learn PM you should look into it - you probably need it more than you think.

Courtesty of Adrienne Frankenfield Photography (http://adriennefrankenfield.com)

This certification is being taught by Adrienne Harvey (RKC II, CK-FMS, and PM National Instructor).  To learn more about her check out her blog.  Adrienne is an accomplished athlete, trainer and presenter and will make the learning experience fun and exciting!

For more information and to register for the PM Certification go to the Dragon Door Website.

Marital Bliss

Marital Bliss... or should I have said Martial Bliss?

Have you had "that" conversation with your spouse or significant other?  You know the one - the one where you explain to her that if something bad goes down to distance herself from you so that you can nullify the threat without having to be concerned about her safety as well.  Do your kids know where to meet you at the mall, or at your favorite store, in case you are separate or during an emergency?  Having a plan, even a loose one, can save you seconds in a bad situation... and may even save your life or the life of your loved ones.

Crime Statistics

I wrote an article a couple years ago about the drastic change in crime that occurred in the Nineties and how it would continue into the Millennium.  My predictions were based on my analysis of the FBI Uniform Crime Report which is published every year and collates data from around the United States.  If you are interested in seeing the real information about trends in crime then you need to take a look at this data - not the drivel being promoted on network news channels.

Saturday Workouts in January 2013

Saturday morning workouts for Martial Arts Koncepts will be on the following Saturday's in January:

• 05 January 2013
• 19 January 2013

Mark your calendar and I'll see you in class!