Fortunate Contest

Contrary to popular belief, there is a big difference between a fight and a self-defense situation. While both may look the same on a physical, combative level, the reason that each participant is there is very different.

As a general rule, a fight is a contest involving two or more willing participants, all trying to “win” or prove that they are “right.” A self-defense situation, on the other hand, may involve more than one willing participant but, they are all on the SAME side!

The defender in a self-protection encounter is the unwilling target of an attack launched by another who is trying to take something from her. As a result, she is not trying to win or lose necessarily, as much as she’s trying to get out of the situation altogether.

The following is a list of the six general phases of progression that one goes through in being properly prepared for a self-defense situation - beginning with the least amount of threat to the defender and leading to that which poses the greatest potential for damage. Each phase, or stage, itself, has the potential of reducing or completely eliminating your chances of ending up as a crime statistic as a victim of assault or some other serious crime.

If you are to be properly prepared to maintain a safe and danger-free life, you must insure that your training takes all of these phases into consideration.

1. General Awareness - Accept that there is danger in the world and choose to do something about NOT being a victim of it.

2. Awareness of Danger Potential - Tune-in and be aware of your surroundings. Know that the sooner you can be aware of danger that might affect you, the more choices you have for dealing with it.

3. Escaping to Safety - Know how to choose good escape routes from where you are. Have escape routes pre-planned from your home and everywhere else you frequent regularly. And, have multiple routes to and from places like work, the mall, school(s), and of course, your home.

4. Distraction Tactics - Don’t be in a hurry to fight. If at all possible, use humor, trickery, and other non-threatening, non-confrontational strategies to diffuse the situation or distract the attacker’s mind away from you as the target.

5.Project a Confident Attitude - As a last resort, use firm, committed speech and body language to try to dissuade the assailant from going through with his plan to attack. Let him know, in no uncertain terms, that you will not be an easy target.

6.Physical Self-Defense - If all else fails, and you end up at this phase - be prepared to win.

It’s important to note that “physical self-defense” comes at the end of the list. This is never the preferred choice for handling things as there is always the chance, no matter how good you are, of something going wrong.

As I said, the more options you have in being able to avoid or escape from a situation before it gets physical, the greater your chances of success with the least amount of wear-and-tear.

But, remember: If you must fight, then do everything in your power to go home safely. After all, this is about “defense“, right?

Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder of Warrior Concepts International, a Pennsylvania-based company specializing in helping private, law enforcement, and corporate clients to develop time-tested and proven self-protection and personal development skills that work in the real-world. He is the author of the highly acclaimed, educational video, Danger Prevention Tactics. His latest book, The Karate-Myth shows the reader why most martial arts and self-defense programs don’t work and how to insure your safety in today’s violent world. For additonal information about having this internationally-recognized expert as a guest or keynote speaker for your organization’s next meeting, or to sponsor a seminar with Mr. Miller, you may contact him through his web site or by calling WCI in the U.S. and Canada, at (570) 988-2228.

“Nicky Bats” was an “old school” kinda guy. He was “street” thru and thru. He was a hard bark tough as nails S.O.B. He was a survivor. His definition of “success” in life was dying peacefully at a ripe old age of natural causes, not dying on some frozen blood-soaked battlefield in Korea after being over run by a human swarm of Chi-Coms. Not winding up in a landfill dead of lead poisoning and not dying in some filthy gutter with your innards spilling out from a gaping knife wound.

I once asked Nicky what he thought the “secret” to real world survival was. Now “Nicky Bats” WAS the “go to guy” on matters concerning “reality based” violence. He boiled it down to these words, words which carry a GREAT deal of wisdom…………………..”Dealing with most people is like dealing with a jackass. Even a dumb as a stump jackass has a brain, but it all depends on which end you’re doing business with. Pick the wrong end and pretty soon you’ll find yourself standing knee deep in a pile of stinking donkey s@#t.” Nicky Bats had a REAL dislike for hard guys, tough nuts, and blustering blowhards. Nicky called these types “hard boiled eggs”…………….seemingly tough on the outside, but easily cracked and all yellow and mushy on the inside. If you didn’t know Nicky Bats, by the time he “introduced” himself, it was usually too late.

It took me awhile, but I eventually realized that what “Nicky Bats” was saying was that REAL survival was rooted in the ability to fully understand human nature and understand how that knowledge could really be put to use to “work the mark”, as he would say.

So-called “self-defense” at its core has far more to do with watching, studying and understanding all of the varied components of “human nature” than it does with ANY set of “techniques”, “system” or “method”.

EVERY single interaction with another individual CAN become a “self-defense” scenario or situation. Think about this. HOW many times during the course of a day, a week or a month does someone run SOME type of “grift” with YOU as the intended “mark”. From the subtle to the overt; from the “sneaky” and the “backhanded” to the OPENLY hostile, aggressive and potentially violent; these actions range from the snide comment or wiseass crack all the way up to and including a full blown lethal physical assault. AND they occur EVERYWHERE all the time in EVERY SINGLE “interaction” you have with someone that winds up with you muttering to yourself “what an ASS” or worse, you have in point of fact just engaged in a scenario of “self-defense”.

Every time your head pounded, your heart raced, your guts churned, your teeth gritted, or you clenched your fist in anger because of another’s actions you have just experienced the “jump street” of SELF-DEFENSE.

In the same way that we strive to deal with violent PHYSICAL attack, we should strive to “know” how to deal with these less overt intrusions into our personal space and lives. REMEMBER the MOST subtle of actions can open the door for the most dangerous of encounters and the MOST VIOLENT of outcomes!

The ANSWER lies right there in the “philosophy” of “Nicky Bats”. From the simply annoying and peevish traits of the human condition RIGHT up to the MOST detestable, ugly and violent actions the ANSWER remains pretty much the same. IT’S THIS SIMPLE: Realize from JUMP STREET that you are dealing with the WRONG END of a JACKASS, that NOTHING GOOD will stem from this and that sooner rather than later you are most assuredly going to be CRAPPED UPON.

So the question BEGS to be asked……………………WHY in the world are YOU dealing with the rear end of a JACKASS in the FIRST PLACE!

There any number of “cues” that will alert an astute observer of “human nature” to the intent, mind-set and type of character you are dealing with. USE THAT. Don’t molly-coddle. Don’t make excuses. Don’t “look inward”. Don’t equivocate. DON’T BE SUCKERED and DON’T BE STUPID.

If it looks like a JACKASS and it ACTS like a JACKASS……………………………………..well you can figure out the rest. Never PLAY the other mans game. Never fall for the “grift”. NEVER allow yourself to set up as a “mark”.

REAL SELF-DEFENSE AIN’T JUST ABOUT KNOWING HOW TO STOP THAT BASEBALL BAT DESCENDING UPON YOUR SKULL!

IT IS FIGURING OUT WHY YOU DIDN’T SEE IT COMING IN THE FIRST PLACE!

And if you’re wondering about “Nicky Bats”, as I just found out earlier this evening, his wish came to fruition, he’s finally a “success”.

RIP my dear Brother. In a world of “hard boiled eggs”, the “ones that count”, will remember you as the REAL DEAL!

©2005 www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com

Carl Cestari began his study of the martial arts with judo at the age of 7 under the direction of Yoshisada Yonezuka. During the past forty plus years Carl has dedicated his life to studying the martial arts, hand to hand combat systems, history and religion. What makes Carl unique is his combination of martial arts, law enforcement and military and real world experience. Carl has been exposed to a multitude of people with a wide variety experience. The following is a list of some of Carl’s ranks and honors.

Shinan (Founder) Tekkenryu jujutsu
Ryokudan (6th degree) Koshinkai Karate under John Burrelle
Godan (5th degree) Jujutsu under Clarke of the World Jujutsu Fedaration (now defunct)
Sandan (3rd degree) Nippon Kempo under Narabu Sada
Nidan (2nd degree) Judo under Masafumi Suzuki
Shodan (1st degree) Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka
Shodan (1st degree) Shukokai Karate under Kimura, Kadachi and Yonezuka
Shodan (1st degree) Daitoryu Aikijujutsu
Instructors Certificate- Charles Nelson System of Self Defense under Charlie Nelson
http://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com

Hironori Ohtsuka founded Wado-Ryu, the 1st Japanese form of Karate in 1938. It was the result of many years of training in various forms of Japanese Jiu Jitsu and Okinawan Karate, as well as Aikido, developed into a single fluid, powerful, yet peaceful martial art. Wado-Ryu Karate is the Way of Peace and Harmony, and is practiced as a way of life by millions of people worldwide.

For such a relatively new and widely practiced martial art, details of its origin are either scarce or hotly debated. There is also plenty of speculation and rumor. I will give as factual an outline of the history as I am able. Also, I apologize beforehand if it seems that any part of this history is vague, which is a result of the lack of facts pertaining to that particular section. For a more comprehensive study of Karate, Wado-Ryu, and Ohtsuka-sensei, please refer to the rest of my wado ryu karate guide.

Ohtsuka began his martial arts training very young. His great uncle Chojiro Ebashi began teaching him Jiu Jitsu (alternately spelled jujutsu and jujitsu), a grappling oriented art beginning at the age of 3 or 4. He was later enrolled around age 5 or 6 in shindo yoshin-ryu jujutsu (”Sacred Willow Style” jujutsu) under Shinzaburo Nakayama-sensei. This form of Jiu Jitsu was founded by Katsunosuke Matsuoka, a student of Yoshin-ryu jujutsu (”Willow Style”), in the early to mid 1800s. Shindo Yoshin-ryu emphasizes grace and natural movement.

This study of natural flowing movement later played a major role in the development of Wado principles, along with Ohtsuka’s training later in life under Morihei Ueshiba O’Sensei, founder of Aikido. The use of the opponent’s momentum are as important in defeating him or her as your own movements. Also, Jiu Jitsu’s orientation towards rugged practicality influenced Ohtsuka’s modifications to the Karate techniques he would later learn.

The Jiu Jitsu community of that time generally retained many of the Samurai traditions and fighting arts from which Jiu Jitsu itself was derived. Shindo Yoshin Ryu Jiu Jitsu, for example, contained Kenjutsu influence and a heavier emphasis on striking than many other Jiu Jitsu forms. The Kenjutsu side was a definite influence on the body shifting and hand controlling techniques Ohtsuka later included in Wado-Ryu.

Ohtsuka continued his study of Jiu Jitsu for many years.
During his period at Waseda University (from 1910-1917, where he earned his Associate’s Degree in Economics) he experimented with various Jiu Jitsu styles to find their best qualities. Even this early on, Ohtsuka began evolving his techniques and principles.

According to many, on June 1st 1920 Ohtsuka was promoted to 4th Grandmaster of Shindo Yoshin Ryu Jiu Jitsu. This has been much debated, however. The 3rd grandmaster of Shindo Yoshin Ryu, Tatsuo Matsuoka (grandson of the art’s founder), did not pass away until 1989, 7 years after Ohtsuka’s death. Also, Ohtsuka’s instructor, Nakayama, had previously branched off from the founder to begin his own style and lineage of Shindo Yoshin-ryu. It is also heavily debated as to how much or little of the actual shindo yoshin-ryu jujutsu curriculum was later adopted into Wado ryu. At the very least, Wado was heavily influenced by the shindo yoshin-ryu principles, and some of its waza (techniques).

Owen Johnston lives and teaches Wado ryu Karate in Lake City, South Carolina. He enjoys reading, writing, training, and spending time with his fiance. For more information, please visit Johnston Wado ryu Karate - Online Community.

One of the great “equalizers” in any fight on the street — even if you are being bum rushed by multiple opponents — is to have something as a weapon.

A knife, a bat, a garbage can lid, a broken bottle, even your belt can be used to even the odds.

However, there may be a time when you are in a fight where both you and an opponent have weapons. And if you’ve never trained in the use of that weapon, and he has, you could be in a lot of trouble.

Unless, of course, you read and use the secret in this article.

Listen to this:

If you want to get an instant tactical advantage in a weapons fight — even if you don’t practice and your opponent does — all you have to do is use the ancient Filipino method of “defanging the snake.”

What does that mean?

Simple:

Instead of trying to smack, cut or hit your attacker’s head, body or face — you instead go for the hand they’re holding their weapon in.

By doing this, you’re going to force them to drop their weapon — or at least reel back off balance.

It’s the perfect mixture of attack and defense rolled up into one quick movement anyone can do - no matter how fast, slow, big, or small you are.

I mean think about it:

You’re fighting some scumbag in a back alley somewhere. He pulls out a knife and you are able to find a broken beer bottle on the ground. He lunges in. How hard is it for you to step out of the way and simply swipe at his exposed hand with the weapon in it — cutting and disabling it before the fight even begins?

Believe me, it doesn’t take much effort at all.

And here’s the beauty about this:

It works whether you have an edged weapon — like a knife or razor, or a blunt weapon — like a stick or even a rolled up magazine.

Many fights end up hitting the ground. If you are not comfortable working from the ground, then maintain a solid fighting distance and avoid in-close fighting as much as possible. Adding to the danger of ground fighting is the possibility of more attackers arriving, glass on the ground, weapons, and your most immediate attacker being much heavier, as well as numerous other factors. A grappler will have methods of closing the fighting distance with you, and taking you out of the range from which many types of strikes can be thrown solidly. In this case, make well-timed use of elbows, knees, standing submissions, reversals, makeshift weapons, and other such anti-grappling maneuvers. Be especially careful not to over-extend your strikes, or leave them extended for long after delivery, against a seasoned grappler.

When faced with an attacker who you suspect has a weapon, you will, of course, have even more reason to seek means of escaping the situation other than hand to hand combat. It is possible that if you comply with your attacker, they will let you alone afterwards. However, do not always be quick to believe that he or she shares your belief system; they could very well harm or even kill you after getting what he/she wanted.

The attacker may also be on drugs such as PCP, which would make him or her very dangerous to deal with. Pain compliance may not work as well against such an assailant; move defensively while doing as much damage as possible. Use the environment even more so, such as getting free to run and throwing things in his/her path. Also be extra careful of weapons the attacker is wielding. If at close range, attempt to stop the weapon from even being drawn. If this is not possible, dodge an attack or jam it as your opponent comes at you. Control the wielding arm, and strike at your opponent with your free limbs, head butts, etc. until you can disarm or subdue. It’s also very important not to get caught off guard with a handgun, which would put you at a severe disadvantage. In this case, use distraction or other methods to diffuse the situation, and disarm if necessary.

Overall, many attackers will concentrate on their “weapon” (striking, grappling, a weapon, sheer strength or numbers, etc). Your attacker may believe that he/she has something that guarantees success. There is no way anyone can plan ahead for all situations, however. You must instead constantly learn, as well as use strategy, adaptability, and heart to your advantage, in a fight or life itself.

The author lives in Lake City, South Carolina, where he teaches at his Wado ryu Karate school. He enjoys reading, writing, training, and spending time with his fiance. For more information, and free downloads, please visit the Johnston Wado ryu Karate Online Community.

This is the last article in this series, with the last two life skills, and three additional benefits that children receive from attending Karate classes, on a regular basis.

Self-Confidence

Many adults struggle with self esteem, so it is natural that children would also feel a lack of confidence. Also, children of parents who have self-confidence issues will copy their parent’s example.

This is one reason why the self-confidence CD we have in our Pro Shop is so popular with adults. This CD is actually a form of self-hypnosis for adults, but Karate is a much more effective self-confidence tool for active children.

So, how does a child find self-confidence through Karate practice? Self esteem is built on a foundation of daily accomplishments that each child experiences within his or her Karate class. This is a form of programming confidence into a child’s personality. As a child becomes more proficient at Karate, self-confidence is not far behind, and will carry into all of his or her activities.

Social Skills

There is such a social skill deficit with children these days. Having manners, showing courtesy, and displaying mutual respect are part of every Karate class. It is nice that we have become “technically advanced,” but we do not have to leave tradition behind. As children grow, the child who displays manners, courtesy, and respect will succeed in life.

A lack of these qualities is considered anti-social, rude, or arrogant - and rightfully so. Some adults who display these forms of behavior do “get by,” but diplomacy can carry us a long way. Therefore, social skills are positively reinforced in each Karate lesson.

Let’s cover a few bonus benefits that children receive from regular attendance to Karate classes.

Self-Defense

“A fly on the wall” would learn adequate self-defense skills, if it hung around a Karate class long enough. Children who continue to practice Karate will be able to take care of themselves and should develop enough awareness to stay out of trouble.

Nutrition

Any child, or adult, who practices Karate will excel athletically and will watch what they eat. Within any form of mind and body exercise, proper nutrition is contagious.

Meditation

The “Kata” or (Karate form) is meditation in motion. The adult or child Karate student learns to focus and quiet his or her mind in daily Karate practice. Steady gaze, and breath awareness meditation techniques, is taught to Karate students at our North Providence facility.

Needless to say, children who practice Karate, on a steady basis, will be very well rounded and poised for success in life. If you want to give your child a gift that lasts a lifetime, visit your local martial arts center and find a program that fits your needs. Compare at least two martial arts schools to make an informed decision.

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Yoga: The Key to Self-Mastery. http://www.kids-karate.com

Self-defense products are gaining in popularity because they are effective against attacks, and they don’t take as much time to learn. Martial arts or other self-defense courses are great to learn, but for many people, they take too much time to learn, and can be expensive. Besides, you are not always going to have the opportunity to use your self-defense skills so you might need other ways to defend yourself. Self-defense products are one way to go.

But, before you go out and purchase a self-defense mechanism, you should consider some of the following points:

• Find out which one is best for you - Not much sense carrying around throwing stars or a set of SAP gloves if you aren’t trained in martial arts or how to throw a good punch. Learn what product is going to be right for you.

• Learn to use the self-defense product properly - Having a self-defense product and not knowing how to use it can injure you as easily as it can hurt your assailant. Once you have chosen a self-defense product, ask for proper instructions on how to use it, or take a course in using the products properly. You aren’t helping the cause if you hurt yourself before your defend yourself.

• Make sure you are legally able to carry this item - You don’t want the embarrassment of being harassed by local law enforcement, then take the time to see if you are allowed to carry the self-defense product your have chosen. Some may need permits or other permission before you can carry them around in public.

• Don’t carry more than you need - If pepper spray is going to give you the jump you need to parry away an assailant, then there is really no need to carry air guns, slingshots or a taser. When the moment comes for you to use the self-defense product, you don’t want to have to fumble around to choose which one to use.

Self defense products can get you out of a sticky situation - there is no doubt about that. But, unless you know what you need, how to use that product, and if it is legal, you may be getting more than you’ve bargained for. You can actually do yourself more harm that good by not knowing what self-defense products are right for you.

Do your homework before you invest time and money into self-defense products. They can save your life, your money and provide you with peace of mind.

Visit us for your FREE subscription to the about-self-defense newsletter where you will get great information on various styles, weapons, classes, and self defense books and videos.
Self Defense

Dermot O’Neill was born in 1905 in County Cork, Ireland. As a teenager he traveled to China, and settled in Shanghai. In 1925, at the age of twenty he joined the Shanghai Municipal Police. This police force comprising of 9000 active and reserve officers was task with bringing law and order to the International Settlement.

While in Shanghai, O’Neill immersed himself in the study of Asian martial-arts. He was a devoted practitioner of Japanese judo, as well as several forms of “Chinese Boxing”, these included Tai Chi Chuan, Hsing Yi, and Pa Kua.

O’Neill rose through the ranks of the SMP and was promoted to Detective Sergeant and served as a member and instructor of the famed “Shock and Riot Police” task force of the SMP. He was also considered by many to be the protégé of William Ewart Fairbairn.

In 1938, O’Neill left Shanghai, and traveled to Tokyo, Japan as head of security for the British Embassy Legation there. During this period O’Neill was awarded the Godan, fifth degree black belt by the Kodokan, as well as increasing his martial-arts skills by practicing Japanese style “Kempo”. He left Japan shortly before the bombing of Pearl Harbor and made his way to Australia.

O’Neill came to the United States at the behest and recommendation of WE Fairbairn who was at this time involved with the OSS. O’Neill was slated to work for the OSS, but was sent instead to serve as an instructor with the First Special Service Force, a joint Canadian-US commando unit known as the “Devil’s Brigade.” When the 1st SSF was sent into action, O’Neill refused to stay behind and declared that since he trained these boys he would damn well fight beside them. He held the rank of Captain and one of his duties included the assignment of being the bodyguard to General Fredericks. After he was in Europe was over, O’Neill was tasked with the position of Provost Marshal over Monte Carlo.

As the war with Japan ended O’Neill was sent to Okinawa as a liaison officer. After the war O’Neill served as a consultant on police and security for various Federal agencies, including the State Department and the Central Intelligence Agency. In the mid-1960s O’Neill located in the Washington, DC area and began work with the International Police Academy there. This organization was funded by the Agency for International Development and was a cover for para-military operations and training run by the CIA. The Church Committee Hearings on Intelligence Activities brought the close of this academy in the early 1970s.

O’Neill was considered a very tough man in his day and had a reputation for not backing down from anyone. His skill in judo was highly praised even at the Kodokan. O’Neill had studied under Uchijima, renowned old time Kodokan judo instructor. O’Neill was especially known for his grappling skill. The methods of hand-to-hand combat he devised and taught were greatly effective and such was proven in actual battle numerous times. O’Neill greatly influenced military close-combat for both the US Army and Marine Corps.

Dermot O’Neill had been married briefly and had a daughter. He died on August 11, 1985

Origins of the O’Neill Method

The “O’Neill” method is a consistent source of debate and speculation.

Owing to the fact that most people have only been exposed to limited information concerning this method many “false” opinions have been expressed concerning it’s value and/or effectiveness.

The Army 21-150 manuals offer little in the way of a “complete” method and the USMC “proposed” manual adds some info but certainly not anywhere near the whole “picture”.

Aside from non-fictional works on the First Special Service Force that add bits and pieces to the puzzle, there exist other “technical” sources.

Besides the fairly well-documented Judo background of D.M. O’Neill and his service with the SMP and as a “protege” of WEF, little else is really known about the elements that comprise his method.

Quotes like this: “………the Office of Strategic Services(OSS) improved version of kick and poke judo. This hand to hand unarmed combat method was developed and taught by a former Shanghai police inspector, British embassy security expert, and OSS contract employee named Dermot Michael “Pat” O’Neill.” Offer some more insights into the man and the method.

The system that O’Neill “developed” was born during his time in Shanghai. Charlie Nelson relates that his introduction to O’Neill’s method was through a Sgt. Kelly who learned this method from O’Neill during Kelly’s tour of duty in China. Since we know that O’Neill left for Japan in 1938, the “training” between Kelly and O’Neill must have occurred prior to that. So we can presume that the O’Neill method came into it’s own sometime during the mid 1930’s.

Many reference sources containing information on O’Neills method as recalled by Forcemen of the 1st SSF refer to similar phrases as the one quoted above. Terms like “jab and kick”, “gouge and kick”, “poke and kick” are constantly used when describing this method. Now we KNOW what the elements of the “Fairbairn” system are(though even here there is much misconception as well) and when would be hard pressed to describe WEF’s approach as “kick and poke”.

Though the O’Neill method may have included elements of Fairbairn’s system(though there is documentation to the contrary), it is clear that the O’Neill method is materially different. The difference in “needs” as it relates to close combat between front line rapid assault “shock” troops like the “Devil’s Brigade” and the nature of clandestine special operations as waged by the OSS and SOE explains to great degree the dis-similarity in choice of method.

Chinese foot-fighting or Chinese Boxing is mentioned in various manuals attributed to O’Neill. CHI-CHI SHU another reference to Chinese combatives is also mentioned in the AID/IPA manual. Material extant from the WWII era mentions this specifically. Charlie Nelson always said that this method was based on Chinese Guerilla warfare.

So where does the O’Neill method originate from? What may be the original source of this system?

To fully understand the possible connections to Chinese Boxing, we must FULLY understand the complete original syllabus of this method.

We will begin to discuss that aspect in Part II. Hopefully, we will also dispel “mis-informed” opinions concerning the combat validity and effectiveness of the O’Neill “method”.

PS. Check out the video S2- O’Neill System: www.selfdefenseseminar.com

Copyright 2003 www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com©

By Ralph Grasso & Carl Cestari

Carl Cestari began his study of the martial arts with judo at the age of 7 under the direction of Yoshisada Yonezuka. During the past forty plus years Carl has dedicated his life to studying the martial arts, hand to hand combat systems, history and religion. What makes Carl unique is his combination of martial arts, law enforcement and military and real world experience. Carl has been exposed to a multitude of people with a wide variety experience. The following is a list of some of Carl’s ranks and honors.
Shinan (Founder) Tekkenryu jujutsu
Ryokudan (6th degree) Koshinkai Karate under John Burrelle
Godan (5th degree) Jujutsu under Clarke of the World Jujutsu Fedaration (now defunct)
Sandan (3rd degree) Nippon Kempo under Narabu Sada
Nidan (2nd degree) Judo under Masafumi Suzuki
Shodan (1st degree) Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka
Shodan (1st degree) Shukokai Karate under Kimura, Kadachi and Yonezuka
Shodan (1st degree) Daitoryu Aikijujutsu
Instructors Certificate- Charles Nelson System of Self Defense under Charlie Nelson
http://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com

Kendo, which literally means “way of the sword”, is the Japanese art of fencing. Kendo was created by the samurai during the Kamakura period (1180-1230) so they could hone their skills without killing each other. It was originally grounded in Zen Buddhism. The teachings of kendo helped the samurai learn to disregard their own lives in the heat of battle. This is one of the main reasons it is considered the way of the sword.

Kendo was originally called kenjutsu however, as a result of the world war, Japan had to change its name to kendo. It is also known in some cultures (mainly korean) as kumdo. Kumdo is essentially kendo without the ettiquite and with different terminology.

In kendo there are 4 basic targets, the goal being to disarm/kill your opponent in one hit. The basic targets are the head (men), hand (kote), stomach (do), and finally, the throat (tsuki). There are combinations of the hits, one example being “kote-men”, in which you “cut off” their hand and cut their head open immediatly after.

In kumdo the targets are the same. However, kenjutsu is more of a “no rule/kill your enemy/not a sport” art.In kenjutsu, unlike kendo, it is not uncommon to “spar” with 4 or 5 people at a time.

Ettiquete is a very big part of kendo; kendoka must bow upon entering and leaving the dojo and must show respect to their sempai (older students including sensei).

Kendo, unlike other martial arts, has no external signs of rank. In order to know what rank another kendoka is, you must keiko against them and judge their skill. There there are 2 sets or rank: the Kyu (lower ranks) and the Dan (black belt). A kendoka starts at 1 Kyu and climbs up the kendo ladder to the 8 Dan mark.

International-kendo.com is an up and comming kendo website.

Defences against Knife attacks, Firstly if at all possible get yourself and anyone else out of the potential danger area…..RUN AWAY.

Yes you heard right, run away. This is not a cowards way out, this is sensible. After all your potential assailant could be on drugs or just plain crazy. Nobody needs a dead hero.

However if you can’t get away or you are cornered, try to talk your way out of the situation, tell the guy what he wants to hear or give him what he wants, if it’s a mugging, but only if you think this will pacify him…

Let me explain. If it is apparent that your assailant is going to stab you whether you give him all your money or not then you must do something about the situation before this happens, either way you may get stabbed. Thats why this is a last resort and only attempted if YOU are certain he is going to attack you no matter what.

It’s a judgement call that only you can make and if you ever do end up in that situation it won’t be easy.

So, you’re in that nightmare situation. How do you tackle him ?

Do you use the knife defences you learned in your martial arts classes ? I hope not because you’ll very soon be bleeding to death if your assailant has any idea how to use the knife.

I tried an experiment about 5 years ago now with my training partner who is very fast with his hands and can handle a knife. We used a dummy knife (Thankfully) with some red ink on the end of it and I wore a white Gi.

I had at this time been training in the martial arts for about 16 years and had learned many many knife defences from many different styles so I was sure that whatever he came at me with I would be able to handle it.

He moved the knife very quickly from hand to hand and attacked from a variety of angles, slashing, lunging and really going for it. I successfully disarmed him several times, but each time he had also stabbed me several times (This is why the Police and Prison service use riot shields and several officers when dealing with knife attackers).

We worked this scenario using all the knife defences we had both learned from many different styles over the years but the one factor that kept coming up was the fact that this was simulating a real situation, so the attacker wasn’t in stance and didn’t come with a single attack in a straight line, he’d attack several times from any angle very fast.

What we were looking for was something that kept your vital organs as far away from the knife as possible whilst allowing you to attack the assailant.

Here’s what we came up with: (This is just my opinion, based on over 20 years martial arts experience, and this one worked time after time. But remember only use as a last resort)

First you must take your attackers mind off what he’s thinking about (I.e. stabbing you !) ………Spit in his face, not nice but remember this guy wants to stab you !

This gives you a fraction of a second to move.

Next, drop to your side, fast ! (Side breakfall) As you do this hook one of your feet round the back of his front foot and with your other foot, stamp hard onto the front of his knee. This will either snap or dislocate it (Again not nice but this guys going to stab you !) It also doesn’t matter too much if you miss with the hook as you can still get the stamp in on the knee.

Either disarm him while he’s on the floor and wait for the Police or just get out of there, he won’t chase you.

The fall and hook take some practice to get fast but it’s worth it as this is one well worth having in your arsenal.

Any comments or feedback would be welcomed

Paul Swift has been a student of Martial Arts for 22 years attaining the grades of:

5th Dan Karate Jitsu

3rd Dan Ju Jitsu

1st Dan Freestyle Karate

1st Degree Tiger Claw Kung Fu

Also studied the following arts without taking any grades:
Boxing, Muay Thai, JKD, Wrestling.

More information of this subject and martial arts in general can be found at: http://www.make-your-martial-art-grow.com