"Kata is Like a Textbook"

Judging by some articles practitioners of the martial arts are beginning to seriously look at their arts and asking the question - is what I am being taught really self-defence or just an oriental art form?

What's more, they're asking why you do this and that technique. Rather than just following blindly from one technique to another because someone tells them its so.

This is not to say there is anything wrong with their particular martial art just the way they have been viewed or interpreted.

Of course, it all depends on what you are training for in the first place. Are you doing it just to keep fit or as a sport? But for those of us who may need it for something more practical because of your job or environment then studying a martial art or some other combative system that offers you the best possible chance of surviving a bad situation is your best bet.

Even so, unfortunately, many instructors of various systems are only capablefor what ever reason, in teaching young and active trainees and do not teach traditional kata at all. Believing, wrongly in my opinion that kata has no place in a modern day combative system.

Therefore, the very people who need practical training such as: senior citizens, women, girls, small and weak individuals are left behind.

However, I would like to suggest a some what different approach to kata training.

The Urban Warrior.

It's a fact; the person who survives on the street is not necessarily the fastest, nor the smartest or the strongest. It's the species that is most able to adapt.

That's why, as a traditional martial artist you must first realise that many of the techniques you have learned in the controlled atmosphere of the dojo will not work on today's mean streets where there are no rules and no second chances. I'm sorry to disappoint you but after all, we are dealing with reality here.

Don't get me wrong I firmly believe the traditional martial arts has much to offer all the souls that take up the challenge. But please understand we live in the 21st century not in the feudal times of ancient Japan.

Moreover, those modern fighting systems that do not include kata in their training programme are actually doing a disservice to their trainees. Why? Because as we get older training gets harder simply because of the natural ageing of the body flashy high kicks, reflexes, stamina, strength to name just a few, make it almost impossible to take part in the intensive training programmes required in some fighting systems.

In other words, your joints start to weaken and your muscles get smaller and less flexible, muscle tears and strains become common place. However, traditional kata transcends all the above and actually allows you to train into old age.

You just have to relax when doing the techniques and it will give you an all round body workout. In contrast, if there is no kata within the system the trainees have nothing left, no tradition, no solid foundation which in the end leads to no training and nothing to fall back on when they get older and frailer which inevitably they will.

On the other hand, those of us who have continued to train in traditional kata as part of our training regime can continue to fully exercise our mind, body and spirit right into old age.

Imagine, you can carry on training in the very techniques found within the kata real self defence moves not watered down sports kicks or blows designed to score points or removed from the system because they were to dangerous.

Remember, the ancient masters developed kata or formal exercises to preserve their unique combat proven fighting systems.

Of course, there are many differing views on the value of kata. Nevertheless, it's origins can be found in the very nature of fighting, including more than a thousand years of trial and error based on practical experience as well as keen observations about combat between animals and man against man.

Kata is regarded by some as the very "soul" of martial arts. By others as a complete waste of time and today many modern fighting systems do not even include kata in their training curriculum.
But, if kata weren't useful, it certainly would not have lasted very long after its inception. If then, kata training is not critical to developing fighting skill, why do so many traditional systems like karate make such a big deal about it?

Conversely, karateka who ignore the lessons of kata inadvertently practice karate as a participant. No matter what system you train in kata provides a living link back to that system. Plus, it defines as a way to record and summarise the key combative techniques and principles of a fighting style, without it the system is an empty shell.

Powerful hidden applications of a kata. Okuden Waza.

When modern day practioners of any combative system or martial art choose not to bother with kata, they often do so in the name of realism. What they fail to appreciate is that by abandoning kata they have effectively abandoned the very syllabus of their original fighting system.

In comparison, individuals who learn the arts strategy and diligently practice its kata can learn real world fighting applications to defend themselves in a real-world self-defence situation. Kata is like a textbook; it contains all the applications you need to know in order to be able to defend yourself in combat. Just seek and you will find.

Although, having said all that, kata is useless unless you learn how to apply it in actual self-defence situations using realistic scenario based training.

It's also true that there are advanced practical applications within each kata. But here's the kicker, you can find and add your own unique applications to the moves within the kata. Of course this does not mean you alter the kata in any way. No, far from it just add your own combat applications to the moves already there within the kata.

Above all, this will help you analyse and understand what the kata is trying to tell you allowing you to utilise the self-defence fighting techniques more effectively. It also helps bridge the gap between form and street applications in an easy to apply manner.

Vision is the art of seeing the invisible.

One way to validate that your interpretation of a kata technique is suitable is to ensure that it fits within your systems overall strategy.

Look at it this way, you can use its tactics to analyse your techniques to determine the best applications for a given situation. Don't think because you don't have complete understanding you should never assume that the movements have no meaning or function. You must interpret the moves in your own way with intent.

Kata training will help you better understand the concepts and strategies when you add your own effective techniques into your kata training. Exactly what it is intended to do in the first place.

In conclusion, kata training will not only build within you a strong foundation for the future it will give you many more years of being able to train in your chosen system keeping your mind and body active and aware of maintaining the correct mindset for self defence.

All the resources we need are in the mind.

It's worth remembering, that a number of exceptional men and women discovered the true secret of kata training and went on to become known as the greatest karate and martial arts people who ever lived.

In the past, masters of their arts had to ensure that their kata would work in actual combat so the practical uses of kata does relate to the traditional and modern aspects of fighting and self defence as some of them actually fought to the death.

The secrets of kata have travelled across centuries to reach you. It has been discovered, coveted, suppressed, hidden, lost and recovered.

The result, kata is the powerful soul of karate and many other fighting arts and the true knowledge has run like a golden thread through the lives and teachings of all great karateka and martial artists in history.

That's why, when you are seventy years old or beyond you'll still be as tough as ever.

Buzz.

Use Fear As A Tool For Your Own Secret Power.

If you want to learn self-protection first you have to build a strong platform.

To this end, understanding fear is the foundation of a good self-defence system and something that will underpin the principles of successful self-protection.

So when you come to study and practice controlling and using your fear for real, you will be all the more powerful as a result. The truth is it takes more than just being able knock someone out to prevail in a real world violent situation.

But if you really want to activate the full power of your natural incredible power force in your training, you must first understand something else.

In short, I'm going to tell you the missing secret that will make your techniques work for you all the time, so you can easily take out any attacker anytime you feel it necessary.

In addition, before you spend too much time thinking about hours of sweat and years of training to get it right. I have a confession to make. You won't have too.

I haven't just learned the secret. I've gone beyond it.

What to do in a street altercation that nearly everyone doesn't. Knowing this one missing secret could change your training forever it's a powerful but natural force that is constantly operational.

You see, below the surface is a complex and deep-seated collection of beliefs that exert an extremely powerful and magnetic force. When these sub-conscious thoughts are in harmony with what you consciously intend, you attract it.

However, if there are counter-intentions present within you that is, thoughts and beliefs that run contrary to your conscious wishes you will not achieve the results you want, no matter how much you want them on the surface.

Even if you do achieve them temporarily, you will ultimately lose them. The strength of your counter-intentions will ultimately win out.

It took me some time to figure out the answer to that question. But once I did, it was as if all the limits on me shattered. The success I got blew me away. I had finally discovered the missing piece that makes my techniques more powerful and work the way I want them too 100% of the time.

By fully harnessing your inner power to your techniques and being able to create it any time you want. The results will astonish you.

Guess what, this extraordinary ancient mythology will open your mind to the possibilities you never knew existed before and when you find out just how easy it is to do your training will never be the same.

This one little gem allowed me to blow the ceiling of what works and more importantly what doesn't.

Four Little Words

1. Intention it will make your technique 100% more powerful.

2. Eradicate the negative images. Only visualise winning.Your intention, which means what, you have or must do to your attacker in order to get the job done.

3. Intention really is the best thing you have.

4. Learn to erase the fear of attack from your mind.

Don't bother overcoming your fears instead turn them into your greatest source of power.

All these years you've heard that you need to overcome your fears. No more, discover that your fears are actually your greatest source of strength and power.

I'm now going to tell you how to remove your last remaining barrier.

Think for just a moment about a time when you experienced intense fear. For instance: A child in danger etc. I bet, your first instinct was to take swift action. That's because fear is intended to be our most powerful tool for survival.

It heightens our awareness and gives us almost superhuman strength and power. It's our body's way of preparing for action.

But it's how you use this fear. You could allow it to paralyse you or strengthen you. Most people regard fear as something to be avoided and regard this as a negative feeling.

However, fear is actually power, in disguise. So when you avoid situations that stir up fear you are cutting yourself of from a source of power and energy. And instead, you become paralysed and unable to defend yourself.

When you learn how to harness fear and use it to your advantage, you'll have the key to real power techniques. Fear is practically the same feeling as adrenaline rushing around your body it's called the adrenaline dump or the fight or flight syndrome.

Like adrenaline, fear is a powerful force and stands waiting for you to use it to your advantage.
By telling you all this, I'm simply inviting you to realise the power that is already within you.

You were born with this natural power. It's the same power that inspires super human actions and turns ordinary people like you and me into heroes. And it's available to you every day in every situation.

In brief, just about any confrontation is going to cause some feeling of fear.Thankfully, it is simpler than you might think to transform your fears into your source.

For centuries scientists and spiritual teachers alike have been revealing the ways to turn fear into power.

Learning how to control and recognise the feelings of adrenaline and fear and through this awareness you'll be capable of tapping into unlimited power beyond measure.

Unfortunately, most of us use our feelings of fear to run in the opposite direction. So many people are missing out on this power. The result, it gives fear the power over us and we lose confidence by creating doubt about our capabilities. In self-protection power and confidence is important and negative feelings have no place.

You Already Have The Tools You Need.

Now you might be thinking tell me something I don't know.

OK here it is,

It's going to take more than reading this article to face your fears. You're going to have to actually feel the fear to feel powerful. This is not an invitation rather it's a dare.

The good news is by recognising fear you can overcome the uncertainties and doubts as well as the fear of being a victim at someone else's hands. Hence, the feeling will be all gone for good.

People who are able to harness this power experience a feeling of freedom, freedom from the fear of being attacked. Rather you will be able to summon all power and inner reserves you have locked up behind a wall of fear transforming it into a positive, powerful feeling.

At the same time, If you are involved in any street attack it's vital to remember that you are not dealing with a person trained to fight according to accepted rules, such as a wrestler or karate expert.

Your adversary is likely to be a half-crazy, intoxicated by alcohol or drugs, or simply out to inflict pain and injury on any unsuspecting victim.

Knowledge Is Power.

Indeed, there are two types of Power. Brute force employed mindlessly, and a lesser power used intelligently. Knowledge of how to use your limited power for maximum effect will enable you to control an attacker who's physically much stronger than you are.

Thus, slightly built women with muscle power far inferior to her assailants can use her superior intelligence and knowledge to slam a monster down on the ground with impact he won't forget.

Fear is normal, but you must learn to avoid panic. Fear is natural but it can cause panic. This panic can be the running around like a headless chicken variety or like a rabbit frozen in car headlights.

Therefore, it's preferable to practice evasive action, so that when you eventually need to use it in earnest the movements come naturally, replacing panic.

In other words, your mindset is the underpinning requirement for combat with it even the worst tactics and techniques prevail. Without it the best skills fail.

Mindset with intent is the secret most basic element of powerful real world self-defence techniques. Combined with tuning up the tools needed to defeat any attacker quickly and decisively.

I can't emphasis enough just how important your mindset is over skill in any conflict. It has to be 100% commitment. Be first, fast, and furious. Above all else WIN.

See, in a tournament or in a contest what is useful in a match may prove suicidal in a street encounter under real combat conditions.

Which means, there is a world of difference between meeting a drug crazed attacker in the street at work or in the home and meeting a fellow competitor in the dojo or training hall no matter how hell bent he may be upon victory.

If you can fully understand and utilise what I've just said it will increase your power ten fold. It's fact, Intent and mindset equals more POWER.

From now on, every single time you feel fear in the future; you'll know how to transform it into a positive, powerful feeling instead by simply using Fear as a tool for your own secret power.

Stay safe,

Buzz.

The Street is a Hard Place.

The martial arts industry yes, I did say industry has many faces as well as different arts all trying to turn their students into the ultimate killing machine.

But far from turning them into the above a simple study will reveal that few of the so-called deadly techniques will be helpful in actual combat. Some arts may look good in a Hollywood film but in reality on the street they will not. Hence, few arts taught today are forged with life survival in mind. So what does this all mean?

Most of what you have read or been taught about self defence is just plain rubbish. If you're looking for real self protection skills tough, because you won't get it at most martial arts schools. The bad news is you will get a false sense of security.

After over 30 years of studying and training in the martial arts I am convinced that 90% of what is being shown in videos, books, seminars and schools just will not work in a sudden blood and snot unprovoked violent attack situation on your person.

The result is that many martial artists who think they have had the right training and they can defeat anyone who dared to attack them are plain wrong. Why, because most of them are clueless about how the street robber and violent thug operate and what deceptive techniques they use to ply their trade.

It's a myth to think that criminals don't train on the techniques they are going to use on you they do. Myth No2 you have to be fit to fight. Wrong,Wrong, Wrong.

An overweight thug with no training what so ever is just as capable of blind siding you while his mate engages you in conversation and smashes you in the face or on the jaw thus, knocking you out or stabbing you before you even know what has happened. He doesn't keep fit or train in a dojo for hours on end because he doesn't have to. His tactics still work on his unsuspecting victims despite this.

For many years we all thought that the martial arts techniques worked. Well they did in the training hall. But time and again I would hear of so called high-ranking black belts in one martial arts or another being beaten senseless by some unknown and untrained street thug.

How could this be so? These people had trained for many years trained abroad etc. Over the past 20 years or so opinions have changed. People now challenge if something works or not they don't just blindly follow what they have been told by some 10th Dan master or other so thinking it must be right.

Also the type of crimes and the violence used has also changed dramatically.To the couldn't care less drug induced street criminal your life or the pain he is about to inflict on you means nothing to him. You see, he couldn't give a damn about the consequences.

Therefore, you would think that the type of training used would adjust accordingly. But unfortunately in a lot of martial arts schools it has not.This left a void that is being filled with reality based self-protection clubs and instructors many who have switched over from traditional based martial arts to the modern day combative type training.

These new schools and the many excellent instructors now out there have turned to using simple gross motor skill type techniques just like the military realistic moves you can easily learn and remember combined with scenario pressure testing during the training session.

Why? Simply put it works. Best of all it works when you most need to use it to protect yourself and you do not have to spend years and years training and marching up and down in lines to military type commands.

When I was invited by an acquaintance of mine to train with him in a realistic type system of street self-defence it wasn't to long before I soon realised how good the system was. After only one session he proved to me without doubt that what is being taught in most martial schools wouldn't work under the duress of a real street attack.

Here are just a few things that I learned.

1.The adrenaline dump is a natural effect the body goes through when you are under stress-induced fear. It's a high shot of adrenaline surging through the body a natural effect that cannot be stopped by anyone. It can be devastating if you do not know how to deal with it.

2. Main problem with traditional martial arts is that too many techniques are taught, too tricky and complicated for the average person to use under stress.

3. Complicated techniques tend not to be executed properly if at all under stress.

4. Using joint locks and pressure points takes years of dedicated training in order to perform correctly. And on some people with high resistance to pain they still don't work when applied.

5. A high percentage of attacks can be avoided using good verbal and special skills. For instance: Awareness, understanding the tactics and body signals being given of by your potential attacker, not forgetting avoidance.

6. Many schools teach kicking techniques that are great for the dojo/studio or sport competition but useless on the street. In reality if they use these techniques they will get themselves into trouble very quickly.

7. A lot of what is being taught is pure fluff and wouldn't stand a chance in a real fight.

How to deal with these symptoms are for another article however, the following is what myself and other self-protection instructors are trying to achieve.

After searching masses of information changes have been slowly made in what is now being taught. I'm constantly modifying, perfecting and refining what works and what doesn't. I've looked at all the possible attacks and eliminated any response that did not fit into reality.

I use simple, direct and extremely effective strikes and techniques that can be learned easily by anyone. And, doesn't take years to learn.

The latest combative type systems aim to teach you quickly and easily regardless of your athletic ability. Most are done in a way that is fun and exciting to practice.

If you are worried about the fear of being attacked but want to feel more confident in the future I advise you seek out one of the combative instructors teaching realistic type training in your area and train with him/her rather than a traditional type school. As an introduction see my manual.

http://www.simpleselfdefencetactics.com/

Remember, Make your first strike your best, as

you might not get a second chance!

Is Self Defence for Women as Simple as

Just Running Away?

Of course, it's a myth that somehow your attacker doesn't want to hurt you. When in fact it's the opposite.

One of the things that surprises me is how so many women and men both trained and untrained in the martial arts still overlook a very fundamental but important point regarding self defence. AWARNESS.

You see, your potential attacker doesn't play the same game as you. He is like a tiger at the waterhole, knowing exactly when the prey will come and drink. So he waits. Then he pounces for the kill.

So awareness, means being aware of your surroundings, people, objects location etc. It's a very important aspect if not the key factor of effective self-defence, sadly this aspect is not taught in many of the sports orientated martial arts dojos of today.

The result, it gives practitioners a false sense of security in their abilities to defend themselves. If they are not taught about awareness then they won't even see the attack when it comes.
Tactics for the street are completely different than for the dojo.

The Secret is Unsettling Your Attacker.

If you are attacked don't be afraid to scream or shout like an idiot. If it gives you the opportunity to escape take it run away without hesitation. Yes, it's a breathtakingly simple technique isn't it, but it could save your life.

Remember, your attacker doesn't care about hurting you. He only cares if he gets what he wants. And he doesn't care how he gets it.

Because women are more likely to be attacked by someone larger and much stronger than them is why the technique of awareness is so important.

What's more, if you want to stay safe it should always be your watch word whether you are at home at work or at play. It's what real self-defence is all about.

But a great number of attacks can be avoided by using verbal or special skills. A high percentage of attacks on women 90% are by someone they know, not from strangers at all.

The attack normally follows some kind of verbal exchange. Importunately, knowing how to deal with this initial verbal attack can help you avoid it turning into a violent physical attack enabling you to walk away unharmed.

A lot of unprovoked attacks involve deception on the part of the attacker. They are avoided by not putting too much trust in strangers. On top of that, let your own natural senses tell you something is wrong.

If the hairs on the back of your neck stand up and you feel uneasy trust your senses. Listen to those warnings and loudly tell your aggressor to back off. If he keeps coming forward despite this you'll know his intentions are bad. Should you find yourself in this situation make a lot of noise and be preparedto defend yourself physically.

Freedom from the Fear of Being Attacked . . .

However, if the physical is unavoidable, the difference in strength between a larger man and smaller women can create various problems for the woman.

The recommended manual: Simple Self Defence for Women covers all the topics above. Plus, the techniques are designed to deal effectively with such attacks and are perfect for women's self defence as well as allowing them to quickly grow in confidence and ability.

Does that sound like something you might like?

It's worth noting that in the US alone one rape or sexual assault occurs everytwo minutes, one violent crime every five seconds, one murder every 34minutes. I could go on quoting shocking crime figures but in the interest of not wanting to depress you too much I won't.

Suffice to say: The street is a hard place.

Enough said.

Go now: http://www.simpleselfdefenceforwomen.com