Just because you have a black belt doesn’t mean you can fight and just because you can fight, doesn’t mean you are a black belt.

Like in all combat sports, the last thing you want to do is be on the defensive and unlike MMA or Boxing, in the world of self defense the stakes are much higher. Once you target covers up, it’s game over for him.

There is one critical mistake made when practicing methods of defense against someone trying to grab or mug you. This glaring mistake is seen EVERY where by every expert. No matter how accomplished an instructor may be or how hardcore or "on the money" his or her method. From the person who is the real deal to the person who is the bum deal, they all make this massive mistake.

Inevitably during our randori sessions, the question is asked, “Is that judo legal?” After watching the referees at the New York Open, it became apparent that the rules for competition judo are applied strictly. The referees were quick to penalize a competitor for actions that occur routinely during our randori sessions. So, what is legal in judo? This article will discuss the less serious infringements, known as shido. Next month’s article will discuss the more serious Hansoku- make infringement.

Who hasn’t said this at one time or another? On vacation last week I overheard a friend saying just those words as she talked about her failed attempt at “skim boarding”. Thinking that the fact that she was pushing 40 had everything to do with why she wound up in a pile of limbs and sand after a brief but agonizing moment on top of her son’s board.

How To Make The Most Out OF Your Martial Arts and Self Defense Training I always look for answers and guidance. One of the driving questions as to why we do this is one I always shrugged off as “Because it’s there”. This article is inspired by Will Becher (who gave me the title without knowing it) and Roger Jones (who’s last Email set my thoughts in motion) and lastly a movie from the 80’s called “The Art of Killing”. Which, despite its title, is an excellent documentary on modern Japanese Budo; Specifically Kendo, Karatedo, Aikido and Judo.

Let me ask you a question. Do you feel safe when you're out and about on your own in public places? Most of the time, you probably do. If you don't, you may just be a bit on the paranoid side. Having said that, it's also understandable to question your surroundings at times... 

A lot of my friends make fun of me for carrying mace spray. They say that I'm just being paranoid, but I think that I am just being careful. You see, the reason that I carry Mace Pepper spray is not because I am fearful. The reason I carry it is because I have always believed that it is better to be safe than sorry.

 

Both men and women need security in this world of danger. In big cities, it lurks in shadows and around corners constantly.  Every day we hear of violent attacks against the elderly and women. To secure themselves, some people take self defense classes, which can prove to be time consuming and expensive. Others carry guns, but those can  be as dangerous as the brutes they are meant to defend against. One defense, however, that people might count on when used properly and in the right situation, is mace spray.

Due to a recent change in my work schedule, I often don't finish up until 9:30 or 10:00pm at the earliest. That means I have to walk a block and half to get my car out of the public parking garage when it's pitch black outside.