Interview With Tony Blauer

Pretty good interview. You should glean what his philosophy is from this.

Chad Boykin: Body Punching

Excellent. What I like about Chad is that he gives boxing lessons from a kickboxing perspective. Here he cautions about the knee, elbow, and takedown, and how to work in the body punch.

Caution:Body punches may not be the most appropriate tactic. It depends on the rules of the fight and/or skills or your opponent.

A Muay Thai fighter, for example, may find it very easy to land a damaging knee or elbow to your cranium should you attempt a body punch because you have to drop your head). A wrestler may take advantage of this same situation. There are, however, many times when body punches are quite appropriate and useful.

More on defending against dog attacks

In my previous post about dog attacks, we learned a little about why, how, and when it happens. This article discusses what to do. I am going to ask my resident K-9 expert to review this for accuracy and update it.

Please read the whole thing. Some points:

“My name is Adam Katz. For [approximately] seven years, I owned a company called South Bay K-9 Academy. I currently own the web site: Dogproblems.com. And I am the author of the widely acclaimed book, "Secrets of a Professional Dog Trainer!"

- If the dog is a trained personal protection or police dog and it is a good specimen: You have no chance. All of this nonsense about kicking the dog at the right time is baloney. Your best chance of surviving is to stand absolutely still. If you are unarmed, and you try to fight the dog, you will lose. The dog is fast enough to bite you two or three times before you even realize where you've been bit. And by then... it's over. Anyone who does not believe me can contact me, and we will outfit you with a padded suit and you can give it your best shot.

- You cannot outrun a dog. Even a big, heavy slow dog like as a Rottweiler.

- If the dog is not a professionally trained dog, you may be able to intimidate the dog with forward-leaning body language and moving directly in towards the dog, making direct eye contact. However, make sure that the dog has an easy way to turn and escape. If he feels cornered, you're in big trouble. (This technique relies on using the dog's psychology.) [Although this technique will work very often, there is still a good chance that you may get bit. Better to stay still and call for help, or back away slowly until you can get to an object that will help separate you from the dog.]

- It is a myth that a well trained dog is taught to bite and hold on to one arm. A good dog that is taught to bite the arm will also be taught to release the first arm and bite the other arm when it comes close to his face. Furthermore, many trained dogs are taught to take chest bites, back bites, leg bites, etc...

- Stun guns often work well to deter untrained dogs. The electrical sound will very often scare them away. [Buy one at a local hardware store (or on the internet) that makes a loud crackling sound (most do) and keep it with you when you jog, go for a walk or a hike.]

- Pepper spray works well on some dogs. On others, it is ineffective.

- Kicking or punching a trained dog will be ineffective. We've documented several cases where large breed dogs were latched on to an individual and neighbors ran out and beat the dogs over the head with baseball bats and the dogs did not let go. (Again, it depends on the dog, but if you're going to put together a defense strategy, it's important to take this into consideration.

- Let me recap: For both a trained or untrained dog, your best defense is to stand absolutely still. If the dog walks around behind you, turn smoothly but slowly to face the dog. Do not try to run or move quickly as you will turn into prey. Keep a stun gun on your person, or at least pepper spray. Aim for the nose.

++++++++++++
UPDATED: Per my resident K-9 expert, this information is correct. See post here.

Basics of MMA training plans

Nice BJJ.org article by Roy Harris on basics of training methodology.

Head Butts - use 'em or not?

Read Head Butts "WHEN HEADS COLLIDE!: by Hock Hochheim. It's an excellent explanation for why he advocates against using head butts as tactic. For many years I have held that your opinion isn't worth squat unless you can tell me why you hold it. In other words, hold your views and opinions up to the light of reason and see if they square with reality.

Regarding head butts, I used to teach them as a valid technique without ever having used it "live" myself. I can tell you that it could work, but I'd recommend against it. I have broken up to three slabs [see photo above of two] with pencil spacers with a head butt, and lots of boards. The last time I broke with my head, my girlfriend (now wife) told me that I had a "glazed look in my eyes," and I knew I was stunned-no dazed.

Excerpt from Hock's article (read it all!).

'Hock I am writing to you, because you have made a case against head butts. I am a certified instructor under ____ _____ and his Filipino Concepts. As you know from personal experience, ____ emphasizes head butts. I am also a police officer in _______, Indiana. One night I interrupted a burglary of a pharmacy. A crew was at work and they posted a lookout on the street. I questioned the lookout. He had no answers for my questions and I attempted to arrest him him. A fight ensued. We grappled each others arms. I got his his head and had a clear head butt and tried to drive my head into his nose...

When I woke up. I was down on the sidewalk. Hock, both my pistol and badge were taken from my body. The burglars escaped. They did not finish the burglary, but they got away with my badge and gun. I realize that I had knocked myself out when trying to use my head to hit his head.

This has been a joke at my department. Once at a pistol qualification the guys taped a helmet to my target. Like I would use a head butt instead of a bullet. I could have been killed! I had practiced and simulated head butts for years, never really doing one. Now I know what happens when I really do one! Never again ! We have never recovered my gear.'

[And "God did not make your head to be an impact weapon!" - W. Hock Hochheim]

Sammy Franco on Striking First in a Street Fight

Pretty well thought out...

Why I love body shots!

First of all, get your mind out of the gutter!

Body shots, whether with the hands, forearms, elbows, or knees and kicks, are excellent tactical weapons because they can put your opponent down without permanent damage. Probably all of you know what a good shot to the head can do, and it's dangerous and serious - concussions. An accumilation of blows to the head during a boxing match may not knock someone down or out, but the damage to the brain can kill. In numerous cases, a fighter will pass out, then die hours after a bout. Body shots, on the other hand, will put your opponent on the ground for a submission, or take away his will to fight.

Benefits of targeting the body:

1. The body is a large and accessible target. No one can cover the head, torso, and legs all at once, and once you are in range, something is always open.
2. The closer you get, the harder it is to defend every part of the torso. Depending on your orientation (left or right lead) with respect to your opponent, either the back, front, or side is ALWAYS open.
3. A good diaphram shot will prevent the fighter from taking a breath, and leave him gasping. If you hit someone when he's breathing in, it causes a spasm in the diaphram, and involuntary gasping for breath. Try it.
4. The "solar plexus" punch will put everyone down. There is a collection of nerves just below the sternum that, when struck with a sharp (snappy) blow, will put anyone down. Again, involuntary.
5. A [correction] hard shot anywhere on the torso may cause so much pain (it's an ache, really) that a fighter will just give up.

Give it a shot! [Sorry, I couldn't help it!]

Integrating Grappling into Your Stand-Up

If you are a primarily a striker, like me, you need to know what to do to stay in your optimal range. What do you do to stay on your feet? What if you get taken down? This Black Belt magazine series may help. Recommended reading.

Part 1

Part 2

Terry Dobson - Aikido In Action

Not what you'd expect. Read it.

Martial Art Bloopers Video on Metacafe

Pretty darn funny!

Afghan Christian Should Be Released Soon

Afghan Christian Should Be Released Soon
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) -- A court on Sunday dismissed the case against an Afghan man facing possible execution for converting from Islam to Christianity, officials said, paving the way for his release.

Give thanks!

Boxing Training Tips and Advice

Seems like a pretty good boxing training site. Check it out.

FightingArts.com - Deadpan Eyes

Very good. More confirmation of the benefits of what I call, "defocusing." Read it, and also see previous post.

MMA WEEKLY - New Link

Brian Furlano recommended this site, MMA WEEKLY - Your #1 Source for Daily MMA News, Interviews, Multimedia, and More. This is excellent for up-to-date MMA info. Check it out.
Thanks- Brian

TDA blog improvements

I have made the following changes:

1. I am only publishing seven days worth of posts on the home page, which should load faster on a slow connection
2. The template has now changed, and is brighter and easier to read
3. Links are now in alphabetical order, and I've noted the new ones
4. Archive pages are now in reverse-chronological order - newest on top
5. Dates are now in our Yankee format (3/23/06 instead of 2006-03-23)

How do you like it? Any suggestions?

Black Belts Have To Register Their Hands As Deadly Weapons?

Ever heard that one before? This FightingArts.com article exposes the myth. It's still around - I was asked about that several times in the 90s when I had three schools. Amazing...

About Dog Attacks

In martial artist (and dog trainer) James Sotomayor's RealFighting.com article, "When Dogs Attack," he discusses something about which I admit I know nothing. There are few things that would instill a strong, primal fear in everyone, but I think an attack by a rabid, vicious dog is probably one. How often do you hear of attacks in which a child or elderly person is mauled or killed by packs of dogs, usually pit bulls? On the other hand, at the PD where I work, two individuals who both volunteered to be "decoys" with the police K-9s have been injured (one from running & falling, the other from a bite causing nerve damage in his hand). We need more information knowledge on how to handle it, because we can't practice it in a realistic way without knowing more. Here it is (click the link and read it all):

... I'm not talking about poodles or puppies; I'm talking about full-grown Rottweilers, pit bulls and Dobermans. If a policeman has to discharge an entire clip into a charging pit bull to stop one, do you think your kicks and punches can do the same? Wake up and smell the red meat, it could be yours!

... most people really don't understand how deadly a dog can be let alone a pack of dogs. They assume a few kicks will do the trick, when in fact that will only hasten their demise.

First - If you ever come across any martial arts instructor who claims he can successfully defend himself from a serious dog attack, do yourself a favor and run for your life. This is a dangerous person and he is teaching dangerous concepts. The reality is, all you can do is to attempt to escape without too much damage.

The following headlines (from 2001-2002) reflect a rising trend in lethal dog attacks.
"Stray dogs kill mother of five" Chukhotka, Russia
"Woman devoured by dog, Moscow" Russia
"Rottweiler kills 3-year-old, Chicago" USA
"Rottweiler savages boy in street" Manchester, England
"Pit Bull attacks German Shepard and owner" San Francisco, USA
"Man killed by his Tosa fighting dogs, Ibaraki" Japan
"Man fends off dog and is knife-attacked by its owner" Drachten, Holland
"Baby girl mauled by Rottweiler" Chicago, USA
"10-year-old girl attacked by police dog, Jacksonville" Florida
"Hunting dogs kill disabled retiree" Kagoshima, Japan

... The most commonly reported dog breeds involved were pit bulls, followed by rottweilers, and German shepherds. ... many breeds, however, are involved in the problem.

Young children are often the most vulnerable to these attacks. Children are small people; they are closer to dog size. So the dog often views them as playmates. In dog society there is a distinct rank order, and dogs sometime see a young child as someone they can push around or perhaps discipline by biting or nipping.

... On the basis of both reputation and dog-attack statistics from the centers of Disease Control and Prevention, the most dangerous dogs listed include Rottweilers, Dobermans, pit bulls, Presa Canarios, chows, Akitas, huskies and wolf hybrids.

Some important things to know

- Sadly, every year a number of newborn infants die when they are bitten by dogs that see them as prey, teach your children the essential rules about avoiding strange dogs. Also, teach them not to tease, chase or throw things at dogs behind fences or gates.

- A real danger with dog attacks is when they start biting your legs, at some point you may lose enough blood and go into shock, where you may well drop to the ground and a dog can finish you off there. Always place something between you and the dog's teeth, plan an escape.

- Dogs are generally motivated by motion…running dogs, children on bicycles, a squirrel etc. They are also motivated by noise, and are more likely to bite when a person yells or screams.

- Always keep in mind that a dog that doesn't know you may see you as an intruder or as a threat.

- Avoid going onto private property unless specifically invited.

- If you are bitten or attacked by a dog, take steps to minimize the damages. As soon as possible, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water and then call your regular doctor for additional information on how to treat your wounds. If your wounds are serious enough, go directly to your local emergency room.

Critical information. Please read and share it.

Grasping Budo By More Than One Corner

A FightingArts.com opinion piece on training as if your life depended on it, and the limitations of some styles' training for the "real world."

[Budo definition: The word "budo" is the translation of characters used in the Japanese language (originally adopted from Chinese). "Bu" means military, or related to the military, or martial. "Do" means path, way or method. Budo thus refers to post-1600 generations of Japanese fighting systems based on former arts, but which emphasize "do" -- personal, ethical and spiritual development as the ultimate goal of training. See http://www.fightingarts.com/reading/article.php?id=224]

Some excerpts:

When you study a single art you are often confined. It is sort of like the old saying, "when your only tool is a hammer, you just see nails." This is not to say that studying a single art is wrong, but it does suggest that by studying other arts, a student's perspective and experience is broadened so that his understanding and practice of his original art greatly benefits too.

... In Buffalo, my house mate Joel was a full contact grappler and UFC veteran. In my garage, which had been modified into a training center, we often sparred. I still remember the first time I lifted my knee to block a low roundhouse kick. Bam, I was on the floor on my back and wondering what had happened. I quickly learned that a low roundhouse kick was the perfect set up for a take down. I learned to adjust my fighting tactics.

The same lesson holds for self-defense situations. Too many karate-ka never experience actually being attacked to the head. It makes sense for safety reasons not to make contact to the head with punches during karate practice, but this also creates a problem for the same karate-ka if they find themselves in a real fight with someone trying to take their head off. Here again a little cross training adds a lot.

The same problem is even more evident in Aikido and in many jujutsu systems. In Aikido, for example, attacks are done slowly at first, with increased speed and intensity with experience. The emphasis is on cooperation with your partner so you can both learn. But, too often practice is never taken beyond this point. There are teachers who have never had any combat experience, either from karate, boxing or other arts. While their technique may look good, they can unfortunately be at a disadvantage if they had to actually use their art in a real self-defense situation.

A friend Oscar Ratti, best known for his book "Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere," related to me a tragic story of a New York City black belt in Aikido he had known. This person returned to his van after practice one night to find someone rummaging through the back of the vehicle. The friend pulled open one of the back doors to challenge the individual. What he got, however, was unexpected. The robber leaped out from the back with a knife in his hand and thrust it out. Unfortunately the Aikido-ka, with countless years of practice of avoiding punches and practice knife stabs with a pivot during practice, did not do so in this instance. It might have been the surprise, or fear -- no one knows. But the result was tragic. He lost his life. Ratti commented, "So many in Aikido just don't train with combat intensity." In this case it resulted in a loss of life.

Judo-ka too often are not introduced to striking arts. This is not important if Judo is practiced only as a competitive sport. But if their skills are to be used for self-defense, some striking and/or kicking practice adds a great deal to their training. The same can be said for Brazilian Jujutsu. While the art definitely demonstrated to much of the martial arts world that traditional arts lacked necessary skills in grappling, the art has its own limitations. Similar to Judo, Brazilian Jujutsu exponents can greatly benefit from learning punching and kicking skills.

... The Japanese warrior of old practiced many arts - the sword, knife, Bow and arrow, naginata (curved spear), yari (straight spear) -- often combined with battlefield grappling skills, plus horsemanship and other arts. He was thus well rounded.

It is only in comparatively modern times that martial artists have confined their training to a single art. But many of the masters who founded those arts in fact trained in several. While you may never seek to become a master yourself, you can still be enriched by the concept of cross training that was once the hallmark of the classical warrior.

After the Takedown, Now What?

In the Defendu.com article (targeting LEOs), titled Defending Yourself After Taking Down the Attacker: "After the Takedown, Now What?," the author (Brad Parker) examines grappling options to subdue a subject. I recommend reading it. Excellent article.

You've survived the first part of the storm and you need put yourself in a position to do any or all of the following:

1. Keep him from hitting you, but having the option to hit him if warranted;
2. Watch for his friends coming to his aid;
3. Disengage if your safety requires;
4. Hold him for authorities;
5. Handcuff him;
6. Submit him.

Then gives the steps:

First, Work for the Mount

Second, Take his Back

Training Log 2006-03-18

Participants: Nathan, Sam

Group Training Objectives

Review:

• Thai kick
  We drilled the Thai kick on the shield. Sam's power has increased tremendously with better technique. He now steps across with the lead foot (with the toe out) before delivering the kick. He also turns it over just before hitting the target. I think it's the strongest I've had to hold for, which I told him.
• Grab-releases for arm, shoulder & and sleeve
  We know these so well, it was nothing. Didn't spend much time on it.
• Thai kick defenses
  We drilled for several 1 min rounds. Sam wasn't that familiar with the cut kick, so we worked on that for a while.
• Prone defensive position
  Decked each other with the shield, then fended off the attacker with bicycle kicking.
• Sucker punch
  Sam needs to work on this. Strike first if you feel threatened. Otherwise, when you wedge blocked, your counters weren't all that effective.

Teach:

• Falling to rear
  Sam's got this down.
• Defend versus shove & punch
  Same as sucker punch. Sam needs to work on more effective counters. We worked on parrying the shove from a prayer block/wedge position, and he got that down.

Demonstrate:

• Grab and punch defense
• Falling to side

Sam's technique and core (abs and lower back) conditioning contributed to his vastly improved power in the Thai kick!

We drilled defending the Thai kick. Notice the turn-in on Sam's kick.

Protect your head! It's nearly impossible to distinguish between a Thigh kick aimed at the leg, body, or head. Consequently, at kicking range, you must keep the guard high and out. Arm should be at 90-degrees bend or greater. If not, it will be painful!

Sam demonstrates the Thai cut kick counter to a medium or high Thai kick. Remember to keep the hands high and out, in case you mis-time it and have to block the kick with your arms, and because when you land, you're in punching range. This is one of the best counters possible to a Thai kick, because, like any stop-hit, it completely shuts down the lead-off move, while simulataneously defending and countering. When done properly, "no can defense!"

Sam also increased his knee strike power nearly 100%. Pull the opponent's head toward you, and drive the hips as you throw the knee. Sam demonstrates excellent technique here. Notice he's up on the toes of his supporting foot for maximum follow-through.

Sam got fancy on me, and even threw a flashy spinning back kick. Being the superior fighter I am, I blocked it, of course. I also bounced off the table visible behind me, but let's not nit pick. He used it at the right time, too - I was visibly winded, and not moving too much. That was a good tactical decision.

Not to be outdone, I threw in a little flash of my own, and did a jump spinning back kick, one of my all-time favorite techniques. You may notice that I missed, but that's not important. Keep in mind that I didn't want to have to explain Sam's death to Lisa, 'cause I understand he's been teaching her to box and I'm no dummy [quiet!]!

Those are the breaks!-3: Battle for red brick supremacy!

This is a continuation of photos, in order, from the March 5 demonstration I did for the Scouts. What happened here? There were only five slabs! As you can see, they betrayed me, and only one of them broke with the elbow. Actually the break is with the upper arm (you'd shatter the fragile point of the elbow), but what happened is that it was too low. Look at my position on the fourth photo - no follow through. More to come as the battle continues...

BJJ Techniques - excellent!

New link to the techniques page of http://www.bjj.org. Good photos and explanations. I will add this to Links.

Random training thoughts before St Patricks Day

Random thoughts on our training

• Drill covering up or neutralizing when under attack - the objective is to improve your ability to fight when tired or injured. Tactics are to jam, trap, check, cover up, and push off
• Almost every training, drill sucker punch, grab & punch, and tackle/take-down
• Work in more weapon defenses, not weapon on weapon sparring (empty-hand versus knife, club, gun, misc object)

Components of "reality training" explained

In Hock Hochheim's March 2006 Blog: "Training Modules...How They Fit!", we see one of the most concise and elegant explanations of the components of "reality training" that you're going to find. I recommend Hock because of his clear and advanced thinking on the problems that we face in trying to fight and survive. He has already gone where I want to be. Read his blog (see Links) whenever you can. I read it every time it changes, so I will try to post on anything I think worthy of your undivided attention, but his online magazine is a must-read (Close Quarter Combat - also in Links).

The excellent post:

The big four that I believe must be in any practical and modern fighting/survival system. The guidelines I'd like to use.

Strategy Training: This is an overall plan. Big picture. This training can be done in a classroom, in a lecture format. 'Today we are talking about the defeating the mugger.' 'The laws say...' 'He will statistically attack you by...'

Tactical (and practical) Training: These are the general tactics that seem to cross-over into so many applications, such as ...working on a pistol quick draw, slashing a knife, or palm-striking a heavy bag. You might call this basic training.

Situational Training: This requires more study. What are the situations you will be in. Where? This is crisis rehearsal in replications of scenarios. Who are you? Where do you think you will be? What will you need to make through? You might call this the start of advanced training.

Positional Training: This is pinpoint right down to it. The general tactics may well work here, but where precisely are you and the opponent? This is the real fine tuning of tactics as needed. The finite situation. Like...bottom-side ground and his left leg is out. Arm Wrap trap or your knife hand/arm warp trap of his empty hand. His left hand is on your throat and you are up against a wall. Sometimes, solutions relate to finite positioning.

Tink about these terms for a minute and the progression from macro to micro. When you oversee the military, the police and/or civilians, this is volumes of information. "

If it's against the rules, then it must work!

Have you ever heard of Max 'Slapsie Maxie' Rosenbloom? If you have, it's because you're a lover of boxing history and lore, or you're an aficianodo of old films. Either way, this former (1932) world light-heavyweight champion's legacy to me is the proof of the effectiveness of the slap!

In the 20s and 30s, when Rosenbloom was fighting, there was no rule against using the fist in a variety of ways, and Rosenbloom did! According the IMDB bio from his movie career (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0742438/), he had over 280 professional bouts, and won the light-heavy title in 1932. Though I have never seen film, I've read that his fighting style was very much the "hit and run," elusive syle that Ali in his prime, or heavyweight Chris Byrd now displays. What gave him his nickname was the fact that he slapped his opponents around, and even knocked many out using his open hand! In fact, rules were instituted that made the technique illegal.

My friend Robert told me that there was a similar rules change in high school and college basketball to eliminate dunking because of a young man named Lew Alcindor (later Kareem Abdul-Jabbar). You now see a similar change in the NFL to encourage scoring, called the "no-chuck rule,"which prevents bumping or otherwise checking a wide receiver over five yards from the line of scrimmage. Must be pretty good to have a rule made because of you! If you have other examples of this in sports, please let me know.

Whenever I demonstrate this technique on a heavy bag, shield, or paddle for the first time, I invariably hear an impressed intake of breath from my spectator, or something like, "Wow!" I've often posted and taught about the utility of the open hand versus the fist, but unless you've tried it yourself, you may not realize that the open-hand strike is just as powerful (if not more so) as the hook punch, but has more reach (2-4 inches+). The other inherent advantages are that you don't break or sprain your hand, knuckles or wrist, as well as the fact that a single open-hand strike to the ear can knock out, or disable the most powerful foe.

Let's also differentiate between a wimpy, pawing slap and what I call an open-hand strike:
The former is an arm-only, uncommitted swipe that will do no damage, unless you accidentally scratch an eye. The latter is a fully-committed concussive strike that diffuses the power of a circular strike (like a punch or ridgehand) by using the PALM (not the fingers) as the striking surface. As with all good techniques, drive through the target, but hit, don't push or swipe. Another warning, don't lock the elbow! If you do, you could dislocate it if blocked hard.

As the title says, if it's against the rules, then it must work! Why else are the following illegal in boxing - slapping, grabbing, holding and hitting, throwing, kicking, groin punching, "rabbit" punching, elbows, and headbutts? Because they work!!!!

Max Rosebloom info below:

IMDB biography:
He was 5' 11" and weighed 165-170 lbs during the peak of his professional boxing years (which included 289 fights). In years to come the larger-than-life Maxie Rosenbloom would parlay his sports fame into an expansive Hollywood career playing a series of Runyonesque-type thugs and pugs. Born Max Everitt Rosenbloom in Connecticut, the son of an impoverished Russian-Jewish shoemaker and his wife, Maxie was a truant and upstart from the beginning. An older brother (who fought under the name Leonard Rose) helped straighten him out and influenced him to try jabbing away at his own career. The lackluster amateur once called the "Harlem Harlequin" lost most of his matches, working odd jobs as a railroad worker, lifeguard and elevator operator to support himself.

Everything turned around for Maxie after he became managed by seasoned Frank Bachman and turned pro in 1923 as a welterweight. He won all of his first thirty-six professional fights in various weight divisions. He reached his peak from 1930, after winning the light heavyweight belt in a decision against Jimmy Slattery, to 1932, when he earned international recognition as champion in a decision against Lou Scozza. Dubiously nicknamed "Slapsie Maxie" by sportswriter Damon Runyon who disapproved of Maxie's less-than-classy style of slapping opponents with open gloves, he is considered the most active champion in contemporary boxing history with a fighting total of 106 while champion (only eight, however, were for the title).

http://www.cyberboxingzone.com/boxing/slapsie.htm
Rosenbloom was a clever boxer who was very difficult to hit cleanly with a power punch; He chose to fight at a distance since he was not a devastating hitter; At times, he appeared to strike his opponents with open gloves and, so, picked up the nickname "Slapsie Maxie." A popular fighter, Maxie got into entertainment after retiring from the ring and was invloved with radio, television, movies and night clubs. Rosenbloom was elected to the Ring Boxing Hall of Fame in 1972 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1993.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Rosenbloom

http://www.jewsinsports.org/profile.asp?sport=boxing&ID=9

Chad Boykin: Basic Elbow and Knee Strike

Very good explanation and photos of fundamentals.

Heard from an old friend - Brian Furlano

I just heard from my former sparring partner, and oldest friend, Brian Furlano (see old post http://tdatraining.blogspot.com/2004/08/new-blog-member-brian-furlano.html). He's doing MMA now, and told me that the guy he works out with is going to be on the upcoming season of "Ultimate Fighter" on Spike TV. As I get more info on his friend, I will post on it, and try to follow the season. Brian tells me that his friend's a heavyweight, and feels that he could've done very well this last season, but had to refuse the invitation because of the birth of his child. More on that later.

Brian has always been dedicated to his training, and I'm proud to say, has kept in shape consistently since we worked out together in the mid-late 80s. He's always kept up his training on his own, and has trained in JKD, BJJ, Muay Thai (with me and one other instructor), and Western boxing. Did I miss anything, Brian? He's also my original grasshopper, and has definitely snatched the pebble ("Kung Fu" TV show reference for you uninitiated!). Unlike me, Brian has always been disciplined about diet, exercise, and training. He's definitely Cobra-Kai!

Where to Focus During an Attack

FightingArts.com has good information on why it's important not to be focused while fighting. The article cites research published last year which validates something I've been stressing for years - defocus your vision! Key points in the article:

In a fight or altercation, new research suggests that if you become focused on any object, such as an attacker’s face or on a punching fist, that you might just miss a secondary attack or another attacker altogether.

This same phenomena accounts for that fact that if you are talking on a cell phone or listening to the radio in a car, you are more likely to miss seeing a stop sign or a pedestrian crossing the street. Now we know why this happens. [Study then cited - read it all]

... If we become so focused on an attack or weapon, we might just miss another attack or even another attacker.

This concept is not new, but it is now better explained. As a teacher of karate, I have always instructed students not to focus on the attack when facing an opponent (2), but to look beyond the attack so as to ascertain the next move or attack. I knew that when visually focusing on one thing that it takes time switch back the eye’s focus to a more general awareness so as to pick up secondary attacks.

From footnote:

This is not to suggest that you never concentrate intentionally on an opponent. Before conflict begins or is initiated, if there is a single opponent, it can be helpful to look at an opponent’s eyes while still maintaining a general focus. I have found that in this way I can pick up slight, unconscious changes in the eyes just before an opponent initiates movement. This can help you respond faster since you can have a slight forewarning of an impending attack. Once conflict is initiated, however, only a non-focused general awareness should be maintained.

My response:
I've observed that many studies just confirm the obvious and give validity to what the rest of us call, "common sense." Just as speaking on a cell phone or listening to loud music while driving can "drown out" your senses and dull your responses to visual stimuli (other vehicles or pedestrians) that can be a danger, concentrating on anything in a physical conflict can lead to being hit or outmaneuvered. In stand-up fighting, if I just watch the hands I might get kicked, and visa versa. If I focus on his eyes, I may miss almost anything. As a more deadly mistake, I may concentrate on what I am doing (or going to do), and not notice something has escalated because the attacker now has a weapon in hand, or a partner approaching fast from the side. In stand-up grappling, or on the ground, you may focus on avoiding strikes or a lock, and miss something happening with the legs that will put you into a bad position. Therefore:

Defocus your vision from any particular part of your opponent, and watch the entire body. You'll notice right away that you can react more quickly because of the increase in lead time between the attack and your response.

Position your guard so that your hands don't get in the way of seeing the stance and feet of your attacker. If he bends his knees and shifts his weight forward, he may be getting ready for a takedown or strike. If he shifts his weight to the side or back, he may be getting ready to kick. Remember, ALL hand-to-hand attacks are a transfer of weight, so that happens in the legs and hips. The only exception to that is the finger jab, and even then the attacker has to transfer weight when closing the gap (moving into range).

Think ahead of what your opponent is doing right now, and focus on where he is moving or shifting his weight. You have to defocus to do this. What I mean is that If an opponent is moving to his right, you may not have to worry about his right hand or leg, but focus on what he can do with his left (hand or leg).

Enough for now. Please read the article if you have time.

Those are the breaks!-2: Two Slab Palm Strike

This break epitomizes what I like about power breaking - clean, irresistable, easy power.
In my last post (http://tdatraining.blogspot.com/2006/03/those-are-breaks.html) about this last weekend's demonstration, I said some went, some didn't. Well, this one went really well. I last broke anything a couple of years ago for the Scouts as well, but not on red slabs. In fact, this was the first time I've ever done red slabs, and they're different! This should've been an easy break for me, and it was, because I usually use 4 or 5 grey slabs (I've done six on this break) with pencil spacers. I am comfortable with the height, and familiar with how hard and far I have to drive. In fact, I probably used more power than I need to, 'cause I blasted through these. One of the things you shouldn't do with slabs is recoil or rechamber too quick because the slabs may still be falling and you'll tear up your skin. Anyway, this one was sweet. Unlike the next one ...

[Click photos to view full-size]
1. Measure distance (like the jab in a 1-2)
2. Chamber, straighten the legs
3. Drop the weight, torque the waist, hips, and turn the shoulder in
4. Follow through (the most important thing!)

I enjoy breaking like this. I think it's all technique, but more importantly, committment. More on that later.

Sprawl Counter vs. Double Leg Tackle

Worth checking out.

Why Are Martial Sports Superior?

One of my most beloved striking arts is Muay Thai, the ancient sport that's actually a deadly fighting art. To me, what makes it practical (besides the deadly techniques) is that it is a sport!

Just what do you mean, Teodoro??? Aren't sports less deadly than real martial arts???

I have trained in:
Tae Kwon Do (WTF and ITF)
Isshin-Ryu
Taido
Wrestling (freestyle)
Aikido (Yoshin)
Muay Thai (Thai Boxing)
Western Boxing
Wing Chun (Canton-style)
Arnis (Doce Pares)
Ju-Jitsu* (Wally Jay's Small Circle and traditional, no Brazilian)
Judo*
*Limited (less than a year)

I relate this to tell you that the styles that make up the core of what I use are Muay Thai, Western Boxing, and a mixture of Aikido and Ju-Jitsu technique. In other words, my core styles are sports (boxing and Muay Thai). Why?

The advantage of Muay Thai training methods and competition, to me, is that it's closer to a "real fight" than anything I've seen in a Karate or TKD match. There is full contact, continuous fighting (no stoppage of action after a score), fighting in all hand to hand ranges, and knockouts. It develops the ability to get hit without freezing, then fire back without thinking. Plus it develops a "killer instinct" to hit first, hard, and finish off a stunned opponent. Those aspects don't exist in most martial arts that don't have a sport component. Even sport TKD builds that fighting instinct, though it doesn't allow much practical punching.

One of the problems with more esoteric styles is that you never "use" it. For example, I've seen many Aikidoka that are so steeped in their system, and only train against it, that they'd have trouble with someone that's untrained, but may be very good against "traditional" technique. In other words, they can't fight. There are exceptions, of course, but if you asked me to bet on a college wrestler versus an Aikido practitioner, I'd take the wrestler. [I'm betting on some hate mail here] Same with some traditional Karate and Kung Fu - you'd have to adapt it to make it work.

Take the UFC as an example. In the beginning two years or so, maybe less, the big thing was to put the different styles in the octagon, and "see what happened!" Well, a few UFCs later, what happened was that the styles blended, and now it doesn't make too much difference. (The only problem with this example is that the padded ring slants it toward takedowns and grappling, then the introduction of gloves made it a punching, not open-hand striking sport. I understand both, 'cause it makes for a more exciting "fight," though it takes the real out of the so-called-reality fighting.) Anyway, why were the Gracies and other grappling sports so successful versus the more traditional styles - practice. Those from other styles that compete a lot - kickboxing/full-contact, wrestlers, Judo players, Sombo and MMA/submission fighting - did very well, too. The only competitive styles that I haven't seen be really successful have been boxing and Sumo, because I think they are too far removed from what happens in the Octagon.

Anyway, I read an introduction in a Gracie Jujutsu book that explained it this way (I am paraphrasing from memory):

1. There were challenge matches with other schools
2. The Gracies and the Judo schools competed, the others didn't because their techniques were "too deadly"
3. The Gracies and Judo players won

What that tells me is that 1) those who use their technique often in competition will be able to use it under stress, as in an attack, and 2) the stress of competition probably prepares one for a similar stress in an attack better than punching at air or doing pre-arranged drills all the time.

Do you agree?

Self-Defense Weapons: A Comparative Look

Take a look at this FightingArts.com article on sprays, stun guns, hand guns, and "nuisance" weapons. A good summary of their strengths and weaknesses.

The most powerful knee strike in history

No words can describe this! :-)

Those are the breaks!

Sunday, 3/5, I was part of the entertainment for my son's Cub Scout Blue and Gold banquet, a yearly celebration of Scouting across the country. About three days before the B&G, I heard back that they'd like me to do a demonstration, and I got my materials on Saturday night - first mistake. I had no holders with training, so I elected to do speed breaks and power breaks on slabs. The boards went fine. The slabs, that's another story. In tomorrow's post, I'll put photos of the fabulous breaks, and why it happened. I also plan a post on breaking as a practice in the martial arts. Stay tuned.
Don't try this at home kids!!!
See these knuckles? They're about to hurt!
Now it hurts!
Speed ridgehand through three boards. Ouch!
Knifehand through three boards.

GrappleArts - Submission Grappling, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, MMA and NHB, techniques, information, videos, DVDs

New Link - GrappleArts.com. Please check it out.


"At Grapplearts we specialize in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, submission grappling, and MMA (mixed martial arts). We provide informative articles, techniques, and information. Here you can buy some of the best, most detailed grappling and jiu-jitsu instructional DVDs/Videos available on the market today. Check out our grappling photo of the week feature, or find a school using our international grappling school directory.
We are dedicated to the improvement of your grappling and groundfighting skills. Where there is challenge, there is evolution. In response to the the incredible challenges faced by grapplers on the mat every day, new techniques and strategies are constantly evolving. Knowledge is power and we want you to stay current!
So whether you practice Brazilian Jiu-jitsu or submission grappling, or if you are an aspiring No Holds Barred or Mixed Martial Arts competitor, check us out and improve your skills!"

Training for Sport vs Training for Combat

From Tony Blauer's Spear Tips Newsletter (free email subscription). His site is at http://www.tonyblauer.com/.

In my training I am always preparing for the 3%’r. That sociopath who’s intent is to kill or maim you, someone who might not be feeling any pain due to adrenaline or the effects of drugs. When training my students for this most dangerous of individuals I needed a reframe. I needed words that would convey the correct mindset in my training. Two phrases emerged. Subdual Fighting, and Survival Fighting.

To subdue is defined as “to conquer and bring into subjection, to bring under control especially by an exertion of the will.” It is something we do to our opponent. As a police officer, when I encountered resistance, I had to subdue more suspects than I had submit.

Consider this deeply, if the person you are fighting has no intention of submitting, you must subdue him. It will take an imposition of your will over that of your opponent to win. How does this change the way you look at your “favorite” tactic? How does it affect the way you train? How does it affect the way you teach?

I recommend you read the rest.

Operation Iraqi Children: A Bright Shining Hope

If you've never taken a look at Michael Yon's blog http://www.michaelyon-online.com/wp/ (now Web site), you're missing a lot. He's a free-lance writer who embedded himself with our troops in Iraq, and thus has a boots-on-the ground perspective on how things are going. This particular post is really moving and enlightening on how things are going in the humanitarian effort to save the Iraqi kids and win the battle for the hearts and minds of the people there. Link to help at the bottom. Read it all.

The Iraqis nurture their children, and although some could definitely use better medical attention, the most profound and far-reaching help that the average citizen of a developed country can do for Iraqi children is to facilitate their education. These kids are the greatest hope for improving the region, and while some far-thinking people see this, I have yet to see a library in an Iraqi school.

I’ve seen the U.S. Army hold medical screenings, build schools and playgrounds, deliver sporting gear, and so on, but much of the help for Iraqi kids is coming from Joe Citizen, who has never been to Iraq, through a program started when one not-so-ordinary citizen traveled there and saw the immediate need.

While on a USO tour of Iraq in 2003, Gary Sinise recognized the potential as well as the plight of these children. Once back in the United States, he joined forces with a couple of smart and good-hearted people, Laura Hillenbrand and Mary Eisenhower, and took action to address the educational needs of Iraqi kids. In what he describes as “a few breathtaking and exhausting weeks,” these three dynamos organized Operation Iraqi Children(OIC).

Gary often remarks that it was the experience of watching school children trying to learn in squalid conditions with few books or school supplies that moved him to work with Mary and Laura, pooling their clout and resources to form Operation Iraqi Children.

FedEx delivers to several cities in Iraq, including Baghdad, Mosul, and Balad. To their great credit, FedEx ships for Operation Iraqi Children all the way to Kuwait, free of charge, and has been doing so ever since OIC’s inception in April, 2004.

For those who wish to bolster the morale of our troops while enhancing the educational experience of Iraqi kids, please visit the OIC website, and put that good will into action.
http://www.operationiraqichildren.org/