3 Keys To Effective Self-Defense

By Self-defense expert Jeffrey M. Miller SPS, DTI
(C) Warrior Concepts Int'l, Inc.


When you think about self-defense situations, what are the top three considerations for being effective? Is it having strength, stamina, power, or a ton of way-cool, tricky, martial arts techniques?

While all of those things help to one extent or another, none of them really touches on the priorities that will help you to prevail in a life or death, self-defense, struggle.

Don't get me wrong. It certainly helps to be the bigger, faster, stronger, or more skilled combatant. But these things are only helpful if you're in a situation where they will serve you.

Let me explain it a different way.



Strength only matters if you are in a position or can grab your assailant in a way that allows you the use of your strength. And as for power...

... power is derived from size and motion. If an assailant jumps you and pins you to a wall or the floor, you will find it difficult to generate any sort of power as we normally think of it.

Stamina only matters if you're in a fight that's going to last minutes instead of seconds. Typically, karate and boxing tournaments have two minute rounds or bouts. That's an eternity in a life-and-death, self-defense situation where the goal is to get things over and done with in..
 
...less than 10 SECONDS!

As for knowing a lot of techniques, what can I say? Information is power, right?

But, what if you're new to this whole idea of self-defense? What if you just started taking classes or learning how to get away from a dangerous attacker? Or...

...what if, no matter how many techniques you know...

...your attacker is a better, more skilled, more experienced fighter?

Then what?

A Simple Formula

I've written extensively about what I call, "The 6 Phases of an Effective Self-Defense Strategy." This is designed to lead my students through just that, the phases that a self-defense situation can go through, and how to make sure that we have sufficient training to be able to operate effectively in each phase, or stage, of an attack.

Admittedly though, the 6 phases are the ideal - the best case we can hope for. They all function as they should when you have warning from your assailant and you can see things coming.

Often though, attacks happen with little or no warning at all. So, how do we trim even more off the top and come up with the minimum elements necessary to be able to come out of a situation with as little wear-and-tear as possible?

The key here is to focus on the situation that we're talking about. In the "6 Phases" formula, we can see the attack, or potential for danger, coming. So, we attempt things like...

Escaping to Safety,

Confusing the attacker, and...

Dissuading, or convincing him find another victim

This is just a quick outline for our discussion here. If you aren't familiar with the "6 Phases For Effective Self-Defense," you can learn about them in "The Karate-Myth." It's a great resource for understanding the "science of self-defense" and how to make protecting yourself as easy as possible. And, of course, it's loaded with some really great and easy-to-learn techniques for stopping an attacker and putting him where he belongs... on the GROUND! Click the link to read more about "The Karate-Myth" and the valuable bonus reports that go with it.

Just the Basics

When the attack comes with little-to-no warning. When it comes at us quickly and ferociously and we don't have the time for escape, let alone trying to distract or talk our assailant down, we need just the basic-basics.

So, the 3 Keys - the unbreakable elements of an effective self-defense strategy are...

• 1) Situational Awareness - Pay attention to what's going on around you. Actively look at people, instead of avoiding contact as is the case in most social situations. 

• 2) Stay Focused - You could also call this step "Controlling Your Fear." If you notice someone or something that could be a threat - perhaps someone who looks angry or suspicious, keep your eye on them. You don't have to stare-and-glare, but you should be aware of them and what they're doing. I talk about this concept quite a bit in my video, "Danger Prevention Tactics: Protecting Yourself Like a Pro!"  

•  This also extends to the actual attack. Stay as calm as possible so that you can watch what's happening. For many people, their reaction is to close their eyes and "hope for the best." I didn't say this was easy, just what you MUST do to be successful.

•  And finally... 
•  
• 3) React Immediately and Decisively - As soon as the attack happens, start your defense. Don't try to figure out who this person is or why they're attacking you. You must immediately do three things if you stand a chance at winning. You must... 
• • A) Neutralize the effects of what they're doing. Cover your targets or ride-off the blows that are landing. 
  •  
  • B) Keep your head. Stay focused on what you can do and as soon as you have an opportunity... 
  •  
  • C) Take whatever targets open up. If he leaves his throat open and your can hit it - hit it! If you can kick his groin, kick his groin. Whatever presents itself, take THAT thing! And keep taking targets until he's down and out or help arrives.

Sounds simple, I know. But that's what training and a good teacher is for - to help you to do the tough things like controlling your fear, focusing under pressure, and teaching you the most effective ways to hit certain targets.

Remember, you can have whatever theories you want in life. You can have your favorite style, teacher, techniques, or whatever. But, when the rubber-meets-the-road, so-to-speak, and you're face-to-face with your worst nightmare...

...you must pay attention, stay focused, and do what works!

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This article is copyright (C)by Jeffrey M. Miller and Warrior Concepts International, Inc. It is free to use in it's original form, with no alterations or additions. If it to be used online, all links must be active and without the use of "no-follow" type coding which would prevent the reader from accessing the resources being referenced. 

For additional information about how Jeffrey Miller or Warrior Concepts can help you create the life you've always dreamed of living and how to protect that life from anything that would harm it, go to the Home page or call WCI at 570-988-2228

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Suggestions for Laying the Best Foundation for Your Ninjutsu Martial Arts Training

Bujinkan Shidoshi Jeffrey M. Miller

In this post I will be discussing some very important areas of study.  These areas should form the foundation of your training.  That way, your progress and the skills you develop will be strong, balanced, and ready for the ultimate test – having to defend yourself against a real-world attacker!

Aside from the lists of “ninja” techniques, tactics, and strategies contained in the scrolls or curriculum that you will be introduced to long the way, a true practitioner of ninjutsu must also be proficient with the common skills learned by those studying the more conventional martial arts like karate, tae kwon do, aikido, kung-fu, etc.  As you can see, if you're going to master the self-defense system of the Ninja, you have a little more to work on than most students of the martial arts.

Regardless of whether your a beginner or advanced student, the Advanced Sanshin / Kihon Happo Home Study Course - a 12 dvd video training program - will teach you more about these important training models than most black belts have ever learned!  Ninjutsu Training

But, if you're serious about your training, you won't let this scare you.  Because, one of the unique things about real ninjutsu training – the kind of training that goes beyond mere body movement and unarmed self-defense training – is that you learn both viewpoints – the conventional and the Ninja's unconventional approach – at the same time!

To ultimately master something, especially something as complex and all-encompassing as the art of ninjutsu, you must lay a proper foundation.  Just like building a house, if the foundation is weak, or you just throw a bunch of sticks and other parts together...

… you will find that, when a good wind comes along, that your house comes tumbling down.

And, in the context of self-protection, that wind will be in the form of a real attack – an attack coming from someone who wants to harm you or your loved ones.  And, unless you want to just get by with a false sense of confidence, or you only care about how cool you look to others when you're training, the last thing you want to happen is for all of your knowledge, training, and skills to fail you because they were wrong.

If you want to master the art of ninjutsu, also known as Ninpo in it's higher, philosophical and life mastery form, then you must focus on getting your training regimen structured so that you can progress and grow in the right direction.  Here are a few of the beginning steps toward mastery in Ninjutsu:

First, you need to understand the make-up of the art and the principles and concepts upon which it is based.  After all, there are only so many things that you can do with, and to, a human body.  And, you can find all of those things throughout the martial arts and fighting world.  But, you must be able to answer the question:

“What is it that makes Ninjutsu different from all the rest?"

Next, you need to have a mentor, or several of them – people who really understand the art and it's practice – so that you don't fall into the trap of just throwing a bunch of things together and calling it Ninjutsu.  Your teacher will show you how to apply the many techniques, tactics, strategies, and skills contained within the system.

He or she will also introduce you to the weapons and tools that will allow you to be more effective than you could be with unarmed skills alone.

And, finally, you must be clear about where you are, and what you should be focusing on at each level as you progress.  The idea with Ninjutsu training is that you should be living and training “intentionally” rather than just being 'spoon-fed' by your teacher.

Ultimately, you and you alone are responsible for your own training and progress.  Your teacher and fellow senior students can only guide you and provide you with pieces of the puzzle.

If this article was helpful and you want to learn more about what it takes to progress toward warrior mastery in the martial, self-defense, and life mastery system of ninjutsu, then I suggest that you check out this ebook that I'm giving away: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/becoming-the-master-subsc.html

Or if you are looking for a home study program to help you with your ninjutsu training, then check out this ninjutsu home study course: Sanshin Kihon Happo



I look forward to training with you very soon.

NINPO-IKKAN!

Shidoshi Jeffrey M. Miller SPS, DTI
Founder and Director
Warrior Concepts Int'l, Inc.
Bujinkan Moki no Tora Dojo
362 Market Street
Sunbury, Pa. 17801  USA

Master-teacher
Bujinkan Dojo Internationa
http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com

If You're Looking for "Cool" or "Pretty" Ninjutsu Martial Arts Training...It Isn't Here!

I don't know about you and your goals. Well, not unless you're one of my personal students with whom I've been working closely with for a while now.

But, when I came to the Ninja's martial arts, I was a police officer. That means that I wasn't looking for fluff, "official" kata, or "soft-training."

I was looking for close combat training and hand-to-hand self-defense techniques that worked. I was also looking for self defense tactics and training that the other martial arts and self defense programs that I had been through just didn't teach.

That being said, I wanted to give you a little more background as to why, how, and some of the reasoning behind my own focus and training. Of course, if you're not looking for real self-defense training, or you're looking for the movie or storybook Ninja - if you want to dress up like a 16th century shadow and take on the mafia single-handedly...

Then, for better or worse...

I can't help you!

You see, unlike many people in the martial arts world, I didn't come to Ninjutsu or Budo-Taijutsu from a sense of love for the martial arts. I didn't set out to become a martial arts teacher or even have one of the "beyond mastery" ranks after 10th degree. Hell, when I first started in this art, I couldn't see beyond Nidan - 2nd degree Black Belt. But, then again...

Ranks meant something very different when I began training in 1980.

So, what was it that brought me to this training? Well, in a word: "Reality!"

Understanding what I mean requires that I share a little bit of who I was before training. It also means that I need to step down off of the pedestal that many have placed me on.

You see, I grew up in a very abusive home (mentally, physically, and emotionally). I was the victim of every bully in school. So, I had the chance to see some of the worst that humanity could be capable of, very early in my life.

Like others in the art, Soke Hatsumi included, it was this need to become strong in the face of danger, and to protect myself from real harm that sent me looking for answers. That, and my exposure to an old television series in the 1960's called, "Kung Fu."

You see, I wasn't attracted to the martial arts, including Ninjutsu, from some sense of becoming a Ninja Turtle, Power Ranger, or another lick-ass Bruce Lee or Chuck Norris wanna-be. I came to this training out of a need for self-protection, but without becoming a fighter. Very different things.

So, starting in Junior High School (we didn't call it "middle" school back then), I discovered the martial arts and joined the karate club. That lead to my search through many different martial arts styles, systems, schools, and teachers... but not feeling "at-home" in any one of them because they just didn't match what I experienced in the "real world."

Then, while stationed with the U.S. Army in South Korea in 1980, and while trying to figure out how to make tae kwon do serve me on the streets as a Military Policeman (without getting nailed for brutality charges for kicking perpetrator's heads in!), I discovered Ninjutsu. And, not only was I impressed with the self-defense and combat aspects of the art (they were presented in a way that dealt with real-world, modern attacks back then), I was also drawn to the composite and dynamic nature of the training - things that went far beyond the scope of conventional martial arts.

But, I didn't stop there.

My years as a street cop, and then eventually as an undercover investigator, private detective and body guard allowed me to go beyond the dojo mentality and really get to experience how these techniques, tactics, and strategies work - against modern attackers, on the street, in the 20th and now 21st century. And, there was even a time where I and a few of my friends spent some time...

...trying to prove this art WRONG!

Instead of being blind believers and followers, we put the art to the test by getting together with other practitioners, by going to other martial arts classes, and by trying to beat the techniques ourselves. And, do you know what we came away with?

We came away with a new-found understanding of the reality and true nature of the training. No illusions. No "pipe-dreams." No super-hero delusions.

That's why you won't see me getting upset because somebody wrote to me to tell me how "bad" my taijutsu is - or that I'm not doing this or that kata "right."

Because I'm not doing this to look like everyone else. I am, and always have been, engaged in this system of self-protection and personal mastery from a realistic perspective that's focused on producing real-world results. And, because it has proven itself to me, not through a politically biased association with certain teachers that I know, like, and trust, but because the lessons that I received from those teachers has proven themselves again and again in the only place that matters -- on the street and in real situations that strip the facade off of those who have other agendas.

Again, I don't know about you, but...

I don't want to look "cool" or "pretty" with my training.

I train the way I do so that my training can "serve" me, and produce the results I need when I'll need it to the most!

Does that sound familiar? Are you learning Ninjutsu and getting the kind of real self-defense tactics and hand-to-hand training that teaches you how to defend yourself with the least amount of wear-and-tear on you?

If so, and you're not already receiving my email newsletters containing self defense tips and strategies for real street training, then now's the time. And, if you do, you can also grab two of my most popular free ebooks on how to protect yourself.

This one is from the purely street fighting self-defense perspective. It's called, Fight Smarter - Not Harder!

And this one discusses the advanced abilities and training as you progress through real ninjutsu training. It's titled, Becoming the Master.

After you download your books and get a chance to see what the best self defense and close combat training programs should be teaching you, perhaps you'll feel driven to go ahead and reserve your place at one of my upcoming ninja camps, and take the next step on the Path of Warrior Mastery!

In Mastery!

Shidoshi Miller


Warrior Concepts Int'l, Inc. / Bujinkan Moki no Tora Dojo
362 Market Street, Sunbury, Pennsylvania 17801 USA
(570) 988-2228

The Path of "Greater Sameness"

Do you know why it's getting more and more difficult to find the "best" martial art or self-defense system?

Do you have any idea why, if your attacker has been paying attention and not living under a rock somewhere, that it's getting harder and harder to have the advantage in a fight or self-defense attack situation?

It's because...

Everyone is doing the same thing!

I don't mean that all the martial arts styles and self-defense systems are doing exactly the same thing, but...

When you look at each style or system, you very quickly see that vitually everyone is focused on applying the same skills, against the same targets, and in practically the same way... REGARDLESS of what they're calling what they do.

On top of that, if you take a good, hard look at the way Ninjutsu, Ninpo-taijutsu, or Budo-Taijutsu (whatever you want to call it) is being practiced today, by and large, most teachers and students are doing the exact same thing. Everyone is saying that their art or system is "best," when in fact they are going about things that the teachers and students in the conventional martial arts are doing.

I call this, taking the Path of "Greater-Sameness."

Everyone wants to do the same thing as everyone else... only better.

The problem with this is that, every fighter, attacker, and potential threat to your well-being... has seen your moves before.

He may not have seen your stance or kamae, but he's seen one like it.

He certainly expects you to "block" or counter what he's doing - regardless of whether you call it a "block" or a ken-nagashi, or whatever.

In fact, if he can see what you're doing - at ALL -even a little bit...

whether he's trained or not...

He's NOT going to let you do your cool moves... BECAUSE he can see them coming.

So...

What's the answer?

Well, I can tell you that, for starters, it does not lie in or on the Path of "Greater-Sameness."

In fact, if you're going to be able to survive, you absolutely must think differently.

About fighting.

About conflict.

About Self-defense.

And about "Surviving violence."

You must think about these things from the perspective that no one else is doing. Not other martial artists. Not other self-defense "experts" and practitioners. And not even others studying the same art that you are!

That goes for the everything from the way you punch, kick, and apply a joint lock, to the way you actually think about and assess a violent situation.

My "Inner-Circle" students know this. My in-house, dojo students know this. And those who attend my intensive seminars and yearly Ninja camps know this.

And now it's time for you to know and understand this fundamental truth, if you're going to get out of the same trap that every other student and teacher of martial arts and self-defense are caught in.

Now, if you think that you don't need to know this... that what you're doing is perfect and unbeatable... or if you think I'm "full of it," then I wish you all the "luck" should you ever find yourself in the "thick of things."

But, if this is something that you think you want to explore, to know and understand, to Master...

Then, I have a special treat for you. Because...

I just conducted a free, online training seminar where I taught students how to avoid this trap. This was a special, closed-door, private and personal tele-seminar for serious students only - people who (I hope) are just like you - students and teachers who know that something is wrong with the way things are being done and taught in the self defense and martial arts world...

...and now they know why.

So, what's the treat?

The treat is that, if you're serious about your training, then I'm offering you a complimentary copy of the recording from this class.

All you have to do to claim your free audio training seminar recording is to shoot me an email with the words, "Greater Sameness" in the subject block, and then a short note requesting the recording.

That's it.


In Mastery!


Shidoshi Miller

Real Self Defense Training - 5 Insane Self Defense Techniques That Even My Dog Won't Try!

Every day, well meaning individuals just like you and I enroll in self defense and martial arts classes in order to learn real self defense training. The idea is to learn how to not get beaten, broken, or killed by a crazed lunatic who doesn't care that you have a life, dreams, and people who love and depend on you.

And, more often than not, what they end up learning are some of the most insanely stupid techniques that will never work against a serious attacker. After you read this article, you'll know why you must find an expert who has more than a certificate or black belt to teach you how to defend your self. You need someone with real-world experience doing what you want to be able to do!

Here are 5 of the most insanely stupid techniques that I have seen being taught to sincere students every day. Learn them if you want. But, use them at your own risk!

1) Putting your keys between your fingers as weapons! I don't know where this one came from but, all you have to do is try it sometime. First of all, when you're under pressure of attack, you're not going to have the time or coordination to get them where they're supposed to be. And second - you'll find that they just don't work very well in that position.

If you want to use your keys - just hold one like you normally would. It's strong, reliable, and if it's already in your hand - it's VERY destructive!

2) "X-Blocking" a knife stab from overhead! Now here's a technique that has been passed on by martial artists who have absolutely no idea where their art and it's techniques came from. And, while your arms may be very strong in this position, you lack the one thing that ancient warriors had when they did this technique - a helmet to catch and deflect the knife when it comes flying out of his hand! It's a matter of natural physics that says that the shock to his wrist that occurs when his arm slams into yours, will open his hand and inertia will propel the knife right into your head or face!

If someone is coming at you with a knife, get the hell out of the way!

3) Taking up a boxers position with your hands. For this one to work, he has to believe the same thing that you do - that your arms are actually indestructible shields! The smart attacker knows that your arms are flesh and blood just like everything else on you, and will just start pounding on your forearm bones to shut them down. Then, once you've lost the use of your arms, he moves in for the kill!

Your arms are good shields, but they must be positioned so that they are protected as well. If you're going to use your arms for cover, then position them so that the attacker has a much more difficult time trying to damage them!

4) Kicking the head! Yeah, let's do that. In an attempt to kick somebody in the head, we're going to sacrifice our groin, femoral artery, base-leg knee, and balance! Again, here's another case of martial artists being absolutely clueless about where their techniques and skills came from and why they were developed in the first place! The high kicks in Tae kwon do, and other forms of karate, were designed for unarmored fighters to kick someone on horseback! So, unless you've got something between your "mommy-daddy button" and the attacker's weapons - don't use these fancy, "look-at-me-ain't-I-cool" kicks on the street!

If you want to kick the guy in the head, take out his legs first. and then when he's down, kick him anywhere you want!

5) Carrying a gun for self defense with no combat training! This one is only asking for trouble. It's amazing how many people have a tremendously false sense of confidence - cops included - just because they're carrying a firearm. It's stupid. Absolutely insane! And the reason is that THE number one skill that is under-practiced, if it's ever practiced at all, is...

...drawing the weapon under pressure!

If you want to carry a firearm for self defense, make sure that you have the training to draw the weapon, aim without the use of sights, and hit your target every time the weapon fires - and be able to do these things while UNDER PRESSURE - not with your gun in one hand and a beer in the other, while you plink cans and bottles off a tree stump with your buddies!

Self defense is more than just learning cool moves or packing some "heat." It involves a mindset that understands not just what to do if something happens - but also what a real situation is like!

So, the question you have to ask yourself is, do you just want to think and feel like you can protect yourself or do you really want to have the skills that will allow you to protect yourself and others of your choosing when it matters the most?

The truth is that...

Effective self defense requires more than just a few "karate moves." It involves the ability to think strategically, and understand how to defend yourself with as little wear-and-tear on you as possible.

If you really want to know what you MUST know to survive a real street attack, read my newest self defense book: "Fight Smarter - Not Harder!" It's available free at: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/street-fighting-self-defense-book.html

Jeffrey M. Miller is an internationally-known self defense expert. Each month he teaches literally thousands of students through live seminars, corporate training events, and his in-demand Self Defense Success Secrets Home Study Courses, the lessons to be able to survive in Today's often dangerous world.

New Online Ninja Training & Ninjutsu Home Study Course!

Are You Looking For The Secrets To Unlocking The Power of Ninpo-Taijutsu - the Ninja's Self-Protection method?

Advanced
Sanshin no Kata
& Kihon Happo

Video-Based
Ninjutsu Home Study &
Online Ninja Training Course

Are you looking for a solid foundation in the armed and unarmed, self defense methods of the Ninja?

Do you want to become a master of the art of Ninjutsu?

Have you tried learning from books and videos but still couldn't get the full benefit of the lessons?

Are you already a student of the art looking to take your training to the next level?

If so...

Do you think you know the Sanshin no Kata & Kihon Happo, the so-called "basic training models" of Budo and Ninpo-taijutsu?

Think again!

Because, regardless of whether you've been training in this art for years, or you're looking for a place to start - there are correct lessons, strategies, and skills which make up what are known as the "basics" - skills which have absolutely nothing to do with the forms - but make the forms EXACTLY what they are!

Let me ask you something critically important?

Get the rest of the info here...

Why Escaping From a Grabbing Attack Isn't Always The Best Move

by Jeffrey M. Miller

Self defense is a very deep and often complicated subject. Contrary to all of the books, videos, and programs out there that promise to "make you a master in 30 seconds or less," effective and authentic self defense training involves much more than learning a couple of "cool moves." This is not to say that you can not learn some important lessons that will allow you to be successful fairly quickly - it's not going to happen over night. In fact, this article discusses a strategy that you just won't find in the "drive-up window-style" self defense products.

In most self defense and martial arts programs, grab defenses are usually approached from the same perspective. The techniques are generally designed to effect your release from the grab. Regardless of whether you're defending against wrist or clothing grabs, body grabs like "bearhugs," or other restraints, the primary focus is usually on escaping.

This escaping and freeing yourself from the assailant's grip is not a bad idea. In fact, it should be the primary goal for the beginning student who wants to put as much distance between herself and her attacker.

But, as you grow in both ability and comfort level with "being attacked," the advanced training should offer you strategies that allow you more control of the situation, and...

...step outside the attacker's perspective.

One of these strategies is in the way we handle a grabbing attack. Where the beginner and the technique-oriented self defense systems focus on escaping, the advanced student sees that there are several benefits to NOT escaping from your aggressor's hold.

Some of those benefits include:

1) The attacker has given up a weapon. When he grabs you, he has tied up one of his weapons and can't use it for anything else without letting go.

2) You know where the grabbing hand is. In a self defense situation, you want to keep track of where his body weapons are at all times. That way, he can't pull a weapon or attack without you knowing it.

3) When you counter attack, he won't let go. This is very difficult to explain in print, or even in a demonstration and should be experienced to be understood. Suffice it to say that, since he "has you," psychologically he is almost conditioned to hold on all the way to the end.

The key to quickly, efficiently, and effectively defending yourself against a street fighter, or any assailant who has experience, is to be able to think outside the box and do things in a way that they have not seen before. This begins with seeing the situation with different eyes than everyone else uses.

Are you serious about learning real world self defense? Download my new ebook, "Fight Smarter - Not Harder." Self Defense Training Jeffrey M. Miller is an internationally-recognized personal protection expert and one of the top 10 self defense instructors on the internet today. Jeff says, "If you really want to be able to defend against and survive a real attack, then I can teach you how to defend yourself against virtually any attacker - guaranteed!"