Wednesday, March 23, 2005

Reviving Old Articles

As many of you know, I've been writing for well over 20 years now. As a martial arts teacher and seminar leader, I've produced everything from articles about the martial arts and self-defense to manuals, books, and worksheets for my ninjutsu students.

I've just begun the process of reviving many of these older pieces of work. Looking at them, I almost can't believe that I wrote some of them. They make me really proud as I have had to change little about them when it came to substance and content. The changes, sadly, have mostly involved grammar and flow of ideas. Perhaps the writing skills have improved over the years.

Anyway. I will be releasing a dozen or so of the articles over the next month. They will be offered free at both the web site and through ezinearticles.com. (If you don't find it on the main page as a new submission, just do a search under author for Jeffrey Miller and you should find them)

The newest addition to the free-for-use materials that I've put up is a 3-part series that focus on two Eastern metaphysical systems used to classify and understand energy and its phases. The articles were originally published about ten years ago in a now-defunct online Ninjutsu newsletter called Ura & Omote. I have updated them and posted them to the WCI site and part 1 to ezinearticles.com.

I'll keep everybody posted as I release addtional articles in the days to come.

Dont't Forget! You can enroll in the new "Foundations of Mastery" e-Course at site-central. It comes with a subscription to the Warrior Concepts Self Defense newsletter. Current subscribers will already find a free link in the current and upcoming issues.

Well, that's it. Talk to you soon.

Jeffrey M. Miller, Director
www.warrior-concepts-online.com

Wednesday, March 16, 2005

Free e-Course to "Go-Live' this Friday!!!

Don't forget!

The all new and free 7-part "Foundations of Self-Defense Strategy" e-Course goes live on Friday, March 18th, 2005. I will NOT, however, be posting another reminder here. To receive this powerful course and start being properly prepared for a safer, more secure life...

... you must be a subscriber to the WCI online newsletter. To subscribe, go to the WCI website (by clicking on the link above to go directly to the subcriber form or, at the bottom of this post to be taken to the main page) and click on the "Newsletter" button.

Well, that's it - see you in the next issue of the Newsletter (on Friday!)

Here's to Mastery!

Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder and Director
Warrior Concepts International
www.warrior-concepts-online.com

"Master Your Self - Master Your Life!"

Sunday, March 13, 2005

A Public Disservice!

Just spent a few days trying to sort out why a public agency - one designed to help with social issues, be more interested in promoting a "victim-based" program than one that would help to prevent the problem for occuring in the first place?

I'm referring to a Women's Discussion Panel that's been put together by a local chapter of the United Way here in Sunbury, Pa. But, before I tell you what I think of their approach and where they are doing the disservice, let me ask a few questions.

Regardless of whether you are a man or woman, tell me:

1) What do you think - what comes to mind - when you see this title for a program:

"Sexual Assault & Women's Safety Discussion Panel"?

Now, one strictly for the women (sorry guys):

2) Do you feel that you know what to do to prevent a rape or sexual assault attack? If you are currently in or have received training in the martial arts or self defense, answer the question from the viewpoint you had before you enrolled in the program.

*******************************************************
Now, here's what WILL be covered at this particular event:

- A Rape victims story

- A sex offender's story

- The rehabilitation process for sex offenders

- A psychologist who will share how rape victims are treated

- A nurse explaining the rape evidence collecting kit and procedure

- A women's advocacy representative explaining their services

- Law enforcement's role in the investigation process

*******************************************************

Now, is it me or...

... is there something missing from the agenda? (I and several others called the organizers and were assured that we didn't miss anything - the listing is exactly what will be presented)

What I'm referring to here is anything relating to "prevention." It's not there!

It won't be there!

What we were told was, the program is really about awareness. And, to here these people's stories (the victim and the offender) is both heart-wrenching and heart-warming.

I'm sure they are, but...

... who wants to be in there shoes (especially the victims)!

Every women that I've talked to so far, both in and outside of WCI, has, after hearing the title of the program, assumed that information about the types of attacks and prevention and defensive measures and suggestions would be at the forefront of the discussion. They were shocked to find out that this would not be the case.

In fact, after looking at the program agenda, a few even calling the United Way to make sure that I had not been mistaken, were confused and angered. "Why," they asked, "would someone call a program, obviously focused on the post-assault legal and psychological aftermath, a 'women's safety' discussion"?

The other thing we were told by the folks at the United Way was, "every woman knows what to do as far as prevention and safety goes. You know, carry your keys in your hand in parking lots, etc." One of our women who called the office was even told, "we already covered defense and prevention at last year's Bully Awareness event."

"Bully awareness?"

Now, honestly, how many of you would think "women's safety and rape defense" when you hear that someone is doing a "bully awareness" program. Come on, be honest.

When told that it didn't make sense and that, according to the female student who got this response, she didn't attend last year's event; my student was simply dismissed with an, "hum, sorry." "But, to hear these women's stories is just..."

Now, please know that I am not knocking the program that they are promoting. I'm sure that it serves a very important purpose. But, I do believe:

1) It belongs in the hands of a rape crisis center as of their public education programs

2) They are going to upset, scare, and outright disappoint the audience that they will draw based on the title of the program, and...

3) It is irresponsible to present issues relating to something as terrible as sexual assault WITHOUT also providing suggestions for prevention and defense. Maybe it's just me. And, to top this all off...

... the event will be held on a college campus. One of the breeding grounds of sexual assault incidences with 1 in 4 college girls being raped or sexually assaulted during a four-year period - and over half of these happening in the freshman year!

The sad part about this whole thing is that, this office of the United Way, staffed by three women (women - not men!), is perpetuating two of the most damaging myths preventing women from really being able to put a stop to this horrible crime:

1) That a woman WILL be raped, and...

2) Most women already know what to do to be effective against a male attacker. But even so...

1) That a woman will be raped anyway!

Many of you already know how I feel about the amount of misinformation being taught in the form of self defense - and even more exists for women. If not, check out these pages on women's self defense issues and what a self defense program for women should focus on.

Anyway, thought I'd vent to folks who are looking to understand the issues. Thanks for listening.

Talk to you soon.

Peace and Happiness,

Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder and Director
Warrior Concepts International
www.warrior-concepts-online.com

"Master Your Self - Master Your Life!"

Saturday, March 12, 2005

Defensive Combat Handgun Seminar

Just a Reminder...

Don't forget about the Defensive Combat Handgun Seminar scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, March 19th & 20th, 2005. The event will be held at the main training center here in Sunbury.

Topics will include:

1) Retaining your firearm when an assailant tries to overpower you

2) Safely disarming an armed assailant

3) Instictive shooting (engaging a target without the use of sights)

4) Neutralizing the effects of recoil to keep your rounds on target

5) Understanding the effects of combat-related stress on your ability to engage and armed assailant

6) And more...

Instead of trying to tell you that this program is for you, I'll let you decide. If you are a law enforcement and security professional, military combatant, or anyone who relies on a handgun for self-defense or is thinking about purchasing one for self-protection...

... you do not need to attend this course if you can correctly answer the following questions:

1) How many types of recoil must your grip be able to neutralize in a combat situation?

2) What is the only benefit of carrying a semi-automatic over a revolver? (hint: it's not the number of rounds - if you're a lowsy shot, "You can't miss often enough to win!)

3) Why are the movie depictions of the hero shooting the bad guy first - even when he has his weapon trained on an armed assailant who IS NOT pointing his weapon - wrong?

If you would like to learn the correct answers to these and many other misconceptions to be able to use your weapon effectively in a life-threatening situation, you can't afford to miss this event.

Cost of the event is only $150.

Participants will need to bring an approved handgun (semi-autos are prefered by a quality double-action, six-shot revolver is OK), two magazines (clips) or a speed-loader, hip holster and gun belt, hearing protection, and at least 100 rounds of ammunition. A quality handgun mock-up will be required for the disarm and retention training on Saturday. Equipment may be purchased at the academy.

Targets and markers will be provided by WCI.

To register for this event, contact Warrior Concepts International at (570) 988-2228 before Friday, March 18th, 2005.

For more information about the real-world self-defense training available at Warrior Concepts, visit our website here.

REMEMBER: "Somewhere, someone is training to do damage and harm. If you are not training, and you meet him - you will LOSE!"

See you there!

Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder and Director
Warrior Concepts International
www.warrior-concepts-online.com

"Master Your Self - Master Your Life!"

Self-Defense eCourse Coming Soon!

It's almost finished!

I've been working on getting some real-world martial arts and self-defense information out to my friends and clients over the past several months. For those of you keeping up with these posts, you've seen the focus on women's self defense issues. Along these lines, there are many issues that are really not gender specific and are needed by everyone to better protect themselves and their loved-ones.

I have already discussed several perspectives related to women's self defense both here and on the website itself. One such page is here. This page also focuses on self defense for women.

During this next week, I'll be releasing a special 7-part eCourse on the Foundations of Self-Defense. The course will be available free of charge to subscribers of my newsletter and will focus on the 6 Phases of Effective Self-Defense Strategy. Each lesson, including the introduction, will lead you through understanding one of these phases, its importance in your overall defensive plan, and considerations for handling danger at that point. This is information that is available through many other programs but not in such a scientifically applied form. Instead of trying to piece-meal several different programs and theories together, why not just get the one program that takes care of everything for you. No confusion. No Need to fill in any gaps in your practice. Just train and make sure you get all the lessons.

So, make sure that you visit the website at www.warrior-concepts-online.com this week and watch for the launch of the new eCourse.

Don't Forget: The Danger Prevention Tactics video is ready! This powerful video was professionally produced to be both educational AND entertaining. Not another boring "How-to" video here! Unlike most self-defense videos that limit information to defending against human attackers, this video extends far beyond to take into account the full gammet of self-protection.

You'll learn:

1) How to Avoid the most common attacks involving carjackings...

2) How to Escape Accidents involving public transportantion like planes, trains and buses...

3) How to Avoid being trapped by gangs...

4) How to prevent being robbed at ATM's...

5) And Much MORE!

Get more information and order the Danger Prevention Tactics Video here.

COMING SOON! The Warrior Concepts Life Mastery curriculum is all on tape. All we need to do now is edit and finish each module's information for it to be ready for release. This progam will be a tremendous resource for clients and students already involved in training at Warrior Concepts. It will also be released as a full Black Belt Home Study Course for those looking for a martial arts self-defense program that they can study at home in their own time. I'll be posting updates about this awesome program in the newsletter. So, if you haven't already subscribed, you can do so by clicking on this link:

Subscribe to the Warrior Concepts Online Newsletter

Peace and Happiness,

Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder and Director
Warrior Concepts International
www.warrior-concepts-online.com

"Master Your Self - Master Your Life!"

Monday, March 07, 2005

Spring Ninja Camp

This year's Spring Ninja Training Camp will be held Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 15th - 17th, 2005. As usual, it will be held at Camp Mt. Luther in Mifflinburg, Pa.

The theme for this year's camp will focus on understanding the natural progress of the development process and how to use it as a tool to supercharge your advancement toward the mastery levels.

I'll be posting the flyer today which you can access at www.warrior-concepts-online.com/ninja-camp.html. For those of you who access the flyer through this link, I have a $49 discount for you to use when you call to reserve your place at this powerful event.

Guest Instructors for this year's camp include Shidoshi J. Courtland Elliott and Shidoshi Greg Tremblay from Kageyama Dojo in Toronto, Ontario; Shidoshi Matt Woodard from Todai Dojo in California; and Shidoshi-ho Peter Beck from right here at WCI headquarters.

Each instructor will be conducting their own break-out session topics which will allow each participant to decide what he or she needs for their own progress. In addition to the breakout sessions, there will be a special session on stealth tactics, followed by a Ninja Night Exercise which will allow you to test your stealth skills!
_____________________________________________________________________

Don't Forget: You can also find additional information about:

The unique and powerful EDR:Non-Martial Arts Defense Training Course. Learn to defend yourself in hours instead of months or years! Why not sponsor a seminar in your area and make money for yourself or your organization? Find out right here.

The EDRTM program was designed to teach you how to couple your own natural responses to stress and danger with simple, effective self defense techniques that are proven to work in real situations. It is delivered in hours instead of months or years to empower you with the skills necessary to defend yourself against over 95% of the assaults that happen every year in the US.

Find out what special considerations are needed when it comes to Self-Defense for Women

Contrary to popular belief, what is being taught in most martial arts schools and self-defense programs, when it comes to women's self-defense, is totally wrong. Click on the above link to find out why many of these programs are putting women at more risk than they're helping.

Child Safety issues are everyone's concern. But, kids, like women, have some very special needs when it comes to learning how to properly defend themselves against the most common threats to their safety. If you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, or care-giver, you can't afford to remain ignorant of this information.

________________________________________________________________________________

Hope this helps and that you take the time to visit the information page for information about the "new" self defense video, Danger Prevention Tactics: Protecting Yourself Like a ProTM

As an additional note, we will be setting up PayPal through the main site as well as with dynamic links through from relative pages that will allow clients and students to register for seminars online in a completely secure environment. This should be up in the very near future.

Until Next time,


Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder and Director
Warrior Concepts International
www.warrior-concepts-online.com
www.masteryourlife.org

"Master Your Self - Master Your Life!"

Saturday, March 05, 2005

Accident Update

Thanks to everyone for the support.

I wanted to give a quick update on my recent accident. To all who were concerned, as I didn't really identify any injuries in my account of the incident, I am fine - really. The extent of my injuries were limited to a (very) small brush-burn on the inside of my left elbow and a sore area over my left rear floating rib region that lasted all of about a day. Not bad for rolling a car down a near vertical, snow-covered embankment - neh?

I really do attribute my ability to walk away from the accident virtually unscathed to the benefits of my martial arts training and the lessons that I have received and been fortunate enough to be able to pass on to my students. Of course, the generally accepted idea of self-defense never entered the picture as the danger did not involve a human assailant. But, I would like for the incident itself to serve as a reminder and tribute the to overall benefits of the training and its service to and in our lives in the grander scope of self-protection. It's really not until something like this happens that we appreciate all that we have gained in the way of skills and abilities that go virtually unnoticed in our day to day happenings.

Even if this and other like incidents were to never occur in my life, when it comes to my training, I live by the motto:

"Better to have the training and never need it, than to need it and not have it."


So, again, thank you for the concern and well-wishes.
Peace and Happiness,

Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder and Director
Warrior Concepts International
www.warrior-concepts-online.com
www.masteryourlife.org

"Master Your Self - Master Your Life!"

Broken Links Fixed

Hi everyone,

Just a quick note to let you know that I have fixed the broken links that were prevelant in the articles. I apologize as this is my first attempt at a web present, especially with the addition of html coding, blogs, etc.

Here are the repaired links:

link to EDR:Non-Martial Arts Defense Training

link to Self-Defense for Women at Warrior Concepts Online

link to Child Safety Information

link to Self Defense Seminars

I hope that, if you have visited the posts in the past and had a problem accessing the additional linked information, that you will return to see what's new and take advantage of the new pathways.

I apologize for any and all inconvenience that this might have caused you.

Take a moment to subscribe to my Self-Defense Ezine to stay up-to-date on training opportunities, articles, and the like. Here's the link to subscribe:

Subscribe Page


Peace and Happiness,

Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder and Director
Warrior Concepts International
www.warrior-concepts-online.com
www.masteryourlife.org

"Master Your Self - Master Your Life!"