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

Self Defense Tips - Street Fighting and Modern Street Self Defense Tips From the Art of Ninjutsu

You don't have to be a Ninja to get some very powerful street self defense tips from the ancient art of Ninjutsu!

It's true. There was a time when I was discouraged with what was being offered as traditional martial arts masquerading as effective systems of self defense for today's world. I saw a huge difference between what we practiced in class and used in the tournament ring, and what was really needed for surviving a street fighting self defense situation.

Do you know what I mean?

But, here's something that I found out. Not all martial arts were created equal. More to the point, most of the conventional systems of martial arts training that we see today, were modified and radically changed from their original combat forms between the mid-1800's up to as late as the 1950's! Fortunately for us, the art of Ninjutsu, a counter-culture to the ruling Samurai, never made the change.

What that means for those of us looking for effective and, more importantly - proven - self defense tips, is that what is being taught today is the same thing that was being used by people who had to save their lives from attacks practically every day. It means that what we're learning and putting to use in our modern street self defense situations worked again and again. And...

Anything that was tried by an ancient warrior that didn't work - we don't know about. Why? Because it died with him!

Here are 3 powerful self defense tips right from the Ninja's art of Ninjutsu that I seriously recommend adding to your self defense skills. They are not step-by-step techniques but rather concepts that will make any technique better, and they will make techniques that are already good - more powerful and effective than you can imagine!

1. Nagare - "Flow": This is the relaxed natural transition of one movement into another without the jerky, start-stop, robotic action of karate-kata. You naturally slip your attacker's attempted punch, grab, or kick, and then, without stopping, respond with a counter attack of your own.

2. Ritsudo - "Rhythm" or "Timing": The ability to move, defend, or attack at just the right moment that makes both your attack a surprise and impossible for your assailant to defend against!

3. Kotsu - "Essence": The technique behind the physical movements. The idea or strategy that we're applying. Instead of "counter-striking his attacking arm," the Ninja sees this as "neutralizing the force of his attack." This way, it's not "how" we're doing what we're doing, but "what" we're doing to him - and "why."

If you're looking for powerful self defense tips that are effective, time-tested, and proven, then I recommend that you explore the world of Ninjutsu and the Ninja's ability to adapt to, and deal with, modern street fighting self defense attacks.

Do you want to know how I do it? You can learn more about defending yourself using the principles of Ninjutsu in this powerful course called, "Foundations of Self-Defense Mastery."

Self Defense Tips

And don't forget to get your free Ninja training dvd: "Ninja Camp 2004". Get your free course and ninja camp dvd and learn how to really protect yourself - Ninja-style! Go to: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com

Know How to Defend Yourself Against a Bigger Attacker? 1 Secret Makes it Easier to Defend Yourself!

Do you want to able to defend yourself against a bigger, stronger attacker?

I know how you feel. I have always been short and, even though I have been involved in the martial arts and self defense since my teen years, when I became a police officer I found it nearly impossible to use what I learned in conventional martial arts against bigger attackers - let alone guys my own size!

I'm sure you can imagine just how confused and frustrated I was. All that time, effort, and training - for what? So I fully understand your own uncertainty at being able to defend yourself in a real self-defense street fight.

But, I have a secret for you... and here it is:

I learned what it takes to protect myself against a violent attacker who was bigger and stronger than me, and you can learn to defend yourself too!

Get this, almost 90% of attacks can be handled with basic skills because most attackers are opportunists. That means that if you make it difficult for them, they will go look for an easier target!

So, this is excellent news for you and I - especially since we want to know how to defend yourself quickly, easily and, more importantly, effectively! And, we can use this fact to our advantage.

I want you to think about a time when someone startled you or you were nervous or scared of something. Your body didn't charge in or stand still like an emotionless robot did it?

Typically, martial arts and self defense training classes that you could take to learn how to defend yourself take up this static positioning from which to defend. And I understand why. It's easy to learn the moves this way. But your body just doesn't work this way in a real-world, violent attack - especially when you're trying to defend yourself against someone bigger than you.

So instead, let's use this secret strategy from the martial art of ninjutsu - Japan's ancient Ninja - to defend yourself!

What is this secret? It's this:

Strategic Distancing

And, all strategic distancing is, is using proper distancing to control the attacker's ability to get at you while you're defending yourself. You can do this is by...

• 1. Being too far away so the assailant has to make up the distance before his attacks will land, or...
• 2. Getting in too close so that he doesn't have the room he needs to do what he's good at.

Warning: Do not neglect the above strategies! Be sure to take this critical, life-saving skill seriously and add it to your self defense training if you're serious about being able to defend yourself against a violent attacker who's larger than you.

Can you defend yourself against larger, stronger attackers? If you want to learn how to do this effectively then I want to help you. Do you want to know how I do it? You can learn more about defending yourself with this strategy and others in this powerful course called, "Foundations of Self-Defense Mastery."

Defend Yourself

This powerful course outlines 6 phases of an effective self defense strategy and training outline that I recommend if you really want to be able to defend yourself against real-world, brutal attackers who want to beat, break or kill you. And the best part is that it's free when you subscribe to my online newsletter.

And don't forget to get your free self defense dvd: "Danger Prevention Tactics: Protecting Yourself Like A Pro". Click here to get your free course and self defense dvd and learn how to really protect yourself! http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com

Self-Defense Within Martial Arts Training Demands a Real-World Perspective

This story is being offered in response to a request made by my teacher, Soke (Grand Master) Masaaki Hatsumi, during a recent training visit to Japan. During one of the training sessions, Soke was suggesting that everyone, regardless of rank, should make it a point to talk to those with actual combat experience and to learn from these people. The point was, if you do not know what a real fight is like, you will not be able to train properly for an authentic situation.

I was asked to share some of my experience in dealing with an attack and the following story came to mind. Though I have much experience with dealing with danger and dangerous people, this particular situation stands out as both a successful outcome where I was able to use some of my ninpo-taijutsu martial arts training, and a learning experience where I was actually able to control both my awareness and response, instead of mentally shutting down and "hoping" for the best.

***

The incident occurred many years ago while I was stationed in, what was then, West Germany. I was serving with the United States Army Military Police Corps. My partner and I were called to respond to a unit where a serviceman was assaulting others, including the officer-in-charge.

When we arrived at, what we thought was, the location of the incident, there was no one but the Charge of Quarters present. He had no idea about the incident. What none of us knew was that the 'problem' was occurring next door and moving in our direction.

While my partner and I were confirming the call with our superiors, the attacker entered the building where we were. He was obviously intoxicated and shouting racial insults and demanding satisfaction before he started a 'real war.' By the smell of him, he had been drinking heavily and primarily whiskey. His clothes showed signs of a struggle and at this point I wasn't sure if I was facing an attacker or the victim of an assault.

I immediately tried to calm the individual and find out what the problem was. As I was doing this, several other soldiers, including the command duty officer entered the building and became involved. The belligerent soldier was going on with his racial attacks and how he was attacked by what he thought were his friends. It was then that he turned his attention to me and began implying that he had martial arts experience and "didn't have to prove himself to anyone."

During this, and later after interviewing witnesses, we found that the individual had tested for his black belt in another martial art earlier that day and was out 'celebrating' with his friends. Witnesses testified that the more intoxicated he became, the more he started "showing off" to his friends which involved hitting and kicking. Eventually, his friends had had enough and then attempted to stop his obnoxious behavior by pushing him away and leaving him behind. This only made him more "playful" at which time he jumped on his friends resulting in them throwing him down on the ground. It was this that finally enraged him enough to chase them to the barracks and begin attacking others.

As he was telling me that he didn't have to prove himself, he also made statements that I only thought that I was tougher than him because I carried a gun, a nightstick and wore an MP helmet. I responded by removing my helmet and handing my night stick to my partner in an attempt to neutralize any perceived threat that I might be projecting and bring the soldier's anxiety level down. I informed him that the gun stayed where it was but that we needed to talk like civilized men so we could solve whatever problem was going on.

The soldier continued on with the "I'm a black belt and don't need to prove how tough I am" speech when he closed the distance and, from about an inch from my face, stated that, "I'm going to show you how tough you're not."

I ordered the soldier back and before I knew what was happening, I sensed his fist coming up between our bodies toward my jaw. I rode off the strike which landed before I could evade and then backed out as he began to flail widely with both arms at my head and body. I remember taking up a hoko-like position (a guarding posture in ninjutsu designed to create a protective 'bubble' that is difficult for the attacker to get through) to cover against the incoming attacks and having to simultaneously deal with an officer who thought that I was the one doing the attacking!

At one point, I realized that his right arm had wrapped around my left forearm and that a 'musha-dori-like thing' (uplifting elbow - shoulder dislocating technique) was happening. I remember moving to capture his balance and laid him down when suddenly his feet went out from under him. Later I found out that, in an attempt to help, my partner chose that moment to sweep my assailant's legs out from under him. I felt the soldier's shoulder give way as I applied the lock and took him down. This didn't help with the anxiety and emotional pressure I was dealing with as I was now worried about a possible 'police brutality' charge for excessive force.

This injury didn't deter his aggression though as he continued to fight against our restraint. We were finally able to subdue him and get him onto his stomach to be handcuffed when his wife and young child entered the building. I don't know how they found out about the situation but there they were. I felt sad for them and was only able to give a look of apology for having to do this. Again, more stress was added in that I didn't want to have to physically hurt this man in front of his family.

Unfortunately, their presence only served to escalate the problem. When the soldier became aware of his wife and child, he blamed my partner and I for his "embarrassment" and began to fight against his restraint again. I am not a big man and this soldier's build was easily 150% of my own size and weight, so holding him was a serious problem. Having to improvise and immobilize the man, I placed my night stick between the handcuff chain and his back and applied leverage against his spine which created a situation where he would only hurt himself with his continued resistance. This was only necessary for a moment or two, as he passes out from his exertion.

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

As I related during my initial telling of the story at the Hombu Dojo ('main training hall'0 in Noda-city, Japan, my legs begin to shake and I can feel my breathing change as I recall this situation and many others like it. It does not control me or the way I go through my life in the ordinary sense that I am not afraid to associate with people or the like. What it has done is imprinted on me much more than just a step-by-step memory of the events, and I'm sure that my recollection of these is less than accurate because the experience was much more emotional and from what Soke has called "budo-nerves" orientation or perspective than from any sort of memorized technique string.

I will simply end this by saying that, this situation is one that has forever changed my perspective on how I should train, and as a teacher, how I should train my students. It has taught me that kata-like, step-by-step training is only a piece of the training puzzle but, anyone who believes that they will fight this way is deluding themselves. Conversely, it has also taught me that training that is just henka-based, where the basics like cover, distance and the like are not drilled until they become second-nature and the student just "does whatever" in an attempt to imitate (his or her teacher) is also deluded. This type of practice is necessary but, again, only a piece.

I am in complete agreement with Soke when he points out that it is the ability to go between the animal instinct response required for surviving an attack and returning to the civilized state to live a happy life, unstained by fear, defensiveness or antisocial behavior because of the attack that should be the goal.

Let me also say that, I respect Soke and the Shihan master instructors that I train with. But, not simply because they are Soke and the Shihan. I respect these people and continue to train in this art precisely because my own experience with having to handle danger tells me that what they have to offer is authentic and "on the mark" with that experience. Because I know that should I ever be attacked again, it will be the lessons that I have learned from them and not my admiration of them or their abilities that will help to insure that my family gets to have me around a little while longer. In a world filled with martial artists and instructors who want trophies, admiration and to 'look good,' it is comforting to know that there are still those who have what the true warrior needs to create a life worth living and the power to protect that life from whatever might harm it.

Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior Concepts International. A senior teacher in the Japanese warrior art of Ninjutsu - "the art of the Ninja," he specializes in teaching these ancient, proven, and time-tested self-protection and personal development secrets in a way that transforms his students into modern-day Ninja warrior masters themselves.

Want to master the science of self-defense? Get your copy of my free e-book, "Fight Smarter - Not Harder" by going to http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com

For additional information about how Jeffrey Miller or Warrior Concepts can help you transform yourself with the secrets of the ancient Ninja Warriors, go to the Home page or call WCI at 570-988-2228

This article is copyright (C)2005, 2009 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.

Get more free articles in Shidoshi Miller's Article Archive!

The Unseen Value of Martial Arts Training - A Lesson From Ben Franklin

During one of my recent trips to Japan for training with Bujinkan Grandmaster, Masaaki Hatsumi, one of the themes he touched upon in class was in the value of our training. And, how much like a good investment, the longer we participated, the more value we received.

Ironically, most students who come in to the academy, as with most things in their life, are looking for "quick results." Or, more to the point, a "quick fix." They say they're looking for self-defense and the ability to protect themselves from the ever-growing threat of danger in our world. But, what they're really looking for is a greater feeling of confidence. And, once they start to feel like they can handle themselves, which is usually after learning a couple of techniques well...

...they quit!

Soke ("head-of-lineage") Hatsumi, my teacher and the grand master of the Bujinkan Dojo, reminded us that...

..."there is a huge difference between "feeling" like you can handle yourself, and the ability to actually do it."

He said that most students are not willing to put enough time, effort, or energy to really understand what it feels like to live a life where, not only are they able to deal with danger should it happen to them, but that they don't have to worry about attackers appearing at all!

It's amazing, but true. As I have climbed the ladder in both rank and skill, there is one thing that I've noticed above all else. And that is...

...the greater my skill, the less I've had to use it for self-protection!

As a 12th degree Black Belt, I can't tell you how long it's been since I've had to deal with the threat of someone wanting to do me harm. And this is not limited to a physical assault, but extends into every area of my life.

I can hear many ask, "Why bother training at all, if you never have to use your skills for self-defense anyway?"

"Why bother at all? Why not just take your chances?"

While these questions sound logical, they are asked from the viewpoint of convenience. And, as we all know, what sounds good in theory, is often the furthest thing from reality.


The reason we train is twofold:

First, we train to realize that ideal life where we won't have to worry about danger because, even if it did occur, we knew we could handle it. And,...

Second, we're not there yet and may need to protect ourselves along the way to attaining our goal!

Benjamin Franklin, one of the acknowledged Founding Fathers of this great nation, once said, "They that are on their guard and appear ready to receive their adversaries, are in much less danger of being attacked than the supine, secure and negligent."

The truth is, the longer we train and the better we develop our skills, the safer we will be. This is true both of our self-defense techniques as well as our personal development skills.

In fact, I believe that it is precisely those traits and qualities that the martial arts have helped me to nurture, grow, and develop - traits like confidence, discipline, respect, commitment, and a host of others - that actually act as my shield against most attackers. It is these more than any physical skill that communicates to others that I am a confident, powerful person in control of his world, that determines who will want to connect with me, and for what reason.

Why learn the often-violent methods associated with the martial arts then, if all I had to do was to develop those inner qualities that keep me safe? Again, same reason as I mentioned before...
...until I do, I am at-risk from those forces that would seek to harm me.

Ironic, isn't it?

We come to self-defense training to be ready and able to protect ourselves from harm and, at the same time, are preparing ourselves for a day when few would ever want to. Because it is precisely our ability to handle ourselves, that creates the end result. Not the other way around.

Be careful. Only looking at the obvious parts of training will cause you to miss the big picture and the unseen value that it holds for you, and the rest of your Life!

---

Get more free articles like this one at www.warrior-concepts-online.com/articles.html

Also...

You can now subscribe to my new podcast radio show called "KUDEN". You can read more about it and the upcoming web-based seminars that I'll be offering by scrolling down a bit to the prior post with that information. Please note that, due to technical difficulties, the release dates had to be changed from what's listed in the original announcement. I just recorded the first show and it goes live on Wednesday, August 20th, 2008!

Other no-cost training resources:

Are you subscribed to my self-defense and ninja training newsletter? If not, you probably haven't received the free gift that you get when you subscribe. What is it?

It's a 7-part ecourse called, Foundations of Self-Defense Mastery" and it's my gift to you for becoming a member of WCI's growing group of online students and teachers. At this point, we have over 6,000 members and growing!

The newsletter itself is a fantastic way to keep informed and add to your knowledge and training database about topics like learning self-defense, online ninja training, women's self-defense, and even tips for parents on child safety. Add to that, this free course and the other books, videos, and live training programs offered through WCI, and you've got a one-stop place for all your self-defense, martial arts, and Ninja Training needs!

Alright. Enough of telling you why you're crazy if you haven't subscribed. Here's the link to get the newsletter and the free ecourse: Learn Self-Defense!


Until next time.

Peace, Happiness, and Success!

Shidoshi Miller

All Martial Arts Were Not Created Equal - Exploring The Roots Of The Takagi-Yoshin Ryu of Jutaijutsu

Today, I wanted top talk to you about the importance of understanding where your martial lineage came from. Unless your teacher invented the art you're studying, (and if so, what real-world experience did he or she base it on?), there is a lot of years between you and the founder of the school or style you're trying to master.

Here's a story of the founder of one of the lineages that I have permission to teach. I think it's significant because it breaks through a lot of the mystery and misguided beliefs that many have about who founded these powerful and schools and why.

You see...

Not all martial arts systems were created for the same reason. Each system, or lineage, was created by its founder to deal with specific situations and types of conflict, with one intention in mind......TO WIN! And...

The Takagi-Yoshin-Ryu, founded in the 15th century by Oriuemon Shigenobu Takagi, was no exception.


Imagine...

...living in a time when brutal assailants would do anything to win and no place was safe from either

• Rogue warriors engaged in terroristic acts,
  
  
• the strife of civil war, or...
  
  
• ...the ever-present plague of bandits and thieves looking to pounce on the unsuspecting traveler.

Can you imagine a place or time like that?

Sounds a bit like the world of today, doesn't it? And yet, it was exactly the same in the days when Takagi-Sensei set out to create a system for survival against, not just anyone, but assailants who would attack with the strategies and tactics most common for the times. And ironically, we are at a point in history where things are repeating themselves and these tactics are the perfect answer to today's common attacks.

BUT...

Believe it or not, and contrary to popular belief, not all systems were founded by the perfect warrior who never lost a battle. In fact, the Takagi Yoshin Ryu stands out as an exception because it's founder did not die as most did - at the hands of his opponent who had the greater skill!

No. He survived his humiliating loss and decided to re-examine what he always held to be true about the teachings he received. And THIS is one very important reason why the TYR stands out as one of the most powerful and unique lineages ever developed.

You see... similar to the story of Bujinkan Dojo founder and grand master Masaaki Hatsumi, WCI founder Shidoshi Jeffrey M. Miller, and more than a few other modern warriors, Takagi's search for excellence and, what we might call, "True Budo" came not out of years of study in a single martial system...

...but in defeat at the hands of a superior opponent.

This is where true warriors are born. Not in the theory and blind faith of the everyday student.


A Long Time Ago - In a Land, Far, Far...

Oriemon Shigenobi Takagi was a master teacher in the school of Jutaijutsu ("grappling arts that became modern-day, soft-style karate") during Japan's Sengoku-Jidai warrior-states period in the mid-1600's. And, like all accomplished warriors of his time (and UN-LIKE most martial artists and teachers today), he already had several "heads-in-his-closet." Meaning that, he had already survived combat and killed opponents with his skills many times over.

As was common in those days, as both a means of gaining a reputation as an accomplished warrior to be respected and feared, and as a means of keeping martial arts honest during times when the survival of a school depended directly on the effectiveness of what they practiced...

Takagi was challenged to a dual by a visiting practitioner of the Masaki Ryu jutaijutsu.

Long story short...

In this battle, Takagi was beaten so severely that it rocked him at his core. He came to the realization that...

...there was something VERY WRONG with what he had been learning all those years. As a result, he left his school and all the time, effort, and practice he had put into it and set out to find the techniques, tactics, and strategies of True Budo - the "real martial way" of surviving.

What Takagi-Sensei finally realized was that...

...the martial arts were not a game of who can look the best,

...who could run a school with the most students,

...or who can create a system of this-or-that "jutsu" or "do."

It was about having only one life, one chance to do something with that life, and he set out to develop that understanding into something that was more in-touch with what we might call a "martial sense" more than what has become, martial "faith."

After spending much time travelling and watching what others were doing, he finally went into seclusion on Japan's famous Mount Hiei, home of the Tendai School and mother of Japanese Buddhist thought and practice (a very important connection for much of Ninja history). He spent months in continuous practice, training, and reflection until, one day, he came to the realization that...

...before he could win against a skilled opponent, he had to upset his opponent's way of moving...

...AND THINKING!

But, he also realized, if his opponent was too big or too strong, this omote, or "outer" - "obvious" - method of breaking balance would not be enough. He realized that he would also have to be able to...

...upset his "OWN" way of moving and thinking to be able to execute that unexpected move that would take the opponent with him as he fell or was hit.

These realizations, derived from his own personal experience became an important part of his personal way of surviving during hostility.

Armed with this new insight, Oriuemon became a great fighter and survivor. This truth is witnessed by the survival of this powerful lineage for the next 17 generations until now, when today's students are able to learn its secrets.

Secrets that were born out of chaos, confusion, and failure. Only to be turned around into one of the greatest fighting systems the world has ever seen!

---

I've produced a video about this powerful martial lineage. Footage was taken directly from a live seminar that I conducted at the Academy. The video covers all of the techniques on the Shoden no Maki (1st level scroll), the most important lessons in any lineage. In addition to the kata, I also taught several variations and discussed the ideas and strategies behind each. An important insight if you're ever going to get past the rigid, step-by-step training that 90% of martial artists limit themselves to.

Anyway, check out the page I put up about it (it also includes this article, so just scroll past it if you don't to read it again). Here's the link:

www.warrior-concepts-online.com/takagi-yoshin-ryu

While you're there, don't forget to check out the Article Resource Center for more articles like this.

Aiming for the BEST Targets!

When discussing self-defense for beginners and those new to the realm of self-protection, I'm often asked...

"If I just want to get out of there and need to shut this guy down fast, what are the best areas of his body to hit?"

I love questions like this, because it tells me that the person asking it is thinking "strategically" rather than simply mechanically. If you ask questions, not related as much to "what" it is that you can do but, "how," "where," "when," and "why"...

...it tells me that you're thinking about results, effectiveness, and efficiency...

...all signs of a true martial arts master or self-defense expert.

Well, before answering this all-important question, let me tell you that I'm writing several new books focused on this very important, and often overlooked topic. In fact, the demand for such books is so high, that I just can't get things done fast enough!

The following are just a few of the topics currently on the "get it out there so they can use it" list:

• Ninja Juroppo-Ken "The 16 Fists of the Ninja"
  
  
• Stop, Drop, & Run! "The Best Targets to Attack for Escaping a Self-Defense Situation Quickly!"
  
  
• Shuriken-Jutsu "The Art of Mastering the Ninja's Throwing Stars"
  
  
• Hanbo-Jutsu "Using Short Sticks and Cans for Self-Defense"

I really DO have quite a list, and it keeps growing every day.

I'll be releasing information about each book or video as it becomes available so be sure to stay informed.

I'm also asking readers to post comments telling me what you'd like to see included in the above books. While you're at it, if there's a topic (book, weapon, etc.) you'd like me to write or produce as a video, tell me that too. (Oh, and for all of the spammers out there, your sales pitch posts will be deleted so... save your time and ours and keep moving!)

Now... where was I? Oh, right... excellent targets.

As I see it, there are seven body targets that are perfect for the beginnner to focus on if they're looking to be able to drop an assailant quickly and effectively. As a quick side-bar, let me also say that there are many ways of attacking each target and selecting the best one in an attack situation will take more than just knowing it's there.

That being said, here are the 'Dirty 7':

• 1. Nose - Nothing stops an assailant, or anyone else for that matter, like a quick shot to the nose - in ANY direction! Even a light shot instantly brings tears to the eyes and disorientation. And... NO! It's not generally considered a killing shot by 'real' experts!
  
  
• 2. Eyes - Human beings are generally sight-oriented creatures. And, our bodies are hard-wired to protect our eyes from even the slightest danger. Even the mere threat of attacking your opponent's eyes will have him changing his tactics as a minimum, and running for the hills as a best-case scenario!
  
  
• 3. Jaw/Tip of Chin - A well-placed palm-strike to the tip of the chin, or even a thumb-tip driven up under the jaw-line will send an attacker realing in pain or knock him out cold!
  
  
• 4. Throat - Just as with the eyes, our bodies are wired to protect the most vulnerable areas. The windpipe, arteries, and veins that pack the neck and throat area are all life-sustaining systems. And... they are exposed to the world and without their own defenses! A firm grab or sharp blow to any of these systems can shut an attacker down - permanently!
  
  
• 5. Sternum/Solar Plexus - The bottom tip of the sternum, or breat bone, is called the xyphoid process (pronounced "zie-foid"). It's a small, triangular shaped, boney protrusion that actually has some flex to it. It points at the top of the abdominal cavity which, itself, is sensitive. These defensive "alarm" triggers are there to warn the body of attacks to the heart, lungs, and other organs NOT protected by the ribs in this region. Even a light punch or kick to this area can leave the assailant breathless - or worse.
  
  
• 6. Groin - Do I really need to describe the effects of a grab, punch, or kick here? Didn't think so. However, it would be a good idea to get the notion that this is only effective against men, right out of your head!
  
  And finally...
  
  
• 7. Knees - That's right... the knees. Everyone seems to think the knees are only weapons and yet, size-for-size, they're one of the weakest joints in the human body. In fact, it only takes about 65 lbs of pressure to pop an adult knee joint. And I don't care if we're talking about mine, or Arnold Shwartzenagger's!

Well, there you have it. A quick list of the best targets for quickly ending a self-defense attack. Now... all you have to do is learn "how," "when," "where," to attack.

When's that book coming out again?

As a quick reminder, don't forget to check out the main site at www.warrior-concepts-online.com for more great information, articles, and products for increasing your personal safety and security.

While you're there, don't forget to check the schedule for my upcoming seminars and camps. If you don't live close enough to me for regular training, my weekend seminars and camps make excellent training opportunities for my long distance students.

Until next time...

Peace, Happiness, and Success!


Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder and Master Instructor
Warrior Concepts International
Self-Protection & Personal Development

www.warrior-concepts-online.com

www.wcinternational.com (Workplace Violence programs)

Check out my newest video taken from a live seminar:
Takagi-Yoshin Ryu Shoden no Maki Kata

Here's the link: www.warrior-concepts-online.com/takagi-yoshin-ryu-dvd.html