Podcasts & Webinars
Just a quick note to let everyone know that I'm in the process of upgrading the ways that my students, clients, and friends can get information from me about self-protection and personal development training.
In addition to the free newsletters that you can subscribe to at:
http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/newsletter.html
I am teaming up with two of my Black Belt students to produce a podcast radio show (called "Kuden") and a series of online seminars, also known as "webinars" on self-defense and Ninjutsu, the Japanese martial art of the Ninja. Future plans also include adding programs for my personal development, Mikkyo, and Corporate Workplace Violence clients.
Right now, the planned schedule will be:
Newsletters - 2 to 3x week
Podcasts - 1 per week
Webinars - at least 1 major one per month (with the possibility of a few smaller freebies)
The newsletter is of-course FREE.
And, when you subscribe, or go to the website at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com you can sign-up for free online training courses that are delivered via email.
I'll have a page up soon about the podcasts (also "free"), including a very professional "opener" that you can download and listen to, to get an idea about the quality and "feel" of the shows.
Thanks again for your trust and support.
Peace & Happiness,
Shidoshi Jeffrey M. Miller
Monday, July 21, 2008
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
"3 Lessons of the Ninja's Kamae", and more...
by Shidoshi Jeffrey M. Miller
In the Ninja's art of unarmed combat known as ninpo-taijutsu, or budo-taijutsu, there is the core lesson of kamae - the use of effective body positioning. While other martial arts might refer to this strategic positioning of the body as dachi or "stances," the Ninja sees his or her kamae as an outward manifestation of the inner workings of his or her heart, rather than a fixed position dictated by one's style.
Progress through any educational endeavor is often seen as merely learning the lessons that the teacher gives us. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Rarely does a student question the relevance of any given skill or its relationship to other skills and lessons being taught at the same time. And this is no different in the martial art world.
This is especially true when it comes to the skills commonly referred to as "the basics."
In fact, it's these "basics" that often go overlooked by students and teachers alike as being anything more than merely base elements of a particular style. In fact, they're often seen as nothing more than...
...the stuff to learn so we can move onto "the cool stuff."
I know that I, myself, used to believe that. That is, until I went from conventional, sport-oriented, martial arts, to the art of ninjutsu.
Of course, in the beginning of my training, kamae were just that...kamae. I really didn't see them as any different from the "stances" of my earlier training in karate, tae-kwon-do, and other arts. Even though my teacher spoke of "taking up" the kamae and repeating the "idea" of kamae as meaning "mind-body-spirit attitudes" - being the physical manifestations by our bodies of how we felt and what we thought we could do in any given moment.
It wasn't until I had years of training under my belt, so-to-speak, and found myself hitting a wall in my progress and growth that I finally decided to take another look at the obvious - at these things called kamae.
I began by looking at all of the positions that I had been taught. Each had a name and came from a particular lineage, or school of combat that had been passed down to my teacher.
I pulled out my notes and reread passages in books by my teacher and others who had written about the Ninja's art of ninjutsu, or ninpo, as it's known in its higher, life-centered, order.
But, it wasn't until I took a step back from my role as a student trying to get rank - trying to learn the next kata or "fight-example" - that everything started to become clear. It wasn't until I switched my brain from "learning" to "experience" mode that things started to make sense.
************************************************
You can't beat experience when it comes to something as vitally important as self-protection. In my book "The Karate-Myth" and the bonus materials that come with it, I share over 30 years of study, research, and practical experience garnered from my experience as a police officer, undercover investigator, and body guard. Get more info about the Karate-Myth here
************************************************
When I looked at my experience as a police officer and body guard and the lessons that I had picked up in "the school of hard-knocks" I suddenly realized that, regardless of form...
...regardless of whether a kamae came from the Gyokko-ryu, Kukishinden-ryu, or Koto school, they all were teaching the same lessons.
And then something else hit me.
Even the basics, the things we think of as obvious lessons, are themselves teaching us lessons.
I realized that buried within each lesson - within each skill - whether it be rolling, walking, cutting, shooting, or kamae...
...were lessons that were universal in nature and yet invisible unless you either knew what to look for or had a teacher with real-life experience who could help you to see them for what they are.
It was then that I realized that each and every kamae was teaching the same lessons. Some of these lessons were at deeper levels and required more understanding, but there were three that stood out for the beginner.
These three basic lessons of kamae are:
Stability/Balance - the ability to properly position and align the parts of your body for maximum effectiveness and minimum effort, and...
Attitude - the ability to communicate your intention to your opponent with your body
Once I uncovered these three jewels, everything changed in my training. I was no longer trapped by the ignorant eyes of the beginner who, years before saw what he thought his teacher was doing. I was then able to correct my kamae and take up positions that had strength, power, and the ability to control an attacker's perceptions, decisions, and actions, without even touching him.
Are you trying to learn as much as you can about the lineages that make up the Bujinkan Dojo?
Learn to fight smarter - not harder!
Check out the Takagi-Yoshin Ryu Shoden no Maki DVD
Well, here it is... June. A full 9 months since my accident and I'm think I'm finally getting over the hump of things. I've been referred to anesthesiologists for what is known as "pain therapy." What that means is... they've decided to focus on the neuro-muscular issues that I've been telling them about. These doctors have put me on a stronger regimen of muscle relaxers, steroids, and neuro-adjusters (whatever they are). They gave me two weeks to improve before they consider a shot directly into the damaged area of my back, which they say they have to do under X-ray.
At this point, I don't think the shot will be necessary. The current medications seem to be working (except for the almost constant daze and fog I'm under with them). I've been slowly increasing my time on the floor with students, and adding to the skill sets to see what I still can and cannot do without causing more injury to myself.
I want to thank everyone who has been there for me and those of you who have been checking in on a regular basis. I also want to apologize to those of you who have called to leave messages or have sent emails that I just didn't get back to. It has been a rough road, but improvement, as always, is ongoing.
There have been many projects either on hold or moving alng very slowly due to my accident. We were working on the first of dozens of new books, special reports, videos, and training programs back in September of 2007.
As my health has been improving, I've been able to refocus on a few of the projects nearest to completion.
Here's a list of a few of the new books and videos that I'll be releasing in the next few weeks:
Surviving Under Fire!" 3-DVD Set
This training course on DVD is a compilation of 3 seminars that I taught covering the "4 Pillars of Handgun Defense." Each DVD covers a specific aspect or pillar.
Disc 1 covers the introduction to the subject of self-defense using the handgun. Topics also include: Neutralizing recoil, aiming, instinctive shooting, combat distance, drawing, and more.
Disc 2 covers the principles, concepts, and strategies of effectively disarming an assailant with a handgun.
Disc 3 covers the mirror opposite of Disc 2 - retention. This DVD teaches the lessons necessary for holding onto your weapon when an assailant is trying to forcefully take it from you.
Ninja Hiden Juroppo-ken
This book will focus on the "16 Secret Fists of the Ninja." Each fist or body weapon is not only described and shown but you'll also learn the correct way to make the fist, the best targets for each fist, and the lineages and alternate names for each.
The Absolutely Unbreakable Laws of Self-Defense
This book focuses on what matters most - principles and ideas that work. These are the rules to live (or not) by. Instead of focusing on techniques and strategies, this book outlines the reason behind every good technique.
In preparation for the release of these new training resources, I've decided to bundle many of my current books and special reports with the popular Danger Prevention Tactics DVD, into a Complete Self-Defense Package. You can still purchase the items separately but I've made it easy to have the whole set for over 50% off the regular price.
And, if you order before the price goes back up, I'll even throw in a Kubotan self-defense keychain, 2 special reports, and the shipping for the keychain and DVD for fr*ee.
For more information or to order the Self-Defense Bundle, use this link: Self-Defense Package
Until next time,
Shidoshi Miller
In the Ninja's art of unarmed combat known as ninpo-taijutsu, or budo-taijutsu, there is the core lesson of kamae - the use of effective body positioning. While other martial arts might refer to this strategic positioning of the body as dachi or "stances," the Ninja sees his or her kamae as an outward manifestation of the inner workings of his or her heart, rather than a fixed position dictated by one's style.
Progress through any educational endeavor is often seen as merely learning the lessons that the teacher gives us. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Rarely does a student question the relevance of any given skill or its relationship to other skills and lessons being taught at the same time. And this is no different in the martial art world.
This is especially true when it comes to the skills commonly referred to as "the basics."
In fact, it's these "basics" that often go overlooked by students and teachers alike as being anything more than merely base elements of a particular style. In fact, they're often seen as nothing more than...
...the stuff to learn so we can move onto "the cool stuff."
I know that I, myself, used to believe that. That is, until I went from conventional, sport-oriented, martial arts, to the art of ninjutsu.
Of course, in the beginning of my training, kamae were just that...kamae. I really didn't see them as any different from the "stances" of my earlier training in karate, tae-kwon-do, and other arts. Even though my teacher spoke of "taking up" the kamae and repeating the "idea" of kamae as meaning "mind-body-spirit attitudes" - being the physical manifestations by our bodies of how we felt and what we thought we could do in any given moment.
It wasn't until I had years of training under my belt, so-to-speak, and found myself hitting a wall in my progress and growth that I finally decided to take another look at the obvious - at these things called kamae.
I began by looking at all of the positions that I had been taught. Each had a name and came from a particular lineage, or school of combat that had been passed down to my teacher.
I pulled out my notes and reread passages in books by my teacher and others who had written about the Ninja's art of ninjutsu, or ninpo, as it's known in its higher, life-centered, order.
But, it wasn't until I took a step back from my role as a student trying to get rank - trying to learn the next kata or "fight-example" - that everything started to become clear. It wasn't until I switched my brain from "learning" to "experience" mode that things started to make sense.
************************************************
You can't beat experience when it comes to something as vitally important as self-protection. In my book "The Karate-Myth" and the bonus materials that come with it, I share over 30 years of study, research, and practical experience garnered from my experience as a police officer, undercover investigator, and body guard. Get more info about the Karate-Myth here
************************************************
When I looked at my experience as a police officer and body guard and the lessons that I had picked up in "the school of hard-knocks" I suddenly realized that, regardless of form...
...regardless of whether a kamae came from the Gyokko-ryu, Kukishinden-ryu, or Koto school, they all were teaching the same lessons.
And then something else hit me.
Even the basics, the things we think of as obvious lessons, are themselves teaching us lessons.
I realized that buried within each lesson - within each skill - whether it be rolling, walking, cutting, shooting, or kamae...
...were lessons that were universal in nature and yet invisible unless you either knew what to look for or had a teacher with real-life experience who could help you to see them for what they are.
It was then that I realized that each and every kamae was teaching the same lessons. Some of these lessons were at deeper levels and required more understanding, but there were three that stood out for the beginner.
These three basic lessons of kamae are:
- Cover -
Once I uncovered these three jewels, everything changed in my training. I was no longer trapped by the ignorant eyes of the beginner who, years before saw what he thought his teacher was doing. I was then able to correct my kamae and take up positions that had strength, power, and the ability to control an attacker's perceptions, decisions, and actions, without even touching him.
Are you trying to learn as much as you can about the lineages that make up the Bujinkan Dojo?
Learn to fight smarter - not harder!
Check out the Takagi-Yoshin Ryu Shoden no Maki DVD
It was shot live during one of my training seminars and includes the techniques, strategies, and foundational lessons of the Takagi-Yoshin school, one of the 9 lineages contained within the Bujinkan Dojo.
A note of warning though, if you're looking for motion picture quality sound and video, you'll be disappointed. But, if you;re like most and are looking for the information, then this DVD will provide you with enough to keep you busy for months! It breaks through the myth that the jutaijutsu is a grappling art, and sheds light on the skills you'll need to bring this centuries old art to life in the 21st century!
Accident Update
Well, here it is... June. A full 9 months since my accident and I'm think I'm finally getting over the hump of things. I've been referred to anesthesiologists for what is known as "pain therapy." What that means is... they've decided to focus on the neuro-muscular issues that I've been telling them about. These doctors have put me on a stronger regimen of muscle relaxers, steroids, and neuro-adjusters (whatever they are). They gave me two weeks to improve before they consider a shot directly into the damaged area of my back, which they say they have to do under X-ray.
At this point, I don't think the shot will be necessary. The current medications seem to be working (except for the almost constant daze and fog I'm under with them). I've been slowly increasing my time on the floor with students, and adding to the skill sets to see what I still can and cannot do without causing more injury to myself.
I want to thank everyone who has been there for me and those of you who have been checking in on a regular basis. I also want to apologize to those of you who have called to leave messages or have sent emails that I just didn't get back to. It has been a rough road, but improvement, as always, is ongoing.
New Books and Videos Coming Soon!
There have been many projects either on hold or moving alng very slowly due to my accident. We were working on the first of dozens of new books, special reports, videos, and training programs back in September of 2007.
As my health has been improving, I've been able to refocus on a few of the projects nearest to completion.
Here's a list of a few of the new books and videos that I'll be releasing in the next few weeks:
Surviving Under Fire!" 3-DVD Set
This training course on DVD is a compilation of 3 seminars that I taught covering the "4 Pillars of Handgun Defense." Each DVD covers a specific aspect or pillar.
Disc 1 covers the introduction to the subject of self-defense using the handgun. Topics also include: Neutralizing recoil, aiming, instinctive shooting, combat distance, drawing, and more.
Disc 2 covers the principles, concepts, and strategies of effectively disarming an assailant with a handgun.
Disc 3 covers the mirror opposite of Disc 2 - retention. This DVD teaches the lessons necessary for holding onto your weapon when an assailant is trying to forcefully take it from you.
Ninja Hiden Juroppo-ken
This book will focus on the "16 Secret Fists of the Ninja." Each fist or body weapon is not only described and shown but you'll also learn the correct way to make the fist, the best targets for each fist, and the lineages and alternate names for each.
The Absolutely Unbreakable Laws of Self-Defense
This book focuses on what matters most - principles and ideas that work. These are the rules to live (or not) by. Instead of focusing on techniques and strategies, this book outlines the reason behind every good technique.
In preparation for the release of these new training resources, I've decided to bundle many of my current books and special reports with the popular Danger Prevention Tactics DVD, into a Complete Self-Defense Package. You can still purchase the items separately but I've made it easy to have the whole set for over 50% off the regular price.
And, if you order before the price goes back up, I'll even throw in a Kubotan self-defense keychain, 2 special reports, and the shipping for the keychain and DVD for fr*ee.
For more information or to order the Self-Defense Bundle, use this link: Self-Defense Package
Until next time,
Shidoshi Miller
Monday, December 10, 2007
A Case for Ninjutsu Over Simply Practicing Budo-Taijutsu
This post should probably be called: "What's a master Ninja martial artist do after surviving a near head-on car crash?" Before I answer that question though, let me tell you what prompted the idea behind what I'm about to say.
Since 1997, a little over a decade now, the average martial arts practitioner within the Bujinkan Dojo has been lead to believe that what they are studying is limited to the armed and unarmed martial art skills that everyone sees when training in Japan. In fact, most students have been convinced that the last remaining Ninja in the world, Soke Masaaki Hatsumi, doesn't even teach Ninjutsu, also known as Ninpo in its higher form.
This, to me is amazing. It's amazing because this is the same teacher that I, and several senior practitioners have been studying with and under...
...since 1980/81...
...when the art was first introduced to the Western-world!
But, I digress. Before I discuss what people believe and don't believe they're studying and practicing...
...I should probably talk about the two things I've been discussing already. Yes?
Ninjutsu and the Art of the Ninja
In the world of martial arts and self-defense training, where arts are generally broken down based on their primary fight techniques - where...
The Japanese art of the Ninja, known as Ninjutsu, pronounced "neen-joo-tsoo," has all of these aspects and more. Where modern martial arts can be seen to have become specialized in their focus and application, the art of the Ninja is still rife with all of the options and contents used by ancient warriors who were battling for life and survival, not belts or trophies.
Ninjutsu is what you might call a composite martial art. It is, as pointed out by the grandmaster of the art, "true budo" or true martial ways. Instead of merely focusing on unarmed skills with a hint of weapons training thrown in, the art of Ninjutsu contains a whole slew of sub-arts that make it up. I like to tell my students that...
"...it's like Ragu spagetti sauce. Name a skill, weapon, or strategy, and if it's a viable, usable application for dealing with a real-world assailant...
...it's in there!"
While it IS true that ninjutsu is typically the methods for information-gathering, historically, the ninja combatant was required to know, not only the 18 fundamental skills that all warriors of the time were trained in, he or she was also schooled in another set of 18 skills that were reserved for advanced ninpo practitioners to insure that the operative was truly prepared for just about anything.
Do a little research and you'll find that most arts being taught today focus on umarmed and armed fighting skills. Ninjutsu, on the other hand, also teaches the use and understanding of such arcane methods as...
It All Begins with Ninpo/Budo-Taijutsu
Laying at the foundation of the advanced levels of power and ability attributed to a Ninja - a Master Warrior - is the art of Taijutsu, or simply...
..."The Ninja's Body Art."
This is the realm of physical training that most practitioners of the art are familiar with and ficus their attention. However, within the grand scheme of things...
...taijutsu is merely a sub-art making up the whole.
And...
...while it is a significant part of the whole, and an essential piece to accessing many of the higher levels of training...
...it is NOT everything.
How do I know this? How can I say such a thing when doing so borders on heresy in the world of the Bujinkan?
Simple. I have real experience dealing with real problems in a very real world.
Experience Changes Everything
As long as anything can remain in a theoretical realm for a person, he or she is free to play what I call "mental gymnastics" with that thing. In the context of martial arts, you can do things like:
Get the picture?
Now, back to our regularly scheduled program.
Why am I going on about this?
Why another comparison between Ninjutsu and Budo-Taijutsu?
Well, you see...
...I'm in the process of recovering from injuries sustained in a near head-on collision with another driver that, through lack of awareness, turned his car into the path of my own at the end of September.
"So? What's that got to do with martial arts training?" I can hear you asking.
And my answer is...
...it depends on how you see your martial arts training.
But, let me give you a hint:
How much good do you think my kamae (postures/stances), strikes, kicks, joint locks, or throws were when the accident was occurring?
Right...
...they were worthless!
In fact, at this very moment, I am physically incapable of doing most of what took me years to perfect.
Now, before you get too sympathetic, all is not lost.
Why?
Because I don't just study Budo Taijutsu. I personally have been studying the full gamut of skills and lessons within the art of Ninjutsu since the beginning. And while my taijutsu training has had to take a back row seat due to severe back trauma and what the doctors are calling Post Concussive Syndrome - a result of my being knocked unconscious - I am able to shift my focus to things like meditation, honing my weather-reading, disguise and impersonation, and interpersonal communication skills.
And never leave the realm of Ninjutsu at all!
Because, in this "attack," my assailant was not throwing punches, kicks, or a knife-edge at me. He wasn't even trying to hurt me.
No. What I was, and continue to have to survive and get through, is an attack from a human being who was throwing ignorance, inattentiveness, and a two-thousand pound car at me!
As I always tell my students, the goal of a Ninja student is to...
Become a NO-LIMITS Person.
And that, my friend, requires training and exploration in more than just physical fighting skills.
The question is...
...are you training to be able to handle a fight, or are you training to be able to survive anything the world might throw at you?
I know my answer. How about you?
If your focus IS on self-defense, check out my book called "The Karate-Myth." In it I point out why most martial arts and self-defense programs are wrong and how you can be truly safe in today's world. Click here to get your copy today.
Until Next Time...
Peace & Happiness,
Shidoshi Jeffrey M. Miller
www.warrior-concepts-online.com
www.wcinternational.com
Since 1997, a little over a decade now, the average martial arts practitioner within the Bujinkan Dojo has been lead to believe that what they are studying is limited to the armed and unarmed martial art skills that everyone sees when training in Japan. In fact, most students have been convinced that the last remaining Ninja in the world, Soke Masaaki Hatsumi, doesn't even teach Ninjutsu, also known as Ninpo in its higher form.
This, to me is amazing. It's amazing because this is the same teacher that I, and several senior practitioners have been studying with and under...
...since 1980/81...
...when the art was first introduced to the Western-world!
But, I digress. Before I discuss what people believe and don't believe they're studying and practicing...
...I should probably talk about the two things I've been discussing already. Yes?
Ninjutsu and the Art of the Ninja
In the world of martial arts and self-defense training, where arts are generally broken down based on their primary fight techniques - where...
- Karate is known for punching and kicking
- Judo is known for its throwing
- Aikido is general seen as a locking, throwing, restraining art, and...
- Tae Kwon Do is known for it's high, flashy kicks and aerial maneuvers...
The Japanese art of the Ninja, known as Ninjutsu, pronounced "neen-joo-tsoo," has all of these aspects and more. Where modern martial arts can be seen to have become specialized in their focus and application, the art of the Ninja is still rife with all of the options and contents used by ancient warriors who were battling for life and survival, not belts or trophies.
Ninjutsu is what you might call a composite martial art. It is, as pointed out by the grandmaster of the art, "true budo" or true martial ways. Instead of merely focusing on unarmed skills with a hint of weapons training thrown in, the art of Ninjutsu contains a whole slew of sub-arts that make it up. I like to tell my students that...
"...it's like Ragu spagetti sauce. Name a skill, weapon, or strategy, and if it's a viable, usable application for dealing with a real-world assailant...
...it's in there!"
While it IS true that ninjutsu is typically the methods for information-gathering, historically, the ninja combatant was required to know, not only the 18 fundamental skills that all warriors of the time were trained in, he or she was also schooled in another set of 18 skills that were reserved for advanced ninpo practitioners to insure that the operative was truly prepared for just about anything.
Do a little research and you'll find that most arts being taught today focus on umarmed and armed fighting skills. Ninjutsu, on the other hand, also teaches the use and understanding of such arcane methods as...
- Goton-Po "Escape and Evasion, Wilderness Survival, and Use of Nature"
- Hensojutsu "Disguise and Impersonation"
- Teppojutsu "Firearms"
- Seishin Teki Kyoyo "Spiritual Refinement and Personal Development"
- Omyo Do "Balance and the Forces of Nature"
- Kuji '9 Syllable Seals' (Tapping into the Secret Powers inherent within the human being's body, mind, and spirit)
- And so much MORE!
It All Begins with Ninpo/Budo-Taijutsu
Laying at the foundation of the advanced levels of power and ability attributed to a Ninja - a Master Warrior - is the art of Taijutsu, or simply...
..."The Ninja's Body Art."
This is the realm of physical training that most practitioners of the art are familiar with and ficus their attention. However, within the grand scheme of things...
...taijutsu is merely a sub-art making up the whole.
And...
...while it is a significant part of the whole, and an essential piece to accessing many of the higher levels of training...
...it is NOT everything.
How do I know this? How can I say such a thing when doing so borders on heresy in the world of the Bujinkan?
Simple. I have real experience dealing with real problems in a very real world.
Experience Changes Everything
As long as anything can remain in a theoretical realm for a person, he or she is free to play what I call "mental gymnastics" with that thing. In the context of martial arts, you can do things like:
- Imagine yourself a modern-day Samurai (without really knowing what that is or was)
- Create impressive techniques (that work well in the sterile confines of the dojo but will fail miserably in a real-world encounter with a murderous attacker)
- Choose favorite techniques or skills (without the understanding that a real assailant will have his or her own agenda and force you into areas that your not familiar with)
Get the picture?
Now, back to our regularly scheduled program.
Why am I going on about this?
Why another comparison between Ninjutsu and Budo-Taijutsu?
Well, you see...
...I'm in the process of recovering from injuries sustained in a near head-on collision with another driver that, through lack of awareness, turned his car into the path of my own at the end of September.
"So? What's that got to do with martial arts training?" I can hear you asking.
And my answer is...
...it depends on how you see your martial arts training.
But, let me give you a hint:
How much good do you think my kamae (postures/stances), strikes, kicks, joint locks, or throws were when the accident was occurring?
Right...
...they were worthless!
In fact, at this very moment, I am physically incapable of doing most of what took me years to perfect.
Now, before you get too sympathetic, all is not lost.
Why?
Because I don't just study Budo Taijutsu. I personally have been studying the full gamut of skills and lessons within the art of Ninjutsu since the beginning. And while my taijutsu training has had to take a back row seat due to severe back trauma and what the doctors are calling Post Concussive Syndrome - a result of my being knocked unconscious - I am able to shift my focus to things like meditation, honing my weather-reading, disguise and impersonation, and interpersonal communication skills.
And never leave the realm of Ninjutsu at all!
Because, in this "attack," my assailant was not throwing punches, kicks, or a knife-edge at me. He wasn't even trying to hurt me.
No. What I was, and continue to have to survive and get through, is an attack from a human being who was throwing ignorance, inattentiveness, and a two-thousand pound car at me!
As I always tell my students, the goal of a Ninja student is to...
Become a NO-LIMITS Person.
And that, my friend, requires training and exploration in more than just physical fighting skills.
The question is...
...are you training to be able to handle a fight, or are you training to be able to survive anything the world might throw at you?
I know my answer. How about you?
If your focus IS on self-defense, check out my book called "The Karate-Myth." In it I point out why most martial arts and self-defense programs are wrong and how you can be truly safe in today's world. Click here to get your copy today.
Until Next Time...
Peace & Happiness,
Shidoshi Jeffrey M. Miller
www.warrior-concepts-online.com
www.wcinternational.com
Saturday, June 30, 2007
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
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.
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.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Stupid Things Parents Do
This is just a short message to let you know about a very important subject that I get a lot of email and questions about. And that subject is...
Child Safety
Now, you might not be a parent yourself, but I bet you know several who could still use what I'm about to share with you. If I'm wrong, just delete this message and get back to what you were doing.
Still with me?
Excellent!
What I wanted to share with you is that, over the past 20 years or so, both as a self-defense teacher and as a police officer, I've had the opportunity, much to my regret, to observe some of the things that are putting our kids in harm's way.
Unfortunately, what I've found is that, very often, it is lessons learned from a child's parents that do the most damage. As strange as that sounds, and as much as I wish it wasn't...
...it IS true!
And, before you dismiss this because "you've got it all handled," you might want to make sure that you're not one of those I'm talking about!
In fact, I've identified no less than 10 areas that parents have complete control of in their child's life where they can either turn their child into a victim, or a survivor should some twisted individual decide to attack.
I've written a book, well, more like a special report, called "10 Really Stupid Things Parents Do To Place Their Child In Danger Without Even Knowing It!"...
...where I pull out all the stops and discuss these areas unlike I've ever done before. I've also written the book in a very unique way. In fact, if this report doesn't offend, shock, or at least turn a few heads, and wake up more than a few people who read it...
...I've done something seriously wrong in the process!
You can read more about the book and some of the really stupid things that parents can and actually do that increases their child's chances of becoming a victim right here:
http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/children-safety-parent-10stupidthings-report.html
If you're a parent who's serious about making sure that your child is as safe as possible in Today's often unsafe world, you need to read this book. Make sure you're not doing some of the things that could actually be endangering your child.
Again, here's the link to read more:
http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/children-safety-parent-10stupidthings-report.html
Oh, and after your read it, forward this post to all your friends who have kids. They'll thank you for it!
Don't forget to check the web site often. There's plenty of information, free articles, and of course you can subscribe to the free newsletter.
While you're there, check out the new Article Resource Center for articles on such topics as:
- Self-Defense
- Women's Self-Defense
- Child-Safety, and of course...
- The Martial Art of NINJUTSU!
Until Next Time!
Shidoshi Miller
www.warrior-concepts-online.com
Saturday, June 16, 2007
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"
- Stop, Drop, & Run! "The Best Targets to Attack for Escaping a Self-Defense Situation Quickly!"
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
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Summer Self-Defense Warning
It seems only common sense to make sure that awareness is at the very foundation of our self-protection studies. And, while this is a given for most people, I've found that the majority tends to focus on watching for actual dangers.
What I mean is...
...everyone is watching for the obvious, when it comes to being on the alert for potential danger.
The truth is that, the farther away we can be aware for the possibility of danger, the more prepared we can be to escape from it, or even avoid it altogether.
But, instead of merely watching out for the aggrevated individual who has already blown his or her cool, why not increase - or deepen - our level of awareness to the conditions that might cause a person to become aggitated to the point of physical violence.
While it's true that there are countless variables, situations, and conditions that might trigger violent behavior, I thought I'd discuss just one of these today. It seems only fitting that I choose one that you can practice focusing your awareness on right now because of its presence. And that factor is heat.
All Is Not Fun in the Hot Summer Sun
It's common knowledge, and therefor important to remember, that the heat of Summer can put people on edge. And the higher the mercury, the shorter fuses can become. We could say that heat, even in human beings, has the very real potential for triggering and explosive response - even from the coolest things.
Being aware of this fact can help you to do two things:
1) Keep yourself cool and collected to avoid exploding for no reason other than physical discomfort, and...
2) Focus your awareness on those individuals who seem to be the most uncomfortable due to the temperature.
The warning signs are pretty easy to spot and include irritability; quick, short, abrasive answers to simple questions, complaining, and more.
If you think you might be in the presence of someone becoming agitated by the heat, there are several things you can do right away to increase your safety or control the situation:
- Suggest that the conversation or interaction move indoors, or at least under cover with shade
- Change your vocal tone and ask the individual if they're feeling alright. Merely asking can often make the other person more self-aware and therefor more likely to take steps to alleviate his or her discomfort
- Increase your distance physically so as to not be in the "blast area" should they explode and become violent
Please remember that I'm only suggesting that the heat of Summer can increase the likelihood of physical aggression. Most people are calm, rational, and in control of themselves. However...
...stimuli like excessive heat can trigger an abnormal tendancy toward violence in even the most benevolent individual. Whether it's through the heat itself, or some secondary condition resulting from it (like dehydration), this time of year can bring with it the impitus for danger and from directions that we would never expect.
Take care and be safe.
Until next time.
Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder & Director
Warrior Concepts International
Self-Protection & Personal Development
Check out my latest book "The Karate-Myth" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-karatemyth.html
and the re-release of the most important safety video you could ever own, "Danger Prevention Tactics" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-video-dpt1.html
"Master Your Self - Master Your Life!"
Monday, May 21, 2007
Life Can Be, Well... Life.
As many of you know, I haven't posted here in quiet some time. It seems that, in an attempt to grow and provide more to those who look to me for everything from lessons to piggyback rides, I lost track of several key pieces of the puzzle I've created to get this information out to the world.
But...
...I'm back.
To be brutally honest, I think the thing that motivated me to get back in the saddle (so-to-speak) was an incident I witnessed just a few hours ago. Maybe it was the fact that I was doing my Monday, daddy-daughter thing, that did it.
Before I tell you the story, let me just say that, I take my role as dad and parent VERY seriously. My kids mean the world to me and I would do anything to make sure that they're safe. That's why...
Sound too strict? Maybe.
But after watching a little girl, no older than three or four, run around a restaurant, completely out-of-sight of her parents for nearly an hour, I guess it finally got to me. Maybe it was watching mom and dad miander toward the door with the look of, "Oh, she's around here somewhere," that told me what I've come to know and believe...
... some parents do some very stupid things that put their children in danger without even knowing it!
As for these particular parents, there was no thought of the fact that their cute, blonde, little angel could have been miles away in the back seat of a stranger's car, taking her God knows where, by the time they realized she wasn't "around here somewhere. If only you could have seen the "not-a-clue" look in their eyes as they past me - me thinking, "It's a good thing that I've been watching her."
It's this kind of thing that caused me to write a special report called, "10 Really Stupid Things Parents Do To Place Their Children In Danger Without Even Knowing It!"
You can read more about it here.
And don't forget that you can get more information about:
Child-Safety
Real-World Self-Defense Training, and...
Books, Videos, and Training Supplies
At Warrior Concepts Online
To the Successful Achievement of Dreams!
Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder & Director
Warrior Concepts International
Self-Protection & Personal Development
Check out my latest book "The Karate-Myth" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-karatemyth.html
and the re-release of the most important safety video you could ever own, "Danger Prevention Tactics" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-video-dpt1.html
"Master Your Self - Master Your Life!"
But...
...I'm back.
To be brutally honest, I think the thing that motivated me to get back in the saddle (so-to-speak) was an incident I witnessed just a few hours ago. Maybe it was the fact that I was doing my Monday, daddy-daughter thing, that did it.
Before I tell you the story, let me just say that, I take my role as dad and parent VERY seriously. My kids mean the world to me and I would do anything to make sure that they're safe. That's why...
- My kids take martial arts
- My kids have been taught to stay with me or someone that I trust for their safety, and...
- My kids are not allowed to pretend to think that they're in-charge and make the decisions for themselves that are my responsibility to make.
Sound too strict? Maybe.
But after watching a little girl, no older than three or four, run around a restaurant, completely out-of-sight of her parents for nearly an hour, I guess it finally got to me. Maybe it was watching mom and dad miander toward the door with the look of, "Oh, she's around here somewhere," that told me what I've come to know and believe...
... some parents do some very stupid things that put their children in danger without even knowing it!
As for these particular parents, there was no thought of the fact that their cute, blonde, little angel could have been miles away in the back seat of a stranger's car, taking her God knows where, by the time they realized she wasn't "around here somewhere. If only you could have seen the "not-a-clue" look in their eyes as they past me - me thinking, "It's a good thing that I've been watching her."
It's this kind of thing that caused me to write a special report called, "10 Really Stupid Things Parents Do To Place Their Children In Danger Without Even Knowing It!"
You can read more about it here.
And don't forget that you can get more information about:
Child-Safety
Real-World Self-Defense Training, and...
Books, Videos, and Training Supplies
At Warrior Concepts Online
To the Successful Achievement of Dreams!
Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder & Director
Warrior Concepts International
Self-Protection & Personal Development
Check out my latest book "The Karate-Myth" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-karatemyth.html
and the re-release of the most important safety video you could ever own, "Danger Prevention Tactics" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-video-dpt1.html
"Master Your Self - Master Your Life!"
Thursday, August 24, 2006
5 Tips for Increasing Your Level of Safety and Self-Defense in These Uncertain Times
Everywhere it seems, people share their concerns about "what the world has come to." With battles raging both across the sea in far-off lands and here on our own streets, it seems that more and more people are looking to the government to make them more safe and secure.
This, however, is the wrong place to be looking. As harsh as it sounds, when it comes to self-defense and so-called "homeland security," the responsibility for personal security and safety rests with the individual - not with the government.
While we, as citizens, can do little more than show our support for the thousands of troops fighting our country's many battles around the world, each of us can take a more proactive role in dealing with the hostilities and assaults that are going on all around us right here at home. Here's a list of 5 tips for anyone who wants to make themselves more safe and secure, regardless of whether they're traveling or staying at home. This list is part of the "10 Tips for Increasing Your Safety and Security," available at www.warrior-concepts-online.com.
Tips for Increasing Your Ability to Survive Danger
1. Acknowledge that danger exists in your world and has the potential of touching you or someone that you care about. Ignorance, when it comes to avoiding and escaping from danger, is not bliss.
2. Stay informed about the types of dangers, including criminal activity, prevalent in areas where you find yourself. Knowing what you're most likely to face is the first step to being able to handle it should it happen.
3. Establish multiple routes to and from the place you frequent most. As a minimum, everyone should have at least two routes to and from home and work. This makes it more difficult for you to be pinned down by someone who knows your routine.
4. Acknowledge that it's your responsibility, not that of the police, to keep yourself safe. As a former police officer I know that the police cannot keep you safe from anyone who truly wants to harm you. Realize that you, and you alone, will be the first one "on the scene" of the assault or other danger and responsible for dealing with the attack.
5. Learn a few tactics for effectively avoiding or escaping from danger that do not require physically fighting with your assailant. There are some very good books and videos available, like "Danger Prevention Tactics: Protecting Yourself Like a Pro," that can provide professional advice you can use to keep yourself more safe and secure.
Get the remainder of the "10 Tips for Increasing Your Level of Safety and Self-Defense" by going to www.warrior-concepts-online.com/10tips.html
In Today's often violent world, self-defense is no longer a choice - it's a responsibility. Accepting the reality that, with the addition of terrorism to the ever-present threat of gang activity, drug wars, and the myriad of other crimes of violence, it's each person's responsibility to be personally capable of defending themselves should that need arise.
For those interested in more information, the video "Danger Prevention Tactics: Protecting Yourself Like a Pro," is available through it's producer, Warrior Concepts International. The video is available through the company's website at: www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-video-dpt1.html
Don't forget that you can get information about, not only ninjutsu and the art of the ninja, but...
Child-Safety
Real-World Self-Defense Training, and...
Books, Videos, and Training Supplies
At Warrior Concepts Online
To the Successful Achievement of Dreams!
Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder & Director
Warrior Concepts International
Self-Protection & Personal Development
Check out my latest book "The Karate-Myth" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-karatemyth.html
and the re-release of the most important safety video you could ever own, "Danger Prevention Tactics" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-video-dpt1.html
"Master Your Self - Master Your Life!"
This, however, is the wrong place to be looking. As harsh as it sounds, when it comes to self-defense and so-called "homeland security," the responsibility for personal security and safety rests with the individual - not with the government.
While we, as citizens, can do little more than show our support for the thousands of troops fighting our country's many battles around the world, each of us can take a more proactive role in dealing with the hostilities and assaults that are going on all around us right here at home. Here's a list of 5 tips for anyone who wants to make themselves more safe and secure, regardless of whether they're traveling or staying at home. This list is part of the "10 Tips for Increasing Your Safety and Security," available at www.warrior-concepts-online.com.
Tips for Increasing Your Ability to Survive Danger
1. Acknowledge that danger exists in your world and has the potential of touching you or someone that you care about. Ignorance, when it comes to avoiding and escaping from danger, is not bliss.
2. Stay informed about the types of dangers, including criminal activity, prevalent in areas where you find yourself. Knowing what you're most likely to face is the first step to being able to handle it should it happen.
3. Establish multiple routes to and from the place you frequent most. As a minimum, everyone should have at least two routes to and from home and work. This makes it more difficult for you to be pinned down by someone who knows your routine.
4. Acknowledge that it's your responsibility, not that of the police, to keep yourself safe. As a former police officer I know that the police cannot keep you safe from anyone who truly wants to harm you. Realize that you, and you alone, will be the first one "on the scene" of the assault or other danger and responsible for dealing with the attack.
5. Learn a few tactics for effectively avoiding or escaping from danger that do not require physically fighting with your assailant. There are some very good books and videos available, like "Danger Prevention Tactics: Protecting Yourself Like a Pro," that can provide professional advice you can use to keep yourself more safe and secure.
Get the remainder of the "10 Tips for Increasing Your Level of Safety and Self-Defense" by going to www.warrior-concepts-online.com/10tips.html
In Today's often violent world, self-defense is no longer a choice - it's a responsibility. Accepting the reality that, with the addition of terrorism to the ever-present threat of gang activity, drug wars, and the myriad of other crimes of violence, it's each person's responsibility to be personally capable of defending themselves should that need arise.
For those interested in more information, the video "Danger Prevention Tactics: Protecting Yourself Like a Pro," is available through it's producer, Warrior Concepts International. The video is available through the company's website at: www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-video-dpt1.html
Don't forget that you can get information about, not only ninjutsu and the art of the ninja, but...
Child-Safety
Real-World Self-Defense Training, and...
Books, Videos, and Training Supplies
At Warrior Concepts Online
To the Successful Achievement of Dreams!
Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder & Director
Warrior Concepts International
Self-Protection & Personal Development
Check out my latest book "The Karate-Myth" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-karatemyth.html
and the re-release of the most important safety video you could ever own, "Danger Prevention Tactics" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-video-dpt1.html
"Master Your Self - Master Your Life!"
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
What Skill Was the Ninja Best Known For?
In the Mastery-Leadership curriculum at Warrior Concepts, there is a series of questions built into each level that students are responsible for. These questions range from historical details to those related to the science that lies behind the arts we study.
One such question posed to students approaching the Shodan, or 1st degree Black Belt level is...
"What skill was the Ninja best known for?"
While the public at-large, including martial artists of all styles, assume the answer to somehow be related to stealth, the use of weapons, or even assassination, the real answer couldn't be further from the truth. And, yet, despite the fact that the Ninja became part of the first organized police forces in Japanese history, aided by this most powerful skill, the truth still eludes most people, Japanese included, today.
Find out what it's like to train, eat, sleep, and breath the art of Ninjutsu, the "art of the Ninja," at this year's Fall Ninja Camp 2006. From Friday, November 3rd through Sunday, November 5th, you'll be able to train with some of the best Ninja teachers and senior students of the art. What's it like to train at a real Ninja Camp? Here's the link to find out...
So, what was the primary skill of a Ninja?
What were these shadowy figures, feared by most and held in awe by many, best known and sought after for?
Any ideas?
Would you believe...
"Information Gathering." The ability to collect and translate information. Plain and simple.
Not using the sword.
Not unarmed fighting.
Not the use of throwing stars and other exotic weapons.
While it is true that they were known to be experts at all of these things...
...the Ninja, first and foremost, was sought out for his or her ability to get information about what was going on in the world of their day. And... the ability to translate that information so that they and others could produce results with the least amount of wear and tear.
Want to learn more about the Ninja? Subscribe to my new online newsletter called Shadow Warrior News and learn the secrets of the most powerful warriors ever created! To subscribe, just click on the button to be taken to the subscription page...
If you want more information about the WCI Ninja Training Camps in general, here's the link:
http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/ninja-camps.html
For information on how you can be a part of this year's Fall Ninja Camp 2006, check out this link:
http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/fall-ninja-camp-2006.html
And finally, don't forget that you can get information about, not only ninjutsu and the art of the ninja, but...
Child-Safety
Real-World Self-Defense Training, and...
Books, Videos, and Training Supplies
At Warrior Concepts Online
To the Successful Achievement of Dreams!
Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder & Director
Warrior Concepts International
Self-Protection & Personal Development
Check out my latest book "The Karate-Myth" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-karatemyth.html
and the re-release of the most important safety video you could ever own, "Danger Prevention Tactics" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-video-dpt1.html
"Master Your Self - Master Your Life!"
One such question posed to students approaching the Shodan, or 1st degree Black Belt level is...
"What skill was the Ninja best known for?"
While the public at-large, including martial artists of all styles, assume the answer to somehow be related to stealth, the use of weapons, or even assassination, the real answer couldn't be further from the truth. And, yet, despite the fact that the Ninja became part of the first organized police forces in Japanese history, aided by this most powerful skill, the truth still eludes most people, Japanese included, today.
Find out what it's like to train, eat, sleep, and breath the art of Ninjutsu, the "art of the Ninja," at this year's Fall Ninja Camp 2006. From Friday, November 3rd through Sunday, November 5th, you'll be able to train with some of the best Ninja teachers and senior students of the art. What's it like to train at a real Ninja Camp? Here's the link to find out...
So, what was the primary skill of a Ninja?
What were these shadowy figures, feared by most and held in awe by many, best known and sought after for?
Any ideas?
Would you believe...
"Information Gathering." The ability to collect and translate information. Plain and simple.
Not using the sword.
Not unarmed fighting.
Not the use of throwing stars and other exotic weapons.
While it is true that they were known to be experts at all of these things...
...the Ninja, first and foremost, was sought out for his or her ability to get information about what was going on in the world of their day. And... the ability to translate that information so that they and others could produce results with the least amount of wear and tear.
Want to learn more about the Ninja? Subscribe to my new online newsletter called Shadow Warrior News and learn the secrets of the most powerful warriors ever created! To subscribe, just click on the button to be taken to the subscription page...
If you want more information about the WCI Ninja Training Camps in general, here's the link:
http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/ninja-camps.html
For information on how you can be a part of this year's Fall Ninja Camp 2006, check out this link:
http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/fall-ninja-camp-2006.html
And finally, don't forget that you can get information about, not only ninjutsu and the art of the ninja, but...
Child-Safety
Real-World Self-Defense Training, and...
Books, Videos, and Training Supplies
At Warrior Concepts Online
To the Successful Achievement of Dreams!
Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder & Director
Warrior Concepts International
Self-Protection & Personal Development
Check out my latest book "The Karate-Myth" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-karatemyth.html
and the re-release of the most important safety video you could ever own, "Danger Prevention Tactics" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-video-dpt1.html
"Master Your Self - Master Your Life!"
Monday, July 17, 2006
Defending Against a Knife - Protecting Your Targets
One of the greatest fears involving defending yourself against an assailant armed with a knife or other bladed weapon is...
...the fear of being cut.
And, while this is a serious concern, it's important, as with everything else involving self-defense, that you not let the fear immobilize you. Doing so will only make you a proverbial "sitting duck" for the attacker's slashes, stabs, and cuts.
As every one of my students who has gone through knife-defense training knows - the one thing that you can count on in a knife-defense situation is...
...you WILL be cut!
As harsh as that sounds, to believe otherwise, would be foolish. But, just because that's the reality, doesn't mean that you are doomed.
Not by a long shot.
The important thing to remember is that there are only so many really good targets on your body. By that I mean that there are only a few that, by themselves, will cause you to shut down very quickly if they're hit.
Every other target either requires more work on your attacker's part, or isn't important in the overall scheme of things and will not hinder your defense or escape attempts.
Your High Priority Targets
So, just what are the targets on your body that will require your utmost attention? Good question. The good news is that, there are only a few. They are:
These specific targets are locations on your body where the organs, major vessels, or "air pipes" can be accessed directly. These are what we call the "life-sustaining systems." Protect these literally with your life. Because, to allow one to open up to your attacker's weapon, increases your chances of being shut down almost immediately.
It's virtually impossible to show how to position your body relative to your attacker using only the printed word. That's why I've just produced and release a great new video called "The Cutting-Edge: Surviving a Knife Attack." It was designed to get to the point (yes, pun intended!) and teach you the most important lessons for dealing with an attacker armed with a knife or other bladed weapon. Here's the link:
http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/knife-defense-video.html
The most important thing to remember when facing an assailant threatening with a knife, is to take up a position that will allow you the greatest cover for your primary targets. A good position would involve "blading" your body (angling it) toward your attacker and lifting your forearms from the elbows so that they cover both your lower torso and your neck. The forearms themselves should be turned in so that the backs of your hands point at the assailant.
For those of you familiar with the Ninja's defensive kamae, this the Hoko no Kamae of the Koto-Ryu school of Koppojutsu.
From this posture, you are better positioned to take cuts to exposed areas without the fear of taking life-threatening damage. This isn't to say that you want to take a lot of cuts, just that you will have minimized the damage you will take as you work to disarm or escape from your attacker.
Of course, anything that you can do to further minimize his ability to get at you, like wrapping a jacket or other material around your forearms, is always a good idea, if...
...you have time and material available.
I'll continue with this topic over the next week, but until then, check out the new video. Here's the link again:
http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/knife-defense-video.html
This topic is such an important one that I'll be dedicating the next several issues to at least some part of the realm of knife-defense. In the meantime, you can get a free knife defense technique video clip, as-well-as a couple of unarmed defenses by going to this page:
http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-videos.html
This powerful training weekend will wake you up to a realm of self-defense that few people even know exists. It was designed based on over three decades, that's 30 years, of research and study in both the fields of defensive tactics AND human bio-physical response to danger.
Simply put... there's nothing like this program, anywhere!
Use the link below to get all the details and make arrangements now to be at the WCI Training Academy, Sunbury, Pennsylvania on Saturday and Sunday, July 29th & 30th for a Level 1 Certification Intensive.
Here's the link for details: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/edr-self-defense-intensive.html
Can't Make It Here for A Seminar... Call to Find Out How You Can Bring This Powerful Program to You. Just call the Academy at (570) 988-2228 for information about having me teach a day or weekend seminar for your school or organization. You can choose from one of my popular programs or tell me what you want to work on and I'll tailor something specifically for you and your group.
But, you must hurry. My 2006 seminar schedule is filling up quickly. Don't miss out. Call the academy for more information.
Until next time...
To the Successful Achievement Dreams!,
Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder & Director
Warrior Concepts International
Self-Protection & Personal Development
Check out my latest book "The Karate-Myth" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-karatemyth.html
and the re-release of the most important safety video you could ever own, "Danger Prevention Tactics" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-video-dpt1.html
"Real Training for Real People in a Real World!"
...the fear of being cut.
And, while this is a serious concern, it's important, as with everything else involving self-defense, that you not let the fear immobilize you. Doing so will only make you a proverbial "sitting duck" for the attacker's slashes, stabs, and cuts.
As every one of my students who has gone through knife-defense training knows - the one thing that you can count on in a knife-defense situation is...
...you WILL be cut!
As harsh as that sounds, to believe otherwise, would be foolish. But, just because that's the reality, doesn't mean that you are doomed.
Not by a long shot.
The important thing to remember is that there are only so many really good targets on your body. By that I mean that there are only a few that, by themselves, will cause you to shut down very quickly if they're hit.
Every other target either requires more work on your attacker's part, or isn't important in the overall scheme of things and will not hinder your defense or escape attempts.
Your High Priority Targets
So, just what are the targets on your body that will require your utmost attention? Good question. The good news is that, there are only a few. They are:
- The Neck
- Insides of the arms
- Torso below the ribs
(stabbing-only), and... - Insides of the arms
- Insides of the legs
These specific targets are locations on your body where the organs, major vessels, or "air pipes" can be accessed directly. These are what we call the "life-sustaining systems." Protect these literally with your life. Because, to allow one to open up to your attacker's weapon, increases your chances of being shut down almost immediately.
It's virtually impossible to show how to position your body relative to your attacker using only the printed word. That's why I've just produced and release a great new video called "The Cutting-Edge: Surviving a Knife Attack." It was designed to get to the point (yes, pun intended!) and teach you the most important lessons for dealing with an attacker armed with a knife or other bladed weapon. Here's the link:
http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/knife-defense-video.html
The most important thing to remember when facing an assailant threatening with a knife, is to take up a position that will allow you the greatest cover for your primary targets. A good position would involve "blading" your body (angling it) toward your attacker and lifting your forearms from the elbows so that they cover both your lower torso and your neck. The forearms themselves should be turned in so that the backs of your hands point at the assailant.
For those of you familiar with the Ninja's defensive kamae, this the Hoko no Kamae of the Koto-Ryu school of Koppojutsu.
From this posture, you are better positioned to take cuts to exposed areas without the fear of taking life-threatening damage. This isn't to say that you want to take a lot of cuts, just that you will have minimized the damage you will take as you work to disarm or escape from your attacker.
Of course, anything that you can do to further minimize his ability to get at you, like wrapping a jacket or other material around your forearms, is always a good idea, if...
...you have time and material available.
I'll continue with this topic over the next week, but until then, check out the new video. Here's the link again:
http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/knife-defense-video.html
This topic is such an important one that I'll be dedicating the next several issues to at least some part of the realm of knife-defense. In the meantime, you can get a free knife defense technique video clip, as-well-as a couple of unarmed defenses by going to this page:
http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-videos.html
Are You Registered for the Upcoming Emotion-Based Defensive Response Seminar?
This powerful training weekend will wake you up to a realm of self-defense that few people even know exists. It was designed based on over three decades, that's 30 years, of research and study in both the fields of defensive tactics AND human bio-physical response to danger.
Simply put... there's nothing like this program, anywhere!
Use the link below to get all the details and make arrangements now to be at the WCI Training Academy, Sunbury, Pennsylvania on Saturday and Sunday, July 29th & 30th for a Level 1 Certification Intensive.
Here's the link for details: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/edr-self-defense-intensive.html
Can't Make It Here for A Seminar... Call to Find Out How You Can Bring This Powerful Program to You. Just call the Academy at (570) 988-2228 for information about having me teach a day or weekend seminar for your school or organization. You can choose from one of my popular programs or tell me what you want to work on and I'll tailor something specifically for you and your group.
But, you must hurry. My 2006 seminar schedule is filling up quickly. Don't miss out. Call the academy for more information.
Until next time...
To the Successful Achievement Dreams!,
Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder & Director
Warrior Concepts International
Self-Protection & Personal Development
Check out my latest book "The Karate-Myth" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-karatemyth.html
and the re-release of the most important safety video you could ever own, "Danger Prevention Tactics" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-video-dpt1.html
"Real Training for Real People in a Real World!"
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Ch-ch-ch-ch-Changes...
Hello everyone...
Just a quick note about the newest updates on the WCI homepage.
The page itself has been reformatted and the text cut back to be a little more "pleasing" to the non-readers. Also, the main picture, which used to be the our logo, has been changed to one of "yours truly" striking a sword pose.
The pose, by-the-way, is called hasso or tenchi no kamae in the lineages that I teach. It has other names within other martial lineages as-well. (I'll be releasing more information about this posture,as well as others, in an upcoming sword video I'm releasing)
Anyway, check out the changes and let me know what you think.
I've also made some changes and added to the information at:
The WCI Online Store
The Self-Defense Videos page
Until next time...
Peace, Happiness, and Safety,
Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder & Director
Warrior Concepts International
Self-Protection & Personal Development
Check out my latest book "The Karate-Myth" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-karatemyth.html
and the re-release of the most important safety video you could ever own, "Danger Prevention Tactics" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-video-dpt1.html
"Real Training for Real People in a Real World!"
Just a quick note about the newest updates on the WCI homepage.
The page itself has been reformatted and the text cut back to be a little more "pleasing" to the non-readers. Also, the main picture, which used to be the our logo, has been changed to one of "yours truly" striking a sword pose.
The pose, by-the-way, is called hasso or tenchi no kamae in the lineages that I teach. It has other names within other martial lineages as-well. (I'll be releasing more information about this posture,as well as others, in an upcoming sword video I'm releasing)
Anyway, check out the changes and let me know what you think.
I've also made some changes and added to the information at:
The WCI Online Store
The Self-Defense Videos page
Until next time...
Peace, Happiness, and Safety,
Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder & Director
Warrior Concepts International
Self-Protection & Personal Development
Check out my latest book "The Karate-Myth" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-karatemyth.html
and the re-release of the most important safety video you could ever own, "Danger Prevention Tactics" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-video-dpt1.html
"Real Training for Real People in a Real World!"
Monday, July 03, 2006
More Free Self-Defense Videos
If you haven't already done so, check out www.freeselfdefensevideos.com to get free clips of self-defense videos from me and many other master teachers and self-defense experts.
The owner of this site is selecting from only the best teachers to provide expert advice and some sample techniques from their arsenal of tactics and self-defense tricks.
You'll especially want to check out the site during the month of July as "yours truly" is the featured instructor for the month. I've included three sample self-defense videos for defending against:
That you'll be able to download and add to your collection.
Speaking of Self-Defense Videos
If your looking for more in the way of video-based training, you'll definately want to check out my line of self-defense training videos for both civilians and Ninjutsu students. Here's the link to get more information AND to download some additional sample clips:
http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-videos.html
Also, you'll want to check back here and on the website over the next week as I'll be releasing a brand new Knife Defense Video called "The Cutting Edge: Surviving a Knife Attack"
Well, until next time...
Peace, Happiness, and Safety,
Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder & Director
Warrior Concepts International
Self-Protection & Personal Development
Check out my latest book "The Karate-Myth" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-karatemyth.html
and the re-release of the most important safety video you could ever own, "Danger Prevention Tactics" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-video-dpt1.html
"Real Training for Real People in a Real World!"
The owner of this site is selecting from only the best teachers to provide expert advice and some sample techniques from their arsenal of tactics and self-defense tricks.
You'll especially want to check out the site during the month of July as "yours truly" is the featured instructor for the month. I've included three sample self-defense videos for defending against:
- A bearhug
- A Knife stab
, and... - A 2-hand "Bully" grab
That you'll be able to download and add to your collection.
AND...
Speaking of Self-Defense Videos
If your looking for more in the way of video-based training, you'll definately want to check out my line of self-defense training videos for both civilians and Ninjutsu students. Here's the link to get more information AND to download some additional sample clips:
http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-videos.html
Also, you'll want to check back here and on the website over the next week as I'll be releasing a brand new Knife Defense Video called "The Cutting Edge: Surviving a Knife Attack"
Well, until next time...
Peace, Happiness, and Safety,
Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder & Director
Warrior Concepts International
Self-Protection & Personal Development
Check out my latest book "The Karate-Myth" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-karatemyth.html
and the re-release of the most important safety video you could ever own, "Danger Prevention Tactics" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-video-dpt1.html
"Real Training for Real People in a Real World!"
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Non-Combative Self-Defense
Hi Everyone.
It's been quite a while since I posted anything new. Life has a way of getting in the way of even the most sincere intentions. Know what I mean?
I've been very busy working on some of the self-defense video subjects that many of you have been asking for. I've also added a couple of sample self-defense technique video clips on the website.
You can access the free self-defense video clips at this link:
http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-videos.html
You'll find the links in the upper right section of the border.
I've also been thinking about the unique needs of my corporate clients. These folks are always asking about the non-combative side of self-defense. Although I truly believe that, no matter what technique - passive or aggressive - you should be prepared for any situation as any technique can fail.
Here's an article I've just written on the subject of "non-cmbative self-defense."
Non-Combative Self-Defense
At first glance, it would seem that the only logical approach to successfully defending yourself against a dangerous attacker is to learn and get really good at karate or some other form of physical self-defense. After all, when you look around at what's being offered, seen on TV or in the movies, and described in the media, that's all that can be seen.
The truth is that, when it comes to really knowing what self-defense is all about - when it comes to knowing what true survivors know - there are many more options available to you than meets the eye. In fact, there is an entire realm of non-combative self-defense tactics and strategies that can be thousands of times more effective than any arm-bar or knock-out punch.
The problem is that, even though many of these non-combative tactics are discussed, all too often they receive little more than lip-service or are discussed in ways that oversimplify them. Just because we call them non-combatives doesn't mean that they are not skills worthy of the same kind of study and practice as their physical counterparts.
Here's a list of the 5 areas of non-combative techniques and strategies that I teach to my clients:
As I said, these five skill areas, when developed to become virtual weapons, can do more to help you control and avoid a physical attack than any conventional, step-by-step, self-defense technique. In fact, when done at the right time and in the right context, each of these can be so powerful that you never get to use your physical techniques at all. It's also important to remember that, no technique, whether it's a karate move or one of these non-combatives, is perfect and may fail. Just as it's important to add non-combatives to your physical self-defense training, it's equally important to make sure that, should you non-combative tactics fail, you're still able to protect yourself against the punches and kicks and cuts from a determined assailant.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jeffrey Miller is a 10th degree black belt and founder of Warrior Concepts International, a self-protection and personal development consulting company specializing in teaching you how to be a survivor. He is the author of "The Karate Myth" and the "Danger Prevention Tactics" video among others. For information about sponsoring a seminar, attending a live event, or any of his other products or services, visit his website at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com
This article may be freely distributed as long as this section is included as-is, with no changes including active links.
As many of you know, my unique EDR Program addresses both the non-combative, purely defensive side of "self-defense," as-well-as the latest information about the body's own psycho-emotional defensive response mechanisms that, when combined with certain physical self-defense moves, makes the job of learning effective self-defense...
...extremely quick and easy. You can read more about EDR, or Emotion-based Defensive Response training here
I think that's it for now.
Peace, Happiness, and Safety,
Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder & Director
Warrior Concepts International
Self-Protection & Personal Development
Check out my latest book "The Karate-Myth" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-karatemyth.html
and the re-release of the most important safety video you could ever own, "Danger Prevention Tactics" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-video-dpt1.html
"Real Training for Real People in a Real World!"
It's been quite a while since I posted anything new. Life has a way of getting in the way of even the most sincere intentions. Know what I mean?
I've been very busy working on some of the self-defense video subjects that many of you have been asking for. I've also added a couple of sample self-defense technique video clips on the website.
You can access the free self-defense video clips at this link:
http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-videos.html
You'll find the links in the upper right section of the border.
I've also been thinking about the unique needs of my corporate clients. These folks are always asking about the non-combative side of self-defense. Although I truly believe that, no matter what technique - passive or aggressive - you should be prepared for any situation as any technique can fail.
Here's an article I've just written on the subject of "non-cmbative self-defense."
Non-Combative Self-Defense
At first glance, it would seem that the only logical approach to successfully defending yourself against a dangerous attacker is to learn and get really good at karate or some other form of physical self-defense. After all, when you look around at what's being offered, seen on TV or in the movies, and described in the media, that's all that can be seen.
The truth is that, when it comes to really knowing what self-defense is all about - when it comes to knowing what true survivors know - there are many more options available to you than meets the eye. In fact, there is an entire realm of non-combative self-defense tactics and strategies that can be thousands of times more effective than any arm-bar or knock-out punch.
The problem is that, even though many of these non-combative tactics are discussed, all too often they receive little more than lip-service or are discussed in ways that oversimplify them. Just because we call them non-combatives doesn't mean that they are not skills worthy of the same kind of study and practice as their physical counterparts.
Here's a list of the 5 areas of non-combative techniques and strategies that I teach to my clients:
- Non-Combative (NC) Skill Area #1 - General Awareness. Recognizing the different types of danger in the world and knowing which ones are most likely to touch you.
- NC Skill Area #2 - Awareness of Surroundings. Moment-to-moment conscious attention to what's going on around you.
- NC Skill Area #3 - Escaping to Safety. Recognizing and planning escape routes and avenues away from danger.
- NC Skill Area #4 - Distracting the Attacker. Skills and strategies for controlling a would-be assailant's perceptions and neutralizing a dangerous situation without being confrontational.
- NC Skill Area #5 - Dissuading. Use of verbal and body-language skills, as-well-as the direction of intention to neutralize an assailant's desire to fight.
As I said, these five skill areas, when developed to become virtual weapons, can do more to help you control and avoid a physical attack than any conventional, step-by-step, self-defense technique. In fact, when done at the right time and in the right context, each of these can be so powerful that you never get to use your physical techniques at all. It's also important to remember that, no technique, whether it's a karate move or one of these non-combatives, is perfect and may fail. Just as it's important to add non-combatives to your physical self-defense training, it's equally important to make sure that, should you non-combative tactics fail, you're still able to protect yourself against the punches and kicks and cuts from a determined assailant.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jeffrey Miller is a 10th degree black belt and founder of Warrior Concepts International, a self-protection and personal development consulting company specializing in teaching you how to be a survivor. He is the author of "The Karate Myth" and the "Danger Prevention Tactics" video among others. For information about sponsoring a seminar, attending a live event, or any of his other products or services, visit his website at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com
This article may be freely distributed as long as this section is included as-is, with no changes including active links.
As many of you know, my unique EDR Program addresses both the non-combative, purely defensive side of "self-defense," as-well-as the latest information about the body's own psycho-emotional defensive response mechanisms that, when combined with certain physical self-defense moves, makes the job of learning effective self-defense...
...extremely quick and easy. You can read more about EDR, or Emotion-based Defensive Response training here
I think that's it for now.
Peace, Happiness, and Safety,
Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder & Director
Warrior Concepts International
Self-Protection & Personal Development
Check out my latest book "The Karate-Myth" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-karatemyth.html
and the re-release of the most important safety video you could ever own, "Danger Prevention Tactics" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-video-dpt1.html
"Real Training for Real People in a Real World!"
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Celebrating a Milestone Offering Online Ninjutsu Training
Hi Everyone!
Normally, I don't get too excited about things in general and am not much of a "journal-keeper," especially here on the blog. However, I am very excited about reaching, what for me is, a major milestone in my goal of helping others to learn ninjutsu - the art and ways of Japan's Ninja families - online.
What's the milestone in this Ninja teacher's life? Glad you asked.
You see, for the past twenty years, I have been helping those in my local community to see and experience the value of this martial art of ninjutsu that I've been teaching. Having studied many of the most popular forms of martial arts throughout my life...
... arts like, karate, aikido, tae kwon do, jujitsu, and even Bruce Lee's art of jeet kune do for a short while.
In January of 2005, I took my knowledge to the net and to the worldwide community of people who are searching for this type of information. In so doing, I began to not only write fresh content, but to transfer many of the articles that I had written for my "in-house" students over the years onto both my web site and to article directories for others to use on their own sites and in their ezines.
One such site that I use quite heavily is http://www.ezinearticles.com
To date, I have 50 articles posted there that are free for anyone to download for personal use or to use within their own website and/or ezine.
So? What's the big deal?
Well, the deal, for me at least, is that those same fifty articles, ranging in topics from:
And...
... in the areas of personal protection to training-related articles, like...
...OVER 10,000 times!
That's right! Sometime on Monday, March 20th, 2006...
...these 50 articles were accessed, read, and many posted throughout the world wide web - OVER 10,000 times!
I don't know about you but, to me, that's just amazing!
And, that doesn't count the articles that were posted with other directory sites like http://www.articlecity.com
To read these and the many others that I've posted at ezinearticles.com, just click here. You can click here or on my name under any of the articles and be taken directly to the master list of all the articles (saves a ton of time on searching for them individually!). The other cool thing about ezinearticles is that, from the master list page, you can click on the RSS feed icon and add a feed to your site, etc that will send you any new articles I post almost immediately!
Anyway. Just had to get that off my chest.
What this all means for you, my loyal readers, is this...
...if you're not already doing so, take advantage of all the information available to you on the web - both mine and the works of others. Use it to increase your knowledge and awareness of what's available to you - good and bad.
If you aren't taking advantage of article directories, I highly suggest the wealth of information available. Especially when it comes to ninjutsu training online or martial arts training online in general, there is a whole world of information in the form of articles written by others with the knowledge you want.
As for me, I plan to continue to write and post more and more about ninjutsu and ninja training online at directories. In fact, I have a goal to have 250 articles online by mid-May, 2006. That means that I have 200 more to go!
I'll make it too because I have over twenty years worth of articles from materials written for my local students, just waiting to hit cyberspace. So...
...set up those rss feeds...
...check the article directories...
...subscribe to my newsletter
...and check the Warrior-Concepts-Online.com website for more online ninja training opportunities available to you.
Until next time...
Peace, Happiness, and Safety...
Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder & Director
Warrior Concepts International
Self-Protection & Personal Development
Check out my latest book "The Karate-Myth" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-karatemyth.html
and the re-release of the most important safety video you could ever own, "Danger Prevention Tactics" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-video-dpt1.html
"Real Training for Real People in a Real World!"
Normally, I don't get too excited about things in general and am not much of a "journal-keeper," especially here on the blog. However, I am very excited about reaching, what for me is, a major milestone in my goal of helping others to learn ninjutsu - the art and ways of Japan's Ninja families - online.
What's the milestone in this Ninja teacher's life? Glad you asked.
You see, for the past twenty years, I have been helping those in my local community to see and experience the value of this martial art of ninjutsu that I've been teaching. Having studied many of the most popular forms of martial arts throughout my life...
... arts like, karate, aikido, tae kwon do, jujitsu, and even Bruce Lee's art of jeet kune do for a short while.
In January of 2005, I took my knowledge to the net and to the worldwide community of people who are searching for this type of information. In so doing, I began to not only write fresh content, but to transfer many of the articles that I had written for my "in-house" students over the years onto both my web site and to article directories for others to use on their own sites and in their ezines.
One such site that I use quite heavily is http://www.ezinearticles.com
To date, I have 50 articles posted there that are free for anyone to download for personal use or to use within their own website and/or ezine.
So? What's the big deal?
Well, the deal, for me at least, is that those same fifty articles, ranging in topics from:
And...
... in the areas of personal protection to training-related articles, like...
- Is All This Martial Arts Training Gear Necessary?
- Ninjutsu Martial Arts Training - Don't Depend on Weapons for Self-Defense
...OVER 10,000 times!
That's right! Sometime on Monday, March 20th, 2006...
...these 50 articles were accessed, read, and many posted throughout the world wide web - OVER 10,000 times!
I don't know about you but, to me, that's just amazing!
And, that doesn't count the articles that were posted with other directory sites like http://www.articlecity.com
To read these and the many others that I've posted at ezinearticles.com, just click here. You can click here or on my name under any of the articles and be taken directly to the master list of all the articles (saves a ton of time on searching for them individually!). The other cool thing about ezinearticles is that, from the master list page, you can click on the RSS feed icon and add a feed to your site, etc that will send you any new articles I post almost immediately!
Anyway. Just had to get that off my chest.
What this all means for you, my loyal readers, is this...
...if you're not already doing so, take advantage of all the information available to you on the web - both mine and the works of others. Use it to increase your knowledge and awareness of what's available to you - good and bad.
If you aren't taking advantage of article directories, I highly suggest the wealth of information available. Especially when it comes to ninjutsu training online or martial arts training online in general, there is a whole world of information in the form of articles written by others with the knowledge you want.
As for me, I plan to continue to write and post more and more about ninjutsu and ninja training online at directories. In fact, I have a goal to have 250 articles online by mid-May, 2006. That means that I have 200 more to go!
I'll make it too because I have over twenty years worth of articles from materials written for my local students, just waiting to hit cyberspace. So...
...set up those rss feeds...
...check the article directories...
...subscribe to my newsletter
...and check the Warrior-Concepts-Online.com website for more online ninja training opportunities available to you.
Until next time...
Peace, Happiness, and Safety...
Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder & Director
Warrior Concepts International
Self-Protection & Personal Development
Check out my latest book "The Karate-Myth" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-karatemyth.html
and the re-release of the most important safety video you could ever own, "Danger Prevention Tactics" at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-video-dpt1.html
"Real Training for Real People in a Real World!"
Friday, March 17, 2006
Key Moments & Phases in a Self-Defense Situation
How to Go From One Strategic Phase to the Next in a Self-Defense Situation - From Attack to Victory
(An excerpt from the book, "Controlling the Fight: The 5 Keys of Effective Self-Defense Strategy")
You know, when I first started learning how to protect myself, the training was almost entirely focused on the memorization and performance of the technique. What I mean is...
...the lessons revolved around the step-by-step mindset. Even testing was centered around the correct "performance" of the technique in question. But, that performance was tied more to duplicating a string of "moves" than it was on...
...the successful resolution of the situation based on what was going on!
I remember a friend of mine during those days. He was very good at the art that we were studying and much further along than I was at the time.
He was testing for his black belt and everything was going well. His "performance" was flawless - at least as far as I could tell.
Then, during the last part of the final kata ('preset fight scenario'), he changed the move from a strike to a shoulder throw. The throw was awesome and his partner never saw it coming. It was great!
He told me later that, everything was going along as it should be and he knew what was to come next but...
...something was "off" with what his partner was doing with that last punch.
He literally "found himself" executing the throw, and remembered thinking, "this isn't right."
Well, long story short...
...he failed that test.
I couldn't believe it. According to the judges - the panel of "experts" who were supposedly teaching him to be able to "go with the flow" and defend himself...
...He failed!
I didn't get it. I was in martial arts for self-defense, having been growing up in the inner-city and being beaten up - or threatened with harm - almost weekly. I mean...
What more could you ask for?!
"Yes", said the judges, many of whom were our instructors, "that's true. But he didn't do the technique correctly."
This was one of the most significant moments of my life. When I realized that, the reason I was there for training - to not die in a violent situation - was not the focus of the training...
...at least NOT at that school.
My friend's story also points to another pivotal point in my learning process when I realized that there was something more going on than just the punching, kicking, and whatnot, that makes up conventional martial arts and self-defense training. In fact, once I saw it happening, my mind shifted away from the typical orientation toward this "style" or that, and started looking beyond the techniques themselves to...
...what was being "done" by each move in a technique string.
The question I began to ask was...
"What's the logic behind the moves?" And, ...
"Why are the moves where they are in this particular string?"
And THAT is what this book is about. The keys, or bridges, between one phase - one strategic moment - in a self-defense situation, and another. The pieces of the fight that must be strategically managed in the correct order, and at the correct time, if you are to be successful.
What are these critical moments within the flow of the fight? Let me first tell you what they're NOT.
...when you're fist makes contact with the surface of your assailant's body...
...when you lock his joints to immobilize him and prevent him from continuing to fight...
...when you take up your "way-cool" stance...
...the way with which you've been taught to hold your weapon, or...
...a hundred other "things" that most books, videos, and schools of martial arts and self-defense focus almost exclusively on.
But, they are not NOT these things either. And, if you don't understand what I'm trying to point out here, you won't see it.
Confused? Don't be.
The point here is that, behind the move or technique itself - the punch, lock, throw, etc...
...there is a "reason" that THAT particular technique is being done at THAT particular time. There is something that the technique is either doing 'for' us or 'to' our attacker that gains, maintains, or accentuates our control of the situation. In short...
...there is something that makes a particular technique RIGHT and APPROPRIATE for any given moment.
And, make no mistake here. We are talking about a scientific application of principles that work, and have worked for centuries. And, this science works...
...for whoever is knowledgeable of and in control of it in the fight!
...if you know how to use this scientific application and make it the logic behind your strategic use of your skills and techniques, then you will probably win. If you don't and your assailant does, you will lose.
So again, what are these key moments or critical phases? They are...
In my attempt to learn how to really be successful at defending myself and others, I was lucky enough to find some teachers who could point the way towards many of these answers. Unfortunately (or fortunately, as this caused me to have to really look), we're not talking about the step-by-step mechanics of the "style" here, as these can be taught by practically anyone to almost anyone else. What we ARE talking about is something that cannot be seen unless you know what you're looking for. It's invisible to the naked eye but there nonetheless.
Just know this. Each of these critical moments - these keys - is an important, no crucial, element in any overall defense strategy. But, where the book "The Karate-Myth" focused on the big-picture defense strategy that lead from General Awareness to Actually having to Deal with the Attacker (remember?), what I'm talking about here is the little-picture strategy of phase 6 - "dealing with the attack."
To read more this subject, read "Controlling the Fight". It's fr.ee as an added bonus to my latest book, "The Karate-Myth: Why Most Martial Arts & Self-Defense Programs Are Wrong"
Here's the link for both: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-karatemyth.html
Don't forget that you can also get additional information about:
Women's Self-Defense Issues
Self-Defense and Martial Arts Weapons
Learning Ninjutsu Online
And, don't forget that you can learn about these Key Moments & Phases in a Self-Defense Situation by training with me at this year's Spring Ninja Training Camp. The camp is scheduled from June 2nd - 4th, 2006 and includes all training, lodging, meals - even a commemorative camp T-shirt! Click here for more information and to book your place at this powerful training opportunity.
Stay up-to-date and informed about all aspects of self-defense, safety, and how to live with the Warrior Mindset in the 21st Century by subscribing to the fr.ee Warrior Concepts Online Newsletter while you're there.
Until next time...
Peace and Happiness,
Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder & Director
Warrior Concepts International
Self-Protection & Personal Development
www.warrior-concepts-online.com
"Master Yourself - Master Your Life!"
(An excerpt from the book, "Controlling the Fight: The 5 Keys of Effective Self-Defense Strategy")
You know, when I first started learning how to protect myself, the training was almost entirely focused on the memorization and performance of the technique. What I mean is...
...the lessons revolved around the step-by-step mindset. Even testing was centered around the correct "performance" of the technique in question. But, that performance was tied more to duplicating a string of "moves" than it was on...
...the successful resolution of the situation based on what was going on!
I remember a friend of mine during those days. He was very good at the art that we were studying and much further along than I was at the time.
He was testing for his black belt and everything was going well. His "performance" was flawless - at least as far as I could tell.
Then, during the last part of the final kata ('preset fight scenario'), he changed the move from a strike to a shoulder throw. The throw was awesome and his partner never saw it coming. It was great!
He told me later that, everything was going along as it should be and he knew what was to come next but...
...something was "off" with what his partner was doing with that last punch.
He literally "found himself" executing the throw, and remembered thinking, "this isn't right."
Well, long story short...
...he failed that test.
I couldn't believe it. According to the judges - the panel of "experts" who were supposedly teaching him to be able to "go with the flow" and defend himself...
...He failed!
I didn't get it. I was in martial arts for self-defense, having been growing up in the inner-city and being beaten up - or threatened with harm - almost weekly. I mean...
- He took a surprise situation,
- adapted to it,
- and still maintained control of the flow of things...
...in a way that ended with him being the victor.
What more could you ask for?!
"Yes", said the judges, many of whom were our instructors, "that's true. But he didn't do the technique correctly."
Martial Arts vs. Self-Defense Training
This was one of the most significant moments of my life. When I realized that, the reason I was there for training - to not die in a violent situation - was not the focus of the training...
...at least NOT at that school.
My friend's story also points to another pivotal point in my learning process when I realized that there was something more going on than just the punching, kicking, and whatnot, that makes up conventional martial arts and self-defense training. In fact, once I saw it happening, my mind shifted away from the typical orientation toward this "style" or that, and started looking beyond the techniques themselves to...
...what was being "done" by each move in a technique string.
The question I began to ask was...
"What's the logic behind the moves?" And, ...
"Why are the moves where they are in this particular string?"
And THAT is what this book is about. The keys, or bridges, between one phase - one strategic moment - in a self-defense situation, and another. The pieces of the fight that must be strategically managed in the correct order, and at the correct time, if you are to be successful.
What are these critical moments within the flow of the fight? Let me first tell you what they're NOT.
They are not...
...when you're fist makes contact with the surface of your assailant's body...
...when you lock his joints to immobilize him and prevent him from continuing to fight...
...when you take up your "way-cool" stance...
...the way with which you've been taught to hold your weapon, or...
...a hundred other "things" that most books, videos, and schools of martial arts and self-defense focus almost exclusively on.
But, they are not NOT these things either. And, if you don't understand what I'm trying to point out here, you won't see it.
Confused? Don't be.
The point here is that, behind the move or technique itself - the punch, lock, throw, etc...
...there is a "reason" that THAT particular technique is being done at THAT particular time. There is something that the technique is either doing 'for' us or 'to' our attacker that gains, maintains, or accentuates our control of the situation. In short...
...there is something that makes a particular technique RIGHT and APPROPRIATE for any given moment.
And, make no mistake here. We are talking about a scientific application of principles that work, and have worked for centuries. And, this science works...
...for whoever is knowledgeable of and in control of it in the fight!
What that means is this...
...if you know how to use this scientific application and make it the logic behind your strategic use of your skills and techniques, then you will probably win. If you don't and your assailant does, you will lose.
So again, what are these key moments or critical phases? They are...
- 1) Your ability to assess your situation and understand what the assailant is doing or attempting to do to you.
- 2) Your defense against his incoming attacks. This is your ability to neutralize the effect that his attacks were to have on you.
- 3) How you unbalance him, physically, mentall, or emotionally, in a way that prevents your assailant from going on with his own strategy and literally puts him in a position of weakness.
- 4) The actual counter-attack that you use to knock him back or take him to the ground. This is the phase where you actually take the fight to him.
- 5) Your ability to assess the effect that your technique has had on your assailant and what your next move (escape, restrain him, or prepare for another barrage of attacks) should be.
- 2) Your defense against his incoming attacks. This is your ability to neutralize the effect that his attacks were to have on you.
In my attempt to learn how to really be successful at defending myself and others, I was lucky enough to find some teachers who could point the way towards many of these answers. Unfortunately (or fortunately, as this caused me to have to really look), we're not talking about the step-by-step mechanics of the "style" here, as these can be taught by practically anyone to almost anyone else. What we ARE talking about is something that cannot be seen unless you know what you're looking for. It's invisible to the naked eye but there nonetheless.
Just know this. Each of these critical moments - these keys - is an important, no crucial, element in any overall defense strategy. But, where the book "The Karate-Myth" focused on the big-picture defense strategy that lead from General Awareness to Actually having to Deal with the Attacker (remember?), what I'm talking about here is the little-picture strategy of phase 6 - "dealing with the attack."
To read more this subject, read "Controlling the Fight". It's fr.ee as an added bonus to my latest book, "The Karate-Myth: Why Most Martial Arts & Self-Defense Programs Are Wrong"
Here's the link for both: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/self-defense-karatemyth.html
Don't forget that you can also get additional information about:
Women's Self-Defense Issues
Self-Defense and Martial Arts Weapons
Learning Ninjutsu Online
And, don't forget that you can learn about these Key Moments & Phases in a Self-Defense Situation by training with me at this year's Spring Ninja Training Camp. The camp is scheduled from June 2nd - 4th, 2006 and includes all training, lodging, meals - even a commemorative camp T-shirt! Click here for more information and to book your place at this powerful training opportunity.
Stay up-to-date and informed about all aspects of self-defense, safety, and how to live with the Warrior Mindset in the 21st Century by subscribing to the fr.ee Warrior Concepts Online Newsletter while you're there.
Until next time...
Peace and Happiness,
Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Founder & Director
Warrior Concepts International
Self-Protection & Personal Development
www.warrior-concepts-online.com
"Master Yourself - Master Your Life!"
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
Can You Really Learn Martial Arts and Self-Defense From Seminar Training Only?
What do you do when, you want to pursue the study of the martial arts or learn real-world self-defense and there are no schools near where you live? What do you do even if there are martial arts schools or self-defense classes being offered in your local area but...
...they're just not up to par with what you want or need.
How can you get what you know you need without compromising quality and settling for what's available or, even worse...
...not pursuing your goal at all?
Well, you have two choices, really...
...you can accept defeat or the fact that maybe your standards are too high and settle for what's available, or...
...you can do what scores of very skilled practitioners have done before you. You can take advantage of the benefits of seminars and camps to get the knowledge you need from the best teachers there are.
Instead of "settling" and approaching your training with what amounts to a "victim's mentality," you can take control of the situation. Instead of whining, complaining, and making excuses - you can take action - one of the main traits of a warrior.
With all of the power and rich information pool of the internet today, it is impossible to NOT find what you're looking for in the way of martial arts training. There are literally hundreds of seminars, from half-day workshops to full weekend events, and from one and two-day intensives to full-blown ninja training camps; and they're all there for the students who are willing to plan a little more, focus a little more, and be ready to travel a little farther than everyone else who HAS "settled."
Can you really learn martial arts and self-defense from seminar training only? I know it's worked for me and many of the most proficient experts that I'm associated with. In fact, most of my training career, at least in the early days, was during a time when I was serving with the US Army and stationed in places like Korea and, what was then, West Germany.
Were there martial arts clubs and groups close-by? Absolutely.
But, I had a desire to not only train in the martial arts but, to train with the best. And so...
...I had no choice. I HAD to travel to get what I wanted and needed in the way of quality.
What I found was that I learned more during each training event because there was MORE TO learn. That was perfect for me because it gave me more than enough to work on in-between the martial arts seminars and Ninja Camps that I WAS able to attend. And, it also caused me to focus much more than the local students who were there.
Why?
I think it was because...
...they took their training for granted. Whereas I did not. Since I went through more in the way of time, effort and money to be there, I refused to let any of it slip by. As a result, I, and many of my friends who also traveled for training, developed our self-defense abilities much more fully - learning our martial art with much greater depth than many who had access to their teacher practically everyday.
Funny, really. Because it wasn't until I became much more interested in the lives of warriors-past, that I realized that this method of training - traveling to one's teacher to spend short, but intense, visits to gain the lessons for mastery, is exactly the same way many of the most famous warriors in history...
...became Legends!
Check out what's new at Warrior Concepts, both locally and at warrior-concepts-online.com
I and my staff have been busy (too many "VERY" late nights) getting some new video DVDs and courses ready for everyone. Currently, we're working on getting one of our recent Ninja Camps to video as well as the footage from a weekend seminar I did on the techniques, strategies, and tactics of the Takagi-Yoshin-Ryu, one of the nine lineages taught in the Bujinkan Dojo system of my teacher, Soke Masaaki Hatsumi.
These powerful training resources will be ready to go in a few weeks. So, check back often at the site if this is something of interest to you.
Also, the following seminars and training opportunities are on the schedule over the next several weeks and months:
Defensive Combat Handgun The 4 Pillars of Mastery
This weekend intensive will be held on Saturday and Sunday, March 25th & 26th, 2006. The focus will be on...
...From the perspective of a real-world self-defense situation - NOT "target shooting!"
You'll also learn the basics of...
Click here or on the event name to get all the details.
And, DON'T FORGET...
The Annual WCI Spring Ninja Training Camp is just around the corner!
Scheduled for the weekend of May 19th - 21st, this year's camp theme is: "Becoming One with Nature." Click here or on the event name to get more information and to download the flyer for this year's WCI Spring Ninja Camp!
You'll also find that we've made it even easier to register for seminars and camps than ever before. With our new PayPal secure server link buttons, you'll be able to guarantee your place in an upcoming event before it gets sold-out.
Remember...
"You are either what you want to be, or what you have allowed yourself to become."
Until Next time...
Peace and Happiness,
Shidoshi Miller
...they're just not up to par with what you want or need.
How can you get what you know you need without compromising quality and settling for what's available or, even worse...
...not pursuing your goal at all?
Well, you have two choices, really...
...you can accept defeat or the fact that maybe your standards are too high and settle for what's available, or...
...you can do what scores of very skilled practitioners have done before you. You can take advantage of the benefits of seminars and camps to get the knowledge you need from the best teachers there are.
Instead of "settling" and approaching your training with what amounts to a "victim's mentality," you can take control of the situation. Instead of whining, complaining, and making excuses - you can take action - one of the main traits of a warrior.
With all of the power and rich information pool of the internet today, it is impossible to NOT find what you're looking for in the way of martial arts training. There are literally hundreds of seminars, from half-day workshops to full weekend events, and from one and two-day intensives to full-blown ninja training camps; and they're all there for the students who are willing to plan a little more, focus a little more, and be ready to travel a little farther than everyone else who HAS "settled."
Can you really learn martial arts and self-defense from seminar training only? I know it's worked for me and many of the most proficient experts that I'm associated with. In fact, most of my training career, at least in the early days, was during a time when I was serving with the US Army and stationed in places like Korea and, what was then, West Germany.
Were there martial arts clubs and groups close-by? Absolutely.
But, I had a desire to not only train in the martial arts but, to train with the best. And so...
...I had no choice. I HAD to travel to get what I wanted and needed in the way of quality.
What I found was that I learned more during each training event because there was MORE TO learn. That was perfect for me because it gave me more than enough to work on in-between the martial arts seminars and Ninja Camps that I WAS able to attend. And, it also caused me to focus much more than the local students who were there.
Why?
I think it was because...
...they took their training for granted. Whereas I did not. Since I went through more in the way of time, effort and money to be there, I refused to let any of it slip by. As a result, I, and many of my friends who also traveled for training, developed our self-defense abilities much more fully - learning our martial art with much greater depth than many who had access to their teacher practically everyday.
Funny, really. Because it wasn't until I became much more interested in the lives of warriors-past, that I realized that this method of training - traveling to one's teacher to spend short, but intense, visits to gain the lessons for mastery, is exactly the same way many of the most famous warriors in history...
...became Legends!
Check out what's new at Warrior Concepts, both locally and at warrior-concepts-online.com
I and my staff have been busy (too many "VERY" late nights) getting some new video DVDs and courses ready for everyone. Currently, we're working on getting one of our recent Ninja Camps to video as well as the footage from a weekend seminar I did on the techniques, strategies, and tactics of the Takagi-Yoshin-Ryu, one of the nine lineages taught in the Bujinkan Dojo system of my teacher, Soke Masaaki Hatsumi.
These powerful training resources will be ready to go in a few weeks. So, check back often at the site if this is something of interest to you.
Also, the following seminars and training opportunities are on the schedule over the next several weeks and months:
Defensive Combat Handgun The 4 Pillars of Mastery
This weekend intensive will be held on Saturday and Sunday, March 25th & 26th, 2006. The focus will be on...
- Basic handling and familiarization of handguns, and...
- Shooting Skills...
...From the perspective of a real-world self-defense situation - NOT "target shooting!"
You'll also learn the basics of...
- Disarming a weapon-wielding assailant, and...
- Weapon Retention and the ability to hold onto your own firearm
Click here or on the event name to get all the details.
And, DON'T FORGET...
The Annual WCI Spring Ninja Training Camp is just around the corner!
Scheduled for the weekend of May 19th - 21st, this year's camp theme is: "Becoming One with Nature." Click here or on the event name to get more information and to download the flyer for this year's WCI Spring Ninja Camp!
You'll also find that we've made it even easier to register for seminars and camps than ever before. With our new PayPal secure server link buttons, you'll be able to guarantee your place in an upcoming event before it gets sold-out.
Remember...
"You are either what you want to be, or what you have allowed yourself to become."
Until Next time...
Peace and Happiness,
Shidoshi Miller
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
What's New at WCI? Check it out and see!
Just a quick note for all of you die-hard fans out there to let you know what I've been up to over the past week or two.
In short...
...I have been giving the site www.warrior-concepts-online.com a major overhall.
These renovations will be a top-down upgrade from the homepage to the Ninja Camps page and all points in-between.
It will take me a few months to complete all the changes so, check back often to see how you will be getting even more from this awesome site!
And, don't forget...
You can also get information on-site about such topics as...
The The Best Self-Defense Video for Escaping Danger
My latest book, "The Karate-Myth" which explains Why Most Martial Arts and Self-Defense Courses Don't Work and How to Be Safe in Today's Often Violent World
And...
Information for Subscribing to the WCI Online Newsletter
We're even adding a dedicated FORUM for you to discuss important issues with others! Give me and my staff another week or two for this incredible addition to the site and register for a username and password of your own. I promise that you won't regret it!
So, come see the new site as it unfolds to be one of the best self-defense and Ninjutsu sites on the web!
Peace and Happiness,
Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Warrior Concepts International
"Real Training for Real People in a Real World!"
In short...
...I have been giving the site www.warrior-concepts-online.com a major overhall.
These renovations will be a top-down upgrade from the homepage to the Ninja Camps page and all points in-between.
It will take me a few months to complete all the changes so, check back often to see how you will be getting even more from this awesome site!
And, don't forget...
You can also get information on-site about such topics as...
The The Best Self-Defense Video for Escaping Danger
My latest book, "The Karate-Myth" which explains Why Most Martial Arts and Self-Defense Courses Don't Work and How to Be Safe in Today's Often Violent World
And...
Information for Subscribing to the WCI Online Newsletter
We're even adding a dedicated FORUM for you to discuss important issues with others! Give me and my staff another week or two for this incredible addition to the site and register for a username and password of your own. I promise that you won't regret it!
So, come see the new site as it unfolds to be one of the best self-defense and Ninjutsu sites on the web!
Peace and Happiness,
Jeffrey M. Miller, Shidoshi
Warrior Concepts International
"Real Training for Real People in a Real World!"
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