Throw An Elbow

The Real Thing

2010-06-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

Ever since high school I have been a Steven Seagal fan. Now he is not the best actor in the world, but he is a legitimate martial artist. He is the first caucasian, perhaps the first non Japanese to have a dojo in Tokyo. I came across this documentary about 3 or 4 years ago. It highlights his years as an instructor, before he became an action movie star. He brought a dynamic power to a style known for its grace and subtlety. Mike from class told me a story about a seminar of Seagal's he went to and how one of the guys he was with didn't like Seagal. This friend was hoping to get a chance to attack Seagal in a demonstration that Seagal always does at his seminars. When the time came this guy got picked to participate in the demo. When he charged in with full intent to plow over Seagal. This guy got leveled and left lying in a heap on the ground. I imagine it looked something like these guys in this video. Enjoy.

Be Safe, Train Hard

Tough Guys

2010-06-10T20:25:00.000-07:00

Now these guys are tough Martial Artist. I know the UFC is full of tough guys, but I doubt many of them would last very long in one of these tournaments. Kyokushin Karate is an extremely "hard" style. The one reason I have a little respect for UFC Middle Weight Champion GSP, is because he is a black belt in Kyokushin Karate. As is Bas Rutten, Former UFC Heavy Weight Champion, but I have a great deal of respect for Bas as a martial artist. The rules to this style of sport combat are no punching to the face, no groin strikes, no grappling, and no pads, just a cup. Many martial arts anymore have very little combat application. But I think you can see by this video it is all about what you train for and how you condition your body for physical contact. In between all of the knockouts take a look at all the full power punches to the body and kicks to the legs these guys are taking and most of the time don't even wince. It's all about your mental and physical approach to training that determines the value of your martial art when it comes time to use it for personal protection.

Be Safe, Train Hard

Center line concept

2010-03-08T16:44:00.000-08:00

At first glance when you watch this video it may appear to make an argument against the SPEAR concept. But if you watch closely it is actually teaching our "counter strike" skill with a "force meets force" approach, rather than our "yeild to the force" approach. Bill Wolfe is an instructor that has had a great influence on my training for several years. I have been a member of the International Defendo Federation since 2001. I would say for at least the first 6 months that I was a police officer, I would watch one of my Defendo videos every day while I was getting ready for work. Thats how much value I place on the principles Mr. Wolfe teaches. He is a guy who has been there, done that. A retired special ops member of the Canadian military, and a ten year police and SWAT veteran, Mr. Wolfe teaches from a wealth of knowledge and experience. Notice how in the clip he uses the throat as a target, and the under side of the chin. Now just slide your forearm up there and you have the SPEAR. Pay close attention to when he is stating how the two handed strike to the arm would be ineffective. His inside arm is striking the attackers shoulder, not the neck. Also his hands are virtical and not closer to horizontal as they should be in the SPEAR. Check out how quickly he goes to the underhook for control (towards the end) and then uses the throat or eyes to direct the attackers movement. By the way I have learned 95% of what I know about the "Clinch" overhooks and underhooks from Bill Wolfe. Watch this clip several times, If you watch closely you will learn something new every time.

Be Safe, Train Hard

Army Combatives

2010-01-07T16:46:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to the introduction video to the Modern Army Combatives Program (MACP). The first level of the program is based on Gracie Jiu Jitsu (GJJ). This is the program that the Air Force used as a template for its Air Force Combatives Program. These are also many of the techniques that we will cover in the Gracie Combatives Program.

Be Safe, Train Hard

https://www.benning.army.mil/videos/video16/

Short Tight Hook

2009-12-31T16:08:00.000-08:00

This video is a bit long, almost 20 minutes, but if you have the time it is a good fight. Cung Le is a very interesting fighter. He was originally a Kung Fu stylist who competed in a style of professional kickboxing, then moved into MMA. He uses a lot of traditional techniques that most MMA fighters don't even attempt, actually most MMA fighters couldn't pull them off in practice let alone in a fight. What I want you to see is the strike that was the beginning of the end, a short left hook, that was close, small motion, and powerful. If you don't have time to watch the whole thing skip ahead about 16 min. On the replay they show an overhead view that shows the punch perfectly, striking to the chin. Remember hooks are for close striking not out at a long distance, this is a perfect example.

For some reason the image isn't showing, but the clip is there.

Be Safe, Train Hard

MMA Cung Le vs Scott Smith

I Love Mountain Dew

2009-12-24T13:39:00.000-08:00

Mountain Dew has always been one of my favorite soft drinks. Over the years MD has had some good commercials, but here is a series of commercials that feature some of my favorite martial artist. By the way, I was actually looking for some Santa Clause fights to post today, but none of the ones I found were what I was looking for. Some how I came across a Chuck Norris clip, then I realized I had not put a clip of Chuck on here yet, so here ya go.

So what does this tell us? Well its obvious, if you are going to be a world famous martial artist you have to drink Mountain Dew.

Unless you like ice tea better.

Intro to Trapping

2009-12-22T09:57:00.000-08:00

So in class we have been working on a drill that incorporates the split entry, trapping, and counter striking in combination. The influence that JKD and Kenpo have on each other is strong. Quite honestly the two have a strong influence on what we cover in class, though I would say they only account for about 40% of our material. None the less I found this clip that illustrates the principles of the drill we have been working. Take note that they are using the split entry to strike with the lead hand, rather than the rear hand the way we have been. The same principles of trapping are being applied even though they are using different techniques than we have. Finally, we finished off with a hook-cross-hook ending with a knee, where they complete the drill with a cross-hook-cross and instep kick. Everything they are doing would be good skills for us to work as well. However, I feel our approach is more combative in nature. In that we are attempting to stay tight with our opponent in order to continue to push forward with quick, heavy strikes. Thus the use of hooks and the knee, which are power shots. By ending with the knee we are close enough to finish with any of our takedowns and exit skills from the flowchart depiction of our punch defense principles approach. I would recommend using our version of the drill as a shadow boxing routine while we are away from class. It is a good way to work the repetition and force your mind to envision the engagement so when you work with a partner your mind knows what is coming next and your body is ready to respond. The drill will feel like you are waiting on your partner to move, that you are always one step ahead of them. If you both are doing this the drill will get faster and faster with little effort. Notice how a couple of times in this clip Diana begins to move and strike before Ron holds the pads in place for her. That's because she is so comfortable with the drill she knows what is coming and is moving to strike. She is not waiting to see a target then strike, she is already in motion. A couple of times Ron starts the drill a little quick and Diana must react quickly to keep from catching a mitt to the face, she does so and never breaks stride. Notice her name is Diana Lee Inosanto, she is the daughter of Dan Inosanto, Bruce Lee's long time training partner and student.

The Reaper

2009-12-19T10:57:00.000-08:00

There is nothing quite as humbling as being thrown to the ground. Regardless of how you get put down, whether by an intentional judo style throw or by simply being overpowered, either way you know the other guy has an advantage one way or the other. The odds are high that the person being thrown down is going to be injured by the fall, unless they know how to fall. One throw that is very straight forward and can be learned quickly once the principles are understood is O Soto Gari (Major Outer Reap). Now not to be confused with a simple trip or takedown, a throw elevates both of the opponents feet completely off the ground. This throw can result in the opponent being thrown on their back, shoulder, and even their head. Add in the possibility of the thrower following through and landing on the opponent there is additional damage that could be inflicted. Ideally we would prefer to stay on our feet to have the options that come with standing while having the opponent on the ground. These video clips show the standard approach to performing a Major Outer Reap. Pay close attention to the opponents arm across the throwers chest. See how you can use an overhook, underhook or wrist control to obtain this position. The off arm can be under the opponents chin, hooked around the opposite side of his neck, or pushing into the far shoulder. One way to make an attacker think twice and reconsider coming at you is to take them off their feet and slam him to the ground. O Soto Gari is a great way to do that. You don't have to be good at a dozen different throws, I would rather be great at one.

Can You Take a Punch

2009-12-14T07:20:00.000-08:00

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get hit by a UFC fighter, how about Chuck Liddell. At some point in the life of every guy we have all been punched in the arm by a buddy. Whether it's just goofing around, getting stripes tacked on, or trying to show how tough we are, we have all gotten nailed in the arm. But this guy was dumb enough to tell Chuck Liddell the first time Chuck hit him was weak. I don't think that is a mistake you make twice. By the look on Chuck's face, after the second punch, I think he was ready for the guy to say something else stupid or for the guy to call him "Daddy." Anyway, this made me laugh.

Side headlock escape from the ground

2009-12-07T17:06:00.000-08:00

Kesa Gatame or "side control" is one of the traditional mat holds in Judo. It is a typical landing position from a throw or takedown. For our purpose you would most likely find yourself in this position from an attacker who has you in a side headlock and you both fall to the ground before you are able to escape the hold. In these video clips you will see variations of the defensive counters to the hold that we have covered in class. Notice that in one clip the attackers arm is around the fighters neck and in the next clip the arm is under the fighters arm and around his back. Keep in mind these clips show sport techniques for the escape. You don't see any fingers to the eyes or pulling the head back by the hair, knee strikes to the back or any other number of ways you can dirty up your counter attack to aid your escape from the hold. I will agree if you can perform the escape without the aid of the additional counter measures then you can build a confidence in your ability to escape this hold from most any attacker. But, you never want to forget that most likely this guy is going to be punching you, hitting you with some blunt object, or worse pulling out a knife. While there is always the likelihood that his buddy is going to be getting involved as well. So, what ever you need to do to get up as fast as possible you use it. Proficiency in foundational skills is very important but anything goes when you have someone laying on you with there arm around your neck and they have bad intentions. Don't get caught thinking technical when you should be thinking tactical. The only rule is...you go home as unscathed as possible.

Be Safe, Train Hard

105% of all fights go to the ground

2009-11-30T17:08:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you have heard that 85% of all fights go to the ground,or 95% or 105% or what ever number an advocate for ground fighting is selling. There was a study done by the FBI back in the 1990's about police officers going to the ground in fights. I believe a misrepresentation of this study had lead to the over blown numbers given to the amount of fights that go to the ground. Consider this, if neither party wants to go to the ground, it wont. If only one person wants to go to the ground, the other will do there best to stay up. If both individuals want to go to the ground it is guaranteed to happen....then one of their friends is going to show up and kick the other guy asleep. But just with this simple observation of the only three options there are, at most some place between 33 - 66% of the fights will go to the ground. Then there will be some percentage of them that get back to there feet. If your interested I can bring in a paper I read about the FBI report to class that shows how the numbers have been exaggerated. But in the mean time look at these videos and imagine if the guy fighting by himself took the fight to the ground. He would have gotten stomped by multiple people. Now let me say this before I go, I do think you need to know how to FIGHT on the ground. Not wrestle or ju jitsu, but fight, and then get back to your feet as soon as you can. It is important to have some ground skills, but if you put all of your effort in that basket you are making a big mistake. Consider this, when was the last time you went out on the town by yourself, to a club, a restaurant, to a bar, to a show, or where ever? People go out with friends, so unless you are facing a lone mugger, you will be dealing with more than one person. Staying on your feet and staying mobile is your best option just ask these guys.

***The clip below has foul language in the song being played. This is the only version of the clip I found. Turn down the volume if you don't want to hear it.***

In which one of these situations would you have wanted to gone to the ground by your own choice?

It's nothing new

2009-11-28T11:18:00.000-08:00

As much as I love the movie "The Karate Kid" and as much as I love the theory of Mr. Myagi and Danielsan, those relationships of teacher and student are extremely rare if not nonexistent. The old TV series "Kung Fu" introduced us to the blind Shaolin Master and his student Grasshopper. The idea for this show belonged to Bruce Lee. Lee initially trained under a Wing Chun master named Yip Man, who was Lee's only formal instructor. However, Lee trained with many martial artist over the years and meticulously studied every martial arts he could get a book on or learn about through other means. His style of Jeet Kune Do, which by the way was intended to be his personal style of Jun Fan Gung Fu, and not a system to be categorized and taught to others. More accurately students of his were trained in Jun Fan Gung Fu. However, after he wrote Tao of Jeet Kune Do and his sub sequential death, the adoption of the name of JKD rapidly spread. Lee was the first real mixed martial artist. As his system incorporated aspects of Wing Chun, Filipino Martial arts, Boxing, Wrestling, Judo, Fencing, Chin Na, and Kenpo. One of Lee's top students Dan Insanto, who trained with him for about ten years was already a 5th degree black belt in American Kempo Karate when they met. Insanto is of Filipino heritage and introduced Lee to these styles. So whats the point of all this? A few years ago i bought a book about Hapkido, a style I trained in for a year. In the book there are two pages that demonstrate the same technique performed by four different styles. There are subtle differences between the moves, but ultimately the skills are the same. That led me to the understanding that Bruce Lee also came to, "a punch is a punch and a block is a block." Another truth is, you can only bend an arm so many ways. There are several styles that borrow from each other or are influenced by another. Some are due to regional location and others are due to similar philosophies and yet others are due to the ease if insertion of new skills into that style. What you see a lot is the blending together of Kenpo, Filipino Martial Arts, and JKD. This is were the bulk of my martial arts training has taken place. Lets look at these videos and see how they have a similar foundation of movement, but you can see how the primary style influences the motion and development of the skill. The drill is called Hubud, it is a flow drill that has many purposes and variations. We have been doing it in class off of a hook punch instead of the traditional short inward chopping motion.

Here the drill is used with a straight punch that then flows into a Kenpo self defense technique.

Here you see Paul Vunak, a student of Dan Insanto's and a very good martial artist, even though he is a little goofy and eccentric. He is using hubud to move into trapping and then to clinch for a headbutt.

Here we have two Kali (Filipino MA) students that take it into a lock and takedown.

Finally we have two Koryu Uchinadi students. KU is a style based on traditional Okinawan martial arts which uses flow drill extensively to train its students. Take a look at the rank of these two students. you might also recognize a couple of the other drills on the clip, because we have done them. I first was introduced to KU about two years ago. It is a very progressive style. The students here are also doing the drill using elbows instead of the inward chop.

So what does this tell us?
Just as the Bible says..."There is nothing new under the sun."
A lot of people like to take credit for a lot of things, but its usually already being done some place else.

Perfect Takedown

2009-11-27T17:48:00.000-08:00

This video demonstrates several principles of how to take someone down. First, as we have discussed the position of the opponents feet are critical. In the video the suspects feet are parallel and the officer makes contact at a 90 degree angle, perpendicular to the line between the suspects feet ... perfect. The officer also strikes a high line. The best two places to control someone in order to take them down is at the head and feet. Here the officer strikes the suspect at the base of the neck...which by the way creates an immediate gag reflex reaction, this will draw the focus of the suspect for a moment to the thought of simply looking for his next breath. If you look closely as the officer drives through the strike the suspects feet are tripped by the officers right leg. This is again perfect execution, taking both the high and low lines for the takedown. The officer also created motion from motion by waving his arms just before he struck. The same way the karate instructor did in our previous clip. Finally, the officer committed to the takedown by driving though the suspect until he was down. Where he then controlled him be controlling his head by pinning it to the ground. If you keep a persons head touching the ground it is easier to keep them down. But if you give them just an inch of space off the ground they can use it to get up. Now if you were to watch this video without the sound and have no background info on why the officer was called you might say the officer acted excessively. However, the officer was well within the law to subdue the suspect in a manner that was safe for the officer and in reality much easier on the suspect than if he was given the opportunity to fight the two officers that were on scene. A lot can be learned from this clip nothing more important than this officer gives three warnings to take your hands out of your pockets and on four...you fit the floor...now that's the stuff I miss.

Flinch Response

2009-11-23T17:06:00.001-08:00

Take a look at this picture. You have people who vary in gender, age, body type, levels of intoxication, and they are all reacting exactly the same. I'm sure this is not "karate school night" and all these people are highly trained martial artist. Quite the opposite, these are people reacting instinctively to danger, flinching. Take this primal reaction and train it to transition into an aggressive counter action, the "Spear," and you have your initial counter measure against an attack. Now follow up with knees, then a move to off balance your attacker, transition to a take down, then finish your objective (incapacitate, detain, or eliminate). There you have the four pieces of our basic skill set to defend against most attacks. Remember the body is designed to protect itself, physically and instinctively. So why not build upon that to make your self defense skills be as natural as pulling your hand off of a hot stove?

Be Safe, Train Hard

Offensive SPEAR

2009-11-21T12:53:00.000-08:00

Don't think that you have to wait to be attacked before you can defend yourself. This is a classic video clip that has been around for years. There are a lot of lessons that can be learned hear, but the clearest is that the Spear can be used offensively. Also look at the "Karate Guy's" stance as he is being approached. He is bladed, but in an unassuming posture, he does not look like he is about to strike, his hands are down at his side. Although I would not recommend this, I'm sure in his mind his thought was "If this guy gets close enough to me, I'm striking first." One thing that he does just before he strikes is waves his arms outward at his waist as if to say "what?" by doing this he creates motion from motion and the pimp doesn't see it coming. It would be real easy to articulate that he felt threatened by the pimp and thought he was about to be attacked, so he simply defended himself proactively. See what other lessons you can see in this clip and we can talk about it in our next class. It's also nice to see the good guy win!

Be Safe, Train Hard

K.I.S.S. - Keep It Simple Stupid

2009-11-17T12:51:00.000-08:00

Now I have spent years training, studying, reading about, researching, watching DVDs, going to seminars, and working to learn all I can about the Martial Arts and in resent years Reality Based Self-Defense. I don't claim to have created anything (maybe a few drills and sequences of moves) but what I have done is taken what I have learned and experienced as a police officer, martial artist, instructor, and competitor and tried to bring together all the things that overlap. The skills that seem to make the most sense and are the easiest and quickest to learn and reproduce. As I often say "you can only bend an arm so many ways." All self-defense systems overlap in some way. You are dealing with the human body, they all work and move the same, you can only be attacked so many ways. So why not take and boil everything down as much as possible and make it as simple as possible. That brings us to Tony Blauer's S.P.E.A.R. System. The spear in and of itself as a skill is simply an initial move. The over all system and subsequent skills go much deeper, but for our purpose we use the spear as Mr Blauer describes it simply as a bridge to our next move. Now understand the spear is not a unique skill. You can find the same "technique" in Kempo karate, Filipino martial arts, Haganah, Jeet Kune Do, and I'm sure others. However, the difference is the SPEAR System applies this one move against most every attack, rather than simply as a single move against a single attack. Watch this video and see how this skill can be applied as an instinctive, initial response, that gives you the chance to counter with strikes or whatever you need to do. Give me your thoughts.

Be Safe, Train Hard

2009-11-15T14:57:00.000-08:00

This is why you never turn your back on someone that is being confrontational with you.

2009-11-13T06:38:00.000-08:00

Check out this link: Throw An Elbow

2009-11-13T03:00:00.001-08:00

Starting in the Summer of 2009, Jeremy Harris started teaching us how to inflict some pain (in the event we were being attacked).

If you have questions regarding the class email Jeremy @ combatdefense@gmail.com.

Check back anytime for articles, lesson notes and videos!

It's always a good time for an elbow!

November 13, 2009

2009-11-13T02:54:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Throw An Elbow blog!