Knowledge • Perspective • Capability
Sifu Journal & Field Notes
Articles and reflections by Alan Baker on training, travel, and the experiences that shape his work. Explore self protection, self defense, and the ongoing development of capability through study, practice, and everyday life.
90 articles in Self Protection & Self Defense
Clear filters-
Building Tools for Every Level of Force In The Encounter
You should have answers and tools for every part of a combative encounter. If the only option you trust is your firearm, stress will pull you toward that single solution.…
-
The C-Tac Hierarchy Of Weaponry Principle
In my approach, I teach this hierarchy not to diminish the value of grappling, but to frame it correctly. Grappling is not the preferred starting point; it’s the final layer…
-
Weaponized Grappling: The Realities of Ground Fighting in Armed Environments
Done right, standard grappling makes you harder to kill. It builds alignment. It teaches joint control. It gives you deep insight into leverage, weight distribution, and how to stay calm…
-
Designing Defensive Tactics That Actually Fit the Mission
A client recently approached us with a request to design and implement a defensive tactics program for their private security team. This team operates at a high level, tasked with…
-
Edged Weapon Training in the Modern World: Why Martial Arts Isn’t Enough
The blade has remained one of humanity’s oldest and most enduring weapons. From the tribal battlegrounds of centuries past to the modern-day realities of street-level violence, the knife has evolved…
-
Validate Your Skill With Intelligent Training
One of the key principles I’ve adopted in my approach to training comes from Tuhon Tim Waid: the concept of validating your skill. This principle is essential not only for combative readiness…
-
360 Degrees of Destructive Force: Training Beyond the Traditional Fighting Stance
In most striking arts, it’s common to position your opponent directly in front of you, establish a measured distance, and prepare for engagement from a stable, standing stance. I often refer to…
-
The Shift To The Empty-Hand Focus In The Martial Arts
Over my 45-plus years of involvement in the martial arts and defensive tactics industry, I’ve witnessed significant shifts in how these arts are practiced and taught, particularly in the United…
-
Elevating Instructor Development Beyond Weekend Certifications
In the defensive tactics and self-protection industry, a significant issue has emerged, the weekend certification course. It has become far too common for individuals to attend a two-day seminar, receive a certificate,…
-
Verbal Tools & Tactics In An Altercation
The Gift of Gab: Verbal Tools & Tactics in C-Tac Training Verbal skills are just as important as physical techniques when it comes to self-defense and conflict management. In C-Tac, we emphasize that civilians should develop…
-
Redefining Defensive Tactics: Building Practical Solutions for the Protection Industry
Defensive tactics in the security and protection industry must go further than simply repackaging martial arts techniques, which is, unfortunately, all too common in the field. While martial arts are…
-
Mastering Critical Distance: The Lost Art of Bridging in Combat
Sifu Alan Baker throwing a jab on a focus mitt while training with Guro David Mitchel
-
Breaking Down the Ground Section of the C-Tac Combat Blueprint
Recently, I’ve received several questions about the ground section of the C-Tac Combat Blueprint, specifically about how we divide it into multiple parts and the reasoning behind this approach. Understanding the structure…
-
Blades and Bullets: Maximizing Your EDC for Close-Quarter Survival
In my EDC (Everyday Carry), I always include a fixed blade and a Glock 17. One question I often get is: “If you’re carrying a gun, why bother with the…
-
The Art of Drilling: Unlocking Skill And Attribute Development
In the world of martial arts and combative training, the practice of drilling is often misunderstood or undervalued. I frequently hear comments like, “That drill doesn’t look like real fighting,” or, “Fighting…
-
Striking in the Combat Blueprint: Mastering the Art of Striking
To distill the vast and complex field of martial arts into its most effective elements, I created the Combat Blueprint. Martial arts encompasses an overwhelming array of techniques and styles, making it challenging to…
-
The 4-Man Box Drill: Why There Are No Leads In Dynamic Combat
In the world of self-offense-defense (Combatives), there are no true leads (fighting stances), and yes, I intentionally use the term “self-offense-defense.” The more I reflect on the traditional term “self-defense,”…
-
THE NEW Protection Response Tactics Train-The-Trainer Program Coming In 2025
Defensive tactics in the security and protection industry must go far beyond the simple repackaging of martial arts techniques, which is, unfortunately, all too common in the field. While martial arts are valuable…
-
Out Of Position Fighting And Stepping Outside The Box
In my experience, most martial arts systems begin the study of body mechanics on an open mat in an open space. This essential approach forms the foundation of learning how…
-
Empowering Protection Agents with the Protection Response Tactics (PRT) Program: Tailored Defensive Tactics for the Modern Protector
In today’s world, being a protector means more than just showing up. Threats are evolving, and as protection agents, we need to be prepared for anything that comes our way.…
-
The Full Spectrum Of Violence
I often speak about the importance of not becoming systemized by the martial art you’re training in. Today, I want to dive a little deeper into this concept and challenge you to evaluate where your own…
-
The Protection Response Tactics Program
Explore the Protection Response Tactics (PRT) program, meticulously designed for protection agents and bodyguards. Developed to meet the unique needs of Personal Protection Specialists (PPS), PRT bridges the gap between…
-
Integrating EDC Strategies Into Your Defensive Tactics.
The martial arts industry is undergoing a crucial transformation driven by the pressing global climate. Escalating violence, often underreported, is hitting closer to home. This stark reality underscores the urgent…
-
Swordsmanship in Martial Studies And Personal Development
Dive into the rich tradition of martial arts and swordsmanship, exploring how ancient disciplines enhance personal growth, leadership, and ethical conduct. Discover the profound impact of the warrior’s mindset in…
-
The Evolution of Self-Defense: Integrating Firearms and Combatives Training
In the expansive realm of self-defense training, two disciplines consistently capture the spotlight: firearms training and combatives. Enthusiasts frequently dedicate their weekends to mastering these skills, often focusing on refining…
-
Avoiding Martial Arts Dogma And Navigating the Full Spectrum of Violence.
Don’t let your martial arts training confine your potential. In previous discussions, I’ve emphasized the importance of avoiding becoming too systemized in your approach to learning martial arts. By this,…
-
Rethinking Grappling in the Age of Everyday Carry
Discover the transformative journey of integrating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and Combat Submission Wrestling with firearms training for a comprehensive self-defense strategy. Learn how the fusion of grappling and tactical readiness…
Continue Learning
Explore The Academy
Continue your study through the Academy’s courses, books, conversations, and guided learning environments.
Video Academy
Continue structured learning through online courses, lessons, and educational programs.
Explore →Academy Library
Explore books, written resources, and deeper study materials from Alan Baker.
Explore →Podcast
Continue the conversation through long-form discussions, interviews, and reflections.
Listen →Join The Academy
Receive Field Notes, lessons, and ongoing educational reflections from the path.
Begin →