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.
126 articles in Training
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New Course: Warrior’s Strength – Training Session – October 8, 2024
Greetings Warrior’s Path Members! New Course: Warrior’s Strength – Training Session – October 8, 2024 Three Core Training Principles Hanging Exercise PNF Stretching Enjoy!
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New Course: Warrior’s Strength – Training Session – October 2, 2024
Mind Body Connection Alignment & Posture Core Training
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The Real Reason I Still Train
After 47 years in the martial arts, people often ask me why I still train. The answer has very little to do with fighting. Over time, I came to realize…
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Training With Sensei Erik Paulson: Lessons From a Private Session at the CSW World Conference
During a recent trip to Orange County, California, for the CSW World Conference, I had the opportunity to spend some private training time with Sensei Erik Paulson. In this session,…
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Course Updates: Purple To Brown – Throwing Cycle
Just as we recently updated the Blue-to-Purple section of the archive, we have now completed a major update to the Purple-to-Brown curriculum.
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Course Updates: Blue To Purple – Throwing Cycle
We’ve been working on this section of the Living Mechanics Archive for quite some time, and we’re excited to finally release it. Many of the takedown and ground engagement methods…
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The Grappling Backdoor Escape
In this seminar highlight, Sifu Alan Baker breaks down the backdoor escape and explains why some grappling habits can become a liability in more hostile environments. This is not just…
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Pedro Sauer’s Mount Details That Make Submissions Inevitable
In this segment, Professor Sauer breaks down subtle but powerful mount adjustments that make submissions from the top position far more effective. From elbow placement and weight distribution to proper…
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Unboxing a Filipino Ganuting Sword
In this video I finally get my hands on a new Ganuting sword from Traditional Filipino Weaponry.
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Half Guard Sweeps: The Reaction-First Method
In this seminar session in Cleveland, Tennessee, we’re working through half guard sweep concepts and how to create the reaction needed to make those sweeps work. Instead of forcing techniques,…
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Guro Joe Wakey Training Visit
In this video, Sifu Alan Baker trains in Tampa, Florida with Guru Joe Wakey, breaking down timing concepts behind a Filipino Martial Arts knife jab drill.
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Course Updates: White To Blue – Throwing Cycle
This latest update expands the curriculum with several additional takedown and off-balancing methods designed to improve control, timing, and positional dominance. The material now includes instruction on the Low Line…
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What Should You Look For When Choosing a Rash Guard?
Most people treat rash guards like they’re just “No Gi shirts.” They’re not. A good rash guard is part of your training equipment. It affects how you move, how your…
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Why Traditional Martial Artists Struggle In Real Violence And How To Close The Gap
You can spend years training in a traditional martial art, earn rank, move beautifully in forms, flow through drills, and even do well in sparring, yet still be completely unprepared…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Course Updates: Living Mechanics Curriculum
Bob added a HUGE amount of new videos on this update, click here for the full list. If you are not in the Living Mechanics Archive you are missing out!
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Technique, Attributes, or Body State: Which Are You Training
In C-Tac, we teach a principle called Layered Skill Development, and it serves as one of the foundational strategies behind how we build effective, real-world ability. This principle isn’t just about organizing your training; it’s about creating depth over time.…
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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…
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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…
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The Gym as a Place of Transformation: Strength, Recovery, and Action
For many of us, the gym is a place of change. Sometimes, it’s about gaining strength. Other times, it’s about reclaiming ability. And for some, it becomes a form of…
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