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.
18 articles in Travel & Experiences
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The Fundamentals Must Evolve With You
After reconnecting with Master Rickson Gracie for a private session in Vero Beach, Alan Baker reflects on the depth of Jiu-Jitsu fundamentals, invisible mechanics, lineage, and why a living art…
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When Less Becomes More: Learning to Become an Intuitive Driver
After years of training with Joe Autera, Alan Baker finally began to understand what it means to feel your way through a driving problem. This reflection from Pocono Raceway explores…
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The Perpetual White Belt: What Combatives at the Lake Reinforced About Mastery
After a three-and-a-half-week teaching tour, Combatives at the Lake reinforced two enduring lessons: remain a perpetual student, and keep refining knowledge until what remains is simple, clear, and useful.
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Bridging The Gap With Master Pedro Sauer
Master Pedro Sauer teaching Sifu Alan Baker Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Sifu Alan Baker training with Master Pedro Sauer in Savannah Georgia. Master Pedro Sauer demonstrating Gracie Jiu-Jitsu entry and off-balancing. Sifu…
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Keysi Fighting Method Instructor Camp With Sifu Alan Baker
Sifu Alan Baker teaching Keysi Fighting Method at an instructor camp. Keysi Fighting Method instructor camp training in Atlanta Georgia. Students training close-quarter Keysi Fighting Method with Sifu Alan Baker.…
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Sifu Alan Baker trains with Guro Joe Wakey in Tampa, Florida, exploring Pekiti-Tirsia Kali timing, knife jab drills, footwork, and position.
Sifu Alan Baker with Guro Joe Wakey and Tuhon Tim Waid of Pekiti-Tirsia Kali. Guro Joe Wakey teaching Pekiti-Tirsia Kali knife jab timing in Tampa, Florida. Sifu Alan Baker training…
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Training With Coach Erik Paulson at the CSW World Conference
CSW World Conference • Episode One Training With Coach Erik Paulson at the CSW World Conference In this first episode from the CSW World Conference trip, I head out to…
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Rorion Gracie at the CSW World Conference: The Garage Years, the Gracie Challenge, and the Birth of the UFC
At the CSW World Conference, Rorion Gracie shared a powerful firsthand account of the early days of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in America, his journey from Brazil to the United States, the…
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Day One at the CSW World Conference: Training, History, and Lockdown Half Guard Details
Day one of the CSW World Conference was packed from the start. I had already been in town training throughout the week, but this was the main reason for the…
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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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Another Outstanding Week at the Executive Protection Institute
Fresh back from another outstanding week at the Executive Protection Institute, I had the opportunity to teach Protection Response Tactics®, work with an exceptional group of future protection professionals, and…
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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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Reflections on the Living Mechanics Conference in Sarasota
Last week, I had the privilege of traveling to Sarasota, Florida, to work with Lavonne Martin and her team in preparation for the Living Mechanics Annual Conference over the weekend. This marked our third year hosting this event,…
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A Range Day Of Navigating Challenges And Cultivating Growth.
Delve into the transformative journey of personal growth and resilience in firearms training with Coach Dennis Rousseau. Explore the power of mentorship, self-improvement, and navigating obstacles to reach your full…
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The 2024 Living Mechanics Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Conference
Explore the unique Living Mechanics Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu approach at our Annual Conference in Woodstock, GA, with renowned instructors like Professors Creighton and Jimenez. Dive into advanced grappling techniques, self-defense, and…
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The 2023 Erik Paulson Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Camp
We arrived in Orange County a day before the camp, only to learn that a Category Four Hurricane, Hillary, was barreling straight towards us. Talk about an unexpected twist! Hilary…
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The C-Tac® Conference: A Unique Approach to Martial Arts and Self-Protection
In an era of rapid digitalization, the ubiquity of recording devices, and ever-evolving social perceptions, personal protection is changing drastically.
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Overcome & Survive Workshop: A Testament to Preparedness
This workshop isn’t just another event on the calendar – it’s a comprehensive, immersive training experience that strengthens you with the skills needed to protect yourself and your loved ones
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