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.
267 articles
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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…
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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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Keep Moving: Shifting the Lens of Progress
One of the most common ways we sabotage ourselves, especially as we age, is through our own perspective. The lens through which we view our journey can either fuel our progress or…
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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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The Difference Between A Sun Student And A Moon Student.
A Moon Student is someone who reflects light. In other words, they faithfully reproduce what they have learned, often with impressive precision and accuracy. They can take a technique, a…
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Course Update: Back Submissions Cycle
Greetings Living Mechanics Members! Curriculum Update: Back Submissions Cycle Flow Drills – Back Back Attacks – White To Blue Back Attacks – Blue To Purple Back Attacks – Purple To…
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Reclaiming Control Through the Full Cycle Breath
In the Warrior’s Path Program, one of the core tools we teach for self-mastery is the breath. Not just as a function of survival, but as a transformation method. Breath…
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Indian Club Swinging: A Lost Physical Culture Art
I was first introduced to the Indian club swinging by my Burmese Bando instructors; at that time, I had to have a local woodworker build a pair of clubs for…
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Mind Boxing: Developing the Warrior’s State of Mind
One of the questions I’m frequently asked is how to develop the mental “switch,” that ability to activate aggression and step into decisive action the moment it’s needed. Whether you’re facing overwhelming odds in a self-defense…
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The Wuji State: Ground Zero of the Warrior’s Path
In the Warrior’s Path Program, all training begins at the origin, what we refer to as the Wuji state. This isn’t a stance in the traditional sense. It’s not technique driven. It’s the intentional return…
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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…
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Mastering Tension Control: The Hidden Key to Strength and Resilience
One of the most overlooked aspects of physical performance is not just how strong you are, but how well you control tension in your body. While most training programs emphasize output, lifting heavier, moving…
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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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The Power of Taking Action
Taking real action is one of the most powerful tools for change available to you. I don’t see myself as a naturally gifted person, but what I do have is the ability to put…
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Course Update: Living Mechanics Curriculum – White To Blue Flow Drills – 2025
Four New Sections Added: Flow Drills – 2025 – Introduction Flow Drills – 2025 – Side Control Flow Drills – 2025 – Mount Flow Drills – 2025 – Guard
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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,…
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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…
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Turn Off the Noise: Reclaiming Mental Clarity in a Distracted World
When Was the Last Time You Turned Everything Off? When was the last time you completely shut down, turned off your phone, closed your laptop, ignored the TV, and disconnected…
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How Mental Toughness Transforms Every Aspect of Life
What separates those who succeed from those who fall short? It’s not just talent, intelligence, or luck, it’s mental toughness. Staying composed, focused, and resilient in facing challenges determines true success.…
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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…
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