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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Physical Culture is Your Medicine: Dont Be A Stranger To The Gift of Struggle
The human body is an extraordinary machine capable of incredible strength, endurance, and adaptation feats. It is designed to thrive under the right conditions, and when you honor its needs, it rewards…
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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
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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The Power of Routine: A Guide to Consistency, Growth, and Efficiency
Routine can be loosely defined as a regular course of action or a habitual performance of an established procedure. While it may sound mundane, routines are one of the most…
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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,”…
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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…
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The Power of Consistency in Training and Life
Consistency is one of the most underrated yet powerful tools for success. Whether stepping onto the mat, investing in personal growth, or building strong relationships, consistency is the thread that…
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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…
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Foundational Elements of the Warriors Path – Warriors Strength Program
Physical culture is a term used to describe the activities and philosophies people have employed throughout history to improve their physical and mental well-being. Physical culture includes practices aimed at…
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Embracing a Growth Mindset, Why Continuous Learning is Essential for Success
This week, my team and I had the privilege of training in Los Angeles at Guro Dan Inosanto’s Instructor Camp. For those who may not be familiar with Guro Dan,…
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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.…
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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…
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Maintaining the Machine: The Power of Small Action Steps In Your Fitness Journey
Discover the power of small steps in fitness and recovery. Learn how maintaining your body, the ‘human machine,’ can build resilience, strength, and long-term success
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Overcoming Challenges: A Strategy For Navigating Life’s Obstacles
Twice a year, I have the privilege of assisting in a Rappel Master certification course at True Adventure Sports, located in the rugged terrain of Little River Canyon near Fort…
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Comfort is the Enemy, And Creating a Culture of Challenge
I’m spending this week at Little River Canyon, just outside Fort Payne, Alabama, assisting in a Rappel Master certification course at True Adventure Sports. This course is designed to certify new master instructors…
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Your Life Blueprint: Setting Goals and Navigating Obstacles
One of the first things we examine in the Warriors Path program is an individual’s overall life plan, which we refer to as their life blueprint. This comprehensive guide is designed to address all aspects…
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The Critical Thing Is To Keep Moving, Even In Small Ways.
I have been incredibly fortunate to train with and be an instructor under Guru Dan Inosanto since the mid-90s. Sifu Dan is a true seeker of knowledge, delving deeply into…
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Todays Certificate Culture & The Old-School Mentor
Over the years, I have garnered many nicknames from being deeply immersed in the culture of The Combat Arts. One of these nicknames was bestowed upon me by my students:…
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From Setbacks to Success: Roll It Off and Drive Forward
Everyone encounters problems in life. Whether personal, professional, or a blend of both, challenges are a natural part of the human experience. Yet, how we deal with these problems can…
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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…
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Mastering Self-Leadership for Personal and Professional Success
I firmly believe that all leadership development must begin with self-leadership. To be truly effective as a leader, you must first demonstrate the ability to lead yourself. This idea means…
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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…
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The Power of Daily Routines for Achievement and Growth
This week, during a coaching session on Zoom, a client and I discussed changes they could implement daily to enhance their achievement and overall growth. One of the key strategies…
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The Science and Practice of Self-Control
Self-control is often hailed as a cornerstone of personal and professional success. Defined as the ability to regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in the face of temptations and impulses, self-control is…
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