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
Alan Baker
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 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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
