Discover the art of martial arts drilling to enhance skills, develop attributes, and achieve combat readiness through structured practice and environmental adaptability.

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 doesn’t happen that way.” These remarks often come from individuals who lack a true understanding of intelligent training. Drills are not always designedto mimic the chaos of a … Read more

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 navigate. The Combat Blueprint serves as a clear, focused guide, emphasizing the core, high-yield fundamentals that genuinely matter in combat science. It’s designed to maximize training efficiency by concentrating … Read more

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 more I find it problematic. The word “defense” inherently suggests a reactive stance—you’re behind in time, responding to an aggressor’s actions. This reactive position is … Read more

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 training fits into the broader scale of violence and real-world scenarios. Imagine this: You’re walking down a dark alley with your family. Out of nowhere, … Read more

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 need for practical self-defense and self-offense training. People are no longer content with traditional martial arts forms that may not address the practical realities of … Read more

The Evolution of Self-Defense: Integrating Firearms and Combatives Training 

In the expansive realm of self-defense training, two disciplines consistently capture the spotlight: firearms training and combatives. Enthusiasts frequently dedicate their weekends to mastering these skills, often focusing on refining their shooting accuracy and techniques one weekend, then switching to enhance their prowess in unarmed combat during the next. However, there is a growing acknowledgment … Read more

Avoiding Martial Arts Dogma And Navigating the Full Spectrum of Violence. 

Don’t let your martial arts training confine your potential. In previous discussions, I’ve emphasized the importance of avoiding becoming too systemized in your approach to learning martial arts. By this, I mean that it’s crucial not to let the beliefs and doctrines of any single martial arts system wholly shape your perspectives. Take, for instance, … Read more

Developing Timeless Tools And The Good Old Days

This article delves into the importance of staying present and continuously learning in martial arts, challenging practitioners to shift focus from past glories to current opportunities. It emphasizes the development of timeless skills over temporary achievements, advocating for a mindset that embraces change and personal growth. Highlighting the necessity of attribute development, body state training, and mental resilience, the piece encourages martial artists to cultivate a warrior mindset to face modern challenges.