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 …
C-Tac®
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, …
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 …
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
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 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,” …
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 …
