The Four Stages of Kata Practice
Practically all karateka practice kata; however, most only practice the initial stage and therefore they do not develop a rounded and more complete understanding...
Custom Kimber Compacts
The virtues of the Government Model .45 have been endlessly chronicled. But as much as we all love the big gun, it remains just...
Cross-Training Isn’t A New Concept
Cross-training isn't a new concept. The Shaolin and the Samurai both cross-trained ... and they weren't the only ones, just the best known. Cross-training...
After Surgery
Information on this Web page is for educational use only, and is not intended as medical advice.
Every attempt has been made for accuracy, but...
Chuck Merriman on Kata and the Meaning of Bunkai
"The kata are the essence of karate; without them karate would be the mere learning of various fighting and self-defense techniques, expressing nothing and...
A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing: A Special 1911 Pattern Frame and Caspian Arms Slide
"You're not actually going to shoot that, are you?" "Oh sure," I answered, locking the slide open and applying a couple drops of oil...
Dancing With The Dark Side
At some point, the true martial artist must come to grips with this messy, brutal reality. I call this "dancing with the dark side."
Let...
Systema Drill To Overcome Fear of Contact
In the new SYSTEMA HAND to HAND film, there is a drill where the two opponents are approaching each other and evading contact. It...
Martial Arts The Hidden Secrets – What is Smart Training? #6
To me, it is the best possible utilization of your training time. How many people in a weights gym do you see, standing around...
Stand and Deliver: The Dynamics of a Real Street Fight
A little plagiarism on my part but I would like to discuss the dynamics of a real street fight. So, let’s talk fighting.
I don’t...
Project Prayer Flag
When I arrived in California from teaching my Reality-Based Personal Protection courses in Germany last week I had a letter waiting for me at...
Systema Combative Body Massage
Any good massage is beneficial. The Systema combative body massage that we do in classes has its own unique and practical value. Done in...
What Usable Backup Knife Should I Use For On and Off Duty Carry?
As a senior knife instructor for both Mil and L/E as well as a combatives practitioner for over 37 years I think this idea...
Studying Multiple Martial Arts
There is a saying - "Beware the man of one book." Homo unius libri, meaning "I fear the man of a single book."
I hear...
Reexamining Modern Knife Instruction for Civilians
It is imperative that we reexamine modern knife instruction for civilians and make sure teaching provides practical unarmed skills against a live blade.
Many instructors...
Look for Genuine HIGH GEAR Suits
Last night we received this letter from Tony Blauer about the recent rash of HIGH GEAR knock offs. Tony conceived HIGH GEAR to not...