Learning how to punch can be confusing. Especially when the gloves come off. Some people turn the fist, some don’t. Some hit with the big knuckles, some don’t. Some say you should never punch to the head in a street fight, some say that’s crazy talk. So, what exactly is the best fist for self-defense?…
Category: MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING
Martial arts training tips for students and teachers of martial arts.
Neck Exercises for Martial Arts
I’ve got a skinny neck, so neck exercises are an important part of my martial arts training… and they should be part of yours, too! In this video, I share some simple neck exercises to bring attention to a muscle group that doesn’t get enough attention from most martial artists. If the video isn’t playing,…
Dealing with Death in Martial Arts
Dealing with death is a fundamental issue in the martial arts. After all, self-defense, in its most extreme form, is a kill or be killed situation. Sounds scary, doesn’t it? Yep! Which is exactly why I find the martial arts to be so challenging and so profound. To truly master martial arts, you must determine…
Speed Training Will Save Your Life!
If you don’t include speed training into your martial arts practice, you’re making a big mistake. A mistake that could cost you your life. Wait—what about Tai Chi? They practice slowly. Are you saying millions of students are wasting their time? Not at all. I practice slowly, too. But I also practice at full speed…
The Attitude I Hate Most in Martial Arts
You run into lots of different attitudes in the martial arts. Let me tell which one I hate the most— Smug. Confident? I like. Cocky? I don’t mind. But smug? There is absolutely no place for that in the martial arts. Or anywhere. And yet… Years ago, after an Aikido class, I was sitting on…
3 Stupid Martial Arts Injuries
Some martial arts injuries are unavoidable, but others are just plain stupid! In this video, I discuss three stupid martial arts injuries and how to avoid them. If the video won’t play, you’ll find a summary below. Train safely! Stupid Injury #1: Spraining or jamming your fingers In the martial arts, your hands not only…
MMA for Self-Defense?
Can you use MMA for self-defense? The argument between mixed martial arts fans and traditional martial arts fans has been raging for decades. MMA fan: MMA is the greatest lab in history for testing fighting techniques that really work. TMA fan: Ha! MMA isn’t even a real martial art! MMA fan: You’re right—it’s better! MMA…