A Great Question!
Why does Fairbairn stress the straight thumb in line with the barrel, even for one handed shooting? Years ago when we first began our attempt to sort out the mechanics, methods and reasoning behind this type of shooting we had the exact same question! It really is an excellent question.
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A Samurai's Power Is In His Little Finger, Not His Samurai Sword
In the 12th Century the Shogunate was formed. The head of this regime was the Shogun, the supreme ruler. Under him where his regional 'daimyo' or 'dukes'. Under each 'daimyo' served the Japanese samurai. When a samurai stepped out of line, became too unruly or displeased his 'daimyo', the samurai would often have to go through a procedure known as yubizume. This procedure is a very barbaric punishment in which the first joint of the little finger on the sword hand would be amputated.
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Fun Games for Children Training in Martial Arts
A few fun games and activities that utilize Martial Arts skills to keep the enthusiasm high and kids interested in their training. "Sensei Says", "Wild & Crazy Blocker" and "Danger Alley"
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Martial Arts Sparring and Training Protective Equipment
Martial Arts Sparring can be a rewarding sport both physically and mentally. Wearing the right protective gear can make all the difference in a practitioners performance and even the outcome of an event.
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New Book: Positive Aikido
The new book Positive Aikido is a practical look at martial arts today with history - photos - ancedotes.
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Nuts & Bolts of Self Defense
Fundamental "Nuts & Bolts" training for close combat should be directed at dealing with the extremes. That is a life and death struggle for survival, i.e. worst case scenario.
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Okinawan Karate
Are you thinking of taking traditional okinawan karate. This article, written by an instructor at a not-for-profit karate club, will help you make your decision.
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Samurai - The Honourable & The Treacherous
The Japanese Samurai were warriors. Highly trained, skilled and efficient killers. Indeed, for many years the Samurai were the law of the land, a class of citizens above all except their Daimyo and the imperial Shogun. The samurai inhabited and roamed a land which was governed by the sword, and the samurai were masters of the sword.
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The Acronym That Saved My Life
Frequently, I get asked about certifications, systems or methods. We made a decision a long time ago of purposely staying away from things like this. Obviously, it's a no-brainer, money maker and it's not that I don't want to make money; but our purpose was to give you real training on the real stuff. Certifications and acronyms lead to a false sense of security and there's a fine line between sense of accomplishment and sense of security.
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Who Created Tai Chi Chuan (Tai Chi Boxing)?
A historical examination into the origin of Tai Chi Chuan (Tai Chi Boxing) based on proven sources of historical evidents and researches. Unlike the popular claim that it is originated from a priest of Wudang Sect named Zhang Sanfeng, this article set to discuss the historical development of Tai Chi Chuan in a critical manner, to find out who is the real founder of modern Tai Chi Chuan.
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Catholic Self Defense
Catholic, by definition, means universal or "broad minded".
I could pull out STACKS of manuals, syllabuses, films, and related research material that cover an ENTIRE range of unarmed combat.
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COMBATIVES? ...... Don't Tell Me. I Know What That Is! (Part 1)
“Combatives” from the root word COMBAT – “to fight in direct contact”, “active fighting between enemies”, “any fight or struggle”.There is ONE singular glaring absence in the above definition. Notice it? Absolutely NO mention of Fairbairn, Applegate, or Coach Hanley. No mention of Jiu-Jitsu, Boxing, Savate or any member of the Gracie family. No mention of World War Two, the Punic Wars or the Spartans. No mention of Juji-Gatame, a smashing overhand right, an edge of hand blow, or even a good old kick in the butt!
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Dermot Michael (Pat) O'Neill
Dermot O'Neill was born in 1905 in County Cork, Ireland. As a teenager he traveled to China, and settled in Shanghai. In 1925, at the age of twenty he joined the Shanghai Municipal Police. This police force comprising of 9000 active and reserve officers was task with bringing law and order to the International Settlement.
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Does It Hurt When I Do This?
Let me tell you something. I don't bruise too easily. You guys know after years of Wrestling, Football, Karate, Jujutsu and Judo- you develop resistance to those types of things.
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Fronting
“Fronting": The dodge to get in close to you. The frontal assault, as opposed to the ambush.
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Interesting Facts on Samurai Sword Manufacture
A samurai's sword is his most sacred and prized possession. Not only did the samurai rely on his sword to defend him, but spiritually the sword held greater significance as the samurai actually believed his soul inhabited the sword. Therefore it comes as no surprise that the same discipline and respect in which the samurai wielded his sword, went into the actual making of the sword itself.
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John Styers
Most people have only been exposed to John Styers work through the book "Cold Steel".
It is important to remember that first and foremost this book outlines a BASIC course of close-combat instruction. The elements covered in this system include bayonet, knife, stick and unarmed combat. Styers developed this "system" for BASIC training.
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Martial Arts
Martial Arts is becoming a popular way for you to get fit. Many Martial Arts have added benefits of self-defense, self-discipline, and meditation.
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Samurai Sword Basics, A Brief History
Capturing the spirit of old Japan and recognised by its deadly curvature, the samurai sword is widely recognised throughout the world as the most deadly of all Japanese weaponry. Although gaining modern fame and notoriety in modern epic cinema in such films as The Last Samurai and the Kill Bill series by Quentin Tarantino, samurai swords have long being an iconic symbol of Japan and its history.
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Why Every Cop Should Study Judo Part 1
Up until 30 years ago, JUDO was the martial art. Then with the introduction of the more mysterious martial arts with more of a “killing” edge to them this coupled with the focus of the USJF/USJI (the leading Judo organizations in the US and the world) focus on Olympic competition and the simple fact that training in judo is painful and to this day, very difficult to get a black belt rank in it, especially if you are in a competitive area. I could probably write another 5 pages on this, but I will stay on point.
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Generating More Power from Hip Rotation - Lessons from Martial Arts
One of the important lessons of Martial Arts training is the ability to use hip rotation as a way to generate power and speed for maximum impact.
Martial artists know that the hips are where the body's 'center of gravity' is located. It lends balance and stability to every move. The lower body is designed for power- the upper body for finesse.
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Grown Man Quits After 3 Mat Pulls!
The other day, I was beginning a prospective student and when we got to mat pulls, this man does three of them and then pulls up lame. Still, not a problem, I am in the business of training people, as long as you have the desire and the will, I am going to help you.
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Have No Misconceptions
I just received an Email from a woman who has a child (3 year old) and about to have another. Considering my wife is in a similar situation, this question couldn't be more relevant. This idea can be expanded to those of us getting older, injured or of smaller stature. Keep in mind, a little common sense goes a long way...
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How to Select Your Martial Arts and Self Defense Equipment
When you start training martial arts or Self Defense you will need the adequate martial arts of Self Defense equipment. Both types of equipment are different and you should know what to look for when shopping for martial arts or self defense equipment.
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Makiwara Training
Shigeru Kimura Sensei 9th Dan Tani-Ha Shitoryu Shukokai had a punch that was like getting hit with a cannonball.
Kimura Sensei had won the All Japan Karate Championship two years in a row. His technique was lightening fast, crisp, and decisive. There was a problem however. Tani Sensei, top student of Mabuni Kenwa and founder of Tani-Ha Shukokai was a firm believer in the age old concept of IKKEN HISSATSU or "One Fist - Certain Death".
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