You may not see the similarities between your chosen training method and others, but testing your skills in a different arena can lead to gains you’d otherwise go without. Whether you love boxing or favour grappling, sometimes you just have to switch it up, or stagnate.
Combat Sports vs Combatives
When it comes to combat-sports training versus training for real combat, it doesn’t have to be ‘one or the other’. After all, even the Olympics began as a test of warriors’ mettle. But, as grappling legend Royler Gracie and I once discussed at a gathering of police, sport can also derail people's efforts to prepare for reality…
Is Your Martial Art a Placebo?
Can the power of belief make a martial art more effective — or does it make martial artists blind to the fact that their methods are ineffective? A scientific study into the power of placebos suggests that the answer to both questions may be 'yes'.
The Training Paradox
Conditioning your mind and body to cope with pain, injury, fatigue and fear is vital if self-defence capability is what you seek. But training should leave you ready for battle, not destroyed before the battle has even begun.
A True Sensei
A sensei is more than a teacher, and may not only be found in a dojo. The late Commando Sergeant Brett Wood MG DSM, recipient of the Medal for Gallantry, filled such a role for many, including Kinetic Fighting CEO Paul Cale. On the 10th anniversary of Wood’s death in action, Cale pays tribute to his friend and mentor.
Would You See it Coming?
When victims of seemingly random violent crimes are asked to make statements about their attacks, there's one response that's all too common: “I never saw it coming.” Unbeknown to these victims, however, there are almost always observable key indicators of violence before an assault happens. Mathew Wann, author of 'Predicting Violence – How to Interpret Nonverbal Cues' explains how to...
Be the Weapon
When it comes to self-defence, you want to be the weapon and have the tool, not the other way around. An integrated combat approach is the key.
Door-to-Door Safety
You may have come across an Uber safety meme like the one above, with this 'handy hint' for protecting yourself when using a ride service. The advice could be useful (and not only for women) — but only if it’s put in the context of training, and your particular social reality.
Beware of the Animals
We humans are ultimately animals…though some more than others, you could say. Our best self-defence skill is realising the foolishness of aggressive posturing, to avoid getting involved in ‘alpha male’ disputes.
Fear Under Fire
Facing your fears and doubts in training is a must, and the influence of skill on successful fear-control shouldn’t be underestimated.