Martial Arts Training - Self Defense Training - Neko Ryu Goshin Jitsu

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2017-07-26T12:34:00.000-04:00

Video Recordings of Grandmaster Moose Interviewing Professor Cates

2017-07-24T16:16:00.003-04:00

The Link below gives you access to a series 21 video interviews. Grandmaster Moose interviews his father, Professor Ernie Cates.

The in these interviews they discuss martial arts in general, Judo and Neko Ryu specifically, and a good bit of Cates family history.

Enjoy.

Link to Professor Ernie Cates Interview Videos

Live Video Recordings of Instruction from Professor Cates

2017-07-24T16:10:00.000-04:00

This is a video playlist containing recordings of Professor Cates instructing Camp Budo attendees.

Link to Video Playlist: Instruction from Professor Cates

Neko Ryo Cane Video: Two-Hand Backwards Strikes

2011-01-01T23:19:00.004-05:00

This, the fourth Neko Ryu Cane video, demonstrates the Two-Hand Backwards Thrust and the Two-Hand Backwards Butt Stroke with the crooked cane.

Please enjoy this 2:29 minute video.

Link to Other Topics in the Special Report: The Neko Ryu Cane

Neko Ryu Cane Video: Two-Hand Butt Strokes

2010-11-30T20:29:00.003-05:00

This is the third Neko Ryu Cane video. It demonstrates two-hand butt strokes with the crooked cane; basic techniques derived from military bayonet drills.

Please enjoy the video. The length is 4:46.

Link to Other Topics in the Special Report: The Neko Ryu Cane

Neko Ryu Cane Video: Two-Hand Thrusts

2010-11-01T07:04:00.003-04:00

The most basic two-hand cane techniques are taken from military bayonet drills. The Two-Hand Thrust is the first. Please enjoy the video.

Link to Other Topics in the Special Report: The Neko Ryu Cane

Neko Ryo Cane Video: Introduction - Would You Feel Comfortable Carrying a Cane?

2010-09-29T21:28:00.005-04:00

My way of using the crooked cane as a self-defense weapon, the Neko Ryu Cane, is based on the principles of Neko Ryu Goshin Jitsu as taught to me by Professor Ernie Cates, his son and current head of the style - Moose Cates, and by Professor Cates’ senior student Master Danny Glover.

Neko Ryu is primarily an empty hand style and the crooked cane isn’t formally part of the system. However, Professor Cates’ emphasizes that Neko Ryu isn’t about techniques – it’s about principles. And, I’ve applied his principles to the crooked cane as faithfully as I’m able. Hence the use of the name, Neko Ryu Cane.

If I’ve misapplied any principle it’s my error – certainly not the error of the Neko Ryu system.

The cane is legal. The cane is versatile. The cane is powerful. It’s also a lot of fun.

Please watch & enjoy the Neko Ryu Cane Video series beginning with the introduction:

Link to Other Topics in the Special Report: The Neko Ryu Cane

Link to Other Topics in the Special Report: The Neko Ryu Cane

Principles of War: Self Analysis Results

2010-09-07T22:04:00.000-04:00

I’m analyzing my martial arts skills, capabilities, and style through the lens of the Principles of War as defined in U.S. Army Field Manual FM 3-0. My commentaries on each principle are available through the links below.

Mass
Objective
Offensive
Surprise
Economy of Force
Maneuver
Unity of Command
Security
Simplicity

In my previous posts I analyzed my personal martial arts style using each of the Principles of War; one at a time. I graded myself as shown:

Mass - a "C"
Objective - a "B"
Offensive - a "B"
Surprise - an "A"
Economy of Force - an "A"
Maneuver - a "C"
Unity of Command - an "A"
Security - a "C"
Simplicity - a "B"

Three “A’s”, three “B’s” and three “C’s” average out to a solid “B”. Not bad – but what do I need to change to deserve a solid “A”?

The “gap” between an “A” and my “B” was caused by:

Mass - a "C"
Maneuver - a "C"
Security - a "C"

In my analysis of Mass I scored poorly in “attacking the decisive place”. I noted a need to develop a strategy & tactics for creating an opening to attack the “decisive place”.

In Maneuver I observed that my tendency to counter-punch “… gives away the initiative to the enemy and limits my flexibility in purposefully putting him in a disadvantageous position.” I noted that, “I need to work on maneuvering my opponent into a disadvantageous position.”

In the post covering Security I described the four types of security that apply to the self-defense situation. Of these, I rated two as weaknesses in my personal style. The two can be consolidated using the term “situational awareness”; referring to awareness of the commonplace before a confrontation begins.

In my post on the Offensive, I gave myself an overall “B”. However, on one of the elements, “Seize the Initiative”, I scored a “D”. I noted that my tendency to counter-punch gives away the initiative.

My notes on these four Principles of War form two self-improvement themes.

First, Mass , Maneuver, and Offensive combine to urge me to go on offense, immediately and aggressively. This fits with the teachings of most self-defense specialists. It also aligns with my military training.

Second, my notes on Security urge me to greater situational awareness – all the time. This will require emphasis on observing my environment in detail and mentally processing the observations – without continuous conscious thought.

These two themes are the new improvement objectives for my personal martial arts style. I don’t yet know how I’ll tackle them, but I will.

If you’ve stayed with me thru this journey of analysis – though I really doubt anyone did – I think you can see how the Principles of War can be used to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of a martial artist or a martial arts style.

If nothing else was achieve in these posts, I’ve at least convinced myself to add the two improvement objectives I described above to my personal goals. And, I’m confident that I’ll be a better martial artist as a result.

Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War

Principles of War: Self Analysis – Simplicity

2010-08-31T22:08:00.001-04:00

I’m analyzing my martial arts skills, capabilities, and style through the lens of the Principles of War as defined in U.S. Army Field Manual FM 3-0. My commentaries on each principle are available through the links below.

Mass
Objective
Offensive
Surprise
Economy of Force
Maneuver
Unity of Command
Security
Simplicity

So far I’ve graded my personal martial arts style as follows:

Mass - a "C"
Objective - a "B"
Offensive - a "B"
Surprise - an "A"
Economy of Force - an "A"
Maneuver - a "C"
Unity of Command - an "A"
Security - a "C"

This time I’ll grade myself on the Principle of War: Simplicity.

Prepare clear, uncomplicated plans and clear, concise orders to
ensure thorough understanding.

The last Principle of War, Simplicity, seems at first not to apply to the self defense situation. During the immediacy of an assault, there’s little time to plan a defensive strategy. Attempting to do so could result in your immediate defeat – perhaps death. Attempting to plan a strategy would be a distraction; in effect, putting you in violation of the Principle of War: Unity of Command – with you trying to do two things at the same time.

Simplicity, in this context, must be applied to the planning and training done well in advance of the situation.

You can decide now on a “grand strategy”, if you will, for your defense. Will you try to talk your way out? Will you run? Will you submit and hope for the best? Will you defend against assault but avoid hurting your assailant? Or will you, perhaps, choose to counter attack to disable your opponent and end his ability to threaten you or your loved ones?

If you haven’t already decided this question you should give it some thought right now. Indecision, when the attack comes, could be fatal.

All of the strategies I listed above are simple. Any of them could be valid for you. Simplicity means choosing a simple strategy and avoiding one that is too complex to implement under stress.

Simplicity also must be applied to your techniques and tactics.

If you’re a professional negotiator, you may have some favorite negotiating techniques that you believe will get you out of a confrontation. If you’re a martial artist, you’ll have some favorite fighting techniques and tactics.

The point is, when you are under stress you will have little time and little ability to think clearly about what you are going to do. That’s why many martial arts, including Neko Ryu Goshin Jitsu, stress training and drilling simple techniques and operating in a state of “mushin” or “no mind".

This means simply doing what you’ve practiced thousands of times and doing it immediately without thinking. When this happens, it’s fast, it’s decisive, it’s massive, it’s unified, it’s secure, it’s surprising, and it’s simple.

I’m still working on mushin. As I’ve said in earlier posts, I achieve it during countering techniques. Developing the ability to achieve mushin at will or at need is my single most important opportunity to improve my overall martial arts capability.

Nevertheless, both my training and my martial art emphases simple techniques, well drilled. My predetermined strategy is to counter-attack to eliminate the threat. And, I sometimes achieve mushin.

For the Principle of War: Simplicity I award my personal martial art style a “B”.

Now that I’ve analyzed my martial arts style through the lens of each of the nine Principles of War, in my next post I‘ll summarize what I’ve learned from this exercise. And, what it means for my future martial arts training.

Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War

Principles of War: Self Analysis – Security

2010-08-24T21:04:00.000-04:00

I’m analyzing my martial arts skills, capabilities, and style through the lens of the Principles of War as defined in U.S. Army Field Manual FM 3-0. My commentaries on each principle are available through the links below.

Mass
Objective
Offensive
Surprise
Economy of Force
Maneuver
Unity of Command
Security
Simplicity

So far I’ve graded my personal martial arts style as follows:

Mass - a "C"
Objective - a "B"
Offensive - a "B"
Surprise - an "A"
Economy of Force - an "A"
Maneuver - a "C"
Unity of Command - an "A"

This time I’ll grade myself on the Principle of War: Security.

Never permit the enemy to acquire an unexpected advantage.

“Security results from measures taken by a command to protect itself from surprise, interference, sabotage, annoyance, and threat ISR. Military deception greatly enhances security.”

Security is the most difficult Principle of War to apply to the self defense scenario. In military operations security implies reconnaissance, screening forces, observation posts, intelligence gathering and analysis of an enemy’s capabilities and intentions.

In the self defense situation, there’s no opportunity to know your enemy in advance except for the possibility of observing and discerning the threat when he appears - before he launches his attack.

Likewise, there’s no opportunity to create a time cushion through the use of screening forces or observation posts. And, we’re certainly not going on a reconnaissance to actively find the enemy.

So what kind of security operation is possible?

First, we choose where we go and how we get there. Are you aware of the relative level of danger in your geographic area? Do you habitually drive with your doors locked? Do you lock the doors and windows of your home? Are you aware of potential ambush sites as you travel? Are you aware of the people traveling near you?

Second, we chose our level of threat awareness. Do you notice the abnormal behavior in people that indicates a possible threat? Do you manage the distance between you and potential threats? Do you identify nearby escape routes and expedient weapons?

Third, when the confrontation begins, we can engage in deception, movement and stance to shape the opponent’s attack in a preferred way.

Fourth, we can attack.

In my experience, martial arts don’t teach the first or second security operations. Some instructors talk about them but give them little more than lip service.

Yet, in the self defense literature – as opposed to martial arts literature – the first two operations are considered the most important. These operations are the behaviors that allow you to avoid combat.

It’s only after battle is joined or becomes unavoidable that the third and fourth types of security operations come into play. These are taught in most martial arts styles.

My training has been in the typical martial arts approach; modified somewhat by reading self defense books and articles and my efforts to practice the first two choices to a small degree.

On balance, I give my personal martial arts style a “C” for the Principle of War: Security.

In the next post I’ll grade myself on the final Principle of War: Simplicity.

Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War

Principles of War: Self Analysis – Unity of Command

2010-08-17T21:35:00.003-04:00

In the next post I’ll grade myself on the Principle of War: Security.

Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War

Camp Budo 2010: Take Aways

2010-08-10T20:40:00.003-04:00

Camp Budo 2010 is over and it was well worth the price of admission. It was in fact, at $80, a fantastic value.

Taking home even a single idea, principle, or technique would’ve been worth the price. My actual take away was much greater than that.

Professor Cates, at 77 years old, still learns and experiments, clarifies, and adds to his Neko Ryu Goshin Jitsu. On Friday night, Professor Cates introduced an old principle to a technique he's taught for years. But, I don’t remember ever hearing this principle used in conjunction with the technique.

Specifically, Professor Cates often taught a technique in which tori (the person executing the technique) lays his forearm across the shoulder of uki (the person the technique is applied to); brushing the arm forward across uki’s shoulder then downward causing uki to fall. Sometimes, this worked for me, but it was inconsistent.

Friday night, Professor Cates taught us to push uki’s arm back until his wrist is behind his hips then immediately apply the original technique with your opposite forearm. This worked every time; now I’m comfortable adding it to my tool box.

Pushing uki’s arm behind him is an off-balance technique – a kuzushi. It subtlety twists uki’s spine reducing his structural stability and moves his center of gravity slightly to his rear corner.

The “forearm take down” wasn’t the only revelation of the weekend. I brought home an adjustment to a standard choking technique after Professor Cates reinforced another principle on Saturday.

I’ve adjusted an arm bar that I practice weekly because of principles demonstrated by Soke Moose Cates (Neko Ryu & Judo) and Master Steve Waulk (Escrima).

Master Waulk taught some stick disarm techniques on Sunday that I’m adding to my cane drills. And, I’m adding a variation of a “back of the neck” take down to my drills that I learned from Soke Moose on Saturday.

There was some great Shorin Ryu & Isshin Ryu Karate and some other very good jujitsu styles taught throughout the weekend. I don’t mean to diminish them at all. The master instructors of these arts are awesome. However, I absorb as much Judo, Neko Ryu, and stick fighting as I can. Little time is left for me to learn from the other instructors.

Many of the students are karate-ka though. They concentrated their time on the other instructors and were suitably impressed and informed.

Beyond the teaching there was also the fellowship. If your understanding of martial arts schools is based on the depictions of “The Karate Kid” then you can’t relate to the “fellowship” element. But, although the “show no mercy” martial arts schools exist, they aren’t representative of martial arts schools generally.

The single most important element of any martial arts school is the respect shown not only from student to teacher, but also from teacher to student, from student to student and even from teacher to teacher.

Camp Budo has all of this, in spades.

I encourage you to put Camp Budo 2011 on your calendar now. The dates haven’t yet been announced, but it’s normally the last weekend of July.

See you next year!

Principles of War: Self Analysis – Maneuver

2010-08-03T23:47:00.001-04:00

Principles of War: Self Analysis – Economy of Force

2010-07-27T20:56:00.001-04:00

I’m analyzing my martial arts skills, capabilities, and style through the lens of the Principles of War as defined in U.S. Army Field Manual FM 3-0. My commentaries on each principle are available through the links below.

Mass
Objective
Offensive
Surprise
Economy of Force
Maneuver
Unity of Command
Security
Simplicity

So far I’ve graded my personal martial arts style as follows:

Mass - a "C"
Objective - a "B"
Offensive - a "B"
Surprise - an "A"

Now it’s time to analyze my martial art style against the Principle of War: Economy of Force.

“Allocate minimum essential combat power to secondary efforts.”

Some martial arts instructors teach students to use strong active blocks. My first instructor (in Tae Kwon Do) taught this way. But a strong block requires as much focus as a strong punch or kick; And as much time. It’s an example of allocating essential combat power to a secondary effort.

The objective of any defensive technique is to avoid injury from the opponent’s attack. If this objective can be achieved without spending precious time and energy in the effort then, necessarily, more time and energy are available for the primary effort – your counter-attack.

Neko Ryu Goshin Jitsu is one of several martial arts that emphasize the use of:
(1) Movement to avoid the attack (remember “float like a butterfly”?),
(2) Brush blocking to deflect an incoming blow, and
(3) Converting the opponents attack into an instant counter-attack.

Judo focuses on the third choice - converting the opponents attack into an instant counter-attack.

My personal style retains elements of my early days in Tai Kwan Do (my very first martial art) and Tong Soo Do (the art that awarded me my first black belt). I especially like the way Koreans kick and I love the Korean sidekick. However, in accordance with the principles of Neko Ryu, I’ve retrained myself to use body movement (Tai Sabaki) and brush blocks for defensive techniques.

My Neko Ryu is heavily influenced by Judo and my inclination to “counter-punch” leads me to prefer the Judo/Neko Ryu defense – that is; converting the opponent’s attack into a decisive counter stroke – “hitting him with the parking lot” as the conclusion of Harai Goshi.

This is the epitome of allocating minimum essential combat power to a secondary effort. Consequently, I find my martial arts style deserves an “A” when measured against the Principle of War: Economy of Force

In the next post I’ll grade myself on the Principle of War: Maneuver.

Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War

Camp Budo Starts Next Week - $100 per Person

2010-07-21T21:53:00.004-04:00

Camp Budo is a Martial Arts long weekend filled with learning, fellowship and fun. Between 7 and 11 Masters of different styles take turns teaching principles and techniques from their various arts.

Attendees range from brand new beginners to multiple degree black belts with black belts are so old they're fraying & turning white! (kind of like me)

If you've never been involved in the martial arts but you're curious - Come on down! This is the perfect introduction to a broad range of styles in a relaxed & safety conscious setting.

If you're an old experienced codger of a martial artist - Come on down! You'll learn some neat stuff - I promise.

Admission is $100 cash at the door.

This year, Camp Budo starts July 30th & runs thru August 1st. I'll be there & I hope you are too!

Location:
Crescent Moon Dojo at 909 Washington St, Graham NC (just East of Burlington, NC)

Price:
$100.00 At the Door - No checks/No credit cards

Times:
Friday, July 30th - 5:00pm until 7:30pm

Saturday, July 31st - 9:00am until 12:00 "break for Lunch" Back on the mats at 1:30 until 4:30 or 5:00pm depending on the heat.

Sunday, August 1st - 9:00am until 12:00 noon.

Hotel Accomodations Available:
Ramada Inn in Burlington on I-40 is only 60.91 per night this includes taxes.

Motel 6 is ust one exit down I-40 for 29.95 per night.

Please forward this to all your Martial Arts friends - they'll be glad you did.

Camp Budo 2010 - It's Almost Here!

2010-07-20T21:55:00.002-04:00

Camp Budo is a Martial Arts long weekend filled with learning, fellowship and fun. Between 7 and 11 Masters of different styles take turns teaching principles and techniques from their various arts.

Attendees range from brand new beginners to multiple degree black belts with black belts are so old they're fraying & turning white! (kind of like me)

If you've never been involved in the martial arts but you're curious - Come on down! This is the perfect introduction to a broad range of styles in a relaxed & safety conscious setting.

If you're an old experienced codger of a martial artist - Come on down! You'll learn some neat stuff - I promise.

Pre-registration price was $80. I'm not sure what they're charging at the door - but I'll find out & let you know.

This year, Camp Budo starts July 30th & runs thru August 1st. I'll be there & I hope you are too!

Location:
Crescent Moon Dojo at 909 Washington St, Graham NC (just East of Burlington, NC)

Price:
Pre-registration: $80.00
At the Door: I'll Find Out

Times:
Friday, July 30th - 5:00pm until 7:30pm

Saturday, July 31st - 9:00am until 12:00 "break for Lunch" Back on the mats at 1:30 until 4:30 or 5:00pm depending on the heat.

Sunday, August 1st - 9:00am until 12:00 noon.

Please forward this to all your Martial Arts friends - they'll be glad you did.

Principles of War: Self Analysis – Surprise

2010-07-13T21:27:00.002-04:00

Principles of War: Self Analysis – Offensive

2010-07-06T21:38:00.002-04:00

I’m analyzing my martial arts skills, capabilities, and style through the lens of the Principles of War as defined in U.S. Army Field Manual FM 3-0. My commentaries on the definitions are available through the links below.

Mass
Objective
Offensive
Surprise
Economy of Force
Maneuver
Unity of Command
Security
Simplicity

For Mass my grade was a “C”; For Objective a “B”. This time I’ll grade myself on Offensive.

“Seize, retain, and exploit the initiative.”

This Principle of War, like the previous two, has three elements.

(1) Seize the initiative
(2) Retain the initiative
(3) Exploit the initiative.

Seize the Initiative:
My natural inclination is to counter-punch. This is an inherently defensive posture and a poor starting point for seizing the initiative. In truth, this is the opposite of seizing the initiative. It’s voluntarily giving away the initiative to my opponent. There’s an element of “seize” in countering however. When the counter is executed against the opponent’s attack I’m “seizing” the initiative from him – after first letting him have it.

My grade for the “seize the initiative” element is a “D”.

Retain the Initiative:
Retaining the initiative implies a continuous series of offensive attacks or threatening maneuvers that prevent the opponent from regaining his equilibrium. In the self defense scenario I interpret it to mean, having once penetrated his defense, prevent the opponent from reestablishing it. This is best accomplished by pressing the assault through striking combinations or continuous application of an effective joint lock or choke.

When my counter works it must flow into a continuous assault. This is designed into my personal strategy and tactics. This is how I train. For the Offensive element “retain the initiative” I get a “B”.

Exploit the Initiative:
Exploiting the initiative means to reinforce success and pursue the retreating opponent until he’s destroyed. For self defense, I interpret it as pressing my attack until my strategic objective, the safety of my loved ones and me, is secured.

My counters lend themselves to flowing directly into finishing techniques. My strategy & tactics reinforce this transition and I’ve trained this way throughout my martial arts career.

Because exploiting the initiative is inherent to my personal style I give myself an “A” for this element.

Overall Grade:
For the Principle of War: Offensive I’ve graded myself a “D” for “seize the initiative”; I gave myself a “B” for “retain the initiative”; and an “A” for “exploit the initiative”. Overall, my grade for the Principle of War: Offensive is a “B”.

My weakness in the element “seize the initiative” matches the weakness I uncovered in the element “decisive place” during my analysis for the Principle of War: Mass. I want to develop a strategy and tactics for “seizing the initiative” to successfully attack the “decisive place”.

In my next post I’ll grade myself on the Principle of War: Surprise.

Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War

Principles of War: Self Analysis - Objective

2010-06-29T21:20:00.003-04:00

Principles of War: Self Analysis - Mass

2010-06-22T23:16:00.003-04:00

I’m analyzing my martial arts skills, capabilities, and personal style through the lens of the Principles of War as defined in U.S. Army Field Manual FM 3-0 starting on page 4-11. My commentaries on the definitions are found through the links below.

Mass
Objective
Offensive
Surprise
Economy of Force
Maneuver
Unity of Command
Security
Simplicity

The question is; how does my personal martial arts style stack up against the Principle of War - Mass?

“Concentrate the effects of combat power at the decisive place and time.”

Decisive Time:
In a self defense situation the decisive time is NOW. Perhaps the word time in the definition above should be understood as “timing”. The self defense situation will consume seconds, perhaps minutes, but rarely hours.

Timing then refers to the coordination of your technique with the ebb and flow of your opponent’s movements. I’m a natural counter-puncher - using the word loosely – largely because my timing is quite good. I can launch a hand strike, kick, or Judo throw to take advantage of uki’s (the opponent’s) motion with high confidence of success.

My strong tendency to fight as a counter-puncher is a real disadvantage in tournament competition where aggressiveness is rewarded and defensiveness penalized. However, in self defense it can be an advantage, at least in the immediate stage of a confrontation. So, I think I score well on the “decisive time” portion of the definition. I’ll give myself a “B”.

Decisive Place:
The “decisive place” must be interpreted as the target that, if successfully attacked, is most likely to achieve the goal of self defense; survival with minimum injury for yourself and your loved ones.

As a “counter-puncher” I take the target of opportunity - not a target I’ve selected as THE decisive objective required to defeat the opponent or defuse the situation. By training, I actively look for an opportunity to kick uki’s knee or throw him with harai goshi (thereby hitting him with the parking lot).

But, I’m really not very good at creating an opening to attack a desired target; another weakness in tournament competition. Oh, I can do it against less skilled opponents. And, if my opponent is virtually untrained, I can do it at will. But, against an opponent of comparable or higher skill – it’s simply a low probability outcome.

So, I have to grade myself poorly on the “decisive place” portion of the definition of Mass; call it a “D”.

Concentrate the Effects of Combat Power:
The third and last element of Mass is “concentrate the effects of combat power”. I interpret this for the self defense situation to mean – execute your attack with full power. In other words, fully commit to your technique.

I’ve found that my willingness to fully commit to a technique is directly related to my confidence in the technique. Consequently, I can and will fully commit to any one of my favorite techniques, sidekick, harai goshi, o-soto gari, or an elbow strike. I’m less willing to commit to other techniques, such as most punches, o-goshi, ippon seoi nage, or koto gaiashi.

But, under attack, I’m unlikely to attempt a technique that isn’t one of my favorites that I have confidence in.

In competition and in the dojo, I try many techniques besides my favorites. And, occasionally, they work for me, but when things get tight I go to my basics. With those I can fully commit.

Since this element of the definition is such a mixed bag, I have to rate myself as mediocre on “concentrate the effects of combat power”. I’ll give myself a “C”.

Overall Grade:
I’ve graded myself a “B” for “decisive time”; a “D” for “decisive place”; and a “C” for “concentrating the effects of combat power”. Overall, then my grade for the Principle of War: Mass is a “C”.

My take-away from this analysis is this: I want to develop a strategy and tactics for creating an opening to attack the “decisive place”. This will significantly improve my self defense capability. It wouldn’t hurt for competition either!

Next I’ll grade myself on the Principle of War: Objective.

Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War

Camp Budo 2010 - The Martial Arts Event I Make A Priority

2010-06-16T06:55:00.002-04:00

Every year, Camp Budo is the one Martial Arts event that I make sure I attend. It's a long weekend filled with learning, fellowship and fun. Usually between 7 and 11 Masters of various martial arts take turns teaching principles and techniques each from their own art.

This year, Camp Budo will run from July 30th thru August 1st. I'll see you there!

Location:
Crescent Moon Dojo located at
909 Washington St.
Graham NC (just East of Burlington, NC)

Times:
Friday, July 30th - 5:00pm until 7:30pm

Saturday, July 31st - 9:00am until 12:00 "break for Lunch" Back on the mats at 1:30 until 4:30 or 5:00pm depending on the heat.

Sunday, August 1st - 9:00am until 12:00 noon.

Please forward this to all your Martial Arts friends - they'll be glad you did.

Principles of War: Self Analysis - Weapons

2010-06-09T06:44:00.000-04:00

Principles of War: Self Analysis – Chokes & Joint Locks

2010-06-02T06:59:00.002-04:00

Principles of War: Self Analysis – Throwing Techniques

2010-05-25T22:28:00.003-04:00

I’m analyzing my martial arts skills, capabilities, and personal style through the lens of the Principles of War. U.S. Army Field Manual FM 3-0 starting on page 4-11 defines the Principles of War. My commentary on these definitions can be found through the links below.

Mass
Objective
Offensive
Surprise
Economy of Force
Maneuver
Unity of Command
Security
Simplicity

In my last post I described my temperament under stress and my favorite striking techniques. My focus today is grappling.

My grappling skills come from years of training in Kodokan Judo and additional years of Neko Ryu Goshin Jitsu.

I prefer throws then choking techniques and joint locks.

I’m more effective using counters rather than initiating attacks; that is, using the opponent’s attack as the beginning (the kuzushi) and the entry into a throw.

There are a few throws I consider “defensive-offensive”. These throws lend themselves to converting the opponent’s attack smoothly and instantly into a counter-attack.

Defensive-Offensive Throws
Foremost of the “defensive-offensive” throws is harai-goshi (sweeping hip throw). Using harai-goshi I can adapt to almost any hand strike converting the attacker’s strike into my throw – hitting him with the parking lot as Professor Cates is fond of saying.

Tai-o-toshi (body drop) is almost as good as harai-goshi. This throw takes a little more coordination to execute but in some ways it’s just a variation of harai-goshi.

Two other good - for me – “defensive-offensive” throws are uchi-mata (inside thigh reaping throw) and ippon seoi nagi (one arm shoulder throw). I find they work well when dealing with an over-hand hammer-like attack. Against any other hand strike I would automatically flow into harai-goshi.

There is also one Neko Ryu take down that just fits me. It flows so naturally that it’s likely to just happen if I’m attacked with a roundhouse hook punch. I don’t know its real name but I call it “passing”. Basically, I pivot backward away from the roundhouse punch, during the pivot I lightly grasp the inside of the opponent’s wrist or forearm and add some extra velocity to the attacker’s forward motion. As he closes with me my opposite hand hooks the back of his neck and as I complete the pivot, my angular momentum accelerates the opponent faster than his feet can keep up and he falls head first at my feet with his wrist still in my grasp ready for a finishing technique.

I didn’t intend to teach this technique in this essay but I was compelled to describe it since as far as I know it has no common name – and I love it.

Attacking or Counter-Attacking Throws
When the opponent has no forward momentum to use against him you have to generate motion by either tricking him into moving the way to want or by moving yourself. Attacking or counter-attacking throws are those in which you generate the motion. There are four of counter-attacking throws that I like a lot.

First, o-soto-gari (major outer reaping throw); this is the most common throw in Judo probably because it’s so effective. It can be used as a counter-attack in almost any situation but it isn’t “defensive-offensive” because the throw doesn’t naturally defend you from the opponent’s attack. O-soto-gari works well in combination with the simultaneous brush block of a hand strike.

Second, o-ichi-gari (major inner reaping throw); this throw isn’t as powerful as o-soto-gari but it’s a surprise when first used and it’s hard to see coming. It's “up close & personal” – you’re actually in grappling range before you can initiate o-ichi-gari. That’s largely why uki (your opponent) has difficulty seeing your leg sweep between his legs hooking one and taking his balance. Like all of the counter-attacking throws, o-ichi-gari must be used in combination with some defensive technique to avoid the opponent’s assault.

Third, ko-ichi-gari (minor inner reaping throw) is even weaker than o-ichi-gari. I use it in combination with o-soto-gaki (major outer entanglement). I start with ko-ichi-gari snaking my leg between his and posting my heel behind uki’s opposite side foot. I follow with o-soto-gaki wrapping my other leg around uki’s trapped foot from the outside. My momentum away from his free leg then carries uki off his trapped foot. Again, this throw starts “up close & personal”.

Fourth, a variation of o-soto-gaki (major outer entanglement) is an excellent attack in its own right. In this variation, your attacking leg wraps around uki’s same side leg and stomps down high on the back of his calf. A less vicious version will merely brush your calf down on his. Both versions end with uki on the ground but the first version is likely to injure uki’s knee.

These are my best throws. Harai-goshi and o-soto-gari are my “go to” techniques that I use automatically without thought. I’ll continue with my best chokes and joint locks in the next post.

Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War

Principles of War: Self Analysis - Striking Techniques

2010-05-18T21:54:00.001-04:00

It’s my intention to analyze my martial arts skills, capabilities, and personal style through the lens of the Principles of War.

U.S. Army Field Manual FM 3-0 starting on page 4-11 defines the Principles of War. These definitions with my commentary can also be found through the links below.

Mass
Objective
Offensive
Surprise
Economy of Force
Maneuver
Unity of Command
Security
Simplicity

To summarize my personal martial arts style I’ll mentally put myself in a self defense situation. The mental fiction is necessary because my personal martial arts style is a mixture of Tang Soo Do, Judo, and Neko Ryu Goshin Jitsu with the light touch of a few other systems I’ve encountered along the way.

An analysis of my Judo would be a very different thing from an analysis of my Tang Soo Do. But, in a self defense situation, and in my self defense training, I freely mix my best of all I’ve learned. Not THE best mind you, but MY best from all of the styles I’ve encountered – primarily the three in which I’m ranked.

In general, I don’t get too excited in the presence of a threat but I have a tendency to tense up. I’m able, by an act of will, to relax but it must be done repeatedly throughout the encounter.

Although my mind functions under stress, I tend to see only the opportunities and threats that I’ve previously experienced in training or competition. My recognition of golden opportunities that are major variations of situations I’ve experienced is frequently too slow for me to take advantage of them. By the time my mind processes the information the opportunity has passed.

I like to move around. When I’m in striking mode I’ll circle my opponent; switching between circling right or left. I don’t bounce as I move and I generally keep my weight on the balls of my feet.

In grappling mode, I move more slowly. I still circle my opponent but I also move forward and back, and side to side. My weight is more likely to be evenly distributed on both feet with some weight on my heels as well as the balls of my feet.

I’m in striking mode when I’m not in a clinch; when I have no grip on my opponent’s body and my opponent has no grip on mine. A “grip”, being defined very loosely, doesn’t have to be grasping fingers. It can be a wrapping arm or leg or even a pin against a wall or floor. In a clinch mobility is reduced and I shift into grappling mode.

I favor low kicks, especially sidekicks to the knee, roundhouse kicks to the knee, and front snap kicks to the shin. I’m a right-hander but I train equally on both sides and I always train first on the left. In a contest I occasionally switch between right and left guards and in striking mode I’m as likely to attack from the left as from the right. In grappling mode, despite my left hand training I’ll use a right-handed technique about 2 times out of 3.

I’ll jab often but in the attack I’ll use combinations of straight punches, kicks and elbows. I especially like horizontal and reverse horizontal elbow strikes to the face.

Knife hands to the throat, hammer fists to the clavicle, and palm heels to the chin or nose along with the front kick to the shin are part of my instant response simple self defense training. But after the initial response, I’m unlikely to use them again.

In my next post I’ll finish summarizing my personal martial arts style. I’ll flesh out my favored grappling techniques and discuss the transition from striking to grappling.

Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War

Martial Arts Training - Self Defense Training - Neko Ryu Goshin Jitsu

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Neko Ryo Cane Video: Two-Hand Backwards Strikes

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Neko Ryu Cane Video: Two-Hand Thrusts

Neko Ryo Cane Video: Introduction - Would You Feel Comfortable Carrying a Cane?

Principles of War: Self Analysis Results

Principles of War: Self Analysis – Simplicity

Principles of War: Self Analysis – Security

Principles of War: Self Analysis – Unity of Command

Camp Budo 2010: Take Aways

Principles of War: Self Analysis – Maneuver

Principles of War: Self Analysis – Economy of Force

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Camp Budo 2010 - It's Almost Here!

Principles of War: Self Analysis – Surprise

Principles of War: Self Analysis – Offensive

Principles of War: Self Analysis - Objective

Principles of War: Self Analysis - Mass

Camp Budo 2010 - The Martial Arts Event I Make A Priority

Principles of War: Self Analysis - Weapons

Principles of War: Self Analysis – Chokes & Joint Locks

Principles of War: Self Analysis – Throwing Techniques

Principles of War: Self Analysis - Striking Techniques