RECCE ROOM

Link to article . Summary: From an author who admittedly hates guns, he talks about a state official who says "legally carrying a gun is a crime." Then the author goes on to point out some of the legal loopholes in the official's reasoning.

Seen on Facebook: "25 years ago, we had Reagan, Johnny Cash, and Bob Hope. Now we have Obama, no hope, and no cash."

Here is a really good breakdown of high percentage moves. Practice most what will win most.

This is one of the "Core 10" talks I give. It is about repetition in practice and training. In the Usagi Dojo, I have an informal repetition minimum limit of 3 reps for each person on each side of the body.  Too many people are of the mind that they try something until they get it right, then they stop practicing the move. Problem is, then they never remember the correct method - especially when it comes time to spar. I suggest instead that the student practice the move until they get it right, and then put into play my "3-reps" rule. This way, the student gets familiar with doing it correctly. This also gets most people just a tad tired of doing the move... which means it just became something they can remember! .

In martial arts being a good training partner is essential. Specifically, arts that require a partner, like judo, jiu-jitsu, and others. It is natural for a person to want to practice the specific offensive and defensive moves that are being shown. It can be boring to allow someone else to do the movement on you. But a good training partner not only endures, but looks to learn while being used as a training aid. This is in addition to the common courtesy one should show when training a new move. The Obstinate: Some people come into training with an axe to grind. They wish to prove the move ineffective - either in general, or on themselves specifically. This person is invariably a newer student. People who have studied for a while understand that nobody is immune. The main problem with this type is that they will intentionally sabotage their training partner's attempt to perform the movement. The issue here is that their own selfishness prevents their partner fr...

In a previous article, I discussed juji gatame - the arm bar. Let's talk about how to apply the arm bar. First things first, juji gatame can be applied from many positions. It can be applied form transitions, as well. As always, an alert student will be looking for an indicator - something that the opponent does that signifies an arm bar can applied. Generally speaking, this is the case when the elbow comes free from the body with enough separation. Now we have to get into position: - Secure the opponent's arm above the elbow. - Shift hips to prepare to move leg. - Move leg over opponent's head. - Final hip shift(s) and adjustment to get into position. Next, we have to secure the arm: - Keeping opponent's arm secured above the elbow, glue opponent's elbow to your chest. - Use any of a number of arm peeling techniques to break whatever grip the opponent uses. - Arch back to straighten arm. Now, we apply pressure: - Make sure opponent's thum...

Transitions in the martial arts are important. So much of training is done from fairly static positions or postures, and then live sparring incorporates these wonderful things called transitions. Transitions have several types of categories. Broadly speaking, there are transitions between positions, transitions from one attack to another, transitions from one defense to another, and transitions from position to attacks/defenses. Transitions between positions: In Jiu-Jitsu, it is common to go from side to mount, or from inside the opponent's guard to the side. There are many other variables as well. Most of these transitions are studied in detail. Transitions between attacks: Often referred to as combinations, or attack chains, these transitions allow the practitioner to set up an opponent for a submission. Because it is far more difficult to defend multiple attacks, these transitions allow a higher percentage of success than single attacks. Transitions betwe...

The standard cross arm bar, juji gatame , is one of the most commonly used techniques in jiu-jitsu and judo. It sees widespread use in MMA and submission grappling. Here is a nice article on the move and its use in Judo. One of the things that makes juji gatame so useful is the fact that it can be applied from numerous positions. Most finishing holds can only be applied from just a few positions. Juji gatame can be applied from every major position of advantage: Mount, Guard, Side, Back, headlock, turtle, Wedge (aka "North-South"), and even from the standing clinch. Juji gatame also combines well with other techniques like collar chokes (i.e. - juji jime ) and arm locks (i.e. - ude garami ). A good student of the martial arts will not only learn juji gatame , but will master it as it is one of the most commonly used techniques to be found.

Saw this posted online some time back. Not sure if I agree 100%, but the author hits it on the head. Edited for language and accuracy. Item 1: Do not listen to what women have to say about women. They are not privy to the keen powers of self-instropection, nor are they honest when the mirror paints the picture of womanhood in a less-than-flattering light. If women were to be trusted about how they tick, we'd all have it figured out, and women would be happy. Society is afraid of saying what I am, that women have been led to believe they are a noble half of the human race, and more suited to matters of the heart. Fact is, they're just as clueless as you. Next. Item 2: Women are 95% a product of the relationship (or lack thereof) between they and their fathers. Men are made by their mothers, women by their dads. If daddy beat them, left them, or otherwise was a [dirtbag], you had better believe they will not have healthy impulses and chaos will follow them through...

Now we have proof: Link to article : Gun crimes in VA have dropped since concealed carry was legalized in establishments serving alcohol.

The triangle choke - Sankaku Jime in Japanese - is a fundamental technique in Judo and Jiu-Jitsu. There are three main variations on the Triangle choke: 1. Mae Sankaku or front triangle. The front triangle is the most commonly seen. Often applied from the guard, sometimes applied from the mount. 2. Yoko Sankaku or side triangle. This triangle is rarely seen, and I believe that's because few people take the time to study it. The side triangle can be applied from side control, opponent's turtle, failed arm bars, and even when pinned under side control. 3. Ushiro Sankaku or rear triangle. One of the rarest of the triangle chokes, this one is almost always applied from the back mount position. This video by Stephan Kesting covers "5" triangles you should know. Great video. For the sake of clarity, he uses a side triangle for two of the five - the only difference being the setup. In order, triangles three and four in the video are side triangles....

I had a student come to me recently, and express a desire to train at another dojo. I invited the student to do so, and said they would always be welcome back with me. In speaking of this later with a different student, the comment was made: "that would really be a blow! Class would never be the same without XYZ." While that statement is correct on the surface, it is fraught with potential traps as well. Good martial arts practice goes beyond a student, a classmate, or even an instructor. A good martial art goes beyond the dojo or even the style. Good martial arts are defined in what they bring to your life. Back to the question at hand: would it be a blow to lose a particular student? Yes. However, all the loss would do is change the class dynamic just a bit. I have taught martial arts since 1987. I've seen students come and go. I've seen instructors come and go. One person coming or going from a dojo will make a difference, but it is not life-altering. Just ...

Never thought I'd say this: these guys are pretty good on the Cello.

As you might imagine, I am in favor of people legally carrying for self defense. I have named on this blog so many reasons why. Well, add another to the list. Last night, a man tried to abduct a 14-year-old girl. Here in my town. At the same shopping center my children and I had just eaten supper at! My town is one of the nicest, quietest places you can imagine. Things like this simply don't happen here very often. Yet I still carry. Only takes that one time to ruin your life.

So you want to go to Appleseed and get the coveted Rifleman patch? Fine goal. To do so, there are a couple of methods that can give you better than average odds: A) Be an accomplished NRA highpower shooter. B) Prepare properly. Since NRA highpower is a relatively unique discipline, and since not that many shooters ever really compete in it, much less get pretty good at it, I'll assume you found this blog post because you intend to do (B) from above and prepare properly. Disclaimers There are a couple of things you need to know before we begin. First - the AQT is a game. To win the prize, it is best to play the game well. Second - Playing the game well means proper equipment, proper preparation, and proper motivation. If you cannot commit to any of these, you cannot get a patch, plain and simple. PROPER EQUIPMENT There are several things you will need. Some are not mandatory, but strongly encouraged. If you go without too many of the strongly encouraged items, exp...

This past week I reconnected with a good friend from high school. We had been best of friends, but had slowly drifted apart in college. At one time, he had been my only confidant in the world. These days, I serve as a confidant to others far more often than I myself confide. When I do confide in someone now, it is usually my wife. This time though, I was struggling with an issue she could not help on. Good to know my old friend was up to the task. Things are much better now due in no small part to his listening ear and good advice. What's funny is my old friend and I share fewer things in common these days. Politically we are on opposite ends of the spectrum. But, we are still pals. And that is all that matters.