RECCE ROOM

OK, so it was in the mens' restroom at a restaurant in Cleveland, TN, and not on the side of the road. Funny still:

Ude Garami is one of the most common arm locks utilized in mixed martial arts (MMA), as well as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Judo. The arm lock is performed with a corkscrew motion against an arm bent at a 90-degree angle. There are multiple methods of applying ude garami - some from the top, and some from the bottom. For this installation, let's discuss a common situation in MMA, submission grappling, BJJ, and also in Judo. You have attempted a triangle choke, sankaku jime . However, the opponent is well versed, and knows better than to have his posture broken: once the posture is broken, the choke can be set in. While the opponent is held in the triangular position, there is an opportunity to switch to ude garami . Observe Sarah in just this situation - Picture 1: To begin this setup, Sarah will circle her left hand in an inside-out motion. Please note that Sarah will maintain a closed guard from the triangular position throughout the entire movement. Pictur...

A few days back, I was reading a thread on a martial arts forum which asked for the readers' favorite submission chain. I did not reply there, but are mine: Start from mounted position:  1. --> Americana arm lock 2. --> Straight arm lock attempt (two options - A & B)     A) Spider web position --> arm crush --> Kimura arm lock from top wedge - Part (4) below     B) Take back to immediate RNC (or collar choke) attempt. 3. -->  Straight arm lock from back 4. --> T-grip to Kimura arm lock from top wegde 5. --> Straight arm lock from top wedge position 6. --> Spider Web position (A) above. (Repeat as necessary) Start from side position phase 1: 7. --> Americana arm lock 8. --> Spinning straight arm lock 9. --> Part (5) above. Start from side position phase 2: 10. --> Kimura arm lock     C) Spinning arm lock attempt (Part 5 above)     D) Kimura arm lock from top wedge ...

I know, I know - redundant title is redundant. In this series, I will not debate Calvinism vs. Arminianism. After all, the majority of the people who use the term "Arminian" are Calvinists - a very small micro-sect of Christianity. The other 6-billion people on the planet refer to "Arminians" as Christians. I also like the term "Biblicist," when it comes to matters of doctrine. Limited Atonement Limited atonement - the "L" in TULIP - is easily the most controversial of the Five Points of Calvinism. So much so that many classic Calvinists will rename this to "particular redemption," instead. The meaning of Limited Atonement is that Christ's sacrifice was only for certain people - not all of mankind. So much scripture refutes this concept, that many Calvinists will gloss over it altogether and rename it particular redemption. Nevertheless, the concept is false. Further, Limited Atonement must be the way Calvin described it...

Saw this the other day. Just had to copy & paste here: New guy at the dojo, please: Stop saying that you "trained UFC before." UFC is not a sport. MMA is. No, your old karate uniform won’t do the job, bro. Get yourself a BJJ or Judo gi. Stop saying you would do better if strikes were allowed. Actually that would probably be even worse. Stop saying stuffs like: "He choked me with my own gi, that is unfair!" You are embarrassing yourself. You know what? Stop talking unless you have a question.  A real one, these are always welcome. When, asked by the professor, a blue belt is showing you the very basics of jiu-jitsu, don’t argue. The guy is doing you a favor. Don’t get too excited when a purple belt gives you his back. He is toying with you. Stop struggling to get out of that arm bar, you are going to hurt yourself. In fact, tapping is the first move you should learn. Next time you twist my fingers, I will twist your spine. Don’t bully white...

The word "quota" might be the single word most despised by police officers. The fact is, they have them. I am not aware of any police department that does not have a quota system. Of course, if you say they have quotas, they argue back - often with great vigor! For example, when I posted the following picture via Facebook, I got 23 replies. Most get a handful - 5 or 10 replies at most. This one got 23 replies, most of them from two people. One said: "Police do not have quotas!" and "I don't really even think the idea is there.. at least in my mind... If you are doing your job you will produce results. If you aren't you don't. That applies to any job including police work." Another said:  " Every job that I know of has performance evaluations in one form or fashion. If you're not performing like the other employees of the company then of course actions will be taken. That is not a "quota" by any mean...

I was able to get to the range the other day. I got a chance to practice a bit with the Improvised Sitting position I had written about last year. To be sure, I have used the position a bit here and there since I first wrote that article, however, this trip, I made an effort to make extensive use of the position. Took the ol' M16A4 clone - The only difference was, I was using the detachable carry handle as iron sights, and not the ACOG you see in the picture above. I alternated with an optic - a Primary Arms PAC3X. Statistics Ammo - Federal American Eagle 556 (55 gr) Distance - 100 yards. Groups fired with the optic were 2.5" - 3" on average, with 3.5" being the extreme. I was able to sneak out some groups under 2" from magazine rested prone.  Groups fired with the carry handle were fairly consistent at 5" from 100 yards. Summary In my previous article, I stated I'd be comfortable out to 400 with the improvised sitting. I have ...

I know, I know - redundant title is redundant. In this series, I will not debate Calvinism vs. Arminianism. After all, the majority of the people who use the term "Arminian" are Calvinists - a very small micro-sect of Christianity. The other 6-billion people on the planet refer to "Arminians" as Christians. I also like the term "Biblicist," when it comes to matters of doctrine. Unconditional Election The "U" from TULIP . At its core, Unconditional Election contains a major heretical position and an instance of Calvinist double-speak. This is an interesting one. The concept of Unconditional Election, simply put, is that God selects those who will be saved - predestination. Predestination is only mentioned in the Bible twice - Romans 8:29-30 and Ephesians 1:5-11. In both instances, the question is what is predestined, not whom . What is predestined of God is that those who put their faith in Him shall be saved, and thus sanctified and g...

Calvinism is not Biblical Doctrine. It's a human philosophy that appeals to proud-minded individuals. The "ultimate" verbal gymnastics I have actually seen places online that talk about the false doctrine of predestination, and the concept they say was that God, by His foreknowledge, created the plan of Salvation such that the people who chose it would actually choose it of their free will. That's how they say we were predestined. This is the ultimate in verbal gymnastics: God didn't manipulate our minds or wills, but He manipulated the plan so that we would choose it. Of course, then that goes contrary to the concept of free will itself. And it is contrary to anything mentioned in the Bible. Of course, it outright claims that the choice is ours - FREE WILL at its most elemental. .

As I enjoy debating the merits of Calvinism and Arminianism with Calvinists, occasionally, some like to question my exegesis (fancy word for translation and/or interpretation) of Biblical verses or passages. Sometimes I humor them and sometimes I do not have the time. I cannot claim to be any sort of expert - especially since I do not speak Greek and must rely on online sources. Nevertheless, I exegete as accurately as possible at all times. Some people, though, are more renown than others. Here is a link to a 12-page document on the Biblical meaning of predestination - particularly as it relates to Calvinist claims of God predestining whom will be saved vs. "Arminian" claims of God predestining eternal life to those who choose Him. The author, F. Furman Kearley, follows the five basic principles of exegesis in his work. Not surprisingly, the result is not favorable to the Calvinist viewpoint. Ironically, the methods used are extremely similar to those of John Wesley, a...

This article details several ways to tell if a man's behavior is alpha-male behavior or bully behavior . Not going to outline them here, but give highlights instead. Also note, the article takes a few liberties and sometimes portrays effective leader characteristics instead of true alpha-male characteristics, but that only because of the scope of the true concept of the alpha-male . How they are similar: " [ Alpha-males ] - They see a situation, make an assessment that is logical and will usually work, based on prior experience -- although this process is often lightning fast -- and act. [ Bully ] - also assertive, decisive, direct, not afraid to express himself, and often gets things done on his own terms. " Differentiating by traits " Bullies are grandstanders. They love to have people see them vanquish the person they are attacking . vs. A true Alpha Male is strong, smart and a pack builder. He leads, provides for and protects his pack. ...

My student, Sarah , competed on Saturday at the Alabama BJJ Tournament. Sarah had been winning at a very good clip in the white belt division at NAGA and other venues. She was of the opinion, as was I, that she should challenge herself by competing at the BJJ blue belt level. To be perfectly clear: I do not teach BJJ. Our grappling is more Judo-based. However, grappling is grappling.  On Saturday, Sarah won: Gold in Blue Belt - gi division. Gold in open weight - gi division. Silver in open weight - no gi division. (There was not a blue belt no gi division) Here is a run down from Sarah herself. Here is an analysis from a coaching perspective of each match: Match 1: Funny side note: Sarah was momentarily unavailable when her name was called for match scheduling. I went to the main table and advised the coordinator of such. He thanked me, and made the matches. I met Sarah's competitor for Blue Belt Gi division - Kirsten. As we exchanged information, she naturally inqui...

I know, I know - redundant title is redundant. In this series, I will not debate Calvinism vs. Arminianism. After all, the majority of the people who use the term "Arminian" are Calvinists - a very small micro-sect of Christianity. The other 6-billion people on the planet refer to "Arminians" as Christians. I also like the term "Biblicist," when it comes to matters of doctrine. Total Depravity The famous "T" from TULIP. In its most fundamental state, the doctrine of total depravity is agreed upon by most church denominations. So let's cut to the meat of the matter - what is what, and what is Biblical, and what do Calvinists believe? Total Depravity, at its most basic, means that all men and women have sinned. This much is true, and is not argued by Calvinist or "Arminian." There are multitudes of Bible verses that agree directly and indirectly with this point of view. At this point, Calvinists will start reaching and ...

Conversation via text between Pops and myself recently: Me: "What are you up to?" Pops: "Laxing." Me: "Relaxing, huh?" Pops: "Nope. Laxing. You have to Lax before you can Re-lax." Me: "Basic English, I get it." .

Cricket .22LR rifle - pink edition Calista Megan - age 5 Disney Princess shirt - size 5T No eye and ear pro because this was just a picture, not actual firing range .

Recently, a client was talking about having the opportunity to leading a friend to the Lord. This is certainly to be celebrated. Our conversation turned to what to teach a fledgling Christian as far as to how to live a Godly life. My client mentioned confusion in what to tell a person in such a situation. Her confusion came from the fact that so many Christians subscribe to some form of " Cafe Christianity ." And there it is again, "Cafe Christianity."  Which of the Jewish laws must a Christian adhere to? Where are the commands of Christ listed? What is the ultimate goal? Is there a simple list of guiding principles? The GREATEST COMMANDMENT(S) Here is the ultimate guiding principle, according to Jesus Christ ( Matt. 22:35-40 ): One of them, a legal expert, tested him. “Teacher, what is the greatest commandment in the Law?” He replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind. This is the firs...

Better than ROSES . Better than TULIP . What isn't? I present the best flower to describe Christian Theology: DAISY D eliberate Sin Though all have sinned (total depravity), each sin is deliberate. Man is capable of good deeds. Though only one man lived a perfect life - Jesus. A ll-Encompassing Call God draws all mankind to Himself.. God bases His election on those who freely choose Him Salvation is available to everyone who seeks or desires it. I nfinite Love God desires everyone to be saved, not just some "elect." Christ died for everyone, making salvation possible for everyone. S pontaneous Faith God calls everyone to salvation, but many freely reject it. Faith, while a gift of God, is brought about by a human choice. Y ieldedness of the Saints The saved cannot fall from Grace - but can later reject it. Those saved will have a God-given drive to demonstrate good works as a result of their salvation. .

Illinois has become the last in the nation to adopt a citizen gun carry permit system. Under orders from a Federal Court, the state of IL had until June 9 to enact a law allowing carry, or else carry would be permitted without government oversight. The bill is far from perfect, and far from normal, but it has been voted into place. Now, the people of IL await only the governor's signature. If there is a veto, the vote margin in IL indicates an over ride is well within reach. The alternative, if no law is agreed on, is much less desirable in the eyes of the gun-grabbers. Therefore, my prediction is that the governor will either sign it, or he will let it become law without a signature. In the unlikely even that Governor Pat Quinn vetoes the bill, I foresee the state legislature over riding the veto poste haste - the liberals really DO NOT WANT the government to not be in control of something. .

I know, I know - redundant title is redundant. However, I felt the urge to expand more into this after the conclusion of my "Calvinist or Christian" series. In this series, I will not debate Calvinism vs. Arminianism. After all, the majority of the people who use the term "Arminian" are Calvinists - a very small micro-sect of Christianity. The other 6-billion people on the planet refer to "Arminians" as Christians. I also like the term "Biblicist." Reformed Funny thing, even a number of Calvinists often dislike the term Calvinist. They often tout being "reformed," and embrace the term. This is somewhat of a misnomer, as the most fundamental concept of "reformed" is by essence that of salvation being by God's grace and not of man's works. Calvinists will claim that "Arminians" are not reformed, as they do not believe salvation comes through grace. That is completely false. Even John Wesley - the quintes...

If you are a Calvinist, you may or may not be a Christian.  Do you believe in the sovereignty of God? • If you answered yes, then you might be a Christian. • All Calvinists and all "Arminians" affirm the sovereignty of God, but they differ on God’s endowment of freedom to human beings. • Some Calvinists define sovereignty as God ordaining and predetermining all things and events, so that human choice is merely an illusion. This definition does not match the definition of the word "sovereignty" from any other known source. • Most Calvinists don’t explicitly deny human freedom, but attempt to redefine it to fit their view of sovereignty. • Christians affirm basic free will and that humans really do make genuine choices, undeniably affirming human culpability in sin. • The Biblical view of Sovereignty is that God has the power and authority to do anything he wants, and nothing can happen unless he does it or allows it. • Christians believe that God is ...

Some people claim to adhere to "reformed theology" but they do not defend the most extreme Calvinist points. Some people ardently oppose the concept that they espouse "Arminian" doctrine, but they really do. Now, I'm not talking about terms like "Semi-Pelagian" (only used by Calvinists), Amyraldism (4-point Calvinism, for those who CANNOT justify the unscriptural position of"Limited Atonement"), or even Molonism. I'm talking about truly reformed thinking... that happens to be in line with scripture... that also happens to be completely "Arminian" in nature. Total Depravity If you believe Total Depravity means that all men (and women) have sinned... YOU ARE CORRECT! If you have issues with the concept of Total Inability... YOU ARE CORRECT! If you think total depravity = total inability... you are Calvinist. Please go back to the Bible and read. Unconditional Election If you believe that God predestines those that acce...