Over 40 years experience!
After years of experience in Tae Kwon Do and traditional karate, I’ve realized that many techniques have lost their practicality. Too many instructors teach techniques because they are traditional or look good in a demonstration, without understanding what actually works in a real-life confrontation.
A good instructor should study multiple styles, the human body, biomechanics, and the realities of fighting—not just repeat what they were taught.
Tradition is important, but effectiveness matters more. If a technique doesn’t work when it matters, it’s time to change it.
It’s easy to believe that the martial art we study is more effective than others. But I think there is value in experiencing different arts and learning from quality instructors who truly understand what they teach.
I’ve seen Tae Kwon Do and Karate schools with very different levels of instruction and foundation, and that can make a big difference. The same can be true in any martial art.
Every style has qualities worth learning and absorbing. Rather than focusing on which style is “better,” I believe we should remain open-minded and always ask ourselves:
How practical is what we’re learning when it really matters—especially in a serious situation involving more than one attacker?
The statement that “all fights end up on the ground” may be true to a point—but is that really where you want to be if you're facing multiple attackers?
A couple of friends of mine were jumped by seven men decades ago. They ended up on the ground, and their attackers proceeded to kick them in the head like soccer balls, if you catch my drift.
A friend of mine, whom I work with in armed security and who is also a Wing Chun master, and I have discussed this very issue. Grappling has its place, but real combat isn't a one-on-one match.
When multiple attackers are involved, staying mobile, maintaining awareness, and dealing with each threat quickly and effectively may be the difference between walking away and not walking away.
Throughout history, when soldiers ran out of ammunition, they used rocks, shovels, bayonets, clubs, axes, tomahawks, swords—anything available.
A gun is the supreme weapon on the battlefield until you run out of ammunition or the ranks clash. Then a soldier relies on instinct, training, and whatever weapon is available.
Self-defense is not a grappling match, point-style match, or Olympic TKD match. There are no rules, referees, or guaranteed fairness.
The goal is simple: do what you must to avoid becoming the victim and survive.
Self-defense is more than just being told, “Punch here” or “Strike there.”
Knowing the human body means understanding where, why, and how a technique works—and what the consequences can be when you punch, strike, or use a weapon.
The more you understand anatomy, the better you understand self-defense. We will teach you the importance of learning the vitals of the body.
Earlier I mentioned, “What works best?” I was hinting at the idea of using whatever means are necessary to protect yourself—and, primarily, the use of weapons.
When I studied Ninjutsu, many of the practitioners I trained with placed a strong emphasis on weapons, awareness, and preparedness. I agree with that mindset. Being prepared means understanding that a confrontation may not be a fair fight.
There are many things a person can carry or have available for protection. Some are specifically designed to be weapons, while others are everyday objects that can potentially be used defensively when necessary.
The reality is that weapons can be a great equalizer, especially when there is a significant difference in size, strength, age, or physical ability.
Training, awareness, preparation, and knowing your options can all make a difference when it comes to protecting yourself.