This video is a follow up to “Five things martial artists get wrong about self-defence”. The message of that video was one that seemed to resonate with many. However, I also noticed a number of those expressing enthusiastic support for the video were making the very mistakes the video highlighted!

It seems many remain confused about what self-protection is. It then inevitably follows that they are also confused about the differences between self-protection and martial arts / fighting. In this video I cover four key differences:

• Different Goals

A short video on one way in which the martial arts crossover to everyday life. Martial arts can teach us to be very aware of our bodies and emotions while ensuring they remain advisors and not rulers.

This video was filmed immediately after some cold-water swimming. Don’t be tempted to do this! It can be extremely dangerous if you don’t know what you are doing!

In this video we cover three ways you can solo train throws. Obviously, nothing is better than a partner and there is no substitute for live practise. However, on occasions where a partner is not available, we can still work some elements of throwing. This video shows how we can:

1) Practice throwing movements solo with no equipment

2) Practice throwing movements solo with a belt and secure anchor point

3) Practise throwing movement solo with a punch bag and a belt

Some recent dojo footage. This video is primarily about kicking the thigh in order to break posture. However, other bunkai concepts are also included i.e. “Husband and Wife Hands” (using proprioception to locate targets in the mess of combat), Tactical Positioning (the combative use of the kata embusen), Continual Advantage, etc. The video also includes references to the application of many kata methods including Naihanchi, Neiesieshi (Nijushiho), Passai (Bassai-Dai), Seishan (Hangetsu), etc. I hope you find it interesting.

All the best,

Iain