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
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Principles of War: Self Analysis - Objective
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
My grade for Mass was a “C”. Now it’s time to get a grade on the Principle of War: Objective.
“Direct every military operation toward a clearly defined, decisive, and attainable objective.”
An objective must be defined, decisive, and attainable.
Defined:
Strategically, my objective in the self defense situation is clear and predetermined; survival with minimum injury for myself and my loved ones.
Tactically, my objective is a decisive disabling counter technique – a clean hard Judo throw, a sidekick to the side of the knee, a knife-hand strike to the throat, or a hammer fist to the clavicle. But, I’ll wait for the opportunity even while trying to create it through feints, jabs, and offensive combinations.
I think my Objective is well defined and so I grade this element of the Principle of War an “A”.
Decisive:
My strategic objective is decisive. Tactically, however, I can’t be certain that a successful attack would be decisive – that it would achieve the strategic objective. Consequently, I’ll give myself a “B” for this element of the Principle of War: Objective.
Attainable:
My strategic and tactical objectives are attainable – that is; perceived by me to be possible. The probability of success depends on the capability of my opponent. The probability, however, is never zero. It is always possible to catch a good counter technique against even a highly training opponent. For the “Attainable” element of the Principle of War: Objective I grade myself a “B”.
Overall Grade:
I’ve graded myself an “A” for “defined”; a “B” for “decisive”; and a “B” for “attainable”. Overall, my grade for the Principle of War: Objective is a “B”.
In my next post I’ll grade myself on the Principle of War Offensive.
Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War
Mass
Objective
Offensive
Surprise
Economy of Force
Maneuver
Unity of Command
Security
Simplicity
My grade for Mass was a “C”. Now it’s time to get a grade on the Principle of War: Objective.
“Direct every military operation toward a clearly defined, decisive, and attainable objective.”
An objective must be defined, decisive, and attainable.
Defined:
Strategically, my objective in the self defense situation is clear and predetermined; survival with minimum injury for myself and my loved ones.
Tactically, my objective is a decisive disabling counter technique – a clean hard Judo throw, a sidekick to the side of the knee, a knife-hand strike to the throat, or a hammer fist to the clavicle. But, I’ll wait for the opportunity even while trying to create it through feints, jabs, and offensive combinations.
I think my Objective is well defined and so I grade this element of the Principle of War an “A”.
Decisive:
My strategic objective is decisive. Tactically, however, I can’t be certain that a successful attack would be decisive – that it would achieve the strategic objective. Consequently, I’ll give myself a “B” for this element of the Principle of War: Objective.
Attainable:
My strategic and tactical objectives are attainable – that is; perceived by me to be possible. The probability of success depends on the capability of my opponent. The probability, however, is never zero. It is always possible to catch a good counter technique against even a highly training opponent. For the “Attainable” element of the Principle of War: Objective I grade myself a “B”.
Overall Grade:
I’ve graded myself an “A” for “defined”; a “B” for “decisive”; and a “B” for “attainable”. Overall, my grade for the Principle of War: Objective is a “B”.
In my next post I’ll grade myself on the Principle of War Offensive.
Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Principles of War: Self Analysis - Mass
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
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
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Camp Budo 2010 - The Martial Arts Event I Make A Priority
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Principles of War: Self Analysis - Weapons
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
Any discussion of self defense that excludes the use of weapons is just silly. First, a serious attacker – and maybe even a drunk – is likely to attack you with a weapon. Second, a weapon is a force multiplier and if you are attacked multiplying the force you bring to bear on the attacker is a good thing,
Clearly, a gun trumps other weapons for self defense. I support the Second Amendment. I support “shall issue” concealed carry laws. And, I support people who carry concealed for self defense.
Carrying a gun is a very personal decision and it’s not for everyone. You need to know how to use it. More importantly, you need to be willing to use it when necessary and you need to clearly understand when it’s necessary.
That being said, my topic is other legal objects that I can, in a pinch, use as a force multiplier and how I train to use them.
There are three generic implements easily found or carried just about anywhere. They’re not legally classified as weapons but they can be effective force multipliers. They are: a cane (any stick-like object 2 to 4 feet long), a kubotan (any stick-like object 6 to 12 inches long), and a knife (any sharp object less than 18 inches long).
I prefer the cane and I’ve developed a sophisticated training regimen around the crooked cane or the umbrella. The problem is I don’t actually carry a cane or an umbrella with me unless it’s raining. Cane-like sticks are sometimes available in the environment, however, and if one is available I’ll certainly use it.
On the other hand, I almost always carry an aluminum barreled ball point pen about 6 inches long. I train to use this and other pens and objects as kubotans. I also carry a legal folding knife with a handle approximately 5 inches long and a 3.5 inch blade. The knife can be used as a kubotan when the blade is folded and, of course, as a knife when the blade is extended.
Either the pen or the folded knife can be brought to bear very quickly. It takes a bit longer to open the blade. Even though I train myself to open the blade with one hand it can only be done when I’m not engaged with an opponent.
So, the most likely self defense scenario would find me drawing either my pen or my folded knife to use as a kubotan. My choice of weapon would depend on which hand was most free. If my right hand is free I would draw the pen; if only my left hand is free I would draw the folded knife. That’s simply the way I carry them.
The kubotan can be used in some joint locking techniques but I don’t care for those techniques and so I use the kubotan only as a striking weapon.
The cane, however, has many effective joint locking and choking techniques that work with my style and I train with them regularly. If I can get my hands on an appropriate stick my defense capability will be multiplied five-fold.
Finally, I think I’m ready to evaluate my self defense style through the lens of the Principles of War. I’ll begin with Mass in my next post.
Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War
Mass
Objective
Offensive
Surprise
Economy of Force
Maneuver
Unity of Command
Security
Simplicity
Any discussion of self defense that excludes the use of weapons is just silly. First, a serious attacker – and maybe even a drunk – is likely to attack you with a weapon. Second, a weapon is a force multiplier and if you are attacked multiplying the force you bring to bear on the attacker is a good thing,
Clearly, a gun trumps other weapons for self defense. I support the Second Amendment. I support “shall issue” concealed carry laws. And, I support people who carry concealed for self defense.
Carrying a gun is a very personal decision and it’s not for everyone. You need to know how to use it. More importantly, you need to be willing to use it when necessary and you need to clearly understand when it’s necessary.
That being said, my topic is other legal objects that I can, in a pinch, use as a force multiplier and how I train to use them.
There are three generic implements easily found or carried just about anywhere. They’re not legally classified as weapons but they can be effective force multipliers. They are: a cane (any stick-like object 2 to 4 feet long), a kubotan (any stick-like object 6 to 12 inches long), and a knife (any sharp object less than 18 inches long).
I prefer the cane and I’ve developed a sophisticated training regimen around the crooked cane or the umbrella. The problem is I don’t actually carry a cane or an umbrella with me unless it’s raining. Cane-like sticks are sometimes available in the environment, however, and if one is available I’ll certainly use it.
On the other hand, I almost always carry an aluminum barreled ball point pen about 6 inches long. I train to use this and other pens and objects as kubotans. I also carry a legal folding knife with a handle approximately 5 inches long and a 3.5 inch blade. The knife can be used as a kubotan when the blade is folded and, of course, as a knife when the blade is extended.
Either the pen or the folded knife can be brought to bear very quickly. It takes a bit longer to open the blade. Even though I train myself to open the blade with one hand it can only be done when I’m not engaged with an opponent.
So, the most likely self defense scenario would find me drawing either my pen or my folded knife to use as a kubotan. My choice of weapon would depend on which hand was most free. If my right hand is free I would draw the pen; if only my left hand is free I would draw the folded knife. That’s simply the way I carry them.
The kubotan can be used in some joint locking techniques but I don’t care for those techniques and so I use the kubotan only as a striking weapon.
The cane, however, has many effective joint locking and choking techniques that work with my style and I train with them regularly. If I can get my hands on an appropriate stick my defense capability will be multiplied five-fold.
Finally, I think I’m ready to evaluate my self defense style through the lens of the Principles of War. I’ll begin with Mass in my next post.
Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Principles of War: Self Analysis – Chokes & Joint Locks
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
I prefer to fight standing up. In a self defense situation you can’t know how many allies your opponent may have nearby. Your opponent may have concealed weapons and certainly has the possibility of picking up expedient weapons from the environment. For these reasons, I think it imprudent to be immobilized on the ground.
Nevertheless, sometimes going to the ground may be unavoidable. This is when choking and joint locking techniques become primary self defense tools.
My favorite chokes are nami juji jimi (a two-hand collar strangle), gaku juji jimi (one-hand on the collar and one on the lapel face to face), okuri uri jimi (one-hand on the collar and one on the lapel applied from behind) and two versions of hadaka jimi (naked choke – that is without using the opponent’s clothing to execute the technique).
By far, my favorite joint lock is juji gatame the classic Judo arm bar. Less effective but generally easier to get is a “chicken wing-like wrist lock or finger locks and knuckle jams.
Chokes and joint locks can be applied standing but rarely are. It’s difficult to immobilize your opponent enough to hold these techniques while standing and moving around on your feet.
Before I dissect my personal style using the Principles of War standard, I must address self defense weapons; those carried with you and the expedient weapons found on the field of the contest. That will be the subject of the next post.
Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War
Mass
Objective
Offensive
Surprise
Economy of Force
Maneuver
Unity of Command
Security
Simplicity
I prefer to fight standing up. In a self defense situation you can’t know how many allies your opponent may have nearby. Your opponent may have concealed weapons and certainly has the possibility of picking up expedient weapons from the environment. For these reasons, I think it imprudent to be immobilized on the ground.
Nevertheless, sometimes going to the ground may be unavoidable. This is when choking and joint locking techniques become primary self defense tools.
My favorite chokes are nami juji jimi (a two-hand collar strangle), gaku juji jimi (one-hand on the collar and one on the lapel face to face), okuri uri jimi (one-hand on the collar and one on the lapel applied from behind) and two versions of hadaka jimi (naked choke – that is without using the opponent’s clothing to execute the technique).
By far, my favorite joint lock is juji gatame the classic Judo arm bar. Less effective but generally easier to get is a “chicken wing-like wrist lock or finger locks and knuckle jams.
Chokes and joint locks can be applied standing but rarely are. It’s difficult to immobilize your opponent enough to hold these techniques while standing and moving around on your feet.
Before I dissect my personal style using the Principles of War standard, I must address self defense weapons; those carried with you and the expedient weapons found on the field of the contest. That will be the subject of the next post.
Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Principles of War: Self Analysis – Throwing Techniques
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
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
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Principles of War: Self Analysis - Striking Techniques
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
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
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Analyzing Myself As A Martial Artist Using the Principles of War
I’ve repeatedly asserted in these pages that the Principles of War can be used to analyze martial arts at the individual level; to optimize the skills and capabilities of the martial artist. And, I’ve provided some examples of how the Principles of War apply to the martial arts and to simple self defense.
Principles of War: How They Relate to the Martial Arts
Mass
Objective
Offensive
Surprise
Economy of Force
Maneuver
Unity of Command
Security
Simplicity
I propose now to do a little self-analysis. Not the “navel gazing” kind but an analysis – as objective as I can be when talking about myself – of my martial arts skills and capabilities. And, I propose to use the Principles of War as the framework.
I’ve been “ranked” as a black belt in three martial arts.
Neko Ryu Goshin Jitsu – Ni Dan (2nd Degree)
Kodokan Judo – Sho Dan (1st Degree)
Tang Soo Do – Sho Dan (1st Degree)
With this background plus some small amount of training in hand-to-hand combat, boxing, wrestling, and fencing at West Point; I’m free from the constraints of any single system. My analysis will be generic - analyzing effectiveness not conformance.
Some will note that I’ve mastered none of the systems and that is absolutely true. I didn’t choose this path – the path chose me.
Still, as a subject for analyzing martial arts skills and capabilities, my background works well. I know I have significant martial arts skills and capabilities. I also know there is much in my martial arts to criticize – much to improve.
So, in the next series of posts I’ll be somewhat self-absorbed. I’ll look at myself as objectively and as critically as I can through the “Principles of War” lens and try to reveal new knowledge of myself and my martial arts – and have some fun in the process.
Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War
Principles of War: How They Relate to the Martial Arts
Mass
Objective
Offensive
Surprise
Economy of Force
Maneuver
Unity of Command
Security
Simplicity
I propose now to do a little self-analysis. Not the “navel gazing” kind but an analysis – as objective as I can be when talking about myself – of my martial arts skills and capabilities. And, I propose to use the Principles of War as the framework.
I’ve been “ranked” as a black belt in three martial arts.
Neko Ryu Goshin Jitsu – Ni Dan (2nd Degree)
Kodokan Judo – Sho Dan (1st Degree)
Tang Soo Do – Sho Dan (1st Degree)
With this background plus some small amount of training in hand-to-hand combat, boxing, wrestling, and fencing at West Point; I’m free from the constraints of any single system. My analysis will be generic - analyzing effectiveness not conformance.
Some will note that I’ve mastered none of the systems and that is absolutely true. I didn’t choose this path – the path chose me.
Still, as a subject for analyzing martial arts skills and capabilities, my background works well. I know I have significant martial arts skills and capabilities. I also know there is much in my martial arts to criticize – much to improve.
So, in the next series of posts I’ll be somewhat self-absorbed. I’ll look at myself as objectively and as critically as I can through the “Principles of War” lens and try to reveal new knowledge of myself and my martial arts – and have some fun in the process.
Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Principles of War: Simplicity
The Principles of War can help us understand the connections between battles in 253 B.C. and 1992 A.D. They can also help analyze martial arts training and optimize the capabilities of a martial artist.
M
O
O
S
E
M
U
S
Simplicity
The ninth letter in the MOOSEMUSS mnemonic stands for “Simplicity”. On page 4-14 of U.S. Army Field Manual FM-3-0, “Simplicity” is defined.
“Simplicity
Prepare clear, uncomplicated plans and clear, concise orders to
ensure thorough understanding.
“4-48. Plans and orders should be simple and direct. Simple plans and clear, concise orders reduce misunderstanding and confusion. The factors of METTTC determine the degree of simplicity required. Simple plans executed on time are better than detailed plans executed late. Commanders at all levels weigh the apparent benefits of a complex concept of operations against the risk that subordinates will not be able to understand or follow it.
"4-49. Multinational operations put a premium on simplicity. Differences in language, doctrine, and culture complicate multinational operations. Simple plans and orders minimize the confusion inherent in this complex environment. The same applies to operations involving interagency and nongovernmental organizations.”
According to tradition Napoleon selected a different corporal to follow him around every day. When Napoleon prepared orders for his generals he read them first to the corporal. Only when the corporal understood the orders would Napoleon issue them to his generals. He figured that if the orders were simple enough for the corporal to understand then his generals would understand them also. This is the essence of simplicity.
Lee’s plan and orders at Chancellorsville were simple in extreme. He told Jackson to attack Hooker’s flank and he told Stuart to watch Hooker’s movements. Lee ordered his other corps to cover the Union front. That’s just about it. Simplicity, demonstrated by the master of the Principles of War.
Desert Storm was an incredibly complex operation which required incredibly complex plans and orders. It’s difficult to reduce war waged by a modern army to simplicity (army in the broadest sense including ground, air, and naval forces). However, the concept of the operation was simple.
First, destroy everything that can be destroyed from the air and deceive the enemy into believing an amphibious assault from the Gulf was imminent. Second, send the Marines to liberate Kuwait and the Army to drive straight into Iraq.
This simple concept was complex in execution. Its successful execution was a tribute to the doctrine, training, and leadership of the United States military of all branches. But, it wasn’t simple.
Simple self defense is much easier to achieve than simplicity in modern war. It consists of mastering fundamental tactics and techniques and sticking to them. It requires choosing a simple defense strategy and executing it violently.
For the martial artist simplicity is similar. Simple martial arts training will focus on fundamental tactics and techniques. Martial arts competition begins with a simple strategy for defeating each opponent (after scouting their habits and weaknesses).
“Prepare clear, uncomplicated plans and clear, concise orders to
ensure thorough understanding.”
Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War
M
O
O
S
E
M
U
S
Simplicity
The ninth letter in the MOOSEMUSS mnemonic stands for “Simplicity”. On page 4-14 of U.S. Army Field Manual FM-3-0, “Simplicity” is defined.
“Simplicity
Prepare clear, uncomplicated plans and clear, concise orders to
ensure thorough understanding.
“4-48. Plans and orders should be simple and direct. Simple plans and clear, concise orders reduce misunderstanding and confusion. The factors of METTTC determine the degree of simplicity required. Simple plans executed on time are better than detailed plans executed late. Commanders at all levels weigh the apparent benefits of a complex concept of operations against the risk that subordinates will not be able to understand or follow it.
"4-49. Multinational operations put a premium on simplicity. Differences in language, doctrine, and culture complicate multinational operations. Simple plans and orders minimize the confusion inherent in this complex environment. The same applies to operations involving interagency and nongovernmental organizations.”
According to tradition Napoleon selected a different corporal to follow him around every day. When Napoleon prepared orders for his generals he read them first to the corporal. Only when the corporal understood the orders would Napoleon issue them to his generals. He figured that if the orders were simple enough for the corporal to understand then his generals would understand them also. This is the essence of simplicity.
Lee’s plan and orders at Chancellorsville were simple in extreme. He told Jackson to attack Hooker’s flank and he told Stuart to watch Hooker’s movements. Lee ordered his other corps to cover the Union front. That’s just about it. Simplicity, demonstrated by the master of the Principles of War.
Desert Storm was an incredibly complex operation which required incredibly complex plans and orders. It’s difficult to reduce war waged by a modern army to simplicity (army in the broadest sense including ground, air, and naval forces). However, the concept of the operation was simple.
First, destroy everything that can be destroyed from the air and deceive the enemy into believing an amphibious assault from the Gulf was imminent. Second, send the Marines to liberate Kuwait and the Army to drive straight into Iraq.
This simple concept was complex in execution. Its successful execution was a tribute to the doctrine, training, and leadership of the United States military of all branches. But, it wasn’t simple.
Simple self defense is much easier to achieve than simplicity in modern war. It consists of mastering fundamental tactics and techniques and sticking to them. It requires choosing a simple defense strategy and executing it violently.
For the martial artist simplicity is similar. Simple martial arts training will focus on fundamental tactics and techniques. Martial arts competition begins with a simple strategy for defeating each opponent (after scouting their habits and weaknesses).
“Prepare clear, uncomplicated plans and clear, concise orders to
ensure thorough understanding.”
Link to the Martial Arts Training Report: The Principles of War
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