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A black belt and a cool patch won't stop a punch to the face.

The Myth of Martial Art Instructor Credentials

I think a lot of students and teachers place too much blind faith in martial art instructor credentials.

John is a cop, therefore he is a qualified shooting instructor. Jake was in the military so he knows everything about combat. Jack lives in Japan and is a Shihan with 25 years of training so he knows the true secrets of taijutsu.

To me, credentials are simply a starting point to take a moment to listen. It’s just a little bit of credibility. It doesn’t necessarily mean what that person says is the best. As students, we have to keep our critical thinking cap on. It’s okay to be skeptical.

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The Spyderco Delica 4

Before Carrying a Knife for Self Defense, Answer these 3 Questions

Are you thinking about carrying a knife for self defense? Maybe you already do carry.

If so, there are some essential questions you need to ask yourself. This article addresses the first of four key areas of understanding you need when it comes to carrying a knife for self defense. These four key areas are based on Phil Legare’s Personal Protective Measures Level 2: Advanced Edged Weapons course.

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Women’s Protective Measures FAQ

Going into unfamiliar territory is a little challenging for most people. For women who are thinking about taking self defense training, it can be even more challenging.

What if I have zero experience? What if I am not in great shape? What if I look foolish or silly? How rough will the training be? Will I get injured? Will this bring up bad memories and feelings of past trauma?

Maybe you feel that self defense training doesn’t really apply to you…

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Learning women's self defense can double your chances of not being a victim.

5 Reasons Women Don’t Train In Self Defense

Women’s self defense is a topic that always comes up in Spring for a couple of reasons. One, April is Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month. Two, it’s close to the end of the school year and a lot of young women are graduating high school and leaving home to start college.

As you know, there are many stories of sexual violence against women on college campuses in America. But the hot topic of sexual violence on college campuses is just a small part of a much larger problem. Rarely does factual data about the nature sexual violence and effective strategies of resistance get reported in the news. Perhaps that is a contributing factor to why more women don’t get self defense training.

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Grounded Self Defense Simulation Drill

Being on the ground when a bad guy is standing above and attacking you is very bad position to be in, but it is also common position that you may…