Search Results for self defense

The Karambit in Filipino Martial Arts: A Masterful Dance of Blades This is by far my favorite weapon in the whole of the Dekiti Tirsia Siradas Arsenal. My folder stays in my pocket as I travel around the US. When we train Karambit in Dekiti Tirsia Siradas we do not [Read More]

The Talibong is one of the favored long blades of Dekiti Tirsia Siradas Kali. Along with the more standard size SGM Tortal has a 36” blade that he would use when he was called upon to dispense justice in the villages. The Talibong is more than just a traditional Filipino [Read More]

Introduction The Shaolin Temple, located in the picturesque Songshan Mountains of Henan Province, China, is a legendary institution that has captivated the world’s imagination for centuries. Renowned for its rich history, cultural significance, and profound influence on martial arts, the Shaolin Temple stands as a symbol of Chinese tradition and [Read More]

Quick: what is the most important physical self-defense skill taught in martial arts? Kicking? Punching? Blocking? Is it takedown defense, now that all the wannabe tough guys watch too much UFC? Nope.  In case the title didn’t give it away, it’s breakfalls. I’m here today to make the case for [Read More]

One of the most valuable lessons of martial arts is how to persevere when you make mistakes. Many feel like giving up. It is so easy for people to give up when they feel exhausted, and to refuse to push through. This is especially important in self-defense training. When someone [Read More]

Martial artists carry themselves with self-respect, honor, and grace. They temper their emotions and never fall prey to the temptation of envy…Or we could just cut the bull and stop romanticizing the myth of the martial artist with the unflappable humble heart. Jealousy is a natural human emotion, and it [Read More]

Although known primarily as a blade/weapon art Dekiti Tirsia has numerous empty-hand techniques that it can call upon in an instant for use in self-defense situations. The Philippines is located right at the juxtaposition of many Asian/Southeast Asian countries that each have a unique martial art. There has always been [Read More]

I know that TV has very little to do with reality, but sometimes, stupidity hits a new low. One of my students showed me a clip from an old TV show, “Prodigal Son.”  In one episode, one of the villains was an evil Krav Maga instructor, who beat up students [Read More]

A couple of months ago, I received a spirited message from Martial Journal writer Elke Weiss–she had just finished an incredible Krav Maga class led by a young instructor who greatly impressed her and who she knew would have many more great thoughts they could share on website. With that [Read More]

Around 2018 I became fascinated with cults. I binged as much content as I could find: articles, podcasts, documentaries, books, etc. At first, it seemed like a harmless passing interest. About nine months into that year, after months of vacillating between misery and denial, I finally admitted to myself that [Read More]

Let’s start at the very beginning The first thing we learn in DTS Kali is our 12 basic strikes, much the same as you would basic strikes or kicks in any style of martial arts. The proper motion is tag to the students to be reviewed time and time again. [Read More]

If you’re reading this about the same time I wrote it, then summer is in short supply. In just a few weeks, we’ll be sending our kids and teens back to the nearest institution of learning. That’s good in a lot of ways. Education is important. Socialization is important. Having [Read More]

So We’re in the Park… When Raz Chen and I co-write, we often spar or hit pads in the park while working out the details. Raz insists this is because it helps him think better. I believe the sight of his students loafing is offensive to him and he derives [Read More]