Applied Martial Arts newsletter

 In most martial art styles it is commonly taught to block first then strike.  A Gichin Funakoshi once said, "There is no first strike in Karate."  In the eyes of the law, the person that throws the first strike is most likely the one culpable.  
 
However, I dare you to try this:  ask a friend to punch you in the face and try to block it.  It's really, really hard.  Even if you know it's coming, it's very difficult.  
 
So...what should the plan be?  
 

 In most martial art styles it is commonly taught to block first then strike.  A Gichin Funakoshi once said, "There is no first strike in Karate."  In the eyes of the law, the person that throws the first strike is most likely the one culpable.  
 
However, I dare you to try this:  ask a friend to punch you in the face and try to block it.  It's really, really hard.  Even if you know it's coming, it's very difficult.  
 
So...what should the plan be?  
 

 Sorry it's been so long, folks!  We have been doing other projects to wrap up the end of the year and by so doing we've neglected the website.  However, since the new year has begun, we have great plans!  The site will be updated weekly, with articles, and we plan on putting up a bunch more videos as well, so check on the site regularly!
 
There is something I'd like to discuss briefly.
 

This will probably offend those that consider themselves "masters" of martial arts, because they do have some validity.  I do not wish to offend them, but I do wish to explain simple truths.
 
I am 25 years old.  Some people have been studying martial arts for longer than I've been alive.  Yet...none of them have ever been able to defeat me in the various facets of martial arts practices.   
 

Women simply do not have this problem, so I am primarily addressing this to men. 
 
I recently had an experience where a potential student with some martial arts background inquired about classes.  Through our communication I errored by basically saying "my stuff is better than your stuff."  I caught myself and quickly apologized, because that is just not what it's all about.  It's about learning, contributing new things, acquiring new attributes, and building up others.  It's not about destructive egocentrism.  

 Hey ya'll!  Hope all is well with you.  Today I wanted to discuss a topic that has been on my mind for the past several months.  
 
It's about NOT going so fast, especially as a beginner.  I'll explain why.
 

Hey Y'all!  Just a reminder to you that we have September's new video up live on the site:
 
http://appliedmartialartstraining.com/content/featured-video-low-side-ki...
 
This video teaches you how to "apply" a lower side kick in an actual self defense situation!
 
This month's article will be available soon!
 
Patrick Asay
Head Black Belt Instructor
Applied Martial Arts
 
 

We just wanted to let you know there's another free video up on the site.  
 
Also, we'd like to extend a special congratulations to Chris Murdoch for achieving his Red Black Belt last month.  We will soon lose him to the Navy, but he'll have a great arsenal of hand-to-hand combat for his future.

Happy August weather!  I hope all of you are enjoying your summer.  
 
We have August's new video posted for your watching (and training) pleasure.  It focuses on an extremely basic technique formation.  Even though it's basic, it outlines an effective approach to Muay Thai/Kick Boxing strategy.  It is kick boxing 101 at its best.  We will come out with more videos that will help along these same lines for the future.  
 

 First off, sorry it's been a while since I've written an article.  Things here at Applied Martial Arts have been super busy and I've neglected the website for too long.  
 
Secondly, I'd like to remind you to be aware of people wearing too many layers of clothing, as they may be concealing a weapon or two.  Summer is a great time for situtational awareness becaues it's easier to notice somebody carrying a weapon.  Also watch out for bulging pockets.