De-Escalation. If it’s not imperative that we physically engage an opponent in order to survive or protect ourselves or our family, then it would be wise for us to de-escalate the situation if possible. Why continue to squabble and create potential mayhem when there is no positive advantage in doing so? The first thing to do to be safe at such a moment is to “create distance” of at least a two arms length from the other person.
SELF-DEFENSE has become an all-too-common public concern these days, and rightly so. However, how we protect ourselves is important. Even more important are the self-defense laws of each state and how those laws are applied. For example, let’s say a neighbor throws a punch at us. Do we have the right to fight back, maybe by throwing our own punch … or even two or three punches for good measure?
(Source – James Rothwell, “The Telegraph” 19 February 2024) https://news.yahoo.com/finland-open-300-shooting-ranges-155200366.html FIREARMS. Their primary use is for protection, plain and simple, as Finland has so clearly demonstrated by announcing its opening of 300 shooting ranges to expand their capability of national defense with a goal of 1,000 ranges by the end of the decade. Why is this happening? Thank Vladimir Putin and his demented phobia of needless murdering in a desire to destroy Ukraine and its people.
Photo courtesy of Wikipedia During their time, the Japanese samurai were some of the most fierce and fearful warriors on the planet. One of their constant warcraft strategies consisted of four prime attributes—skill, courage, movement and eyesight. Regarding these four precepts of fighting, there was an order of efficiency. How would you rate the following four fighting principles of skill, courage, movement and eyesight in order of importance—from top to bottom?
The WORLD TRADE CENTER ATTACK on Tuesday, 11 September 2001—commonly known as 9/11—has been described by Dr. Judy Wood as The New Hiroshima. The blame for the attacks fell onto Islamist suicide terrorists and was carried out by al-Qaeda. This may have been so … maybe. However, what is “not so” is that the Towers’ destruction was caused by two airplanes crashing into those massive structures and it was the planes that brought the Towers down.
As we have seen in the previous KIA feature, “Shakespeare and Martial Arts,” an excellent piece of advice was given to Laertes by his father, Polonius. That historic advice from Hamlet is from—Act 1, scene 3: This above all–to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man. However, while being one’s own man offers certain advantages to living a good life, there is more.
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE is, arguably, the greatest writer in history. He is certainly the greatest playwright the world has ever known. Who is there who has never heard of the Great Bard, read one of his plays, his poems, his sonnets or recited one of his quotations? But what in the world has Shakespeare got to do with Martial Arts, you might ask? After all, he was a writer, not a fighter.
This is HUGE! On Thursday, 14 December 2023, Tristan “Raptor” Ligtvoet became only the 3ʳᵈ individual in Kiado-Ryu history to earn a MASTER BLACK BELT ranking! He is preceded by Kim “Cultivator” Thomas (1ˢᵗ) and Christopher “Growler” Grau (2ⁿᵈ). So … a well deserved CONGRATULATIONS, RAPTOR! The KIA officially began its life on 31 August 1979 and now, 44 years and over 3,300 students later, Raptor has risen to a “Master” ranking.
Thursday, 30 November 2023, was another auspicious day for Shaw “Wind” Shahriari as he easily passed his Green Belt test (with a little stress). Congratulations, young man! A fruitful—and joyous—accomplishment. “Great job, Wind!” Adding to the auspicious occasion was the presence of Kiado-Ryu Green Belt Aidan “Smasher” Ligtvoet—a once precocious young lad who has blossomed into a giant young man, now 17 years of age and a Senior in High School.
KNOCKOUT! It’s the primary goal and success of any fighter—a trophy for the victor’s wall. Knockouts don’t generally occur by luck. They are more often the result of design and opportunity. This KIA feature addresses the “Anatomy of a Knockout” when Allanna Jones was kayoed by Holly Holm. The intent of this assessment is not to disparage Allanna Jones but, rather, to be informative as to how not to get knocked out.