Author: Wil Dorsett

Martial arts, in its various forms, has been practiced for centuries across cultures worldwide. One of the fundamental principles that form the backbone of any successful martial artist’s skill set is the development of a strong and stable base. Whether you are a beginner just starting your martial arts journey or an experienced practitioner, understanding and emphasizing the importance of a solid foundation can significantly impact your overall performance and progression.

A strong base is synonymous with stability and balance. In martial arts, maintaining equilibrium is crucial, as it enables fighters to move swiftly, respond effectively to attacks, and execute techniques with precision. A stable base provides a solid platform from which a martial artist can generate power and speed, allowing them to stay rooted and resilient against opponents.  In the world of defensive tactics and defensive shooting, a stable base is important for mitigating recoil and distance shot placement.

Power in martial arts doesn’t solely come from the upper body or sheer muscle strength; it is derived from the efficient transfer of energy through the entire body. A well-established base facilitates proper weight distribution, hip rotation, and coordination, allowing martial artists to generate maximum force behind their strikes. Whether executing a punch, kick, or grappling technique, a strong foundation ensures that the power is harnessed and directed effectively.

A stable base not only enhances performance but also plays a crucial role in injury prevention. By cultivating strength and flexibility in the lower body, joints, and core muscles, martial artists can minimize the risk of injuries during training and competition. A solid foundation provides the stability needed to absorb and distribute impact forces, reducing the strain on vulnerable areas of the body.

Defense is a key component of martial arts, and having a strong base is essential for effective defensive maneuvers. A well-balanced stance enables martial artists to evade attacks, maintain distance, and execute defensive techniques with greater efficiency. This defensive capability is particularly important in scenarios where an opponent attempts to destabilize or take advantage of an unsteady stance.

Footwork is the cornerstone of effective movement in martial arts. A strong base allows for agile and precise footwork, enhancing a martial artist’s ability to navigate the fighting space, create angles, and control the pace of a confrontation. Proper foot placement is vital for executing techniques, launching attacks, and swiftly evading opponents, making it a fundamental aspect of martial arts training.

In the world of martial arts, a strong base is not just a physical attribute but a foundational principle that underpins the entire practice. It is the key to unlocking power, stability, and precision in techniques. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, dedicating time to develop and maintain a solid foundation will undoubtedly elevate your martial arts journey, allowing you to navigate challenges with confidence and excel in both training and competition.

This weeks video highlights a couple of our favorite arm bar attacks from the Mount. Check it out!

YouTube

Rumble

https://rumble.com/v4cb109-arm-submissions-from-the-mounted-position.html

In a world that is constantly evolving, the need for mental agility and sharpness has never been more crucial. Just like we engage in physical exercises to keep our bodies fit, training our brains is equally essential for maintaining cognitive function, enhancing memory, and fostering creativity.  This is a critical skill where self-defense is involved as well. 

The first step towards training your brain is cultivating a curious mindset. Be inquisitive about the world around you, ask questions, and seek out new information. Curiosity stimulates the brain’s reward system, encouraging the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. Read widely, explore diverse topics, and remain open to learning new things. In our world of self-defense, that means we remain open to new techniques, testing, trying and re-testing to find what works most effectively and efficiently.

Just as lifting heavier weights builds muscle strength, challenging your mind with complex tasks enhances cognitive abilities. Engage in activities that require problem-solving, critical thinking, and strategic planning. Solve puzzles, play strategy games, or take up a new hobby that requires mental effort. Pushing your brain out of its comfort zone helps create new neural connections and improves overall cognitive function. Physical exercise is not only beneficial for your body but also for your brain. Regular aerobic exercise increases blood flow to the brain, promoting the growth of new neurons and improving cognitive function. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. Activities like brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling can have profound positive effects on your brain health.

Never stop learning. Engage in lifelong learning by taking up courses, attending workshops, or pursuing hobbies that challenge your intellect. The process of acquiring new knowledge stimulates the brain, fostering a growth mindset and keeping cognitive abilities sharp. Exercise “war gaming” when you are in a public place.  Just like when you practice defensive driving, where you watch the others around you and make a plan of action in case you are cut off, someone pulls out in front of you or brakes too quickly ahead of you, playing “what if” games as you move through the world will aid in putting you one step ahead when dealing with self defense situations. Looking for exits, watching for odd behaviors or out of place items or clothing are essential self defense techniques to ensure your safety when in a public setting.

In the fast-paced world we live in, the importance of training our brains cannot be overstated. By adopting a holistic approach that includes curiosity, mental challenges, physical exercise, continuous learning, and paying attention, you can unlock the full potential of your mind. Make brain training a priority in your daily life, and watch as your cognitive abilities flourish, enhancing your overall quality of life.

The round kick is a staple of martial arts. The round kick to the leg was popularized by Muay Thai kickboxing. It is seen in every MMA fight, and it is useful in self defense as it minimizes the amount of time your balance is compromised. In this quick video, we discuss just a few of our defenses for this attack. Check it out!

Rumble

https://rumble.com/v490clc-ch-llc-round-kick-defenses.html

YouTube

Leadership is not merely a position or title; it’s a responsibility that requires continuous growth and development. One of the key factors that contribute to effective leadership is training. Often once someone gets into a leadership role, they forego the training aspect of their job.  Training for individuals in leadership roles plays a crucial role in their success.

Leadership often involves navigating through a rapidly changing environment. Training equips leaders with the skills needed to adapt to new technologies, market trends, and industry standards. It ensures that leaders stay relevant and can guide their teams through transitions seamlessly.  From a self-defense perspective, a lack of understanding on how to lead, or a lack of training within that leadership on how to lead can lead to people getting hurt.  This is not something that a leader wants to carry on their conscience.

Leaders are constantly faced with complex decisions that can have significant impacts on their teams and organizations. Training provides them with the knowledge and tools to make informed and effective decisions. It sharpens their analytical skills, critical thinking, and ability to assess risks. Learning to think ahead of the problem, to wargame the possibilities mentally before they occur will help you as a leader to trace a path that others will follow. Managers solve problems, leaders solve tomorrow’s problems today.

Communication is at the heart of leadership. Leaders must articulate their vision, goals, and expectations clearly to inspire and motivate their teams. Training in communication skills helps leaders convey their messages with impact, fostering a positive and productive work environment.  Learning to communicate quickly, effectively, and clearly, while keeping a clear head will help those you wish to lead in keeping calm themselves.  Remember, as the leader, others will key off your emotions.  If you stay calm, they are more likely to as well.  If you panic, they will follow your lead there as well.

Successful leaders understand the importance of building strong, cohesive teams. Training programs focused on leadership development teach leaders how to motivate their teams, foster collaboration, and create a positive organizational culture. This, in turn, leads to higher employee morale and productivity.

Leadership is a journey, not a destination. Training instills a mindset of continuous improvement in leaders. Seeing their leaders continue in training encourages those you lead to seek new knowledge, embrace feedback, and proactively look for ways to enhance their skills. This commitment to growth sets the tone for a culture of continuous improvement within the entire organization.

Trust is the foundation of effective leadership. Through training, leaders learn how to build and maintain trust with their teams and stakeholders. Consistent and transparent leadership builds credibility, fostering loyalty and commitment from team members. Training alongside of your people helps them to trust you, your leadership, and your leadership team.  They will see your commitment to their well-being, and to building yourself as a leader and know that you have the skills and ability to lead them.  And that is good for everyone!

In a rapidly evolving and competitive landscape, effective leadership is more critical than ever. Training is not just an investment in individual leaders; it is an investment in the success and sustainability of the entire organization. By prioritizing training for those in leadership, you can ensure that you are well-equipped to navigate challenges, inspire your team, and drive success. Continuous learning is the cornerstone of effective leadership, and leaders that embrace this philosophy will undoubtedly thrive!

Today we cover the three basic movements of Jiu Jitsu. These movements form the foundation of techniques like sweeps, submissions, and escapes. Many teachers do not show them separately, and many jiu jitsu students end up missing them. These movements can be done on your own or with a partner, can be drilled exclusively for their own purpose, or worked in combination with their larger technical foundations. Check it out!

Rumble

https://rumble.com/v46fq3h-3-basic-movements.html

or

YouTube

As the clock strikes midnight, signaling the arrival of a new year, many of us are filled with a sense of optimism and a desire for positive change. New Year’s resolutions have become a tradition, a way for individuals to set goals and aspirations for the upcoming year. However, the journey from resolution to realization often demands a key ingredient: discipline.

The allure of a fresh start captivates us each year. Whether it’s losing weight, adopting healthier habits, or pursuing personal or professional growth, resolutions represent the hope for a better version of ourselves. The excitement is palpable, and the possibilities seem endless. Yet, the challenge lies in maintaining that enthusiasm throughout the year. While setting resolutions is the first step, discipline is the force that propels us forward. Discipline is the bridge between intentions and achievements. It involves making consistent, conscious choices to align our actions with our goals, even when the initial motivation wanes.

Discipline begins with setting realistic and achievable goals. Unrealistic resolutions can set us up for failure, leading to frustration and a sense of defeat. Instead, break down larger goals into smaller, manageable steps. This not only makes the journey more feasible but also allows for incremental successes that fuel motivation. Discipline is easier to maintain when you develop a plan of action.  A well-defined plan acts as a roadmap, guiding us through the twists and turns of our resolution journey. Identify specific actions, timelines, and milestones. Having a clear plan not only provides direction but also minimizes the chances of procrastination.

Discipline often involves establishing new habits. Behavioral change takes time, and repetition is key. Whether it’s incorporating regular exercise, adopting a healthier diet, or dedicating time to personal development, consistency is the cornerstone of habit formation. No journey is without obstacles. Discipline empowers us to face challenges head-on and persist in the face of adversity. Understanding that setbacks are a natural part of the process allows us to learn, adapt, and continue moving forward.

Sharing our resolutions with others or enlisting a support system can enhance our accountability. Having someone to share successes and challenges with can provide motivation and encouragement. Additionally, seeking advice from those who have successfully achieved similar goals can offer valuable insights.

As we embark on the journey of a new year, let’s recognize the power of discipline in transforming resolutions into tangible achievements. By setting realistic goals, creating a strategic plan, building sustainable habits, overcoming challenges, and fostering accountability, we can navigate the path to self-improvement with resilience and determination. Embracing discipline not only propels us towards success but also instills a sense of accomplishment and empowerment, making the pursuit of our resolutions a fulfilling and transformative experience.

This weeks video is one of my favorite guard work series! We start out with a Hip Heist Sweep, move to the a Kimura Lock, and end with a Guillotine Choke! Check it out on either our Youtube channel

Or on our Rumble Channel!

https://rumble.com/v43w54o-ch-guard-sweep-kimura-guillotine.html

          I had a dream about cooking the turkey for Thanksgiving.  In the dream, everyone was coming to our house.  Our house was way out in the woods.  While waiting for the turkey to cook, everyone went out into the woods.  Many were worried about getting lost and missing the day.  I kept giving everyone directions that led them deeper into the woods.  At the conclusion of the dream, I had a wide view of our property.  Turns out we weren’t that deep into the woods.  There was just one section of the back yard that was forested.  Had any of the guests gone left or right, they would have walked into suburban America.  We are often like that in life.  We look at how we do things, how we have always done them, and we proceed accordingly.  Sometimes we need to take a step back and not just see the forest, but the trees as well.

          We see this a lot in the business world.  “Institutional inbreeding” has led many companies to fall into obscurity, failure, and bankruptcy.  It leads to stagnation.  It can happen in our personal lives as well.  We see a small amount of success, and then just coast along on that tiny bit for years, never pushing the envelope, never looking for that proverbial forest because we already see the trees. 

          As the year 2023 comes towards its end, we all tend to look at what we wanted to accomplish, what we have accomplished and what we hope to achieve for next year.  Make sure that what you are seeing isn’t just a rehash of the past, but a complete, comprehensive look at how you operate, how you achieve your goals, and if those goals are still what you want.  Fix what you can, accept what you cannot and be smart enough to know the difference!