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So far I’m enjoying it quite immensely. At times it’s hard to put it down.

I have this book and read it a few years ago. I enjoyed it. What say you, Mr. sensei8?

An embarrassing performance by the Lions on Christmas Day, committing six turnovers and losing 23-10 to the Vikings in Minneapolis. The Vikings started a backup QB who was undrafted, and the offense finished with three passing yards for the game, was booed off the field, and that was the team that won. The Lions will miss the playoffs after winning the division the last two seasons and need to look at how to improve. They need better offensive line help, a true OC, and see if they can bounce back to the playoffs next season. Lions had more injuries than any team in the league, and they lost their OC and DC from last season. It was a down year, but think back to the Lions of 15 years ago, and this was a dream season!! 49ers win an exciting SNF game against the Bears, the 49ers will host the Seahawks Saturday night for the NFC West title, and home field advantage. Nobody seems to want to win the NFC South, since both Tampa and Carolina can't buy a win, but they will play Saturday afternoon, and the winner will take the division. Patriots win the AFC East by way of beating the Jets, and the Bills losing. The last time a team won the AFC east that was not the Patriots or Bills? The Dolphins, in 2008. Steelers laid an egg against the Browns and instead of winning the division they will play the Ravens Sunday night to see who takes the AFC North. Ravens win over the Packers Saturday locked up the NFC North for Chicago. Raiders take another L, this time at home to the lowly NY Giants. Pete Carroll needs to go. I realize he inherited a mess but he has not done anything to improve it. The Raiders are 2-14, worst record in the NFL, and have lost ten in a row. Carroll may have lost the locker room, including Maxx Crosby who left the team facility because he was upset that he was not going to play against the Giants. Odds are he will be on the trading block. Might as well. The Raiders current situation is hopeless. They should trade Crosby and stockpile draft choices, looking to rebuild. Good news for the Raiders is they are in position to get the #1 overall pick. The Las Vegas Raiders are now on the clock! The final Monday Night Football game of the 2025 regular season will be between the LA Rams and the Falcons. Well that is a rundown of some of the games this week. Lots to be decided in week 18 and playoff football is just around the corner!

Not to depend on books, but books and publications from reputable and reliable sources are probably the best start to get informed before and in preparation to seeking out a proper discussion with a legal professional. Getting a basic understanding and ideas about the local self-defense laws is definitely something worth looking into for anyone who seriously trains martial arts. Having references on hand is also important for instructors who may want to have something to point interested people in the right direction.

Indeed, but it can also be seen in the older sparring footage from the earlier Japanese karate tournaments. Several well known karateka from that era were especially adept at this…Yahara Mikio of Shotokan comes to mind.

Personally, I wouldn't depend on books, as that may be flawed or outdated. I'd go to the government website and get it directly.

If I understand what you're saying, we call that body shifting, or "change of body". EXAMPLE: Instead of stepping back away from the attack, there are several ways, but you can step forward at an angle, shifting your body away from the attack and placing yourself closer and simultanously attacking them. Easier to demonstrate than to write it out. Old style Okinawan karate does a lot of this. Kinda hard to get the timing down, takes a lot of practice to do it automatically and correctly, but once you get it it's like a lightbulb going on and it's very effective. More for self-defense, but I have used it successfully in sparring.

Very interesting topic, Spartacus Maximus; thank you. I believe that this topic must be taken seriously because dire circumstances and consequences arise from an lackadaisical approach. Each USA state has distinct and varied laws regarding self-defense. Know before one acts because there’s a saying that says that “Only a fool has himself for a lawyer.” Several years ago back in 2010, I purchased the following book that might still be of some interest and relevance: Self-Defense Laws Of All 50 States by Attorney Mitch Vilos and Eva Vilos. No matter what, book or not, recent publications or not, I’d still speak with an attorney just to protect myself.

Based on your local legal system and laws, what would you say is the most accurate and reliable publication(books etc..) on the legal aspects of self-defense? What, if any, books/written documentation would you recommend to your students/fellows short of discussing the topic with a legal expert(lawyer, judge etc)

There is another concept in Okinawan karate and related martial arts which agrees with getting behind the attacker. The idea is that the most advantageous position for counterattacking and defending is always at an angle or offside instead of moving straight backwards or meeting the attacking force straight on. This is especially important if the attacker is much bigger and stronger. This means moving out of the attacker’s direct line of sight and into the “blind spot” so that the counter will be much more difficult to see coming. Moving behind or as close as possible to the attacker’s back is the ideal application of that strategy.

Key factors about Shindokan: 1) We never block an attack 2) We want to get behind our attackers 3) We want to be very close to our attacker 4) We don’t back up Here’s a basic brief of what I’m talking about. So far, I’ve briefly discussed key factor #1; We never block an attack. We deflect said attack. Moreover, we receive said attack!! Today, I’d like to briefly discuss Shindokan key factor #2; bold typed above: We want to get behind our attacker. Why?? As a human being, our natural instinct is to address any threat head on because forward movement offers many opportunities. So, when attacked heads on, said attack can be avoided much easier, akin to having eyes on the target. Both tools are online and I don’t want that. By getting behind my attacker, I blind him as to my intentions because my attacker no longer has clear eyes on me. Once behind my attacker, even if just for a split second, it gives me clear opportunities to create havoc. There’s numerous targets to strike once I find myself behind my attacker. Once behind, I must strike with a vicious intent. Sounds goods?!? Not so fast!! Getting behind an attacker isn’t as simple as it sounds. Offense/Defense is a chess game; both battling to outdo one another. The goal is for me to get the checkmate on my attacker before he does…not a stalemate or a draw, but checkmate. How do I get behind my attacker?!? By getting up close to your attacker, aka, close range attack/defense. Not many people are comfortable getting nose to nose with their attacker. The unnerving positions aren’t always easy to engage but it has to be done whether it’s liked or not…I love it. For us in Shindokan, the key to getting behind our attacker lies in close range fighting. Yes. However, you just don’t waltz into close range without a little help. The little help comes via the setup(s)!! We use our longest weapons…our kicks, but not just our kicking arsenal. Hands and feet in combinations. When my opponent moves, so do I. My goal is to exchange positions so that I’m standing behind my attacker. One of the drills we teach in getting behind our attacker involves “Slipping”. This technique is when we create an irresistible opening for our attacker to target. Once that target reaches a point that’s too hard to resist for the attacker, arresting said attack can’t be effectively prevented, the attacker becomes way far too committed to their target. Once the point of no return is reached by the attacker, we simply slip behind our attacker through our setup, whichever that might be. Primary drilling tool we use in teaching how to slip in phase 1 is a body shield. When I travel to Hayes, KS years ago to train a few days with Brian, aka bushido_man96, we drilled this phase 1 drill; it’s a two-person drill: In phase 1, the Attacker holds the body shield in front of them against their body. Should is to protect both because things happen. Defender assumes a fighting stance. Attacker doesn’t announce their attack; attacker attacks at their own discretion. Defender waits for attacker to get very close, at that point, defenders slips the attackers attack making sure to stay very close to the attacker, ending up behind. Once the CI feels that the defender is ready, the shield is removed from the attacker; that’s phase 2. Phase 3; the defender incorporates set ups. Phase 4; the defender selects attackers off-line targets. Advanced drills incorporate a Bo-Staff being thrusted forwards to the defender’s front online targets. Again, if one can’t function effectively with close range, there’s no way to get behind said attacker. Main reason for this difficulty is that the student is afraid. Maturity in their technique takes a long time to develop. The most fearsome animals moves to the back, and attacks its prey from the back. Why? When my attacker is behind me, all of my tools are isolated. That’s not good!! All of fighting is getting your tools online. Once I’m behind my attacker, my tools are online but my attackers tools are isolated. Being isolated is not where anyone wants to be. So, if possible, learn to get behind your attacker(s) so that your attacker(s) tools are isolated and your tools are online.

Be Water My Friend; The Teachins of Bruce Lee by Shannon Lee

“During the post-fight interviews, Joshua praised Paul, “Jake Paul, he's done really well tonight. I want to give him his props. He got up time and time again. It was difficult in there for him, but he kept on trying to find a way. It takes a real man to do that. Anyone who laces up the gloves, we always say we give them their respect. We have to give Jake his respect for trying. Well done, but he came up against a real fighter tonight.”” “According to CompuBox, Joshua landed 48 of 146 punches (33%), while Paul landed with just 16 of his 56 shots (29%).” Both quotes per Wikipedia. Jashua taunted Tyson Fury after the fight. Perhaps we’ll see a Fury VS Joshua fight next year.

“The ending came in the sixth round, when Joshua landed a straight right followed with a right-left combination, knocking Paul down for the time at 1 minute 31 seconds. Paul attempted to get up but the referee counting him out as he reached his feet.” ~Wikipedia With that being said, by definition, that means a Knockout.

Did Paul get knocked out? I'd heard that he wasn't, but the fight was over because of the broken jaw.

You have to try to see it from both sides; yours and theirs. An instructor spends a few months or years teaching a student, and all of a sudden the student appears (to them) to be acting like they've got it all figured out and can teach it better than them. Or this student is pointing out what they believe to be the flaws in what they've been teaching. This can rub people the wrong way, especially those who have a lot more time and experience with a subject than you might have. To the first quote above, what I would suggest is to bide your time and put in the work to attain your instructor certification or rank. By doing that, you will have shown others in the field that you've put in the time to get there, and when you start suggesting different ideas and approaches, you'll have that clout to go along with it. Not everyone will agree with you, but having that pedigree will help you get more established and give you more pull within the wider community. In the end, this will help you get down the road to where you want to be. Remember, Martial Arts is a journey, and it's never truly finished. So what's the hurry?

You mentioned you have a school in Washington State. I don't see it listed, what city?

I would never consider myself a Jake Paul fan, but I have a lot of respect for what he does. In this case, he fought six rounds with Anthony Joshua. How many of us could do the same thing? How many of Jake Paul's haters could do it? Everyone seems to forget that Francis Ngannou got knocked out by Anthony Joshua in the second round, so Jake Paul did far better than Ngannou. And Ngannou is no pushover: he went the distance with Tyson Fury before that.

$100M isn't a bad price, but I think Paul let his ego get the best of him in his decision to accept this fight. Like you said, he's a novelty boxer. Part of the bit is the tendency of people to hate watch the bouts in the hopes that he gets knocked out. It's possible that he took this fight to deliver that and create a comeback narrative, but there had to be a less painful way of doing so. In any event, I would be lying if I said I didn't watch the highlight reel more than a few times.

Many fighting fans finally got their wish. Jake VS Joshua fight at the Kaseya Center in Miami, FL saw Jake Paul being knocked out by Anthony Joshua. To Jake’s credit, the former YouTube star has turned himself into a boxing novelty. Not only was Paul knocked out by a tremendous right hook from Joshua, but Paul’s jaw was broken in 2 places with 1:48 remaining in the 6th round. Paul’s surgery went well. Doctors placed 2 titanium plates on each side of his jaw. For the first time, Paul fought a boxer worth his salt in Joshua, so much so, that Joshua dominated the entire fight. While many fighting fans might’ve enjoyed seeing Jake lose, Jake got the last laugh at the tune of $100M on Netflix over the weekend.

Cowboys 17 Chargers 34 I hate whenever my friend Dwight is correct about the Cowboys. Once again the Cowboys become their worse enemy. Cowboys, as usual of late, are strong for the 1st half but run out of gas in the 2nd half. Cowboys can’t even play the spoiler team but just the team of the jester. Maybe, just maybe, the Cowboys will improve over the off season…but wait…who am I kidding?? Cowboys need a GM besides Jones and a head coach that’s not a “yes” man. Well, until next years laughs!!

Well, here we are, Sunday morning, week 16… My Cowboys are all but out…however, they need to win every remaining game and pray that the Eagles lose out. Cowboys close at home VS the Chargers before visiting the four-win Commanders and two-win Giants. Per the experts. One of my friends, Dwight, who’s a big Seahawks fan told me this… “No! Cowboys are out. Only way for the Cowboys to be in was to win division at this point. Eagles locked that up yesterday!! Even if the Cowboys were to win out at this point, they still can’t get in the playoffs.” Throughout the NFL, it’s nail bitting time!! P.S. Cowboys are out thanks to the Eagles. Dwight was right…oh I hate that part!!

No I do not. And I think that may be a part of the issue. Rank gives an idea as per one knowledge of THAT system in particular not of efficiency, understanding of Martial Arts concepts and continuum. Not all black belts can teach, and many shouldn’t. I’m not directing this towards you whatsoever. Teaching takes a special person on the floor to nurture a student because each student has a different perspective and learning curve. Ranks mean nothing!! Skills must be paramount over ranks; knowledge and experience are tantamount. You’ll find were you’re the most valuable and successful and most happy in your time by your own standards and admissions; do YOURS your way and NOT THEIR way.

What a game…what a Bears win over the Packers…what a hail-Mary catch in OT. Bears 10-4-0…Packers 9-4-1 now. Bears and Seahawks had great OT wins…man oh man I love football.

Hello and thank you all again for your contributions. No I do not. And I think that may be a part of the issue. Rank gives an idea as per one knowledge of THAT system in particular not of efficiency, understanding of Martial Arts concepts and continuum. Not to go in specific details of my life but my psychologist seems to think that since it is a something that I have been struggling with for more then a year and not resolved it is a cause and aspect of my depression I cannot disregard. Or perhaps because I am obsessing over it, don't have interest in people or friends that do not relate which isolates me furthermore. Sorry if it caused confusion as to me the anguish of continuing to bang my head against a figurative wall is very real to me. I am finally trying to seek solutions by asking directly. I feel I have asked similar questions in other format on this forum. And the answers seem to always be relatively similar. Which makes me think that I am most likely wrong for doing what I do. Everyone's answer seems to be to put up or shut up. Learn the system regardless (like we all had to) and THEN you can do as you please. My question/dilemma is why wait? Tradition has to have reason. We don't repeat what was done in the past just to repeat it mindlessly. Many seems to be of that opinion (not just in regards to Martial Arts but many aspects in life) to keep things as they are since it was good for them therefore it shall be good for everyone... Seems like I will have to learn to accept that fact plain and simple or move on and not be bothered. Ranks over Skills is what I gather everywhere in regards to this.