USA Best Book Awards Finalist - USA Book News This book was written to address an important gap that exists in martial arts training. The gap is the space or dirty ground that lives between sport and combat techniques; that is when you need to control a person without severely injuring him (or her). Techniques in this space are called 'drunkle', named after your drunken uncle at the family gathering who needs to be escorted away before he hurts somebody or vice versa. This space reveals itself all too often when friends, family, good Samaritans, crime watchers, and certain types of muggings or robberies get physical. Understand that using the Iron Hammer Fist Punch you learned in karate class will probably put your uncle in the hospital; make your friend your enemy for life; or give the thug, who 'only' wanted your wallet, a chance to sue you for all you're worth. This is not to be taken lightly since you will probably get thrown in jail for excessive force. Know the three environments: SPORT, DRUNKLE, and COMBAT. Understanding these three environments is vital because what is considered appropriate use of force is codified in law, yet interpreted in the public arena, and actions that do not accommodate these rules can have severe repercussions. Martial art techniques must be adapted to best fit the situation you find yourself in. This book is style agnostic. The author's analyze 30 fundamental strikes, kicks and locks, and present 12 well-known sport competition forms modified for each of the three vital environments: SPORT, DRUNKLE, and COMBAT. Be smart. Know how to adapt to a situation.

Cut to the very core of what it means to be successful in the martial arts. Earning a black belt can be the most rewarding experience of a lifetime, but getting there takes considerable planning. Whether your interests are in the classical styles of Asia or in today's Mixed Martial Arts, this book prepares you to meet every challenge. Whatever your age, whatever your gender, you will benefit from the wisdom of master martial artists around the globe, who share more than 300 years of combined training experience. Benefit from their guidance during your development into a first-class black belt. The Wisdom of...* Iain Abernethy* Dan Anderson* Loren Christensen* Jeff Cooper* Wim Demeere* Aaron Fields* Lawrence Kane* Rory Miller* Martina Sprague* Phillip Starr* Jeff Stevens* Kris Wilder ...and many more. Packed with actionable information, The Way to Black Belt will teach you how to set goals, find a good instructor, monitor your progress, overcome plateaus in your training, take advantage of learning opportunities, and work through the inevitable injuries that come with rigorous martial arts training. Putting your skills to the test at each developmental stage of your training requires a certain mental 'clarity.' The authors examine what this means, how to find it, and how to make sure that when the time comes you are 100% prepared. If you are serious about your martial arts training, The Way to Black Belt will arm you with the information you need to swiftly become a highly skilled, well-qualified black belt.

The Principles for Understanding Kata are Largely Unknown - Until Now The ancient masters developed kata, or "formal exercises," as fault-tolerant methods to preserve their unique, combat-proven fighting systems. Unfortunately, they deployed a two-track system of instruction where an 'outer circle' of students unknowingly received modified forms with critical details or important principles omitted. Only the select 'inner circle' that had gained a master's trust and respect would be taught okuden waza, the powerful hidden applications of kata. The theory of deciphering kata applications (kaisai no genri) was once a great mystery revealed only to trusted disciples of the ancient masters in order to protect the secrets of their systems. Even today, while the basic movements of kata are widely known, advanced practical applications and sophisticated techniques frequently remain hidden from the casual observer. The principles and rules for understanding kata are largely unknown. This groundbreaking book unveils these methods, not only teaching you how to analyze your kata to understand what it is trying to tell you, but also helping you to utilize your fighting techniques more effectivelyboth in self-defense and in tournament applications. Fifteen general principles to identify effective techniques: *Twelve discrete rules for deciphering martial applications*Comprehensive insights into kata history, strategy and tactics*Vital physiological considerations*Well organized materials for easy reference

Finalist 2010 Book of the Year Award by ForeWord MagazineFinalist 2010 USA Best Book Award The Little Black Book of Violence will arm you with the knowledge and good sense to make informed choices in hazardous situations. While some yahoo spewing insults about your favorite sports team is worlds apart from a drug-crazed lunatic lunging at you with a sharp knife in his hands and bloodlust in his eyes, there is a large gray area in between these two extremes where hard and fast rules do not always apply. This is where wisdom, oftentimes hard-earned wisdom, makes the difference between good decisions and bad ones. Every time you engage in violence, no matter how small or trivial it may appear to be at the time, it has the potential of escalating into something extraordinarily serious. What is really worth fighting for when you might find yourself spending the rest of your life behind bars, confined to a wheelchair, or trying to dig yourself out of bankruptcy from beneath the crushing weight of a civil lawsuit? It is important to ask yourself, Is this really worth fighting over? While in some instances the response could legitimately be Yes, more often than not it ought to be No. More than mere techniques, this book fills in crucial information about street survival that most martial arts instructors don t teach or even know. You will learn how to use awareness, avoidance, and de-escalation to help stave off violence. Despite the best intentions, however, you may still find yourself in situations where you have no choice but to fight and others where it is prudent to do so. Consequently you will also learn smart things you might want to try and dumb things you should attempt to avoid during a physical confrontation. In addition to learning strategies and techniques for defending yourself on the street you will also learn how to manage the aftermath of violence, including performing first aid, interacting with law enforcement, managing witnesses, finding a good attorney, navigating the legal system, dealing with the press, and overcoming psychological trauma. Men, who commit about 80 percent of all violent crimes, are twice as likely to become victims of aggressive behavior as women. While written primarily for this at-risk demographic, this comprehensive tome is essential reading for anyone who regularly deals with violence, thinks they may encounter a hostile situation, or who simply wants to increase their ability to survive a dangerous encounter.

Bronze Winner - 2013 eLit AwardsFinalist - 2013 Next Generation Indie Books AwardFinalist - 2013 Book of the Year Award by ForeWord Magazine Conflict and violence cover a broad range of behaviors, from intimidation to murder, and they require an equally broad range of responses. A kind word will not resolve all situations, nor will wristlocks, punches or even a gun. In Scaling Force the authors introduce you to the full range of options, from skillfully doing nothing to applying deadly force. They realistically guide you through understanding the limits of each type of force, when specific levels may be appropriate, the circumstances under which you may have to apply them, and the potential cost, legally and personally, of your decision. * Level 1 Presence. Staving off violence using body language alone.* Level 2 - Voice. Verbally de-escalating conflict before physical methods become necessary.* Level 3 - Touch. Defusing an impending threat or gaining compliance via touch.* Level 4 - Empty-Hand Restraint. Controlling a threat through pain or forcing compliance through leverage.* Level 5 - Less-Lethal Force. Incapacitating a threat while minimizing the likelihood of fatality or permanent injury.* Level 6 - Lethal Force. Stopping a threat with techniques or implements likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm. It is vital to enter this scale at the right level, and to articulate why what you did was appropriate. If you do not know how to succeed at all six levels there are situations in which you will have no appropriate options. More often than not, that will end badly.

Fair Fight? Not likely. Least of all from a criminal who is looking to make a quick profit at your expense. A sad fact is that weapon-wielding thugs victimize 1,773,000 citizens every year in the United States alone. Even martial artists are not immune from this deadly threat. Consequently, self-defense training that does not consider the very real possibility of an armed attack is dangerously incomplete. Whether you live in the city or countryside, you should be both mentally and physically prepared to deal with an unprovoked armed assault at any time. Preparation must be comprehensive enough to account for the plethora of pointy objects, blunt instruments, explosive devices, and deadly projectiles that someday could be used against you. This extensive book teaches proven survival skills that can keep you safe on the street. A multitude of real-life scenarios and case studies analyzing violent encounters will help you to internalize this crucial knowledge. Contents include: *Awareness*Avoidance*De-escalation*Countervailing force*Armed conflict*Managing the aftermath of violence*Weapon features and functions If you are serious about self-defense this book is for you. Everyone, including experienced martial artists, security and law enforcement professionals, and concerned citizens will benefit from this vital information.

""Finally a book that will actually move the needle in closing the leadership skills gap found in all aspects of our society."" - Dan Roberts, CEO and President, Ouellette & Associates

Many books weave platitudes, promising the keys to success in leadership, secrets that will transform you into the great leader, the one. The fact of the matter is, however, that true leadership really isn't about you. It's about giving back, offering your best to others so that they can find the best in themselves.

The methodologies in this book help you become the leader you were meant to be by bringing your goals and other peoples' needs together to create a powerful, combined vision. Content includes: Seven essentials of leadership Four keys to group unanimity Six ways to instantly improve problem solving Three steps to calibrating your internal compass Fifteen negative attitudes to banish from your brain Five ways to kill fear and move forward Three principles to utilize the genius of foolish ideas

Learn how to access the deeper aspects of who you are, your unique qualities, and push them forward in actionable ways. Acquire this vital information and advance your leadership journey today.

Kris Wilder is a small business owner, bestselling author, and martial arts instructor who teaches seminars worldwide. Currently a member of The Order of St. Francis, he has previously worked in public affairs and political consulting at the local and national levels.

Lawrence Kane is a senior leader at a Fortune(r) 50 corporation where he is responsible for IT infrastructure strategy, sourcing, and asset management. A bestselling author, he has also worked as a business technology instructor, martial arts teacher, and security supervisor.

""Had I had this book when I was starting out I would have been ahead of my peers and much wiser for it."" - Kathy Rudy, Partner, Information Services Group

""It's about increasing your contribution to, influence on, and satisfaction with reaching any stated objective."" - Michael Murphy, Director, Bellevue WA School Board