What Works: by professor joe lansdale
We teach law enforcement people from time to time, and we often find that those who gone before us have taught them differently. That's okay. There are more good ways than one.
But something does come up frequently, and that's finding out that what they've been teaching is based only on gross motor skills.
First off, there's good logic to this.
One, when you're frightened, pulsed with adrenaline, you loose the ability to accomplish fine motor skill activities. This means joint locks, precise striking. So, therefore, many believe, all the training you receive should be gross motor skill activity. Punch, tackle, hammer, bite.
The problem with this thinking is simple. Gross motor skills are generally all strength oriented. Meaning, for many, especially smaller men, women, there's no need to train at all. Lift weights.
But, even if you do lift weights, that only goes so far. You can only get so strong if you are small. You're not going to grow from a five two, one hundred pound woman, to six-two and two fifty. You might make two fifty if you eat enough, but you sure won't be in any kind of shape.
Point is, gross motor skills should be taught, and they are important, but they won't do you a bit of good if your attacker can take a base shot to the head. At some point, some precision becomes necessary. Even gross motor skill fanatics try to give you targets. Eyes, throat, groin, knee.
The bottom line is this. You have to have some of both.
Officers who train once a month, once a quarter, often train because they have to. Not because they think they need it. They usually think because they are in authority and have a gun, the need will not arise.
They're mostly right. But, sometimes they are wrong.
Also, many of the arrest procedures we've seen don't work. Hammer locks with the arm resting on top of the tricep, which is easy to lift out of, even by someone not so strong. Arm bars that require strength and push against the elbow, one of the strongest points of the body. Strikes using the classic "Karate" punch, turning the fist over, striking someone in the middle of the body. This is a lousy punch for most people, and was not the original karate punch. It was changed to the full turn over style of punch so children could practice it without delivering as much damage. A "thumb up" punch is far more effective. Kicks to the knee can hurt, and may stop an opponent, but I've actually seen someone kicked directly in the knee, hard, and they just kept coming.
So, what's the point?
The point is this. Gross motor skills are important. But if it all boils down to just whacking and wrestling someone to the ground, then you don't need to take anything, just fight like crazy and hope for the best. You had that much knowledge the day you were born. If it were all that effective, we'd all be black belts instantly, and thousands of years of martial arts, many of them battlefield tested, are useless and have always been useless and are a waste of time, so why bother?
I've unfortunately been in fights when I was younger, and I can attest to the fact that the vision does in fact narrow, the brain doesn't think about what it should do, and punch and kick are pretty good ways to protect one's self in that first instant. That's what we teach anyway. But the first instant may not be the whole fight. You can hope it is, but it may not be.
Training at its best should teach you confidence, it should be reality based, and therefore contribute to greater self-control, and therefore greater control of one's actions. This can't be certain. After all, training is training, reality is reality, but it's worked for me a number of times, as well as for others I know, and for cops I've trained who've written me or told me how techniques taught by me have helped them, or saved their lives.
But, there is another side.
The time factor.
And what I said earlier about most cops really not wanting to show up in the first place. And there's pain in learning techniques, and unlike on television shows where the cops are all sleek and competent, frankly, many are in lousy shape and are totally uninterested in being in better shape.
Bottom line, gross motor skills, as well as fine motor skills, are in my view the right way to teach. I like a combination of both, keeping it simple with lots of repetition. But, none of this is going to help if the students aren't interested.
You can only hope that at least one person listens, learns, and if the need arises, can manage the technique or techniques well enough to at least survive or save the life of someone else.
Police organizations ought to require their officers be in a certain condition if they are going to be in the field (some do, but many don't), and that they not only train with firearms, but with competent hand to hand instructors. Self defense of this nature is far more likely than the need to shoot someone.
They should have to train no less than twice a month, and should be tested on the material three or four times a year. This is common sense. Not only because it protects the officer, but a higher level of confidence might allow an officer to handle a situation with neither gun nor force. Having some real knowledge of self-defense would keep officers from being injured, it would keep many offenders from being badly injured, and save the law enforcement organizations from having to deal with a lot of law suits.
Without training, a simple arrest could turn into something ugly for both officer and the perpetrator, where, otherwise, a simple control technique might end the whole affair without escalation.
If you spend all your time doing point tournaments, you're probably fooling yourself about your self-defense skills. If you train to do co-operative throws and joint locks all the time without an understanding of real intent on the part of an attacker, you're also wasting your time.
What works is this?
Training. A lot. And training with useful, worthwhile techniques. They may not be easy to learn.
The arm bar using the triceps tendon can be more difficult than it appears, but once understood, it's so easy as to make you feel silly about not being able to do it in the first place. Even under stress.
But, if you prefer. Lift weights. Stay young forever. Sling your arms and tackle.
Me, I'll train. Knowing full well it may not always be the answer, because no matter how good you are, even monkeys fall out of trees, but, if I train enough, I'm less likely to fall.
Congratulations!
Jared Taylor won his weight division fight at this years FIGHT NIGHT in Nacogdoches, making him a champion. He showed great stamina, terrific skill. When it was over, his opponent had taken quite a battering. Jared looked as if he had merely worked up a sweat after a light aerobic workout.
We now have two fight night champions.
Norma Almanza two years in a row. And now Jared.
Congrats, Jared.
RANK CAMP
Rank camp, held April 12th and 13th of this year produced two new black belts. Jeremy Bidwell of Nacogdoches, and Dan Lowry of Rockwall. Dan is the student of Shihan Paul Britt out of Rockwall. Paul was one of the original Shen Chuan students.
It was a good test. We're proud of them. Congratulations
Also at the camp, Professor Lansdale surprised Shihans Coy and Eugene with last minute announcements.
Out of respect for being Professor Lansdale's senior student, as well as for his known abilities as a martial artist, Shihan Eugene was given the honorary title of Professor. Congratulations Professor Frizzell!
Shihan Coy, long known to be the Soke Dai (inheritor) of the Shen Chuan, Martial Science system was presented with all of the official documents and seals proclaiming his inheritance and making it all legal and binding. Although merely a formality to some, for those of us dedicated to the continuance of Shen Chuan, it signaled yet another important step in the evolution of Shen Chuan, Martial Science as a system dedicated to being around long term.
Be sure to check out photos from the Rank Camp located at the back of the newsletter!
Grandmaster John Pellegrini is the Founder of the Combat Hapkido system and President of the International Combat Hapkido Federation. Lansdale's Self Defense Systems is a Charter member of the ICHF. GM Pellegrini and Professor Lansdale are also close personal friends.
Those of us who have been with the school very long have had the occasion to meet and come to know GM Pellegrini. For those that are new to the school, we would like for you to meet this fine man and come to understand what makes John Pellegrini, well, Grandmaster John Pellegrini.
The following interview was conducted using questions prepared by Guru Mike Casto and Professor Lansdale:
Question: When did you start training in Martial Arts? And what arts have you trained in? Answer: My first exposure to Martial Arts came in 1958 with Judo. Over the past 40 years I have trained in Kung Fu, Shotokan Karate, TaeKwonDo, Hapkido, Aikido and Jeet Kune Do. I have also "informally" trained (seminars and camps) in Modern Arnis, KunTao Silat, Russian Sistema, Brazilian JuJitsu and Kuk Sool Won.
What art do you consider the core of your personal development? Hapkido
What is your rank or recognition in your art, and how did you acquire it? If you are a founder, please explain how you came to found the system you practice and teach? I hold an 8th Dan in Hapkido, issued by Grandmaster In Sun Seo 10th Dan, President of the World Ki-Do Federation / Korea Ki-Do Association, a Korean Government chartered organization to oversee, certify and promote Korean Martial Arts. During my years of studying and teaching Hapkido, I became convinced that although it was an awesome Self Defense system, it needed to evolve in order to meet the challenges of the modern Self Defense environment. In certain areas it needed to be expanded, to be made more comprehensive. While in other areas it needed to be reduced and simplified. The process of research and development to modernize the art led to the structuring and founding of my own system "Combat Hapkido" (Chon-Tu Kwan in Korean).
What makes the system you practice unique? What is it that appeals to you personally? What I believe makes the Combat Hapkido system unique is its total focus on effective, practical, realistic Self Defense. We are unapologetically unconcerned with "art" and "sport" and "tradition". It appeals to me personally, primarily for these reasons: flexibility, open mindedness and a scientific approach. What that means is that Combat Hapkido has no mandated boundaries or limitation. We continue research to evolve the system to remain at the cutting edge of the scientific, legal and social development of Self Defense. We will continue to add, to eliminate, to reshape, to adapt. The freedom to create, pursue and restructure makes the Combat Hapkido system dynamically alive.
What do you feel are the most important aspects of training? Sincere desire to learn. Commitment to that goal. Dedication in pursuit of that goal and perseverance during the journey. Training encompasses physical, mental and spiritual areas. During training you can identify your strengths and weaknesses in any of those areas. Serious training also gives the tools to improve, correct and enhance any of those three areas.
What person most influenced you in the martial arts? I cannot single out one name. I have been inspired, influence, motivated, coached and shaped by several great Martial Artists to list a few: Bruce Lee and Ed Parker (although I have never met them); Wally Jay, Bill Wallace, Willem De Thouars and of course, most of all, my teacher and my friend, Grandmaster In Sun Seo.
What qualities do you look for in students, and what do you look for in students you plan to award an instructorship under you? The first two prerequisites are desire and commitment. The second two are dedication and hard work. The third are loyalty and integrity. Technical competence and skills are obviously of paramount importance but are meaningless without the other attributes.
How do you feel the focus of your training has changed over time? It used to be 80% physical and 20% mental. As I age and, hopefully, become wiser and more skilled, the ratio has completely flip-flopped. Now it is 80% mental and 20% physical. When I say "mental" what I mean as that with age comes experience, wisdom, the tempering of emotions, increased awareness, better strategy and tactical applications. I am faster, more relaxed and more skilled than I have ever been. Physical prowess is definitely an asset but as it naturally decreases with aging, it must be supplemented by an increase in mental prowess.
What would you advise people to look for when trying to find an instructor? And what advice would you offer people when they start martial arts? "Caveat Emptor" the Romans used to say, buyer beware! The only advice that I feel is meaningful is: investigate! An educated consumer has a much higher chance to make the right choice than an uninformed one. Shop around, watch a class, compare, check credentials, read about the Martial Art you are thinking learning. Does it meet your needs, aspirations, goals, requirements? After you have made your decision and have started classes, be patient with yourself and trust your instructor. You may feel awkward, overwhelmed, discouraged or even stupid. This is normal when learning a new skill and a foreign discipline. Work on learning methodically and improving yourself. Do not compare yourself to others and most of all: STICK WITH IT!!!
What do you believe is the purpose of Martial Arts? Sport? Self Defense? You tell us. The purpose is whatever it represents to each individual. The study of Martial Arts offers unlimited opportunity for self realization... physical, mental and spiritual. Through the Martial Arts over the past 40 years, I have experienced growth, fulfillment and development in all three areas. However, having said that, my personal overriding purpose in studying the Martial Arts is the scientific research of effective and realistic Self Defense. After all the Martial Arts were originally designed as fighting techniques to survive on the battlefield. Although the context and environment of modern society is different, the goal to survive and prevail in a violent attack should still be paramount.
Have you ever used martial arts in self defense? Having worked in law enforcement and security for about 20 years, I have had many occasions to employ my skills in physical confrontations.
What do you think of the modern trends in martial arts, like the UFC? I do not care for them and do not follow them. As far as being "no rules" fights, there are no biting, head butting, groin strikes, small joint attacks. And many other valuable Self Defense techniques are not allowed. Certainly they will be present in a "street" confrontation. Also when you introduce matting, a referee and time limits, they become nothing more than another sport pitting two trained athletes against each other. Although they have awakened interest in the value of ground fighting skills, they have done nothing to promote the study of the martial arts to the general public.
Do you consider your art traditional, or non traditional? And what do you see is the difference between the two? Or is there a difference? I started with the study of traditional martial arts. In the past 15 years I have become more and more "eclectic". While I still respect the traditional approach and its many benefits, I needed to move on to a different level. The difference, as I see it, is that the non traditional approach affirms that martial arts systems, like everything in life, must evolve and adapt to changing times and environments. It also allows the freedom to cross train in other arts and to experiment with new technologies. I strongly agree with this view.
What trends do you see on the horizon for martial arts and martial artists? The continued appearance on the scene of "fads and fashionable trends" that quickly capture the market and fade away a couple of years later. Truly proven arts and systems, built on solid foundation, will endure and prosper.
If you current founder and / or grandmaster of the system you practice, how will you choose a successor? Through a process of careful selection based on technical competence, loyalty, integrity and commitment.
Finally, do you have a favorite martial arts story, fact or fable? Aside from the urban legend of martial artists having to register their hands as deadly weapons with the police department (and some people still believing it!!), I think that the most persistent myth is that there are deadly martial arts "secrets" that can only be taught by some "masters" to special students. The only big secret left in the martial arts is that there are no secrets for the serious, inquisitive and dedicated student.
Thank you Grandmaster Pellegrini for your time and for the opportunity for us to learn a little more about the man behind Combat Hapkido.
A portion of the proceeds from the camp this year will be sent to PROTECT, a pro-child, anti-crime lobby dedicated to providing political strength for the protection of children. Child abuse and tougher responses to crimes against children is their top priority. Both Professors Lansdale and Frizzell are National Advisory Board Members of PROTECT.
If you would like to donate to PROTECT, call or visit their website at http://www.protect.org.
| Photos from April 2003 Rank Camp |
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| Congratulations to our two newest black belts, Jeremy Bidwell and Dan Lowry |
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l. to r. - Jeremy Bidwell and Professor Lansdale. | |||
| l. to r. - Dan Lowry and Professor Lansdale. Dan is a student of Shihan Paul Britt, |
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Adam Coats is promoted to Purple Belt | |||
| Chad Laurich is promoted to Yellow Belt |  |
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Greg McEntire is promoted to 3rd Degree Brown Belt | |||
| l. to r. - Shihan Richard Metteauer and Jared Taylor.
Jared receives his Black Belt, as well as his instructorship in Shen Chuan KickBoxing / Maverick Taekwondo. |
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Jeremy Bidwells volleyball whistle. You'll have to ask the Professor about that one! | |||
| l. to r. - Shihan Richard Metteauer, George Clark and Professor Lansdale. George receives his yellow belt in Shen Chuan KickBoxing / Maverick Taekwondo. |
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Jared Taylor receives his Senior Instructorship in Shen Chuan. |
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Stefan Allen receives his Purple Belt. | |||
| Larry Laurich is promoted to Yellow Belt |  |
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 Group Photo |
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