Learning Leads to Varying Degrees of Understanding, Part I – Erik Kondo

Learning Leads to Degrees of Understanding, Part II High understanding is the result of effective learning. Effective Learning is the result of the combination of Three Modes of Learning. These modes are: Conceptualization Training Experience Conceptualization is the mode where you are consciously thinking about what you are trying to understand.  This is typically exemplified … [Read more…]

Words Are Worth Killing Over – Marc MacYoung

I was asked “What about when you’re facing ______(insert loathsome ideology)” *** Something I wrestle with is that most in the middle class have forgotten something the rest of world hasn’t. That is: Words are worth killing over. Having said that, bullets travel both ways. And self-righteousness makes for both poor cover* and a good … [Read more…]

It’s About Enforcement – Erik Kondo

In the world of personal safety, it is inevitable to run across the debate of whether people should discuss/focus on/think about/act on teaching potential victims how not to be victimized OR discuss/focus on/think about/act on teaching potential perpetrators not to victimize. This issue is particularly pertinent to self-defense promoters who are commonly accused of Victim-Blaming … [Read more…]

Physical limitations and self-defense (What if I can’t run away?) – Marc MacYoung

I have a pilot friend who was being talked down through the clouds by the tower. When he cleared the clouds he realized he was halfway down the runway. When the tower asked him “why did you abort the landing” he replied, “I like having the runway in front”. Here is a fundamental fact that … [Read more…]

Street vs. Mat Russian Style – Mikhail Didenko (Conflict Manager Magazine – APRIL, 2015)

Here is a brief introduction to the differences between street and mat conditions from a Russian perspective. This will translate for most of you too I guess as violence is an international language. So I will highlight  5 main differences that are important if conflict management goes physical and your previous training has all been … [Read more…]

Teaching Self-Esteem Through Self-Defense – Bikrant Bikram Chand (Conflict Manager Magazine – APRIL, 2015)

Overview of Violence against Women in nepal Like in many other developing countries, in Nepal violence against women is one of the key factors responsible for the poor health of women,  livelihood insecurity, and inadequate social mobilization. The extent of gender-based violence in Nepal is extremely high. Women and girls in Nepal are exposed to … [Read more…]