Mr. Bussey has appeared in various magazines throughout his career. We've posted a few of his articles here for you to enjoy. He has contributed to such magazines as: REDBOOK / BLACK BELT / FIGHTING STARS / AMERICAN KARATE / INSIDE KUNG FU / SWAT / NINJA MAGAZINE / BLITZ / MASTERS
Published Articles
Interview: King of Combat
Warrior Magazin
Germany 2013
Warrior Magazin:
I first heard of you when I bought your Panther Video Tapes about your Ninjutsu Style. Is it right to name it "your Ninjutsu style"? I ask this because to me it looked completely different from other Ninjutsu I had seen back then - and I mean this in a very positive way.
Bussey:
Thank You. Those first Panther tapes were filmed in the mid 1980’s and were a lot of fun. We shot over a period of just a few days during which I was also simultaneously conducting my summer training camp, so I remember being pretty exhausted and in considerable pain. I had just recovered from major knee surgery and then broke my hand and my elbow during the camp but we shot the tapes anyway and the series went on to became very popular. I suppose it was obvious to anyone making a comparison that my approach to Ninjutsu was distinct. Years earlier, I initially followed the classical version from Japan even though it was obvious to me that so much of the art had limited practical value with regard to combat. I was fully aware that it was a more like a traditional form of expression…an activity rather than a reliable lifesaving system. However, I didn’t feel that any experienced martial artist worth their salt would take Ninjutsu seriously as it was being presented. I think a lot of very good people were lured to Japan, drawn to the mystique and romance of the Ninja brand. For me it was like going to a famous cattle ranch where everyone dressed up in Cowboy costumes but no one could actually rope a steer. I know that tradition has it’s place, but one must be cautious of the theoretical nonsense that goes unchallenged in martial arts. The reality is that violence is ugly. Fighting has no respect for titles, trophies, or certificates. And as such, one must recognize that what is appropriate and proper within a particular style may easily prove suicidal if attempted in a life-and-death encounter. Throughout the world, the name Ninja was associated with an ultimate warrior, capable of explosive skills, intellect, and diverse fighting ability…in reality, it wasn’t. The physical limitations in the art were compensated by a lot of rhetoric. I really wanted to change that. Not with words, but through example. With a lot of very hard work and inspiration, my efforts paid off. RBWI became synonymous with the Ninja image that we all expected….a modern version that was both dynamic and versatile, and, one that could be matched against any respectable discipline. Of course, this created some controversy, especially from those who had invested so heavily in their belief system, but my only allegiance was to help the student who was searching for results. It was amazing to see people liberated from all of the baggage of conformity and empower them to be their personal best. I despise manipulative politics and have always been turned off by those who use deception or sell mysticism to elevate their positions of authority. I had an opportunity to add value to peoples lives and felt I had a duty to de-mystify the arts and erase some of the mumbo-jumbo.
Warrior Magazin:
People call you "King of Combat" - that’s a pretty cool name for a martial artist and a warrior. How did you get that name and how come it got so popular?
Bussey:
I’m not exactly sure really. I remember at one of my events I was privileged to have several magazine editors attend, and one of them complimented me on my movement and fighting, saying that it was so explosive and different from anything he had ever been exposed to. I explained to him that like any artist, I feel it more than I actually think about it. Most of what I did was spontaneous and very little of what I demonstrated on my training video’s was planned out. Constant training produces instinctive reactions. I trained so much that I dreamed moves. In fact, some of my original techniques had actually come to me in dreams that I would later test out and evaluate. Anyway, an article appeared shortly thereafter in American Karate magazine titled, Robert Bussey, “King of Combat” and the nickname kind of stuck. I realize it is a rather pretentious handle, and I have always made a point to rejected elevated titles such as Grand Master or Supreme Leader…I believe people are just people. But now folks associate me with that so I’m ok with it.
Warrior Magazin:
Studying your website I read that you have been the first non Korean who got a black belt in Yong Bi Kwan Hapkido. That sounds like a very interesting experience. Can you tell us a little bit from that training back in the days and how it came that you got involved in that style.
Bussey:
I started out in the Korean arts in the U.S. as a very young boy and years later I eventually made my way to Seoul to train and teach there. I had some experience with Hap Ki Do and stumbled on an esoteric sect called, Yong Bi Kwan. I was taken under the wing of Man Dong Park, who was the successor to the ancient art. I was already and experienced martial artist and learned all the necessary forms and techniques very quickly, but it was brutal. I was a foreigner and really put to the test. After beating all the black belts and breaking one mans arm, I was able to earn their respect and was ranked. I was the first non-Korean to earn a black belt in the 28 generation history of that art. I had some pretty wild experiences in Korea when I think back on it.
Warrior Magazin:
You also became a student of Masaaki Hatsumi and Shoto Tanemura at a time, before Ninjutsu became popular in the west. How did you get that contact and how were the impressions and experiences of your first trip to the "Ninja" in Japan.
Bussey:
A series of contacts led me to Japan and to the Ninjutsu. Hatsumi was only training a dozen or so masters at the time and only a few non-Japanese had been exposed, so I was a ground floor guy at the time. I was young, only 18 when I first started there. In the beginning I was trying to figure out the maneuvers and philosophy associated with the art. Only a couple of guys spoke broken English but I was able to mimic them and in time grew to understand the mechanics and teachings quite well. I came back from my first trip in 1980 but returned numerous times over the years. Eventually, I became disillusioned with them and simply did not want to compromise my values by perpetuating the myths. I’m proud to say that I rejected certain master titles because of that, which was not an easy thing to do. After leaving the art, false rumors were spread and I was branded a renegade. However, what’s so amazing after all these years, is to be justified. I think it pays to be as honest and genuine as possible because eventually the truth comes out.
Warrior Magazin:
Being that experienced in Ninjutsu I need to ask you a Ninjutsu question. What do you think would be a Ninja today?
Bussey:
That question is subjective. I believe that we must all be warriors of life. This is a long, tough, and challenging journey that we all face each day and I think it is important to have perseverance and to do our best to prepared. One of the tag lines of RBWI was, “Training Today’s Ninja Warrior’s”. I made sure that my students learned a variety of diverse skills that would be useful in a difficult situation. In my heart, I always wanted to pass on the kinds of tools that a person could count on in a crisis. I also wanted my students to walk in love and empathy. To live by a code that respects life. Once a year I award someone the Bussey A.R.C. (Award of Recognition Certificate). The last recipient was a student of mine who had become a classified CIA Agent and was tragically killed during a mission in Afghanistan. He was a modern Ninja. Yes, he was skilled in Bussey tactics, but much more than that he was a decent man…devoted to his country and his family. He was an example of a warrior who wanted to make the world a better place for all of us. Perhaps a real Ninja is a warrior of peace.
Warrior Magazin
Germany 2013
Warrior Magazin:
I first heard of you when I bought your Panther Video Tapes about your Ninjutsu Style. Is it right to name it "your Ninjutsu style"? I ask this because to me it looked completely different from other Ninjutsu I had seen back then - and I mean this in a very positive way.
Bussey:
Thank You. Those first Panther tapes were filmed in the mid 1980’s and were a lot of fun. We shot over a period of just a few days during which I was also simultaneously conducting my summer training camp, so I remember being pretty exhausted and in considerable pain. I had just recovered from major knee surgery and then broke my hand and my elbow during the camp but we shot the tapes anyway and the series went on to became very popular. I suppose it was obvious to anyone making a comparison that my approach to Ninjutsu was distinct. Years earlier, I initially followed the classical version from Japan even though it was obvious to me that so much of the art had limited practical value with regard to combat. I was fully aware that it was a more like a traditional form of expression…an activity rather than a reliable lifesaving system. However, I didn’t feel that any experienced martial artist worth their salt would take Ninjutsu seriously as it was being presented. I think a lot of very good people were lured to Japan, drawn to the mystique and romance of the Ninja brand. For me it was like going to a famous cattle ranch where everyone dressed up in Cowboy costumes but no one could actually rope a steer. I know that tradition has it’s place, but one must be cautious of the theoretical nonsense that goes unchallenged in martial arts. The reality is that violence is ugly. Fighting has no respect for titles, trophies, or certificates. And as such, one must recognize that what is appropriate and proper within a particular style may easily prove suicidal if attempted in a life-and-death encounter. Throughout the world, the name Ninja was associated with an ultimate warrior, capable of explosive skills, intellect, and diverse fighting ability…in reality, it wasn’t. The physical limitations in the art were compensated by a lot of rhetoric. I really wanted to change that. Not with words, but through example. With a lot of very hard work and inspiration, my efforts paid off. RBWI became synonymous with the Ninja image that we all expected….a modern version that was both dynamic and versatile, and, one that could be matched against any respectable discipline. Of course, this created some controversy, especially from those who had invested so heavily in their belief system, but my only allegiance was to help the student who was searching for results. It was amazing to see people liberated from all of the baggage of conformity and empower them to be their personal best. I despise manipulative politics and have always been turned off by those who use deception or sell mysticism to elevate their positions of authority. I had an opportunity to add value to peoples lives and felt I had a duty to de-mystify the arts and erase some of the mumbo-jumbo.
Warrior Magazin:
People call you "King of Combat" - that’s a pretty cool name for a martial artist and a warrior. How did you get that name and how come it got so popular?
Bussey:
I’m not exactly sure really. I remember at one of my events I was privileged to have several magazine editors attend, and one of them complimented me on my movement and fighting, saying that it was so explosive and different from anything he had ever been exposed to. I explained to him that like any artist, I feel it more than I actually think about it. Most of what I did was spontaneous and very little of what I demonstrated on my training video’s was planned out. Constant training produces instinctive reactions. I trained so much that I dreamed moves. In fact, some of my original techniques had actually come to me in dreams that I would later test out and evaluate. Anyway, an article appeared shortly thereafter in American Karate magazine titled, Robert Bussey, “King of Combat” and the nickname kind of stuck. I realize it is a rather pretentious handle, and I have always made a point to rejected elevated titles such as Grand Master or Supreme Leader…I believe people are just people. But now folks associate me with that so I’m ok with it.
Warrior Magazin:
Studying your website I read that you have been the first non Korean who got a black belt in Yong Bi Kwan Hapkido. That sounds like a very interesting experience. Can you tell us a little bit from that training back in the days and how it came that you got involved in that style.
Bussey:
I started out in the Korean arts in the U.S. as a very young boy and years later I eventually made my way to Seoul to train and teach there. I had some experience with Hap Ki Do and stumbled on an esoteric sect called, Yong Bi Kwan. I was taken under the wing of Man Dong Park, who was the successor to the ancient art. I was already and experienced martial artist and learned all the necessary forms and techniques very quickly, but it was brutal. I was a foreigner and really put to the test. After beating all the black belts and breaking one mans arm, I was able to earn their respect and was ranked. I was the first non-Korean to earn a black belt in the 28 generation history of that art. I had some pretty wild experiences in Korea when I think back on it.
Warrior Magazin:
You also became a student of Masaaki Hatsumi and Shoto Tanemura at a time, before Ninjutsu became popular in the west. How did you get that contact and how were the impressions and experiences of your first trip to the "Ninja" in Japan.
Bussey:
A series of contacts led me to Japan and to the Ninjutsu. Hatsumi was only training a dozen or so masters at the time and only a few non-Japanese had been exposed, so I was a ground floor guy at the time. I was young, only 18 when I first started there. In the beginning I was trying to figure out the maneuvers and philosophy associated with the art. Only a couple of guys spoke broken English but I was able to mimic them and in time grew to understand the mechanics and teachings quite well. I came back from my first trip in 1980 but returned numerous times over the years. Eventually, I became disillusioned with them and simply did not want to compromise my values by perpetuating the myths. I’m proud to say that I rejected certain master titles because of that, which was not an easy thing to do. After leaving the art, false rumors were spread and I was branded a renegade. However, what’s so amazing after all these years, is to be justified. I think it pays to be as honest and genuine as possible because eventually the truth comes out.
Warrior Magazin:
Being that experienced in Ninjutsu I need to ask you a Ninjutsu question. What do you think would be a Ninja today?
Bussey:
That question is subjective. I believe that we must all be warriors of life. This is a long, tough, and challenging journey that we all face each day and I think it is important to have perseverance and to do our best to prepared. One of the tag lines of RBWI was, “Training Today’s Ninja Warrior’s”. I made sure that my students learned a variety of diverse skills that would be useful in a difficult situation. In my heart, I always wanted to pass on the kinds of tools that a person could count on in a crisis. I also wanted my students to walk in love and empathy. To live by a code that respects life. Once a year I award someone the Bussey A.R.C. (Award of Recognition Certificate). The last recipient was a student of mine who had become a classified CIA Agent and was tragically killed during a mission in Afghanistan. He was a modern Ninja. Yes, he was skilled in Bussey tactics, but much more than that he was a decent man…devoted to his country and his family. He was an example of a warrior who wanted to make the world a better place for all of us. Perhaps a real Ninja is a warrior of peace.
Warrior Magazin:
Our magazine was created because of the reason we completely dislike politics in martial arts. It should be a free source and home for martial artists of different styles and countries with open minds. I think you are one of the few personalities in martial arts today which completely agrees with that. So could you give a us a brief idea in some sentences about your personal view on martial arts.
Bussey: Yes, I’d be happy to. First let me say that I think that the martial arts, regardless of style, has the potential to change lives for the better. Many practitioners testify that learning martial arts has given them strength and confidence, discipline and respect. Those attributes improve conditions in our societies and are what make any style worthwhile. Also, I have learned that the individual instructor can have more impact than the art itself. His or her ability to connect really matters. It’s not about toughness, or titles, or awards. Now, having said that, I must say that I believe it is important to participate in a viable, workable system. If you were going to send someone you love into battle, you would want them to be equipped. It certainly wouldn’t matter what their style was or what rank they held…the only thing that would matter is whether or not your loved one was prepared to survive. From that perspective, I feel that instructors should strive for pragmatism. I’m always a little suspect of Organizations and styles per se, because they tend to be dedicated to recruiting and conforming members in order to expand their base. These institutions are in danger of putting the system before the individual. When I formed RBWI (Robert Bussey’s Warrior International) I refused a style name, refused to give myself a title, and vowed to personalize the art to fit the individual rather than having the student fit the art. This is why today, you do not see chains of RBWI schools. What remains is a sphere of influence in the lives of many people that continues to be transferred to others. It was like ripples in a pool. Making a difference is what counts. That confuses some martial artists. They want to know what I call my style…or they often want to refer to me as Master Bussey. These are just labels.
Warrior Magazin:
You have disbanded your own martial arts organization - the Robert Bussey`s Warrior International. It was a big organization with over 10.000 members worldwide. What brought you to this step and even more interesting, is it possible to join forces with Robert Bussey today?
Bussey:
I did what I set out to do with RBWI and a series of events led to my decision to retire. To experience the kind of atmosphere we had within RBWI was simply amazing. We had captured lightening in a bottle. Individuals were challenged but not threatened, were forced to dig deep to reveal their strengths and weaknesses, and built a true sense of self discovery. Everyone had the potential to contribute and RBWI was always in a state of evolution. Friendships were forged that have endured to this day, and the tactics themselves have infiltrated every corner of the protection world. Two huge trends today are Mixed Martial Arts and Close Quarter Combatives and RBWI was a forerunner to both. On a different level, my organization was growing, perhaps to big, and some interpretations of my teaching were becoming too strict and compartmentalized. When you grow like that, it can also become a challenge to maintain certain standards. And, of course, there were those who saw the power of RBWI and formed their own versions of my work via splinter groups. I think my skin was too thin for all that and so in 1997 I gave everyone my blessing and simply let go. I did so realizing that I ended it for the very reason that I started it. I had a real sense of satisfaction and peace. There was a terrific old magazine article titled, “The Reign That Was RBWI” that we post on our website for those who are interested.
Warrior Magazin:
What are the most important things to know / to master for a warrior in your opinion - in one sentence!
Bussey:
Authentic skills when a life depends on it.
Warrior Magazin:
You are over 50 years now. Can you describe your work out routine a bit for our readers. How many times a week / what / how long is one set / what’s important to stay in shape....
Bussey:
First, you should find inspiration where you can. Motivation is key. I also think a person should be forward thinking in terms of his/her health. Those who are successful in the long term make it a lifestyle. Exercise should be consistent and regular, focusing on nutrition, aerobic and strength training. I truly believe that your life and your body is a gift. You must treat it well. To some extent, we all have strong attributes as well as handicaps. We must use what we have to the best of our ability because if you don’t have your health you don’t have much. Personally, I have never used drugs, and don’t partake in self destructive behavior. Like many other martial artists, I feel it is important to maintain a healthy mind, body, and spirit. It’s important to keep growing in these areas because if you are healthy you can give back to others. I enjoy learning new things and never feel that I have arrived. We can always be growing. I try to adopt new skills that help make me well-rounded. A while back I completed a personal trainer certification course to learn more about the science of exercise. These days I have to work around a number of bodily injuries which are a big challenge to me now that I’m older. But, I change up my work outs to keep them fresh and I practice at least one aspect of my fighting skills virtually every day. I don’t have the same drive and force that I had when I was younger but that is ok…I have other strengths and of course, experience.
Warrior Magazin:
Are you teaching today or is it possible to see you in seminars and of course mostly important for us: Is there a chance to see you in Germany one day?
Bussey: I do teach today, but very selectively. Most of my work is as an advisor through Robert Bussey & Associates, conducting private sessions or working with select groups. I still enjoy imparting tactics to people on a case by case basis. I have received several requests over the years to come to Germany and perhaps sometime in the future I will visit. My grandfather immigrated to the U.S. from Germany after the turn of the century and I think your country and people are amazing.
Our magazine was created because of the reason we completely dislike politics in martial arts. It should be a free source and home for martial artists of different styles and countries with open minds. I think you are one of the few personalities in martial arts today which completely agrees with that. So could you give a us a brief idea in some sentences about your personal view on martial arts.
Bussey: Yes, I’d be happy to. First let me say that I think that the martial arts, regardless of style, has the potential to change lives for the better. Many practitioners testify that learning martial arts has given them strength and confidence, discipline and respect. Those attributes improve conditions in our societies and are what make any style worthwhile. Also, I have learned that the individual instructor can have more impact than the art itself. His or her ability to connect really matters. It’s not about toughness, or titles, or awards. Now, having said that, I must say that I believe it is important to participate in a viable, workable system. If you were going to send someone you love into battle, you would want them to be equipped. It certainly wouldn’t matter what their style was or what rank they held…the only thing that would matter is whether or not your loved one was prepared to survive. From that perspective, I feel that instructors should strive for pragmatism. I’m always a little suspect of Organizations and styles per se, because they tend to be dedicated to recruiting and conforming members in order to expand their base. These institutions are in danger of putting the system before the individual. When I formed RBWI (Robert Bussey’s Warrior International) I refused a style name, refused to give myself a title, and vowed to personalize the art to fit the individual rather than having the student fit the art. This is why today, you do not see chains of RBWI schools. What remains is a sphere of influence in the lives of many people that continues to be transferred to others. It was like ripples in a pool. Making a difference is what counts. That confuses some martial artists. They want to know what I call my style…or they often want to refer to me as Master Bussey. These are just labels.
Warrior Magazin:
You have disbanded your own martial arts organization - the Robert Bussey`s Warrior International. It was a big organization with over 10.000 members worldwide. What brought you to this step and even more interesting, is it possible to join forces with Robert Bussey today?
Bussey:
I did what I set out to do with RBWI and a series of events led to my decision to retire. To experience the kind of atmosphere we had within RBWI was simply amazing. We had captured lightening in a bottle. Individuals were challenged but not threatened, were forced to dig deep to reveal their strengths and weaknesses, and built a true sense of self discovery. Everyone had the potential to contribute and RBWI was always in a state of evolution. Friendships were forged that have endured to this day, and the tactics themselves have infiltrated every corner of the protection world. Two huge trends today are Mixed Martial Arts and Close Quarter Combatives and RBWI was a forerunner to both. On a different level, my organization was growing, perhaps to big, and some interpretations of my teaching were becoming too strict and compartmentalized. When you grow like that, it can also become a challenge to maintain certain standards. And, of course, there were those who saw the power of RBWI and formed their own versions of my work via splinter groups. I think my skin was too thin for all that and so in 1997 I gave everyone my blessing and simply let go. I did so realizing that I ended it for the very reason that I started it. I had a real sense of satisfaction and peace. There was a terrific old magazine article titled, “The Reign That Was RBWI” that we post on our website for those who are interested.
Warrior Magazin:
What are the most important things to know / to master for a warrior in your opinion - in one sentence!
Bussey:
Authentic skills when a life depends on it.
Warrior Magazin:
You are over 50 years now. Can you describe your work out routine a bit for our readers. How many times a week / what / how long is one set / what’s important to stay in shape....
Bussey:
First, you should find inspiration where you can. Motivation is key. I also think a person should be forward thinking in terms of his/her health. Those who are successful in the long term make it a lifestyle. Exercise should be consistent and regular, focusing on nutrition, aerobic and strength training. I truly believe that your life and your body is a gift. You must treat it well. To some extent, we all have strong attributes as well as handicaps. We must use what we have to the best of our ability because if you don’t have your health you don’t have much. Personally, I have never used drugs, and don’t partake in self destructive behavior. Like many other martial artists, I feel it is important to maintain a healthy mind, body, and spirit. It’s important to keep growing in these areas because if you are healthy you can give back to others. I enjoy learning new things and never feel that I have arrived. We can always be growing. I try to adopt new skills that help make me well-rounded. A while back I completed a personal trainer certification course to learn more about the science of exercise. These days I have to work around a number of bodily injuries which are a big challenge to me now that I’m older. But, I change up my work outs to keep them fresh and I practice at least one aspect of my fighting skills virtually every day. I don’t have the same drive and force that I had when I was younger but that is ok…I have other strengths and of course, experience.
Warrior Magazin:
Are you teaching today or is it possible to see you in seminars and of course mostly important for us: Is there a chance to see you in Germany one day?
Bussey: I do teach today, but very selectively. Most of my work is as an advisor through Robert Bussey & Associates, conducting private sessions or working with select groups. I still enjoy imparting tactics to people on a case by case basis. I have received several requests over the years to come to Germany and perhaps sometime in the future I will visit. My grandfather immigrated to the U.S. from Germany after the turn of the century and I think your country and people are amazing.
Published Articles
The Reign That Was RBWI
Robert Bussey's Warrior International Sat Atop the Ninjutsu World for 20 Years.
By Norman Leff
Reprinted with Permission
In 1997, to the surprise of thousands of practitioners and coinciding with the 20th Anniversary of this organization, "RBWI" founder and president, Robert Bussey, announced the end of his martial arts empire, retiring as a patriot of combat realism.
For two decades, a distinct group of warriors flourished throughout the martial arts landscape. They were comprised of all walks of life and practiced what they considered to be an all-encompassing system of protection based on the teachings of its founder. The methodology of mid-Western born Robert Bussey covered a veritable cornucopia of combat practices, and seemed to break new ground with provocative titles and names not generally associated with martial arts or military practices. Titles developed by Bussey to represent what he called his, "chain of influence."
Instead of earning conventional colored belts, he established "Side Bar Distinctions" for his "Ardor Members." In place of rank requirements, he provided "Grade Guidelines" which measured the talents of his members on their individual merits. There were no degrees of black belt. Rather, Bussey created no less than eight "Recognition Associates" with titles such as, "Instructor Senior Status" or "Instructor Chieftain Status" to signify authority.
Robert Bussey's Warrior International Sat Atop the Ninjutsu World for 20 Years.
By Norman Leff
Reprinted with Permission
In 1997, to the surprise of thousands of practitioners and coinciding with the 20th Anniversary of this organization, "RBWI" founder and president, Robert Bussey, announced the end of his martial arts empire, retiring as a patriot of combat realism.
For two decades, a distinct group of warriors flourished throughout the martial arts landscape. They were comprised of all walks of life and practiced what they considered to be an all-encompassing system of protection based on the teachings of its founder. The methodology of mid-Western born Robert Bussey covered a veritable cornucopia of combat practices, and seemed to break new ground with provocative titles and names not generally associated with martial arts or military practices. Titles developed by Bussey to represent what he called his, "chain of influence."
Instead of earning conventional colored belts, he established "Side Bar Distinctions" for his "Ardor Members." In place of rank requirements, he provided "Grade Guidelines" which measured the talents of his members on their individual merits. There were no degrees of black belt. Rather, Bussey created no less than eight "Recognition Associates" with titles such as, "Instructor Senior Status" or "Instructor Chieftain Status" to signify authority.
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"Bussey...seemed to break new ground with provocative titles and names not generally associated with martial arts or military practices"
In the height of its glory, RBWI had scattered the landscape with facilities know as "Warrior Training Branches," which allowed participants access to customized equipment and uniforms in addition to their specialized training.
At the forefront of every decision affecting the organization was Bussey, who went to great lengths to make sure that all RBWI items were custom made in the U.S.A. From materials to labor, no product was imported. Although decisions like this greatly decreased profits coming into the headquarters, it helped to maintain Bussey's commitment to invest in America.
By anyone's account, the practice of RBWI was considered both brutal and highly diverse. The details of both will be covered later in this article. However, in addition to its pragmatism, RBWI is said to have flourished in large part due to the made-to-order training tactics and honest commitment to make each member feel part of an elite group.
Bussey made sure that everyone was treated as if they were important contributors to the total development of his organization. With this kind of thinking, Bussey was able to foster an atmosphere of creativity which, in turn, allowed RBWI to constantly change and upgrade its methods.
Scott Hutchinson, a career military specialist and RBWI instructor points out that, "RBWI was in a constant state of evolution. Robert motivated everyone to expand their horizons. Consequently, RBWI would improve when everyone worked collectively."
FADES AWAY
As RBWI fades into the fabric of martial arts history, it leaves behind a legacy to thousands of practitioners scattered from Boston to Brussels. Along with it, a future not fully realized by its founder, Robert Bussey. It was the creative resources of this sole individual that designed an entity set apart from all those that came before it, and which surely will influence future warriors of the 21st century.
At the forefront of every decision affecting the organization was Bussey, who went to great lengths to make sure that all RBWI items were custom made in the U.S.A. From materials to labor, no product was imported. Although decisions like this greatly decreased profits coming into the headquarters, it helped to maintain Bussey's commitment to invest in America.
By anyone's account, the practice of RBWI was considered both brutal and highly diverse. The details of both will be covered later in this article. However, in addition to its pragmatism, RBWI is said to have flourished in large part due to the made-to-order training tactics and honest commitment to make each member feel part of an elite group.
Bussey made sure that everyone was treated as if they were important contributors to the total development of his organization. With this kind of thinking, Bussey was able to foster an atmosphere of creativity which, in turn, allowed RBWI to constantly change and upgrade its methods.
Scott Hutchinson, a career military specialist and RBWI instructor points out that, "RBWI was in a constant state of evolution. Robert motivated everyone to expand their horizons. Consequently, RBWI would improve when everyone worked collectively."
FADES AWAY
As RBWI fades into the fabric of martial arts history, it leaves behind a legacy to thousands of practitioners scattered from Boston to Brussels. Along with it, a future not fully realized by its founder, Robert Bussey. It was the creative resources of this sole individual that designed an entity set apart from all those that came before it, and which surely will influence future warriors of the 21st century.
"Bussey's teaching....probably the best kept secret in the martial arts community"
So, after building momentum for 20 years, one might expect that the demise of Robert Bussey's Warrior International would set into motion a power struggle within the organization itself. Would battles be fought over who would succeed the man considered by many to be the quintessential martial artist? Apparently not. RBWI had no dramatic conclusion.
The consensus among members seemed to be feelings of pride and emotion. Some considered Bussey's teachings "misunderstood" and as one man aptly put it, "a diamond in the rough and probably the best kept secret in the martial arts community."
"I don't think a day has passed when I didn't struggle with the responsibility of leadership," Bussey once said.
Yet, the leadership qualities that he possessed were never more apparent than when he was coaxed into making a personal appearance at a convention of martial arts experts in Banff, Canada. Lured by his love of the outdoors and as an expert in primitive survival skills, Bussey thought that the northern Rocky Mountains might just be the place to escape, think and relax. The event featured a star-studded cast of instructors, including his brother, Michael Bussey, legends Joe Lewis and Bill Wallace, as well as Dr. Jerry Beasley, Peter Cunningham and others. Bussey was scheduled to instruct two separate one-hour clinics. However, Bussey's R&R would be short lived.
According to Dale Kliparchuk, host of the event, "Once Robert initially exposed the participants to his ideas, he ended up teaching several three-hour segments because of the demand. He was very generous. I've had the opportunity to observe many of the best in the world, but his techniques were so fluent and effective that I have nothing to compare them to."
The "originality" of Bussey's creation was not so much his re-invention of martial arts, but his ability to shred the myths associated with fighting through his analogies and performance.
"He's so versatile that it causes him to move differently from everyone else…he's an original," claims Stephen Bowers, the 6-foot, 4-inch California veteran of RBWI. "It's like watching a great painter who, with one stroke of his brush, makes the art come alive. Robert is constantly processing while he is in motion."
The consensus among members seemed to be feelings of pride and emotion. Some considered Bussey's teachings "misunderstood" and as one man aptly put it, "a diamond in the rough and probably the best kept secret in the martial arts community."
"I don't think a day has passed when I didn't struggle with the responsibility of leadership," Bussey once said.
Yet, the leadership qualities that he possessed were never more apparent than when he was coaxed into making a personal appearance at a convention of martial arts experts in Banff, Canada. Lured by his love of the outdoors and as an expert in primitive survival skills, Bussey thought that the northern Rocky Mountains might just be the place to escape, think and relax. The event featured a star-studded cast of instructors, including his brother, Michael Bussey, legends Joe Lewis and Bill Wallace, as well as Dr. Jerry Beasley, Peter Cunningham and others. Bussey was scheduled to instruct two separate one-hour clinics. However, Bussey's R&R would be short lived.
According to Dale Kliparchuk, host of the event, "Once Robert initially exposed the participants to his ideas, he ended up teaching several three-hour segments because of the demand. He was very generous. I've had the opportunity to observe many of the best in the world, but his techniques were so fluent and effective that I have nothing to compare them to."
The "originality" of Bussey's creation was not so much his re-invention of martial arts, but his ability to shred the myths associated with fighting through his analogies and performance.
"He's so versatile that it causes him to move differently from everyone else…he's an original," claims Stephen Bowers, the 6-foot, 4-inch California veteran of RBWI. "It's like watching a great painter who, with one stroke of his brush, makes the art come alive. Robert is constantly processing while he is in motion."
Bussey fighting Bowers
Bussey fighting Bowers
California 1992
It has also been said that Bussey's movement had no real beginning or end. There was no static interpretation of technique. He described his explosive displays as "living movement." RBWI in turn, mirrored these tendencies. RBWI was unique in that it represented a certain kind of movement and conduct which permeated through an army or practitioners without all the usual stylized restrictions, structured requirements, style name, or even a supreme leader for that matter.
"I was more of a guide…an example, than a master of an art," Bussey once said.
THE IMPACT OF A FORMER NINJA
There are several ways in which the legacy of Nebraska native Robert Bussey has formed modern martial artists, no matter what style or skill level. He labored to raise awareness among martial arts instructors to strive for technical integrity. This helped to implant true "realism" as an ethic among instructors whether practiced or imagined. He created a sub-culture of no rules, reality-based technicians well before it was vogue.
In fact, his multi-faceted concepts stretched past the normal boundaries of no-rules fighting to include weapons and multiple opponent fighting. It was a period in the early 1980s that he recounts as being "ground breaking but occasionally reckless."
Besides his scary dynamism, Bussey's philosophy represented a radical departure from the popular Eastern views commonly associated with martial arts, crediting his conversion to the Christian faith as the turning point in his revolutionary view of the arts.
According to Dr. Lou Verner, a long-time instructor of RBWI, "Robert has always, to my knowledge, been a very deep thinking individual and a person of great personal conviction. What he is leaving behind will be self-perpetuating."
Bussey imparted many of these philosophies in a book titled, "A Biblical Perspective of the Martial Arts," available through Cross Training Publishing. In it, he redefines many of the ethics and demands within the martial arts, and as a result, demystifies many commonly held views which link the martial arts with spiritual endeavors.
James Rosenbach once said of his best friend that, "The only thing that can compare to Robert's enormous talent is his heart."
Since the closure of RBWI, Rosenbach has remained in the birthplace of the art, Fremont, Nebraska, and operates a half dozen training centers there.
"I was more of a guide…an example, than a master of an art," Bussey once said.
THE IMPACT OF A FORMER NINJA
There are several ways in which the legacy of Nebraska native Robert Bussey has formed modern martial artists, no matter what style or skill level. He labored to raise awareness among martial arts instructors to strive for technical integrity. This helped to implant true "realism" as an ethic among instructors whether practiced or imagined. He created a sub-culture of no rules, reality-based technicians well before it was vogue.
In fact, his multi-faceted concepts stretched past the normal boundaries of no-rules fighting to include weapons and multiple opponent fighting. It was a period in the early 1980s that he recounts as being "ground breaking but occasionally reckless."
Besides his scary dynamism, Bussey's philosophy represented a radical departure from the popular Eastern views commonly associated with martial arts, crediting his conversion to the Christian faith as the turning point in his revolutionary view of the arts.
According to Dr. Lou Verner, a long-time instructor of RBWI, "Robert has always, to my knowledge, been a very deep thinking individual and a person of great personal conviction. What he is leaving behind will be self-perpetuating."
Bussey imparted many of these philosophies in a book titled, "A Biblical Perspective of the Martial Arts," available through Cross Training Publishing. In it, he redefines many of the ethics and demands within the martial arts, and as a result, demystifies many commonly held views which link the martial arts with spiritual endeavors.
James Rosenbach once said of his best friend that, "The only thing that can compare to Robert's enormous talent is his heart."
Since the closure of RBWI, Rosenbach has remained in the birthplace of the art, Fremont, Nebraska, and operates a half dozen training centers there.
Bussey THE LION
James Rosenbach & Robert Bussey knife sparring during an RBWI Camp
A NINJA COLLEGE
Partly because he is rarely accessible, Bussey has largely remained unnoticed in the martial arts community, despite his contributions and accolades. He is best known for pioneering the ninja art from Japan to America as early as 1979, but his credentials stretch far beyond those examined by the public. By 1984, he was running the largest ninja training facility in the world, a 12,000-square foot ninja college of sorts, centrally located in Omaha. In its heyday during the ninja craze of the 80s, Bussey's academy attracted technicians from around the world and seemed to create a rift between himself and the classical representation of Ninjutsu practiced by Stephen Hayes.
Bussey's life was divided between the diplomacy of handling training guests and dissecting various fighting strategies by putting them to the test. He was young and thoroughly dedicated to his craft. Bussey's performance seemed so far removed from conventional martial arts that publishers and videographers urged him to organize his own art and preferably label it with an oriental name to lend credibility to his teachings. At first, it is said that Bussey resisted the idea. However, he eventually adopted the title of founder, refused to concoct a name for his style and chose the acronym RBWI, the heading he used for his various unions of academies.
Admired by most, and considered controversial by others, Bussey has never really been able to escape the image that links him to Ninjutsu.
"It is an image which he has fought to reverse for years," claims his brother Michael. "RBWI was Robert's vehicle for exposing the inefficiencies of martial arts by discovering new ways to train and defeat aggression."
LOW PROFILE
Perhaps one of the reasons Bussey is a lesser-known personality in the martial arts community is because he remained uncomfortable with what he viewed as politics within the martial arts and loathed being a salesman of his methods. RBWI emphasized the perfection of technical adaptability and Bussey himself advocated that his instructors intelligently understand the defects associated with eastern symbolism, etiquette and religious customs of some classical styles.
Further, he avoided tournaments and seminar circuits. Most of his followers mirrored his non-political views and remain to this day, out of the limelight. Although he respected all arts and teachers, he considered some to be "very talented experts with blinders on" and "capable yet reluctant to see the bigger picture." He stressed that any system could work if the artist was stronger or more skilled than his foe. However, he strived to design sure-fire moves that most anyone could add to their repertoire. He formed many of his opinions based on what he called "the total scope of self-preservation," adding that "my only allegiance is to provide individuals with tools to survive, regardless of their distinctions."
Generally, he was reluctant to write articles or make public appearances. Today, few disregard his impact upon the martial arts community or cutting edge vision, and those who know him best describe him as an encyclopedia of the science of fighting. Keith Trottier, of Lifespring Martial Arts, was a former jujitsu instructor in Southern California who spent three years honing RBWI skills.
"I firmly believe that he opened my eyes and mind to what real self-defense is all about, and to many other aspects such as wilderness survival and an overall awareness of what really happens," he said.
Surprisingly, Bussey had made very little financial gain from RBWI, choosing instead to filter profits back into the organization and into the pockets of his struggling representatives. Bussey perceived RBWI to be more of a mission than a business.
He opened his first commercial school when he was only 15. By his mid 20s Bussey became synonymous with other top leaders in the field who were twice his age. According to many, it was a well-deserved distinction. Author Keith Jones stated in his book "The King of Combat" that Bussey was, "A true genius of the martial arts."
Well-known Hollywood actor, Geoffrey Lewis, concurs. An avid martial arts enthusiast, Lewis has worked out with some of the best, including the Machado brothers, Jean-Claude Van Damme, the Gracies, Gene LeBell and Chuck Norris.
"Robert's stuff, his RBWI, was no-nonsense and really well-rounded…it had a lot of dimensions to it."
Partly because he is rarely accessible, Bussey has largely remained unnoticed in the martial arts community, despite his contributions and accolades. He is best known for pioneering the ninja art from Japan to America as early as 1979, but his credentials stretch far beyond those examined by the public. By 1984, he was running the largest ninja training facility in the world, a 12,000-square foot ninja college of sorts, centrally located in Omaha. In its heyday during the ninja craze of the 80s, Bussey's academy attracted technicians from around the world and seemed to create a rift between himself and the classical representation of Ninjutsu practiced by Stephen Hayes.
Bussey's life was divided between the diplomacy of handling training guests and dissecting various fighting strategies by putting them to the test. He was young and thoroughly dedicated to his craft. Bussey's performance seemed so far removed from conventional martial arts that publishers and videographers urged him to organize his own art and preferably label it with an oriental name to lend credibility to his teachings. At first, it is said that Bussey resisted the idea. However, he eventually adopted the title of founder, refused to concoct a name for his style and chose the acronym RBWI, the heading he used for his various unions of academies.
Admired by most, and considered controversial by others, Bussey has never really been able to escape the image that links him to Ninjutsu.
"It is an image which he has fought to reverse for years," claims his brother Michael. "RBWI was Robert's vehicle for exposing the inefficiencies of martial arts by discovering new ways to train and defeat aggression."
LOW PROFILE
Perhaps one of the reasons Bussey is a lesser-known personality in the martial arts community is because he remained uncomfortable with what he viewed as politics within the martial arts and loathed being a salesman of his methods. RBWI emphasized the perfection of technical adaptability and Bussey himself advocated that his instructors intelligently understand the defects associated with eastern symbolism, etiquette and religious customs of some classical styles.
Further, he avoided tournaments and seminar circuits. Most of his followers mirrored his non-political views and remain to this day, out of the limelight. Although he respected all arts and teachers, he considered some to be "very talented experts with blinders on" and "capable yet reluctant to see the bigger picture." He stressed that any system could work if the artist was stronger or more skilled than his foe. However, he strived to design sure-fire moves that most anyone could add to their repertoire. He formed many of his opinions based on what he called "the total scope of self-preservation," adding that "my only allegiance is to provide individuals with tools to survive, regardless of their distinctions."
Generally, he was reluctant to write articles or make public appearances. Today, few disregard his impact upon the martial arts community or cutting edge vision, and those who know him best describe him as an encyclopedia of the science of fighting. Keith Trottier, of Lifespring Martial Arts, was a former jujitsu instructor in Southern California who spent three years honing RBWI skills.
"I firmly believe that he opened my eyes and mind to what real self-defense is all about, and to many other aspects such as wilderness survival and an overall awareness of what really happens," he said.
Surprisingly, Bussey had made very little financial gain from RBWI, choosing instead to filter profits back into the organization and into the pockets of his struggling representatives. Bussey perceived RBWI to be more of a mission than a business.
He opened his first commercial school when he was only 15. By his mid 20s Bussey became synonymous with other top leaders in the field who were twice his age. According to many, it was a well-deserved distinction. Author Keith Jones stated in his book "The King of Combat" that Bussey was, "A true genius of the martial arts."
Well-known Hollywood actor, Geoffrey Lewis, concurs. An avid martial arts enthusiast, Lewis has worked out with some of the best, including the Machado brothers, Jean-Claude Van Damme, the Gracies, Gene LeBell and Chuck Norris.
"Robert's stuff, his RBWI, was no-nonsense and really well-rounded…it had a lot of dimensions to it."
bUSSEY WORKED VARIOUS HIGH PROFILE STUDENTS
Bussey with actor Geoffrey Lewis
So it came as a complete shock to his modernist following when Bussey made the announcement to withdraw from active service and relinquish his now credible organization. The question on everyone's mind seemed to be, "Why?"
RBWI boasted an estimated 10,000 enthusiasts with 200 instructors…most recently expanding to South Africa, the Bahamas, Australia and Belgium. With these numbers and branch locations dramatically increasing throughout the world, why would the founder and president of RBWI suddenly disband a structure that had such a significant impact on the lives of so many people? It is a question that no one seemed to be able to answer with any great certainty.
Some speculate that Bussey grew increasingly uncomfortable with the size of his organization and the varied interpretations of his teachings. Others conclude that it was strictly the result of economics, while some point to the numerous bodily injuries he sustained over the years.
Whatever the reason, the beginning of the end began with a simple letter.
It was the summer of 1997 and on the eve of Bussey's 36th birthday. Sanctioned RBWI instructors from across the globe were making preparations to converge at Bussey's legendary 17th annual summer training camp. This historical camp, usually held in the nation's rural breadbasket, has traditionally been the most comfortable setting for Bussey to perform and deliver his strategies. Rarely if ever, did he expose these tactics in the mainstream martial arts community.
Over a decade earlier, the editors of magazines such as "Fighting Stars" satisfied readers with histories and coverage of Bussey's annual retreats."To fully recreate the emotion, feelings, experiences and knowledge gained from each camp, volumes of magazines and photo albums would be needed," the magazine once stated.
For those attending that year's event, the anticipation of Bussey's versatile instruction was strong. However, expectation gave way to disappointment and puzzlement when each instructor was sent a personal letter from Bussey that stated his intentions to relinquish RBWI.
In his final statement, Bussey expressed his gratitude and extreme privilege to "teach and uncover dormant abilities and to help people to become more reflective about their own personal standards."
He went on to say, "From these years, I remember most those who tempered their training with compassion. Those who were teachable. Those who had ethics and attained a level of commitment, eager to grow in talent."
Although Bussey was aware that many of his people had not escaped the trap of mediocrity, he felt that everyone was significant and had made a contribution to RBWI. His genuine concern for others seemed to inspire people to expand their boundaries of skill and knowledge. He closed his letter by instructing his followers to present their talents through their own individualism, further stating, "If you shout the name of a mountain in any language you will see that the majesty remains.
RBWI boasted an estimated 10,000 enthusiasts with 200 instructors…most recently expanding to South Africa, the Bahamas, Australia and Belgium. With these numbers and branch locations dramatically increasing throughout the world, why would the founder and president of RBWI suddenly disband a structure that had such a significant impact on the lives of so many people? It is a question that no one seemed to be able to answer with any great certainty.
Some speculate that Bussey grew increasingly uncomfortable with the size of his organization and the varied interpretations of his teachings. Others conclude that it was strictly the result of economics, while some point to the numerous bodily injuries he sustained over the years.
Whatever the reason, the beginning of the end began with a simple letter.
It was the summer of 1997 and on the eve of Bussey's 36th birthday. Sanctioned RBWI instructors from across the globe were making preparations to converge at Bussey's legendary 17th annual summer training camp. This historical camp, usually held in the nation's rural breadbasket, has traditionally been the most comfortable setting for Bussey to perform and deliver his strategies. Rarely if ever, did he expose these tactics in the mainstream martial arts community.
Over a decade earlier, the editors of magazines such as "Fighting Stars" satisfied readers with histories and coverage of Bussey's annual retreats."To fully recreate the emotion, feelings, experiences and knowledge gained from each camp, volumes of magazines and photo albums would be needed," the magazine once stated.
For those attending that year's event, the anticipation of Bussey's versatile instruction was strong. However, expectation gave way to disappointment and puzzlement when each instructor was sent a personal letter from Bussey that stated his intentions to relinquish RBWI.
In his final statement, Bussey expressed his gratitude and extreme privilege to "teach and uncover dormant abilities and to help people to become more reflective about their own personal standards."
He went on to say, "From these years, I remember most those who tempered their training with compassion. Those who were teachable. Those who had ethics and attained a level of commitment, eager to grow in talent."
Although Bussey was aware that many of his people had not escaped the trap of mediocrity, he felt that everyone was significant and had made a contribution to RBWI. His genuine concern for others seemed to inspire people to expand their boundaries of skill and knowledge. He closed his letter by instructing his followers to present their talents through their own individualism, further stating, "If you shout the name of a mountain in any language you will see that the majesty remains.
Published Articles
Street Proof
5 Steps For Transforming Yourself Into A More Capable Fighter
By Robert Bussey
Can you neutralize an attack and escape with your life? That question demands serious consideration by all who study the arts of personal protection, regardless of their level of expertise. Being honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses takes courage.
Those who have doubts about their ability to deal with violent aggression may be surprised to discover that upon further inspection, their limitations stem not so much from their physical capabilities as from their lack of education.
If you fear that you fit into that classification of martial artists, you should follow these five steps to prepare yourself for combat in the real world.
5 Steps For Transforming Yourself Into A More Capable Fighter
By Robert Bussey
Can you neutralize an attack and escape with your life? That question demands serious consideration by all who study the arts of personal protection, regardless of their level of expertise. Being honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses takes courage.
Those who have doubts about their ability to deal with violent aggression may be surprised to discover that upon further inspection, their limitations stem not so much from their physical capabilities as from their lack of education.
If you fear that you fit into that classification of martial artists, you should follow these five steps to prepare yourself for combat in the real world.
RECOGNIZE YOUR WEAKNESSES, EVALUATE YOUR PERSPECTIVE
With their heritage of traditionalism on one hand and sport strivings on the other, the martial arts have come to be distrusted by many within our culture. Simply put, the arts are often seen as something besides a means of functional self-defense.
This frequently happens when you realize how different actual conflict is from the formalized scenarios on display in the dojo and at tournaments. A sense of poor preparation may then drive you to seek training in close-quarters combat.
Before any improvement can take place, however, you need to determine how well you understand and can implement your defensive strategies. Doing so will reveal if you’re living with a false sense of security. What makes this so important? Serious conflict often awakens a heightened sense of awareness, and it’s possible that your energy may become misdirected and eventually lead to a performance failure. If you can acknowledge your limitations and allow for natural vulnerability, it’s a good first step.
CHOOSE NOW AS THE TIME TO GET REAL
Consider the tremendous improvements you can make simply by becoming proactive. To understand the emotional and physical journey of protecting your life, you must take a hard look at certain ideas and practices within the arts and compare them to the threats you face in today’s world.
Upon examination, you’ll see that numerous so-called realistic techniques have limited practical value and cannot compete with the ever-changing demands of live fighting. Many usable maneuvers exist, to be sure, but filtering out the best techniques requires common sense. If you were fighting for your life in a frightening anything-goes environment, how much of what you know would help you? How would you block a punch thrown at you by a vicious attacker? What are the tools in your arsenal that you feel confident with?
Thinking about your strengths and weaknesses will keep you focused on ways to produce results. A hospital room is not the place to have your wake-up call, so take this opportunity to cultivate defenses that can be set into motion under pressure. The process is not particularly demanding – in fact, it should feel liberating.
EXPLORE TECHNIQUES THAT WORK, THEN REPEAT THEM
My research has shown that the body reacts according to the habits it acquires during the rehearsal process. In the absence of training that has taken place under pressure, you’ll react with panic-driven guesswork. That’s when your responses can fail. So the next step toward reducing your vulnerability is seizing combat training as an opportunity to prepare yourself by sorting through the mumbo jumbo.
Using this method, you can keep a cool head and respond automatically because you’ll be more familiar with true-life hostile actions. Obviously, it would be impossible to imagine and prepare for every possible scenario, but you can rest assured that human tendencies are fairly consistent and that aggressors often employ common attack patterns.
Real combat is continuous and ongoing, not static. Your opponent will resist you, so it’s essential to handle the resistance properly. In addition, the prospect of realistic mental and physical preparation lends itself to improvisational capabilities – that is, being able to adapt and “wing it” during the conflict, thus minimizing your response time. The effect is that you’ll move faster and be more instinctive. In a fight, every second counts, so the last thing you want to do is waste valuable time trying to compensate for incorrect moves.
Because things rarely go as planned, being able to adapt is crucial. You need to study maneuvers that are designed to interconnect so if one set of skills fails or is thwarted, you can instantly transition to another. Rehearsing those strategic combinations creates effective habits, ones you’ll need to stay calm and maintain your security. If your life depends on it, you don’t want to be caught completely out of your element.
With their heritage of traditionalism on one hand and sport strivings on the other, the martial arts have come to be distrusted by many within our culture. Simply put, the arts are often seen as something besides a means of functional self-defense.
This frequently happens when you realize how different actual conflict is from the formalized scenarios on display in the dojo and at tournaments. A sense of poor preparation may then drive you to seek training in close-quarters combat.
Before any improvement can take place, however, you need to determine how well you understand and can implement your defensive strategies. Doing so will reveal if you’re living with a false sense of security. What makes this so important? Serious conflict often awakens a heightened sense of awareness, and it’s possible that your energy may become misdirected and eventually lead to a performance failure. If you can acknowledge your limitations and allow for natural vulnerability, it’s a good first step.
CHOOSE NOW AS THE TIME TO GET REAL
Consider the tremendous improvements you can make simply by becoming proactive. To understand the emotional and physical journey of protecting your life, you must take a hard look at certain ideas and practices within the arts and compare them to the threats you face in today’s world.
Upon examination, you’ll see that numerous so-called realistic techniques have limited practical value and cannot compete with the ever-changing demands of live fighting. Many usable maneuvers exist, to be sure, but filtering out the best techniques requires common sense. If you were fighting for your life in a frightening anything-goes environment, how much of what you know would help you? How would you block a punch thrown at you by a vicious attacker? What are the tools in your arsenal that you feel confident with?
Thinking about your strengths and weaknesses will keep you focused on ways to produce results. A hospital room is not the place to have your wake-up call, so take this opportunity to cultivate defenses that can be set into motion under pressure. The process is not particularly demanding – in fact, it should feel liberating.
EXPLORE TECHNIQUES THAT WORK, THEN REPEAT THEM
My research has shown that the body reacts according to the habits it acquires during the rehearsal process. In the absence of training that has taken place under pressure, you’ll react with panic-driven guesswork. That’s when your responses can fail. So the next step toward reducing your vulnerability is seizing combat training as an opportunity to prepare yourself by sorting through the mumbo jumbo.
Using this method, you can keep a cool head and respond automatically because you’ll be more familiar with true-life hostile actions. Obviously, it would be impossible to imagine and prepare for every possible scenario, but you can rest assured that human tendencies are fairly consistent and that aggressors often employ common attack patterns.
Real combat is continuous and ongoing, not static. Your opponent will resist you, so it’s essential to handle the resistance properly. In addition, the prospect of realistic mental and physical preparation lends itself to improvisational capabilities – that is, being able to adapt and “wing it” during the conflict, thus minimizing your response time. The effect is that you’ll move faster and be more instinctive. In a fight, every second counts, so the last thing you want to do is waste valuable time trying to compensate for incorrect moves.
Because things rarely go as planned, being able to adapt is crucial. You need to study maneuvers that are designed to interconnect so if one set of skills fails or is thwarted, you can instantly transition to another. Rehearsing those strategic combinations creates effective habits, ones you’ll need to stay calm and maintain your security. If your life depends on it, you don’t want to be caught completely out of your element.
"Self-management should be conscience-directed"
SHARPEN YOUR EMOTIONAL AND PHYSICAL REFLEXES
The next step is to recognize your positive attributes and personalize your style in a scientific manner. If you understand certain principles, five movements can become 25. You can better accomplish that if you use simulated drills as guidelines and not as requirements, implementing your adaptive responses based on suggestions from a “combat advisor.” With the proper action principles in place, shifting from one variation to another becomes second nature.
Pragmatism should always be stressed. Besides the introduction of basic stances, strikes and response mechanics, you must learn a series of strategies. I call them the principles of combat intelligence. Once you understand them, you can merge a keen sense of the dynamics of combat with each practiced response. That will help you envision what certain choices might feel like.
Then, through a simple and pragmatic succession, you immerse yourself in scenarios that address some of the most frequent attack patterns used today. That might include a category for common fist attacks (if your opponent fires a right hook at your jaw) and hands-on assaults (if he grabs you by the throat or hair). The action you employ to defend yourself should be tailored to your attributes, after which you must hone the reflexes you need to execute the moves that are best-suited for you.
Once you choose to act, your goal is to effect an explosive five-second finish no matter which attack category is being used. Over time, you should review field-tested protective strategies and the essential skills needed to deal with multiple opponents, armed assailants and verbal assaults. Make sure you don’t ignore conflict resolution. Next to gut instinct, it’s the most important skill for recognizing and handling potential violence before it happens.
ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR CHOICES AND ACTIONS
Personal protection demands that you take responsibility for your own safety. Self-management should be conscience-directed. Inappropriate reactions to conflict can be most damaging. Use good judgment and don’t be so stuck on a style that you hamper your goal of being well-defended.
Be mindful of consequences. In the simplest terms, combat is a process of cause and effect. The key is to sharpen the instincts that help you avoid trouble and insist on training routines that address high-stress confrontations common to your world. You have the power to further your growth. In the end, such seemingly minor shifts in mind and body operations can lead you to experience the self-confidence you deserve.
About the author: Robert Bussey was an American ninjutsu pioneer in the 1980’s. Since then, he has gained a reputation as an expert in reality-based personal protection.
The next step is to recognize your positive attributes and personalize your style in a scientific manner. If you understand certain principles, five movements can become 25. You can better accomplish that if you use simulated drills as guidelines and not as requirements, implementing your adaptive responses based on suggestions from a “combat advisor.” With the proper action principles in place, shifting from one variation to another becomes second nature.
Pragmatism should always be stressed. Besides the introduction of basic stances, strikes and response mechanics, you must learn a series of strategies. I call them the principles of combat intelligence. Once you understand them, you can merge a keen sense of the dynamics of combat with each practiced response. That will help you envision what certain choices might feel like.
Then, through a simple and pragmatic succession, you immerse yourself in scenarios that address some of the most frequent attack patterns used today. That might include a category for common fist attacks (if your opponent fires a right hook at your jaw) and hands-on assaults (if he grabs you by the throat or hair). The action you employ to defend yourself should be tailored to your attributes, after which you must hone the reflexes you need to execute the moves that are best-suited for you.
Once you choose to act, your goal is to effect an explosive five-second finish no matter which attack category is being used. Over time, you should review field-tested protective strategies and the essential skills needed to deal with multiple opponents, armed assailants and verbal assaults. Make sure you don’t ignore conflict resolution. Next to gut instinct, it’s the most important skill for recognizing and handling potential violence before it happens.
ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR CHOICES AND ACTIONS
Personal protection demands that you take responsibility for your own safety. Self-management should be conscience-directed. Inappropriate reactions to conflict can be most damaging. Use good judgment and don’t be so stuck on a style that you hamper your goal of being well-defended.
Be mindful of consequences. In the simplest terms, combat is a process of cause and effect. The key is to sharpen the instincts that help you avoid trouble and insist on training routines that address high-stress confrontations common to your world. You have the power to further your growth. In the end, such seemingly minor shifts in mind and body operations can lead you to experience the self-confidence you deserve.
About the author: Robert Bussey was an American ninjutsu pioneer in the 1980’s. Since then, he has gained a reputation as an expert in reality-based personal protection.
Published Articles
Eight Fitness Tips For The Combat Realist
By Robert Bussey
Forget being the toughest guy on the planet. It's pretty easy for martial artists to adopt complacency and begin to rest on their laurels. Not you? Well, if the circumference of your waist is large enough to hide the knot of your black belt, this article may be for you. Even if you are in top condition, read on if you want to look lean and feel your best as a combat warrior. I'll make it real easy for you. I promise you won't have to execute ten thousand kicks or hold a sword over your head while standing on broken glass. Lets face it; you'll never stick to your workout plan if it reminds you of torture. So, instead, I'll give you eight simple instructions designed to maximize your combat performance while maintaining good health and longevity. I've managed to remain healthy over the years and you can do the same.
Tip #1 Warm up with slow motion exercise and speed up gradually as you loosen up.
This process has become more important as I've gotten older. Before and after an exercise session, you should perform a general stretch routine to help break up adhesions and feed the muscles with blood to help speed recovery. The combination of flexibility and strength together will make a significant difference in effecting your technical performance. As strength training builds muscle it limits the overall range of motion. Stretching can counter this effect by limbering up muscles as they become larger.
Tip #2 It may be necessary to reshape your attitude and perspective.
In our cravings for perfection, we sometimes place a heavy emphasis on rank, titles, or goals that don't necessarily relate to meaningful life-goals. Aim higher at achieving a sense of overall health and self esteem in addition to competitive rigors. It's easy to avoid what is necessary to take care of yourself and to take short cuts. Martial arts are a discipline, which should complement your lifestyle of fitness and long life. Instead of rationalizing your unhealthy choices or using past accomplishments as an excuse for not making the effort, take responsibility for yourself. In other words, exercise accountability.
Tip #3 Martial arts are generally not the most efficient aerobic activity.
This is primarily because as you get better at it, you learn to pace yourself during the execution of moves. Stacked against other aerobic exercises, martial arts activity scores low because the practitioner is usually not in constant motion. So, change that by engaging in non-stop aerobic exercise for 30 minutes at least three times a week. Your heart will love you. To avoid boredom and gain maximum calorie burning, try to diversify your sessions every week or two. In violent conditions, normal breathing is altered which can adversely affect your performance. Good conditioning is not only beneficial for your physical well-being, but can also reduce panic, distress, and anxiety.
By Robert Bussey
Forget being the toughest guy on the planet. It's pretty easy for martial artists to adopt complacency and begin to rest on their laurels. Not you? Well, if the circumference of your waist is large enough to hide the knot of your black belt, this article may be for you. Even if you are in top condition, read on if you want to look lean and feel your best as a combat warrior. I'll make it real easy for you. I promise you won't have to execute ten thousand kicks or hold a sword over your head while standing on broken glass. Lets face it; you'll never stick to your workout plan if it reminds you of torture. So, instead, I'll give you eight simple instructions designed to maximize your combat performance while maintaining good health and longevity. I've managed to remain healthy over the years and you can do the same.
Tip #1 Warm up with slow motion exercise and speed up gradually as you loosen up.
This process has become more important as I've gotten older. Before and after an exercise session, you should perform a general stretch routine to help break up adhesions and feed the muscles with blood to help speed recovery. The combination of flexibility and strength together will make a significant difference in effecting your technical performance. As strength training builds muscle it limits the overall range of motion. Stretching can counter this effect by limbering up muscles as they become larger.
Tip #2 It may be necessary to reshape your attitude and perspective.
In our cravings for perfection, we sometimes place a heavy emphasis on rank, titles, or goals that don't necessarily relate to meaningful life-goals. Aim higher at achieving a sense of overall health and self esteem in addition to competitive rigors. It's easy to avoid what is necessary to take care of yourself and to take short cuts. Martial arts are a discipline, which should complement your lifestyle of fitness and long life. Instead of rationalizing your unhealthy choices or using past accomplishments as an excuse for not making the effort, take responsibility for yourself. In other words, exercise accountability.
Tip #3 Martial arts are generally not the most efficient aerobic activity.
This is primarily because as you get better at it, you learn to pace yourself during the execution of moves. Stacked against other aerobic exercises, martial arts activity scores low because the practitioner is usually not in constant motion. So, change that by engaging in non-stop aerobic exercise for 30 minutes at least three times a week. Your heart will love you. To avoid boredom and gain maximum calorie burning, try to diversify your sessions every week or two. In violent conditions, normal breathing is altered which can adversely affect your performance. Good conditioning is not only beneficial for your physical well-being, but can also reduce panic, distress, and anxiety.
"Good conditioning...can reduce panic, distress, and anxiety"
Tip #4 Remember, exercise increases physical reserve. You may need to call upon that reserve in a life-threatening encounter.
I know it may be hard for all you young readers to believe, but in my day it was frowned upon by masters to combine weight training with martial arts. The 60's and 70's are behind us now and well-researched weight training has become an important tool for thousands of world-class athletes. Remember, exercise increases physical reserve. You may need to call upon that reserve in a life-threatening encounter. Conduct intense weight training exercises such as the barbell curl, tricep extension, bench press, etc., for 30 minutes to an hour, two or three times a week. Consider exercises that target the internal and external obliques such as torso twists and weighted crunches. It's these abdominal muscles that help you change direction quickly during grappling, increase kicking power, and help absorb the impact of a blow. When you lift weights, you tear myofibrils, the tiny sinews of tissue that make up the muscles. It takes a couple of days for muscles to repair themselves and it's during that period that you actually become stronger.
You don't have to be a madman when you work out, just remember to work furiously with little rest between exercises while conducting each move with precision and good technique. Gym's are great, but make sure to develop routines that provide a workout without specialized equipment so that you can remain fit when you're on the road or can't make it to a facility. Push-ups, crunches, and chair dips are high on the list.
Tip #5 Every martial artist knows that practice makes perfect. Depending on your goals, the trick to performing well as a technician is to retain worthwhile combat strategies via repetitive practice until they become natural instinctive reactions.
In English; good technique + practice, practice, practice = skill. The benefits of being well-rounded and active are going to contribute to your overall fitness but won't be enough to keep the fat off. It's true; physique does not make a good martial artist. That's why we see so many porky masters who are pretty tough. However, if you want peak performance you'll need to take off excess flab. Reducing weight is by far the easy phase in weight control. Eat less, exercise more, and wallah! However, maintaining one's target weight is the tough phase. This is achieved with a sustained lifestyle program. Once this is established, you'll wonder what life was like without it. More muscle and less flab will translate into improved fighting prowess, a better instructor image, and a happier you.
Tip #6 The accepted regimen these days is to eat a fist full of food, six times a day.
That is, a chicken breast, yogurt, or whatever, in portions about the size of that lethal knuckle sandwich of yours. For each body pound, consume approximately ten calories, one gram of protein, one gram of carbohydrates, and at least .6 oz of water. In all, you'll be eating six small meals that contain about 200 - 400 calories each depending on your weight and drinking lots of water (almost a gallon). Of course, restrict your fat intake and remember your multivitamin just in case your diet doesn' t give you what you need. You may not feel any different taking a multivitamin but believe me; your body will make good use of it. I focus on taking my carbs in the morning when I need the energy. My protein is consumed after workouts, and I avoid eating late at night.
Tip #7 Relaxation is the key to optimum performance in martial arts.
Rest and work complement each other. Do yourself and your body a favor and rest. You need the down time for peace of mind and your muscles need time to grow and recover between workouts.
Tip #8 Work on yourself from the inside.
Avoid addictions and general bad behavior. There are few things as ugly as a martial artist who lacks character. It wouldn't hurt for you to consider some personal introspection. In fact, being a better person can relieve stress and help you feel a whole lot better. Exercise can make a difference too. I believe that these primary influences will ease tension and stimulate creative thinking and overall alertness.
That's it. In time, you'll bump up your metabolism, burn fat, think more clearly, build muscle mass, and perform better at your art. What more could you want? Well, okay, you have me there. But if you genuinely want to see some results, I encourage you to stick with these tips for a few weeks and make the improvements that I know you deserve.
I know it may be hard for all you young readers to believe, but in my day it was frowned upon by masters to combine weight training with martial arts. The 60's and 70's are behind us now and well-researched weight training has become an important tool for thousands of world-class athletes. Remember, exercise increases physical reserve. You may need to call upon that reserve in a life-threatening encounter. Conduct intense weight training exercises such as the barbell curl, tricep extension, bench press, etc., for 30 minutes to an hour, two or three times a week. Consider exercises that target the internal and external obliques such as torso twists and weighted crunches. It's these abdominal muscles that help you change direction quickly during grappling, increase kicking power, and help absorb the impact of a blow. When you lift weights, you tear myofibrils, the tiny sinews of tissue that make up the muscles. It takes a couple of days for muscles to repair themselves and it's during that period that you actually become stronger.
You don't have to be a madman when you work out, just remember to work furiously with little rest between exercises while conducting each move with precision and good technique. Gym's are great, but make sure to develop routines that provide a workout without specialized equipment so that you can remain fit when you're on the road or can't make it to a facility. Push-ups, crunches, and chair dips are high on the list.
Tip #5 Every martial artist knows that practice makes perfect. Depending on your goals, the trick to performing well as a technician is to retain worthwhile combat strategies via repetitive practice until they become natural instinctive reactions.
In English; good technique + practice, practice, practice = skill. The benefits of being well-rounded and active are going to contribute to your overall fitness but won't be enough to keep the fat off. It's true; physique does not make a good martial artist. That's why we see so many porky masters who are pretty tough. However, if you want peak performance you'll need to take off excess flab. Reducing weight is by far the easy phase in weight control. Eat less, exercise more, and wallah! However, maintaining one's target weight is the tough phase. This is achieved with a sustained lifestyle program. Once this is established, you'll wonder what life was like without it. More muscle and less flab will translate into improved fighting prowess, a better instructor image, and a happier you.
Tip #6 The accepted regimen these days is to eat a fist full of food, six times a day.
That is, a chicken breast, yogurt, or whatever, in portions about the size of that lethal knuckle sandwich of yours. For each body pound, consume approximately ten calories, one gram of protein, one gram of carbohydrates, and at least .6 oz of water. In all, you'll be eating six small meals that contain about 200 - 400 calories each depending on your weight and drinking lots of water (almost a gallon). Of course, restrict your fat intake and remember your multivitamin just in case your diet doesn' t give you what you need. You may not feel any different taking a multivitamin but believe me; your body will make good use of it. I focus on taking my carbs in the morning when I need the energy. My protein is consumed after workouts, and I avoid eating late at night.
Tip #7 Relaxation is the key to optimum performance in martial arts.
Rest and work complement each other. Do yourself and your body a favor and rest. You need the down time for peace of mind and your muscles need time to grow and recover between workouts.
Tip #8 Work on yourself from the inside.
Avoid addictions and general bad behavior. There are few things as ugly as a martial artist who lacks character. It wouldn't hurt for you to consider some personal introspection. In fact, being a better person can relieve stress and help you feel a whole lot better. Exercise can make a difference too. I believe that these primary influences will ease tension and stimulate creative thinking and overall alertness.
That's it. In time, you'll bump up your metabolism, burn fat, think more clearly, build muscle mass, and perform better at your art. What more could you want? Well, okay, you have me there. But if you genuinely want to see some results, I encourage you to stick with these tips for a few weeks and make the improvements that I know you deserve.
Published Articles
Break Through [ AN EXCERPT ]
Tackling everyday problems and achieving life goals is not much different than smashing your hand through a stack of concrete. By Robert Bussey
So, you’re facing one of those obstacles in your life that seems like a brick wall and you can’t seem to get to the other side. Ever been there? I know I have. Perhaps you feel that your not strong enough, or good enough, or talented enough to break through. Oh yeah, and you’re tired and don’t have enough time either. Well, don’t believe it for a minute.
I know a little something about breaking through. For several decades, I have dedicated my life to the study of personal protection and the strategies of martial arts. I’ve found myself in extreme situations – against odds that seemed insurmountable. In many cases, I learned that perseverance and the sheer process of endurance had as much to do with winning as my performance. But I’ve also learned to guide my energy and economize it into a direct course of action to gain victory without compromising my integrity. As a survivor of some unique life experiences, I have had the privilege of offering support and strategies to thousands of individuals to enhance their perspective.
Tackling everyday problems and achieving life goals is not much different than smashing your hand through a stack of concrete. By Robert Bussey
So, you’re facing one of those obstacles in your life that seems like a brick wall and you can’t seem to get to the other side. Ever been there? I know I have. Perhaps you feel that your not strong enough, or good enough, or talented enough to break through. Oh yeah, and you’re tired and don’t have enough time either. Well, don’t believe it for a minute.
I know a little something about breaking through. For several decades, I have dedicated my life to the study of personal protection and the strategies of martial arts. I’ve found myself in extreme situations – against odds that seemed insurmountable. In many cases, I learned that perseverance and the sheer process of endurance had as much to do with winning as my performance. But I’ve also learned to guide my energy and economize it into a direct course of action to gain victory without compromising my integrity. As a survivor of some unique life experiences, I have had the privilege of offering support and strategies to thousands of individuals to enhance their perspective.
"I've learned...to gain victory without compromising my integrity"
Imagine if you will, several cement slabs stacked one upon the other. Each slab is about two inches thick, like the patio blocks you have in your garden. Sometimes, I’ll break as many as ten of these with one blow. But, before this performance takes place, I’ll have my audience members jot down an important goal on a piece of paper and then fold it. These goals are kept private and are written down only as a tangible representation of each person’s target. “I want to lose fifteen pounds,” or “I want to buy a house.” You get the idea. Then, everyone places their paper underneath the pile, that is, on the bottom under the bricks themselves. After I talk to them about how to appraise their target goal, I help them to perceive and recognize the obstacle that stands in their way and we write that down. This piece of paper is placed on top of the pile of concrete. What is needed at this point is (a) the plan of attack, (b) pinpoint focus, (c) mental committment, (d) energy / action, (e) penetration beyond the breaking point, & (f) Evaluation of the success. When I proceed to crush the stack, it clearly represents each person’s plan to execute his or her own direct course of action.
...
Obviously, I don’t recommend that you try to destroy a pile of concrete. My hope is that you would be self-assured enough to apply this kind of focused energy toward solutions, rather than giving in to a sense of powerlessness. You can make decisions that can dramatically change what happens next in your life. Go after it.
...
Obviously, I don’t recommend that you try to destroy a pile of concrete. My hope is that you would be self-assured enough to apply this kind of focused energy toward solutions, rather than giving in to a sense of powerlessness. You can make decisions that can dramatically change what happens next in your life. Go after it.
Published Articles
Taking Precautions
Lessons for women on protection strategies for the 21st Century
by Robert Bussey
"What is defense? It is a countermeasure to aggression, an act of protection from danger."
- Robert Anthony Bussey
More than ever, women are afraid for their safety and are taking measures to conquer their fears against the mounting problem of abuse and hostile threat. For over a quarter of a century, I've had the privilege of helping thousands of women to feel empowered by learning personal protection skills. In that time, I've been exposed to countless first hand accounts of some very emotional stories of violence, distress, rape, and life-threatening survival. To look into the eyes of a person who's been victimized reminds me all too well of the awesome responsibility that every expert has to share only those methods that could guide an individual from a potentially brutal situation to a place of physical and emotional safety. To feel prepared and safe requires some work.
For females especially, training should encompass more than vital combat strategies, to include danger awareness skills and a devotion to safeguards. I am a strong advocate of programming the kinds of responses that deflect any possibility of physical contact. This is the best way to prevent injury and the most important skill a person can learn to remain free from harm. There are just too many dangers and variables in combat. "PreCautions", a Bussey protection program for women was titled as such because its name reflects my determination to limit the arena of hands-on conflict. Of course, we all know that there are no guarantees that violence won't occur; therefore, protective tools must be in place. These tools need to be effective, direct, and immediately useful or the victim runs the risk of making things worse by trying to defend herself with techniques that won't hold up. In its truest form, fighting is not secret, nor particularly complex.
I would like to share some thoughts, which come from our "Principals of Protection Intelligence for Women". When I formulated them, I asked myself what was really important for ladies to know before introducing them to actual defensive tactics. What would I say to my daughter or loved one about building a foundation that made sense and was easy to apply and remember? These are a few of them:
Violent crime is everywhere, happening every minute. It's random, and it can happen to you. The world is a violent shelling that can change life in an instant. Believe it.
Lessons for women on protection strategies for the 21st Century
by Robert Bussey
"What is defense? It is a countermeasure to aggression, an act of protection from danger."
- Robert Anthony Bussey
More than ever, women are afraid for their safety and are taking measures to conquer their fears against the mounting problem of abuse and hostile threat. For over a quarter of a century, I've had the privilege of helping thousands of women to feel empowered by learning personal protection skills. In that time, I've been exposed to countless first hand accounts of some very emotional stories of violence, distress, rape, and life-threatening survival. To look into the eyes of a person who's been victimized reminds me all too well of the awesome responsibility that every expert has to share only those methods that could guide an individual from a potentially brutal situation to a place of physical and emotional safety. To feel prepared and safe requires some work.
For females especially, training should encompass more than vital combat strategies, to include danger awareness skills and a devotion to safeguards. I am a strong advocate of programming the kinds of responses that deflect any possibility of physical contact. This is the best way to prevent injury and the most important skill a person can learn to remain free from harm. There are just too many dangers and variables in combat. "PreCautions", a Bussey protection program for women was titled as such because its name reflects my determination to limit the arena of hands-on conflict. Of course, we all know that there are no guarantees that violence won't occur; therefore, protective tools must be in place. These tools need to be effective, direct, and immediately useful or the victim runs the risk of making things worse by trying to defend herself with techniques that won't hold up. In its truest form, fighting is not secret, nor particularly complex.
I would like to share some thoughts, which come from our "Principals of Protection Intelligence for Women". When I formulated them, I asked myself what was really important for ladies to know before introducing them to actual defensive tactics. What would I say to my daughter or loved one about building a foundation that made sense and was easy to apply and remember? These are a few of them:
Violent crime is everywhere, happening every minute. It's random, and it can happen to you. The world is a violent shelling that can change life in an instant. Believe it.
"To look into the eyes of a person who's been victimized reminds me all too well of the awesome responsibility that every expert has to share only those methods that could guide an individual from a potentially brutal situation to a place of physical and emotional safety".
Danger recognition skills help to reduce vulnerability. You can expect to prevent some threats by listening closely to your gut instincts and increasing your awareness of danger. With practice, these instincts will get better and better, helping you perceive and define danger. We've all had a 'gut feeling' about a certain person or situation. The way to sharpen this into a tool of defense is to acknowledge it as a helpful message and to realize that whatever emotions you may be feeling could be there for a reason. Without always assuming the worst or jumping to conclusions, we need to take as much time as the situation will allow to "observe" and "clarify" what is really going on. This will offer you an opportunity to guide your next move.
There is an invisible line that separates your fight or flight response. When faced with a life-threatening encounter, this will be activated naturally in order to insure your survival. At the critical moment when the assailant crosses that line, you will need to commit to making split decisions. The choice to fight back may be inevitable. At that point, you must fight with everything you have to break any control the assailant has over you, then escape. The key to feeling better about your chances to pull this off is to prepare yourself mentally and physically and to adopt simple yet powerful skills. Strikes such as the palm strike, elbow, and knee are common to martial arts and self-defense. However, in order to best perform these skills, you need to utilize what I call "hidden motion", that is, to hide behind every strike, block, and motion. This will help shield you from flailing strikes that can occur simultaneously when it's them against you.
Making the choice to either fight back or to run away can feel risky to you. You may feel afraid to try either one. However, the consequences of doing nothing are serious indeed. Fear will exist in extreme situations and can limit your capabilities unless you incorporate it into a mind-set that allows you to exceed its paralyzing force. Do not let fear or panic control you. Instead, let your fear and adrenaline motivate action.
The best timing you can have is when the opponent doesn't see it coming. Surprise attacks instill fear and confusion. If your assailant takes you by surprise, remain as calm as possible and take a quick assessment of the facts. This may require that you be thinking one thing and physically performing another.
Mistakes are inevitable because combat is continuous and ongoing. Fighting is not static or choreographed. Surviving an encounter often requires adaptability. So, prepare your mind and body to act, using whatever it takes, for however long it takes, to remain alive. If something isn't working, move on. Ride out any unsuccessful maneuvers without seizing up or panicking.
You cannot always control your surroundings or what is happening to you, so you must control your actions. Guide yourself through the crisis by going with the current as opposed to fighting it, until you can reach the shore. Sometimes, you can expect this process to be painful. Tell yourself ahead of time that, no matter how badly it might hurt, that you will never, never give up. This endurance mindset can save your life. To survive is not a matter of conquering, but of enduring. It is to outlast a given situation. In a word, persevere!
Serious conflict has a way of releasing in you a heightened sense of awareness. Yet it is possible that your energy may become misdirected and lead to a failed performance. By keeping energy in reserve (what I call the 90% Rule), you can maintain this heightened state and remain alert so that opportunities are not overlooked. If you strike a pad with 100% of your energy, then hit it again using only 90%, it would be very hard to tell the difference. In fact, a 90% energy strike is often more relaxed, powerful, and quick. Marshal your resources or no matter how skilled, you'll be defeated due to lack. Conflict, like many things in this world, contains a unique rhythm. Experts that find rhythm can pace themselves without haste and miscalculation.
Life itself is simplified in dangerous circumstances making less, enough. Anyone who has experienced and survived a life-threatening event can tell you what is really important in this world. If you can envision for a moment, what it must be like to be close to the edge of life and death, it is easy to see how ones priorities can change. The survivor is keenly aware of the possibility of a traumatic attack and the need to take precautions. In the end, every effort you make to discipline your physical and emotional reflexes will help to hone your intuition and keep you whole.
There is an invisible line that separates your fight or flight response. When faced with a life-threatening encounter, this will be activated naturally in order to insure your survival. At the critical moment when the assailant crosses that line, you will need to commit to making split decisions. The choice to fight back may be inevitable. At that point, you must fight with everything you have to break any control the assailant has over you, then escape. The key to feeling better about your chances to pull this off is to prepare yourself mentally and physically and to adopt simple yet powerful skills. Strikes such as the palm strike, elbow, and knee are common to martial arts and self-defense. However, in order to best perform these skills, you need to utilize what I call "hidden motion", that is, to hide behind every strike, block, and motion. This will help shield you from flailing strikes that can occur simultaneously when it's them against you.
Making the choice to either fight back or to run away can feel risky to you. You may feel afraid to try either one. However, the consequences of doing nothing are serious indeed. Fear will exist in extreme situations and can limit your capabilities unless you incorporate it into a mind-set that allows you to exceed its paralyzing force. Do not let fear or panic control you. Instead, let your fear and adrenaline motivate action.
The best timing you can have is when the opponent doesn't see it coming. Surprise attacks instill fear and confusion. If your assailant takes you by surprise, remain as calm as possible and take a quick assessment of the facts. This may require that you be thinking one thing and physically performing another.
Mistakes are inevitable because combat is continuous and ongoing. Fighting is not static or choreographed. Surviving an encounter often requires adaptability. So, prepare your mind and body to act, using whatever it takes, for however long it takes, to remain alive. If something isn't working, move on. Ride out any unsuccessful maneuvers without seizing up or panicking.
You cannot always control your surroundings or what is happening to you, so you must control your actions. Guide yourself through the crisis by going with the current as opposed to fighting it, until you can reach the shore. Sometimes, you can expect this process to be painful. Tell yourself ahead of time that, no matter how badly it might hurt, that you will never, never give up. This endurance mindset can save your life. To survive is not a matter of conquering, but of enduring. It is to outlast a given situation. In a word, persevere!
Serious conflict has a way of releasing in you a heightened sense of awareness. Yet it is possible that your energy may become misdirected and lead to a failed performance. By keeping energy in reserve (what I call the 90% Rule), you can maintain this heightened state and remain alert so that opportunities are not overlooked. If you strike a pad with 100% of your energy, then hit it again using only 90%, it would be very hard to tell the difference. In fact, a 90% energy strike is often more relaxed, powerful, and quick. Marshal your resources or no matter how skilled, you'll be defeated due to lack. Conflict, like many things in this world, contains a unique rhythm. Experts that find rhythm can pace themselves without haste and miscalculation.
Life itself is simplified in dangerous circumstances making less, enough. Anyone who has experienced and survived a life-threatening event can tell you what is really important in this world. If you can envision for a moment, what it must be like to be close to the edge of life and death, it is easy to see how ones priorities can change. The survivor is keenly aware of the possibility of a traumatic attack and the need to take precautions. In the end, every effort you make to discipline your physical and emotional reflexes will help to hone your intuition and keep you whole.
