BASICALLY, there are three types of motor skills you could rely on in any life or death struggle against a half-crazed, determined and probably experienced assailant.  There is only one that is ideal for anyone – be that person a novice woman or a combat tested warrior – and that is Gross Motor Skills. 

The two other motor skill types are Fine and Complex Motor Skills.  The reliance on either Fine or Complex Motor Skills could become almost catastrophic for anyone in a fight for his or her life once the Sympathetic Nervous System activates and floods the body with stress hormones (Cortisol, et al.).  Briefly, Fine Motor Skills involve dexterity and hand-eye coordination.  When SNS activates, blood flows away from the extremities (hands and fingers) and pools in large muscle groups (Fight or Flight Syndrome) to empower a “victim” to either charge toward an assailant or take flight away with greater speed and power.  Relative to Complex Motor Skills, Survival Stress (SNS) impedes a person from performing almost any act that involves three independent body parts working in tandem on any type of complex martial arts move (flying kicks; spinning moves; wrist locks; complicated takedowns; esoteric strikes, kicks and blocks).  By the time a “victim” reaches a resting heart rate of about 145 BPM his or her ability to use either Fine or Complex Motor Skills are gone.

NOT ONLY that, but, at about 175 BPM, which I must add, in a serious self defense situation, will be reached within 1 ½ to 2 seconds, the “victim” will also experience the following catastrophic dysfunction:

• Visual Dysfunctions, including a loss of over 70% of peripheral vision (Tunnel Vision), loss of night vision; inability to focus and a loss of near vision (anything inside 4′).
• An inability to concentrate.  If you have no survival plan at the moment you are attack, you will be without a survival plan.  Period.  You will be unable to make decisions, communicate, and, more likely than not, you will-
• Experience irrational behavior, meaning, you will freeze in place, or perform another type of self-destructive act of submission, including running around aimlessly, screaming (what I call the “Powerless Victim Scream”), both of which spends valuable energy, and, worse, Triggers the Predatory Instinct in the assailant.

GROSS MOTOR SKILLS, on the other hand, are at the heart of any Survival Motor Skills Training Program (defined as any preemptive motor skill designed to preserve human life).  These are simple and symmetrical techniques composed of easy-to-perform and retain push/pull skills.  Gross Motor Skills, as a matter of fact, are the only motor skill classification that actually increases in power and efficiency as your heart rate escalates beyond 175 BPM.  The reason for this can be found in the actual description of the blocks, strikes and moves themselves. 

BEING simple push-pull movements, GMS are analogous to weight lifting.  Let’s use the act of bench pressing as an example.  In order to push an Olympic Bar stacked with hundreds of pounds of plates, one does not need to think (The automatic, non-cerebral nature of bench pressing is exactly what my Fighting Arts programs have in mind when designing programs around GMS), but only to move his hands and arms in a steady motion from high to low to high again.  If the lifter has a spotter, more likely than not, the spotter – especially if the lifter is trying to move heavy weight – will be screaming, cajoling, even trying to enrage the lifter to add stress and, at the same time, increase the lifter’s heart rate.  You see, the more the stress, the better Gross Motor Skills work.

A BALANCE BEAM GYMNAST, on the other hand, relies on a combination of Fine and Complex Motor Skills.  What do you think his or her coach will have the gymnast do in preparation for the Balance Beam competition?  That’s right.  The gymnast will be in a quiet environment, visualizing her upcoming event, breathing deeply, and slowly but surely decreasing his/her heart rate into the optimal resting heart rate (between 115 and 145 BPM.  The lower the heart rate the better.

SOME GROSS MOTOR SKILL STRIKES

 

IN the next few blogs we will discuss some effective Gross Motor Skills that can be effective under any kind of “combat-stress” situation.  But, for now, here are a few easy to perform GMS punches, strikes and kicks.

• The Palm Heel Strike.  Probably the most effective GMS of them all.  The PHS can be used from almost any stance or positions and it almost always surprises the bad guy.  When you are pondering a puzzle of some sort, you take one hand – probably your dominant one – and gently press it against your temple.  Feel how hard the heel of that hand is.  Now, hold both hands out in front of you, palms away, fingers loose.  Even though this gesture is recognized (by the bad guy) as “you don’t have to worry about any trouble from me-” you can easily, quickly and powerfully, drive from that Compliance Position hard into the assailant’s face.  Just drive into it with your legs, hips and upper body behind the Palm Heel and you have a formidable strike.
• The Head Butt.  What could be easier and more automatic ( natural)  than driving your temple straight down or slightly up into either the “triangle” above the assailant’s eyes, or, probably more effectively, his nose?
• The Front Kick.  I describe the Front Kick as the identical motion one would use to kick open a screen door when his or her hands are full.  Just Scoot-Stick and Disengage is the mantra here.  Scoot your strong-side foot close to the ground and drive either your instep or (curled-up toe hard into the Superficial Nerve Motor Point, located behind the tongue of the bad guy’s shoe.  Make sure to “hit and stick” on the target to deliver more power.  This is a proven Motor Dysfunction technique that goes back to ancient China.  The Israeli Army perfected it and uses it on Dynamic Building Entries. 

We will discuss these and other effective strikes and kicks in the next Blog.

Stay Real. 

Hammer.

 Self examination, they say, is a wonderful thing.  I’ve done my share; and I invite you to take a minute or three and ask yourself the same essential question I asked myself a few years back after I had nearly taken a thug apart after he threatened me and drove his index finger into my chest:  Am I a violent person.

Introspection rarely goes well for me.  I know I have some sort of ADD thing going; but when it comes to violence, I am all ears.  I was raised by decent, hard-working parents, people who abhorred violence in any of its forms.  People who had been hurt by violence in their youth and from time to time after.  I remembered my mother praising me several times because I was a good boy, a child who would never hurt another soul.

So, it was with some discomfort that I came to the conclusion that not only am I a violent person, but, more importantly, when the opportunity arises, I Am Violence,  And, it is not that I betrayed my mother’s belief in me.  I served in the Marines, completed college and graduate school with honors, and retired after 36 years as a peace officer with the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, earning several meritorious awards and distinctions along the way.  Not bragging, but, point is, as counter-intuitive as it sounds, one can be a gainfully employed member of society, a person who loves and cares for his family and others, but be Spinal Tuned For Unhesitant and Automatic Violence when faced with Pure Evil, a predator with no respect for society, one who seeks weak victims.

Characteristics Of Violence Personified

• Spinal Tuned for Violence.  Meaning, my first countermeasure against an aggressor does not occur to me as the threat begins to unravel.  I have visualized what I would do far ahead of time and I am always observing the environment and people around me, looking for subtle changes, etc.  I often ask myself “What if?”  What would I do if this or that person does that?  I am planning my moves in my mind as the suspicious person approaches, and I am seeking out Primary and Secondary Targets I will destroy.  When the person passes by harmlessly, I dismiss those thoughts of violence and move on. 
• First Touch Is A Trigger.  I know that the non-violent person (Joe or Jane Citizen) will almost always freeze when first touched by an aggressor (9 out of 10).  The predator also knows this and it is that look of frozen fear that turns him on so.  I am Violence because Violence is exactly what I need to be when I am faced with Evil.  I use the persona of violence, first of all, to discourage being grabbed in the first place, but, if touched, I will counterattack with blinding speed.
• Explosiveness.  When you enjoy something, or, in this case, are something, you wrap yourself in it totally.  You let it permeate you.  Like art.  So, when I am violence, I explode into the counterattack.
• Give and Take.  A trainer of mine once told me:  Hammer, everyone has a (fight) plan, until they get hit, that is.  And he was right.  John Hall, the founder of Kid Escape, Bully Escape and Date Escape, says that self defense is not an injury-free sport.  Point is, if you find yourself in a knife fight, expect to get cut.  In a gun fight, expect to get shot.  And, in a fist fight, not only expect to be hit, but wrap yourself up in it.  Take a deep breath and keep firing away.  Self Defense and the Street Attack for a predator are mostly posturing and the psychology of intimidation.  Turn the tables and communicate “Hey, punk, is that all you got?” even though the punch might have shook your world.  Refuse to quit!
• Take It To the Next Level:  I want to be the one firing the first flurry of shots into the Bad Guy’s vulnerable targets, but fights don’t always work out like that.  So, here is an idea that I guarntee will change the psychology of the exchange.  You get hit in the nose or mouth and blood is sripping down your face.  You have two choices:  Get scared and shrink with fear, or allow adrenaline to get you fired, make you twice as strong (Adrenaline Dump).  Now, do what a famous warrior-friend of mine did.  Reach up and scoop up some of the blood and put it in your mouth.  Taste it.  Say:  “Hmm, First Blood, huh?  Well, now it’s my turn—”

I hope, if you choose to do a little introspection , you discover the nucleus of violence somewhere inside.  It is there inside us all.  All you need to do is find a way to allow yourself to permeate that nucleus if and when the need arises.  Maybe, your nucleus is not the same as mine.  In a way, I hope that is true about you.  My nucleus glows dangerously orange, and even throbs every now and then.  Too many years on the mean streets of Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Easton and other sweltering jungles of violence.  Probably seen too many things I can’t forget.

But, the key is to be comfortable with that atavistic part of you.  That violent part of you that you can become in that one moment in the heat of the night when you are all alone and the wolf comes to your door.

Next post:  The Survival Motor Skills you will need to prevail.

Hammer

 Self examination, they say, is a wonderful thing.  I’ve done my share; and I invite you to take a minute or three and ask yourself the same essential question I asked myself a few years back after I had nearly taken a thug apart after he threatened me and drove his index finger into my chest:  Am I a violent person.

Introspection rarely does well for me.  I know I have some sort of ADD thing going; but when it comes to violence, I am all ears.  I was raised my decent, hard-working parents, people who abhorred violence in any of its forms.  People who had been hurt by violence in their youth and from time to time after.  I remembered my mother praising me several times because I was a good boy, a child who would never hurt another soul.

So, it was with some discomfort when I came to the conclusion that not only am I a violent person, but, more importantly, when the opportunity arises, I Am Violence,  And, it is not that I betrayed my mother’s belief in me.  I served in the Marines, completed college and graduate school with honors, and retired after 36 years as a peace officer with the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, earning several meritorious awards and distinctions along the way.  Mot bragging, but, point is, as counter-intuitive as it sounds, one can be a gainfully employed member of society, a person who loves and cares for his family and others, but be Spinal Tuned For Unhesitant and Automatic Violence when faced with one of the “Two Percenters” who have no respect for society and who walk among us seeking out victims.

Characteristics Of Violence Personified

 

• Spinal Tuned for Violence.  Meaning, my first countermeasure against an aggressor does not occur to me as the threat begins to unravel.  I have visualized what I would do far ahead of time and I am always observing the environment and people around me, looking for subtle changes, etc.  I often ask myself “What if?”  What would I do if this or that person does that?  I am planning my moves in my mind as the suspicious person approaches, and I am seeking out Primary and Secondary Targets I will destroy.  When the person passes by harmlessly, I dismiss those thoughts of violence and move on. 
• First Touch Is A Trigger.  I know that the non-violent person (Joe or Jane Citizen) will almost always freeze when first touched by an aggressor (9 out of 10).  The predator also knows this and it is that look of frozen fear that turns him on so.  I am Violence because Violence is exactly what I need to be when I am faced with Evil.  I use the persona of violence, first of all, to discourage being grabbed in the first place, but, if touched, I will counterattack with blinding speed.
• Explosiveness.  When you enjoy something, or, in this case, are something, you wrap yourself in it totally.  You let it permeate you.  Like art.  So, when I am violence, I explode into the counterattack.
• Give and Take.  A trainer of mine once told me:  Hammer, everyone has a (fight) plan, until they get hit, that is.  And he was right.  John Hall, the founder of Kid Escape, Bully Escape and Date Escape, says that self defense is not an injury-free sport.  Point is, if you find yourself in a knife fight, expect to get cut.  In a gun fight, expect to get shot.  And, in a fist fight, not only expect to be hit, but wrap yourself up in it.  Take a deep breath and keep firing away.  Self Defense and the Street Attack for a predator are mostly posturing and the psychology of intimidation.  Turn the tables and communicate “Hey, punk, is that all you got?” even though the punch might have shook your world.  Refuse to quit!

I hope, if you choose to do a little introspection that you discover the nucleus of violence somewhere inside.  It is there inside us all.  All you need to do is find a way to allow yourself to permeate that nucleus if and when the need arises.  Maybe, your nucleus is not the same as mine.  In a way, I hope that is true about you.  My nucleus glows dangerously orange, and even throbs every now and then.  Too many years on the mean streets of Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Easton and other sweltering jungles of violence.  Probably seen too many things I can’t forget.

But, the key is to be comfortable with that atavistic part of you.  That violent part of you that you can become in that one moment in the heat of the night when you are all alone and the wolf comes to your door.

Next post:  The Survival Motor Skills you will need to prevail.

Hammer

.

 

 

 

Survival Fitness and the Effective Self Defense.

 

 

 

In Part I of this posting, just in case you need reminding, I addressed the ubiquitous question (I get in almost every training I do), How much does being strong, fit and in-shape have to do with prevailing against a surprise attack from a larger, stronger attacker?  Briefly – and I am skipping some great information here – my answer was and is, fitness in the circumstance I just described ranks somewhere in the middle of the hierarchy of key factors in surviving, maybe even prevailing in a life-or-death fight.  Mind you, fitness does play a positive role in any street fight, but, hell, I have to be honest here, so let me fire a few crucial factors at you again; and then I will get into Survival Fitness:

Ø     First off, we are talking a Street Fight here, not a sporting or competitive contest.  Literally, everything and anything goes in this venue, including eye gouging; smashing or tearing out testicles, ears, et al. 

Ø     The Street Fight goes down spontaneously, and is usually done in about 10 to 30-seconds.  Survival Fitness becomes crucial here, and I will explain why presently, but in this kind of venue, here is what is more important to the preservation of (your) life:

·        Not being surprised.  Meaning always being in a state of 360 degree surveillance and awareness.

·        Willingness to fight, to do whatever it takes to end the thing right now.

·        Designing a Tough Target Personna.  Do not be chosen.

·        Hitting Vulnerable Targets with the nearest personal weapon multiple times using the Harry Hammer’s S.P.E.E.D. Principles (Surprise, Speed, Power, Explosiveness, Escape & Evasion and Distance).  More about SPEED in a future blog.

Survival Fitness, however, is different than simple fitness.  Survival Fitness is a Self Defense or Fighting Arts-Specific fitness regimen because it actually tunes the mind and body for the extreme rigors of a street-fight situation by:

Ø     Training the body to function at a high level outside of the aerobic envelope.  After about 10-seconds of a fight for your life, you will have expended your ATP/PC energy system.  In the program I use and advocate, most of the exercises are strenuous and performed when your muscles are burned-out. 

Ø     Survival Fitness exploits and builds our Fast Tic Nerves and tunes are muscles to continue fighting with little or no oxygen.

DAY 2 and 3 of the Action Fighting Arts Survival Fitness Program

 

 

 

Peruse my last posting for a rundown on Day 1.  Day 2 consists of more explosive-type exercises with a minimum break in between sets.  Guarantee that you will be huffing and puffing as you proceed through the cycle.  Due to the limitations of a blog-posting, I will not go into too much detail regarding reps, the amount of weights, rest breaks.  I will leave that up to each of you.  E-mail me at harrywigder@rcn.com, if you care to learn more:

1.        Chin-Ups and Pull Ups, 3 sets, as many as you can.  You will do more as you get stronger.

2.        Lat-Pull Downs.  10 reps @.  Start with “low” weights and work way up to high-weights, 10-reps.

3.        Seated-Rows.  Once again, 10 Reps @.  About 4 sets.

4.        Dumb Bell Rows, one-hand @ set.  40-pounds, 12 reps. 50 lbs., 10 reps; 60 pounds, 8 sets, all the way to 4 reps 80 or 90 lbs (depending upon your capacity).

5.        Triceps (push-downs).  50 reps, whatever weight (you will be burning and puffing, but it is all good).  15 reps Reverse push-downs.  25 reps overhead dumb bells.

6.        Straight Olympic Bar (45 pounds) Curls (Biceps)  65 lbs, 12 reps; 75 lbs, 10 reps; 85 lbs, 08 reps; 95 lbs 06 reps; 105 lbs 4 reps.  An option here is to work your way back down.

7.        Cable-Curls:  50 reps; 20 Reps and 25 Reps.

8.        Burn, Burn, Burn,  Breathing Heavily. 

9.        T-Bar Pulls:  10 Reps with 45 lb plate.

DAY 3

1.        Hack Squats.  20 Reps; 12 Reps; 10 Reps; 8; Reps; 6 Reps and 4.  Light to heavy.

2.        Vertical Leg Lifts:  Same Rep Sequence as above.  Light to heavy weights.  Burn.

3.        Leg Extension:  12, 10, 8, 6 and 4 Reps.  Light to heavy weights.

4.        Leg Curls:  Same Rep sequence, etc. as in the Leg Extensions.  Burn.

5.        Seated Calf Raises:  5 Sets of 20 Reps.

Try it.  I think you will see positive changes in the look of your body.  You will be a lean, mean fighting machine.   More importantly, your motor performance will improve when it comes to speed, quickness, explosiveness, reaction time and power.  Hey, that’s a coincidence.  Aren’t those the requisites for a good street fighter?

Harry Hammer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IN my last posting, I addressed the importance of getting into a fitness regimen that develops one’s fast-tic nerves and Survival Motor Capabilities so crucial for the mega-combat stress demands of a fight for (your very) survival.   In this posting I am going to get a little more specific on the types of program(s) about which I speak.  However, before I delve into some aspects of these Survival-Specific Programs, let me review of few of the reasons I think doing so could be crucial to one’s ability to fight at maximum output.

WHY A FIGHTING ARTS SPECIFIC WORKOUT PROGRAM IS IMPORTANT?

 

1. SPEED.  The Fast-Tic Nerves program is by far the best for a fighter’s Speed Quotient.  By that I mean – and I have personally experienced this – a fighter can expect to react quickly, using the element of Surprise/Speed, respond quicker and with far more Power, Explosively and to be able to regain Distance (Escape and Evasion) more effectively.
2. DECREASED SURVIVAL REACTION TIME (SRT).  SRT is a huge Tactical Edge for any fighter.  My S.P.E.E.D Fitness Program provides faster hands,  quicker feet and a lean and mean body designed for efficient fighting.
3. INCREASED MASS/DECREASED INJURY.
4. EXPANDED ATP/PC FIGHTING ENVELOPE.  Increase the amount of time one can fight at maximum output through this anaerobic weight lifting and aerobic cardiovascular plan.
5. INCREASED CONFIDENCE will make hesitate less, react faster, better.
6. LEAN AND MEAN, FAST AND LAST (Standing) OVER BIG AND SLOW.  This workout helps drop excess fat and weight by building fighting-specific muscle (muscle burns up excess fat, etc.).
7. AND MANY MORE REASONS I HAVE NOT ENOUGH TIME TO COVER HERE. 

THE HAMMER’S EXPLOSIVE S.P.E.E.D. SURVIVAL FITNESS PROGRAM

 

THIS, folks, is my program I adapted from a football-specific weight lifting program.  More likely, there are programs out there that would be better suited for your needs.  If you belong to a fitness center, you might ask one of the fitness instructor to help you find one that works best for you.

The SPEED 3-Day Program consists of three daily programs followed by a one-day rest period.  The length of time between sets is an individual choice, but a fitness principle says that the less time between sets, thehigher the anaerobic value.

DAY 1:

1. Wide Grip Bench Presses.  Pyramid the sets from very low rates and high reps to fairly high weights and only 1-rep at the end.  In my SPEED Program, I begin with 115 pounds and 10 reps. I work up the scale, placing the amount of weight on the bars with which I can perform 10 reps. My last set is 1 rep with 225 pounds.  Trust me, you will feel the blood pulsing through your muscles as the end.
2. Incline Bench.  5 sets.  Once again, 10 reps at a low weight and working up the pyramid, each set getting heavier but staying at 10 reps@.  The last 2, however, are as much weight as I can put on a bar while doing 4 reps and then 1.
3. Bench Press.  Put 50-pounds (two quarters) on a 45-pound Olympic Bar (or, if you are working at home, use dumbbells) and do 100 reps.  You will have to break this up into as many sets as it takes.  Your arms will be burning.  Trust me!
4. Triceps:  50 pushdowns, followed by 2 sets of 15 Reverse Pushdown (turning palms up and pushing toward the floor) and 1 set of 25 overhead dumbbell presses.
5. Shoulders:  Here one does 5 or 6 sets of dumbbell presses starting with 10 reps at 30 lbs; 8 reps at 35; 6 reps at 40 lbs; 4 reps at 45 and 2 reps at 60 lbs.  As always, there is no hard and fast rule re how many lbs you press.  Up to you.
6. Shrugs:  3 sets of dumbbell shrugs.  30 repetitions of 35 lbs, followed by 20 reps of 45 lbs. And 10 reps at 60 lbs.
7. Pulls:  This is an exercise where one lays on a pad and pulls a 45-pound plate from near the floor to his or her chest, lowers the plate and then repeats.  The SPEED Program advocates finishing the workout with 10 pulls of 45 pounds.

SPEED WORKOUT NOTE:

Do not allow yourself to get discouraged by the challenging aspect of this program.  I recommend that you take on this program in manageable clusters.  Limit the weights and even the repetitions when you first begin.  You will find yourself gaining both strength and endurance as your body acclimates itself.  Soon, I predict, you will be doing all the exercises and asking for more.  If you play sports, you will find your reflexes quicken, your powder increasing as all your relevant body parts come together as a power-unit.  If you are not or have not been involved in a fitness program, I suggest that you consult your physician before you take on this or any other physical fitness program. 

 Next Blog:  Day 2 and 3 of the SPEED Program.

BY HAMMER

 

 

 

IN my last posting, I addressed the importance of getting into a fitness regimen that develops one’s fast-tic nerves and Survival Motor Capabilities so crucial for the mega-combat stress demands of a fight for (your very) survival.   In this posting I am going to get a little more specific on the types of program(s) about which I speak.  However, before I delve into some aspects of these Survival-Specific Programs, let me review of few of the reasons I think doing so could be crucial to one’s ability to fight at maximum output.

WHY A FIGHTING ARTS SPECIFIC WORKOUT PROGRAM IS IMPORTANT?

 

1. SPEED.  The Fast-Tic Nerves program is by far the best for a fighter’s Speed Quotient.  By that I mean – and I have personally experienced this – a fighter can expect to react quickly, using the element of Surprise/Speed, respond quicker and with far more Power, Explosively and to be able to regain Distance (Escape and Evasion) more effectively.
2. DECREASED SURVIVAL REACTION TIME (SRT).  SRT is a huge Tactical Edge for any fighter.  My S.P.E.E.D Fitness Program provides faster hands,  quicker feet and a lean and mean body designed for efficient fighting.
3. INCREASED MASS/DECREASED INJURY.
4. EXPANDED ATP/PC FIGHTING ENVELOPE.  Increase the amount of time one can fight at maximum output through this anaerobic weight lifting and aerobic cardiovascular plan.
5. INCREASED CONFIDENCE will make hesitate less, react faster, better.
6. LEAN AND MEAN, FAST AND LAST (Standing) OVER BIG AND SLOW.  This workout helps drop excess fat and weight by building fighting-specific muscle (muscle burns up excess fat, etc.).
7. AND MANY MORE REASONS I HAVE NOT ENOUGH TIME TO COVER HERE.

THE HAMMER’S EXPLOSIVE S.P.E.E.D. SURVIVAL FITNESS PROGRAM

 

THIS, folks, is my program I adapted from a football-specific weight lifting program.  More likely, there are programs out there that would be better suited for your needs.  If you belong to a fitness center, you might ask one of the fitness instructor to help you find one best for your needs.

The SPEED 3-Day Program consists of three daily programs followed by a one-day rest period.  The length of time between sets is an individual choice, but a fitness principle here says that the less time between sets, the higher the anaerobic value.

 

DAY 1:

1. Wide Grip Bench Presses.  Pyramid the sets from very low rates and high reps to fairly high weights and only 1-rep at the end.  In my SPEED Program, I begin with 115 pounds and 10 reps. I work up the scale, placing the amount of weight on the bars with which I can perform 10 reps. My last set is 1 rep with 225 pounds.  Trust me, you will feel the blood pulsing through your muscles as the end.
2. Incline Bench.  5 sets.  Once again, 10 reps at a low weight and working up the pyramid, each set getting heavier but staying at 10 reps@.  The last 2, however, are as much weight as I can put on a bar while doing 4 reps and then 1.
3. Bench Press.  Put 95-pounds on a 45-pound Olympic Bar (or, if you are working at home, use dumbbells) and do 100 reps.  You will have to break this up into as many sets as it takes.  Your arms will be burning.  Trust me!
4. Triceps:  50 pushdowns, followed by 2 sets of 15 Reverse Pushdown (turning palms up and pushing toward the floor) and 1 set of 25 overhead dumbbell presses.
5. Shoulders:  Here one does 5 or 6 sets of dumbbell presses starting with 10 reps at 30 lbs; 8 reps at 35; 6 reps at 40 lbs; 4 reps at 45 and 2 reps at 60 lbs.  As always, there is no hard and fast rule re how many lbs you press.  Up to you.
6. Shrugs:  3 sets of dumbbell shrugs.  30 repetitions of 35 lbs, followed by 20 reps of 45 lbs. And 10 reps at 60 lbs.
7. Pulls:  This is an exercise where one lays on a pad and pulls a 45-pound plate from near the floor to his or her chest, lowers the plate and then repeats.  The SPEED Program advocates finishing the workout with 10 pulls of 45 pounds.

SPEED WORKOUT NOTE:

Do not allow yourself to get discouraged by the challenging aspect of this program.  I recommend that you take on this program in manageable clusters.  Limit the weights and even the repetitions when you first begin.  You will find yourself gaining both strength and endurance as your body acclimates itself.  Soon, I predict, you will be doing all the exercises and asking for more.  If you play sports, you will find your reflexes quicken, your powder increasing as all your relevant body parts come together as a power-unit.  If you are not or have not been involved in a fitness program, I suggest that you consult your physician before you take on this or any other physical fitness program.  Next Blog:  Day 2 and 3 of the SPEED Program.

By Hammer

 

 

IN my last posting, I addressed the importance of getting into a fitness regimen that develops one’s fast-tic nerves and Survival Motor Capabilities so crucial for the mega-combat stress demands of a fight for (your very) survival.   In this posting I am going to get a little more specific on the types of program(s) about which I speak.  However, before I delve into some aspects of these Survival-Specific Programs, let me review of few of the reasons I think doing so could be crucial to one’s ability to fight at maximum output.

WHY A FIGHTING ARTS SPECIFIC WORKOUT PROGRAM IS IMPORTANT?

 

1. SPEED.  The Fast-Tic Nerves program is by far the best for a fighter’s Speed Quotient.  By that I mean – and I have personally experienced this – a fighter can expect to react quickly, using the element of Surprise/Speed, respond quicker and with far more Power, Explosively and to be able to regain Distance (Escape and Evasion) more effectively.
2. DECREASED SURVIVAL REACTION TIME (SRT).  SRT is a huge Tactical Edge for any fighter.  My S.P.E.E.D Fitness Program provides faster hands,  quicker feet and a lean and mean body designed for efficient fighting.
3. INCREASED MASS/DECREASED INJURY.
4. EXPANDED ATP/PC FIGHTING ENVELOPE.  Increase the amount of time one can fight at maximum output through this anaerobic weight lifting and aerobic cardiovascular plan.
5. INCREASED CONFIDENCE will make hesitate less, react faster, better.
6. LEAN AND MEAN, FAST AND LAST (Standing) OVER BIG AND SLOW.  This workout helps drop excess fat and weight by building fighting-specific muscle (muscle burns up excess fat, etc.).
7. AND MANY MORE REASONS I HAVE NOT ENOUGH TIME TO COVER HERE.

THE HAMMER’S EXPLOSIVE S.P.E.E.D. SURVIVAL FITNESS PROGRAM

 

THIS, folks, is my program I adapted from a football-specific weight lifting program.  More likely, there are programs out there that would be better suited for your needs.  If you belong to a fitness center, you might ask one of the fitness instructor to help you find one best for your needs.

The SPEED 3-Day Program consists of three daily programs followed by a one-day rest period.  The length of time between sets is an individual choice, but a fitness principle here says that the less time between sets, the higher the anaerobic value.

 

DAY 1:

1. Wide Grip Bench Presses.  Pyramid the sets from very low rates and high reps to fairly high weights and only 1-rep at the end.  In my SPEED Program, I begin with 115 pounds and 10 reps. I work up the scale, placing the amount of weight on the bars with which I can perform 10 reps. My last set is 1 rep with 225 pounds.  Trust me, you will feel the blood pulsing through your muscles as the end.
2. Incline Bench.  5 sets.  Once again, 10 reps at a low weight and working up the pyramid, each set getting heavier but staying at 10 reps@.  The last 2, however, are as much weight as I can put on a bar while doing 4 reps and then 1.
3. Bench Press.  Put 95-pounds on a 45-pound Olympic Bar (or, if you are working at home, use dumbbells) and do 100 reps.  You will have to break this up into as many sets as it takes.  Your arms will be burning.  Trust me!
4. Triceps:  50 pushdowns, followed by 2 sets of 15 Reverse Pushdown (turning palms up and pushing toward the floor) and 1 set of 25 overhead dumbbell presses.
5. Shoulders:  Here one does 5 or 6 sets of dumbbell presses starting with 10 reps at 30 lbs; 8 reps at 35; 6 reps at 40 lbs; 4 reps at 45 and 2 reps at 60 lbs.  As always, there is no hard and fast rule re how many lbs you press.  Up to you.
6. Shrugs:  3 sets of dumbbell shrugs.  30 repetitions of 35 lbs, followed by 20 reps of 45 lbs. And 10 reps at 60 lbs.
7. Pulls:  This is an exercise where one lays on a pad and pulls a 45-pound plate from near the floor to his or her chest, lowers the plate and then repeats.  The SPEED Program advocates finishing the workout with 10 pulls of 45 pounds.

SPEED WORKOUT NOTE:

Do not allow yourself to get discouraged by the challenging aspect of this program.  I recommend that you take on this program in manageable clusters.  Limit the weights and even the repetitions when you first begin.  You will find yourself gaining both strength and endurance as your body acclimates itself.  Soon, I predict, you will be doing all the exercises and asking for more.  If you play sports, you will find your reflexes quicken, your powder increasing as all your relevant body parts come together as a power-unit.  If you are not or have not been involved in a fitness program, I suggest that you consult your physician before you take on this or any other physical fitness program.  Next Blog:  Day 2 and 3 of the SPEED Program.

By Hammer

 

 

IN my last posting, I addressed the importance of getting into a fitness regimen that develops one’s fast-tic nerves and Survival Motor Capabilities so crucial for the mega-combat stress demands of a fight for (your very) survival.   In this posting I am going to get a little more specific on the types of program(s) about which I speak.  However, before I delve into some aspects of these Survival-Specific Programs, let me review of few of the reasons I think doing so could be crucial to one’s ability to fight at maximum output.

WHY A FIGHTING ARTS SPECIFIC WORKOUT PROGRAM IS IMPORTANT?

 

1. SPEED.  The Fast-Tic Nerves program is by far the best for a fighter’s Speed Quotient.  By that I mean – and I have personally experienced this – a fighter can expect to react quickly, using the element of Surprise/Speed, respond quicker and with far more Power, Explosively and to be able to regain Distance (Escape and Evasion) more effectively.
2. DECREASED SURVIVAL REACTION TIME (SRT).  SRT is a huge Tactical Edge for any fighter.  My S.P.E.E.D Fitness Program provides faster hands,  quicker feet and a lean and mean body designed for efficient fighting.
3. INCREASED MASS/DECREASED INJURY.
4. EXPANDED ATP/PC FIGHTING ENVELOPE.  Increase the amount of time one can fight at maximum output through this anaerobic weight lifting and aerobic cardiovascular plan.
5. INCREASED CONFIDENCE will make hesitate less, react faster, better.
6. LEAN AND MEAN, FAST AND LAST (Standing) OVER BIG AND SLOW.  This workout helps drop excess fat and weight by building fighting-specific muscle (muscle burns up excess fat, etc.).
7. AND MANY MORE REASONS I HAVE NOT ENOUGH TIME TO COVER HERE.

THE HAMMER’S EXPLOSIVE S.P.E.E.D. SURVIVAL FITNESS PROGRAM

 

THIS, folks, is my program I adapted from a football-specific weight lifting program.  More likely, there are programs out there that would be better suited for your needs.  If you belong to a fitness center, you might ask one of the fitness instructor to help you find one best for your needs.

The SPEED 3-Day Program consists of three daily programs followed by a one-day rest period.  The length of time between sets is an individual choice, but a fitness principle here says that the less time between sets, the higher the anaerobic value.

 

DAY 1:

1. Wide Grip Bench Presses.  Pyramid the sets from very low rates and high reps to fairly high weights and only 1-rep at the end.  In my SPEED Program, I begin with 115 pounds and 10 reps. I work up the scale, placing the amount of weight on the bars with which I can perform 10 reps. My last set is 1 rep with 225 pounds.  Trust me, you will feel the blood pulsing through your muscles as the end.
2. Incline Bench.  5 sets.  Once again, 10 reps at a low weight and working up the pyramid, each set getting heavier but staying at 10 reps@.  The last 2, however, are as much weight as I can put on a bar while doing 4 reps and then 1.
3. Bench Press.  Put 95-pounds on a 45-pound Olympic Bar (or, if you are working at home, use dumbbells) and do 100 reps.  You will have to break this up into as many sets as it takes.  Your arms will be burning.  Trust me!
4. Triceps:  50 pushdowns, followed by 2 sets of 15 Reverse Pushdown (turning palms up and pushing toward the floor) and 1 set of 25 overhead dumbbell presses.
5. Shoulders:  Here one does 5 or 6 sets of dumbbell presses starting with 10 reps at 30 lbs; 8 reps at 35; 6 reps at 40 lbs; 4 reps at 45 and 2 reps at 60 lbs.  As always, there is no hard and fast rule re how many lbs you press.  Up to you.
6. Shrugs:  3 sets of dumbbell shrugs.  30 repetitions of 35 lbs, followed by 20 reps of 45 lbs. And 10 reps at 60 lbs.
7. Pulls:  This is an exercise where one lays on a pad and pulls a 45-pound plate from near the floor to his or her chest, lowers the plate and then repeats.  The SPEED Program advocates finishing the workout with 10 pulls of 45 pounds.

SPEED WORKOUT NOTE:

Do not allow yourself to get discouraged by the challenging aspect of this program.  I recommend that you take on this program in manageable clusters.  Limit the weights and even the repetitions when you first begin.  You will find yourself gaining both strength and endurance as your body acclimates itself.  Soon, I predict, you will be doing all the exercises and asking for more.  If you play sports, you will find your reflexes quicken, your powder increasing as all your relevant body parts come together as a power-unit.  If you are not or have not been involved in a fitness program, I suggest that you consult your physician before you take on this or any other physical fitness program.  Next Blog:  Day 2 and 3 of the SPEED Program.

By Hammer

 

 

IN my last posting, I addressed the importance of getting into a fitness regimen that develops one’s fast-tic nerves and Survival Motor Capabilities so crucial for the mega-combat stress demands of a fight for (your very) survival.   In this posting I am going to get a little more specific on the types of program(s) about which I speak.  However, before I delve into some aspects of these Survival-Specific Programs, let me review of few of the reasons I think doing so could be crucial to one’s ability to fight at maximum output.

WHY A FIGHTING ARTS SPECIFIC WORKOUT PROGRAM IS IMPORTANT?

 

1. SPEED.  The Fast-Tic Nerves program is by far the best for a fighter’s Speed Quotient.  By that I mean – and I have personally experienced this – a fighter can expect to react quickly, using the element of Surprise/Speed, respond quicker and with far more Power, Explosively and to be able to regain Distance (Escape and Evasion) more effectively.
2. DECREASED SURVIVAL REACTION TIME (SRT).  SRT is a huge Tactical Edge for any fighter.  My S.P.E.E.D Fitness Program provides faster hands,  quicker feet and a lean and mean body designed for efficient fighting.
3. INCREASED MASS/DECREASED INJURY.
4. EXPANDED ATP/PC FIGHTING ENVELOPE.  Increase the amount of time one can fight at maximum output through this anaerobic weight lifting and aerobic cardiovascular plan.
5. INCREASED CONFIDENCE will make hesitate less, react faster, better.
6. LEAN AND MEAN, FAST AND LAST (Standing) OVER BIG AND SLOW.  This workout helps drop excess fat and weight by building fighting-specific muscle (muscle burns up excess fat, etc.).
7. AND MANY MORE REASONS I HAVE NOT ENOUGH TIME TO COVER HERE.

THE HAMMER’S EXPLOSIVE S.P.E.E.D. SURVIVAL FITNESS PROGRAM

 

THIS, folks, is my program I adapted from a football-specific weight lifting program.  More likely, there are programs out there that would be better suited for your needs.  If you belong to a fitness center, you might ask one of the fitness instructor to help you find one best for your needs.

The SPEED 3-Day Program consists of three daily programs followed by a one-day rest period.  The length of time between sets is an individual choice, but a fitness principle here says that the less time between sets, the higher the anaerobic value.

 

DAY 1:

1. Wide Grip Bench Presses.  Pyramid the sets from very low rates and high reps to fairly high weights and only 1-rep at the end.  In my SPEED Program, I begin with 115 pounds and 10 reps. I work up the scale, placing the amount of weight on the bars with which I can perform 10 reps. My last set is 1 rep with 225 pounds.  Trust me, you will feel the blood pulsing through your muscles as the end.
2. Incline Bench.  5 sets.  Once again, 10 reps at a low weight and working up the pyramid, each set getting heavier but staying at 10 reps@.  The last 2, however, are as much weight as I can put on a bar while doing 4 reps and then 1.
3. Bench Press.  Put 95-pounds on a 45-pound Olympic Bar (or, if you are working at home, use dumbbells) and do 100 reps.  You will have to break this up into as many sets as it takes.  Your arms will be burning.  Trust me!
4. Triceps:  50 pushdowns, followed by 2 sets of 15 Reverse Pushdown (turning palms up and pushing toward the floor) and 1 set of 25 overhead dumbbell presses.
5. Shoulders:  Here one does 5 or 6 sets of dumbbell presses starting with 10 reps at 30 lbs; 8 reps at 35; 6 reps at 40 lbs; 4 reps at 45 and 2 reps at 60 lbs.  As always, there is no hard and fast rule re how many lbs you press.  Up to you.
6. Shrugs:  3 sets of dumbbell shrugs.  30 repetitions of 35 lbs, followed by 20 reps of 45 lbs. And 10 reps at 60 lbs.
7. Pulls:  This is an exercise where one lays on a pad and pulls a 45-pound plate from near the floor to his or her chest, lowers the plate and then repeats.  The SPEED Program advocates finishing the workout with 10 pulls of 45 pounds.

SPEED WORKOUT NOTE:

Do not allow yourself to get discouraged by the challenging aspect of this program.  I recommend that you take on this program in manageable clusters.  Limit the weights and even the repetitions when you first begin.  You will find yourself gaining both strength and endurance as your body acclimates itself.  Soon, I predict, you will be doing all the exercises and asking for more.  If you play sports, you will find your reflexes quicken, your powder increasing as all your relevant body parts come together as a power-unit.  If you are not or have not been involved in a fitness program, I suggest that you consult your physician before you take on this or any other physical fitness program.  Next Blog:  Day 2 and 3 of the SPEED Program.

By Hammer

I AM ASKED about the role of fitness in self defense and subject control almost every time I conduct a law enforcement (subject control) or citizen (self defense) training.  Truth is, I believe there are  several issues more important than fitness; and I think I have discussed many of these in past blogs, including, but not limited to:

• Willingness to fight (even over the ability to fight).
• Heart.  The true fighting spirit.  Courage, in other words.
• The Survival Psyche, or mind-set.  What many call Mental Conditioning or Spinal Tuning one’s mind and Central Nervous System to be aware of potential danger, to assess potential attackers and oneself and to anticipate – have a plan of action, and – this is crucial – to be (willing and) able to carry out this plan with “SPEED.”
• S.P.E.E.D.  The ability to improvise under survival stress by doing the unexpected (Surprise),acting decisively and quickly (Speed) while delivering strikes and countermeasures with Power and Explosiveness in order to allow one to Escape and Evade the attack by using Distance.

 The SPEED Fitness Program

I forget who said fatigue makes cowards of us all, but the words ring true to anyone who has been in a serious fight or critical incident and has hit The Wall.  You feel drained, weak, ready to give up.  Too many of us do give up.  This is where Survival Fitness can save your life.  A Survival or Fighting-Specific Fitness or Training Program can and will build up what I call a Heavy Survival Envelope that one can keep pushing so that in a life or death (fighting) situation, he or she will be able to call on crucial life preserving energy reserves in order to stay in the fight longer and with a higher level of confidence. 

DO NOT under value confidence.  The higher one’s confidence, the less chance one has of going into a semi-debilitating state of SNS activation.  Confidence also overcomes the energy sapping phenomenon of fear, and, subsequently one will be able to perform survival motor skills quicker and with more power (S.P.E.E.D.).

A person committed to developing speed, power, explosiveness, the ability to escape and evade by gaining distance should rely on a regimen that includes:

• Nutrition involving a mixture of carbs (slow burning), fats, proteins and proper hydration (water).  Proteins are a group of amino acids that maintain and build muscle used as energy sources during time of (survival) stress.  Proteins also increase mental performance.  Fats are a primary source of energy for the body and a transporter of amino acids.  In future blogs, I will get into more detail regarding nutrition, hydration and their role in the Fighting Arts.
• The 3 Energy Systems:  Our bodies rely primarily on three fuel or energy systems to perform high-intensity acts, such as fighting for one’s life. 
  1. The ATP/PC System.  The Adenosine Triphosphate/Phosphocreatine consists of small energy bundles that are stored in our muscles.  This system is what we primarily rely on when we are involved in high (survival) stress activities such as survival (self defense) fighting.  When the ATP/PC System is engaged, one is able to perform at 100% of his/her maximum output for only 10 to 15 seconds, tops.  After 10-15 seconds, a person fighting for his or her life can expect as much as a 45-50% decrease in maximum output. 
  2. The Lactic Acid and Aerobic Energy Systems.  Once the ATP/PC Energy system is depleted, the fighter relies on an the Lactic Acid System, which provides an intermediate energy system that can last from 15 seconds up to 90-seconds, where the fighter will be able to fight at about 35% of max.output.  The Aerobic Energy System is the final dominant system and it provides another several minutes of fuel, but the fighter will now be struggling to fight at 30% of maximum output.

• A Fighting-Specific Program. 

Ø       Mix a Combination of Cardiovascular and Respiratory Exercises (Aerobic) into your program.  More on this in the next blog, but, in the program I use and also suggest for my readers uses exercises that build our Fast Tic Nerves which are so crucial for the speed, power and explosiveness needed for survival fighting. 

1.        Work sprints, variables and fartlecking into your routine.  Spin Routines on the bike.  Speed routines instead of an easy running pace, such as my old LSD (Long, slow distance) regimens when I ran marathons.

2.        Cross-Train your aerobics.  Running, biking, hills, flats, etc.

Ø       Develop an Anaerobic Weight Lifting Routine.  Strength conditioning is crucial to the fighting arts.  Strength, power, speed, confidence.  Also, don’t discount the fact that one looks more formidable after only a few months of this type of program.  In the next blog I will get into some specifics about my program and others I know.  A couple more things:  By building one’s explosiveness, one will feel – as I do – untapped power surging through his or her veins, arteries, muscles, limbs.  Not only that, one will be able to withstand more strikes and blows in a fight without sustaining serious, debilitating injury or trauma.  I suggest a weight lifting cycle featuring a complimentary series of strength and power exercises with little rest in between to develop that (SPEED) speed, power and explosiveness so critical to self defense.  More about this cycle in my next posting.

Ø       BE A ROCK.  No kidding, folks, tune in for the next blog and I will turn you on to the fighting-specific type of program for which you may have been forever searching.  I will say it again:  I kid you not.  I have been in scores, maybe hundreds of fights and, although I would admit that I have never been a great fighter, I am virtually unstoppable.  Hit me, kick me, drive a two-by-four as hard as you can across my chest (Okay.  Hit me in the head and I slow down considerably), and I keep on coming.  It is all in your mind, your heart and your Fighting Arts-Specific Fitness Program.

Next Blog:  Details and specifics about my Survival Fitness Program.

Harry Hammer

 

Surprise
(the element of surprise is the key to Winology).

Non-Violence:
Combine this with the Element of Surprise. Give the appearance to be timid and
non-violent just before striking.

Explode:
When you do transition from “non-violent” to action, make sure you
virtually explode into the targets. Put everything you have
into each strike.

Aggressive:
Think aggressive. No mercy. Cut the attacker’s “wires.” Do
not be hesitant to destroy his targets one-by-one.

Knock him
out of the fight.

Technorati Tags:violence prevention, crime prevention, self defense

WELCOME
TO ACTION
AGAINST VIOLENCE, a site for men, women, boys and girls who are
ardently interested in facts, articles, ideas and effective safety and survival
techniques and strategies in this age of spiraling violence. Some of you may
already be familiar with me and my work as a PPCT Management Systems Subject
Control (law enforcement, corrections, security, military and probation and
parole officers) and self defense (law enforcement as well as civilians) Instructor
Trainer. Some of you may have even participated in one or more of my PPCT Instructor
Certification Training Seminars. If you work in the Criminal Justice System
somewhere, you may be familiar with or have participated in one or more of my
courses, including but not limited to:

1. PPCT Defensive
   Tactics (DT) Instructor Training Seminar.
2. PPCT Impact Weapon
   Systems Instructor Training Seminar.
3. PPCT Long Gun
   and Handgun Weapon Retention and Disarming Techniques (Instructor).
4. PPCT Pressure
   Point Control Systems.
5. PPCT Spontaneous
   Knife Defense (SKD) Instructor Training Seminar.
6. PPCT Ground Avoidance
   and Ground Escapes (GAGE) Instructor Training Seminar.
7. PPCT Sexual Harassment
   Assault and Rape Prevention (SHARP) Instructor Training Seminar.
8. PPCT Violent
   Patient Management (VPM) Instructor Training Seminar.
9. PPCT Disruptive
   Student Management (DSM) Instructor Training Seminar.
10. PPCT Inmate Control
    Instructor Training Seminar.
11. PPCT Dynamic
    Simulations Instructor Training Seminar.
12. Advanced De-Escalation
    Techniques.

If you are not involved
in law enforcement but are a citizen – maybe a teacher, Bouncer, Bounty Hunter,
Entertainment Venue Security Officer, Health Care Professional, a parent concerned
about the safety of his or her child, drug and alcohol residential or outpatient
counselor, employee in a private or public corporation, a girl or woman seeking
safety inside and outside the home, or a senior citizen – you may have
already read one of my many safety and survival articles, or even taken one
or more of the following courses I offer:

1. Management of
   Workplace Violence I (Recognition skills, avoidance and prevention techniques,
   etc.)
2. Management of
   Workplace Violence II: Verbal De-Escalation, Hostage Negotiation Skills and
   Emergency Fighting Arts in the Workplace.
3. Management of
   School Violence.
4. PPCT Disruptive
   Student Management (DSM) Instructor Training Seminar.
5. COMET-KIDS (Combat,
   Escape and Evasion Techniques For Kids).
6. Self Defense
   For Teenagers.
7. Kid Escape: Counter-Abductor,
   Sexual Predator and Pedophile Attacks For Small Children.
8. Sixty and Beyond:
   The Fighting Arts and Senior Citizens.
9. Self Defense
   For Women.
10. PPCT Sexual Harassment
    Assault and Rape Prevention (SHARP) Instructor Training Seminar.
11. Advanced Fighting
    Arts For Girls and Women.
12. Campus Survival
    Strategies: The Fighting Arts On and Off Today’s Contemporary College
    Campus.
13. Bouncers, Bounty
    Hunters and Beyond: Entertainment-Venue and Retrieval Skills in a Dangerous
    and Litigious World.
14. PPCT Violent
    Patient Management (VPM) Instructor Training Seminar.

OK. So,
I train. And, all modesty aside, I train pretty well. But the one thing
I enjoy more than actually teaching is writing about it. Writing
about it and maybe researching, creating and refining the product being a close
second. There are scores of good, maybe even great instructors out there, but
I contend I stand in front because I have this rare thing – this
innate vision, I mean really a gift to really see a need or
a real problem and this relentless commitment to design a program
to address the problem in the form of a training.

I was a
pretty hardnosed parole agent when I “worked the streets”
all over Pennsylvania back in the 70’s, 80’s and even 90’s.
And the Job profoundly affected me, I would say. I carried caseloads of convicted
felons who had been released conditionally from any one of the 67 county and/or
14 state prisons throughout Pennsylvania, and, for that matter, from any one
of a legion of institutions throughout the country. Many of the parolees I worked
with were actually fine people. Men and women much like you and me but who had
made seriously flawed decisions under extraordinary circumstances. But then
there also were the bikers, drug dealers, thugs, hit men and others with those
“empty-eyed felony faces.” Losers of Mass Proportions. There were
those also who existed and thrived on the edge of this chaotic world. These
were what I called “The Two Percenters (2P’s),”
a toxic blend of feral beast and near-human who walked our streets with almost
every thought focused on robbing, raping, hurting, and, if need be, killing
citizens. I long ago gave up on trying to figure out the 2P. Realized one day
that, in order to protect the public – the number one goal of state parole
agents – the key thing was to recognize a 2P when I saw one and to be
willing and ready to retrieve (to arrest the bad guy and take him or her back
behind bars) when he or she stepped out of line and/or violated the terms of
parole.

I say all this because this
part of my job shaped me forever. Much of what I do now as the founder and director
of Action
Fighting Arts was influenced by my experience with some of the
miscreants who posed such a danger to citizens when I worked the streets years
ago. Years ago I did what I was able to retrieve and jail the predators who
tried to groom and sexually attack small children. To retrieve demented power
rapists who stalked and beat their poor victims to near-death in so many instances,
and, in some cases, to death. Several times I tracked known sex offenders as
they stalked video arcades and playgrounds. Watched as one talked to a small
towheaded boy and showed him a photo of a beautiful Toy Collie he didn’t
own. They boy was fixated on the picture of the dog the predator claimed was
lost. I watched as the predator put his hand on the child’s shoulder;
but I ended the attempted abduction by swiping the photo out of the boy’s
hand and gently asking him to alert the security officer who was standing nearby.
Since the predator had a Special Condition forbidding him from having any contact
with anyone under 16, I hooked him up and delivered him to the local prison.

Action
Against Violence is my opportunity to continue my campaign against
violence, one I began unwittingly in the early 70’s and purposefully throughout
the rest of my career. Now I offer articles, opinions, the exchange of ideas,
problem-solving tips and remedies, even stories which I believe will even expand
my campaign. I think the time is right for such a Blog
Site. With terrorism a constant threat it is sometimes convenient
to ignore the increase in violence against women, children and the elderly.
It is my hope to provide everyone a safe place to go for personal safety facts
and information on the following issues:

1. Threat Recognition
   Techniques and Strategies.
2. Techniques of
   Prevention and Avoidance.
3. Positive Mental
   Conditioning: The Psyche of Survival.
4. Verbal Reductive
   Strategies and Defusing Skills.
5. Self Protective
   Strategies in the Home For Women and Children.
6. Threat Recognition,
   Escape and Avoidance Strategies For Small Children (against Abductors and
   Predators).
7. Parents as Safety
   Coaches for Children.
8. Bully-Be-Gone:
   Psychological, Verbal and Physical Strategies of Escape, Avoidance and Self
   Defense for Children.
9. 98-Percent –
   The Most Crucial Part of Self Defense for Women and Children is Non-Physical.
10. The Elements
    Of Surprise: Maximizing It To Win Every Time.
11. Winology –
    The Key Principles of a Holistic Self Defense and the Fighting Arts. You Don’t
    have To be the Strongest and Biggest to Win Every Time.
12. And much. Much,
    much more.