Check out the new stuff

Hey everyone,

Check out the new guitar blog at www.brettsguitarworld.blogspot.com

A good reason not to eat multiple meals a day:

Hey Fitness Friends,

Today we're going to open up a can of worms and talk about the top reason why you shouldn't be eating 4-6 meals a day. Now, I know, over the past few decades it's been the in vogue thing to recommend constant grazing. I've done it myself. In fact, back in my bodybuilding days I tried the grazing method for a long time and it never worked. I never had the energy that it promised, instead I felt sluggish all the time (hey, digestion takes up more energy than anything else that you can do, if you're constantly digesting things how can you have huge amounts of energy?). It never really leaned me out. And, it lead my to some very serious hypoglycemia problems. Then I spent close to a decade following Ori Hofmekler's once a day eating and I had the opposite effect. I competed as a professional athlete with great success, I was full of energy, I never got sick, I never was sluggish, I walked around at a 5-7 percent body fat without trying and more. Now a days I stick to eating 2-3 times a day and I'm stronger, fitter and healthier than ever.

With that in mind let's talk a little bit about multiple meal a day grazing.

First let's look at one of the main arguments for grazing all day. You'll often times hear advocates saying, "Horses graze all day and, in the wild, they are lean and free of extraneous fat." And that's true. But, the last time I checked humans weren't the same genus let alone species as horses. In fact, we're way different. You know what other animals graze all day long? Rhinos, Hippos and cows. And none of them will ever be described as lean. Along with that, predatory animals such as tigers, wolves, jaguars and cheetahs eat once a week and they are lean and fat free in the wild as well.

Second, you'll hear a lot of grazing advocates talking about how you don't want to skip a meal because it'll throw your metabolism down the shitter. Guess what? You have to fast for around 72 hours, that's three days, for you metabolism to start slowing down. In other words, if you only eat once or twice in a day, it's not going to screw up your metabolism.

So, where did the multiple meals a day method come about? Most humans throughout history have eaten between 1-3 times a day, so why did the multiple meals thing come up? The answer lies in the name, John Parillo. John was competing in both powerlifting and bodybuilding and he noticed that, even though they carried a little more body fat, the powerlifters he knew had more muscle, better quality muscle and where a shitton stronger than the bodybuilders that he knew. So he took the powerlifting method of constant eating and mixed in the theory of making sure that every calorie ingested was natural and clean, then threw some pharmaceutical help into the mix in an effort to help bodybuilders get as gigantic as they could. And, viola. All of the sudden bodybuilders that used to walk on stage at 220 pounds with a three percent body fat could now walk on stage at 265 pounds with a three percent body fat.

Now, if you're looking to get as huge as possible and are willing to use some drug help, go ahead, the multiple meal a day plan will probably give you some great results.

But, here is the biggest reason why I'm not a fan.

Now, I could go on and on about many reasons why I'm not a fan, but I'm just going to talk about one today. For that one reason we have to delve into how the body works.

When you eat a typical meal you'll send messages to your pancreas that it needs to start releasing insulin into the bloodstream. this insulin will shuttle nutrients from your food into the cells of your body. As insulin finishes it's job, your brain will send a message that your body needs blood sugar. Blood sugar is released and it finishes up insulin's job and wipes up any left over insulin. From there you'll hopefully have a few hours of no digestive activity, this allows your insulin and blood sugar receptors time to recharge, as well as the receptors for leptin, ghrelin, epinephrine and norepinephrine. This is how it's supposed to happen.

Now, when we load up on multiple meals this is what happens. You release more and more insulin into your blood system, wearing out your insulin receptors and leading to insulin resistance (which leads to tremendous body fat gains). This means that in order to get the same results later your boy will have to release even more insulin, which will continue to wear out the insulin receptors, causing you to have to release even more amounts insulin later to do the same job. This also means that your body has to release more blood sugar to do the same job as before, thus wearing down your blood sugar receptors. This leads to your blood becoming more syrup like, rather than water like, which can lead to stroke and heart attack. As your body releases more and more insulin and more and more blood sugar and continues to wear the respective receptors down this leads to body fat gain, hypoglycemia, heart disease and stroke.

Along with this, having blood sugar and insulin resistance, and fighting to keep them stable is known by a pretty well known name. That's right: diabetes.

This is one of the main reasons why the completely preventable forms of diabetes have skyrocketed in the past few decades. And it's also why you see a huge amount of non-obese people getting these forms of diabetes.

Constantly pumping up your insulin and blood sugar levels while wearing out their receptor sights is a huge health risk. Not to mention wearing out the adrenal receptors, the leptin receptors and the ghrelin receptors.

So, stick to eating 1-3 meals a day, make sure that they have some time in between them and I can guarantee that you'll feel better, perform better, look better, and be better. Now, go out and train smart, heavy and hard and create your greatness.

Yours in strength and health,

Brett

Do you need steroids, supplements, fancy equipment, etc. to build an incredible body?

One of the questions that I get a lot is if someone needs to be on steroids, use a ton of supplements, have a bunch or equipment, have the latest "state of the art" training program or what ever, to build an incredible body. And the answer is a resounding NO!

Throughout history men and women have built incredible bodies with the crudest of equipment, no supplements, no steroids, and while using basic routines and plenty of hard work.

Don't believe me?

Here are some me of physical culture past that grew up and trained long before steroids, supplements, machines, etc.

The Immortal John Grimek:

George "The Russian Lion" Hackenshmidt:

Eugene Sandow:

Sig Klien:

Steve Reeves:

John Garan:

Masytek:

Alfred Moss:

The Great (and one legged) Alan Mead:

The Great Maxick:

Arthur Saxon:

 

 

 

 

Edward Aston:

And many more.....

These were all men from the pre-steroid, pre-supplement days who were hellasiously strong, incredible conditioned and very healthy athletes.

They built their bodies off of a steady diet of bodyweight training, heavy barbells, heavy dumbbells, heavy kettlebells and heavy clubs.

Now it's your turn. Go train smart, hard and heavy and create your greatness.

Yours in strength and health,
Brett Stepan

Upcoming Seminars

Hey Everyone,

Just wanted to share with you all the upcoming schedule of seminars. Feel free to contact me through facebook, email or in person to register for any or all of them. Each seminar is on special for only $20 a piece.



Saturday, December 7; 3-6pm:

Grappling and Ground Fighting for Self-Defense: Survival, Escapes and Submissions

This seminar is going to delve into th dangerous ground of grappling as it applies to self-defense. Here we're going to cover how to escape from bad positions where someone is trying to smash, rape, or maim you; how to survive and get back to your feet; and we'll cover a few high-percentage submissions involving locking the arms and legs or putting the person to sleep with a choke. No grappling experience is necessary.



Saturday, December 14th; 3-5pn:

Ultimate Flexibility

In this semiar we're going to look at and break the myths about stretching and flexibility and then look at how to train for life long, easy flexibility. Topics will include: ballistic stretching, passive stretching, the Golgi Tendon Reflex, How to control and master tension and relaxation; Pulse stretching, tensions stretching, dynamic stretching, loaded stretching, stretching for strength and performance, and more. If you are looking at getting to be the most mobile and flexible that you can, this seminar is for you.



Saturday, December 28th: 3-6pm:

Mastering the Kettlebell

With all of the different types of kettlebell training out there; Kettlebell Sport, Hardstyle, Hybrid, Tacital, Old-time Strongmannnn, Kettlebell Fitness, Renegade Style, etc: how do you know what type of training is correct for you needs and goals. Learn that here at this seminar. We'll be discussing a little bit about the ancient history of the k-bell, from ancient China to present day, what the different styles of lifting are and what they are both good and not good for, and then we'll work on mastering the most powerful lifts in th k-bell arsenal. Join us for this seminar to look at how to maximize your work with this wonderful tool.

Alright, I'm looking forward to working with you all at these seminars. Feel free to email me at either bolerobrett@aol.com or b_stepan@aol.com or hit me up on facebook to register. Talk with you later.

Yours in strength and health,

Brett

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween Everyone!!

Have fun and be safe!

Brett

Firearms for self-protection: Some truths:

We've all heard it before: "my 45 will beat that kung fu crap anyday."  "Why learn to protect myself, I'll just shoot the person."   "You brought a knife to a gun fight." And all the other ways it's been said.

The notion is pretty clear. In most people's mind, a firearm is the greatest method of personal protection.

But in reality, is it?

I remember training in Judo and Jiu-jitsu with a grizzled old war veteran when some random guy walked into our gym. He basically said to us that while martial arts we're pretty cool, he'd bet on his gun anytime. My judo coach looked at him and asked him, "So, you have your gun on you right now?"

"No, of course not." the man responded.

My coach then look him in the eye and said back, "So, if you ain't got your gun on ya, how in the hell would it protect you if I attacked you right now."

The guy left.

About a week later the guy visited our gym again, this time armed with a training gun. He wanted to show us the firearms superiority. He chose three of us, plus the grizzled old coach to attack him, one at a time, any way that we liked. Each time we were able to close in, take him down, tie his arms up and finish him off with a choke, lock, or ground strikes before he was able to get to his gun.

He later became a student.

In the mid1990's their was a wave of videos in the military and law enforcement world that showed trained officers and soldiers trying to stop a training knife wielding attacker. As long as the attack occurred from a range of 25 feet or closer, the knifer was able to close in and fatally wound the guy with the gun before that person could draw their gun and fire.

I've personally conducted this test many times with clients and it's held true each time.

While firearms are an awesome means of self-protection, they are not a cure all.

Most things taught in firearms classes will not get you ready for a real life altercation.

Learning proper tactical firearms strategy and techniques is the only way to ensure that you're skills will work. And most of the real tactical firearms techniques and strategies start you out with empty hand skills to then allow you to get to your firearm.

Also, a firearm can only be used if you have it on you at the time you need it.

Yours in peace,
Brett

Ah, how I've matured over the years

When I first got into the martial arts, some 30+ years ago, I loved everything about them. I loved the traditional arts. I loved the combat sports. I loved the more reality-based arts. I loved the flashy movie styles. All of it. And I really enjoyed training in it all.

Then, starting in 1993, I changed my views.

I had been in a few dozen real life scrapes, plus the first UFC happened.

All of the sudden, in my mind, everything in the arts that wasn't grappling was crap.

How foolish I was.

Luckily, as I trained more in MMA, had a few bouts, did some challenge fights and what not; I found that striking was also good.

So, I trained in my sport grappling and my sport striking.

Then I did some seminars with some weapons based people and found that dealing with a knife, stick, gun, or whatever was difficult.

So, I found out that there was incredible value in the weapons arts.

Then I found a good Qi Gung and Tai Chi master that showed me not only the health benefits of these arts, but he also kicked the crap out of me when we'd fight.

This opened my mind even more.

Then, the same thing happened with Silat and Kuntao, with Systema and Baugua, with Xing Yi and with others.

Then I was fortunate enough to watch and train with some XMA guys who had some sick skills. Incredible acrobatics and such.

Now, at 37 years old I'm back to loving each and every aspect of the arts. The traditional arts, the combat sports, the XMA, the reality based, etc.

I feel fortunate enough to have found that all arts are awesome, all arts have their place, and all arts are part of an amazing journey.

Thanks for reading. Now go train!

Brett

P.S. some huge deals and happening going on right now at www.empowernetwork.com/almostasecretphp?Id=bstepan or check out www.empowernetwork.com/bstepan

The Problem With Women's Self-Defense Classes

As a person that truly believes that all of us, regardless of race, sex, creed, or whatever, should be able to defend ourselves I have a huge problem with the way that most female self-defense classes are run.

Let's look at a typical women's self-defense type of a class.

You usually have, let's say 10-30 women and one instructor, and they take turns practicing the movements that they are learning on each other.

So Brett, you might ask, what's you problem with that? After all, it sounds fun and it sounds like a good way to learn, right?

Let me now ask you this, how many women are attacked by other women?

Yes, girl on girl violence does occur. But the majority of assaults directed against women are from men.

Men are bigger, stronger, more powerful, more aggressive and are far less hesitant to use extreme violence then women are.

So, when you are training to defend yourself against a male attack, and all of your training partners are female, are you really training for reality.

It reminds me of an interview that I read with Grace Cassilas Boggs, a truly legendary female martial artist.

In this interview she talked about a reality check that she had. She had just finished up teaching a women's self-defense seminar (with only women involved) and she had come up with a new way to beat a two-hands around your throat strangle. It worked wonders in class, and all of the ladies that were involved were able to make it work against all of the other ladies attacks.

So, Grace decided to show this move to her husband, World Sport Ju-jutsu champion Ernie Boggs. As directed, he grabbed her by the throat with both hands and began choking. And, the move failed miserable against a man's strength.

After that, Grace decided not to use that technique anymore.

The point being, if you are interested in being able to defend yourself against larger, stronger, more powerful and more violent attackers; you need to train with people that are larger, stronger, more powerful and can bring the violence.

Now, go train hard.

Yours in peace,
Brett

P.S. check out www.empowernetwork.com/almostasecretphp?Id=bstepan an feel free to sign up for an ultra-effective way to make some money from home.

Dealing With Sociopaths or Criminals Don't Play By Rules!

Ah, Jason Voorhees. When many people think of psycho killers or sociopaths they like to think of the way they are portrayed in films. While I love old Jason here, the real truth is far from the fiction. A sociopath is the type of person that will kick a baby out into traffic, watch it get run over by a semi, then head out to get a beer without giving it another thought.

And this is the type of criminal that causes violent crimes.

I remember, when I started really studying criminal behavior talking with various prison inmates that were in for murder. Many of them had the same story. They would start the situation like a mugging, pull a gun or knife  then demand the wallet or purse. Then, after the victim would comply, they would shoot or stab the person. Many of these inmates grinned with glee as they told their stories. They all loved the look of confusion on their victims' dying faces. The look of, "why'd you shoot/stab me? I was following the rules and giving you what you wanted."

And there's mistake number one.

Criminals and sociopaths don't follow any rules!

They are there to hurt, cripple, rape, maim or kill you!

They don't care if you're "following along."

They don't care how good of a person you are or anything about your family.

They want to do you harm.

How do you go about dealing with these kind of criminals?

Ruthlessly!

I remember teaching a self-protection workshop and having someone actually say, "Brett, that's all great but can't you teach us something less brutal?"

The answer of course is, "FUCK NO!"

If someone physically attacks you, it is your responsibility to defend yourself within the confines of the law, lest you go to prison. But, as the old Cooper saying states, "It's always better to be judged by 12 of your peers than carried by 6."

If someone attacks you, it is your responsibility to do whatever it takes to survive and remain safe. Yes, calling the cops is good, but it may take them 5-10 minutes to arrive. How brutal of an attack can happen in that amount of time.

Don't think about any type of rules, instead fight like a warrior or a feral animal. Use everything that you can to survive and get away.

That's enough for now. I'll talk with you more later.

Yours in peace,

Brett

P.S. Feel free to check out www.brettsliveyourdream.blogspot.com and www.empowernetwork.com/almostasecretphp?Id=bstepan

A Real Life Video About Survival

Here's a quick video that shows a few things:

1.: A real multiple attacker situation

2.: A real multiple attacker with knives situation

3.: A great way to use a kick so you don't get shanked

4.: That survival is more important than "winning"

Here we go:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDa1BCJPHvg

Check it out and see what you think.

Also, if you're looking for some self empowerment and personal development feel free to check out the new blog at www.brettsliveyourdream.blogspot.com

Peace,
Brett

Upcoming Seminars

Hey Everyone,

Just wanted to let everyone know about some up and coming seminars. Of course, you're all invited to join in on the Friday night Self-protection Workshops that happen ever Friday night at 7pm. But, there's some other wonderful seminars coming up.

Saturday, October 19th:
The Super Abs Seminar:
This Seminar, starting at 3pm, will be focusing on how to really train to build incredible abdominal strength. I can guarantee that you don't know the material in this seminar, it'll be the first time that I've actually taught a lot of it. And, it's all stuff that you won't find in any book or magazine. This is the real deal on how to build incredible and super ab strength. Registration is only $50.

　
Saturday, October 26th:
Jiu-Jitsu and Grappling 101:
Join me to explore the wonderful grappling arts of Brazilian and Japanese Jiu-jitsu with a little Judo, Sambo, Submission Wrestling and Catch Wrestling thrown in. Looking for an incredible workout, a great sport to be a part of, an incredible and enjoyable martial art, and a great way to train without getting hurt. Look no further. We'll be going over the basics of these powerful and amazing arts as they apply to grappling and ground fighting. Registration is only $50.

Feel free to register with me at bolerobrett@aol.com or b_stepan@aol .com

Talk with you all soon.
Brett Stepan

The Truth About "Stand Your Ground"

Alright, it's time to have a little tete a tete with some people. It's amazing to me that in the wake of the Zimmerman/Martin trial people are actually boycotting states that have a stand your ground law.

First off, the trial itself had nothing to do with stand your ground. It was a self-defense trial. I repeat, it had nothing to do with "stand your ground."

And second, by boycotting the states that have a stand your ground law, what are you actually doing? You're actually saying to the world that you believe that if someone is attacked they have no right to defend themselves. And even more, you're saying that if someone is attacked in their home they have no right to defend themselves.

In other words, you're saying that the attacker has every right to cripple, maim, injure, rape and kill you and that you have no right to stop them.

Are you fucking kidding me. Especially Mr. West who's been known to physically assault members of the paparazzi. So, it's okay for you to attack someone for taking your picture but it's not okay for them to defend themselves against said attacks.

All I have to say is I firmly believe that it is all of our right and duty to defend ourselves should someone try to hurt or kill us or our loved ones. Trying to take away that right is completely off base and missing the point of the law. I weep for a society that would rather curl up in the fetal position and take a beating, praying that their attacker doesn't kill them then to do everything in their power to stop the assault from happening.

That's all I have to say on this one.

Brett

RIP Master Kelly

Rest in peace Master, Jim Kelly who passed away at the age of 67,

We'll always remember you.

To loosely quote your character from "Enter The Dragon," I hop when death came you were to busy looking good to notice.

Rest in peace.

Brett

The Real Effects of a Knife Attack

This first video is self-protection and edged weapons expert Michael Janich demonstrating the effects of a small blade attack on flesh. From his Paladin Press Video, "Martial Blade Concepts."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=9PWmRWjDhYw

This next video is of Jeet Kune Do expert and trainer to more than 18 Federal Agencies, Paul Vunak showing the effects of a blade attack against flesh. From his PFS video, "Street Safe2."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Nqy95dWUFO8

Self-protection expert and Edged Weapons expert Steve Tarani demonstrating the effects of a curved blade against flesh. From his em3Video, "Mastering the Curved Blade."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=tG_7mz-Qsv8

And a little more from that video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=QWAzGBLYxzE

And some real world examples: (Warning, Graphic images of actual wounds)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=I0d46oSJhq4

Now, while I don't agree with the last statement in the last video where they say that knives don't protect, I will say this: Knives are extremely dangerous. Hand a knife to a 12 year old and you have a 50th degree black belt. Knife attacks are extremely serious. And, the majority of what's taught in Martial Arts Schools as defenses against knife attacks is not only ludicrous, but could easily get someone killed.

The key is to learn how criminals actually use their blades during an actual attack, and then use that to figure out what to focus on in your training.

Now, go out and train hard and I'll talk with you all later.

Yours in peace,
Brett Stepan

P.S. I'm not making any money recommending the above videos, but I'd personally recommend each of the videos that Mr. Janich, Mr. Vunak, and Mr. Tarani all offer. It's more than worth your investment.

3 Specal Seminars Coming Soon!

Hey Y'all,


Just wanted to let you know about three very special seminars that will be coming up soon. I'm offering a registration fee of only $10 to each of them. Email me at bolerobrett@aol.com for more info.

Saturday, June 1:  Surviving a Real World Ground Fight

Saturday, June 8: Self-Protection 101

Saturday, June 15: Surviving a Real World Knife Attack

Again, feel free to email me for more info.

Yours in peace,
Brett Stepan

The B.S. Knife Defense from the movie "Red Belt" and more:

Alright, this first video is to show the B.S. of the knife defense that appeared in the movie "Red Belt." While it was an entertaining film, this knife defense was absolute horse shit. The terrible thing about it is that I've seen martial arts instructors actually teaching it as a real defense since then. Here's a little bit about why it's bad:

Also, I wanted to show a little bit more of the old "Karate" style B.S. Knife defense. In this video you'll see some mistakes that most martial arts make in teaching knife defense. First, starting the attack from too far away thus allowing any technique to work. Second, using an unrealistic attack and then just sitting there and holding your attack out while the defender performs their defensive sequence. Then we'll how a little bit of how a real attack is going to go down. Here we go:

Now, I know, I didn't provide any better alternatives of better defenses in these videos, that'll be for the upcoming seminar and the upcoming DVD.

So, for now, go and train realistically, train smart and train hard. I'll talk with you more later.

Yours in peace,
Brett Stepan

Also, check out the other two blogs at:
www.brettsalphacrew.blogspot.com
and:
www.brettsmartialarts.blogspot.com

A little slice of reality for y'all! (Warning!! Graphic Pictures of the Aftermath of Real World Violence Are Inclued!)

Anyone that  knows me knows that I have a love for and respect for all martial arts. I think that all arts have their strong points and their week points, and all arts serve multiple uses in people's lives. However, this being a self-protection blog, I think that what's taught in the majority of martial arts schools, gyms and dojos will get you killed if you actually have to use it to defend yourself in a real assault.

For example, I'm a grappling junkie. I love the grappling arts and I feel right at home rolling on the mats with people. With or without the gi, I find it to be a blast. I love my Gracie Jiu-jitsu, my 10th Planet Jiu-jitsu, my Judo, My Sombo wrestling, My freestyle/folk style/Greco-Roman Wrestling, my Dumog, my Catch Wrestling, my Submission Wrestling, etc. And I have the utmost respect for wrestlers ad grapplers. That being said, I do find it funny that when I've trained at various grappling gyms I've rarely ever seen any weapons defenses being taught. And I've never found any multiple attacker scenarios being worked on. And you can forget about any armed multiple attacker situations being worked on.

In fact, when I've asked about multiple attacker situations the response that I've been told is, "Worry about being able to handle a single attacker before you even think about more than one." Or, "No one can handle more than one attacker, let's be real and work on just one."

That's a damn shame because multiple attackers is more of the rule than the exception.

Many times, even if it was truly a one-on-one encounter to start off with, others will jump in just to smack someone down a little. I've seen it happen.

And of course, depending on which facts you check out, it's estimated that somewhere between 75 and 85 percent of all assaults involve some form of a weapon. And, the most common weapon is some sort of bladed weapon. A knife, folding knife, screwdriver, razor, box cutter, etc.

Know, for you striking stylists, don't think that I'm letting you off the hook yet. I love my striking arts, too. I'm a huge fan of Kempo, Bagua, Xing Yi, Tai Chi Chuan, Wing Chun, Boxing, Muay Thai, Savate, etc. but again the way that most arts tend to look at real world assaults tends to be far from how they really go down.

I can remember, back in the late 1990's and early 2000's I was a dyed in the wool BJJ man. If it wasn't a grappling art, and especially BJJ, it was nothing in my books. I thought that MMA was the end all be all of the fighting arts. Then I tried an experiment with a buddy of mine.

One of my untrained buddies and I grabbed a marker. We used it as a knife. The marker would, of course, leave marks on me wherever my buddy would have cut or stabbed me. For over an hour I tried to use my BJJ and MMA skills to stop his cuts and every time I left with 10, 20, or more stab wounds to the heart and lungs, the liver and spleen, the kidneys and more. He slashed my throat, gutted me and would have left me dead each and every time. His untrained knife "skills" (which consisted of either going  ape-shit and slashing like a mad man, going Michael Myers and stabbing like lightning, or going "Prison" style and shanking me like a sewing machine) totally ate up my (at the time) 15-20 years of training and experience.

I'm glad that it happened in training. But I'm not the only case.

I think it was Richard Ryan, the creator of Dynamic Combat, that used to start out his knife defense seminars (which consisted of mostly high ranking black belts) an having them practice their favorite knife defenses with each other for about a half an hour. Then, he'd bring in an untrained person and hand them a training knife. In all of the seminars that I heard about not one of the high ranking black belts nor their favorite defenses would have survived the attacks by the untrained person.

The knife is just that deadly.

I could go on with more examples, but let's look at some startling news.

First, even a tiny blade like a box cutter will easily cut through to the bone.
Second, As a blade is cutting you it's not just cutting your flesh, but also you tendons, ligaments, nerves, muscles, arteries, veins, and organs.
Third, it never runs out of ammo.
Fourth, It's a contact weapon, anytime that it lands it does damage.
Fifth, it takes no space to cause damage.
Sixth, it's lightning fast to use and easy to change hands with.

And more.

Let's say your attacker slices the meaty part of you forearm. Guess what? They just took out your flexor tendons and the muses that control your hand. Now you can't form a fist, grab, or hold onto anything.

Maybe they sliced your thigh right above your knee. Hey, now your leg can't support any weight and you'll immediately crumble to the ground.

Slice your Triceps? Now you won't be able to extend your arm to strike or grab.

And these aren't even the "critical" targets like your center of mass or your neck. Imagine the damage that can be inflicted there.

Add to this, loss of blood and shock, not to mention toxins spilling into your system if it's a gut slice and you can see how bad of a world of hurt you'll be in.

Knife defense is a critical, but often overlooked and underestimated area of self-protection.

Take a knife and hand it to a ten year old and they immediately become a 50th degree black belt.

A knife is that dangerous!

Don't believe me?

Go ahead and grab a marker and use it to simulate a knife assault. Have someone take it and go ape-shit on you and see how often what you've worked on in you gym or dojo will save you. I'll be willing to bet that it won't help out a ton...

So, go out and find out what really works. It could save your life.

Here's some of the aftermath of real knife encounters:

Don't let this happen to you. Lear what it really takes to survive.

Now go train smart.

Yours in peace,
Brett Stepan

Also, feel free to check on the other two blogs at:
www.brettsalphacrew.blogspot.com
www.brettsmartialarts.blogspot.com

Welcome To The New Blog!

Hey Everyone,

Welcome to my new blog. Here we are going to look at Real World Self-Protection. Now, before we get started I'm going to tell you this: I'm not a "World Champion" in any type of combat sport. I'm not an MMA Fighter, a Boxer, a Wrestler, or a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Fighter. I'm also not an ex-Navy SEAL, Ranger, Green Beret or anything like that. I'm not even a 10th Dan Grandmaster of any particular art or system. So why should you listen to me? That's a great question.

I've been studying the martial arts and various combat systems since I was a kid, and I have over 30 years of study under my belt. I've trained with everyone from Olympians to World Class fighters to Ex-Military and Law Enforcement Officers. I've also trained with Bouncers and Prison Guards,    Weekend Warriors an Gangbangers. I've studied in World renown Fight gyms and dojos, and I've studied in people backyards and basements. All to find out some of the truths about real world, shit hitting the fan combat.

I've also tested out what I've learned. When I was younger and dumber I found my way into a number of situations that I shouldn't have. I've been attacked by a punk with a knife, a pool cue stick, a hammer and a broken bottle. I've been jumped by two or three people at once. And, I've survived and thrived through the chaos that is real world assaults. As I've grown older and smarter, I haven't had to defend myself, but I've continued to search, study, learn, test and apply various methods, concepts and techniques to find out what really does work when (to paraphrase Gabe Suarez and Marc "Crafty Dog" Denny) real situations get real serious real fast.

Now, in this blog we're not going to look at things that will win you a sports contest. I'm not interested in what's currently being used in the UFC, in the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Mundials, at the ADCC Submission Wrestling Championships, in Boxing or anything like that. I'm only interested in what's going to work in the worst possible scenario.

For example: What do you do when you're startled awake in the middle of the nigh by a home invader and they notice that you've noticed them, so they pounce? Now you're stuck in your bed, wrapped up like a burrito in your blankets, and they're on top of you pounding away at your head with their fists.

Or, what if you're in an elevator and the person next two you is an ex-con that's learned from experience that it's much easier to shank someone in the guts with his blade, then take their valuables, rather than trying to intimidate them; and the next thing you know he's firing that blade into your stomach like a machine gun?

Or, what if you're walking out of the convenience store, across the parking lot to your car and there's a group of 7 or 8 teens with baseball bats. They're a little bored and they decide to make a YouTube video of them beating down and bashing in someone's skull because they know that it'll go viral and they're going to be "famous." So, they pick you and come at you swinging.

Or, what if you're sitting in your cubicle at work and a disgruntled employee kicks in the door and pulls out a few firearms and starts plugging away at anyone that he or she crosses.

These are the type of situations that we're a going to be looking at in this blog. What do you do when the real shit goes down and how to you go about not only surviving, but protecting yourself and your loved ones.

Over the course of this blog we'll look at Attack stopping techniques, principals of survival, concepts that actually work and more.

I hope that you enjoy and that you are never faced with a situation where you'll have to use this type of knowledge. But, if you do, I hope that what you learn will save your ass.

I'll talk with you soon.

Yours in peace,
Brett Stepan