March 13, 2008
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From the Desk of:
Shidoshi Jeffrey Miller
Thursday, March 13th, 2008
1:38PM EST Time
In this Issue:
Feature Article: "Learning To Fight Smarter - Not Harder"
The Secret Within The Secret: Correctly Applying Wrist Locks
Update on the Accident
Spring Ninja Training Camp '08
REMEMBER: Power is created by motion and flow. Add power to your own experience and knowledge by passing this newsletter on to others.
ACCIDENT UPDATE...
Well, here it is... March already, and it seems like the past six months have been a blur. For those of you who have been keeping up on my progress, you know that my back has been getting better. To the point where I'm now back out on the floor teaching several classes a week. I'm also planning to be in Japan from the 1st through the 15th of April - making up for the training I missed in October!
The issue that remains is the damage caused by the concussion that I sustained when I was knocked out by my airbag. I have been seeing neurology specialists and undergone extensive testing to get a better idea as to the extent of damage. This has included everything from MRI's to day-long testing on cognitive function (memory, processing, etc.). I have a follow-up appointment on the 24th to get the results of the latest round of testing. Depending on that, I'll know better what lies ahead on the road to recovery.
As a side-note, and because I've fielded many questions regarding it, the answer is "yes." Yes, the medical bills are mounting. Even with the insurance and the prospect that the other guy's insurance carrier will pay much of what's been coming in, at this point the total that I am personally responsible for is well over $10,000.00 US! Ever see the price tag for an MRI? WOW!
Anyway, just wanted to keep everyone up-to-date on what's going on and again apologize for not putting this newsletter out more often. From this point on, I will endeavor to get you something at least two or three times a month.
For more information about the accident, and a f*ree article on how it relates to training, you can read the entry on my blog at: http://warrior-concepts-online.blogspot.com
Books and Videos by Shidoshi Miller
Kubotan: Self-Defense Keychain Training Manual
The Karate-Myth (includes another bonus book and 3 fr*ee special reports!)
The Danger Prevention Tactics DVD
Takagi-Yoshin Ryu Shoden no Maki DVD
Feature Article...
"Learning To Fight Smarter
- Not Harder"
by Jeffrey M. Miller
One of the main reasons that I was drawn to the martial art of Ninjutsu (I know, it's now called Budo-taijutsu), was the fact that it was not only more complete than what I had experienced before, but...
...it involved learning to think strategically, both in the way you deal with an assailant, AND in the way you go about moving your own body to do the work required.
In other articles, I've described this trimming away of unnecessary baggage as a sign of a true master or professional in any field. The idea is that, with knowledge and experience, we are able to do less and still get the same or better results.
Nothing could be more valuable in a life-or-death confrontation with a brutal attacker, than having the ability to work less than he is, and still beat him.
In my book "The Karate-Myth", I discuss the realities of the way our bodies are hardwired and the natural responses that occur during work and moments of intense stress, like what takes place in a self-defense situation.
It's during these times when we must live by the primary rule of survival...
Energy Conservation
This rule also applies to warfare. It states simply that...
"... after the battle's over, the one with the most resources left... WINS!"
Said another way, "if you spend more energy than the results you get back, you're not going to make it."
A real street fight, or a self-defense encounter with a determined attacker, is not like professional wrestling (bet I struck a nerve there!). Once your body is beaten to the point of being drained of energy, you don't miraculously come back to pick up a guy who weighs twice what you do so you can pile-drive him into the mat.
This is real-life.
In real life, you only have so much energy stored in your muscles in the form of glycogen that will allow you to operate quickly but for only so long.
In real life, you can only get hit so much and so hard before your body breaks or begins to shut down to protect itself.
In real life, you only have seconds to finish him or escape - not minutes like you see in tournaments or in the movies.
Do you get the picture?
In real life, you must learn how to conserve vital energy, strength, and power while still delivering maximum damage to your opponent. If you can't do that...
...you lose!
Principles to Live By
Here are some principles and concepts from the ideas presented in my newest book, "Fight Smarter - Not Harder!". They're a good place to start when learning how to maximize your resources and minimize what you're giving up to the bad guy in a fight.
- Use distance to prevent him from getting at you easily. Either too close, or too far, depending on his reach, weapon(s), and "style" or mode of attack.
- Tune in. Pay attention to his intention and remember that, "thinking about attacking IS attacking." The better able you are to read his intention, the better able you're likely to be in making sure you're in motion before his punch, grab, or kick starts.
- Relax! I know, easier said than done, right? But the truth is that you can be your own worst enemy if you are using up more energy than you need to get the job done.
- Use the element of surprise. Feign weakness, fear, retreating, whatever. Then, when he's buying your "story," suddenly change and launch your attack exactly where he's left himself open.
And finally...
- Keep it simple! You're not going to win any points or get a standing ovation because you were tricky or used a complicated move. What you do get is to go home and see tomorrow with a renewed thankfullness for being on this side of the grass.
You want to be tricky and impress people? Become a magician.
You want to stay alive and well in the face of danger?
Learn to conserve your energy, ration your strength, and stay focused on what's important.
Want to be a real master?
Learn to fight smarter - not harder!
Want to know more about the things you didn't know you didn't know when it comes to really mastering self-defense? Check out the Takagi-Yoshin Ryu Shoden no Maki DVD
It was shot live during one of the Shidoshi's training seminars and includes the techniques, strategies, and foundational lessons of the Takagi-Yoshin school, one of the 9 lineages contained within the Bujinkan Dojo.
A note of warning though, if you're looking for motion picture quality sound and video, you'll be disappointed. But, if you;re like most and are looking for the information, then this DVD will provide you with enough to keep you busy for months! It breaks through the myth that the jutaijutsu is a grappling art, and sheds light on the skills you'll need to bring this centuries old art to life in the 21st century!
Annual Spring
Ninja Training Camp '08!
An Intense Weekend of Training
w/Shidoshi Miller
May 16th - 18th, 2008
Held in the quiet, expansive, wooded hills and low mountains of east-central Pennsylvania, the annual Spring Ninja Training Camp gives participants the opportunity to focus on training for one, solid, intense, weekend in a setting not unlike those of our spiritual ninja ancestors!
This year's theme is: Mastering The Ninja Sword
Shidoshi Miller will be focusing on the lessons, strategies, tactics, and techniques passed down through the ages by the Ninja of Togakure. You will learn, not only how to use the Ninja's sword, but also learn how to use it in conjunction with metsubishi "blinding powder", shuriken, and more.
There will even be a chance to get in some live cutting practice!
Shidoshi Miller will be joined by several guest Shidoshi and senior instructors from both WCI and from around the world, so this is one seminar you definitely won't want to miss. The cost is just $150 for the weekend if you register and pay by April 15th, 2008. After that, the regular cost of $199 US will be charged. To get more information about our annual Ninja Camps, go to: Our Ninja Camps page.
Space will be extremely limited due to the subject matter and the live sword work so reserve your place now. To register, call the Academy at (570) 988-2228. You may pay with a check, money order or Visa or Master Card. A $50 deposit is required to hold your place with the balance paid before the deadline. Please note that balances carried past the early registration deadline, will be adjusted for the higher rate.
Speaking of training...
Don't forget that I'll be in Japan from April 1st through the 15th. I'll be hosting a special "Japan Recap" Seminar during the weekend of April 26th & 27th, so I can share some of the lessons that I'll be picking up during my trip.
I'll have a download-enabled flyer and registration page up in a few days, as-well-as a link from the home page. So be sure to check the site often!
So, mark your calendars and let's kick off your training right this year - Bujinkan style!
Want to send me something?
You may send questions, comments, or "what-if's" for inclusion in the newsletter using the CONTACT form on the web site - or cut and paste this link into your browser: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/contact-longdistance.html
Just remember to keep your communications clear and to the point (limit each correspondence to ONE point, please). Any comments or questions received that are not easily understood or rife with spelling and grammar errors will be deleted. It's not that I don't want to answer but, if I can't understand your point or what you mean, I can't answer in a way that will be beneficial.
Until next time.
Dedicated to your training success!
Shidoshi Jeffrey M. Miller
Founder & Director
Warrior Concepts International
Self-Protection & Personal Development
362 Market Street
Sunbury, Pa. 17801
USA
(570) 988-2228
"Master Your Self - Master Your Life!"