How We incorporate self defense into our karate?(most don't)

When we here the words, Karate, Martials arts, or something similar, we immediately think of self defense. For years, we have grown to think those terms are synonymous. However, over the years, Karate and other martial arts have moved away from teaching self defense, but still say that self defense is taught.

What changed? Over years, martial arts schools slowly have slowly moved away from teaching the essence of self defense. This happened through a number of ways. One is due to the fact that the age of martial arts students have decreased drastically over the years.

In the 70s and 80’s, the youngest martial arts students were teenagers and that was rare. In the 90’s, that dropped to older elementary age like 10. In the 2000’s, the youngest students were around 4 years old. Today, some teach as young as 2, even though I’m not sure that is really martial arts training. Instructors teach to their audience therefore, kids prefer games rather than sparring. Very few enjoyed being punched, so instructors stopped because they didn’t want to lose students.

Second, students want to learn more. They grow tired of doing simple but effective drills. Instructors would create complex techniques so they students could learn something new. Unfortunately, these new complicated techniques rarely work in self defense applications.

So how do we still incorporate self defense in the changing times? No, we don’t just teach easy techniques and let them punch each other hard. We have definitely changed many things we do, but self defense application is still very important.

First, we reduced the amount of striking sparring in our programs like many others have. However, we didn’t just replace it with static solo drills. We replaced it with other forms of dynamic training(sparring) like clinch wrestling and ground fighting. A crazy thing happened that we didn’t expect.

Females, overwhelming, enjoy the clinch wrestling more than any other aspect of karate. When I polled female students, traditional sparring(kicking and punching) was very low on what they enjoy doing. Stand up wrestling was one of the highest.

It is important to change with the times but we must still provide a high standard of what is expected.

Shawn Vicknair

The circle of Life(Martial Arts and Self Defense)

The Martial Arts has become synonymous with self defense. This is something that has been engrained in us at least since I was a kid. Even as a kid, I remember when I earned my Tae Kwon Do Black belt at the age of 12, people would say, “Man, I don’t want to mess with you!” But martial arts training doesn’t necessarily mean that you can defend yourself.

Let me explain with a story. At the age of 14, I was playing basketball with some neighborhood kids in a friend’s driveway. There was a kid who wasn’t well-liked that came around and stole our basketball. He probably just wanted to play but didn’t have the social skills to ask. Either way, I felt confident to get our ball back because I had earned my black belt a couple of years before. I told the kid to give me the ball. He dropped the ball and came toward me. I threw a few round kicks at him but didn’t land them. We grabbed each other and pushed and shoved, and eventually ended up on the ground. The other guys broke it up. Later that evening, my dad came home and asked what happened. I said, “Dad, fighting isn’t at all like sparring in my Tae Kwon Do class!”

The point I’m making is that the skills you learn in martial arts are the same as self defense but there’s so much more to self defense than techniques. Most martial arts training consist of learning a plethora of techniques. We even use some of these techniques in a ‘game’ to work timing and distance. This gets us closer to being able to defend ourselves, but there’s much more to it.

While typing this, I realize that many of you may say, “ I train martial arts for other reasons like fitness, camaraderie, confidence, etc.” I get it, me too. But wouldn’t it be nice to know you could use those to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Now, let’s move on and talk about what is different about martial arts training and self defense training.

Self defense training should include simple but effective techniques that do NOT require much skill to learn. These techniques should work 90% of the time and on 90% of people. It should include pre- and post- conflict training. This includes de-escalation, understanding the ‘use of force’ continuum, when and why to call 911, etc. It should include the use of self defense tools like pepper spray, stun guns, knife, and firearms. This should include how to defend against the weapons as well. Furthermore, Self defense training should include a multitude of ranges. This means all the ranges that one could find themselves in. This includes firearms distance, which could mean as far a a firearm could shoot, to striking range(punching and kicking), grappling/wrestling, and on the ground. Don’t forget walls, cars, and other objects will be all around.

So how is martial arts different?

Well, most martial arts training includes the first aspect of self defense training. It teaches basic and effective techniques to defend yourself. However, very quickly, it moves on to more complex and complicated techniques that you will rarely find in self defense situations. For example, spinning kicks, small joint manipulations, and flying armbars. Also, many martial arts include some sort of sparring, which is great. Unfortunately, it generally is only against people who train like you. For example, strikers only fight strikers, and wrestlers only wrestler against wrestlers. This is great to work your techniques but rarely give you a complete picture of a self defense encounter.

Where does the Circle of Life fit into this?

As I said in the beginning, Martial arts is synonymous with Self Defense. If you start training for the sole purpose of protecting yourself and others, you will eventually learn techniques like flying armbars, but that doesn’t mean you are not training for self defense. It just means that you were probably getting bored doing palm strikes and eye gouges or even shooting at a paper target. Just remember the original reason why you started training. If your martial arts training doesn’t include at least some of the previous self defense training, you’re not training for self defense. You are, at best, learning a few techniques that look like self defense.

Martial arts and self defense training demands constant practice. Remember what the Greek poet Archilochus said, “We don’t rise to the level of our expectations; we fall to the level of our training.”

I hope this shed some light on the circle of martial arts and self defense training. If you would like to start training or get back into it, check us out at LoneStarKarate.com.

Shawn Vicknair

How to pick the right Martial Arts school for your child.

As a parent, you want to give your child the best opportunities to succeed in life. One of the ways to do this is by enrolling them in a martial arts school. Martial arts can provide many benefits to children, such as increased fitness, discipline, confidence, and self-defense skills. However, not all martial arts schools are created equal. Here are some things to consider when picking a martial arts school for your child.

1. Teaching Style: Each martial arts school has its own teaching style. Some schools may focus more on traditional forms and rituals, while others may emphasize practical self-defense techniques. It is important to find a school that aligns with your child's interests and goals.

2. Instructor Credentials: The instructor's credentials and experience are crucial to your child's success in martial arts. Look for a school with instructors who are certified, experienced, and have a background in teaching children.

3. Safety and Hygiene: Safety should be a top priority in any martial arts school. Look for a school that has a clean, well-maintained facility, and employs safety measures such as proper equipment, adequate space, and trained staff.

4. Class Schedule: A martial arts school should have a class schedule that is convenient for your child and fits into their routine. Some schools may offer classes during the day, while others may have evening or weekend options.

5. Class Size: The size of the class can also impact your child's learning experience. Look for a school with a reasonable student-to-teacher ratio, as this can ensure that your child receives the proper attention and feedback.

6. Philosophy and Culture: Each martial art has its own philosophy and culture. Some schools may focus on spiritual growth and meditation, while others may prioritize competition and tournaments. It is important to find a school whose philosophy and culture aligns with your child's values and interests.

7. Trial Classes: Many martial arts schools offer trial classes that allow your child to try out the school before committing to a program. Take advantage of these classes to evaluate the teaching style, safety measures, and overall environment of the school.

In conclusion, choosing the right martial arts school for your child requires careful consideration. Take the time to research and evaluate potential schools to ensure that your child receives the best martial arts education possible. Remember, martial arts can provide many benefits beyond physical fitness, so finding the right school can make all the difference in your child's life.

Top 10 Self Defense tools

Self-defense is an essential skill that everyone should possess. However, in some situations, having the right tool can make all the difference. Here are the top 10 best self-defense tools you should consider:

1. Pepper Spray: Pepper spray is one of the most popular self-defense tools and for a good reason. It is affordable, easy to carry, and very effective. Pepper spray can incapacitate an attacker by causing temporary blindness, difficulty breathing, and extreme pain.

2. Tactical Flashlight: A tactical flashlight is a powerful tool that can blind an attacker temporarily, giving you time to flee or strike back. Many models are built with rugged materials, making them durable enough to withstand harsh conditions.

3. Personal Alarm: Personal alarms are compact devices that emit a loud noise when activated. They can be easily carried in your pocket, purse, or attached to your keychain. Personal alarms can startle an attacker, and the loud noise can also alert others to your distress.

4. Tactical Pen: A tactical pen is an ordinary pen that doubles as a self-defense tool. It can be used as a striking weapon and can also break glass if you need to escape from a vehicle or building.

5. Self-Defense Keychain: A self-defense keychain is a compact tool that you can attach to your keys. They usually come with sharp edges or pointed tips that can be used to strike an attacker.

6. Stun Gun: A stun gun is a handheld device that delivers a high-voltage shock to an attacker. The shock can immobilize an attacker and give you time to flee or strike back.

7. Knife: A knife is a versatile self-defense tool that can be used for both defensive and offensive purposes. It is essential to know how to use a knife properly and only use it in self-defense situations.

8. Brass Knuckles: Brass knuckles are a controversial self-defense tool, but they can be effective in protecting yourself. They are small and easy to carry, and the metal knuckles can inflict serious damage to an attacker.

9. Baseball Bat: A baseball bat is not a typical self-defense tool, but it can be useful in protecting yourself. It is a powerful striking weapon that can incapacitate an attacker quickly.

10. Gun: A gun is a powerful self-defense tool that should only be used by trained professionals. It can be an effective way to stop an attacker quickly, but it also carries a significant amount of responsibility and risk.

In conclusion, self-defense tools can give you an advantage in a dangerous situation, but it is essential to know how to use them properly. Before purchasing any self-defense tool, make sure you research and understand how to use it safely and effectively.

Best Martial Art for a New Student?

So you have decided to start martial arts training. That’s great to hear! Martial arts have been wonderful for so many people throughout the years. I’m sure you will enjoy it as well.

But, What martial art will you pick? Does it matter?

Let’s take a look at some different martial arts and what may be the best for you to start with.

KIDS JUST STARTING OUT

Martial Arts are known for helping kids with confidence, self-esteem, and discipline. But which one is best?

Originally, Martial arts were just for adults and were very brutal. However, in the 90’s, things started to change significantly. Karate and Tae Kwon Do, both, started to see a huge increase in kids. Studies have shown that these programs have done wonders for kids over the years. Other martial arts have come into the mix, but Karate and Tae Kwon Do are the frontrunners for Kids.

But, should I pick Karate or Tae Kwon Do? Well, the real question comes down to what you want. Many Karate and Tae Kwon Do schools will either be more sport oriented or recreational oriented. You will need to find out which schools in your area are which. Just remember that sport oriented schools will require traveling and more costs, so understand that upfront. If you are more interested in your kid learning good character traits, then recreational may be what you want.

HOW DO MARTIAL ARTS ACTUALLY TEACH SELF ESTEEM AND CONFIDENCE?

We have all heard that martial arts teach these character traits. Yes, many do, but how? What exactly is doing it. Well, I believe that the major reason for the increase in these character traits are the learning of Kata(forms) and the perfection of these techniques.

TEENS AND ADULT LOOKING FOR SELF DEFENSE

Once you get older, confidence and self esteem are not the most important drivers of learning a martial art. Usually self defense is the majore reason fro someone looking into martial arts.

So, what martial arts is best for self defense? All martial arts started with a combative focus. Many of the traditional martial arts like Karate and Tae Kwon Do have lost their roots in self defense. They are more focused on the sport or perfection of the technique. That’s great but not for self defense reasons.

Brazilian Juijitsu, BJJ, is another wonderful choice for self defense. Bjj is predominantly focused on the wrestling on the ground. It is a great art and will benefit you in your conditioning as well as self defense. However, many students quit within a short time because of the difficulty of training and injuries for the older students.

That bring us to Krav Maga. Krav Maga is probably the best answer for most people when it comes to self defense training. Depending on the school and the instructors, you can find good curriculum that will give you and wide array of training in different ranges of self defense.

I hope you have learned more about which martial arts are good for certain people. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Shawn Vicknair

Things to Look for when Choosing a Martial Arts School

You have deciding to start lil’ Joey or Joann in Martial Arts. You’ve heard great things about kids doing martial arts. It can builid confidence, Self Esteem, discipline, etc. But where do you start. Here are some things that you should look for.

First, What should you NOT choose a martial art school for?

Many parents will choose a program based on 1 of 2 things, location or fancy sales tactics.

Unfortunately, neither of these are good reasons.

I recognize that location is important because if you can’t get to class, then what’s the point, right?!

The second reason is fancy sales tactics. Martial Arts schools have become big business for some. There are several Martial Arts Franchises. Many of these are owned by non-martial artist and used ‘used car sales’ tactics to get you to sign up right then and pay hundreds of dollars up front. Don’t fall for this!

Before signing up at any school, do some homework.

1. Check out multiple schools. Do NOT sign up at the first place you go to.

2. Who teaches the classes? How long have they been teaching/training? What creditials do they have in martial arts?

3. How many students are in the classes?

4. Don’t worry about which martial art is being taught. The main thing for kids, especially, is the instructor’s ability to teach. Many of you have no idea between Karate, TaeKwonDo, Krav Maga, Aikido, Juijitsu, Goju-ryu, etc.

5. What is the Environment like? Do you feel welcomed? Are parents invited to watch classes?

6. Is it Sport-focused or self defense-focused?

7. What is the schedule like?

8. What are other fees? Testing fees? equipment fees? Competitions? As your child advances, do the costs go up?

I hope this gives you some idea about what you should be looking for.

Also, I’m an open book. If you have any questions, please reach out.

Shawn Vicknair

Owner/Instructor

Lone Star Karate & Self Defense

The nature of Firearms Training

Firearms for self defense have skyrocketed in recent years.  Many more people are interested in conceal carry than ever before.  Gun Control is one of the most talked about issues in the news as well. But the question that I pose, are we better trained at using firearms than before.

The number of guns manufactured in the U.S. have soared in recent years.  According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Guns manufactured in the U.S. rose from 5.5 million in 2010 to nearly 11 million in 2013.  That's close to double in 3 years!  Furthermore, the Center for Crime Prevention estimates that over 16 million adults have some sort of carry permit in the U.S.  The interesting data estimates that only 3 million of the 16 million carry everyday.  Why are these new permit holders not carrying their firearms? Are these new gun owners getting the training that is necessary for a possible self defense conflict?

All over the U.S., we see the opportunity of get these permits, but what is being taught?  Most of these classes teach legalities but no actual firearms training.  You are expected to know how to handle a firearm safely and complete a simple live fire exercise at the end of the class to show proficiency of basic marksmanship.  Unfortunately, these classes do little to teach any amount of training for a self defense situation.  

The nature of self defense training demands a complexity of skills that must constantly be trained.  Adding a firearm only increases the complexity and severity.  Buying a gun and getting a carry permit does nothing to aid in your ability to defend yourself.  This is one of the biggest myths surrounding firearms today.

Deep down, I believe that most people understand this point.  If not, a larger amount of permit holders would carry on a daily basis.  You see, many do not feel comfortable carrying a firearm because they lack basic skills.  And of those who do carry, I believe many of them lack the understanding of the complexity and severity that comes with carrying a firearm.

What types of firearm training is available to the general public?  If you search for firearms training, you will find gun ranges that offer basic gun safety and carry permit classes.  This is the majority of classes that someone could take to enhance their skills. These classes are a couple of hours and will run you hundreds of dollars. The most advanced classes, typically being how to draw your firearm and understand muzzle awareness.  However, I urge you to remember that basic gun safety and handling classes only touch the surface when it comes to the complexity of using a firearm in self defense.

The next level of firearms training are weekend courses. These courses are typically geared toward the tactical community.  The course usually covers a wide range of information and are pretty good for the average citizen. However, These course costs on average about $500 and doesn't cover the costs of ammo.  Ammo for a weekend course is a few hundred dollars.    This is the biggest reason most average citizens do not attend these courses.  Unfortunately,  the price point is just too high. 

What's the average citizen looking to protect him/herself and family supposed to do? 

At Lone Star, we offer classes for the average citizen looking to become more prepared.

Check out our ongoing self defense classes and our weekend courses specializing in offensive gun and knife.

Shawn Vicknair

Owner of Lone Star Karate & Self Defense

Simplifying your training will lead to better results

In a today's world, I see many who continue to pile on to their schedules in effort to become more successful. Many believe that the more we do, the better we get.  Unfortunately, this isn't always the case.

Simplifying your life can be the best thing that leads to happiness. Here's an articlethat speaks to simplifying your life.  You can google more articles that speak to the same thing and how it will make you more productive.

However, today's blog post is about 'Simplifying your training' not your life.  I believe that these two are very similar.  

In training, three things will create success. These are 1.) Simple, 2.) Hard, 3.) Consistent. Yes, that's it.  Period.

We all did science experiments in school, right?  What's the difference between the control group and the experiment group. One thing, That's it.  Only one thing.  It's simple and effective. Why is it effective?  By only changing one thing, you can determine if it works.  If you change too many things, then you will not know which one actually caused the change.  I see this all the time.  People will start a workout program and after a period of time they may see some results, but eventually(due to the novice effect) the results tamper off. The person will scrap the entire program.  They start back at square one instead of finding out what worked and what didn't.  Keep a journal of your training and only change one thing at a time to promote results.  

Hard?  What's hard mean?  Most believe hard is complex. It's not.  Hard is difficult, intense, with effort.  Nothing comes without effort.  However, I will surmise that everyone's level of effort is different.  A person who has never lifted anything over 50lbs. will take a lot of effort to lift 55 lbs.  On the flip side, if a person consistently trains with 100 lbs, lifting 55lbs will be relatively easy and without much effort.  To see results, effort is necessary. 

Lastly, and definitely not least, is consistency.  Consistency is key.  'Rome wasn't built in a day' as the phrase goes.  One of the biggest things that fitness experts agree on is the idea of 'stress, recovery, adaptation'.  When you workout, you stress your body. When you take the next day off, you recover.  Adaptation occurs when you workout again soon thereafter. If you don't, the adaptation will be for nothing and progress will not occur.  This takes discipline and accountability.  

There you have it.  Simple, hard, and consistent will get you to your goals. 

If you are interested in reaching your training goals, whether it is to lose fat, gain muscle, or learn self defense, check out our classes!

Shawn Vicknair

What's a McDojo and why should you care?

What is a McDojo and should we care?  Let's start by defining what a McDojo is.  A martial art's school that is substandard. 

Here's a quick history of what happened?  With the explosion of martial arts in the 1990's and the teaching of martial arts to kids, we saw an increase of martial art's schools being run like a business.  Many of these professional martial art's schools grew significantly.  More traditional garage dojos would call these professional schools, McDojos.  Was it justified?  Possibly.  Most of these professional dojos would sign students up for a 'blackbelt program'. This was a contract for a specified number of years that would guarantee the student 'earn' their blackbelt. The shorter period of time would help the school financially and gain more students.  Another term used was 'blackbelt factory'.  I hope you can see how this happened.  We saw many 6 and 7 year olds walking around Walmart wearing their blackbelts.  The mystic of the blackbelt quickly faded away.  Martial arts over the next decade became child's play.  Most adults stopped training.    Martial arts became big business.  Most owners of dojos didn't even train.  Things have changed over of the years.

Today, adults are looking to start training again. Adults are getting back into martial arts little by little.  However, the McDojo has changed.  The new McDojo is marketing toward 'self defense'.  Martial art's instructors are claiming to be self defense instructors.  This poses a big issue.  On one hand, these instructors claim that their martial art is for self defense.  Another problem is that some only teach avoidance and awareness and say that this is really all you need.  Some may say that by feeling more confident(learning their martial art) you will not need to defend yourself.  Granted, avoidance, awareness, and self confidence can go a long way. However, what happens when it fails and you need to rely on your physical  martial arts training.  This may come as a shock to you, but many of the instructors only teach wrist releases for self defense.  Some may add a few static 'self defense' attacks and call it a day.  This is only fueling a false sense of confidence.  

Yes, you should care about McDojos.  These instructors will advertise toward everything.  They will make you a world champion and capable of handling a group of thugs in no time.  Visit several martial art's schools in your area.  Try out a few classes.  Learn to question what the instructor says.  Don't assume that they know everything. 

Self defense training must include several factors to be complete.  Now, you don't have to get all of your self defense training from one instructor. Most of the time you can't.  Here's a list of things that it needs to include.  An awareness of your surroundings, understanding of your capabilities and limitations, a mindset of self worth,  how to strike effectively, how to grapple(standing and on the ground), an understanding of weapons(offense and defense),  know when to walk away.  This list is by no means exhaustive.  

Tell me what you think.

Shawn Vicknair

Welcome To Our New Website! We’re Proud To Serve Richmond with Kids Martial Arts, Self Defense, and Fitness!

Welcome To Our New Website! We’re Proud To Serve Richmond with Kids Martial Arts!

At Lone Star Karate & Self Defense, we are working hard to go above and beyond for every person who walks through our doors. And you could be next!

We are offering Richmond a hands-on approach to Kids Martial Arts. And you don’t need any prior experience to succeed!

Come visit us at Lone Star Karate & Self Defense and see for yourself what makes us the best Kids Martial Arts facility in town.

Just click on ‘Contact Us’ and fill out the form and stop in for a visit today!

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