Digging Deep!

     No doubt about it, sometimes training can be tough!  Really when you hit the mats sometimes your not physically or mentally there and yet you are pushed to the max.  This can be very, very, very tough.  Sometimes you need to push through or sometimes you body might be begging for a break.  For myself pushing through and digging deeper has always worked.  Really the only time I ever take a break is when I am on vacation and then I stretch lightly and work on some solo stuff and if I am in the mood I check into a local training hall and get a few private lessons in.

      So how do you dig deep?  Myself when I am being pressed and really into a work out I visualize certain things in my life to pull more energy reserves to the front.  When I do this I get a boost and really, really can get after it!  Life experiences from real world encounters is just one way that I dig deep and get after it on the mats.  Another thing I might use is other people’s energy.  Yes if the people I am training with are into it then that really can get me going and keep that energy level high.  However, the reverse can be the same as when other people around you are not into it that will need to be shrugged off.  Bottom line when training you need to give it your all and find different ways to dig deep and get the most out of your time on the mats.

See You On The Mats!

Copyright Instinctive Response Training LLC 2008

Brian R. VanCise

Note: This Blog is opinion only and Instinctive Response Training LLC nor Brian R. VanCise is responsible for any third party actions taken.

Visit Us At: http://www.instinctiveresponsetraining.com/

Looking At Different Systems!

     It is important to see what else is out there and if you get the chance to experience it.  Following are some videos of different systems that are located around the world.

Just a few clips to wet your appetite!

Aikido (Steven Seagal)

Kali (clip from Kali Means To Scrape)

Budo Taijutsu (Ninjutsu With Hatsumi Sensei) 

Krav Maga (FightQuest)

Brazilian Jiujitsu with Rickson Gracie

 I hope you enjoyed them, I know that I certainly did!

Train Hard And Stay Strong!

Copyright Instinctive Response Training LLC 2008

Brian R. VanCise

Note: This Blog is opinion only and Instinctive Response Training LLC nor Brian R. VanCise is responsible for any third party actions taken.

Visit Us At: http://www.instinctiveresponsetraining.com/

Photo Sequence From The Book: Advanced Wrist Strike Techniques!

 

     Okay in 2004 when I was in Japan we went to a Shinto Shrine devoted to the Martial Arts.  It was an absolutely beautiful place and I thank Mike Pearce and Phil Legare for showing us where it was. 

     We went back another time to shoot some video footage that I later turned into a best selling DVD and Hard Cover book titled: Advanced Wrist Strikes.  Wrist strikes or abiniko in the Filipino Martial Arts are quick effective countering techniques that can be used solely for striking or also as an entering point for trapping and locking.  The following sequence from the book and DVD demonstrates the later.

   

   

     In the above sequence you can see a parry, wrist strike, disarm, armbar and finaly a finalization with a leg destruction!

One of my students took the photo’s above and put them into this cool GIF viewed here at our store:  http://www.instinctiveresponsetraining.com/store.html

In The Moment Don’t Think Just Do!

Copyright Instinctive Response Training LLC 2008

Brian R. VanCise

Note: This Blog is opinion only and Instinctive Response Training LLC nor Brian R. VanCise is responsible for any third party actions taken.

Visit Us At: http://www.instinctiveresponsetraining.com/

Hatha, Ashtanga And Doshic Yoga In Alma, Michigan!

Yoga in Alma, Michigan!

     We will be having our first Yoga workshop on this Sunday, March 2nd from 1 to 3 pm.  The teacher Mary Beth Orr has been practicing not only IRT but she also is an accredited Yoga teacher.  This will be an excellent time to train, loosen up your joints and gain mental strength!

    Yoga is an absolutely fantastic form of exercise that focuses on flexibility, balance, coordination, mental strength, peace of mind and spiritual growth.  Come give a class a try and experience the Physical, Mental and Spiritual side of Yoga!

     Many martial practioner’s from around the world have benefited from the flexibility improvement found in Yoga.  You particularly see some Yoga like movements in the Indian martial science of Kalaripayattu!

     Our regular Yoga classes will begin on Monday, March 17th.  Classes will be on Monday’s and Wednesday’s from 5:30 to 6:30 pm!

It Is Important To Train Your Mind, Body And Spirit!

Copyright Instinctive Response Training LLC 2008

Brian R. VanCise

Note: This Blog is opinion only and Instinctive Response Training LLC nor Brian R. VanCise is responsible for any third party actions taken.

Visit Us At: http://www.instinctiveresponsetraining.com/

Maintaining And Controlling Position the Day After!

     Well yesterday we had out IRT - MMA class on Maintaining Position.  This class focused all on getting a position and then maintaining it using certain leverage and angle points.  We worked the Mount very hard, Side Mount, Crossbody, Back and touched on the Half Guard.  Hopefully the rest of the week I will filter in some of the material so that everyone can benefit.

     When you get a position you need to know how to maintain it as well as if you are losing it when to transition.  These are essential things.  The best grapplers utilize quite a few tricks of the trade to maintain their top game and also quite a few tricks to go from a disadvantageous position to a more neutral or even a dominant position.  These skills are what really seperates the decent grappler from the great ones.  Basics need to be worked over and over again until they are second nature and you can when needed exploit your opponents weak spots.

     Anyways the Intensive was a blast and I know that everyone who made it came away with something to work on!

Position Before Submission!  Simple Words To Live By!

Copyright Instinctive Response Training LLC 2008

Brian R. VanCise

Note: This Blog is opinion only and Instinctive Response Training LLC nor Brian R. VanCise is responsible for any third party actions taken.

Visit Us At: http://www.instinctiveresponsetraining.com/

Maintaining and Controlling Position!

    

     Today we will be having an Intensive Training session at our world headquarters here in Alma on Maintaining and Controlling Position.  This is a very important subject because you need to know how to capitalize when you have achieved a dominant position, how to neutralize and imporve upon when you find yourself in a less dominant position.  Little things like understanding when and how you can improve your chances to maintain a dominant position and also when it is better to let it go and transition so that you can reverse and move again into a dominant position.  These tricks of the trade are essential.

     To often I find people who are missing these small skill sets and invariably they have issues maintaining a dominant position.  That makes it very, very hard to control and determine a situation on the ground.  However, show people these small skills and walla they can really make a leap in what they are doing.

     Today we will be working these skills and sweating a bunch!  The mats do not lie and in the end you had better have it together!

See You On The Mats!

Copyright Instinctive Response Training LLC 2008

Brian R. VanCise

Note: This Blog is opinion only and Instinctive Response Training LLC nor Brian R. VanCise is responsible for any third party actions taken.

Visit Us At: http://www.instinctiveresponsetraining.com/

Short Documentary About Martial Arts In The US Army!

    

     Here is a short documentary on the Martial System currently being used in the US Army.  This was developed over time by several individuals but most notably Matt Larsen.  Enjoy.

     Here are some clips from the Human Weapon show on the US Marine Martial Arts of MCMAP!

Marine Final Challenge

     There is alot to learn from Military Martial Arts.  Particularly tool usage.

We All Owe A Debt To Our Military! 

Copyright Instinctive Response Training LLC 2008

Brian R. VanCise

Note: This Blog is opinion only and Instinctive Response Training LLC nor Brian R. VanCise is responsible for any third party actions taken.

Visit Us At: http://www.instinctiveresponsetraining.com/

Hitting The Mats!

     Every time you step on the mats you need to be ready to go.  Anything can happen and usually does.  Last night we got through with our technical training and then when right into some alive training.  Starting it off we went into some Positional Rolling and some Submission Rolling.  Then onto Marking Knife Sparring and then Padded Stick Sparring.  A few other practitioner’s got to go at it Full Contact with Rattan and WEKAF headgear and armor.  You just never know what we are going to do and you need to be ready physically and mentally!

Following is some footage of two practitioner’s submission rolling!  Enjoy the footage!

Just Like In Real Life When It Is Time To Perform You Have To Be Ready!

Copyright Instinctive Response Training LLC 2008

Brian R. VanCise

Note: This Blog is opinion only and Instinctive Response Training LLC nor Brian R. VanCise is responsible for any third party actions taken.

Visit Us At: http://www.instinctiveresponsetraining.com/

The Human Predator!

     There simply is no denying it!  We are a violent species.  We also are caring, compassionate, tender, loving and so much more.  Still deep down at our core the human species is a predatory species.  Our eyes are set together and forward so that we can see our prey and focus on it.  Just like a cheetah’s, lion, wolf, etc.  Prey animals in general have their eyes on the side so that they can keep a sharp lookout. (there are of course some excepetions to this)  Societies rules of behavior or laws and their upbringing keep people in check.  This is important to note.  However, every now and then someone goes outside the law and we in turn need to be prepared to protect ourselves and our loved ones if we are to survive.

     So what to do?  How to prepare?  Where to start?  Well first off you need to be aware that their is a need for you to be prepared.  Once that is accomplish then there are many outlets to get prepared.

Here are some general guidelines:

1)  Be aware of your surroundings and train yourself to notice details.

2)  Have a mindset that you can and will defend yourself and your    loved ones.  

3)  Understand that you will need to train and constantly perfect your skills.

4)  We humans as a whole use tools so work tool usage into your personal defense system.

5)  Have a never give up attitude!

     These are just some basic skill sets that might help you out.  Now when you make that switch to get ready and learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones then it is also time to find a teacher that can show you the way!  Find a teacher whose method works well for you and check out several before you make a commitment!  It is easier than ever to do this because you can look online as well as in person and see what and how different instructors teach.

     There are predators out there who will go outside the law and societies norms.  You do not have to be unprepared for the event if one of them ever attacks you!  Instead Prepare, Train and in the moment you will have a chance!  What more can you ask!

We regularly conduct intensive training for people men and women who are interested in protecting themselves.  Here is just one article: http://www.alma.edu/academics/departments/humanities/womens_studies/MacCurdy_house/events_0607/irtx06   

In The End What You Do And How You Prepare Is Up To You!         

       

Copyright Instinctive Response Training LLC 2008

Brian R. VanCise

Note: This Blog is opinion only and Instinctive Response Training LLC nor Brian R. VanCise is responsible for any third party actions taken.

Visit Us At: http://www.instinctiveresponsetraining.com/                                                                       

Crossing Blades And Loving It!

                                                                                        Dan Anderson and Ken Blackburn

      There is something special about getting out on the mats and working with your friends.  There is something even more special when practicing the specialty of blade work whether Filipino or otherwise.  Now a day’s we are so close and everyone is within only hours of each other due to flight.  Really you can train with almost anyone by having them fly to you or you flying to their location.  So I bring people in from time to time (pretty regularly) to give IRT practitioner’s a different look and feel and also a new experience to build on.  In 2006 we had Dan Anderson a Modern Arnis instructor in and it was simply a blast.  We focused solely on Espada y Daga and rolled with it for a number of hours.  Dan is  good at what he does and in the end we all enjoyed training with him.

Dan’s Website is here:   http://www.danandersonkarate.com/index.html

     More to the point of this Blog post is what you can learn from crossing trianing blades or real ones with someone.  Once you have been practicing for awhile you can see, feel their intent and also their movement.  That is the beauty of it.  You also have a window right to their soul if you are adept enough to pick up on it.  In those moments when you cross a blade you can pick up an intense amount of information.  The flow is always there for you as well all you need to do is let go and enter the Instinctive Response.  If you do this then everything is made clear!

Check Your Ego At The Door And Everything Is Possible!

Copyright Instinctive Response Training LLC 2008

Brian R. VanCise

Note: This Blog is opinion only and Instinctive Response Training LLC nor Brian R. VanCise is responsible for any third party actions taken.

Visit Us At: http://www.instinctiveresponsetraining.com/