The kinetic chain is one of the most important ideas in martial arts, even if many students do not hear the term right away. In simple terms, the kinetic chain […]
self defense
How Can I Tell the Difference Between a Real Shillelagh and a Fake One?
The best way to judge a shillelagh is to combine wood characteristics, construction and provenance. Color alone is unreliable because genuine sticks may be stained, smoked, varnished or heavily polished. […]
The Shillelagh in Song and Rebellion: Ireland’s Soundtrack of Defiance
When most people first see a shillelagh, they think of an Irish walking stick. They may picture an old gentleman strolling down a country road, a blackthorn stick resting comfortably […]
Fundamentals of Power Generation
Training Tip #9 – Fundamentals of Power Generation Power Generation in Irish Stick Fighting As an art that involves striking with a bata, understanding how to generate power is a […]
Difference Between Drills and Open Practice
Training Tip #8 – The Difference Between Drills and Open Practice The Difference Between Drills, Open Practice, and Sparring Proper practice makes perfect. More accurately, proper practice makes permanent. Whatever […]
Principle Based Instruction
Training Tip #7 – Principle Based Instruction We believe in principle-based instruction. Today’s training tip is a principle that will change the way you train. When you are learning new […]
Combination Striking
Training Tip #6 – Combination Striking In our first two Levels, you have had a chance to see and practice each of the core 9 Gates strikes and strike angles […]
Anatomy of the Shillelagh
Training Tip #5 – Anatomy and Properties of the Shillelagh As a weapon, it has some VERY unique properties vs the common misconception of it just being a “stick”. First […]
9 Gates of Attack and Defense
Training Tip #4 – 9 Gates of Attack and Defense One of our prior tips was focused on how to set up your training area and make full use of […]
How to Find Success as a Student
Training Tip #3 – Success Factors in Becoming a Better Student Any good student does research and invests the time to REALLY understand the subject matter of whatever they are […]