CQC techniques to survive the streets

We all live in a dangerous world where crime is rampant and there is uncertainty whether you are safe or not. There is no telling when the next danger will come to us so it is better to be prepared than to be the next victim of a dangerous criminal. 


Today, I will talk about some upper body strikes that will give you enough time to either strike back or escape the danger zone unharmed. Before talking about them, I will talk about safety tips about fighting for your life.

• If someone is attacking you, you are right and the other person is wrong. Their motivation is probably wanting your money or possessions or body, while yours is self-preservation. You have a basic human right to defend yourself and your loved ones. The first means of self defense is escape. In a court of law, if it should get to that point, you can justify your actions through "acting in self defense" only if you took every available opportunity to avoid the fight and every opportunity to escape. If it is clear that you had an opportunity to leave the area safely, but you did not, then it is no longer a case of self-defense, it is now disorderly conduct and assault. You are responsible for taking appropriate action. Being attacked is no cause for killing or maiming when you could have reasonably done less to defend yourself.
• In a self-defense situation, take a "not me" attitude: don't let yourself be the their next target. This starts before the fight, since experienced criminals will choose their victims not by what they are wearing or who they are, but how they act. If you are confident, you will not be the one they target.
• Learn to control both fear and adrenaline as these are some of the most likely causes of mistakes in the beginning of a combat situation. When someone jumps you, you will not only be afraid, but you will be pumped with adrenaline. For those who have a certain phobia, they freeze up. Adrenaline mixed with fear will cause your muscles to lock and all of your knowledge, experience, and motivation will be lost.
• Talk with people who had experience defending themselves about how one would defend one's self in a dangerous situation. 
• If you think that you may be entering any place where an attack could possibly happen, keep some pepper spray with you. This could be an invaluable lifesaver. Never keep a potentially lethal weapon such as a firearm or a knife with you as you may turn a mugging into a fight to the death, especially if the assailant is armed.
• Threatening an assailant with a weapon is a bad idea unless you fear for your life. It is not worth going to jail for murder or getting killed because of something replaceable. Remember, the assailant is most probably stronger and more experienced in fighting than you or he would not have chosen you.
• If this is any sort of domestic situation, you may be wondering at what point it becomes bad enough to warrant you defending yourself. By legal standards, any unwarranted contact is an assault. It doesn't matter if  the person pushed you, it is still an assault, can still be dangerous, and you still deserve to defend yourself.
• Stay cool. Do not panic if someone is acting hostile. That will make the attacker suspect you are weak.

• Do not under any circumstances act tough. Doing this will only anger your opponent or make him think that he has to act tough and the only way he can act tougher is to beat you unconscious.
• Last but not the least, try to run away before coming in contact with a fight.

1. The Eye Gouge

Eye-gouging is the act of pressing or tearing the eye using the fingers, other bodyparts, or instruments. Eye-gouging involves a very high risk of eye injury, such as permanent eye loss. Training in eye-gouging can involve extensive grappling training to establish control, the eye-gouging itself being practiced with the opponent wearing eye protection.

2. The Hammer Fist

A strike with the bottom of a clenched fist, using an action like swinging a hammer, but can also be used horizontally like a backfist strike using the bottom fist.

This strike will not damage the bones of the hands as there is no compression of the knuckles or metacarpals, and there is no leverage to bend the wrist.

3. The Elbow Strike
An elbow strike is a strike with the point of the elbow, the part of the forearm nearest to the elbow, or the part of the upper arm nearest to the elbow. Elbows can be thrown sideways similarly to a hook, upwards similarly to an uppercut, or downwards with the point of the elbow.

Parkour Wall Climbing Techniques

Today, I will post videos on how to move your body efficiently through the environment if you are caught in a dangerous situation. Here are 3 parkour techniques you can use in any situation:

1. The Wall Climb
The wall climb lets you run up a wall and go over it. Here is a video with instructions to show you how it is done.



2. The Cat Leap
The Cat Leap helps you jump from a lower surface to a higher surface using the body's ability to jump but with more power.



3. The Parkour Roll
The parkour roll helps the traceur land safely and reduces the damages taken when attempting to jump from a higher point.

The Fear Inside Of You

Do you have any fears? Of course you do. Everyone does. It is just a part of our human nature and there is nothing we can do to prevent it. The only thing we can do is to confront our fears "face to face" and get over our fears to make ourselves better persons. Hiding from the fear that is deep inside of you will not do you any good and will result to a life of fear. We must know how to face it and stand up for ourselves. If you ignore fear, it won't go away. Here are some of the fears that most people are afraid to confront:

1. Arachnophobia- fear of spiders
2. Haemaphobia- fear of blood
3. Acrophobia- fear of heights
4. Testophobia- fear of exams
5. Catoptrophobia- feaer of mirrors
6. Chaetophobia- fear of hair
7. Pteronophobia- feaer of being tickled by feathers
8. Ergophobia- fear of work
9. Cancerophobia- fear of cancer
10. Necrophobia- fear of corpses
11. Nosophobia- fear of disease
12. Ommatophobia- fear of eyes
13. Leprophobia- fear of Leprosy
14. Genophobia- fear of sex
15. Odontophobia- fear of teeth
16. Traumatophobia- fear of wounds
17. Toxiphobia- fear of poison
18. Psychophobia- fear of the mind
19. Erotophobia- fear of Physical Love
20. Tocophobia- fear of Child Birth

First, what is fear? 


Emotions are a part of our day to day lives. We can not avoid them and our life will be boring without them. One of those emotions is fear. Fear is that emotion which makes us afraid and it is an instinctive response to a potential threat. It is also defined in the dictionary as the feeling of agitation and anxiety  that is caused by the presence or imminence of danger or harm and as an extreme reverence or awe, as toward a higher or supreme power. When a person is afraid, the amygdala and the hypothalamus (both parts of the brain) immediately active to control the physical response of fear. Chemicals in the body such as adrenaline and cortisol (stress hormone) are released into the bloodstream to cause physical reactions like:

• Rapid heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Tightening of muscles
• Sharpened or redirected senses
• Dilation of the pupils (to let in more light)
• Increased sweating

Fear can paralyze you and stop you from achieving your goals. People who experienced fear will often remember that moment when a disaster struck and how time seemed to slow down. Without even thinking about, they would perform superhuman feats that no one can even imagine like lifting a car just to save your loved one without experiencing any pain. The human body has two main responses when it comes to fear and confronting danger: fight or flight.

The Fight or Flight Response

The "fight or flight response" is our body's automatic response that prepares to body to fight or run away from a threat to our survival. When this response has been stimulated, chemicals like adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol are released into the bloodstream. Our respiratory rate will increase, blood is shunted away from our digestive system and into our muscles which is needed for us to either fight or run. Our pupils dilate and our awareness intensifies. Our sight becomes sharper and our impulses will quicken. We will feel pain a little less and the immune system mobilizes with increased activation. Our body becomes prepared physically and psychologically for the fight or for the flight. If the body chooses to fight, the body will transform into an aggressive, combative state in which the body prepares to battle the threat (Learning how to fight and practicing martial arts would help a lot if the body chooses this response). Otherwise, if the body chooses to flee away from the danger zone, it will withdraw from the environment and seek a safer place before cooling down (A little Parkour wouldn't hurt). This are the main responses during danger situations.

Fight

or

Flight

Overcoming our Fears

Overcoming fear will not come to you. You should go to it. Nothing will happen if you just stand around doing nothing if your afraid. Being scared is common. What is not common is that only a few people are willing to face their fears no matter how scared they are. No one ever accomplished anything sitting down and doing nothing. Get out there and go conquer your fear. Do not let any external factor from keeping you to face your fears. We must become versatile enough to not let fear stand in the way of us completing our goals. Never let fear run your life. It is your life, so it is your show. Do not let that fear keep you from doing things that will be better for your growth. Courage is needed for all of this things to happen. Courage is not exactly the absence of fear, but it is the willingness to confront fear no matter the situation. Courage or Bravery is the ability to confront fear, pain, danger, or uncertainty without hesitation. Physical courage is courage in the face of physical pain, hardship, death, or threat of death, while moral courage is the ability to act rightly in the face of popular opposition, shame, scandal, or discouragement. This two kinds of courage are the main weapons in battling fear. No matter what the cost will be, if we face our fears without any hesitations, the rewards will be a hundred times better and as a bonus, you will be less afraid of that certain moment if it happens to pass you by again. 

This is the end of my blog about the emotion fear.

"Courage is endurance for one moment more ..."

-Unknown Marine Second Lieutenant in Vietnam

"Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear."

-Ambrose Redmoon

"The Greatest barrier to success is the fear of failure"

“Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.”

One Mind, Any Weapon

MCMAP ( Marine Corps Martial Arts Program) is a combination of hand-to-hand CQC ( Close Quarters Combat) technique developed by the US Marine Corps that they call the "Warrior Ethos". This program trains Marines and US Navy personnel attached to Marine Units in unarmed combat, edged weapons, weapons of opportunity and rifle and bayonet techniques. It also teaches them the mental and character development including responsible use of force, leadership and teamwork. It has been given some nicknames like semper fu (a portmanteau of the USMC's motto "semper fi" and "kung fu"), MCSlap, MCNinja, and the New Bushido.


This is how the fighting style came about:

The goal of the USMC in combat is to close with, and destroy the enemy, by fire and maneuver, and assault by fire and close combat. A Marine has always been feared for his aggressiveness and lack of fear no matter the circumstances. All this are taught to all men and women upon recruit training, where they will also learn MCMAP.

The Program undergone a lot of changes through the years. The Corps developed a martial arts program that has yet to be rivaled. It all began with the Continental Marines, who were known to be expert marksmen of Naval Ships, to their skills as boarding and landing parties with their rifle, sword, and bayonet. The Marines tried to develop their skills the succeeding years. Before and during the First World War, the bayonet skills were supplemented with the training of unarmed combat techniques especially in trench warfare.Guided by leaders, the Marine Corps developed a spirit that is now known today as Honor, Courage, and, Commitment.


This Training continued to evolve up to World War II. As World War II called upon the Marine Corps, individuals developing specialized training based upon the experiences of Marines from the inter-war years, including exposure by Marines that were stationed overseas, who had the opportunity to study far eastern martial arts systems such as judo, karate, and jujitsu. The techniques of Major Dermot O'Neill and Lieutenant Colonel Rex Applegate were introduced to Marine units and all of these were employed by Marines during the Island Hopping Campaigns in the Pacific. Additionally, the rapid expansion of the Marine Corps saw a refinement to the Marine's character and leadership programs.


During the post-Vietnam War, the Marine Corps needed to make changes and develop a new martial arts system. In 1980, the USMC developed the LINE System (Linear Infighting Neurological Overriding Engagement). The Line System,was an important step in the evolution of a Marine Corps specialized martial art. The concept of the LINE system was that when attacked the defender would destroy the enemy's attack by manipulating joints, breaking joints, and damaging nerves. The pain that was inflicted on the enemy would cause his Central Nervous System to go into break down, disrupting all continuous thought process.




In 1996, a review of the LINE system was conducted on how effective it was from lessons learned and due to the mission of the Marine Corps changing from combat operations to Missions Other Than War (MOTW), and peace keeping missions, there was need for a new system that would adapt to different situations and fit the mission that the specific unit has. There would be a difference of a Marine between defusing a conflict during peace time and defusing it during hostile environment. General Jones, the Commandant of the Marine Corps at that time, gave specific orders on his vision of a Martial Art Combat Program, as well as other programs outside the Marine Corps that would best fit the needs and mission of the Corps. General Jones wanted a martial art program that could be used in any environment, terrain, or situation. He also wanted something that would keep a Marine naturally competitive. General Jones chose 10 subject matter experts from numerous martial arts disciplines to develop the Marine Corps Close Combat Program currently used by the Marine Corps. 


The 3 Disciplines of MCMAP:

MCMAP is a synergy of mental, physical and character disciplines. MCMAP was implemented to increase combat efficiency, as well as to increase the confidence and leadership abilities of Marines. Marines are required to develop the mind, body and spirit simultaneously and equally. Safety is also important, so equipment such as mouthguards and pads are used in conjunction with techniques such as half-speed practice and break-falls to prevent injury during training.


Mental
Warrior Studies focus on individuals that have shown exemplary service on the battlefield, as well as discussion and analysis of combat citations. Martial Culture Studies focus on societies that make the Marine warriors either primarily or exclusively. Some of the martial cultures that are studied are the Marine Raiders, Spartans, Zulu and Apache. By studying these cultures, Marines learn fundamental tactics and methods of the past and reconnect themselves with the warrior ethos of the Marine Corps. Combative Behavior studies interpersonal violence, as well as Rules of Engagement and the Force Continuum, which dictates when and how much force can be used in response to the mission, up to and including lethal force. 


Character
Development of this discipline involves discussion on Marine Corps core values, ethics, and good citizenship. An instructor can fail a Marine if he or she feels that the student does not adequately possess honor, courage, and commitment. Some belts also require the approval of the commanding officer before awarded. The force continuum is discussed, allowing a Marine to responsibly use the minimum amount of force necessary, including lethal force. Leadership qualities are also stressed.


Physical
In MCMAP, only a third of the training involves techniques and physical development. The physical discipline includes the training of fighting techniques, strength, and endurance. This discipline also includes sustainment of skills and techniques already taught, in order to improve skill as well as develop weak-side proficiency. Ground fighting, grappling, pugil fights, bayonet dummies, and other techniques are used to familiarize Marines with the application of the techniques used. In addition, physical strength and endurance are tested and improved with various techniques that often require teamwork or competition, such as calisthenics, running with full gear, log carries, and boxing matches. Techniques can also be practiced in water or in low-light conditions to simulate combat stress.


Techniques

Tan Belt

The tan belt syllabus focuses on the development of the basics of armed and unarmed combat. Students start with the Basic Warrior Stance and break-falls are taught for safety, then move to:

• basic punches, uppercuts, and hooks
• basic upper-body strikes, including the eye gouge, hammer fists, and elbow strikes
• basic lower-body strikes, including kicks, knee strikes, and stomps
• bayonet techniques
• basic chokes, joint locks, and throws
• counters to strikes, chokes, and holds
• basic unarmed restraints and armed manipulations
• basic knife techniques
• basic weapons of opportunity

Students must prove proficiency with 80% of 50 techniques to pass and earn their belt. The tan belt syllabus is part of The Basic School and recruit training curriculum.

Gray Belt

The gray belt syllabus expands on the basic techniques with:

• intermediate bayonet techniques
• intermediate upper-body strikes including knife-hands (karate chops) and elbow strikes
• intermediate lower-body strikes including kicks, knee strikes, and stomps
• intermediate chokes, joint locks, and throws
• counters to strikes, chokes, and holds
• intermediate unarmed restraints and armed manipulations
• intermediate knife techniques
• basic ground fighting
• intermediate weapons of opportunity

Green Belt

The Green belt technique shifts focus from defensive to offensive techniques with:

• intermediate bayonet techniques
• muscle gouging
• intermediate chokes, joint locks, and throws
• counters to strikes
• intermediate unarmed manipulation
• intermediate ground fighting
• advanced weapons of opportunity

Brown Belt

• advanced bayonet techniques
• advanced ground fighting and chokes
• advanced throws
• unarmed vs. hand held weapons
• firearm retention
• firearm disarmament
• advanced knife techniques

Black Belt 1st Degree

• advanced bayonet techniques
• advanced chokes, holds, and throws
• advanced ground fighting
• basic counter firearm techniques
• advanced upper-body strikes, including strikes and smashes
• advanced knife techniques
• pressure points
• improvised weapons

Black Belt 2nd Degree

• rifle vs. rifle
• short weapon vs. rifle
• unarmed vs. rifle

This is MCMAP. MCMAP, for the USMC, could be the decisive factor between life or death. These men and women sacrifice their lives to make the world safe so never belittle them in any way.

*a special thanks to wikipedia for the information regarding the disciplines and the techniques of MCMAP*

Start the Year with a BANG!

Happy New Year!! Today is the first day of 2011 and the whole world is going to celebrate the coming of this year. Everybody has their own way of celebrating their New Year and it is one of my favorite holidays. Each one observes some New Year traditions. Here are some of them:

Eating Lucky

• Black-eyed peas and lentils eaten on New Year’s Day are said to wealth and safety for the whole year.
• Eat 12 grapes, one grape for each month of the year, for prosperity.
• Eating pork on New Year’s Day is lucky because pigs eat moving forward. Therefore, those who eat pork will move forward in the coming year.

Lucky Fashion

• Wear something new on January 1st. It means that new clothes will be brought to you.
• Wear red underwear on New Year’s Eve to bring luck.
• Wear red clothing on New Year’s Day.

Acting Lucky on New Year's Eve

• Every door and window should be left open at midnight on to let the old year out.
• Make lots of noise at midnight. Evil spirits attempt to come into the brand new year at this time – horns and whistles chase them away.
• Dancing around a tree ensures luck, love, and prosperity.
• There should be money in your pocket at midnight.
• The pantry should be well stocked.
• Kissing your spouse or significant other at midnight ensures that you will remain intimate with that person. To not kiss means a cold relationship for the year.
• A woman shouldn’t speak until a man says "Happy New Year."

Acting Lucky on New Year's Day

• A first-footer is the first person through the door after the stroke of midnight. This person should be a good-looking, dark-haired man. He has to knock and be let in. He would ideally be carrying a piece of coal so the house will always be warm, bread so the household will always have food, money, and greenery for long life. The first-footer brings extra luck if he happens to have a high in-step.
• The first words you hear in the minutes of the New Year will set the precedence for the entire year.
• Do something you are good or successful at on New Year’s Day. This will tell how the rest of the New Year will go.
• Any baby born on New Year’s Day has good luck the rest of his/her life. The baby also brings good luck to the family.
• Nothing goes out. The flip version of this rule is that nothing goes out until something new comes in.
• No money should be spent.
• No sweeping or dusting the first day of the year. The good luck could be swept out. If you have to sweep, you should sweep towards the center of the house and use a dust pan.
• No crying January 1st, or you will be crying all year long.

Being Superstitious

• First-footers can’t have flat feet, be cross-eyed, or have eyebrows that meet in the center.
• A first-footer can’t have blond or red hair, and a woman first-footer would be disastrous.
• Poultry should never be eaten on January 1st. Poultry scratch for their food, so those who eat poultry will "scratch" for their food all year.