Frequently Asked Questions:
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What do you teach?
This is a true COMBATIVES class. As such we do not teach a single martial art. System wise we teach a combination of Wing Chun, Hapkido, Ninjutsu, FMA (Kali), and security related tactical training (PPCT, HFRG, Active Shooter/Assailant Training, Etc). Wing Chun for the fast strikes, blocks and centerline concepts. Hapkido and Ninjutsu for the takedowns and control techniques. FMA/Kali for weapons training. The PPCT/HFRG training and principles tie it all together and give us a consistent model to work with to ensure that what we are training is combat effective and appropriate for physical confrontation.
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Beyond the actual martial arts, we teach people to be more confident. All schools say this, but we focus on ensuring that your mental state is that of being centered and calm, aware of your surroundings (situational awareness), and focused on your goal, whatever that may be. We achieve this through:
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Physical escalation training that allows you to deal with aggression in your own comfort level, and slowly increasing the aggression to allow you to acclimatize to it.
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Meditative techniques to teach you to find your mental center and hold onto it during time of stress.
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We teach you to read body language. This allows you to read a situation as it starts to become dangerous to you and allows you the opportunity to remove yourself before the issue become physical.
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and much more!
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Why are you called Ronin Combatives if you mostly teach arts other than Japanese arts?
I identify with the concept of the RONIN. As I mention on the home page, the term RONIN was not regarded with any honor at all, but over time, stories like that of the 47 Ronin began to change that. The 47 Ronin endured dishonor and disgrace for years until they had the opportunity to avenge their master, teaching us to achieve our goals by “whatever means necessary”. Like so many before me I started training martial arts as a means to defend myself. I was bullied and beaten daily by multiple kids. Over time I learned that confidence is the best self defense and I was never bullied again. As I grew older I started to teach in varying capacities (listed on the INSTRUCTOR page). I recently started to teach again at a time in my life where everything was in turmoil. Martial arts has been and will always be, my center. I see the world around me in turmoil as well. I see many people without direction, without purpose, and without the confidence to start down a path, any path. I see many “masterless” people walking around, devoid of direction. I have been there to. The term RONIN refers to a “Masterless Samurai”. In today’s world, we are not looking for a “Master” as such, but we are all looking for a place to belong and to help us grow into what we may become. That is the reason for why we are called Ronin Combatives. It is my goal to give people a home away from home. A place to forget the world around them for a few hours a week and learn more about themselves. Learn about what you are truly capable of. To learn that being a RONIN is ok. That through accepting your place in the world around you, as you are, without labels or judgements, that you can become more. Only by letting go of what you think you are, can you become what you may be.
Do you offer courses other than your regular, weekly classes?
Yes, Ronin Combatives regularly offers seminars and courses, in person and online, for those who would like to learn more. Some of the courses we offer are:
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Beginner introductory to Ronin Combatives Basics seminar
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Self defense seminars (General and/or Women only)
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Knife combat seminars
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Impact weapon seminars
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Tai Ji / Pushing & “Listening” hand seminars
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Body Language and Deception Education Seminars
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Active Assailant Response Seminars
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Travel safety seminars
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Security / Loss Prevention Courses (Currently only for licensed and active officers / guards through a licensed company). List available upon request. (See the STUDENT FEEDBACK page for some responses to this training)
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And many more…
All courses can be booked by request if not already posted. A minimum of 10 students is required for courses to run.
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Where does Tai Ji come into all this. Why would a combatives school offer a Tai Ji class?
I have trained Tai Ji in parallel with the other arts and tactical training that I have done since the early 90's. I have found it useful for my understanding of body awareness and to maintain a calm state of mind. While Tai Ji may not be directly great for combat, the things that it teaches help the long term student gain a better understanding of themselves and their relation to others around them, including their opponent.
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Why do I post all this “self help” stuff on social media?
If you follow me on social media you will more often see me post about being present, or awareness, or your overall mental state. I am aware that my school’s name is Ronin COMBATIVES. I should be talking about the best way to put an attacker down, or how to hit someone without getting hurt yourself, or knife defense, or anything that is actually combative. I do talk about those things from time to time as they are important, but I have an underlying belief that makes those aspects of combat take a back seat.
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Let me explain…
First off, I believe that people have been defending themselves since the beginning of time with little to no formal combat training. Everyone knows how to ball up their fist and punch someone where they know, usually from experience, where it will hurt. Everyone knows that getting kicked between the legs is usually quite painful. Everyone knows that if I get attacked by a knife wielding assailant that I want to stay away from the sharp, pointy thing, and I am pretty sure that everyone knows that if I pick up a stick and hit you with it, you won’t like it very much.
I’m not saying that martial arts and tactical training is useless. Obviously there are more efficient ways to cause pain to someone who is trying to hurt you but one thing that I have noticed in studying many styles of martial arts for the last, **cough cough**, 38 years, is that people can make just about anything work.
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I’ve already talked about how many schools just teach moves. They call them techniques and show them to you in a “combative” way, but without all the actual aspects that make those moves actual combat. Now I do understand that there is liability and no one wants to pay every month to get their arm broken or their teeth kicked in, but there are things that we can do to train better. I have been to schools that talk about “the right mindset” regularly, but are not able to expand on the statement beyond that. I have seen schools where the black belts are moving slowly and controlled so no one get hurt, and when tested on their ability to move combatively, cannot. Martial arts is about defending yourself. You can read about my opinions on that in the article “Why black belts get beat up”, so I’m not going to get into that here.
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So what is the most important part of training ?
Your WILL to defend yourself!
That is why I post about being present in everything you do! If you aren’t aware of what is going on in the moment, during a fight you will lose 90% of the time.
That is why I talk about being happy and staying positive! If you are not happy, especially with yourself, you have no reason to actually defend yourself.
That is why I write about never making assumptions, or at least being aware of your assumptions! If you get into a fight assuming that you can kick your opponent’s ass, you are more likely to get your ass handed to you.
For lack of a better way of saying it, you have to have the right mindset. That means you that:
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You have to decide that you are worth defending!
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You have to decide that you are going to defend yourself!
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You have to decide that you will defend yourself BY WHATEVER MEANS NESSESARY!
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You have to decide that you will not give up no matter how much in pain you are!
If you can make those choices, you will be able to defend yourself. You may not win if the odds are stacked against you but as the saying goes:
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What do my students call me?
There are many names that martial arts instructors are called these days. Sensei, Shidoshi, Shihan, Sifu, Lao Shi, Guro, coach, etc. My adult students call me Brad (my name). We are a family here at Ronin Combatives and I spend a great deal of time talking about the evils of the ego, it would be hypocritical for me to place myself on a pedestal and be called some title. I prefer for my students to see me as who I am. Not some exalted master but someone who is on the same path they are. I've just been doing it longer.
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In the kids class they do call me Sensei. It is easier for them to understand and say than Lao Shi. Both just mean "teacher". I feel that the kids need this as they should not be calling an adult by their first name as this shows a lack of respect. It should be noted that the kids I currently teach are all under 10 years old.
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If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I can be reached though the contact form below, or you can read more on the Blog Page on this website.
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