May there be many more to come, and may we all be around to see them!
Tuesday, December 31, 2019
Happy New Year 2020 - And Blog Milestone - 800th Post
A double event, it's New Years Eve 2020 and this marks the 800th Post here at Blackthorn.
May there be many more to come, and may we all be around to see them!
May there be many more to come, and may we all be around to see them!
Monday, December 30, 2019
"In-Fighting" For Combatives
This very brief article was written by my former Instructor, the late Carl Cestari. What follows is advice on how to properly use elbow strikes, as well as what techniques to use for what is referred to these days as "Fighting in the Clinch". The old school boxing term for this was "In-Fighting" which works for me because, well, I'm not exactly young anymore. ;)
“ELBOWS & FISTS”
By: Carl Cestari
My only real input on the various elbow attacks of Muay Thai is to make SURE you CLOSE your hand into a TIGHT FIST when you use these strikes. I believe that in the convulsive adrenaline surge of a real balls to the wall street fight you will DO THIS anyway, you are also PROTECTING your fingers from ANY "expected"(Uncle Murphy) mishap. It really DOESN'T affect the technique. It may seem to reduce speed a bit, BUT remember that POWER is MORE important than "blazing" speed in a STREETFIGHT.
Also it is EASIER to combine brutal punching attacks with follow-up elbow battering if your hands are already CLOSED.
Your up close and personal arsenal should include:
Head butting.
Chin grinding.
Biting.
Spitting.
Dirty clinch tactics.
Elbows.
Knees.
Stomps.
“ELBOWS & FISTS”
By: Carl Cestari
My only real input on the various elbow attacks of Muay Thai is to make SURE you CLOSE your hand into a TIGHT FIST when you use these strikes. I believe that in the convulsive adrenaline surge of a real balls to the wall street fight you will DO THIS anyway, you are also PROTECTING your fingers from ANY "expected"(Uncle Murphy) mishap. It really DOESN'T affect the technique. It may seem to reduce speed a bit, BUT remember that POWER is MORE important than "blazing" speed in a STREETFIGHT.
Also it is EASIER to combine brutal punching attacks with follow-up elbow battering if your hands are already CLOSED.
Your up close and personal arsenal should include:
Head butting.
Chin grinding.
Biting.
Spitting.
Dirty clinch tactics.
Elbows.
Knees.
Stomps.
Sunday, December 29, 2019
Better Living Through Alcohol
A 2007 Study shows that wine kills the bacteria that cause Sore Throats and Dental Plaque.
Who Knew??
A 2007 study published in The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry explored wine’s ability to fight off oral streptococci and Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria cause dental plaque and sore throats, respectively.
The bacteria had the poorest survival rate in wine and grew the most in milk and water. Beer and soda allowed only a small about of bacteria to survive. Researchers surmised that the acidity of the beverages was related to whether or not the bacteria survived. And they suggested that their findings would be helpful to people traveling to places where traveler’s diarrhea is common.
What was more surprising was that the scientists learned that neither wine’s alcohol nor its acidity is responsible for its antibacterial properties. Instead, it’s due to a group of organic compounds found in the alcoholic beverage.
The researchers isolated the compounds, including lactic, malic, succinic and tartaric acids. They then neutralized the compounds’ acidity and tested their bacteria-fighting capabilities. (1, 2)
They learned that, when isolated, these compounds were more effective at killing bacteria than wine. Each compound killed more than 99.9% of the oral streptococci and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria they were inoculated with. Because of this, the researchers think that something present in wine may decrease its ability to kill bacteria.
Who Knew??
Wine Kills Germs That Cause Sore Throats And Dental Plaque, Says Awesome Study
Wine Kills Germs
You’ve probably heard about the health benefits of wine and internally rolled your eyes a bit. Sure, wine goes great with dinner, but it can’t actually make you healthier, right? Well, what you might not know is that a glass of cabernet can help you fight off your next sore throat.A 2007 study published in The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry explored wine’s ability to fight off oral streptococci and Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria cause dental plaque and sore throats, respectively.
Bacteria Beware
But this study isn’t the first to research wine’s antibacterial properties. In a study published in 1988, researchers put pathogens that cause gastrointestinal infections into seven common beverages. Scientists inoculated wine, beer, sour mix, soda, diet soda, milk, and water with Salmonella, Shigella, and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. After two days, they took a count of how much bacteria was left in each beverage.The bacteria had the poorest survival rate in wine and grew the most in milk and water. Beer and soda allowed only a small about of bacteria to survive. Researchers surmised that the acidity of the beverages was related to whether or not the bacteria survived. And they suggested that their findings would be helpful to people traveling to places where traveler’s diarrhea is common.
A Glass of Wine for a Sore Throat
The study from The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry is the first to research wine’s effects on germs in the mouth. They found that both red and white wine kill the bacteria that cause dental plaque and sore throats. And red wine is slightly more effective in fighting bacteria than white wine is.What was more surprising was that the scientists learned that neither wine’s alcohol nor its acidity is responsible for its antibacterial properties. Instead, it’s due to a group of organic compounds found in the alcoholic beverage.
The researchers isolated the compounds, including lactic, malic, succinic and tartaric acids. They then neutralized the compounds’ acidity and tested their bacteria-fighting capabilities. (1, 2)
They learned that, when isolated, these compounds were more effective at killing bacteria than wine. Each compound killed more than 99.9% of the oral streptococci and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria they were inoculated with. Because of this, the researchers think that something present in wine may decrease its ability to kill bacteria.
So Remember, if you have a problem.........
Saturday, December 28, 2019
Opposing Viewpoints On The "2nd Ammendment Sanctuary Cities/Counties" Movement In Virginia
It will certainly be interesting to see how this plays out next year and whether the State Legislature will actually enact all the Gun Restrictions they are proposing or whether this pre-emptive resistance will cause them to reconsider any of what they are proposing. Additionally, one of the proposals about restricting magazine capacity could be come Moot if, or more likely when, the current Civil Rights case winding it's way through the California Federal courts make it to SCOTUS. Considering the current make-up of SCOTUS at this time, I believe things will not go well for the California State Attorney Generals Office.
If the decision in Duncan vs Berrera is against Cailfornias latest magazine restriction ban goes against the state, every magazine ban in the country will fall by default. This case has the potential to be as big as Heller.
I believe 2020 will be an interesting year for Gun Rights in 21st century America.
First, the Pro-Sanctuary Current situation;
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/washington-secrets/uprising-90-of-virginia-counties-join-gun-sanctuary-movement-expands-to-9-states
Now, the opinion of the Virginia State Attorney General;
https://wtvr.com/2019/12/06/attorney-general-virginia-2nd-amendment-sanctuary-01/
If the decision in Duncan vs Berrera is against Cailfornias latest magazine restriction ban goes against the state, every magazine ban in the country will fall by default. This case has the potential to be as big as Heller.
I believe 2020 will be an interesting year for Gun Rights in 21st century America.
First, the Pro-Sanctuary Current situation;
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/washington-secrets/uprising-90-of-virginia-counties-join-gun-sanctuary-movement-expands-to-9-states
Now, the opinion of the Virginia State Attorney General;
https://wtvr.com/2019/12/06/attorney-general-virginia-2nd-amendment-sanctuary-01/
Friday, December 27, 2019
An Outline For Combining Combatives & Grappling For Personal Protection
This is for all those that believe my old Instructor, Carl Cestari, ever thought that a solid grounding in Grappling shouldn't be part of their Personal Protection training along with Combatives. (Article circa 2003);
“Your Personal Self Defense Program”
by Carl Cestari
The following is a base line, “nuts and bolts” approach designed to get you the maximum
output from the least amount of input time. Remember, anything you do is better than
nothing. This is not meant to detract from any serious course of training you are doing
now.
This method of self training has been proved to work. It is designed to bring you up from
no previous training OR even serve as an adjunct to your current training.
BARE MINIMUM (Better than nothing)
1. The Old School Series – This will give you the background and the fundamentals
you will need.
(Go To: http://www.carlcestari.com/1-os1-os5-old-school-series-set-of-5-by-carl-cestari)
2. The Seminar Series – Here you will discover a few drills along with some added
tidbits of information like, how to REALLY strangle someone in 0.5 seconds.
(Go To: http://www.carlcestari.com/12-the-fairbairn-seminar-by-carl-cestari )
3. Get a Spar Pro or BOB – This will give you a realistic target so that
you can really develop power and condition your weapons. It will also desensitize
you a bit and prepare you for really hitting someone. I have known a lot of
“thick” people, but none of them ever looked like a heavy bag. Also, the Spar Pro
gives you a chin, collar bone, neck and all the essential target areas you will want
to focus on. You will also be able to practice strangles and gouges as well!!
4. Develop a combination YOU like. One long range (eg- front kick w/ drop step,
tiger claw, edge of hand, chin jab upper cut, knee), one mid range (Short axe
hand, long axe hand, chin jab uppercut, knee) and one close range combination
(Ear box, eye gouge, knees). Choose combinations you are comfortable with. If
you have one arm however, you may not want to practice the ear box…. Practice these until
you curse the day you heard from me, and then do 11 more.
5. Get your self in better shape.
LEVEL 1 (Better than the minimum)
6. Sucker a friend into practicing with you. Especially for the grabs and holds
practice. You should get used to moving with another person and pushing them
around. Remember to continually take ground and knock your man off balance.
(Remember always be where he is standing)
LEVEL 2
7. Start training in Judo or some other grappling method. The reason I choose Judo
over anything else has more to do with the overall impact and effect rather than
technique. I like wresting and Brazilian jujutsu but judo willgive you what you want.
Even if you only go once a week.
Why Judo is appealing:
A. Most Fights start standing - going to the ground is discouraged in Judo. It
is not the goal to take the guy to the mat. You will develop a good defense
quickly. You will become difficult to take to the ground.
B. You will get the essential principles of ground grappling and
submissions. Most of the quality Judo clubs spend a lot of time on ground
technique (thanks to the Gracies). You will learn what not to do – the
purpose of your training is to not make a mistake and look for an opening
to gouge or tear to distract them to end a fight.
C. At the very least you will be difficult to move, or take down and submit.
D. You will get in awesome shape. Personally, basic uchikomi (fit in drills)
combined with ukemi (break falls) develop grip, core body strength and
toughen the body faster than anything I have done. Now, I am talking
about doing hundreds not tens.
E. Judo is a traceable, Olympic sport. The quality control of the overall
product is there. Usually it’s affordable and available in most YMCA’s
and Universities.
LEVEL 3
8. Pick up the Combat Jujutsu Series (These Videos are No Longer Available) You can
add these little bits to your Judo.
LEVEL 4
9. Do what ever you want to do.
Keep in mind, this isn’t about studying a martial art or training for competition (of which
I DO BOTH). It’s about what is a proven way to develop a fantastic self defense
program. This isn’t saying that your method won’t work. You do what’s best for you. If
you already wrestle, do submissions, whatever, great. You don’t have to worry about
Level 4 or Level 2: But you better incorporate some grappling in there.
Why don’t I talk about Muay Thai, Boxing or Karate? Again I would be lying if I said I
didn’t practice or partake in studying these arts.
The reasons they are not included is one or all of the following:
A. They take a long time to develop (So does Judo, but the effect you want has
nothing to do with scoring)
B. The require the use of protective equipment
C. The allow you to relax in the clinch
D. As you get older, you can’t participate as much your body takes a lot of
punishment in impact, striking arts, than in grappling arts. Case and point. When’s
the last time you saw a master’s Boxing or Muay Thai tournament? Not to say
they don’t exist, but there not exactly popular.
NO SYSTEM IS PERFECT
This is just a guide line for your training. It’s a big world out there and this is what
I know to work because I have seen it work. That doesn’t mean other ways don’t exist.
My experience lies in Jujutsu, Judo, Wrestling and Karate. I have seen other methods,
but it would be unfair for me to judge or comment on them because I spend all my time
doing this stuff.
“Your Personal Self Defense Program”
by Carl Cestari
The following is a base line, “nuts and bolts” approach designed to get you the maximum
output from the least amount of input time. Remember, anything you do is better than
nothing. This is not meant to detract from any serious course of training you are doing
now.
This method of self training has been proved to work. It is designed to bring you up from
no previous training OR even serve as an adjunct to your current training.
BARE MINIMUM (Better than nothing)
1. The Old School Series – This will give you the background and the fundamentals
you will need.
(Go To: http://www.carlcestari.com/1-os1-os5-old-school-series-set-of-5-by-carl-cestari)
2. The Seminar Series – Here you will discover a few drills along with some added
tidbits of information like, how to REALLY strangle someone in 0.5 seconds.
(Go To: http://www.carlcestari.com/12-the-fairbairn-seminar-by-carl-cestari )
3. Get a Spar Pro or BOB – This will give you a realistic target so that
you can really develop power and condition your weapons. It will also desensitize
you a bit and prepare you for really hitting someone. I have known a lot of
“thick” people, but none of them ever looked like a heavy bag. Also, the Spar Pro
gives you a chin, collar bone, neck and all the essential target areas you will want
to focus on. You will also be able to practice strangles and gouges as well!!
4. Develop a combination YOU like. One long range (eg- front kick w/ drop step,
tiger claw, edge of hand, chin jab upper cut, knee), one mid range (Short axe
hand, long axe hand, chin jab uppercut, knee) and one close range combination
(Ear box, eye gouge, knees). Choose combinations you are comfortable with. If
you have one arm however, you may not want to practice the ear box…. Practice these until
you curse the day you heard from me, and then do 11 more.
5. Get your self in better shape.
LEVEL 1 (Better than the minimum)
6. Sucker a friend into practicing with you. Especially for the grabs and holds
practice. You should get used to moving with another person and pushing them
around. Remember to continually take ground and knock your man off balance.
(Remember always be where he is standing)
LEVEL 2
7. Start training in Judo or some other grappling method. The reason I choose Judo
over anything else has more to do with the overall impact and effect rather than
technique. I like wresting and Brazilian jujutsu but judo willgive you what you want.
Even if you only go once a week.
Why Judo is appealing:
A. Most Fights start standing - going to the ground is discouraged in Judo. It
is not the goal to take the guy to the mat. You will develop a good defense
quickly. You will become difficult to take to the ground.
B. You will get the essential principles of ground grappling and
submissions. Most of the quality Judo clubs spend a lot of time on ground
technique (thanks to the Gracies). You will learn what not to do – the
purpose of your training is to not make a mistake and look for an opening
to gouge or tear to distract them to end a fight.
C. At the very least you will be difficult to move, or take down and submit.
D. You will get in awesome shape. Personally, basic uchikomi (fit in drills)
combined with ukemi (break falls) develop grip, core body strength and
toughen the body faster than anything I have done. Now, I am talking
about doing hundreds not tens.
E. Judo is a traceable, Olympic sport. The quality control of the overall
product is there. Usually it’s affordable and available in most YMCA’s
and Universities.
LEVEL 3
8. Pick up the Combat Jujutsu Series (These Videos are No Longer Available) You can
add these little bits to your Judo.
LEVEL 4
9. Do what ever you want to do.
Keep in mind, this isn’t about studying a martial art or training for competition (of which
I DO BOTH). It’s about what is a proven way to develop a fantastic self defense
program. This isn’t saying that your method won’t work. You do what’s best for you. If
you already wrestle, do submissions, whatever, great. You don’t have to worry about
Level 4 or Level 2: But you better incorporate some grappling in there.
Why don’t I talk about Muay Thai, Boxing or Karate? Again I would be lying if I said I
didn’t practice or partake in studying these arts.
The reasons they are not included is one or all of the following:
A. They take a long time to develop (So does Judo, but the effect you want has
nothing to do with scoring)
B. The require the use of protective equipment
C. The allow you to relax in the clinch
D. As you get older, you can’t participate as much your body takes a lot of
punishment in impact, striking arts, than in grappling arts. Case and point. When’s
the last time you saw a master’s Boxing or Muay Thai tournament? Not to say
they don’t exist, but there not exactly popular.
NO SYSTEM IS PERFECT
This is just a guide line for your training. It’s a big world out there and this is what
I know to work because I have seen it work. That doesn’t mean other ways don’t exist.
My experience lies in Jujutsu, Judo, Wrestling and Karate. I have seen other methods,
but it would be unfair for me to judge or comment on them because I spend all my time
doing this stuff.
Thursday, December 26, 2019
Nine Important Facts Of Life
Just to put things in perspective in your life;
Remember to click on the image for Full-Size view
Remember to click on the image for Full-Size view
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Monday, December 23, 2019
China Advances With It's Long Range Plans To Build It's Naval Power
As I've mentioned here before, China is committed to building 5 Carrier Battle Groups to project it's Naval Power in support of it's 'One Road, One Belt' Plan. With the launching of of it's second aircraft carrier, they are now 40% along with their schedule, and they already have a third carrier under construction. Accordingly, they are well on the way to meeting their goal of having 5 aircraft carriers afloat by 2025.
This will give them the 2nd largest number of aircraft carriers in the world.
But of course, as any Democrat will tell you, Russia is the problem......... :-/
https://www.businessinsider.com/china-adds-second-aircraft-carrier-to-its-rapidly-growing-navy-2019-12
This will give them the 2nd largest number of aircraft carriers in the world.
But of course, as any Democrat will tell you, Russia is the problem......... :-/
https://www.businessinsider.com/china-adds-second-aircraft-carrier-to-its-rapidly-growing-navy-2019-12
Sunday, December 22, 2019
Christophe Clugston Continues To Give Combatives A Bad Name
Although from a comedic perspective, he's the Gift That Keeps On Giving.
Saturday, December 21, 2019
And In The Latest News on the Sanctuary (For Firearms Rights) Movement...
Lets go to Virginia!
https://www.mail.com/news/politics/9616736-second-amendment-sanctuary-push-aims-to-defy-gun-l.html#.23140-stage-mmm1-2
https://www.mail.com/news/politics/9616736-second-amendment-sanctuary-push-aims-to-defy-gun-l.html#.23140-stage-mmm1-2
Friday, December 20, 2019
Personal Protection Skills - Trust Your Instincts
If something or someone suddenly feels wrong for no apparent reason, don't ignore the feeling.
Thursday, December 19, 2019
Personal Protectionl Skills - Use People Watching To Hone Your Threat Awareness
Most people walk around glued to their phones or wrapped up in their own thoughts when out and about. Some however will engage in "People Watching". Some times they're looking for pretty women or handsome men, others look for people with funny eccentric habits, whatever. I would encourage you, whoever you may be, to expand your range of "people watching" to include potential threats.
I'm not telling you that you should become paranoid, but rather just to expand your horizons to include things that just don't look right to you when you're at a mall, a show, wherever. As another guy I know (Steve Forrester who has contributed several articles here at the blog before) at a forum that I frequent (yes, I still use forums, Mr. Zuckerberg can take FB and stick it where the sun doesn't shine) engages in the type of "people watching" that I'm talking about. Specifically, he tries to identify people that are carrying concealed firearms. He lives in sunny Florida state where concealed carry is common, and the potential for picking out people who, while they carry concealed, don't actually do it very well, thereby giving him a lot of practice.
The chart below provides a good frame work to build off of should you be so inclined to try out my advice on the subject of environmental awareness.
Remember to click on the image to see it full size.
I'm not telling you that you should become paranoid, but rather just to expand your horizons to include things that just don't look right to you when you're at a mall, a show, wherever. As another guy I know (Steve Forrester who has contributed several articles here at the blog before) at a forum that I frequent (yes, I still use forums, Mr. Zuckerberg can take FB and stick it where the sun doesn't shine) engages in the type of "people watching" that I'm talking about. Specifically, he tries to identify people that are carrying concealed firearms. He lives in sunny Florida state where concealed carry is common, and the potential for picking out people who, while they carry concealed, don't actually do it very well, thereby giving him a lot of practice.
The chart below provides a good frame work to build off of should you be so inclined to try out my advice on the subject of environmental awareness.
Remember to click on the image to see it full size.
Wednesday, December 18, 2019
Personal Protection Skills - Non-Combative Winter Survival Technique
Since you're more likely to slip, fall and break something than you are to be assaulted, you might want to consider working on this technique before the snow and ice arrive.
Click on the image for full size view.
Click on the image for full size view.
Monday, December 16, 2019
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Monday, December 2, 2019
Do You Even Know What Your Personal Protection Needs Are?
If you're a typical citizen who works for a living, has a full time job, and a family to support you need to think about what your most likely personal protection needs really are. It's easy to get sucked into the wonderful world of "Tacticool" gear and techniques. Spend money (that would probably be better spent elsewhere) and be able to look like all the "cool guys"
The same also applies to that "High Speed, Low Drag" Ex-Military or SWAT guy instructor. There's nothing wrong with what they're teaching, but it just might not be what you need.
The chart below might help:
Remember to click on the image for easier viewing.
The same also applies to that "High Speed, Low Drag" Ex-Military or SWAT guy instructor. There's nothing wrong with what they're teaching, but it just might not be what you need.
The chart below might help:
Remember to click on the image for easier viewing.
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