Josh's Combined Self-Defense

In 99% of cases, teachers with no actual experience that teach from second or third hand knowledge; should be avoided unless proven themselves otherwise.
Simply evaluating with no basis on the subject matter leads to the spread of mass misinformation.

You are responsible for your own development. Don't trust it on someone who simply has internet access.
Research research and ask questions.
If someone spends time defending their stance when they are wrong on verifiable subject: you know straight away to avoid them like the plague..
Opinions do not trump facts....

- Ed Calderon

2015 has passed and in comes 2016. Happy new year to you all. As you all know, with a new year comes a new horizon with all it's potential and possibilities, with a constant being: change and the potential for change. That being said, there will be some changes as well as new things upcoming this year. If you haven't already, students, don't forget to register and sign up at the office so that you will be in my class roster. As for everyone else, please feel free to stop by, as some of you already have. I have an open door and there are plenty of seats if you don't wish to watch while standing up.

I apologize for not being on time for the first class, unfortunately, on the 163 highway there were 2 accidents. There will be a make up classes the following month (2016). As for the second class, good job tonight facing fear and stress. There was one student in particular who paniced before hand and cried. This was a major hurdle for her, and after the commencement, she had to face her fear of claustrophobia. She faced it, and conquered it tonight. Her name is kimberly, and she is not even in her teens yet. Good job, I am proud of you. As for the those who were there for second class, more to come in the coming weeks after the holidays.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all

In the second class, we study a more unconventional approach. Most would consider my methodology on the extreme side at times, but there is a purpose to doing it in such a way. Class 2 was given homework and a portion during the last couple of classes to create weapons from what is readily available around them. A friend of mine gave me the idea. These are some of the results. In class 2, self defense is far from passive.

Simplicity is the way of this world. The fancier the technique, the higher the likelihood of it failing you when you need it most

Congratulations to Gabriel, Angel, and Lila, for successfully passing the test. Unfortunately, due to my hands covered in powder I was not able to record them. There will be footage next week of them doing more of what they did on the test, so stay tuned for that. Also, on a sidenote, there will be no class June 18, 2015. I will be out of the country.

Good job on a test well done to 2 of my students. Belt promotion shall be next week, as well as 3 more testing.

On that note, I would like to add, that fear of a circumstance is greater than the actual circumstance. Life, as it is in fighting, training, exercising, and everything else, is 90% mental and only 10% physical. Get over the mind game, and you conquer what is in front of you. That's the only way to succeed and excel in this life.

Happy mother's day. To those who are mother's, I greet you. To those who are grandmothers, I congratulate you. For those who are expecting, I'm happy for you. For those who have lost, I mourn with you. For those who have brought your kids up to college to which they are moving out, I'm both excited for you and worry with you. To those who have lost mothers, I know how it feels, and I am here with you. And to those of you who are somewhere in between, I'd like to remind you, mothers aren't just those who gave birth to us. It is those who foster us, tend to us, nurture us, culture us, and watch us grow through our journey in this life. Never take for granted the mothers of this world. There are no second chances when they are truly gone.

It has come to my attention last night there have been an increase in the occurrences of acts of kidnapping as of late. Also, last night, I was late on the way to class due to traffic caused by cops pulling up and securing an apartment complex. I saw a helicopter, attack dog, and guns (semi-autos as well) which means they probably mean business. There's also been a oil spill a short distance away from the place i teach.

I don't want to sound repetitive, but I can't stress enough the importance of being aware of your surroundings and being safe ALWAYS. We can always hope for the best, but know this:
- the police can't help you until they get there, so you're on your own. Even when they DO get there, you are not guaranteed 100% safe. It's up to you to defend yourself no matter what.
- medical people can't help you until they get there, so you're on your on. And even if they do, if they can't stabilize you, even THEY would call for help and rush you to the nearest appropriate facility. Learn to patch yourself up. Learn medical skills. Google it. If terrorist can google who to do their crimes, and kidnappers can google how to do their deeds better, you can surely Google first and medical skills
- never think that when you act, you have to stick to a certain way of doing things. Always keep your eyes open and you mind open for opportunities when things don't go according to plan. Be flexible. Be alive.

One of the most important thing you have to always keep in mind, is how much you should appreciate every moment you can. No matter how small or trivial or huge or difficult it is. The only thing constant in this life is change, and this WILL change. People will change. Events will change. For better or worse, things will change. Always be ready to face that change. If you don't adapt to that change, you may get hurt holding onto the past while the present drags you to the future. And if you don't survive, you won't last.

Even more so when you have to defend yourself. Either you must adapt and think ahead, react and adapt, or fail and say goodbye to your health