Bargain Basement Books Delivery

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Relative Distance in Fighting

From Combat Strategy:

Real distance is determined by the absolute measure of distance from one point to another. However, this objective measure works only in a world where all people are physical and mental equals. Since this is unreasonable, you cannot rely on real distance alone to determine your combat strategy.

Relative distance is used to account for the many mitigating factors of actual combat including:

• Skill level
• Mental toughness
• Speed
• Size
• Types of available weapons (bodily and environmental)
• Vulnerability of targets exposed
• Type of techniques available

EXAMPLE: In neutral and long-range combat, you use speed to initiate an attack. However if your opponent is faster than you, you will easily be countered before you complete the attack. If you are faster, then your relative distance to the target is shorter but if your opponent is faster than your relative distance is longer.

Proper Breathing Techinique

According to Dr. Jacob Jordan, author of Total MindBody Training, the average person does not breath correctly and therefor does not get the maximum intake of air with every breath. "A normal thoracic breath draws only 500 to 700 cc of air in the average adult. This results in less efficient oxygen delivery to your circulatory system and subsequently less potential for physical action. On the other hand, a deep, abdominal breath typically draws 2500cc to 3000cc of air, expanding the entire lungs for optimal oxygen delivery."

To maximize every breath, he suggests practicing deep abdominal breathing. "Breathing should be accomplished by allowing the abdomen to inflate like a balloon creating the sensation of air being pulled deep into the lower body. When you have reached a maximum comfortable breath, press the air even further down towards the pelvis by tensing the abdomen slightly. Expiration is then accomplished in a gradual, controlled manner. Keeping slight tension in the abdominal muscles, the air is slowly released."

When breathing, he recommends using the nose, not the mouth. "All breathing should be done through the nose with the exception of when vocalizing as when a martial artist performs a kiai. Nose breathing is most efficient for oxygen delivery and preserves the moisture of the airways. This becomes extremely important when involved in lengthy, dehydrating workouts."

Loren Christensen honored by Black Belt Magazine

Loren Christensen, author of the best selling book Solo Training and the recently released Solo Training DVD has been named one of the "Toughest Martial Artists" by Black Belt magazine. Check out the details in the April issue of Black Belt, on newstands soon.