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In this episode the Battle Muse discusses his opinions on why boxers come out of the corner punching themselves. It's not what you think. He takes a look at Championship Fighting - Explosive Punching and Aggressive Defense by none other than legendary pugilist Jack Dempsey. The self defense tip of this episode fuses together a few concepts from past episodes so I hope you're caught up. Listen and enjoy. Submit your questions to thebattlemuse1984@gmail.com, follow me on Instagram at Catchands5 and on Twitter at TheBattleMuse. Join me in discussion on Facebook at Catch Hands and I will see you on the mat. Dragon's Horde https://www.amway.com/myshop/AlexanderLewis?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=sharebar&utm_campaign=us_en_7014918539_121034581&utm_content=myshop --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-lewis1984/support

In this episode the Battle Muse discusses what the blocking techniques of karate and the like are really used for. He takes a look into Shotokan's Secret by Clayton, an interesting read. And lastly, he discusses what one of his teachers said to him about how to strike in a real fight. Listen in. Please submit your questions to thebattlemuse1984@gmail.com. Follow me on Instagram at Catchands5, on Twitter at TheBattleMuse, and on Facebook at Catch Hands. See you on the mat.Dragon's Horde  https://www.amway.com/myshop/AlexanderLewis?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=sharebar&utm_campaign=us_en_7014918539_121034581&utm_content=myshop --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-lewis1984/support

In episode # 16 the Battle Muse discusses the validity and importance of ippon kumite. He takes a look at Watashi no Karate-jutsu, by Choki Motobu. And lastly, he gives some insight into his knowledge of attacking the groin. Follow me on Instagram at Catchands5 and on Twitter at TheBattleMuse. Submit any questions you may have to thebattlemuse1984@gmail.com and let's talk about the martial artist we love so much. Dragon's Horde  https://www.amway.com/myshop/AlexanderLewis?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=sharebar&utm_campaign=us_en_7014918539_121034581&utm_content=myshop --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-lewis1984/support

In this episode I, The Battle Muse, discuss the plusses and minuses to consider when fighting in armor. I talk about the army hand-to-hand manual of 1954. That would be at the conclusion of the Korean war. Lastly I discuss rifle fighting techniques and how they could be used with a short stick for self defense. Don't forget to submit your questions to thebattlemuse1984@gmail.com. Leave me a rating and a comment. Share this podcast with someone that may benefit from it. Follow me on Instagram at Catchands5 and on Twitter at TheBattleMuse. See you out on the mat. Dragon's Horde  https://www.amway.com/myshop/AlexanderLewis?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=sharebar&utm_campaign=us_en_7014918539_121034581&utm_content=myshop --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-lewis1984/support

In this episode I, the Battle Muse, discuss what Gichin Funakoshi calls special skills. He sees them as a possible pitfall. I agree, but I toy with the idea of how to go about creating and honing them and how you would support them by not neglecting your less favorite techniques. I review Robin L. Rielly's "Shin Kage Ryu Japan's Complete Fighting System," which is probably one of the more eclectic empty hand fighting as systems. I highly recommend picking up a copy. And the self defense tip of the day is one of, if not THE, first techniques we learn in karate the Oi Zuki or lunge/pursuit punch. I discuss some ideas on how to use it, when to use it, how to train it, and things of that sort. Remember to submit all of your questions to thebattlemuse1984@gmail.com. Follow me on Instagram at Catchands5 and on Twitter at TheBattleMuse. Train hard and I hope to see all of you on the mat. Thanks for the listen. Dragon's Horde  https://www.amway.com/myshop/AlexanderLewis?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=sharebar&utm_campaign=us_en_7014918539_121034581&utm_content=myshop --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-lewis1984/support

In this episode the Battle Muse discusses ideas for training wounded warriors with varying degrees of injury. He reviews Blind Zen Martial Arts and Zen for the Blind and Vision Impaired. Last he discusses John Boyd's OODA Loop as a self defense tool. Don't forget to leave a rating and review. Follow me on Instagram at Catchands5 and on Twitter at TheBattleMuse. Be sure to submit your questions to thebattlemuse1984@gmail.com for anything martial arts related. Dragon's Horde  https://www.amway.com/myshop/AlexanderLewis?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=sharebar&utm_campaign=us_en_7014918539_121034581&utm_content=myshop --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-lewis1984/support

In this episode the Battle Muse discusses why he believes wrestling is, and has always been, the best art for war fighters. He reviews W.E. Fairbairn's classic WW2 hand-to-hand manual, "Get Tough". And he ends with what he calls "real knife fighting". Please submit your questions to thebattlemuse1984@gmail.com. Follow on Instagram at Catchands5 and on Twitter at TheBattleMuse. Dragon's Horde  https://www.amway.com/myshop/AlexanderLewis?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=sharebar&utm_campaign=us_en_7014918539_121034581&utm_content=myshop --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-lewis1984/support

In this episode the Battle Muse discusses how he would go about training a single kata for three years if that were his only option. He reviews the book "Karate-do Traditional Training for All Styles" by Kevin and Donald Seiler. Lastly he looks at the opening moves of Naihanchi kata and walks you through one of his favorite bunkai applications. If you have any questions go ahead and submit them via email to thebattlemuse1984@gmail.com. Follow the battle muse on Twitter @TheBattleMuse, and follow on Instagram at Catchands5. Dragon's Horde  https://www.amway.com/myshop/AlexanderLewis?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=sharebar&utm_campaign=us_en_7014918539_121034581&utm_content=myshop --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-lewis1984/support

In this episode the Battle Muse discusses some of his experiences with hojo undo and what it has taught him about karate trainings goal. The book being reviewed is "The Art of Hojo Undo. Power Training for Traditional Karate," by Michael Clarke. The self defense tip is pummeling. We borrowed that one from Greco Roman wrestling...sort of. The opening movements of seisan kata, Uechi style, is very similar to pummeling technique. Submit your questions to thebattlemuse1984@gmail.com. Follow me on Instagram at Catchands5 and on Twitter @TheBattleMuse. Dragon's Horde  https://www.amway.com/myshop/AlexanderLewis?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=sharebar&utm_campaign=us_en_7014918539_121034581&utm_content=myshop --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-lewis1984/support

In this episode I, the Battle Muse, discuss how I believe Muay Thai may be one of, if not the, best martial arts for the beginning self defender because of simplicity, effectiveness, and the number of skills it provides early on. I review a book on Muay Thai I picked up on my travels to the land of smiles, and I talk about the Thai clinch for Self Defense. Listen in. Please submit your questions to thebattlemuse1984@gmail.com and follow me on Instagram at Catchands5. See you there. Dragon's Horde  https://www.amway.com/myshop/AlexanderLewis?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=sharebar&utm_campaign=us_en_7014918539_121034581&utm_content=myshop --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-lewis1984/support

In this episode the Battle Muse discusses his views on the differences between 3K(kihon, Kata, and kumite) karate and old school Okinawan Karate training where the curriculum consists of Kata, hojo undo, and bunkai, and he discusses what is probably the most beneficial skill in self defense, first aid. Like always if you have questions submit them to thebattlemuse1984@gmail.com and follow me on Instagram at Catchands5. Dragon's Horde  https://www.amway.com/myshop/AlexanderLewis?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=sharebar&utm_campaign=us_en_7014918539_121034581&utm_content=myshop --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-lewis1984/support

In this episode the Battle Muse discusses how the practice of Kata can be used to be a form of total training where you need little else, if anything at all, to become an effective martial artist. The book review of the day is Shoshin Nagamine's "The Essence of Okinawan Karate-do." I also discuss the essentials of women's self defense. If you have questions for me submit them via email to thebattlemuse1984@gmail.com and follow me on Instagram at Catchands5. Dragon's Horde  https://www.amway.com/myshop/AlexanderLewis?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=sharebar&utm_campaign=us_en_7014918539_121034581&utm_content=myshop --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-lewis1984/support

In this episode the Battle Muse discusses what he believes would be the most beneficial martial arts to study in each stage of grade school. This is for the reason of training young people to learn to defend themselves, learn coping skills, and have a solid foundation in physical discipline. The book review for this episode is The 20 Guiding Principles of Karate by Gichin Funakoshi. Today's self defense tip is methods of using the "Hikite" (returning hand) to increase you striking power. Thanks for listening and enjoy. Submit your questions to thebattlemuse1984@gmail.com. Dragon's Horde  https://www.amway.com/myshop/AlexanderLewis?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=sharebar&utm_campaign=us_en_7014918539_121034581&utm_content=myshop --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-lewis1984/support

In episode 5 the Battle Muse talks about his experience in BMT and some of the important lessons he learned. He reviews the Marine recruit training manual. And he takes a look at the "run, hide, fight" training methodology and discusses some of the pros and cons. If you have any questions please submit them to "thebattlemuse1984@gmail.com" and I will try and get to them in future episodes. Dragon's Horde  https://www.amway.com/myshop/AlexanderLewis?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=sharebar&utm_campaign=us_en_7014918539_121034581&utm_content=myshop --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-lewis1984/support

In this episode the Battle Muse talks about his views on the effectiveness of aikido and how to get there. He reviews the book U.S. Special Forces by Samuel Southworth and Stephen Tanner, and he discusses how the art of ukemi(break-falling) can save your life. Submit your questions to thebattlemuse1984@gmail.com and he will get back to you on future episodes. He may even feature your questions as a main theme in an episode. Dragon's Horde  https://www.amway.com/myshop/AlexanderLewis?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=sharebar&utm_campaign=us_en_7014918539_121034581&utm_content=myshop --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-lewis1984/support

In this episode I, The Battle Muse, discuss what I believe to be the most beautiful aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and how they pertain to the larger martial arts world and relate to the styles of the old school. This episode's book for review is The Law of the Fist by Grandmaster O.E. Simon of the Moh (temple) system of kung fu. Lastly I leave you with some ideas and concepts to ponder on what actions you can take to elevate your level of car self defense. Dragon's Horde  https://www.amway.com/myshop/AlexanderLewis?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=sharebar&utm_campaign=us_en_7014918539_121034581&utm_content=myshop --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-lewis1984/support

In this episode I, the Battle Muse, discuss the concept of Shu Ha Ri and how it applies to our journey. We review the book Karate-do My Way of Life, by Gichin Funakoshi, and the self defense tip of the day, something I call Hard to soft and Soft to Hard. Dragon's Horde  https://www.amway.com/myshop/AlexanderLewis?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=sharebar&utm_campaign=us_en_7014918539_121034581&utm_content=myshop --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-lewis1984/support

Alexander discusses the Five Arts Philosophy of skill building in the martial arts. He reviews heavy weight boxing champion "Smokin" Joe Frazier's book Boxing Like the Pros. Lastly he explains what he understands self defense to be and how you can apply it to your training. Dragon's Horde  https://www.amway.com/myshop/AlexanderLewis?utm_source=copy&utm_medium=sharebar&utm_campaign=us_en_7014918539_121034581&utm_content=myshop --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/alexander-lewis1984/support