Before you decide to go it on your own, you should really check to see if there is “anything” acceptable in your area.

Read the whole report on the practical method of “Finding the Perfect School in Your Area”(Click here). If you get really persistent, you may find a truly gifted instructor who’d be willing to teach you out of a garage or a park.

The few private lessons that I took were definitely worth it. Put on your “detective cap” and really investigate the possibilities. Don’t give up too soon!

OK, You’re Sure

You’ve decided to go it alone.It won’t be easy.

You’ll have to learn to distinguish the good from the “crap” on your own. You’re going to have to acquire knowledge, and you’re going to have to acquire skill. And somewhere along the line, youre going to have to gain some experience.

I’ll talk more about gaining experience in a bit.

Gaining knowledge

You have to learn what’s out there.You’re going to have to read and watch videos. First things first–Buy my book Wrist Locks: From Protecting Yourself to Becoming an Expert ! I’m not kidding!

The book deals with different styles.

It shows you how to remember long sequences of material.

It teaches you how to invent your own locks. It teaches you how to counter locks that opponents (or attackers) may try to zap on you. It’s an invaluable book to you. It also has a resource section with video recommendations.

You’ll save yourself hours of video research and tons of money.

To read more about Wrist Locks, Click here.

If you order the book, I’ll include a valuable report for free. I recommend that you request the report “Become the Martial Artist You Were Meant to Be By Taking Charge of Your Learning.”

Of course, you may purchase this report at any time for $8.95 (postpaid).

You are going to have to read more than just my book.

Start gaining a general knowledge. Read about the classic styles of Karate, Kung Fu (Gung Fu), Aikido, Kali, Ju Jitsu, etc. Research the progressive styles. Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do (JFJKD) promotes the philosophy, technique, and understanding of the arts according to Bruce Lee.

There are all sorts of eclectic styles out there. Some are off-shoots of JFJKD, and some come from completely different roots.

Look for Practical Defense Styles

While reading about particular systems, broaden your knowledge by reading about categories.Learn about styles that emphasize low kicks only, then read about the high-kickers. Learn about grappling. Learn about different strikes.

Try to fit knowledge to your particular body style and personality.

If you’re a 106-lb., short female, then you probably shouldn’t concentrate on grappling techniques. It would be difficult for you to wrestle a 250-lb. brute. You’d have to rely on groin kicks, eye jabs, etc….

Learn to evaluate as you read.

Take notes.

Even if you decide that you don’t want to learn a particular move, you may still have to defend against it someday. Figure out what you would do. It’s better to figure things out now than to try to for the first time when you’re in combat.

Videos

You’re going to have to start reading the martial arts magazines anyway, so you might as well use them to order videos as well.To start out with, buy different types of martial arts magazines. try Black Belt, Inside Kung Fu, Bruce Lee: The Official Magazine of the JFJKD Nucleus, etc….

Don’t buy subscriptions at first.

Get a feel for each magazine. To save money, you could find a library with at least a small selection of martial arts magazines.

When you decide which magazines will be important to you as you gain expertise in a martial art, then it’s time to get a subscription.

Really use the magazine.

Practice some of the techniques.

Order some of the videos. Order some of the books (you have already ordered mine, right?). Take notes. Always take notes.

Acquiring Skill

Set up a regular practice schedule.If you aren’t going to attend lessons at a school or out of a garage from a qualified teacher on a regular basis, then you have to set up your own schedule for training.

Practice techniques from your books. Get a training partner. Some techniques just can’t be practiced without one. How can you practice a wrist lock without a wrist to grab?

It’s an honest recommendation …

I hate to sound like a broken compact disc, but my book Wrist Locks: From Protecting Yourself to Becoming an Expert DOES have some excellent tips for how to get the most out of your practice sessions.If you aren’t practicing on your own for self defense, but rather you want to enter tournaments, then you should get lots of videos of tournaments. And start watching the sports channels too.

You’ll need to get some sparring experinece as well. And not always against the same opponent.

Get some variety.

You do see the benefit of learning to fight different opponents, don’t you?

When you’re finally ready to enter a tournament, you find it easier if you have a mentor.

Your mentor could explain the rules to you, show you how to register properly in the right class and division, and give you some valuable pointers about scoring, tactics in the ring, etc….

Good Luck!
And remember, you aren’t alone. You may e-mail me through this publisher(bookinfo@kerwinbenson.com) with your questions. Train Well!

— Keith Pascal

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