One of the most persistent criticisms leveled against Judo is surprisingly simple: “Judo won’t work if the other guy isn’t wearing a gi or a jacket.” Historically, however, the American military spent decades demonstrating otherwise. Long before modern…
Understanding the Architecture of the U.S. Army’s WWII Close-Combat Course At first glance, the World War II-era Restricted Judo course can look like a collection of harsh hand-to-hand combat techniques assembled for soldiers preparing for war. There are…
The False Lead Advantage The False Lead is an asymmetrical, highly unorthodox combat posture that completely decouples the upper-body weapons from the lower-body base. By placing your right foot forward as your heavy anchor, yet blading your torso…
CROSS TRAINING VS. CROSS RANKING Martial arts are built on discipline, respect, and legitimacy. While two terms – cross training and cross ranking – may appear similar, they represent opposite approaches to growth and recognition within the martial community. As…
“Barron Shepherd is a tremendous advocate for all the things that make combative training great! Martial artists travel along a path. Some find the beginning of that path in a dojo and remain for a lifetime. Others…
During WWII, military combatives programs prioritized techniques that were practical, easy to learn, and effective under stress. The reverse hip throw was one of four core throws taught across U.S. military training manuals because of its proven success…
GENERAL OVERVIEW Combat Judo is a specific interpretation and application of judo that emphasizes a strategic integration of traditional judo techniques for self-defense and combat situations, focusing on effective entry and disruption to successfully engage and neutralize…
Tsurikomi Goshi – Lifting and Pulling Hip Throw, is one of the original 40 throws of Judo as developed by Jigoro Kano. It belongs to the second group, Dai Nikyo, of the traditional throwing list, Gokyo, of Kodokan…
My specialization and my obsession (LOL) with the one handed style of judo began when I first saw Toshihiko Koga hit a one handed seoi nage in the 89 world judo championships. His dynamic one handed standing seoi-nage captured…
If you are looking for simple and easy then this book probably isn’t for you. Judo isn’t easy… if it was then everyone would do it. Judo is a highly comprehensive martial art and combative sport and the…