How many times have you thrown a jab in training? 1000 times or never before?  Defence Lab’s Virtual HQ makes you question such a simple move. Perhaps you can throw it accurately one on one. But how about when you’re surrounded by 5 different people hitting you?

Defence Lab is a global self-defence and fitness organisation that takes a scientific-approach to reality-based combat and self-defence. With its founder, Andy Norman, at its helm, Defence Lab’s programs have over 30 years of pressure testing in combat.

Andy Norman was the co-founder of the Keysi Fighting Method – a self-defence system touted in many circles to be highly street-effective. Moreover, he was involved in several Hollywood blockbusters as a fight consultant. The most notable of all was Batman Begins, where his defensive move features.

Defence Lab Virtual HQ – An Online Platform

On October 18, Defence Lab will launch their online platform – Virtual HQ. This platform distills the long-time experience and findings of Andy and his team, and reveals pressure-tested self-defence concepts to the masses. As with Defence Lab’s face-to-face classes, the focus is on what technique, tactic or mindset truly works.

Skepticism over learning self-defence online

As with all martial art video programs, I was skeptical over the effectiveness. I do not believe that online videos are a suitable medium for teaching martial arts. By extension, any martial art online certification is highly suspect and serves only for vanity purposes.

Here are the reasons for my skepticism.

Martial arts and self-defence skills are more than just fancy calisthenic moves. They are designed to overcome a non-compliant opponent. As such, without training against another person, you will never know if your skills are effective. Secondly, there are nuances in a technique that makes a self-defence move work. Most people will not catch these nuances and will make mistakes. Only an instructor can spot these mistakes and prevent you from forming bad habits.

Therefore, there is a real risk of your defensive techniques failing. This is exacerbated by people who know the moves but do not train in distancing, timing and rhythm. At best, online programs can serve as a useful supplementary guide.

But…

Upon reviewing Defence Lab’s free access of Virtual HQ, I immediately see immense value of their online platform for people who already train in some form of self-defence.

It is clear from the content that Virtual HQ seeks to get trainees to rethink what they know and investigate concepts to make their self-defence options realistic. In other words, it makes you think more deeply on what you already know. The beauty of Defence Lab is that there are no absolutes and the system is ever evolving and developing to meet the times.

As such, I believe Virtual HQ will be beneficial to augmenting your self-defence effectiveness and will provoke a deeper understanding of common street attacks – whether you are an instructor or student. Use it as a supplement.

Some things they cover are:

• Stages of incident
• Mass attack
• Sticks
• Knives
• Seated combat
• Close Quarter Combat

4 Folders of Defence Lab’s Virtual HQ

Virtual HQ has four folders (categories) of content within their platform:

1. Weekly Investigation
2. Talent Code
3. Architectural Framework
4. Primal Reactions

Weekly Investigation

The Weekly Investigation folder forces you to explore different facets and scenarios in self-defence and then provide drills that can help condition a mental an physical response.

For instance, in the free access version, Virtual HQ talks about multi-directional striking – to be struck by several people all at once.

I was initially stunned when I saw the video. Four attackers were striking an instructor relentlessly with striking pads, but the “victim” remained in the middle to defend and strike back in practiced drill. This contradicts what most people would do – to get of the of the circle of attackers and run.

However, Andy later explains that the drill was to simulate the tremendous stress from being attacked by a group. It forces you to be familiar with the adrenaline surge and react appropriately even if you cannot find a way out to escape.

This is certainly a solid training concept that takes into account of the mental aspect of self-defence, and to condition the trainee to move correctly. Not many martial art classes train you to react to a simulated situation of losing.

Talent Code

The Talent Code gives you the foundation of your self-defence tool box, which is relevant to the weekly investigations. The free access version discusses street punching and explains how the body reacts when punched. Defence Lab’s uses the body’s reaction to the defender’s advantage.

Architectural Framework

The Architectural Framework is the basis of Defence Lab’s self-defence system. Opt in for the free access to find out more.

Primal Reactions

This is another folder that supports the Weekly Investigations and cultivates instinct in self-defence. Again, opt in to learn more about it.

Check out Virtual HQ

Want to know if Defence Lab’s Virtual HQ is for you? Check out their launch page and sign up for free access. While I think this is a great supplement to anyone’s self-defence training, this platform should not replace training with an actual instructor and partners. Distance, timing and intuitive prediction of attacks are skills you can acquire only when you train with another person.

I would like to thank Dan Holloway, a fellow Aikidoka and friend for letting me know about the Virtual HQ launch. If you are interested in training with an actual instructor from Defence Lab, Dan is also instructor at Lincoln (UK). These are other locations (around the world) for anyone who prefer face-to-face training.

Again, check out the Virtual HQ launch page for more details on the online platform.

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As a nerd on ninja and samurai, I was naturally intrigued when Brian Fire messaged me about his crowdfunding campaign to produce a graphic novel for The Ninja Rain – Tale of the Seven. What did the project involve? And how serious was he in making this a success?

What is ‘The Ninja Rain – Tale of the Seven’ about?

The Ninja Rain – Tale of the Seven is a story about two warriors, a ninja and samurai, whose tragic backstories led them to making a suicide pact by drinking to their deaths. Yet, circumstances halted their plans to die when they accidentally freed a woman whose supernatural ability to fight using energy darts made her a target.

With renewed sense of purpose, both of our warriors needed to protect and reunite the captive lady warrior to her other six sisters with similar ability… Or risk having her captured and used as a tool in this war-torn land.

Brian Fire, Creator of ‘The Ninja Rain – Tale of the Seven’

Growing up in a time when martial arts and kung fu movies were in vogue, Brian who works as a freelance writer and visual effects artist, wants to fill the gap in media with his story of martial arts fantasy and believes that the time is ripe for it. I agree.

Based on his IndieGoGo page, the plot outline seems to be settled and he has even made eventual plans to take this project to the next stage – to turn The Ninja Rain – Tale of the Seven into a TV series. What’s impressive is his dedication to make it come to fruition; he has researched and scouted filming locations and decided on the cast.

Thoughts & Attention to Detail

What makes a story believable, even in the realms of martial arts fantasy is a well thought-out plot and the historical/cultural plausibility on which a story sets its foundation. While there are many intricacies and societal norms in feudal Japan and warrior culture that vastly differs to modern societal ideals, they wouldn’t be relevant to this work of fiction.

However, there is a possible warrior culture oddity in the plot that could be addressed within the graphic novel.

Bushido, the samurai warriors’ code, is clear on choosing death over sullying one’s honour. Death in the form of Sepukku was preferred in the Edo era and epitomises honourable death. Nonetheless, there are other forms of reported suicide pacts, such as mutual plans to drown oneself in the river (this I suspect was in exceptional circumstances). But drinking to death is unusual, especially when consciously chosen as a means of suicide by a samurai, whose entire life and code idealises decisive and honourable death, even if he were a grieving ronin.

Of course, The Ninja Rain – Tale of the Seven is a work of fiction where rules of an alternate universe apply. Divergence from historical facts to further the plot is to be expected. Yet, if a plausible explanation is provided in the graphic novel as to why the samurai warrior had chosen drinking as a form of death for his suicide pact, it indicates an attentive blending of history, culture and fiction. This would certainly win the hearts of history and martial arts film aficionados and create a nerdish following not unlike Harry Potter, Naruto and other successful series.

Whether or not this is addressed though, this is a minor oddity that will not take away from the plot essentials and I will look forward to seeing the graphic novel being produced in the first stage.

Support Brian’s Crowdfunding Campaign

Brian and his team are clearly committed to this project and intends to go ahead without full funding. However, this would mean a longer production time. So, please support this crowdfunding campaign in any way you can.

While there are other avenues to finance the making of the graphic novel and eventually the television series, it potentially involves losing creative control over the story. This is Brian’s story. Let’s help him in his goal and be a part of the potential making of the next ‘Games of Thrones’.

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Before 2015, there was only one Ninja Day. It started out as a joke by Ninja Burger on 5 December 2003. However, it has been marked internationally by ninja aficionados ever since.

Japan’s Ninja Day – 22 February

Now, both Koka and Iga City in Japan – two strongholds of the old ninja – have spearheaded efforts to promote 22 February as Japan’s National Ninja Day.

The council chose to mark Japan’s Ninja Day on 22 February due to the wordplay and pun on the number “two” – pronounced as “ni”. This was unlike International Day of the Ninja. Ninja Burger picked the date to coincide with The Last Samurai’s US release date on 5 December.

To create awareness, the city’s tourism bureau wore ninja outfits at work. They have also organised ninja-related activities from 2 February to 22 February 2015. Over 80 organisations, businesses, theme parks and historical landmarks all over Japan participated in this event in 2015.

Here is 2017’s event list.

What does this mean for Way Of Ninja?

Back in 2013, Way Of Ninja adopted 5 December as Ninja Day. That was when the first Day Of Ninja movement for people to work on their fitness, martial arts and movement goals, came about.

With a second Ninja Day, what do we do? Pick one? Or celebrate both?

For more information on Japan’s Ninja Day, visit the official website.

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Even though I want to complete part two of Dealing with Anxiety in Martial Arts and Sports as a Slow Learner before I fly off to Thailand tomorrow evening, there just isn’t enough time. Instead, here is a short post on my vacation plans as a martial artist and fitness enthusiast. Being overseas is no reason to slack off in fitness and training! I hope I haven’t spoken too soon…

1. Maintain a minimal workout routine

Fitness has already become a way of life for me and I intend to keep it this way. Combined with the high possibility of me overeating, I intend to exercise ten to twenty minutes daily while overseas. This shouldn’t eat into my ambitious itinerary, I hope. Working out while hungover is going to be a challenge…

2. Watch what I eat

I will be laying off calorie and macro counting because it just isn’t realistic to search food databases for obscure Thai cuisine before every meal. That doesn’t mean I’m going to eat like a monster, as I always do after long bouts of deprivation from my favorite foods… I will try not to binge…

3. Meet and run with local runners

I want to go for at least one run with local runners while in Thailand and have already made arrangements. I’m crossing my fingers and hoping that I can find my way to the park in time; I am extremely directionally-challenged.

4. Train at a local Aikido dojo

As part of dealing with performance anxiety, I’m trying to expose myself to less familiar training environments and activities. Besides, my grand-sensei’s dojo happens to be in Thailand. So, it’s going to be exciting to experience training there. That said, he will be away when I’m there; while I’m flying to Thailand from Singapore, he is currently in Singapore giving a seminar. Better luck next time…

5. Rest and recover

Need to get more sleep than I am currently getting. I have no intention of getting hallucinative sleep paralysis while staying at a hotel that is located close to a cemetery. Read this sleep paralysis story, adapted from my experiences, to get an idea of how bad my sleep paralysis can get when I go on a prolonged sleep deprivation cycle.

6. Get a book review done… partially

The year is ending and I have three books left to review for Tuttle Publishing. I will be doing some reading and notations. If you have missed my recent review, here’s my take on Jet Black and the Ninja Wind.

While not set in stone, I am going to try to meet as many of these objectives as I can. I will keep all of you in the loop.

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Two vandals were caught on security footage for vandalising the construction site of the Generations Center, the first public parkour course in USA once it opens. The public parkour course, located in Lathrop, Sacramento, California, will house a library, amphitheatre, skate park, BMX course and wheelchair course.

While cleaning up the graffiti will not delay the grand opening this summer, it is likely to add on to the over US$7 million dollar price tag of Generations Center. The plan is to sandblast and paint over vandalised areas.

Please help the deputies to identify the two culprits on the security footage. Watch CBS’s coverage and the security footage.

The post USA’s First Public Parkour Course Vandalised Before Grand Opening appeared first on Way Of Ninja.

The ADAPT Conference 2014, happening on March 15 and 16, is for parkour and freerunning instructors, students, certified professionals and fitness enthusiasts who are interested in the latest in teaching/training theories, methods and concepts for the arts of displacement . This event gives the opportunity to connect with and exchange ideas with other experienced parkour professionals from top organisations. And you will be able to learn from leading influencers in instructing in and practising movement arts. 

With international speakers and influencers attending the conference, this is a great opportunity to be exposed to and exchange ideas. Notable parkour and free running influencers and founders, Sebastien Foucan and Chau Belle, will also be speaking at the conference.

So, do consider reserving a place at The ADAPT Conference 2014, taking place on 15 and 16 of March at  Chainstore London Academy of Parkour / Freerunning in London, UK.

The post ADAPT Conference: What’s New In Parkour Training & Coaching? appeared first on Way Of Ninja.

An ordinance that makes parkour illegal on town property was adopted on January 27, after a vote by trustees in the Fowler Town Council (Colorado) meeting. This decision was undertaken after benches and wheelchair benches were found to be damaged, with several witnesses pointing to local teens who had been jumping onto and off of the benches. The cost of repairs, for the damages and making the benches ADA compliant again, are estimated to be U$1,200.

While the Town Administrator, Dan Hyatt, has acknowledged that the damages were not deliberate, the ordinance is intended to protect property from further damage. He has further clarified that parkour “[is] not in any way being viewed as criminal mischief or vandalism” and emphasised that the ordinance “simply gives the police department the authority to prohibit parkour on city property”.

Fowler Police Officer Jacob Freidenberger has stated that: “Those found to be practicing parkour will not be prosecuted unless their actions could be reasonably calculated to cause property damage.”

For information on the ordinance, please look at Ordinance No. 693-14.

Was Fowler Reasonable To Ban Parkour On Town Property?

To state my personal stand on this, assuming that the property was indeed damaged by teenage traceurs, the town’s actions to prevent further damage is understandable; they have an interest to protect public property, which is property shared by the local community, paid for by tax-payers. The police’s stand on not prosecuting traceurs unless their actions had caused damage is also reasonable.

To add, we should be considerate towards other users of public property when training, and avoid damaging shared property (especially when it is not being used as intended). As much as possible, avoid training on amenities for disabled people because damaging those facilities would be most inconvenient for them.

Share your thoughts with us. Do you think the Town of Fowler was reasonable to make Parkour illegal on town property? 

News Source: Fowler Tribune

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With racers from all over the globe participating, the 4th annual Spartan Race World Championship will be held during the end of 2014 (this fall). Tell Spartan Race where you would like the World Championship to be held from the short-listed five venues:

• Iceland
• Mexico
• Quebec
• Texas
• Vermont

Choose your preferred location in this quick survey by Spartan Race.

Not Ready For The World Championship?

Join the Spartan Sprint (3+ miles / 4.8+ km), Spartan Super (8+ miles / 12.8+ km) or Spartan Beast (12+ miles / 19.3+ km). Kids and teens between the ages of 4 to 13 can join Junior Spartan Races held together with regular Spartan Races (it is on page one of the registration process of any race you pick).

And to be clear, Spartan Race is available in USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Mexico, Slovakia, Germany, France, Spain, South Korea, Italy, Poland, Czech, Hungary, Chile and South Africa.

Discounts for Spartan Race

Usually, Spartan Races have early bird prices (as low as US$60). So register early (Spartan Races after July still have early bird discounts)! Combined with that, you can use group , student or military discounts (just specify during the registration process).

For the rest of us, here are two Spartan Race discount coupons (eligibility depends on location):

• FINISH10 (10% off)
• SPEAR10 ($10 off)

Take advantage of the discounts to join the Spartan Race and gauge your fitness. Hopefully, you will be ready for the World Championship after a few races.

The post Where Should The Spartan Race World Championship Be Held? appeared first on Way Of Ninja.

Richard Lee who was Spartan Race’s UK Director resigned his position when he was found to have misled people into believing that he had served in the Royal Marines mountain troop. It was true that he was selected to be a Young Officer in the Royal Marines in 2006, but he was deemed unfit to continue his 18-month training, as a result of breaking his knee cap midway. He did not pass out to become a Royal Marine.

This issue had caused outrage from former military personnel, who were insulted that Lee had taken advantage of the reputation and hard work of the armed forces.

Lee has since resigned after a discussion with Joe De Sena (CEO and Founder of Spartan Race) that it was the right course of action to resign. Lee has apologised with the following statement.

I was wrong, I am sorry, and I want to apologise for the fact that I publicised that I had passed out as a Royal Marines Commando Officer.

He went on to explain the truth of his relations to the military.

I was due to complete my training in 2009, but when I returned to CTCRM, the Medical Officer determined that the damage that I sustained to my knee had not healed sufficiently, and I would not be allowed to Back Batch a second time.

This was a huge blow, as even from a young age, I was inspired by family members who were in the Royal Marines.

I have the utmost respect for members of the military, and even during my own time training, I felt a huge sense of accomplishment.

To all those who served their countries, past and present, please accept my deepest apologies.

The founders and management represents the ethics and personality of an organisation. People look the top for inspiration. And this issue has disappointed Spartans and angered military personnel. Lee’s resignation and apology was indeed the right thing to do.

Spartan Race has released a statement on their Facebook page

Spartan Race does not condone stolen valor in any form; whether someone trained with the military for one week or four years, they cannot be characterized as something they are not. We wish to apologize again to all those around the world who worked so hard to earn proud distinction serving their countries.

Share your thoughts with us on this issue of misrepresenting military service.

The post UK Spartan Race Director Resigns Due To Stolen Valour appeared first on Way Of Ninja.

Happy 2014 to everyone. It’s the new year and now is the time to get started on your goals and resolutions if you haven’t already begun.

Way Of Ninja’s Plans for January

1. Help Clyde Johnson and Thad Swift with their goal to establish a Parkour Gym. Let’s begin with small simple steps to move forward in this big goal.

2. Compile insights by the running, martial arts and parkour community on how they have found time for training and balance their work and social life.

3. Share useful information pertaining to your goals posted on Day Of Ninja and New Year.

Before ending off, thank you all for being supportive of Way Of Ninja. Let us know if you need help with your goals in the comment section below. For quick response, tweet us.

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