Martial Arts Philosophy Psychology and Strategy

 Martial Arts Philosophy, Psychology and Strategy

Focus on a range of concepts to develop and enhance martial arts skills and understanding.

By Martin J Smith PhD - 

Martial Arts Instructor 9th Dan KBR

Drawing on a series of articles and reflections written and published online and in UK martial arts magazines over the past six decades together with new information and insights. This is an exploration of a range of concepts and ideas which span all aspects of the arts and bridge all disciplines and training methodologies. 

Regardless of your interest or approach you will find the principles and ideas discussed in this book both useful and thought provoking. Each chapter gives insight into an extensive range of experience within the martial arts.

In order to get good or do well in any chosen pursuit you need to look for the best, learn from them, and be open to opportunities and learning from wherever it may flow. With the martial arts it is not just about having world class instructors but also having an open mind, willing to learn from any source and also to appreciate those you may consider your students, for it is they that can expand your horizons and teach you. 

Ego, arrogance and an attitude of superiority should have no place in martial arts practice, but alas they most certainly do. In their professional career as a psychotherapist the author has studied many personality types and especially those in what is termed the Dark Triad (Psychopaths, Narcissists and Machiavellians) personality types which have shown themselves way too often in  the martial arts. 

They have however also met many great people, students, teachers, masters and friends who have helped shaped their interest and overall personal development in a way of life embraced so fully. It all started for them with Bruce Lee and went on from there. In this book you will gain insight into many aspects of the art which go beyond technique or physical skills and how to do them. This book is about martial strategies, philosophy, psychology and much more. 

About the author

A Martial Arts Instructor with over fifty years training experience; over thirty five years teaching experience; he has an array of qualifications making him a leading expert in the field of Martial Arts, Personal Safety and Defensive tactics for Law Enforcement and Security Staff.

He holds the rank of 9th Dan Black Belt in the integrated martial arts system of FUSEKI, recognised and awarded by an International Panel through the Kodo Butoku Renmei (Old Ways Martial Virtues Federation). He holds senior Dan Grades in other arts, which includes traditional Karate, the Filipino art of Eskrima, Combative Kickboxing and the original police self defence system of Taiho Jutsu. 

A past nationally qualified Personal Safety Trainer and senior Police Defensive tactics trainer. He is a member of the prestigious International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA). He was a serving Police Officer for 25 years in which time he had roles as lead defensive tactics trainer for his force, public order tactical advisor and hostage negotiator.

Throughout the past six decades Martin has trained and graded under some of the leading martial artists in their particular fields including such World class teachers as: Hirokazu Kanazawa / Shiro Asano (Shotokan), Kiyoshi Yamazaki (Shindo Jinen Ryu) Brain Jones / Abner Pasa (Eskrima), Dan Inosanto / Rick Young / Larry Hartsell (JKD), Brian Eustace (Taiho Jutsu) Marco Ruas (Ruas Vale Tudo).