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M BOB WHELAN	Post questions for Brad Steiner here:	Lead	[-]
Posts: 267 ( 3-Aug-08 08:14:40) Administrator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Tags : None If you have a question for Brad, post it here.
keith2237		#1	[-]
Posts: 90 ( 4-Aug-08 09:20:19) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Cool idea Bob. Couple of quick questions. What type of daily/weekly training program does Brad follow? What does he think of the Crossfit craze? What are his impressions of the SCARS defense program? Would he consider putting past issues of Sword and Pen on-line? Thanks for the opportunity to ask questions of this great font of knowledge. Keith. Last Edited By: keith2237 4-Aug-08 09:27:14. Edited 1 times.
decker14626	Question for Brad Steiner	#2	[-]
Posts: 13 (11-Aug-08 21:34:04) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I love brad. His monthly column in Ir----- was the reason I subscribed. Once they dropped him, I dropped them. Anyway, Mr. Steiner, you always recommend 3 days per week when doing a full body routine. Just about everyone on this site seems to think only 2 should be done. I get really confused because I respect your opinion, and Bob's. Why do you think 3 workouts per week are better than 2? Two seems to make more sense recovery wise, but I know most of the old timers did 3. Your opinion would be greatly appreciated, thank you.
M BOB WHELAN	Answer For Keith - *From Brad Steiner*	#3	[-]
Posts: 267 (24-Aug-08 19:26:19) Administrator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Dear Keith, While I'm no "font of knowledge" I'm afraid, I will do my best to answer your questions. 1. My "ideal" personal training schedule (which, I am sorry to say, I sometimes digress from for one or another reasons - usually personal, and always a pain in the butt!) is as follows: • Each morning= 30 minutes at the striking post, working hands, elbows, and feet • 30 minutes spent pounding a steel bar with my hands while having my morning coffee and listening to the radio • Either - rope skipping for a few minutes or about 10 minutes of preliminary bodyshifting and elbow/arm striking exercises • MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, and FRIDAY = weight training - Monday, moderate; Wednesday, light; Friday, heavy • TUESDAY, THURSDAY, SATURDAY, and SUNDAY = combatives training Weight-training workouts are about 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hours. Combative (American Combato) training is about 1-1/2 hours My weight training schedule takes a bit longer than it used to (please bear in mind that I am in my 60's now, and I used to train at a brisker pace in my 20's and 30's), but the program is all basic and simple. Total body workout. Only ten exercises (and that includes a general warmup and abdominal work). I am in no sense of the word an "outstanding" strength athlete or bodybuilder. I have always been a relatively poor gainer and claim absolutely nothing for myself except that I love training, and I love teaching it. I have studied and experimented with weight training and with the role of weight training in combat skills programs (to include the incorporation of hypnosis) since the 1960's. In my personal training I have done the best I could with whatever I had, potential-wise. I know that many, many trainees can and will achieve a great deal more, and I am all for them doing so. 2. I have to plead ignorance (told you I was no "font" . . .!) on the Crossfit question. You used the word "craze" however, and whenever something achieves prominence as a craze (with an "e" at the end of the word) it generally turns out to be something better described by changing the "e" to a "y". There is really nothing spectacular or new in the field of physical training. The last great innovation - Nautilus - simply focused upon the concept that had been followed for hundreds of years with barbells and dumbells. Nautilus just found a way to make the principle work even better and more efficiently with certain movements. To be fair Keith, since I am not sure exactly what this "Crossfit" is, if I have been unduly harsh, I'm sorry. 3. SCARS is a system of hand-to-hand combat with which I am familiar. I have had U.S. Naval and Coast Guard members train with me who had taken the SCARS course. Obviously, I have my System and the SCARS people (especially its originator) have theirs. If I thought that SCARS was the best I would abandon what I do and I would be doing SCARS. But I do AMERICAN COMBATO. SCARS has some points with which I agree, and some things with which I take exception. Doubtless there would be SCARS teachers who would have the same thing to say about AMERICAN COMBATO (Jen•Do•Tao) if they became familiar with it. This is, as the saying goes, what makes horse racing. 4. Past issues of SWORD & PEN are (to put it mildly) quite politically incorrect in some instances. They contain and express ideas that would make our already "just getting by" business get by even less! Be consoled by the fact that all previous (to on-line publication) issues of S&P were but six pages long. I fully intend to make the on-line issues lengthier and meatier (in regard to training and instructional pieces contained therein). I know that you'll enjoy the future issues if you like it so far. I sincerely thank you for your interest in my work, and I hope that you enjoy enormous personal success in your training. Cordially, Brad Last Edited By: M BOB WHELAN 24-Aug-08 19:32:18. Edited 1 times.
M BOB WHELAN	*Answer to DECKER's POST* From Brad Steiner ****	#4	[-]
Posts: 267 (26-Aug-08 07:57:09) Administrator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Dear Decker, Thank you for your complimentary comments. I appreciate what you said very much. I am not doctrinaire about there "absolutely, positively, always" needing to be three weekly workouts. I do believe that three generally work best; in part because I was led to discover it myself, in part because so many others who made excellent progress believed in the system, and in part because after training every-other-day for four years (when I began working out) I came to love training, and couldn't stand doing less than three weekly workouts from then on! The hard facts of course point to different approaches working for different people. I certainly would agree that two workouts a week are enough for a hard-training combat arts trainee (who trained in combatives at least three times a week). I could also see it being quite enough for someone who worked very hard with his muscles at his job. In cases where the only real physical exertion of any magnitude that a person gets is from his workouts, I would say that three hard barbell/dumbell sessions a week would almost certainly be necessary to build him up. Three workouts of varying intensity, however, is the way I most often advocate training, and this is how I train, myself. One light, one moderate, and one heavy day, each week. One thing that will influence whether two or three workouts per week is best is how hard and long you workout, and your age and energy level. There's no one answer for everyone. If you're a relative beginner (say no more than three or four months basic all round training), my advice is to get on a thrice weekly schedule and train on it sensibly for five to eight months. You'll of course require a few days rest every now and then; but stick with that routine for that long. If you're happy with how the training goes, stay with it. It fits you. If you feel that you could be doing better doing "something else" then drop back to two weekly workouts (DON'T do more than three!). Try that schedule for four to six months, taking the required breaks from training. Now compare the two approaches (2x vs. 3x per week): How did you progress on each, comparatively? How did you feel best - on a 2x or 3x per week routine? Now write your own ticket. Two or three workouts per week could either be a perfect routine; it depends upon the individual in question. Also (and I hope this is unnecessary to say, even though I will say it) be certain that the workouts employ good, basic exercises (squat, press, rowing, dead lift, curls, bench press), use between two and three sets tops, per exercise, are done using strict exercise form using heaviest possible weights with that good form, and follow as brisk a pace as you're able to employ. One of the things that probably contributed to the 2x per week approach was the advent of the great Nautilus machinery and training methods. Arthur Jones did all physical trainees a great service by demonstrating that use of the super-intensive and focused Nautilus way really did enable a lot of people to do just fine with two of Jones' style workouts per week. But honestly, very few people go 300% as one ideally ought to go, when they train. And for those people (and I am one of them, great admirer of Arthur Jones that I have always been, and that I remain) three weekly workouts make a lot more sense. Don't forget that a good, balanced diet and plenty of rest and sleep also contribute enormously to good gains in physical training. Good luck to you! Best always, Brad Last Edited By: M BOB WHELAN 26-Aug-08 08:02:21. Edited 1 times.
decker14626	Thanks Brad	#5	[-]
Posts: 13 (31-Aug-08 17:34:58) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Just wanted to say thanks for answering my question. As always, your advice makes perfect sense. I've always loved 3 workouts per week too. Thanks also to Bob for posting my question.
keith2237		#6	[-]
Posts: 90 ( 2-Sep-08 09:52:10) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I have been meaning to leave a note of thanks for your input. Thank-you. Your reply leads to another question though. What type of striking post do you use? Is this similar to a makiwara? Okay, two questions. Thanks again for the info. Keith.
M BOB WHELAN		#7	[-]
Posts: 267 ( 7-Sep-08 18:30:56) Administrator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Reply From Brad Steiner Dear Keith, I use an outdoor striking post. I purchase (usually lasts for a year or two, then needs replacement) one 9 or 10 foot 2" x 6" oak board. I place a kicking level and hand striking level pad (consisting of stiff rubber mats cemented together) on the board with strong tape. I have a padded FACE LEVEL portion of extended wood attached for realism in chinjabbing. NO NAILS OR STAPLES WITH ANYTHING INVOLVING HITTING! I bury about half the board and brace it underground with cement blocks. It's very secure. I always incline the board forward (about 05-10 degrees) so that it leans toward me. When not in use I keep the board covered with a strong plastic bag, which is tied securely. I train front kicks, side kicks, elbow smashes, reverse handblades, handaxe chops, heelpalm blows, chinjab smashes, veritical fist punches, and hook punches (a 30-minute workout) each morning or early afternoon. I would prefer an indoor striking post, but constructing one isn't feasible. I also believe very strongly in pounding the hand-edges on a length of steel bar for toughening - in addition to striking post work. Hope this is helpful information for you, Keith. All good wishes, and best of luck in your own training! Cordially, Brad
M BOB WHELAN		#8	[-]
Posts: 267 ( 7-Sep-08 18:48:43) Administrator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Good accurate info about American Combato (from an unknown author and board). "American Combato. This system was developed by Bradley J. Steiner and uses a lot of the technigues developed by Fairbairn, a former police chief of Shanghai who learned from what worked in the early twentieth century through trial and error. Professor Steiner was deeply infleunced by Major W.E.Fairbairn, who taught the British Commandos during World War II, and Colonel Rex Applegate, author of Kill or Get Killed, a student of Fairbairn who taugh the OSS, which later became the CIA. "Steiner is also an 8th degree black belt in Kenpo Karate and other forms and used some of everything he learned plus street fighting to come up with what is generally considered one of the most realistic self defense systems in the world. Black Belt magazine named it one of the top ten most realistic self defense systems in the world a few years back, and reviewed it right after Krav Maga. Steiner taught the South Bronx detectives in an area known as "Fort Apache, The Bronx", (There was a movie made about it with that title. The cop who throws the guy off the roof in that movie was one of Professor Steiner's students) Steiner has taught in Seattle for a number of years, and many of his students are police officers. I was taught by him, and while I don't know how well I would do in a self defense emergency, since nobody has attacked me since I was a student of Professor Steiner, I do feel a great deal of confidence in what he taught me. He teaches close quarter combat with devasting blows and low kick and gouges and the like. It is a brutal but very effective system with absolutely no sports type of limitations at all, this is street survival self defense. "Sensei Mark Bryans also teaches American Combato in Prescott, Arizona. Sensei Bryans is a 6th degree black belt and the only one authorized to teach American Combato other than Professor Steiner. If your looking for battle tested street smart self defense, American Combato would be the one I would go for, along with John Perkins "Attack Proof" system. Krav Maga is worth checking out, it's easy to learn. I studied Krav Maga and American Combato, I think American Combato is better, but Krav Maga can be learned by anybody, it's really easy, and has some things that I think will work."
drumstrong		#9	[-]
Posts: 47 ( 8-Sep-08 13:59:10) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	martial arts, sport fighting, and self defense are 3 different things. While a pure martial art and sport fighting like MMA have carryover to the street, self defense has no rules only legal ramifications. I took traditional jujitsu for quite some time and as the belts got higher the ciriculum got more Hollywood, so I dropped it. Combato and Krav Maga definitely sound like the most pratical for the average person. Remember the 2 best self defense techniques are run and run faster.
keith2237		#10	[-]
Posts: 90 ( 9-Sep-08 14:00:35) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Thanks for the info on the striking board. My backyard isn't very big, but I definitely could fit in something like that. Also give the kids somewhere to take out their frustrations. LOL
M BOB WHELAN	Question for Mr.Steiner from Tegnerfan	#11	[-]
Posts: 267 (23-Sep-08 13:59:12) Administrator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	First off allow me to say I have been a HUGE fan of Mr.Steiners for about 33 years now since I started weight training.I hate to tell you what I paid for a copy of 'Complete Guide to Effective Barbell Training", but it was worth every penny!I have 2 questions:1.Is it ok to change exercises during each workout,that is say on Mondays workout I do flat benches,then on Wednesdays do incline bench presses etc,or is it advisable to change every month or so.2.As I near 50 I find my energy and strength levels have dropped.Health wise I'm well,but nowhere near as strong as I was even 4 or 5 years ago.Is this a normal part of the aging weight trainer?
M BOB WHELAN	From Brad Steiner (to Tegnerfan's question)	#12	[-]
Posts: 267 (23-Sep-08 14:28:41) Administrator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Dear Tegnerfan, Your words of appreciation are, believe me, very much and very sincerely appreciated. Thank you! In answer to your two questions ..... 1) I see no drawback to using a slightly different exercise movement on each training day. However, the key word is "slightly". For example: Using the basic barbell bench press on Monday, then a barbell incline bench press on Wednesday, and a heavy flat bench dumbells bench press on Friday is fine. Do not, however, use an exercise that offers seriously diminished benefits. For example, using heavy barbell curls on Monday, then using heavy dumbell curls on Wednesday is fine. But using the barbell curls on Monday and then using light dumbell concentration curls on Wednesday would, in my opinion, not be a good idea. The key concept is to maximally tax the muscles being worked. The basic exercises are the exercises that do this. Light - or "lesser" exercise movements may occasionally be included in a routine (by advanced trainees) as a supplement to the basic work; never as a substitute for it. Normally, you only need to work on the basics. Even when training on a "light" training day I believe that it is wise to use the same basic exercises (in whichever variations thereof you wish), but employ lighter weights. There are sufficient variations of the basic exercise movements to enable anyone to avoid excessive boredom - and to enable anyone to avoid wasting time on the "little" stuff! 2) As far as diminished physical strength is concerned, my experience is that - to a slight degree - one may notice some of this as one gets older. However, I have also observed that in some cases strength remains just as great (in some movements and exercises) as it always has been since reaching one's "peak" in earlier years. I am in my 60's now and do train somewhat differently than I did in my 20's and 30's, and I have definitely noticed that in some movements (notably overhead pressing, where I have never been especially powerful) I handle less weights in general than I once did. But, on balance, my strength has remained approximately at its peak. In one or another instance I have occasionally noticed that I seem to be stronger. I refer to myself since I am more familiar with my own training than I am with anyone else's. However, I have observed that those whose training histories I am fairly well acquainted with, over the years, seem to reflect experiences similar to my own. May I suggest that you might be doing a bit too much, and that may account for your experiencing less strength? Again, to use myself as an example, I have found that varying workout intensities (light, medium, and heavy) on each of three training days during the week, has enabled me to benefit most greatly. In my 20's and 30's I did not train this way, but went "all out" three times a week. I use only one "heavy" training day each week, at present. Just to set your mind at ease, I'd recommend that you check with an MD if you have serious concerns over your strength apparently dropping. Then, if there is no health problem that accounts for it, try moderating your efforts in one of your weekly workouts, and restricting heavy efforts to but one weekly session - or even to one heavy workout every week and a half or even two weeks. You've got lots of good training years ahead of you! Unfortunately, there does not seem to be anything that any of us can do about the inevitability of aging. But a regular training lifestyle certainly keeps good health at a peak for as long as possible, and keeps us in great shape until our final days on earth. I wish you the very, very best. Keep training! Cordially, Brad Steiner
MarcVi		#13	[-]
Posts: 14 ( 1-Jun-09 20:40:30) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	I have a couple of questions for Brad Steiner: A lot of martial arts schools teach students to punch with the closed fist. I have heard of boxers breaking their hands in street fights and several fighters in the UFC have broken their hands in matches despite wearing 5 ounce gloves and wrapped hands. Do you think punching in a self-defence situation is a wise idea or should I focus on palm strikes? Are there methods of punching that would lessen my chances of breaking my hands? Also, I live in the Los Angeles area. Are there any schools or instructors in the Los Angeles area that you would recommend? Thanks, Marc
grffn		#14	[-]
Posts: 460 ( 2-Jun-09 18:47:11) Moderator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Marc I'm not Bradley Steiner but squeeze your hands tight as you can and hit with your top two knuckles and you will have no problem on most human heads
M BOB WHELAN		#15	[-]
Posts: 267 ( 3-Jun-09 18:25:11) Administrator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	FROM BRAD STEINER Hi Bob! Please post the following reply:- Hi Marc, Thank you for your communication. Let me answer the simplest part of your question first: I do not know personally of any particular instructor or school in your area, although if a trip to Prescott, Arizona is feasible for you, I cannot recommend anyone more highly than Mark Bryans. Mark is the only licensed individual who may legally teach my System (aside from myself, of course!), and it would take three pages for me to list his qualities as a teacher and practitioner of American Combato. Find out more about him by checking our site: www.americancombato.com. Also, although I don't know of any personally, there are probably a few excellent teachers and schools somewhere in L.A. - just do some careful and in-depth checking around. Clenched fist punching has a small place in unarmed combat. Properly executed punches into the sternum, solar plexus, testicles, and perhaps the kidney area, should be developed - but ONLY as a supplement to open hand blows. Please read my article in this month's SWORD & PEN, free on our web site, on HARDENING THE EDGE OF THE HAND, as it is relevant to this discussion. Clenched fist punching is emphasized because it can be used full force in SPARRING and in COMPETITION with little or no likelihood of serious or permanent injuries (one of the reasons why you do not want to use it in hand-to-hand combat!). For real combat (self-defense, military hand-to-hand, etc.) rely on the EDGE OF THE HAND, the HEEL OF THE HAND, the BOTTOM EDGE of the clenched fist, The FINGER TIPS (driven to eyes or throat only), the HALF-FIST KNUCKLE JAB (to the throat), HEAD BUTTING, CLAW-RIPPING (to eyes and face), HAND GRABBING AND CRUSHING (testicles), ELBOW SMASHING, KNEE BLOWS (to testicles, or to face against a doubled over adversary), HEEL OR EDGE OF FOOT STOMPING (to knees, shins, foot arches), FRONT KICKING WITH BALL OF FOOT (to testicles), and BITING. The "palm" of the hand is, per se, useful to DISTRACT (by smacking an ear, for example) for a more devastating blow, or, if CUPPED STRONGLY, excellent to box the ears (bursting the eardrums; which may be followed by ripping the ears off the adversary's head). I'd not recommend simple palm striking per se, as the HEEL of the hand is stronger and precludes the possibility of a sprained wrist. As far as correct methods of punching and how to train to lessen the possibility breaking your hand when punching, I would emphasize: • Use the blows I have listed above as being superior to the clenched fist punch • Limit punching to the targets I have given you • Practice punching against a post, heavy bag, or dummy, taking care to properly clench the fist and correctly perform the punch • Consider clenched fist punching to the head and facial area to be ALWAYS undesirable. The only possible exception might be a quick distracting punch to the nose that precedes a more ferocious and final power attack using better natural weapons. I would add to all of this that Western boxing is a most valuable art for teaching a man how to stand, move, and hit hard. However, the natural weapon that it employs (ie the normal fist) must be avoided in real combat. Substitute the weapons I have listed, and learn how to use them in a manner similar to the way in which a boxer hits, and you're on the right track, my friend! I hope that I've been of some help to you. Good luck in your training, and all best wishes, Brad (Bradley J. Steiner)
MarcVi		#16	[-]
Posts: 14 ( 4-Jun-09 13:02:01) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Thank you so much for this great information. I really appreciate Bob making this forum available to us. Marc
Tegnerfan	Question for Brad Steiner	#17	[-]
Posts: 8 (14-Jun-09 14:33:03) Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	Hello,I have two questions for Brad Steiner,regarding certain combat techniques,and his thoughts regarding their usefulness.1.the Flying Mare,as shown in KOGK?Do you teach it in your curriculum,and if so when would it be used?2.The horizontal palm heel strikes,delivered to the facial area instead of punching.I know why you highly regard the chin jab,but I was wondering about this strike in particular.
M BOB WHELAN		#18	[-]
Posts: 267 (17-Jun-09 11:23:25) Administrator Reply Quote More My Recent Posts	FROM PROF STEINER - Hi Bob! Thanks much for sending along TEGNERFAN's questions. My reply: - Dear Tegnerfan, Thank you for your communication. 1. Yes, I do include the flying mare (shoulder throw) as described in KILL OR GET KILLED in my System's curriculum. It is taught in the context of employing a counterattack that specifically facilitates the use of this throw. (Alternatives to the flying mare are included here, by the way, for those who do not like the throw). The throw is NOT taught as an individual, separate "attack", per se. I consider the flying mare to be effective only in certain instances, and only for SOME individuals - not everyone. For example, I myself do not use the throw, and I do not believe that it suits me, physiologically. The same is true, so my experience shows, for many others. About 50% of my students who reach that level in training where I teach this technique find it suitable and to their liking; while the other 50% do not. I tell those who do not like the move to simply retain an understanding of the principle involved (so they might assist others, later on, who do like the throw to learn it for their use - but "if you don't feel that it is effective for your own physique, movement style, and combative proclivities, don't work at developing it"). I am emphatic about not employing the throw as a self-contained "attack". It is too complicated and dependent upon factors that delay the neutralization of the enemy even when correctly executed by someone for whom the throw "works". Better to simply thrust fingers into the adversary's eyes, chinjab him, kick him in the testicles, break his knee, or handaxe his neck or throat. It's simpler and more reliable, on balance. One thing I do teach is COUNTERING the flying mare, which I teach to brown Belts. People are often quite surprised to see how EASILY anyone can defeat the attempt to apply this throw - and it hardly takes much energy! Even White Belts in my System however, ought have no real problem after three or four months training in stopping some "ju-jutsu-trained" attacker in his tracks if or when such an attacker attempted the flying mare. I teach the counter more to demonstrate that throwing is at best a secondary technique in serious combat. Among my students are people who have serious backgrounds in judo, and of course they are often tempted to use the more vicious flying mare, due to their background, and their familiarization with the milder "ippon seoinage" (one arm over-shoulder throw) of Kodokan judo. Again - if it suits them well and they can employ it deftly and naturally, I say "go for it". If not, "forget it". Even with judo black belts. 2. The straight heelpalm thrust to the face is an excellent blow and YES, ABSOLUTELY I teach and emphasize its use! All fullforce fist blows (except of course the HAMMERFIST blow) to the bony facial and head area are not recommended for combat. One of my Black Belts advised me only about a week ago that he had heard of some competitive "fighter" breaking both of his hands punching an opponent's skull. (Punching the face and head may be necessary in sport, because the use of combat type blows is not allowed - but in combat attack the head and face with handaxe, elbow, hammerfist, and heelpalm smashes [and, when the opportunity presents, fingers to the eyes], but NO HARD PUNCHING TO THE FACE AND HEAD AREAS!). FYI: In my System we exploit the heel of the hand blows in numerous variations: 1. chinjabbing, 2. straight-in, 3. "whipping", 4. hooking, 5. inverted-direct, 6. overhead-circular, and 7. in all sorts of combinations, as well. I hope that I have adequately answered your question, my friend. I wish you good luck and success in your training and development! Cordially, Brad

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