Applied Martial Arts newsletter

The internet is an amazing place.  You can pretty much say whatever you want, be whoever you want, and almost do whatever you want. 
 
The point of this article is nothing new.  I've addressed it before.  Because of some over-zealous Internet Warriors I've decided to give it another run.
 

Applied Martial Arts has undergone a very significant transformation.  All of the missing gaps in our program have not only been filled, but magnified by a thousand fold, by the Southard Combat System.  We have merged completely with Southard Combat, and we are officially all students of Grand Master Anthony Southard.  As a black belt instructor of the greatest Reality-Based Self Defense system in the world, I am proud to announce a unity.  Not an affiliation. Not an association.  Not even a team.  A UNITED FAMILY. 
 

 Fight Everyone
By Brian Brock
 

 Often times I feel myself beating a dead horse when it comes the topic of Self-Defense and Martial Arts and the difference between the two.  I suppose I do this for three reasons:  #1 This site is all about Self Defense and Martial Arts.  #2  The principles need to be repeated for not only a reminder but for those new to the study.

 In life, it is difficult to find a strong connection between a group of individuals dedicated to their cause.  That's why it is so fulfilling and refreshing to observe them in action.
 
A few weeks ago Sensei Eckman invited me to the 4th Degree Black Belt testing of two Shito-Ryu Karate Masters:  Sensei Shon Barnes and Sensei John Connelly.
 

 Forgive me since it's been a while since I've sent out an article.  I guess the new year has brought more work to not only Applied Martial Arts but to myself personally than I had anticipated.  Such is life ;-)
 
Today I would like to discuss a few principles of Applied Martial Arts.  
 
Here are four key points:
 

 This is going to be a little off-topic, but if you're a martial artist who believes that philosophy plays a huge part in martial arts, perhaps you'll find it quite relevant.  
 
In life we all have our ups and downs.  Think of the last time you felt down.  Did it last the ENTIRE day?  Or did it just last an hour or two?  
 

There are so many misconceptions about "women self defense" and I'm so sick of people buying some of the crap that is circulating about it.  At the bottom of this article I've copied and pasted an email that was recently sent to my wife about women self defense (this is the 4th time she's received the same email).  It is just absolutely ridiculous.  Some of its points are slightly valid, but it teaches you to live in fear and paranoia, and that basically you're tough just because you're a woman and there ain't no man gonna harm you for nothin cuz you're a woman.

To "empty your cup" means that, before you go into any seminar, martial art school, etc., you must empty your cup of knowledge and be open minded to whatever is to be taught.  If you think you know everything there is to know, or even if you are comfortable with what you do know, you will never progress.  Your arrogance and ignorance will hinder both your growth and that of anybody you choose to teach (if you're an instructor).   
 

I want to discuss something very important this week.  The definition of a black belt.  There's a big problem with it, however.  There is no universal certification process.  A black belt in one system may mean something else and be representative of a completely different skill level.  
 
From my article "Avoiding Mcdojos..."
 
 
"First of all, I must explain that, in this day and age, if somebody has a 'black belt' in a