I receive numerous enthusiastic requests to demonstrate our Spanish dagger system so people can better understand what we do. We differ from many research groups in that everything we teach is based on direct personal transmission. We do not teach interpretations reconstructed from transcripts or historical fragments. That important work of rediscovery is best leftContinue reading “Understanding the Spanish Dagger System for Self-Defense”
Author Archives: Killick Off Road Arts
Mastering KORA Savate: Techniques for Effective Low Kicks
A little insight into how I like to teach KORA Savate in our group We work with two versions of our low kick. One is a “scrap” kick that ranges from the opponent’s toenails up to the knees. The other is a more classic, chambered oblique kick aimed at the knee and thigh. We focusContinue reading “Mastering KORA Savate: Techniques for Effective Low Kicks”
Principle Driven Skill Development
Russ Smith has written what is arguably one of the best “how to teach martial arts” books I’ve ever read. I’ll come back to the book itself later. I also want to discuss why I think you should buy it. But first, let’s talk about the challenge of teaching this complex thing we call martialContinue reading “Principle Driven Skill Development”
Training Opportunities in 2026
Happy New Year, and welcome to the 2026 training year at Killick Off Road Arts. Since appearing on a podcast late last year, there has been a significant increase in interest in our classes. A number of people have asked about adding weekday evening sessions. After reviewing my current commitments, I’m not able to offerContinue reading “Training Opportunities in 2026”
KORA’s Successful Year: Safety and Self-Defense Skills
2025 has been a highly successful year for KORA. There have been clear improvements in student skill, confidence, and overall training quality. I have noticed positive developments in my own teaching approach as well. During the first half of the year, the primary focus was on improving intention and awareness. This was within the trainingContinue reading “KORA’s Successful Year: Safety and Self-Defense Skills”
Indonesia: Warrior Arts – Culture – Mysteries
Hi all, I was very lucky. I managed to slot in a podcast with Johnny Silmon whilst resting between jobs and job interviews. Please go and watch on YouTube, and if you can, like it, it helps the algorithm get the episode out. I am very grateful to Johnny for giving me a space toContinue reading “Indonesia: Warrior Arts – Culture – Mysteries”
Join Our Saturday Martial Arts Classes for All Levels
There’s still time to make 2025 count. Begin training in martial arts that build real-world skills. They also enhance confidence and the ability to protect oneself. Killick Off Road Arts — Saturday Training Schedule All classes are 55 minutes. 09:00 — Three-Amigos Sword & Dagger Short Sword • Dagger • Stick Fighting Develop precision, coordination,Continue reading “Join Our Saturday Martial Arts Classes for All Levels”
Martial Arts Journaling: Enhancing Learning Through Reflection
For most of my years studying and researching martial arts, I’ve kept detailed notes. Sometimes I took notes during training. Most often, I reflected quietly afterwards. Writing by hand helps me learn and remember. For the past four decades, I’ve kept a handwritten journal. Later, I typed everything up to store digitally. The video belowContinue reading “Martial Arts Journaling: Enhancing Learning Through Reflection”
The Importance of Intent in Self-Defense Training
The intent behind my KORA classes—and, in truth, all my teaching—is simple and direct:to enable my students to disable their attackers as quickly as possible, ideally within two seconds. That might sound like a bold mission statement, especially when my students only train with me once a week. And yes, it is ambitious. But clarityContinue reading “The Importance of Intent in Self-Defense Training”
Continuous Improvement in Martial Arts Education: A Proven Method
In our school year, every class must give 100% to achieve genuine growth. There’s still time to move ahead and make progress. I divide the year into two terms: January to August, and September to December. After forty years of experimentation, I’ve found this structure to be the most effective. It allows my students toContinue reading “Continuous Improvement in Martial Arts Education: A Proven Method”
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