News and Updates:

Added an article to the member area on the Dragon mettle drill, the super-secret set of 8 self-defense chokes so dangerous we restrict access. Join the Campfire Crew and you can read the article today!
Beginner session starts on 7/1/26. Studies show that people want to start new activities with other beginners rather than being thrown into programs with more experienced folks. So, toward that end, the in-person club here in Richmond, VA is going to a quarterly sign-up model. If you’re in RVA, sign up here. Classes every Tues and Thurs from 6 - 7 PM at 8600 Lakefront Dr., Henrico, VA 23294.
Member referral program. Distance learners who get a friend to sign will earn a feat in the program — and you’ll both get a free shirt. Just tell them to put your name in the “referred by” slot on the application. Members in the RVA club, bring a friend and the same goes for you!

METTLE MAKER #499: Elemental Fundamentals

[Note to folks without training partners: see the solo training options at the bottom of the page. ]

As crucial as sparring is, never throw novices to the wolves. Get beginners with no fighting experience started with elemental contact drills. This will begin their journey from “zero to hero” using methods developed by the United States Marine Corp to prepare recruits for combat during World War II. They might not look like much on paper, but they work wonders.

They also keep beginner hands out of pockets. While more advanced folks are sparring, use these drills to start preparing bodies and minds for contact. Nobody ever learned much just by watching.

Hand Wrestling

This is the best place to start new students who have zero fighting experience. Begin by chalking or marking off a circle on the grass between 10 – 15 feet in diameter (3 to 5 meters) or conduct the drill on a wrestling mat with a circle already marked. Mouth guards recommended.

Two people face off in the center of the circle and join hands with fingers interlaced (or in a palm-to-palm grip if preferred), left hand to right and right hand to left. The object is to force the other person from the circle. No contact between parties other than the hands is allowed – no punching, kicking or wrestling allowed.

Bulldogging

After few sessions hand wrestling, those with zero experience will be ready for Bulldogging. Two people face off in the center of the circle and bend at the waist. Place heads side by side, right ear facing right ear. Each person wraps right arm around neck of partner. Do not crush or squeeze – just firmly secure position. The object is to force the other person from the circle. No contact between parties other than the over-hooking with arms is allowed – no striking or wrestling permitted.

Chest and Abdomen Thrusts (a.k.a. “Hurricane Drill”)

Two people face off in fighting stance, hands up. Both parties simultaneously hop into opposite stance and strike the other person’s chest with a rear palm strike just as the rear hand is becoming the forward hand. When beginners are comfortable with this drill, strike the abdomen with the knuckle punch instead. Encourage students not to strike any harder than their partner can tolerate – the idea is to strengthen and improve one’s friends, not to harm or demoralize.

Scuffling

The next level of sparring preparation is scuffling. Two people put in mouthguards and square off in the center of the circle. The object is to force the other person from the circle by pushing and shoving the torso and arms only. No shoving to the face, and no punching, kicking or striking of any kind are allowed. Be careful not to get carried away!

Click the pic above to watch a video about the drills.

Solo training options? Gotcha covered. No, you can’t learn martial arts solo. But you can can hone your technique, learn a new technique or two, and stay somewhere close to fighting shape using some solo drills. Here are a few you might enjoy:

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Sacred Reading for Trinity sunday 5/31/26

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