Answers to your Questions

[Maximus]

Hello,

I am one of the architects of the Elite Fighter System of Modern Personal Combat. I am beginning this thread to answer questions that you may have concerning the system and your training. I will be thorough yet concise in my responses.

As I begin this chain, please keep in mind that I spend most of my time training and training others. So, please be patient as I only check this thread once per day.

Well, let's get started!

Maximus

[Dragon77]

My question is about the practice combat scenarios.
My background is with Parker's Kenpo. Are the practice combat scenarios similar to the self defense techniques in Kenpo? What is the best way to practice them?

DRagon77

[pigram86]

Is the training similiar to a kenpo class? Work on basics then onto techniques ( combat senarios)? I take it that there will be more emphasis on ground fighting. Btw, are there classes being offered now in KY? group or private?
Pig

[Maximus]

Dragon77,

To answer your question about Practice Combat Scenarios (post #2)...

You really can't compare Kenpo's self defense techniques to the Practice Combat Scenarios of the Elite Fighter System of Combat.

Kenpo's self defense techniques are merely theoretical ideas. Even Ed Parker said that there were only "ideas" and categorized them in the "Ideal Phase" of learning. Your chances of successfully applying a Kenpo self defense technique in an actual combat situation are slim. Just try and execute one in a full-contact free-sparring match. You will quickly see that self defense techniques do not work.

Practice Combat Scenarios (PCS's), on the other hand, can be compared to battle strategies that the military uses in War Games. They are designed to develop spontaneous reactions to unexpected attacks. They also provide a framework in developing your own defensive combat strategies. PCS's are only a portion of the training you will experience. Remember, the Elite Fighter System teaches defensive AND offensive methods. We don't talk and theorize, we train and actualize!

To answer your second question, practice and repetition especially with a partner. Training is the key.

Maximus

[Maximus]

Pigram86,

Your question (post #3) assumes that all Kenpo classes are structured the same. They are not. There are many instructors of the martial arts who haven't the slightest idea how to properly train anyone. So, I really can't answer that question because it is comparing the Elite Fighter System to something totally unrelated. Also, Practice Combat Scenarios are NOT the same as self defense techniques (see reply to Dragon77).

A typical Elite Fighter Training Session begins with a warm up proceeded by the new material that will be covered. Next, speed and power training begins. Finally, strength and endurance conditioning finishes the session. Yes, groundfighting is trained, but ALL phases of combat are integrated into the training. In a life-threatening situation, you may have to combine grappling with striking, or grappling with stick fighting. You may have to use your combat handgun skills in conjunction with knife defenses. Everything is integrated into a whole. We do not teach pieces of information and hope that you can figure the rest out. Elite Fighter training is best compared to the training an elite fighting force undergoes not a typical karate school.

We will provide more information about our training facilities on the web-site in the future. We currently have a waiting list. However, we are developing a distance learning program that will provide you with the same quality training and instruction.

Maximus

[pigram86]

Is the speed and power training based on ploymetrics and reactionary drills? Does the strength and endurance training consist of bodyweight exercises or weights? I'm asking so that I can better prepare myself for the actual training. Since the training is more like military training, I'm assuming that it is has a very high intensity level.

Todd

[administrator]

Todd,
We will be posting some of the training exercises on the web site within 2 weeks. Next on the web you will find the online store functional (within 2 days), the Defender Level material, then we will list the instructor qualifications, after that the Training Hall will be posting new material for training purposes.

In the meantime, start stretching, running, push ups and sit ups. Maximus will give more details later.

Administrator

[Maximus]

Todd,

Plyometrics were originally used as a training modality by US track and field athletes in the 1970's. The term "plyometric" applies to any exercise or jumping drill that utilizes the myotatic or stretch reflex of a muscle. This particular reflex is elicited when a muscle is pre-stretched prior to a contraction. Pre-stretching causes a more powerful movement than would otherwise be possible. This is illustrated in the Depth Jump exercise. In this exercise, you are required to step off a box from a specified height (usually 2.5 to 3.5 feet). The elastic nature of the muscles allows you to store potential energy during the lowering (eccentric) phase of the movement. Upon making contact with the ground, your lower body musculature is forcefully pre-stretched, which brings about the stretch reflex. The stored energy is then released as kinetic energy, which results in a rapid, explosive movement. Other plyometric exercises include bounding, hopping, drop push-ups, and the use of medicine balls.

At first glance, plyometric training appears to be a rather innovative idea based on scientifically documented principles. Unfortunately, most of the accolades showered upon plyometrics are centered on personal anecdotes and assumptions regarding the nature of muscles.

There are two essential problems with plyometrics. The first is the potential for traumatic injury due to the repetitive, ballistic nature of the exercises. Potential injuries include heel bruises, shin splints, meniscal damage, patellar tendinitis, ruptured tendons, and vertebral compression as well as various sprains, strains, and stress-related fractures.

The second problem with plyometrics is that it does not adhere to the Principle of Specificity. The Priniciple of Specificity is well documented in motor learning literature. Briefly, it states that your activities must be specific to a skill in order for maximal improvement to occur. Specific means "exact" or "identical", not "similar" or "just like". Each time a fighter performs a particular skill, a specific neuromuscular pattern is involved that is unique to that movement alone. Introducing anything foreign to the pattern (such as weighted objects, plyometrics, etc) will only serve to confuse the original neuromuscular pathway, and will actually create a negative learning transfer, with a resultant decrease in performance.

There are two requirements necessary to increase your skills for combat. First of all, you must literally practice the motor skill for thousands and thousands of task-specific repetitions under the same conditions that you will need to execute them. Each repetition must be done with perfect technique so that its specific movement pattern becomes ingrained in your motor memory. Practice makes perfect only if you practice perfect.

Secondly, you must strengthen the major muscle groups that are used during the performance of that skill. A stronger muscle can produce more force; if you can produce more force, you will require less effort and be able to perform the skill more quickly and efficiently. But again, that is provided that you've practiced enough in a correct manner so that you'll be more skillful in applying that force.

Because plyometrics is an unproven fad, is a potential for injury, and it does not directly contribute to skill development, the Elite Fighter System of Modern Combat does not advocate its use. Instead, Elite Fighters train the actual skills that will be needed for combat. These skills are trained to develop speed in their execution as well as to develop reactionary skils by pre-designed drills with partners. Power is developed by executing these same movements on targets such as the heavy bag. Supplementary exercises are utilized to enhance the development of these skills. Strength is developed by training with body weight exercises as well as with weights. Cardiovasular and endurance exercises are developed by specific exercises (such as sparring) and non-specific exercises such as running.

More information about training and supplementary exercises will be available in publications due later this year.

Maximus

[Dragon77]

There seems to be some similarity in some of the actions of the Elite Fighters and American Kenpo. What is the relationship?

D77

[Maximus]

All fighting arts are founded upon the same principles of human motion. Though terms may differ from art to art and from culture to culture, the concept of a fist striking its target is the same. So, in this regard they are the same. However, there are fundamental differences between a self defense technique and a Practice Combat Scenario.

Self defense techniques are commonly viewed as the "answer" to an attack. However, anyone experienced in actual personal combat will tell you that this is a sure-fire method of losing a fight. Combat is unpredictable. Only by regular and intense training will you find success.

American Kenpo self defense techniques are the basis for theoretical thought. You will find more Kenpo practitioners that can spend hours upon hours discussing fighting than those who can actually fight. In theory they are great defenses, but the system was designed to teach students about the motions involved in defense. Unfortunately, it was not designed to train the student to fight.

Practice Combat Scenarios are an integrated system of tactics designed to guide the fighter through all aspects of personal combat and to train him for combat. Ultimately, the student is taught to rise above the PCS's and respond in instinctively through strategic offensive methods and tactics.

Though a motion may look similar, it is the intent and the training of the motion that differs...and that counts.

-Maximus

[Dragon77]

I just came back from vacation and while I was gone I visited a few karate schools. I spoke with a few of the guys there and they started asking me what my "lineage" was. I remember in a few seminars in Boston a lot of people talking about who studied from whom and I learned from so and so. I just thought this was talk , but it seems as thoguh there are a lot of people that take it more seriously. Like the guy I was talking to. He felt that because I didn't study from the same "instructor lineage" as he that there was no way that I could fight as good as he could. I told him that that was a load of garbage and asked him if he could back up what he was saying in a sparring match.

Let me tell you, it took a lot of convincing to get him to spar. You would think from the way that he talked that because he studied from "master so and so" that he would be great. He was definitely all talk and no action.

We finally sparred, and I wiped the floor with him! I used some of the Pre-Combative Strategic Methods and then some of the offensive moves I've learned.

My question is, what is this lineage thing and is it really a big deal?

-D77

[Maximus]

I'm going to be blunt on this question because I feel that pedigrees do more harm than good.

The use of pedigrees (generally used to prove that a person is better than someone else) is relatively new in the martial arts and is one of the chief reasons that the martial arts has declined in the number of quality fighters. Pedigrees are used by individuals who have no skill of their own so they try to prove themselves better than others by resting on the success of others.

To further explain, let me illustrate this ridiculous practice by asking a few questions about the pedigrees of three people from different walks of life.

Albert Einstein is considered one of the greatest Physicists and geniuses that has ever lived. Where did he learn it all? Can you name ANY of his teachers? Or, did he do what most successful people do? He took what he was taught to greater heights.

Cassius Clay (Mohammed Ali) is considered one of the greatest boxers of all times. Who was his coach? If a boxer doesn’t train under his coach does that mean that he will never win a match? Certainly not! There have been many world heavyweight champion boxers since Ali. So, there must be something necessary other than the coach.

From whom did Bruce Lee learn Jeet Kune Do? The answer is from no one. He developed it himself, yet this doesn’t discredit him or his system. It demonstrates that he saw the deficiencies in the martial art he studied and he sought to develop a martial art that improved upon what he knew and fit the culture in which he lived.

All three of these individuals are considered great innovators in their fields. This is not because of someone they knew or someone they learned from; but, rather, they are considered legends because of their own talents, struggles, and hard work in their fields. They are remembered and respected because they loved what they did and they devoted their time and lives doing it. They didn’t have to rest on the laurels of others to prove themselves. Their hard work and talent were proof enough.

Pedigrees are good only for those who have no talent or skill. These individuals have to rely on the success of others to justify the shortcomings of themselves.

At one time, heroes and legends filled the annals of the martial arts. Now, there are only those who try tie themselves to these individuals through the use of pedigrees and bragging on the number of seminars they have attended.

Pedigrees are good for only dogs…not legends.

Remember, it’s not who you know that proves what you can do, it’s who you are and how you train that proves what you can do.

One of the goals of the Elite Fighter System of Modern Combat is to create modern-day legends. Will you be one that inspires others in the martial arts? Will you be the next Legend of the martial arts?

Only YOU have the answer.

Train with the best to become the best.
Become an Elite Fighter.

"Study Well, Train Hard, Become a Legend."

-Maximus

[Dragon77]

I know that consistency is the key to success in training, but I've had a set-back in my training. My job got busy and I missed training for 2 weeks. Should I just pick up where I left off, go back a little, or start completely over from the beginning? I want to keep my training up, but I'm not sure what to do.

D77

[Maximus]

When we designed the training program, we looked very carefully at the training load. We wanted to make sure that it is balanced well and that it can easily fit within a busy life-style; however, things happen in life that set us back. I recommend that you start where you left off or go back one week. Just don't get discouraged. If you start back from the very beginning then you may lose motivation and cease training altogether.

If your schedule becomes busy, or you are unusually fatigued, I recommend that you back off on the auxiliary training and focus more on your actual combat training skills.

One final thought. If you think that you don't have time to train, consider all the times that you channel surf on television and complain that there is nothing on. Why don't you use this time to practice? To find time you must make it.

-Maximus

[Dragon77]

I have been training the Elite System witha friend of mine. He has studied a lot of different martial art styles. He suggested that I practice the training clusters as one long combination. He said that if I practiced it 10 times that I would get the same effect than if I practiced each one 10 times. What do you think? I don't want to mess my training up, but he seems convincing.

Dragon77

[Maximus]

I’m glad to hear that you have a training partner, but be very careful of any advice you receive from someone who is not an officially certified instructor of the Elite Fighter System of Modern Personal Combat. Only certified instructors have the training, qualifications, and experience needed to alter the training methods of the system. And, in your case, no instructor would alter them for these reasons:

1. It is vital that you train each strike within a training cluster the required number of repetitions before moving on to the next. By focusing on a single strike you will be able to more fully concentrate on its correct execution and achieve a positive neuro-muscular transfer.

2. The most important phase of your training is the beginning phase. The habits you develop now will be carried on throughout your training. The early phases of training focuses on the perfection of your rudimental strikes. If you gloss over the rudimental strike in order to move on to the “flashier” moves, you will cheat yourself of skill. Combinations are built upon single strikes. Perfect these single strikes and you will have perfect combinations.

3. There is no fast track to perfection; there is no substitute for hard work. A short cut in training will only lead you more quickly to failure.

It sounds to me that your friend is trying to impress you and to establish superiority. Have you ever heard the phrase “He is a student of many but a master of none”? This seems to describe your friend. Be a friend to him, but take charge of your own training. Don’t take the advice of unqualified people seeking to bolster their ego.

-Maximus

[Grasshopper]

I agree with you, Maximus.

Hey Draco, don't let anyone mess you up. This training is the best. Me and my partner are rally getting into it. We've been in martial arts for years. Now when people ask us what we are doing, we say revolution! Really, this is a new revolution in the martial arts. I'm glad that I started at the beginning. I wonder what I will be like in ten years?

Better - for sure!

Also, I have noticed that the workouts progressively get more involved, so if you mess around in the beginning, you probably won't be able to it right in a few weeks. Just stay the course.

Thanks, Maximus. I can't get over how great this system is!

Grasshopper

[Dragon77]

I have a friend that is really experienced in the martial arts. He has a black belt in Kenpo, he has studied a little Wing Chung from some books, and he reads Bruce Lee's "Tao of Jeet Kune Do" everyday. How can I prove to him that the Elite Fighter System already has everything he's looking for? I used to bounce from style to style the same way he does. I just think that he is wasting his time.

-D77

[Maximus]

Lately, I have been receiving e-mails regarding this same question. So, I would like to give you a detailed response.

First, you may never convince him, but that?s OK. The Elite Fighter System is NOT for everyone; in fact, I originally never intended to release it to the public. I jealously guarded what I created. I wanted to limit the system only to family members and handpicked students. But, word spread and I quickly found myself teaching more people than I could handle. It seemed that there were many people who wanted a fighting art that was effective. They wanted something other than a ?belt factory?.

I was finally convinced to offer it to the public after a lengthy conversation with my brother, Kevin. We had always hoped that we would find someone that was sincerely interested and devoted to martial art study and training as we were. Perhaps this individual (or individuals) could one day carry on our system. At the very least, there are people out there that are truly desirous of an effective martial art with a professional and scientific approach. At that point, we felt compelled to release it to the public. Kevin began working on the names of the PCSs and devising a model around which to replace the belt system. Relying on my Sports Medicine background, it was my task to organize the system in a training progression that would develop high-level tactical skills. This entire process took over 5 years to complete.

Once complete, I realized that it would take a person who was sincerely devoted to training to journey through the system. But, not everyone who studies the martial arts cares about training. Some people study the martial arts for a hobby, some want to win trophies, others want to show off black belts, and some are interested in only theory and philosophy. That?s OK. There is a martial art for everyone. Traditional martial arts (such as Wing Chun) are great for hobbyists, Tae Kwon Do and Judo are great sports if you are interested only in trophies, Karate is fine if you want to quickly get a black belt that you can show off to others (whether you have any skill or not), and arts such as American Kenpo, Jeet Kune Do, and Aikido are fine if you are interested in theory and philosophy. However, if you want a martial art that is going to educate and train you for realistic street combat and if you are willing to devote time to train, then the Elite Fighter System is for you.

Not everyone who joins the Army is accepted into the ranks of the Special Forces. It takes a special drive and determination to be accepted among this elite fighting group. Likewise, not everyone who studies the martial arts has the drive and determination it takes to become and Elite Fighter, but that?s fine, there is a place for everyone.

Stay on good terms with your friend, don?t argue over which system is better than the other. He may not be interested in an effective fighting art; he may only want a hobby for a mental exercise. But, if you feel that he is searching aimlessly for a realistic fighting art, the best way to convince your friend of the effectiveness of the Elite Fighter System is remain focused on your training. If he is honest with you and with himself, he will see the superiority of your training and of your skills.

Only the Best may become one of the Elite.

-Maximus

[Dragon77]

I noticed that alot of Kenpo guys slap themselves and stomp their feet. There were a few of these guys in my school, but I mostly saw them at seminars and at tournaments. My instructor tried to get me to do it, but he couldn't tell me why, he just said, "It's the way its supposed to be?" What's up with that? do all Kenpo fighters do it? Should we do it?

d77

[Maximus]

Good fighters don't do it.

You will find some Kenpo practitioners who slap their chest or arm and stomp their feet while practicing self defense techniques both with and without a partner. This practice originated for demonstration purposes only. It looks and sounds great in a demonstration but it has absolutely no tactical application. Though you will hear some people call these actions "timing checks" or methods to generate power, they are no more than sound effects. If you know anything about fighting at all, you will know that this is a ridiculous practice. I would much rather spend my time hitting the opponent than hitting myself.


-Maximus

[Grasshopper]

I have a question of formalities. In kenpo and TKD we had a way of starting and finishing class with a bow, salute, meditation, etc. Is there anything like this in the Elite-Fighters System? This question has come up in our club and I don't have an answer for it.

Grasshopper

[Maximus]

When we designed the Elite Fighter System, we analyzed all aspects of combat training with this simple question, "Does this [form, ritual, technique, method, etc.] have a positive training effect?" In other words, we wanted to make sure that everything we did ultimately led to developing our skills as a fighter. In doing so, we identified those things that are culturally alien to ours, and we separated practices that have lost their meaning.

There are many activities in the martial arts that train one in the Asian (or other foreign) culture, but does not have a positive learning effect for combat. There are those who believe, however, that these practices (bowing, meditation, chi/ki, etc.) directly contribute to fighting skills, but this is a religious belief and NOT a scientific one. The Elite Fighter System is based upon scientific and proven fighting methods; not martial art fantasy.

You also have to question the effectiveness of a practice or a ritual if its meaning is lost. There are many well-meaning martial artists who blindly follow their instructor's direction, but does a "do it because I told you to" attitude contribute positively to the learning experience? If the instructor cannot give a valid and truthful response to your question, you then have to wonder if he is qualified to teach. A ritual, technique, or practice without meaning is just that--meaningless. The Elite Fighter System has a specific purpose for everything that is learned and when it is learned.

There may be martial artists who wish to learn the Asian customs and ancient and archaic fighting methods. This is fine. Martial art hobbyists are very common, but the Elite Fighter System is designed for those individuals who truly want to learn an effective modern and proven martial art.

How do we begin class? The instructor says, "Attention!" and everyone comes to attention. When he says, "Line up," everyone lines up.

What are our formalities? Elite Fighters seek and expect the best in themselves. Every training session is taken with a sincere and honest approach. They are hard working, and have the highest integrity.

Honesty.
Integrity.
The Best.
The Elite.

What could be simpler?

-Maximus

[Dragon77]

Even though I am still studying the Defender Level, I was wondering if I am allowed to purchase other levels of training. I just think that it would be interesting to go ahead and learn about the other levels and continue my collection of the Elite Fighter System. When will the Guardsman Level manual be available to purchase?

D77

[Skepticus]

I echo that question. We are progressing very well in the Defender Level, but there aer a few in my school who just want to learn a lot. We are trying to convince them that they will learn, but they must train what they already know. Anyhow, for them, and other who a slow to join in the Elite-Fighters program, can we start offering the material for teaching purposes, even though they haven't commtted to the preparation for rank advancement? In other words, can I teach it at my school on two levels, one for ranking with the Elite-Fighters System, and the other for the best self defense available in any martial arts system?

Skepticus

[Maximus]

I am a firm believer in the Whole-Part-Whole approach to teaching (see the instructor manual download). In this approach, you are shown where you are going and then you learn the individuals steps to get there. I feel that if you know where your training is leading you, then you will have a greater appreciation and understanding of what you are currently learning.

As long as you follow the 49-week training program designed to help you pass the trials, I encourage you to read and study ahead in the materials. You will find that by understanding the more advanced methods you will understand the present more fully.

The Guardsman Level training materials will be available in a few weeks. Watch for the announcement.

-Maximus

[Merc]

Maximus, I have many questions. But first let me put them into context with a brief background.

I studied Kenpo for about two years in the mid-1970's. I enjoyed Martial Arts very much but, for various reasons, never advanced past blue belt. Actually, I became disillusioned after I was hired by the school as an instructor trainee and I realized it was just a belt factory. While I was in the Army I occasionally sparred with other Martial Arts practitioners but nothing organized. Basically, it has been 20 years and twice as many pounds since I've practiced.

Now that I'm at a point in my life where I can get serious about training again, I discovered your Kenpo materials, which led me to Elite-Fighters. I've read through the web site with great interest and have read most all of the posts on this forum. So hopefully I won't ask anything that has already been covered.

(1) Can someone with my limited experience effectively train with Elite-Fighters or would I be better off picking up with Kenpo and then look at Elite-Fighters once I've achieved Black Belt?

(2) What's the minimum recommended training schedule? In other words, if I train 1 hour a day 5 days a week can I expect to become proficient in a reasonable amount of time (I'm not getting any younger)?

(3) The web site details requirements for the Trials but it doesn't say how the Trials are conducted. For example, your school is in KY and I'm in WA. Do I have to come to KY or do you do video testing as with Kenpo?

(4) I read the posting about Asian traditions (bowing, etc.) vs Elite-Fighter conduct. But what about tournament etiquette and tradition? How would an Elite-Fighter register if there is no belt rank? And would the web belt be worn? It seems that some might object to the metal parts of the belt as well as the very non-traditional uniform.

(5) Speaking of tournaments, I don't see any mention of Kata in Elite-Fighters. Should I assume that this is also an obsolete form of the Art?

I guess the reason I am asking about tournaments is because there is a lot of distance between myself and any other Elite-Fighters. I believe my Son-in-Law will train with me, but my daughter won't be very pleased if I beat him up. So I'll need to find an outlet to test and hone my skills. So the basic question is if an Elite-Fighter would be welcomed at a mixed style tournament.

I read the Toughness Training manual and the Instructor Candidate Training manual and was very impressed with both. There is obviously a great deal of thought and experience behind this system. And as a Christian, I especially appreciate the separation of the Art from Eastern philosophy and religion.

Thank you for a very inspiring site and, from what I've seen so far, a tremendous fighting system.

[Merc]

One other thing about the uniform that is bothering me. I live in a part of the country that seems to attract a lot of right-wing extremists, i.e. para-military militia types. I don't want to be identified with these groups and I'm afraid that's what would happen if I show up at a local training facility or tournament in the Elite-Fighters uniform. I'm assuming that, as I become proficient, I will involve others and form a training club, at least informally. I certainly don't want the local authorities to think I'm training a militia. Even the neighbors might get a little paranoid if they see me training in the garage or back yard. No one gives a traditional ghi a second thought as it is immediatly identified with the Martial Arts. On the other hand, the Elite-Fighters uniform is designed for, well, fighting. I realize that's the whole point. But I'm concerned that the only time I'd feel comfortable in the Elite-Fighters uniform is at an Elite-Fighters event, such as the Trials or a camp (hope I can get to one some day).

This may sound silly to "city folk", but it is a very real issue in rural regions of the Pacific North West, especially in this post 9-11 era.

Has anyone experienced any problems or prejudices when training or competing with other Martial Artists?

[administrator]

This is a response to the previous two posts by Merc,

1- The Elite-Fighters System of Martial Arts is a system designed is such a way as to benefit the novice and the advanced practitioners of the martial arts. There is no need to 'finish in TKD, kenpo or some other art' before starting this system. You will do well to start right away.

2 - If you train, as you mentioned, 1 hour per day, 5 days per week, that is great. If you can do more, that's even better. Our training guide is optimized for a 45-60 minute training session each day.

3 - There will be more information about the Trials in the next couple of weeks. We plan to have all of the protocol listed. It will also give information how to test in person and through video. We understand that geographical locations can make it difficult for some to test in person.

4 - Wearing the Elite-Fighters uniform in a tournament should pose no problem. In fact, all sorts of uniforms have been showing up at many of the open tournaments. Some of the uniforms worn today make it difficult to judge between a martial arts exposition and a superman look-alike contest! As for belts, there is an equivalence that our ranks compare to other systems that can be used. Once you fight in the black belt, or open divisions, belts do not have to be worn. Also, bowing can be minimize as a tournament custom. This has been in existence since the 60s. We will post a 'tournament non-bow' in the future.

5 - There are some routines that we use for training that can be demonstrated as kata. Our focus is, of course, to train you methods of combat. If you are interested in kata competition, we can give you specific guidelines as to what should benefit you the most.

6 - The Elite-Fighters uniform, should not evoke extremists views. It is the uniform worn by SWAT and Special Forces officers. We chose not to use camouflage uniforms to avoid the images that you mentioned. We designed our programs first as a complete martial art, and second to be taught in components to law enforcement and U.S. military officers. That is why we choose the uniform. Most of the other arts taught to law enforcement and military do not work as taught because law enforcement and military do not fight in gis and sweats suits. Our system is designed to work for them with their uniforms in mind.

Thanks,
Kevin Lamkin
Administrator

[Merc]

Kevin, thank you for your quick reply to my questions. You put my mind at ease on those items that were of concern and I am getting pumped about training again. I can't wait to feel those old muscles burn.

One practical question on the wrestling shoes. Unless they are sized differently than street shoes, they don't appear to come in a 12. Am I missing something here?

Thanks again for what I'm sure will be a very rewarding program. Some day I hope to meet you in person and take part in an Elite-Fighters camp. Who knows, maybe I'll convert so many of the local TKDers that you'll have to come up here and put on a clinic. ;) .

[Maximus]

Merc,

I am very pleased to see that you have a sincere interest in the system, and I welcome your questions. Kevin has provided you with excellent responses, but I would like to make a few observations and illuminate some of his comments.

1. Limited Experience
Your question was:

Can someone with my limited experience effectively train with Elite-Fighters or would I be better off picking up with Kenpo and then look at Elite-Fighters once I've achieved Black Belt?

This is not the first time that I have been asked such a question. When I was full-time instructor in the Ed Parker's American Kenpo Karate System, I would often hear students of Tae Kwon Do say, "As soon as I get my TKD black belt I'll study Kenpo so I can learn to fight." Obviously, it is the lure of the "black belt" that motivates many. I can assure you that a belt alone will not make you a better fighter nor better prepare you for greater challenges.

The Elite Fighter System is designed to train anyone, regardless of previous knowledge or experience, how to effectively defend himself. In many ways, it's best that you start with the Elite Fighter System. In doing so, you will not have to "unlearn" bad habits or replace faulty theory or philosophy. I say, don't waste time...start your training today.

2. Wearing uniforms at tournaments
Before you enter any tournament, I recommend that you carefully review the rules and regulations of the tournament. We will be glad to guide you in determining the proper attire that both meets the regulations of the tournament and proudly honors the Elite Fighter System.

3. The Bow
Simply, we do not bow. It is not part of our culture nor our tradition. Even in Kenpo Karate, the bow does not exist. Instead, our cultural heritage is more accustomed to a salute. We will illustrate the Elite Fighter Salute in future updates on the website.

4. The Existence of Katas/Forms
I am a firm believer that the lessons of the past will guide one toward improvements in the future. For this reason, we never truly discarded anything during the designing of the system. Instead, it was simply put in its proper context. For example, once a training exercise (or kata, weapon, theory) loses its meaning and effectiveness, it's useless to continue to practice it just out of "tradition". However, there are still many valuable things that we can learn from it. Perhaps it can be updated or even inspire new thoughts. This is why the Peripheral Studies Division was established.

Peripheral Studies are supplementary training levels that broaden the student's knowledge and experience. Topics include: archaic weaponry, exotic weapons, and traditional Katas/Forms. It is during this elective course of study that you may learn the Traditional Kenpo Karate katas or the American Kenpo Forms. These are well-suited if you wish to perform them during competition.

Note: Exotic Weaponry Supplement #1 will be released early March 2004.

5. The Uniform
When we designed the Elite Fighter System, we felt that a modern martial art needed a modern uniform. We researched and tested many uniforms and ultimately felt that the BDU provided the durability and versatility that we sought. We, too, were concerned with its appearance. We did not want to be perceived as an extremist or a para-military organization. In fact, any student found to be a member of such organizations are immediately expelled. However, considering our law enforcement and military backgrounds and connections, this concern was ultimately lessened. In the end, it is who you are and how you act that shows others what you believe and represent.

There are in fact four types of Elite Fighter uniforms.

Class B Uniform--This consists of sweat pants and shirt emblazoned with the Elite Fighter emblem. This is used for running and general cardiovascular work.

Type 1A Uniform--The Type 1A Uniform consists of black (or urban tiger stripe)BDU pants and shirt/jacket. It is primarily used for teaching or as the base for the Type 2 Uniform.

Type 1B Uniform--The Type 1B Uniform consists of BDU pants and a t-shirt emblazoned with the Elite Fighter emblem. It may be used when training on the heavy bag, classroom attire, or as a base for the Type 2 Uniform.

Type 2 Uniform--The Type 2 Uniform consists of the Type 1 Uniform with the addition of protective equipment. The following are the Type 2 Uniforms:

Type 2A--Grappling protective equipment
Type 2B--Stick fighting protective equipment
Type 2C--Knife training protective equipment

I hope that these responses have answered your questions to your satisfaction. I look forward to hearing from you in the future.

-Maximus

[Merc]

Maximus,

This just sounds better and better. Thank you for taking the time to explain things in such detail. Actually, my first question was intended to ask if I needed to attain a skill level typically associated with a black belt before attempting Elite Fighters. I am certainly not one to chase belts. But even so, you provided exactly the answer I was hoping for, i.e. Elite Fighters is a complete system in its own right not some "advanced" course for Kenpo black belts.

Your other responses are even better than I'd hoped for. I'm ex-military so the BDU is a natural fit for me, but I couldn't imagine wearing the Type 1A for all training. The flexibility of having four uniforms is an outstanding example of the practicality of this system.

I also greatly appreciate the disassociation from Eastern cultures and religion.

The Peripheral Studies program is very intriguing to me and I eagerly look forward to seeing all the new materials.

Well, between you and Kevin, you've suceeded in answering my questions and giving me the confidence to move ahead with the program. I placed my order for both the Defender and Guardsman materials this evening. This weekend I'm putting the finishing touches on my training area and I eagerly look forward to breaking it in.

Thank you for what promises to be a challenging and rewarding journey.