Happy New Year to all of you! 2009 was a tough year for many of us and I look forward to a nice 2010! I’ve been combing through my archives and I thought I would periodically share some of them with you. We have lots of new stuff to share this year. As you may have noticed, the site has been re-designed to make it even easier to use, but also to allow me to share a lot more with you. It is my goal this year to write frequent articles, pull out some of the old animations (see below), share video, and keep you guys updated on what is going on in our little niche of the martial arts universe. If you have a chance, please check out our new online store and pick up a trainer. We have some of the best aluminum trainers available anywhere, and great Sharkee and NOK sparring blades. I wish all of you a great new year and may your training be safe and effective.

Below is a technique sequence we call the “Stupid Trap”. It’s called that because all the guy has to do is let go and the trap doesn’t work. Steve Braun (left) and I (Bob Burgee – Right) shot these during a break at a Guro Dan Inosanto seminar in Princeton, NJ around 10 years ago. *Note: I will try to use English to name any technique if possible to avoid a terminology debate.

1. Start in Reference Point.	2. White initiates a slap & hit.
3. White starts a pull & hit.	4. Blue counters.
5. Blue starts a pull & hit.	6. Blue uses his left hand to trap both of White’s arms and finishes with a hit.