Mental Imagery

I wanted to focus this blog entry on Mental Imagery. This is one of the most key asset one can have in the tool box of tools to learn , study and perform any self defense technique or come out on top of any physical incident bar none. The mind is a terrible thing to waste. Where and how many times has that been said by so many. And likely through so many cultures. Well there is a reason. Especially for those who really take it to heart. The one culture that comes to mind first for me is Shaolin Monks. Or also Buddhists as well. A lot of the meditation and way of life is through mental imagery. Being one with the spirit and soul , body.
Mental imagery and focusing on you performing technique in your mind will get you at least 80% outcome in your favor. It has been proven by athlete's that most sports tend to be 75% or more mental and the rest physical and skill. Time and time again it has been a tool of many.And here I as well will swear to you that with the mental imagery you will even see improvement in your technique while training. If not I would like to hear comments back from those who have failed.
When I do the imagery I take it to the max. I picture myself performing self defense while standing in the check out line of a store. What if I get suddenly attacked and everyone stands around looking on? I also do mental imagery when I'm walking through a low lit area and I make myself aware of my surroundings. I always ask myself 1) what will I do? 2) what can I do? 3) How will I do it? And all this sounds as if it I'm running this process in my head forever. No. This should only be seconds in your head and have the ability to make a split second decision and a responsible one at that.
You ask or may comment if I walk around paranoid. No I do not. I am a martial artist and a person that intends to live in peace. But I also no I can protect my loved ones and friends if needed.
All these tips should be taken seriously and responsibly. But now I will explain how to perform the best mental imagery you can provide yourself. Sit down in a quiet room or at your favorite place to be calm and relax. No outside world distractions that will take your focus away. Sit calmly or lay down. However you choose. Think of a place you would go that is the most calming beautiful spot that is just mentally and physically relaxing and just feel the stress of the day escape. This is known to most as thier happy place. Once there and relaxed imagine yourself in uniform getting up and stretching to train. Afterwards picture yourself going through technique in slow motion. ensure you have the technique down pact. And as you see yourself performing it and your comfortable with it , then see yourself doing it faster. Think to yourself in this attack I would do this. And if this were to happen I would do this. Think of as many situations that you could face and see yourself counter each of them. Repeat the ones that seem to be important. Its your mental imagery session you are able to do what you want. And when done see yourself cool down and see your own face with satisfaction of the performance. And there you go. Your done.
As a instructor I can't emphasize enough the importance of mental imagery. Earlier I mentioned its at least 80% of your battle. Some may say its more. But that depends on expirence also. But for those that don't do it are definitely missing out. And mental imagery is free and you are your own instructor. No one can invade your mind. Your free to have your own thought. Make it healthy. I myself totally believe in mental imagery. Thank you my friends and I hope all is well for everyone.

Blocking Series

In these photographs I show two different ways you can perform the blocking technique. It is personal preference. With the best intentions of defense you will not remain in this stance after deploying this blocking technique. Nor will you allow yourself to be struck. So you are able to choose which way you would rather deploy this technique. Your alternate arm up or down.

Blocking Series

In these photographs you can see the mid-block. It is one of the stronger blocks because it is near your center. That provides you the best stance and strength behind the block. But notice that it also does leave your head and upper body open to strikes. Be aware of this and act accordingly.

Blocking Series

In this photograph you see also a high blocking technique just deployed with other arm.

Blocking Series

Mortal combat has been around since man has walked this earth. The concepts and many different styles have been born and born again. Many fit the personalities of those who show interest. But if you study each of them they all are found with similar building blocks. Foot placement is one of them. Another is the basics of punching and blocking and kicking. These very simple techniques were even deployed before one of the oldest weapons known to man. “The knife”. The basics had to shared also then because if you minus the knife you have the empty hand. ( Okinawan Karate ).
But before you would learn how to strike you as the student should first learn how to block. There are three common basic blocks to learn. Lower , Mid , High blocks. Each are to be learned equally with left as the right. Keep the balance. Every person has a personal perimeter. Modern day this is known as a bubble. Within this area is your personal solitude that is not to be entered unless welcomed. You are able to preserve this bubble from threats by blocks that I am speaking about. Anyone can learn these techniques and deploy them. My nine year old , when she was five was able to learn them and deploy her early skills. And definitely even at five , understood the responsibility of such knowledge.
These block are deployed with not a straight arm. Your arm should be bent to absorb the shock of striking and blocking a oncoming threat. And hopefully redirect the opponents strike away from your body. Which is the goal! . And to protect yourself!.




In this photograph you see the upper block being deployed. Notice it protects the head and the other hand and arm are protecting yourself from a counter strike. Blocking is essential as much as any other part of martial arts styles. You cannot rely on just constant offense.

The basics

Welcome to Guerrilla Tactics. This blog has been created for students and interested readers around the world. In these posts some will pertain to the students and others will be focused to anyone for their thoughts and interests. Learning is a never ending evolving concept that only if we choose to do so can be shut out. As we go on in our path of life we will go through many trials and tribulations. But we should never see each one of these as a negative aspect working against us. It is more human than ever to learn and utilize what was learned and carry that tool with us, than to just ignore it and move on with that lesson just being a faint memory.
Martial arts can be included as well. And a key thing taught and every student should remember. " If it does not feel natural , don't use it." Martial arts needs to flow and feel natural to your own body's motion. While performing your martial technique , if a certain motion feels contorted you need to pause and realize that that technique is either being performed wrong or isn't naturally meant for you to perform it. That is why different martial art forms do not fit every persons personality. They may try them and explore, but the body will let you know naturally if it is right for you. So keep your mind open to these thoughts. Learn and train well.

How it began.

Guerrilla Tactics was created during the initial push of the Iraq War. Somewhere between the border of Kuwait and Baghdad. Between the operations and lulls in the action the idea of this
system began. It was intended for the system to provide the basics to the student. No matter how skilled any martial artist or practioner is in his/her form they always revert to the basics. And when one finds themselves to be in a real time situation it is the basics that are ingrained in our muscle memory. Guerrilla Tactics was then brought home to the United States. Internationally recognized by International Combat Martial Artists Union Association ( Icmaua ). This is a system of hand to hand combat and tactical training that one will face in real time. The warrior mindset is impressed upon everyone and the warrior synergy begins to form for every student. Master Todd Hezlitt welcomes you to Guerrilla Tactics, America's unconventional fight system.