Author: redclaycombatives

  • Three Battles

    My study of the concept of Sanchin has gone deeper and deeper recently as I seek to understand and probe the depths that my Sensei Bill Harris, spent a lifetime swimming in. Though many claim the title, there are very few true masters these days. I doubt there have ever been very many. I’d wager…

  • Edged Weapons vs. Strangle Holds: Combat, Sport, and Art The Ethical and Moral Considerations of Martial Arts

    I remember watching UFC 1, where a small, seemingly unathletic Brazilian used Jiu-Jitsu to systematically defeat a lineup of street fighters, martial artists, and professional competitors. Many of us immediately sought to add grappling systems to our training. Others abandoned the arts that had served them well, believing them to be ineffective. It didn’t take…

  • Eskrima, Fighting Ranges, and Phases of Combat

    Many FMA practitioners are familiar with the three primary ranges: Largo, Medio, and Corto. For clarity, here’s how I define them in practice:Largo – I can touch my opponent’s weapon hand or arm with my weaponMedio – I can touch the opponent’s body or head with my weaponCorto – I can touch the opponent’s head…

  • Western Blade Craft: Legend, Myth, Marketing, Art

    The story of the fighting knife in the American West begins with real men whose exploits forged an enduring icon. Jim Bowie (1796–1836)—duelist, land speculator, soldier—gained lasting fame not just at the Alamo but through the Sandbar Fight of 1827, where he wielded a large blade despite being shot and stabbed multiple times. Captain Jonathan…