Active Killer Defense
Upcoming Active Killer Defense® Training Register today for the Active Killer Defense Training August 20th Register Here ....
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5 Common Habits to Fix in Your Striking
Full video available on our YouTube channel athttps://youtu.be/LxPFfOIoDcs Through years of training and teaching I am often finding myself making many of the same corrections on students. Posture, Rotation, Extension, Push/Pull, and Tension. Young or old, new or seasoned, it's very common that one or all of these elements come up in discussion on a daily basis. Here's a couple of things to keep in mind for your next strike training. ....
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Start Your FREE Week Now!
Thank you for visiting us this past weekend to chat about our programs! We are confident that you'll truly enjoy our age-appropriate approach to practical self defense and look forward to having you in to try some classes. We are offering 1 FREE Week to everyone we spoke to at our table. If you have not yet booked your first class, please do so below. Click on the appropriate age group to register for your first Starter Class. Use Discount Code: "Festival" at checkout.
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Valid for any program:
Tiger Tots (3.5-5yrs)
Lions (5-7yrs, Kinder-1st Grade)
Dragons (7-12yrs, 2nd-6th Grade)
Teens (12-15yrs)
Adults (16yrs + up)
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Effective Breathing for Striking
Full video available at our YouTube channel... https://youtu.be/baZyR8J8AFY Everyone understands the importance of breathing when it comes to fight training, but what is commonly under-practiced is effective breathing during the actual strike. Especially in those just getting started in training, the breathe becomes lost in the tensions of our body's movement and winds up being too early or too late, which in time depletes even more energy. The breathe needs to match the exertion of our body, simultaneous to the physical action in that moment. Whether you are working slow and smooth, or hard and fast, the principles in breathing remain constant. Match the rate of air with the ....
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Reserve Your Class
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Click Below To Claim Your FREE Class!
Valid for any program:
Tiger Tots (3.5-5yrs) Lions (5-7yrs, Kinder-1st Grade) Dragons (7-12yrs, 2nd-6th Grade) Krav Maga / Self Defense MMA / Muay Thai / Grappling / Boxing Fitness / Wellness Weapons / Kali / Escrima .... -
January 2019 Class Schedule
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Better Straight Punches
https://youtu.be/n-hkXr3h020 The straight punch is an integral tool in any marital artisit's asenal. As frequent as they are drilled in practice, it's amazing how little is focused on the mechanics of sound, effective punch techniques to maximize the body's full potential in delivery. Check out these quick tips on throwing strong, effective straight punches. Keep watching for some cool and simple drills to work on your own in class or at home. Hit us with your comments below if you have any topics you'd like us to explore in future videos. * LIKE * SHARE * FOLLOW * CONTACT US * MORE INFO: www.themataustin.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/themataustin INSTAGRAM: ....
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Holiday 2018 Class Schedule
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Ryan Hoover Training Event
Ryan Hoover Seminars As the official Fit to Fight training center in Austin, TX, The Mat is honored to host the head of our system, Ryan Hoover, for a series of seminars from 12/14-12/16. Offering a multitude of training opportunities both for our members exclusively and for the general public, this will be an opportunity you won't want to miss! The Mat will be closed for regular classes during this time as a portion of the weekend includes closed door Instructor training and certifications.
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Schedule of Events:
Friday
2:00pm - 6:00pm Instructor Certification Training
Saturday
9:00am - 11:00am Clinch Fighting. Close quarters combat from various clinch positions, leading to strikes, .... -
Upcoming Events
Ryan Hoover Training Event
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Sat. 12/15/18
(Special Pre-Register pricing through 12/10)
Clinch Fighting
9:00a-11:00a
Weapons from Clinch
11:00a-1:00p
(Members Only) VIP Skills
Review
2:00p-4:00p
Women's Self Defense Series
WSD: Grab Defenses
Sat, 12/1/18 @ 1:30pm - 4:00pm WSD: From the Ground
Sat, 12/22/18 @ 1:30pm - 4:00pm Rank Tests
11/26-12/1 Defensive Options Level 1 Assessment 12/22 - Armed Combatives Foundations/Level 1 Test .... -
5 Basic Responses to Attacks
There are 5 basic responses to consider when dealing with an oncoming attack: Move you, move it, stop it, cover, and get hit. This quick video reviews those basic concepts with a few pieces of context and essential pointers as you pick up your training in martial arts or self defense. Bear in mind there are more ways than just these five responses once you build experience and recognition. This lesson is limited to the 5 most basic and widely accepted responses as you begin training, or continue building your repertoire. Shoutout to our friends and designers at Plop Cartoons for designing a cool vintage style logo for our new apparel. Check out their channel at ....
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Better Hook Punches
The hook punch is one of the most common strikes in a fighter’s arsenal, yet it is often trained incorrectly leading to bad habits and even injury. You must remember to rotate and keep the trajectory of the punch online with the direction of the rotation. Here’s a quick tip on how to train the hook punch motion more effectively so you can strike through the target rather than at the target. * LIKE * SHARE * FOLLOW * CONTACT US * MORE INFO: www.themataustin.com FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/themataustin INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/themataustin.com YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUNU... WARNING: The advice and movements shown in this video are for ....
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Round Kick Variant
The round kick is one of the most common skills found in martial arts. There's no doubting the sheer power a well executed kick can deliver. What is less known about the round kick, however, is that there are more than one way to throw it effectively.In this video, we explore a way to throw the kick that is quicker and more elusive than the standard "Thai" style kick. By using a front kick as a setup we can mask the approach of the kick within the chamber. Our opponent perceives a kick approaching from the front and responds accordingly, only to figure out the hard way that the kick was in fact redirected to attack from the side. It may not be as powerful, but it's speed and element of ....
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Privacy Policy
To view our company's privacy policy, click the link below. You will be routed to a separate page outside this website. (A separate window will open when you click the link). https://www.freeprivacypolicy.com/privacy/view/cf67441a44689a2c0073d9e5da5b2f57 ....
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Basic Tips for Better Punches
Click link for full video - https://youtu.be/h1qTRrmf_Gk Basic Punch Tips: Hand Position When it comes to throwing effective punches, there can be almost as many ways to do it correctly as there are to do it incorrectly. No matter which method one ascribes to, there are a few common elements we can all agree on…
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Loose hand = broken hand
Keep the wrist straight
Strike with the first two knuckles After these three, there might be some variations depending on context preference but for simplicity, this video will focus on how we teach basic punch positioning at The Mat, with three main hand positions. When you make a proper, tight fist, .... -
Efficiency in Training: Wants Vs. Needs
Efficiency in Training: Wants vs. Needs (click image to watch video) Understanding the difference between what you WANT to happen and what NEEDS to happen is a large component of what it means to move from one level to the next in martial arts or self defense training. As we increase our confidence in our abilities and the skills we obtain, we must learn to narrow the gap between what our brain WANTS and what our body actually NEEDS. This improves efficiency in our movement, allowing us to identify and act with more options rather than being over-committed to a single response. We're not getting any younger as we train more, so a general rule, we should always be ....
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Why We Need Plateaus
Why We Need Plateaus As a beginner it is easy to become overwhelmed by the various skills and scenarios presented in class. It can feel like a bunch of mental clutter floating around in your head. Much like a room with scattered clothing and books and toys and dishes and papers all over the place, it is really difficult to walk in and think anything other than, “Oh, man! Where do I start? ”
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Gathering and Organizing
Just like we would create a list of priorities to clean that room, we must be able to do the same with our thoughts. Everything should have a place in the room, and if it doesn’t, find a place or get rid of it. Training is the same process. The .... -
How to Kick More Effectively
Throw More Effective Kicks Check out the YouTube video here, and read a breakdown of the lesson in written form below. Does Size Matter? Yes, sort of. Size does matter...at least sometimes. Strength, timing and accuracy, among other factors, will always play their parts towards success in martial arts training. Without the benefits of strength through size, you must be proficient enough in technique to realize effectiveness. A common misconception, particularly in the martial arts, that I have come across many times in my thirty-plus years training and teaching is that size equals strength. While being big undoubtedly often translates to being strong, being small ....
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Essential Footwork for Self Defense
Footwork: 3 Essential Movements (pt. 1) Click video image to view Understanding how to move yourself into position (or out) is what allows for proper distancing to your target, generates momentum for increased power, and gets you out of range from oncoming attacks. There are a number of ways to move in and out of position, but boiled down, there are really only three essential footwork movements you need to know for self defense training: • Step-through • Shuffle • Slide Yes, there are bursts, lunges, double-steps, and plenty more. At the end of the day, they are all just variations or modifications to the above three. So, let’s ....
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VIP Open House
VIP Open House
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Saturday, January 27, 2018
Help us celebrate the Grand Opening of our new location! Join us for a free sample class and information session, with special savings on enrollment. Parent or guardian must be present but students will participate on floor on their own. Class will be followed by a brief information session on the programs offered throughout the week and our monthly rates. FREE UNIFORM and $0 ENROLLMENT FEE for signing up the same day. Reserve your spot now! 1:00pm - Tiger Tots & Lions (3.5 - 6 yrs old) 2:00pm - Dragons (7 - 12 yrs old) 2:15pm - Teens & Adults (13 yrs +) .... -
Temporary Schedule (1/3/18 - 1/14/18)
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How to Defend Punches Better
Defend Punches More Effectively
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This past week, I got the chance to meet up with an old friend and training partner for some practice and discussion. It just so happens, Sensei Ando (as he goes by in his online persona), has a successful martial arts blog ( www.senseiando.com ) and YouTube channel (click to visit) , and he asked if I’d be willing to share some thoughts on a topic for his latest post. Not one to turn down an opportunity to share my opinion, I naturally accepted. Watch the video below to check out what we came up with, or scroll down to read a summary on what we filmed. Click to load video
In the early stages of our training, most of .... -
September Rank Testing
September Rank Tests for All Programs and Levels. Be sure to get to ready by attending classes regularly this next month. Testing schedule is as follows: Lions & Dragons
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Saturday, 9/16
Dragons - 2:00pm
Lions - 3:15pm * Lions & Dragons must wear full uniform to test. Dragons (Yellow Belt & up) are expected to bring sparring gear. Adults & Teens
Sunday, 9/24
Foundations - 11:00am - 1:00pm (All Levels are required to attend if testing today)
Intermediate - 11:00am - 3:30pm (Testing to Level 3, 4, 5...must attend Foundations Test. 30 min break will be issued between tests) * All Test participants are required to wear Mat appropriate shirt and have all .... -
Combative Takedown Seminar
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Combative Takedowns Seminar
Sunday, 8/27/17
11:00a - 2:00p
This Combative Takedowns seminar will present a variety of effective maneuvers that can be employed both in training and on the street as an added tool for stopping or containing a bad situation. We will discuss the principles that make for effective take downs, learn proper handles and control points, and work through applications of techniques from various scenarios including:
Side Clinch
Full Clinch
Straight Attacks
Circular Attacks In addition, we will be warming up with proper implementation of rolling and falling in various directions to ensure self-preservation and partner safety. It is recommended that .... -
Board Breaking Workshop (Lions & Dragons)
Board Breaking Workshop
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Saturday, 8/19/17
2:15p - 3:30p
Calling all Lions & Dragons ~ Test your might! Crack, Smash, and Snap your awesome karate skills to the ultimate test by breaking real wood board with your bare hands and feet. Students will be taken through many of the building block concepts of how to deliver strikes with effective power: muscular tension, body dynamics, and proper follow through. The grand finale will be a showcase of each students' strength as they display their newly formed breaking prowess for their families using real wood boards! Cost - $45 .... -
Intermediate Handgun Defense
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Handgun Defense Series (part 3)
Part 3 of our extensive Handgun Defense Series Intermediate Handgun: Tactical Deployment & Retention
Date - Sunday, 8/13/17 Time - 9:00am - 3:00pm Cost - $180 (single session) The Handgun Defense Series is a multi-part seminar designed to educate and familiarize civilians with the components and functions of the common handgun, along with train basic defense techniques from typical gun threats, followed up with practice at a firing range and stress drills covering a cumulative review of all 3 seminars. Part 3 is an introduction to Intermediate Handgun skills, including tactical deployment, multiple targets, rapid reloads, and .... -
Handgun Defense Seminar II: Dry and Live Fire!
Handgun Defense Series - Part 2 Handgun Fundamentals II: Dry & Live Fire Date - Sunday, July 9, 2017 9:00a - 3:00p Cost - $180 (single session), $290 (see staff for bundle pricing) The Handgun Defense Series is a 3-part seminar designed to educate and familiarize civilians with the components and functions of the common handgun, along with train basic defense techniques from typical gun threats. Part 2 picks up where Part 1 left off, specifically in application of firing the weapon. Significant time will be placed on dry fire and live fire drills at a range, ending with combined defenses, combatives and live fire on targets under stress. Enrollments will be limited to 20 ....
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May Feature: Situational Awareness
Situational Awareness
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UT Knife Attack – Monday, May 1, 2017 The knife attack at the University of Texas on Monday, May 1, 2017 is a horrible reminder to us all that evil exists in this world and our self protection is our own responsibility. With one dead and three injured, what can we learn from this event and witness accounts? A lot. The Attack
There were several witnesses that describe the events leading to the attack. It is important to note the attack lasted only a few minutes and campus police responded in two minutes 3. “He kicked a sorority girl to the point where she almost fell. A little bit later, that same .... -
April Feature: Work Smarter
What’s does it mean to work smarter vs. to work harder? Let’s first take a look at what it means to be a hard worker? Typically, it means that a person spends a great deal of time dedicated to a specific task, which in turn gains them a high proficiency in that subject. A hard worker is diligent, relentless, and persistent. These are all great qualities to possess in any arena, but at some point working hard as we know it gets exhausting. The Godfather
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Twentieth Century industrial engineer, Allan F. Mogensen, is known as a pioneer for office management and is considered the father of “Work Simplification” in the .... -
February Feature: Know Thyself
Know Thyself
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By Alec Rains How does one truly know thyself? Think about a specific activity, profession, or sport you are skilled or proficient in. It shouldn’t take long to imagine some of your best qualities or traits in that activity you embody when performing. Odds are, not many think of weaker traits, or the areas that could stand be improved. Most people think of something positive because it feels good. Let’s face it, who doesn’t want to feel good about themselves? To be at the top of our game, whatever that might be, we need more than simply identifying our strengths. It is imperative to know our weaknesses if we ever wish to succeed in life. This is how we .... -
January Feature: Let It Go, Let It Flow
Let It Go, Let It Flow
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By Alec Rains The end of 2016 brought discussion to the overwhelming ambivalence of a year gone by. There’s no disputing the compounding clusterof loss, hardships, and frustrations that begged the question: “2017 can only be better, right?”. Of course the answer is never as black and white as we would like. There’s no way to tell what the future holds for us; the year is literally just starting. Whether you had a good 2016 or not, it makes no sense to dwell on the past. Easier said than done, right? Of course it is. Since we can’t stop the clock from turning consider taking solace in the fact that a New Year marks a new beginning. .... -
Holiday Class Schedule 2016
We will be closed for the holidays from Friday, Dec 23 – Monday, Dec 26. Classes will be held on a modified schedule through New Years Eve and will return to normal programming on Tuesday Jan 3. See below for a copy of the modifies schedule during holiday break, including additional early classes to accommodate for everyone’s availability. We hope you have a happy holiday and look forward to seeing you either during break or in the New Year! ....
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12/10/16- Board Breaking Seminar
Board Breaking Seminar 12/10/16 @ 1:30pm
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Calling all Lions & Dragons ~ Test your might! Crack, Smash, and Snap your awesome karate skills to the ultimate test by breaking real wood board with your bare hands and feet. Students will be taken through many of the building block concepts of how to deliver strikes with effective power: muscular tension, body dynamics, and proper follow through. The grand finale will be a showcase of each students’ strength as they display their newly formed breaking prowess for their families using real wood boards! .... -
12/3/16- Social Protection Seminar
Social Protection Seminar 12/3/16
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Social Protection means building awareness and practicing tools to maintain a safe and supportive community. The aggressive nature of social behaviors in recent events has created a concerning environment for us all. It is time to act responsibly within our community, supporting one another with actions of kindness rather than bully-behaviors. If we observe behaviors unbecoming of responsible citizens and feel inclined to step in, it is imperative to know what and how to do so without putting ourselves or others in further risk or danger. Join us Saturday Dec. 3rd at our Social Protection Seminar to discuss a number of the important social concerns .... -
11/19/16 - Krav Maga Intermediate Rank Test
Krav Intermediate Test (Level 3, Level 4, and Level 5 looking to test up to next rank).
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Friends and Family are encouraged to watch in support of the students in trying their best in performing under higher pressures than a typical class, which is one of the stages in stress management discussed in self defense. Students must receive recommendation from instructor to test while also meeting the minimum criteria in both attendance and time at current rank. Testing uniform standards are to be respected and should include: – Mat appropriate training shirt – Member’s choice of uniform pant with appropriate level patch fixed to left thigh. The test will begin promptly at .... -
11/20/16 - Mat Family Party @ Main Event
Sunday, 11/20/16 @ 4:00pm – It’s party time! Food, Drinks, and lots of Games! In celebration of being an awesome community of people working hard together we are inviting everyone and their families to join us at Main Event. The entire family is welcome – so little has there been times when we all get together at the same time with everyone’s busy schedules. Main Event is located at: 13301 North US Hwy 183, Austin, TX 78750 (between Anderson Mill Rd and iFly) No RSVP necessary, just show up and bring your “Fun Face”. We hope to see you all there! ....
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