Basic Nunchak

In this short clip, I demonstrate some of the weapons I teach at my martial art school called the nunchak. Contrary to popular belief, the nunchak is not a Chinese nor a Japanese weapon. Its origin is purely Filipino. The Nunchak (called Chako in the Philippines) was used originally by farmers to tie up and carry the rice bags. During the occupation of the Japanese in the Philippines, the farmers, who were skilled arnisadores, were forced to use their skill in arnis by using the "nunchak" as an alternative weapon.

This weapon was first introduced by the late Bruce Lee in some of his movies, like "Way of the Dragon" and "Game of Death", as a secret weapon of Jeet Kune Do. This weapon, like the Arnis sticks, were virtually unknown in the martial art world.

LSAI Logo: Its Origin and Meaning

Every martial arts in the world has its own logo that symbolizes their art and ideals. Most of them borrowed their logo, or was inspired, from other schools. But only a few of them knew the origin of such practices; how it originated and why it was practiced.

In ancient times, the first "logo" were used by ancient warriors and different clans, they were called "coat of arms" or / and "family crests". Only the nobility and the warrior class use such devices in their shield, armor and flags. It can also be seen in different nations and creeds; like the europeans, and some asian countries, like Japan, China and the Philippines. These devices, according to historians and anthropologists, were also in the warrior's weapons as well. Each "coat of arms" and "crests" symbolizes a family's or warrior's belief and history. It is also a symbol of one's status, rank and, sommetimes, political power and influence in a certain society. Sometimes it is use as a symbol of fear to ward off enemies in times of war. But now it is mostly used, in our modern times, as a form of commercialism.

GM Benjamin Lema was no different from other martial art founders.

Traditional Lightning Arnis Espada y Daga

A 15 seconds demonstration of TLA Espada y Daga; which I, Master Jose Antonio "The Dagger" Ogardo, have performed using a short bolo. My very first attempt in uploading my own video.

In Honor of Mang Ben!

(This letter was written by Master Michael Ronal Ramirez and was published at Rapid Journal, vol. 7 no. 4 Book 26, 2003. This is an excerpt from a series of letters written by many of Mang Ben's students after his passing. Every January, from the time of his death in 2003, we, the LSIA community, remember the passing of the legendary master from Panay; GM Ben Lema. I posted this letter as my way of remembering the passing of the great man of arnis. May he rest in peace!)

"Every once in awhile I get to bump into some of the old arnis masters who studied under Grand Master Benjamin Lema and when I hear the stories of his exploits in the fiel of arnis, I still stand in awe and amazement despite the times I had spent with this great old man. It is sometimes said that familiarity breeds contempt, but my rendezvous in Lightning Scientific Arnis under and side by side with Mang Ben has enabled me to gradually form a growing but appreciative opinion of him, seperating the man into his image as a formidable fighter and into his ordinary down to earth humanity. My personal concept lay in the latter, and that is why the narratives I hear and the dedication and devotion of all his former students continue to puzzle me, but with a feeling of respect and nostalgia.

Stories of His Past.

Many arnis grandmasters love to tell stories about their adventures and conquests; whom they hve beaten and whom they had killed. But not so with Mang Ben, who was more of a doer than a talker, preferring to take a challenge or give one than talk about it or excuse himself form it. He was never wont to tell me about his World War 2 experiences as a guerilla under General Macario Peralta. Tales of his past would trickle slowly and only when he let them tumble out, and it was for this reason that his past was a jigsaw puzzle to be pieced together by all his relatives, students acquiantances, and friends, each of who had a story to tell.

He once mentioned to me that during his youthful days, he owned a carabao, as many land-tilling men in Capiz did before. Another farmer offered a challenge to let their animals battle it out and the owner of the losing brute would have to give the other owner a bottle of tuba, a real treat during those days.

Mang Ben, being the competitive person he has always been, accepted the deal and wisely sharpened the horns of his field-animal, and that was the beginning of the end of the carabao competition. Displaying one of the negative traits that characterize Filipino culture the other owner whose carabao passed away, in short notice, got pikon, pulled out a bolo, and hacked out a "chip" of Mang Ben's hair. (I mentioned "chip" because Mang Ben's hair was a bit hardened by some concoction, Valentino style, maybe pamode - that was the late 20's). Eventually, the farmer's leg got notched by the swift movement from the young arnis expert.

Then there was the "Battle of the GrandMasters" in which Mang Ben demolished in grand style a top, formidable fighter from Cebu.

Everyone Wants To Be Like July.

Two groups of people continue to amuse me: The Mang Ben wanna be's and those who claim to have beaten (or can beat) Mang Ben. Of the former, there are many; of the latter, there is now a growing number.

Mang Ben loved clothes and a spanking look was the image he always wanted to portray. Long sleeves, slacks, and leather shoes were his trademark in a field were camisa de chino and red pants, muslim garbs, and sporty outfits were the norm. To top it all of, he also wore a cap. At certain times, he liked the Mark Twain all-white look and this made him really stand out from the rest.

Nowadays, many arnis practitioners also wear semi-formal outfits, or caps, or even all-white clothes in arnis gatherings and exhibitions. Ay, Caramba! I see this not only among some of the practitioners of other arnis styles, as well. Moreover, some of Mang Ben's former students claim to have learned all the secrets of the old man and are the legitimate heirs becoming the new Mang Ben/s.

Outside LSAI is a growing number of men claiming to have beated Mang Ben into a bloody pulp in some far away province during the early times and would like to teach their style (for a fee, of course) to anyone willing to learn the secrets of it all! Mismo! Incidentally, no witnesses to any of these confrontations can be found.

Whatever impact thos may bring, I do see some good in them, but in a larger scale. Mang Ben has become truly the standard of arnis, the point of comparison for all practitioners, whether he is the arnis master to be emulated or the arnis master who had supposedly been beaten. Not only will those groups who exploit his name and memory benefit, but all other groups as well. Whatever martial art that has anything to do with such men as Bruce Lee, Tan Ka Hong, Sun Lu Tang, Morihei Ueshiba, Jigoro Kano, Helio Gracie or any other formidable grandmaster, is worth its salt and wothy promoting. In like manner, arnis will surely flourish because of the memory and legacy of Mang Ben."

Baston: The Great Equalizer

Many members of the LSAI community have often used the famous phrase "the baston (arnis stick) is the great equalizer". But, unfortunately, they failed to explain to the students of the art of Lightning Arnis the true definition of the phrase or the person responsible in coining the phrase. Often a student of theirs would always end up confused with their "own" definition, using "new age" philosophies, without even coming up near the mark to its true meaning. Master Ronald Ramirez, my mentor, would often describe them as "armchair philosophers"; all talk but no sense. Only a few knew that this phrase "the baston is the great equalizer" was actually coined by, none other than, Master Ronald Ramirez; founder of the Iron Viking Society.

But, somehow, faith has conspired to make the author of the famous phrase unknown. Why? I have my theories but I will not divulge my thoughts as of now. Suffice it to say that I only wish to set the record straight and to, finally, give credit to where it is truly due by describing exactly why the baston is called the "great equalizer."

According to my mentor, Master Ronald, the real reason why the baston is the "great equalizer" is because the baston (arnis sticks) "levels the playing field." It "equalize" or neutralize any advantage the enemy has over you in a fight. It doesn't matter whether you're a man or a woman, an adult or child, or weak or strong' it is all the same to an arnisadores expert. An arnis player, armed with the deadly sticks of his craft, can immediately gain a 50% or more advantage of winning and be victorious in the field of battle. It is an advantage that no other unarmed martial art can ever have. It is a boastful claim, one may say by those who are not familiar with the art, but it is the absolute truth in every sense of the word.

Let me give you an example to give you a clear idea of what I am saying. Imagine that you are a karate black belt expert, 5th dan, weighing 150 lbs., with a height of 5' 6". And then imagine your opponent is also a karate black belt, with the same style of karate as yours and a rank much lower than yours, but the only difference is he is 7 feet tall and weighing 300 lbs. of pure muscle. Who do you think will win? Isn't it obvious?! The one who is more stronger, and whose reach advantage is greater than he's enemy, who usually wins in this fight.

Let us try the same example, but the difference is both are arnisadores black belts and the smaller guy ranks higher in skill than the bigger guy. Who do you think now will win? Of course, obviously, the one who is more skillful than the other will win. Why? Because in a fight with weapons the one with the most experience and skill will always win since the fight is dictated, not by the strength of ones muscles, but by the players skill and strength of his/her weapon (baston). That is the reason why "the baston is the great equalizer."

Many of you may not believe my argument, for it is after all debatable, but still no one can argue that it does not make sense. Let's be truthful for once shall we? Isn't it true that no matter how strong you are, or skillful in fist fights, the man that holds a very powerful and deadly weapon always wins?! Even Mr. Tim Larkin, founder of the self-defense seminar called TFT (Target Focus Training), believes on these premise. And this is one of the many reasons why I studied and practiced the art of arnis de mano, the ancient combative art of our forefathers, in the first place.

Target Focus Training (part 6)

(Disclaimer: I do not own the philosophies and teaching of TFT. Everything belongs to Mr. Tim Larkin. This post is to inform only. Enjoy reading!)

Free Combat Training Principles -- Secrets For Staying
Alive When 'Rules' Don't Apply


Answering Your Questions About Target-Focus(tm) Training

******************************************************
"The more laws and order are made prominent,
The more thieves and robbers there will be."

Lao-tzu, The Way of Lao-tzu
******************************************************

1. From Greg in Key Biscayne, FL: I really enjoy your
newsletters but I am trying to figure out what makes
your Target-Focus Training different from any good
martial art or combat sport?

A: Focus is probably the main difference. I have made
the decision to only teach a fighting SYSTEM
specifically designed for when your life is on the
line. Much of the physical training includes strikes,
leverages, kicks, and throws that other arts or sports
teach.

TFT has specifically been designed around 2 "high
concept" principles that are supported by the 3
methodologies of strikes (punches, kicks etc...),
leverages (throws, joint locks) and physical dynamics
(maximizing the damage of the first 2 methodologies).

Most martial arts or combat sports focus only on the
physical end of training and rarely train for life or
death application. TFT teaches only in the environment
of your life being at risk. Anything less is a game.

2. From Josh in Butte, MT: Whom did you learn from and
how has that shaped your Target-Focus Training?

A: I've had a number of great instructors over the
years from the martial art and combat sport world as
well as the down and dirty approach from some of the
great military hand-to-hand close combat instructors.

My exposure to this wealth of knowledge is unique and
I've attempted to create a system of fighting that
clearly defines all the key principles that are
constant in good fighting systems.

I don't feel I've created anything new with TFT but
I've definitely created a different way to quickly and
effectively learn how to defeat a violent physical
attack that risks your life. How I present the
information is what makes TFT so effective.

You rapidly absorb the physical and mental aspects of
fighting for your life in a way many of my clients
with extensive M/A or C/S training have told me is
very unique and effective. My only goal is to have you
focus on what is really important:

***DESTROYING YOUR ENEMY BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY***

If I sound like a broken record, so be it. In my mind
there is no other purpose when fighting.

To understand what it mean to "destroy your enemy by
any means necessary" check out my TFT Striking DVD series
at: http://www.targetfocustraining.com/striking.html

It'll make you a 'juggernaut of destruction' regardless
of your size, speed, strength or skill.

Until next time,
********************************************

Free Combat Training Principles -- Secrets For Staying
Alive When 'Rules' Don't Apply


"Striking With Power And Quickness Versus
Blocking With Force And Speed"

******************************************************

"An attack must be executed with quickness,
not speed. Attack with power, not strength. There
is a great difference between speed and quickness,
power and strength. Think this through carefully.
It is the essence of strategy"

Miyamoto Musashi

******************************************************

Violence as your ultimate survival tool is greatly
enhanced when you employ POWER. Unfortunately many
continue to train using FORCE -- or strength -- as a
means of defending themelves.

It's the same with QUICKNESS, which is an essential
element in creating the necessary POWER in your
attack. Yet everyone focuses on SPEED (coupled with
FORCE) to try and defend or counter an attacker.

Ok... so what's the difference in POWER vs. FORCE, in
QUICKNESS vs. SPEED?

Am I headed off into some lesson in Physics?

Not at all.

You see, attacks using POWER don't rely on physical
strength. What they DO require, however, is an
understanding of the inherent weaknesses of the human
body.

Let me give you an example.

Imagine being backed up against a wall with a car in
front of you... racing its engine. The driver is about
to pop the brake and crush you against the wall.

Applying FORCE and SPEED to this situation you've got
2 choices: 1) You could try to jump up over the hood
(SPEED) or, 2) You could brace yourself against the
wall and push against the car (FORCE).

But now look at that same situation from an emphasis
on POWER and QUICKNESS. Here you: 1) Smoothly pop the
hood of the car (QUICKNESS) and, 2) Rip the
appropriate cables to kill the engine (POWER).

(OK, I hear all the protests from the motor heads but
cut me a little slack, folks... it's an exaggerated
example to help highlight a point.)

The point: if you rely on SPEED and FORCE then you've
ALWAYS got to be stronger and faster then everyone
else.

But by using POWER (being able to identify weak areas)
and QUICKNESS (think, 'timing') you can defeat a much
stronger and faster threat.

That's why I've built Target-Focus Training around
POWER and QUICKNESS because just like me, you WILL
face many threats that are bigger, faster, and
stronger.

The great Japanese warrior Musashi understood this
important strategic concept and lived to a ripe old
age after killing more than 60 men with his sword. Re-
read his quote at the top and really try to understand
it.

Until next time,

*************************************************************

Free Combat Training Principles -- Secrets For Staying
Alive When 'Rules' Don't Apply


Violence As A Game - The Illusion Of A Fair Fight

******************************************************

"One of the biggest reasons for failure on the
battlefield is not knowing what to do next... This is
the result of not having been trained thoroughly in
what to expect on the battlefield."

General Orlando Ward

******************************************************

Last week I was hanging out with a friend of mine, a
former NFL Defensive Lineman. Chuck had a reputation
in college as a brawler and never missed an
opportunity to use his fists to answer any
disagreement.

Chuck has definitely mellowed over the years and is
much easier to be around these days - but old habits
die hard. The conversation drifted towards my training
and he was giving me some feedback from a mutual
friend who attended a TFT seminar.

Our friend Tony loved the training and, since he
travels to some of the more dangerous parts of the
world, has unfortunately had to use his training. The
results were that he survived two unavoidable criminal
attacks using principles and methods from the TFT
Seminar.

Tony faced multiple attackers in one incident and a
knife in the other. Chuck was impressed that Tony
survived both incidents unscathed and then commented
on the side that had it been a "fair fight" Tony would
have lost.

I asked Chuck to clarify for me what he meant.

He went on to say that the three attackers were all
larger than Tony, as was the knife wielder, and that
in a "fair fight" Tony would have lost.

He pointed out that if Tony hadn't used all that
"unfair stuff" he got from my seminar he never would
of "won". Chuck said he was glad that Tony knew TFT
but that it really didn't prove he could fight.

Chuck went on to say that if it were just a "thumping
contest" -- "Ya know, Tim, a real fight" then the
bigger, stronger guy would always win. He was
disturbed by the fact that Tony had to kill the knife
wielder and that one of the multiple attackers had his
throat crushed by Tony.

That to Chuck proved it wasn't a "real fight" and the
fact Tony effectively used deception to disarm his
attackers before he attacked really disturbed Chuck.

"That's not fighting, it's just..."

"Violence?" I added.

"Yeah, it proves nothing about how good a fighter you
are," Chuck blurted out.

I know what Chuck was trying to say and it's sad when
I see anyone like him that has never gone beyond using
violence to dominate a social situation.

By choosing to use violence in a social situation,
guys like Chuck always run the risk of bumping into
someone who won't bother fighting a bigger, stronger
guy.

They'll just use violence in the only way it should be
used... as a survival tool.

Until next time,

Tim Larkin

**********************************************************

Free Combat Training Principles -- Secrets For Staying
Alive When 'Rules' Don't Apply


When You Finally Decide to Act -- Hurt 'em

******************************************************

"Just Do It."

Nike Ad
******************************************************

Ed B. recently wrote to say he really enjoyed my E-book
(http://www.tftgroup.com/products/ebooks/index.htm)

He described an event that happened in Miami years
back when he was thrown out of a 'disco' (jeez Ed,
this must have been in the 70's. Were you guys wearing
leisure suits?). Seems the fight that got them kicked
out of the disco was over a girl (big surprise
there, huh?).

He ended up out on the street with his 3 buddies and
about 15 guys wanting to separate their heads from
their shoulders. Doing the only prudent thing, the 4
decided to run for the hills; 2 went left and Ed and
his buddy went right.

Unfortunately about ten of the other guys decided to
run after Ed and his buddy. Not knowing the
neighborhood they ended up running around a corner and
down an alley smack into a high chain link fence with
barbed wire at the top -- DEAD END.

They had a choice: wait for the 10 to come around the
corner and see what would happen -OR- take action. Ed
decided to take action. He spotted a 4' pipe in a
trash heap along with a 2x4. He grabs the pipe and
tosses the 2x4 to his buddy (good choice Ed, I'd have
opted for the pipe also).

His buddy is dumbfounded and asks incredulously, "What
are we going to do?" Ed says, "We're getting out of
here" and runs towards the corner where they had made
the bad choice of streets. The first guy chasing them
is just turning that corner to "get them".

Ed catches him cleanly on the elbow with his pipe as
the guy tries to put on the brakes. Suddenly -- to
everyone's surprise -- the tables are turned! 2 guys
are chasing 10 down the mean streets of Miami, and Ed
survives what could have been a very different
outcome.

Ed asked if I'd agreed this was using "Cause State"
(there's a long interview transcription on Cause State
in the ebook noted above).

I have to agree: the decision to act and the effect
caused were the keys to their survival.

Notice the focus wasn't to DEFEND themselves, it was
to HURT the other guys -- pure and simple. I've
covered this before. Anything less and this becomes a
disaster.

Great job Ed!

Until next time,

Tim Larkin

Target Focus Training (part 5)

(Disclaimer: I do not own the philosophies and teaching of TFT. Everything belongs to Mr. Tim Larkin. This post is to inform only. Enjoy reading!)

Free Combat Training Principles -- Secrets For Staying
Alive When 'Rules' Don't Apply


"Defining Effectiveness"

******************************************************
"Readers are plentiful; thinkers are rare."

- Harriet Martineau (1802 - 1876)
******************************************************

Effectiveness seems to be a reoccurring theme in the
questions sent to me by my newsletter readers. Typical
questions run along the lines of:

1. Tim, what are the most effective targets for me to
hit?

2. Tim, how can I make my punches more powerful, and
is a fist or palm more effective?

Again there are over 170 viable targets on the human
body that can cause a predictable response when trauma
is delivered to the target. So what is the most
effective to strike?

... THE ONE YOU CAN
===================

Yeah, it really is just that simple.

Again, you never want to limit yourself to a specific
set of finite targets because you are attempting to
predict what will be available to you in a violent
conflict. That is one factor that will always vary.

If you understand that the principle is to cause a
spinal reflex reaction (an involuntary or autonomic
response) in the other guy then you have a principle
that works regardless of the targets presented.

So the "high concept" here is to not limit your
targeting options... and thereby increasing your
effectiveness.

Next, let's deal with how to make your punches
(strikes) more powerful and effective. Here's a good
first step:

... FOCUS ON HITTING YOUR TARGETS
=================================

Yeah I know, sounds like a broken record, right?

Well I can't believe how many of you spend hours
attempting to get stronger or faster yet breeze over
the targeting aspect.

If you pay attention to the military actions taken in
the last year by the US you keep hearing the same
thing over and over...

TARGETING
=========

Why? Because the military has found that it can be
more deadly, more effective, and take out enemies much
faster... the better they can target and deliver their
munitions.

And here's the kicker -- they are often able to do
this with less overall power (less bombs, firepower)
because they can target the specific threat and focus
all of the weapon's power into that exposed area.

So yes, there are ways to get more effective but I
would have you explore the first 2 options above
before I help you with the physical dynamics of
increasing your strength and power.

Until next time,

***************************************************

Free Combat Training Principles -- Secrets For Staying
Alive When 'Rules' Don't Apply


"The Four Horsemen Of Response"

******************************************************
"No passion so effectually robs the mind of all its
powers of acting and reasoning as fear."

Edmund Burke (1729 - 1797)
******************************************************

People often ask me about the "Fight or Flight"
response when it comes to responding to a violent,
imminent threat of physical attack. When I tell them
that there are actually four responses to this type of
threat I usually get a confused looked.

As a life-long student of violence I constantly
research sources from the academic and literary world
that deal with this very controversial subject. Some
of my research has led me to the fallacy of people
assuming "Fight Or Flight" is the response regardless
of the threat. So lets clarify:

"Fight Or Flight" is a viable response but only when
the threat occurs between 2 different species. If you
are walking through the woods and a Kodiak bear starts
to rush you, you would quickly either fight if you had
a weapon or run (flight) if you did not. Yes, you can
use the other 2 responses but for the most part the
meeting of 2 different species results in "Fight Or
Flight".

That being said lets look at the "Four Horsemen Of
Response" when two members of the same species meet
with one side posing an imminent threat. The other can
respond as follows:

1. Fight - The challenge is assessed and the
response by the target is to fight back.
2. Flight - The challenge is assessed and the
response is to evade the threat and run.
3. Posture - The challenge is assessed and the
response is to feign or posture aggressively with
the ultimate goal being to avoid having to fight
or flight.
4. Capitulate - The challenge is assessed and the
response is to freeze, lie down, and hope that by
submitting to appease the aggressor.

Most are familiar with the first two options but lets
explore the latter two options. How many times have
you seen a person issue a threat and move towards
someone aggressively and that person's response is to
yell back and strike an aggressive, threatening
stance?

This is very common in social violent situations where
there is much posturing for dominance. Often the real
objective is to get one side to back down, with verbal
threats and aggressive postures used to convey
dominance. That is a classic example of the Posture
Response.

This is a dangerous gambit for both participants
because it delays the fight option and often wastes
valuable opportunities to end the situation with the
Fight Response.

The next response to explore is the all too common
Capitulate Response. This is where an aggressive
threat is met with complete and immediate submission
to the threatening party.

This response is very dangerous when used to avoid
getting harmed because it literally puts you at the
mercy of an aggressor. You rely on their moral code to
respect your capitulation and have that be a
sufficient way to satiate their desire to aggressively
dominate you. Very risky.

However, when used properly the Capitulate Response
can be an extremely effective manner to get your
aggressor into a vulnerable position to execute the
Fight Response. Basically, you're getting the
aggressor to expose vulnerable areas of his body to
attack by your feigned capitulation.

Other newsletter issues have dealt with how to take
advantage of these opportunities but it is instructive
to have a complete understanding of the "Four Horsemen
Of Response" to round out your fighting knowledge.

Until next time,

****************************************************8

Free Combat Training Principles -- Secrets For Staying
Alive When 'Rules' Don't Apply


"Are You Bored With What Works?"

******************************************************
"The only reason a warrior is alive is to fight, and
the only reason a warrior fights is to win. Otherwise,
why be a warrior? It is easier to count beads."

-Miyamoto Musashi
******************************************************

I get invited to a lot of different training events
and try out lots of new weapons that are used in the
special operations arena.

Recently I shot a modified weapon that is currently
all the rage in some of the personal protection
circles. It is a large caliber assault rifle that is
making the rounds in some of the current "hotspots" of
the world.

I thanked the guys who let me use the weapon but came
away with a nagging feeling that it was really not
that effective for the mission. The special technology
needed to use the weapon system seemed to me not worth
the expense and hassle.

Sure enough, I called a friend (with extensive combat
experience) who recently retired from a counter-terror
unit and is currently working as a highly sought
'consultant' and asked him if he agreed with my
assessment.

He told me that not only did he agree but that there
was a better option that the US Army had developed in
the late 60's.

He went on to explain the superior aspects of the
already developed, less expensive, readily available
technology that had better ballistics, better power,
and better accuracy.

He ended the conversation by telling me some people
just get bored with what works.

That hit home.

I get tons of questions about weapons technology
(which firearm is best, what knife should I carry, is
it better to punch or kick, etc) but the questions are
always about a tool rather than a principle.

I can't tell you what the 'best' combat folding knife
is on the market, 'best' firearm to carry, what
caliber is optimum for your needs, whether you should
use a punch or a kick in a given circumstance.

What I'm more interested in is what can you do with
those tools? Can you hit your target? Do you
understand the effect of the trauma you can inflict
with those tools? What is your focus when using your
tools?

If your focus is to DESTROY YOUR ENEMY BY ANY MEANS
NECESSARY then the tools will work their way into the
mix.

As for me I don't even carry a knife nor would I know
which knife is 'best'. Me, I have an aluminum pen that
the security people gladly hand me as it goes through
the weapons check at the airport.

Doesn't look very cool; in fact it's kinda yuppy-ish
looking. But it writes well -- and I have a sneaking
suspicion it'll help accelerate the trauma I want
to inflict should I need to fight.

Yeah, it's boring -- but it works.

Until next time,