Blog

Dec. 30, 2023

"Practical Karate" Isn't Helping Karate Because It's Still About Aesthetics, not Function

In episode 39 of the Combat Learning Podcast, my friend Daniel Marino made a critical observation about the karate community:  “It’s about looking good, not learning how to fight.” Now, if you’re a part of the so-calle…

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July 19, 2023

The 3D Model of Coaching: How Martial Arts Coaches Fit into the Constraints-led Approach

NOTE: For those reading this article who do not know what Scalable Live Training is, it’s a translation and extension of the Constraints-led Approach (CLA). If you are already familiar with and using CLA, the 3D Model of Coaching will work jus…

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Feb. 17, 2023

What is the Difference Between Scalable Live Training & Positional Sparring?

Positional sparring is consistent with the Scalable Live Training (SLT) methodology but tends to have a less flexible scope of practice.  So whereas all positional sparring can be SLT, SLT is not simply positional sparring: it can be much more…

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Feb. 17, 2023

Scalable Live Training (Redux): The Quick Notes Version of How to Conduct Safe Live Training from Day 1

"Scalable Live Training" (SLT) is a framework of practice design for martial arts that allows for live training to be safely used from day 1 of training. It is based on the belief that live training is more realistic and thus builds stronger, more a…

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Feb. 7, 2023

Introducing "Scalable Live Training": How (& Why) to Safely Conduct 100% Live Training from Day 1

ATTN: Readers new to skill acquisition and/or ecological approaches:A vastly simplified and shorter version of this article can be found here. The purpose of this article is twofold: Introduce martial arts instructors with no background in m…

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