What is RSS?

What is RSS? Not too many people know what RSS is so I thought I would give a quick run-down and shed some light on the subject.

Do you want to be kept up to date on posts from Low Tech Combat and don't necessarily want to have to come to the site?

Well, we have two ways that you can subscribe to this site and receive updates as they occur. The main way is with our RSS feed.

What is RSS?

RSS is a technology that is being used by millions of web users around the world to keep track of their favourite websites. RSS stands for 'Really Simple Syndication'.

You used to have to use 'bookmarks', which required that you manually had to return to them on a regular basis to see what had been added or updated.

The problems with bookmarking

• You, as the web surfer had to do all the work,
• It can get complicated when you try to keep track of many sites at once,
• You can miss information when you forget to check your bookmarks for a while and
  
• You end up seeing the same information on sites that don't update their sites very often.

RSS Changes Everything

What if you could tell a website to let you know every time a site updates its information? Well, in a sense, that is what RSS does for you.

RSS saves you time and lets you easily and quickly get updated when new content is published.

Many people describe it as a news feed that you subscribe to. And it is like a normal magazine subscription in a way. It delivers information to your door so to speak. However instead of going to your door, it goes to your 'RSS Reader' every time your favourite site updates.

How to use RSS

The first thing to do is get an RSS Reader. This is easy. These are simple to use and free. I use Google Reader. Other alternatives are MyYahoo, MyMSN and Bloglines although there are many more out there. Just do a search for them. They are all very easy to use and once you have one, just subscribe to a feed and see what happens.

Find some Feeds to Subscribe to

There are two places to look for a sites feed, either:

• On the site, or
• In your browser

On site subscription

Over the last few years you may have noticed a lot of widgets and buttons popping up on sites and blogs that you visit. Little orange buttons and counters etc. stating how many readers a blog has and links called RSS, XML, Atom and many more.

Some of these are shown below:













Any time you see these buttons, it means that site has a feed you can subscribe to and to do so, you just click on them. From then you just follow the instructions given. Their are buttons on this site on top right hand side, on the top of the side bar and at the bottom of every post. Just click on one of these buttons to subscribe to get a feed sent to your reader.

Browser Subscription

Most internet browsers these days have the ability to find and subscribe to RSS Feeds built right into them. When surfing a site you can usually tell if a site has a feed by looking at the right hand side of the address bar or just below it on one of your toolbars such as what can be seen now, as a feed is available from Low Tech Combat.

To subscribe to a feed by using the browser, just click on the button as just described and follow the instructions. Its very easy.

Once you have subscribed to a site or two, you will see the feeds appearing in your feed reader for you to read all in the one place. Your reader will show you the latest posts from feeds you have subscribed to.

Not Keen on RSS? Try Email Subscription

If the above seems too complicated right now, you can subscribe to Low Tech Combat via Email as well. All you have to do is enter your email address into the space provided in the sidebar just below the RSS option and click 'subscribe'.

You can unsubscribe at any time and your email address will only be used to send you your feeds. Nothing else.

Further Information on RSS

You may want to check out some RSS Feeder sites:

• Google Reader can be found here,
• MyYahoo can be found here, and
• Bloglines can be found here.
  

I hope this answers your question for what RSS is.

Have a go, Subscribe to Low Tech Combat now!

Special thanks to Darren at ProBlogger for providing the information about RSS!

Low Tech Combat FAQ

I've assembled this list of Frequently Asked Questions to answer queries that visitors may have upon surfing this blog.

Nuts and Bolts

Is this blog geared towards Experienced Martial Artists or Beginners?
Its not targeted to any one group. I write about all aspects of Low Tech Combat and over time, topics will cover all areas equally. It is just me rambling about whatever is on my mind at the time.

Do you think Traditional Martial Arts (TMA) are a waste of time?
No. It is not a waste of time. However, my view is that the martial arts are under an accelerated process of evolution right now. For the first time in history, different styles from different countries from all over the world are getting together and in essence, 'going up against each other'.

This is a world first. This has never happened before. It is a true renaissance and the styles that are closed minded and don't implement improvements and methods from styles and systems that have great strengths in certain areas will be left behind.

There is a real danger of this happening in some TMA as they hold on to what they call tradition at the expense of effectiveness and practicality. I personally think this is gross negligence as they are giving their students a false sense of security as they are practising outdated methods of defending themselves and are at great risk of being seriously hurt should they need to use these skills in a real encounter.

There are new and highly effective systems for teaching practical, real world tactics and techniques for countering and defending against today's threat. This is partly why I write this blog. I want to spread and cheer lead these new, modern systems and it is my hope that more and more TMA will evolve and embrace the benefits that come from this renaissance while at the same time keep a firm hold of values such as humility, honour and modesty.

I have written more about this in my post TMA v Modern systems.

So what styles and systems do you recommend?
There are no hard and fast rules. Only general principles. Sometimes, one of the systems listed below will have a poor instructor and this will affect the end product and likewise, a Karate school may have an excellent instructor and this will produce a high standard of product.

Some places worthy of a closer look include any of the various Reality Based Self Defence (RBSD) systems and the various Combat Sports such as Muay Thai, boxing, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, kickboxing, Judo and the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) amongst others.

On top of these systems it is definitely worthwhile doing some reading about the pre attack stage of a conflict which generally involves various subjects under the umbrella term of Awareness.

More information on these areas can be found in my post titled the Full Spectrum of Conflict.

Tell Me About Your Blog

How often do you update this blog?
This varies greatly. Sometimes I post more than once a day and sometimes there will be a week between posts. This is due to a number of reasons most of which revolve around my work and other personal reasons.

I make a deliberate attempt to post AT LEAST once a week and every two or three days generally.

How can I keep up with all the posts you write?

If you don't want to manually surf over here and check out the site, you can subscribe to our RSS Feed. This will deliver all posts to your RSS Reader as they are published. You can also subscribe via Email. This will deliver all new posts to your inbox.

You can subscribe here.

For more information about subscribing by both RSS or Email, visit our page About RSS Feeds and Email subscriptions.

Do I have to register to write comments on your posts?
No. Anyone can post a comment. You can post a comment anonymously or you can log in to an appropriate account and post a comment. Its up to you.

Can I leave a link back to my site when I leave a comment?
After careful consideration I have decided to allow links back to readers sites when commenting. Please don't abuse this but by all means contribute meaningfully and leave a link back to your site.

Can I exchange links with your blog?
If you would like to exchange links, Email me a link to your site and I will look at it. I am very specific in the type of site I will link to and please don't be offended if I don't accept your offer. But if your blog is related to this one, don't hesitate to let me know.

Can I republish posts from Low Tech Combat onto my own blog?
You may not republish any posts from Low Tech Combat without my express permission. But please feel free to quote anything or link to it here as a source. Keep in mind this is all copyrighted material.

Do you accept submissions for Guest Blogs?
Yes. Certainly if you would like to feature as a Guest Blogger on Low Tech Combat all you have to do is email me your proposed post complete and please include a couple of short sentences explaining who you are and such things if I don't already know you. From there I will email you back with an answer. A short bio will be included at the end of your guest post with a link back to your blog or site.

Do you Guest Blog?
Yes. If you would like me to be a Guest Blogger on your site, just drop me a quick email telling me of your proposal. I can modify a post from Low Tech Combat or write a custom post targeted to your readers or I can write a series or any number of projects.

Who Designed your Blog?
I did actually. It has been a gradual process but I learnt by tracking down some truly fantastic blogs about blogging. The main influence for the layout and structure has come from Amanda at Blogger Buster. If you would like to know more about these sites just drop me a quick email by clicking on the link four paragraphs up, the 'Contact' button up in the header or the 'email' link down in the footer. I'm only too happy to pass them on to you.

Personal

Where do you Live?
I live in Sydney, Australia.

What is your name?
My name is Adam.

If you want to know more, go to my About Low Tech Combat page.

Some posts to get you started include,
'Alpha Male' v 'Predator' Threats
Acronyms, Definitions and Terminology
What is the Most Likely Attack on the Street?
10 Easy Steps to Determine how Healthy you Really Are!
Should you Punch on the Street or Not?

Or just visit the Low Tech Combat Home Page

Low Tech Combat Disclaimer

This site is something I do for personal reasons as explained in About Me. I spend a lot of time researching and writing about various aspects of Low Tech Combat, finding good videos to present,interesting content and even just researching ways to make this site better overall.

At no time will I ever pass on personal information to any other party whatsoever, ever. Any information you input on this site will only be used as it was intended for.

I also rarely provide affiliate links to products which I recommend. Most of the time, I have handed over cash and paid for these items too so I know they are good. I will only do this if I strongly believe in the product. It does the reputation of this site no good to recommend dodgy products..

This is not a money making blog and I write purely for my own personal enjoyment and to share valuable and interesting information.

I am sure subscribers and regular readers can attest, that these items are hardly noticed as the focus of Low Tech Combat is to provide interesting and useful content. A dream would be to be able to justify spending more time on this site and make it the best place on the web for bringing together all of the aspects of Low tech Combat. Although perhaps it is already??? ;)

And so I present this information openly and will continue to provide as useful and interesting content as I can.

Home

About Low Tech Combat

Welcome!

Low Tech Combat takes a research and knowledge based approach to self defence.


This site is the perfect companion to your physical training. For self defence, perhaps it should actually take priority over physical training.

• This is a site for self defence thinkers
• Understanding violence will enable you to recognise it, avoid it, evade it or de-escalate it, before it gets physical
• Physical training should come, but after (or whilst) learning about Human Combative Behaviour

The Purpose

This site contains a lot of detailed information and analysis from solid peer reviewed sources, statistics from real violent crimes and analysis of real attacks from news stories along with lessons we can learn from these. 

There is nothing better to base ones training on than today's reality. That is the goal of this site. To be THE resource for students and teachers to ensure their training is on the right path and to provide information not found anywhere else on the web to aid in ones own ongoing learning as we walk the path.

The evolution of combat sports such as Boxing, Muay Thai, Brasilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), Wrestling, Judo and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is without precedent and represents a true renaissance in the evolution of interpersonal combat training methodologies. It is not any of these individually that are so special, all of the training methods from all of these systems can be applied together (in any system) thanks to todays interconnected world.

Combined with the latest Reality Based Self Defence (RBSD) training methods and knowledge of awareness, key indicators of likely attackers, de-escalation tactics and more, together covers the full spectrum of conflict one is likely to encounter on the streets or homes today.

This evolution, or renaissance, is followed closely at Low Tech Combat along with all other important happenings in the world of the martial arts and self protection community. Topics such as Aliveness, Human Combative Behaviour and the Physiological and Psychological Effects of Combat for example, are all followed closely here. These topics have been covered in previous posts at Low Tech Combat and likely, will continue to do be featured into the future along with any new developments.

We also have the Human Combative Behaviour Manifesto we want to give you.

Get your FREE copy of the Human Combative Behaviour Manifesto sent straight to your inbox and lots more.

Name:

Email:

We will never provide your email address to anyone, ever. You can unsubscribe at any time.

As Seen in Blitz

As published in Blitz Magazine, Australasia's biggest martial arts and self defence magazine in Vol. 23 No 5, Know Your ENEMY: The true stats on street assaults.

As published in Blitz

Who is Adam @ Low Tech Combat?

Hi, my name is Adam. I am interested in spreading the concept of Low Tech Combat. I have been practising martial arts and self protection since 1994. I began my journey with Rhee Taekwondo which I did for 5 years with Paul Corbett and achieved first degree black belt. From here I studied Hapkido for about four years under Geoff Booth. Through Geoff Booth, I was introduced to both Brasilian Jiu Jitsu and Ray Floro's Filipino system of edged and impact weapon defence. I have been practising these two systems on and off ever since which I do to this day.

I enjoy getting together with friends from Muay Thai and wrestling backgrounds and training with them regularly as well. I also read widely on topics such as the various martial arts, self protection, awareness, personal security, the classics such as the Book of Five Rings, strength and conditioning and the physiological and psychological effects of combat.

In the future I intend to participate in some more good RBSD courses (I have already been to an ISR Matrix seminar which was excellent). My main reason for this is because I would like more exposure in dealing with the stages immediately prior to an encounter going physical and those initial moments after that. I would like to do at least one course or seminar per year.

What You Will NOT Find

You will find very little instruction on actual techniques such as how to defend a kick or onslaught of punches and things of that nature. That sort of information is very difficult to instruct over the medium of the internet and to be honest, there are far better people out there who specialize in each area of Low Tech Combat and they are in the best position to provide this training. You will find links and videos from the better training providers here at Low Tech Combat, so keep an eye out for them.

Low Tech Combat is about the overall strategy of understanding Human Combative Behaviour, identifying, avoiding, de-escalating and countering violent attacks at the higher level rather than getting down into the weeds of techniques. Low Tech Combat aims to inform students of the overall martial way including the nature of violence, what attacks are most likely and how they are perpetrated, how the body reacts when in combat and the mentality behind various types of attacks and subjects of that nature.

Low Tech Combat can be looked at as fitting more of a strategic coaching role which can help you identify areas where you should be focusing on your training, then you go to a relevant and suitable training provider for that particular skill set that fits you.

The motto here at Low Tech Combat is Knowledge is Power. 

Get your FREE copy of the Human Combative Behaviour Manifesto sent straight to your inbox and lots more.

Name:

Email:

We will never provide your email address to anyone, ever. You can unsubscribe at any time.

Comment and Have Your Say!

Feel free to add comments on any post. Anyone can comment without logging on or registering or anything at all and I encourage you to do so.

Start Exploring

Check out the featured posts to the right in the side bar and if you like what you see, be sure to subscribe to the Low Tech Combat Newsletter where you will be sent the Human Combative Behaviour Manifesto.

Please feel free to get in touch at the Contact page. You can ask a question, leave some feedback, offer a topic you would like to hear about or even leave a guest post or article you have written that you would like to see published here at Low Tech Combat.

Like it? Share it!

If you like what you see here at Low Tech Combat please spread the word!

You can simply tell all your friends about it by word of mouth, send them a link via email or even use the many types of social media available today.

The Share button below each post will give you quick access to almost any social media platform you are likely to use such as Digg, StumbleUpon, Del.icio.us, Technorati, Twitter and Facebook plus many more.

Follow Low Tech Combat

If you use social networks, you can stay in touch and communicate with Adam @ Low Tech Combat via,

Twitter

Facebook

and

YouTube

See you there! :)

Get Your FREE Manifesto!

Most importantly, is that you get your FREE copy of the Human Combative Behaviour Manifesto. This Manifesto was written by Adam at Low Tech Combat and was published exclusively for the benefit of our Newsletter subscribers, our Tribe.

The Manifesto shows that there are only two types of attacker.

The Alpha Male, and

The Predator

The Human Combative Behaviour Manifesto provides details of both of these types of violent encounters. You will learn the following:

• Know how to recognise high risk places, times and activities for each of the two types of human combative behaviour
• Understand the vast differences in the Alpha Male and the Predator
• Know the different goals of each
• Know how to avoid each
• Know how to de-escalate each (they both require two very different approaches)

There is a whole lot more to the Human Combative Behaviour Manifesto.

To get it (as well as the special series of 5 Case Studies and Newsletter updates), simply pop your name and email address in one of the boxes above, the box below or at the top of the sidebar on the right hand side. Your email address will never be given to anyone, ever, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

I hope you enjoy Low Tech Combat! Let us know what you think of the site!