Interview: Matthew Apsokardu on Traditional Martial Arts and Self Defence

MATTHEW APSOKARDU

Do Traditional Martial Artists have their head in the sand when it comes to self defence?

Some do, no doubt, but some do not. This interview is an example of one who most definitely does not.

Traditional Martial Arts are not just focused on self defence. Students are also studying an art. Some students practising Traditional Martial Arts are learning self defence skills they would never have been exposed to otherwise. Some would never have sought out a self defence class or course. So this exposure is a great thing for people. Traditional Martial Arts is how I began on the path.

I asked Matthew Apsokardu to do this interview as I know him from his blog (and you probably will too), Ikigai Way. Matt has been studying the martial arts for 16 years and has acquired the rank of 4th Dan Okinawa Kenpo Karate and Kobudo of the Nakamura Shigeru, Odo Seikichi, Bruce Heilman lineage. He is a good guy who always offers some straight up commentary on matters I raise here on this site about violent behaviour such as knife attacks. He has also written some very interesting posts on his site as well that make for interesting reading. He is very experienced and knowledgable in the martial arts world yet still very humble.

5 Most Important Skills For Protecting Yourself

Note: This is the first guest post published at Low Tech Combat! Go to Authors Box at bottom of post for more details of Author. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Low Tech Combat. 

It is unfortunate but we seem to be living in a more and more violent society. Inner city crime rates are on the rise again and the recent widespread riots across London and other major cities in the UK highlighted the extent to which criminal gangs control our cities.

As stupid as many muggers and thugs appear to be, some really are not completely dumb. Like any successful predator they target the easy prey. If someone is walking along the street looking confident, strong and alert then a mugger will often steer clear. It is when people are looking nervous, timid, day dreaming or simply too weak to defend themselves that a mugger will attack. So, to avoid a dangerous situation learn to carry yourself in a more assertive way by following these safety tips.