An
Edged-Weapon Self-Defense System Developed by Michael D. JanichAn
Edged-Weapon Self-Defense System Developed by Michael D. JanichAll the books and videos listed on this page are available from Stay Safe Media.
To order a specific title, please click on the title or the book or video cover.
MARTIAL BLADE CONCEPTS - THE ENHANCED VERSION
A Crash Course in Defensive Knife Tactics
What do you really need to know to defend yourself effectively with a knife? World-renowned edged-weapons expert Michael Janich hears that question a lot. And this video is his answer.
Completely revised and updated, this step-by-step instructional DVD features all the information that made the original Martial Blade Concepts title one of the best selling videos of its kind. Janich explains the irrefutable logic of his Martial Blade Concepts (MBC) system and clearly demonstrates how concealable, legally carried knives and an intimate knowledge of the vulnerabilities of human anatomy can be used to quickly and reliably stop any armed attacker. He then leads you step by step through the simple, easily learned critical skills of the MBC curriculum and teaches you how to perfect them through progressive reflex training drills.
Nearly 50% longer that the original version, this enhanced video also features never-before-seen bonus material in which Janich explains the latest advances of MBC tactics and reveals the secrets of MBC solo training methods, both with and without apparatus.
If you're serious about developing real defensive knife skills, this is the training resource you've been waiting for.
For academic study only. Color, 1 hour 23 minutes.
Standard and Widescreen Letterbox Format
DVD Price: $29.95
MARTIAL BLADE CONCEPTS - VOLUME 2
In Martial Blade Concepts: The Enhanced Version, MBC founder Michael Janich provided detailed instruction in the critical skills personal defense with a knife. Martial Blade Concepts - Volume 2 continues that education, reinforcing and refining those fundamentals and introducing the next block of instruction in the MBC system.
Volume 2 reveals the secrets of MBCís body mechanics, footwork, and live-hand checking and leads you step by step through the process of integrating them into a powerful combative synergy. Janich provides detailed instruction in MBC's scientific approach to checking, maximizing the body's structural strength and energy transfer while maintaining fluidity that keeps you one step ahead of your attacker. He also teaches you the process of "deconstructing" techniques—eliminating or modifying the movements to instantly adapt to the dynamic nature of real attacks. And, building on the foundation of the first video in this series, Janich teaches you the remaining Defensive Responses of MBC's standard grip system and the skills necessary to use a knife against attacks with sticks and other long-range weapons.
Throughout this process, Janich explains and reinforces MBCís extraordinary learning methodology, which combines clear logic with a natural progression of skill and understanding. That approach, combined with dedicated instruction in solo training methods, make this series an incredibly effective learning tool for anyone serious about self-defense.
For academic study only. Color, 1 hour 19 minutes.
Widescreen Letterbox Format
DVD Price: $29.95
MARTIAL BLADE CONCEPTS - VOLUME 3
Reflex Training Drills – A Dynamic, Scalable Approach to Reflex Development
To defend yourself effectively against a sudden street attack, you have to have well honed reflexes; just “knowing a technique” is not enough. For centuries, practitioners of the Filipino martial arts have used reflex training or “flow” drills to achieve this goal. Through fluid repetitions of key patterns of motion, they literally program proper combative responses into your nervous system. They can also be scaled in intensity to create an extremely dynamic form of adrenal stress training that closely replicates real combat. In this extraordinary video, Michael Janich provides step-by-step instruction in MBC’s flow drills, contrasting them with the traditional Filipino versions and defining the specific skills they develop. He also introduces the “chess game”—the process of spontaneously combining drills to create a dynamic training method that will take your reflexes to extreme levels. This video also includes never-before-seen instruction in the devastatingly simple De Cuerdas tactic and the secrets of dealing with “mismatched leads” (left vs. right).
For academic study only. Color, 1 hour 36 minutes.
Widescreen Letterbox Format
DVD Price: $29.95
JUNKYARD AIKIDO
A Practical Guide To Joint Locks, Breaks, And Manipulations
Joint locking is one of the most complex, frustrating, and difficult-to-learn skill sets in the martial arts. Its practical application in self-defense is also widely misunderstood and sometimes highly overrated. When properly understood and applied, however, it can be an incredibly quick and efficient fight stopper.
Junkyard Aikido cuts through the myth and misinformation to make joint locking skills accessible to any martial artist or self-defense practitioner. Using the proven analytical style that defines his popular instructional method, Michael Janich leads you step by step through both the techniques and the concepts of combative joint locks. Starting with the fingers and progressing methodically through the wrists, elbows, shoulders and neck, Janich shows you how to use the same motions of your body against both the right and left sides of your attacker to produce different, yet highly effective locks. Many of these simple mechanics also reveal the “hidden” applications of classical martial arts technique.
Instead of throws and submissions, the applications of Junkyard Aikido focus on breaking joints and creating opportunities for disabling strikes that will decisively end a fight. It also teaches you locks as the basis for weapon strips and disarms, giving you a decisive advantage over an armed attacker.
To complete the package, Janich analyzes the weaknesses of many traditional locking methods, teaches you simple but effective counters to them, and shows you how to modify your lock technique to prevent counters.
Junkyard Aikido is a slightly irreverent, non-denominational approach to learning and applying joint locks. If you want the function without the dogma, this video is for you.
For academic study only. Color, approx. 2 Hour 16 Minutes
Widescreen Letterbox Format
DVD Price: $39.95
PRACTICAL UNARMED COMBATIVES VOLUME 1
Critical Skills Of Damithurt Silat
Damithurt Silat is not an esoteric Asian martial art. Literally pronounced “Damn, it hurts a lot!” it is Michael Janich’s brutally practical and unapologetically irreverent system of modern self-defense. The result of more than 30 years of training, research, and analysis of the world’s most effective fighting arts, Janich’s curriculum does the homework for you—boiling empty-hand tactics down to the critical skills that you really need to survive a violent encounter.
Practical Unarmed Combatives Volume 1 lays the groundwork for your self-protection skills by teaching you a single combative sequence that can be used both preemptively and defensively to counter dozens of the most common street attacks. It also reveals the secret of “physiological potential,” a concept that allows you to harness the full power of every body motion and apply it as a spontaneous combative technique. You’ll also learn the dynamic power of “cycling,” devastating low-line knees and kicks, and sure-fire defensive tactics like the “shoulder stop” that take advantage of your body’s natural mechanics and intuitive responses to enable you to fight the way you were meant to fight.
If you’re looking for a truly practical guide to developing logical, functional unarmed fighting skill, this is it.
For academic study only. Color, approx. 1 Hour 11 Minutes
Widescreen Letterbox Format
DVD Price $29.95
PRACTICAL UNARMED COMBATIVES VOLUME 2
Critical Skills Of Damithurt Silat
Practical Unarmed Combatives Volume 2 continues your education in the combative logic of Damithurt Silat. Building on the knowledge of Volume 1, this video teaches you the secrets of the most effective defensive tactic you could ever learn. Common to all functional fighting arts, this movement, known as hubud in the Filipino systems, can be the key to defeating dozens of common street attacks, if you understand and master its full potential. Janich's detailed explanation of the science behind this tactic and the secrets of integrating it into your hardwired reflexes will give you that understanding.
Janich also reveals his simple but highly effective methods of limb control and head control that will enable you to instantly shut down your attacker and remain safe while you finish the fight on your terms. These unique methods include passes, slap-downs, and wraps, as well as the incredible "Bela Lugosi" a sure-fire defense against the hardest punches that you can learn in a matter of minutes.
Finally, this video shows you how to round out your skills with the tactics of high-speed joint locks, wrenches, and breaks. These savage tactics literally demolish your attackers limbs on contact and will give you a life-saving edge in any street encounter.
For academic study only. Color, approx. 1 Hour 36 Minutes
Widescreen Letterbox Format
DVD Price: $29.95
PRACTICAL UNARMED COMBATIVES VOLUME 3
Low-line Destructions And Secrets Of The Silat Triangle
Learn how to quickly put an attacker on the ground and keep him there with the brutal low-line skills of Damithurt Silat. Instructor Michael Janich first explains the mechanics of combative kicking and reveals surefire methods of generating extreme power while maintaining balance on real-world terrain. He then leads you step by step through a simple but devastatingly effective arsenal of low-line weapons, including knees, kicks, grinds, stomps, and foot traps. Putting these weapons into perspective, you then learn how to integrate them into your defensive response patterns, taking advantage of the physiological potential of every movement to create crippling combinations that literally destroy your opponent’s legs—and his ability to deliver violence to you.
This extraordinary video also reveals the never-before-seen secrets of Pentjak Silat’s triangular footwork and throwing techniques. Drawing from his in-depth analysis of Indonesian Silat, Janich dispels the myths of conventional throwing techniques and shows you how to quickly and efficiently destroy your attacker’s balance by “putting him on the triangle.” He also explains the four methods of using your triangle pattern as a power base and the most efficient methods of performing traditional silat throws like the biset and kinjit. Finally, you’ll discover how to integrate your knowledge of triangular footwork, off-balancing, and low-line kicking with the skills from Volumes 1 and 2 of the series to quickly dominate and destroy any attacker.
For academic study only. Color, approx. 1 Hour 54 Minutes
Widescreen Letterbox Format
DVD Price: $39.95
FOREVER ARMED
A Combative Guide To The Practical Use Of Improvised Weapons
Most self-defense programs recognize the tremendous potential of improvised weapons as viable defensive tools. Unfortunately, much of what is taught concerning their use is either incomplete or misguided, untested theory. To really employ improvised weapons in personal defense, you need more than James Bond-style tricks; you need sound tactics, planning and preparation, environmental awareness, and a solid training methodology. Renowned personal-protection instructor Michael Janich presents just such a plan in Forever Armed.
For academic study only. Color, approx. 1 hour 50 minutes
Widescreen Letterbox Format
DVD Price:$39.95
FIGHTING FOLDERS
The Definitive Guide to Personal Defense with Tactical Folding Knives
In this DVD veteran knife instructor Michael Janich shatters the commonly held illusions regarding folders and their reliability and reveals little-known secrets of knife selection, carry methods, proper grip and split-second one-handed openings. He then presents a comprehensive hands-on course in folding knife tactics, including cutting and thrusting methods, defensive responses, reflex training drills, secrets of high-speed combination cutting and the realities of knife stopping power. Janich also shows you how to combine empty-hand skills, rapid deployment techniques and knife tactics to make the folder an invaluable ally in close-quarter combat.
For academic study only. Color, approx. 75 min. total.
DVD Price: $39.95
ADVANCED FIGHTING FOLDERS
State-of-the -Art Training and
Tactics for the Defensive Use of Tactical Folding Knives
Michael Janich takes his no-nonsense, get-home-alive folding knife tactics to the next level in this instructive two-DVD video production from Paladin Press. Building on the foundation of technique established with his best-selling Fighting Folders, Janich continues your education through step-by-step instruction in knife fighting footwork, live-hand tactics, high-speed disarms and advanced reflex training drills. Janich teaches you how to turn theory into application, revealing the secrets of combat knife draws, tactical folder defenses from disadvantaged positions and the tactics of “Speed Stops” – lightning-fast defenses that immediately disable an attacker upon contact. Hone your defensive skills as sharp as your blade with this ultimate guide to the tactical folding knife.
For academic study only. Color, approx. 150 min. total
DVD Price: $89.95
MASTERING FIGHTING FOLDERS
Secrets of Reverse-Grip Knife Fighting and Advanced Folding Knife Tactics
Recognized edged-weapon
expert Michael Janich continues his best-selling Fighting Folders
video series with this comprehensive course in reverse-grip knife tactics.
Building upon the foundation of the first two volumes in the series, Janich
first shows you how to adapt standard-grip knife skills to the body dynamics
of reverse grip. He then presents step-by-step instruction in his
combat-oriented variations of the classic Filipino reverse-grip training
drills, including “Trap and Roll,” “Cover and Slash,” palisut and hubud.
More importantly, he teaches you how to extract the appropriate skills from
each of these drills so you can instantly and reflexively respond with the
most effective technique in a defensive situation. Finally, he reveals the
secrets of getting “up close and impersonal” with your knife work,
integrating never-before-seen instruction in pentjak silat footwork and
throwing technique with all the skills of the Fighting Folders
series to create an unstoppable edged-weapon fighting system.
Combining Janich’s proven instructional style, multiple camera angles and
spectacular digital slow motion, this video sets a new standard in
edged-weapon training videos.
For academic study only. Color, approx. 150 min.
DVD Price: $79.95
COUNTER-BLADE CONCEPTS
Realistic Empty-Hand Tactics Against Edged-Weapon Attacks
Counter-Blade Concepts (CBC) is a true system of defensive tactics designed
to maximize your chances of survival against real edged-weapon attacks. It
is based on more than 30 years of research and training in the world’s best
knife and counter-knife arts, as well as a critical analysis of actual edged-weapon
attacks.
Renowned edged-weapon expert Michael Janich begins by teaching you how to minimize
injury to yourself while quickly disabling your attacker to make your escape
or draw your own weapon. If immediate escape isn’t possible, Janich shows you
how to control and destroy the attacking limb while you bring a swift and decisive
end to the fight, including methods of turning the blade back against your attacker.
Finally, he shows you how to integrate these tactics into a comprehensive system
designed to defeat knives, screwdrivers, box cutters and other edged weapons
and the thugs who wield them.
For academic study only. Color, approx. 150 minutes.
DVD Price: $79.95
MARTIAL CANE CONCEPTS
A Realistic System of Walking Stick Self-Defense
Using a "keep it practical" approach, veteran instructor Michael Janich has developed Martial Cane Concepts, a self-defense system specifically geared toward people with physical limitations. In other words, Martial Cane Concepts, is not for the expert stick fighter or martial artist; it's for the 65-year-old man or woman who may actually need to fight for his or her life against a punk prowling for an easy target.
After observing that traditional stick-fighting methods require physical training and abilities beyond the grasp of most people who carry a cane out of need, Janich came up with two uncomplicated sequences of techniques that can be applied to many different situations. This approach also makes the system perfect for the non-martial artist who's interested in protecting him- or herself.
Martial Cane Concepts teaches a self-defense system that is:
To round out this instruction, Janich also includes material for personal protection minded people with solid physical attributes who choose to carry a cane as the ultimate PC weapon.
There is no fancy stuff in Martial Cane Concepts no throws, flips or locks. Just solid information on choosing the best cane for your needs and then using it to strike, thrust and block to protect yourself from harm.
For academic study only. Color, approx. 70 min.
DVD Price: $39.95
CONTEMPORARY KNIFE TARGETING
Modern Science vs. W.E. Fairbairn's Timetable of Death
by Christopher Grosz and Michael D. Janich
William E. Fairbairn’s Timetable of Death—a section in Fairbairn’s book All-In
Fighting that identifies the major arteries of the human body
and lists the amount of time it would take to bleed to unconsciousness
or death when any of these blood vessels are severed—has been used for
years as a standard reference tool by students of edged-weapon tactics.
But when Colorado police officer Christopher Grosz began studying the timetable
to validate its use as a reference for law-enforcement responses to edged-weapon
attacks, he made a surprising discovery: the information in it was flawed.
Grosz began a thorough analysis of Fairbairn’s work, human anatomy, and the realities
of effective knife targeting and later teamed up with knife expert Michael Janich
to document it all in Contemporary Knife Targeting. The research
in this book was conducted with the help of recognized experts in both the medical
and tactical fields. It takes full advantage of state-of-the-art medical studies
directly related to the effects of edged weapons on the human body. It also reveals
the real purpose behind Fairbairn’s original Timetable and expands its scope
to include the full spectrum of targets on the human body that are vulnerable
to knife attacks. The result is a modern, medically accurate version of Fairbairn’s
original timetable—plus contemporary self-defense applications of the updated
data—that will become the new definitive resource for all students of edged-weapon
tactics.
For academic study only. 5 1/2 x 8 1/2, softcover, photos, 152 pp.
Book Price: $24.95
This book is dedicated to one of its authors, Christopher Grosz. Chris was a decorated officer of the Littleton, Colorado police department, a defensive tactics master instructor, a life-long martial artist, a dedicated father and husband, and the truest of friends. The inspiration for this book, the countless hours of research behind the information it presents, and the commitment to provide his brother officers and defense-minded citizens with the best, most technically accurate information available, were all his. Although I had the honor to help put it into words, this book is Chris’s work.
Tragically, Chris passed away during the early stages of the work on this book. To honor him and the family he left behind, I completed the project and did my best to make it everything he wanted it to be. In doing so, I sincerely hope that I have helped create a fitting and enduring tribute to a great man and a great friend.
I miss you brother.
Michael D. Janich
June 2006
BLOWGUNS
The Breath of Death
The blowgun is a mysterious tool of silent death. In this book, blowgun expert Michael Janich reveals the many secrets of its capabilities and uses: how to buy or make your own blowgun and darts (including "special" projectiles), shoot the weapon, devise custom targets and customize, maintain and store your gun. This is the best book on this fascinating and deadly device.
For academic study only. 5 1/2 x 8 1/2, softcover, photos, illus., 88 pp.
Book Price: $15.00
THE BREATH OF DEATH
The Blowgun Video
The blowgun is the ultimate weapon of stealth, delivering a wide variety of projectiles with deadly accuracy and in total silence. Michael Janich is recognized as one of the world's leading experts on this amazing weapon and has demonstrated his blowgun skills on the "Ripley's Believe It or Not" television show. In this video he presents a comprehensive guide to this amazing weapon and includes little-known information on buying, constructing, modifying and shooting blowguns.
For academic study only. Color, approx. 75 min.
DVD Price: $29.95
BULLSEYES DON'T SHOOT BACK
The Complete Textbook of Point Shooting by Col. Rex Applegate & Michael D. Janich
Learn why point shooting is the most practical technique for aiming and shooting a handgun in a real gunfight. This instructional guide teaches you how and when to use point shooting, compares it to two-handed sighted fire and tells how a major police training facility is teaching point shooting with stunning results.
For academic study only. 5 1/2 x 8 1/2, softcover, photos, 120 pp.
Book Price: $22.00
KNIFE FIGHTING
A Practical Course
This book provides detailed instruction in the core elements of Michael Janich's MBC curriculum, focusing on the combative applications of the movements. This book is an ideal written reference for all MBC students and an excellent introduction to the hard-core application of MBC principles.
For academic study only. 8 1/2 x 11, softcover, photos, 108 pp.
Book Price: $20.00
MAKING IT STICK
How to Throw Edged and Improvised Weapons for Sport and Self-Defense
With the help of ultra-slow-motion photography and computer animation, knife expert Michael Janich teaches you the secrets of weapon balance, spin and throwing distance and shows you how to apply them to accurately throw and consistently stick knives, tomahawks, axes and a variety of other purpose-designed throwing weapons. Janich demonstrates both blade and handle throwing methods and shows you the intricacies of half-spin, full-spin, one-and-a-half and double-spin throws. He then teaches you how to apply these same principles to common, everyday objects to turn scissors, screwdrivers, chisels, tire irons and even ballpoint pens into potent improvised throwing weapons. This is the most complete instructional video on weapon throwing ever produced and the only video to realistically address the use of throwing weapons in self-defense situations.
For academic study only. Color, approx. 60 min.
DVD Price: $39.95
MASTERING THE BALISONG KNIFE
Revised and Updated
Now you can master the lightning-fast techniques of the balisong knife. Completely
revised and updated using state-of-the-art digital equipment, multiple camera
angles and crystal-clear slow-motion, this groundbreaking video production
featuring balisong master Michael Janich will teach you an impressive array
of balisong techniques ranging from the simplest of openings to the actual
deployment of the butterfly knife in combat.
Janich begins with a set of basic, reverse-grip and intermediate openings and
closings that will increase your dexterity and familiarity with the balisong.
From there, he progresses to the more visually impressive techniques, such as
the helicopter spin, the finger roll, and grip and hand changes. Then, building
on the foundation of skill imparted in the previous movements, he teaches the
aerial techniques: tossing your knife into the air and catching it in the open,
ready position.
Whether you’re a simple hobbyist or an experienced knife fighter, this video
will open your eyes as to what the balisong knife can really do.
For academic study only. Color, approx. 140 min.
MOOK JONG CONSTRUCTION MANUAL
Building Modern and Traditional Wooden Dummies on a Budget
The mook jong, or wooden dummy, is one of the most versatile and effective martial arts training devices ever developed. Unfortunately, commercially made wooden dummies usually cost anywhere from $500 to more than $1,000 - well beyond the reach of the average martial artist. Now, thanks to this new book anyone with some simple hand tools and a few hours to spare can make his own wooden dummy for well under $100. In this book, veteran martial artist Michael Janich takes you step by step through the process of building a traditional dummy that is proportionate to your height and reach as well as a variety of in-ground, wall-mounted and freestanding support platforms. Janich also teaches you how to build his innovative Human Response dummy, a modern spring-loaded variant of the traditional dummy that provides almost human movement and allows the realistic practice of virtually any martial arts technique. Want the perfect training partner? Build him yourself.
8 1/2 x 11, softcover, photos, illus., 72 pp.
Book Price: $20.00
HOMEMADE MARTIAL ARTS TRAINING EQUIPMENT
A Do-It-Yourself Guide
Learn how to fashion functional, durable martial arts training equipment at a fraction of the price of the commercial versions. This book takes you step-by-step through the construction of heavy bags, air shields, focus pads, training dummies, padded sparring weapons and even stretching machines.
8 1/2 x 11, softcover, photos, 112 pp.
Book Price: $20.00
MARTIAL MARKSMANSHIP
A Fighter's Guide to Close-Quarters Handgunning
The controversy concerning point shooting versus sighted fire is over, and the winner is you. After years of meticulous research, sighted-fire expert Andy Stanford and point-shooting authority Michael Janich have combined their talents to show you not only how point shooting and sighted fire can coexist, but how they can be synthesized to yield a superior, state-of-the-art shooting technique. The authors first identify the basic skill set that enables shooters to get shots on target using skeletal and centerline alignment rather than muscular coordination. They then build upon this foundation, introducing the concepts of a coarse visual index and finally practical, combat-effective sighted fire. Throughout the process, they highlight the effects and dangers of the real-world threats you may face and teach you the difference between being a shooter, a gunfighter and a true fighter with a gun. This video includes rare archival footage and little-known insights into the history of modern combat shooting and is must viewing for all serious students of combative pistolcraft. Videos are non returnable. For information purposes only. Color, approx. 75 min.
Available from Paladin Press
DVD Price: $39.95
SPEAK LIKE A NATIVE
Professional Secrets for Mastering Foreign Languages
This distillation of successful rules, tips and strategies used by the author and other professional linguists from the U.S. State Department, National Security Agency, Central Intelligence Agency, Defense Intelligence Agency and other U.S. and foreign government agencies is one of the most complete and logically structured guidebooks for language study ever assembled. In it you will get:
No matter what language you wish to learn or the level of fluency you need to attain, this book can help you learn to speak like a native.
5 1/2 x 8 1/2, softcover, photos, 136 pp.
Book Price: $20.00
Michael D. Janich is a two-time graduate with honors from the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center (DLIFLC) in Monterey, California. After completing its basic one-year course in Chinese-Mandarin, he completed intermediate and advanced Chinese training through the National Security Agency, where he served as a political-military intelligence analyst and translator. During his second period of study at DLIFLC, he learned Vietnamese. He then worked as a POW/MIA Investigation Team Leader and an intelligence officer and served as interpreter for official negotiations between the U.S. and Vietnamese delegations.
Books and videos are available from Stay Safe Media.
Click on any title or cover image to go directly to that item on the Stay Safe Media web site.
Some text and cover art are reproduced with the permission of the Paladin Press, all
rights reserved.