John Graden
Martial Arts Expert
Professional Achievements
- 8th Degree Black Belt
- Author of "Choose Your Battles Wisely"
- Founder of the Rapid Confidence System
- Featured as a Cover Story Profile in the Wall Street Journal
Certifications & Organizations
- Graduate of the Omni Hypnosis Academy
- Member of the Million Dollar Author Club and the Self-Published Hall of Fame
Favorite Piece of Advice
wikiHow's Editorial Process wikiHow partners with over 1000+ experts from a wide range of fields to ensure our content is accurate and based on well-established research and testimony. Content Managers conduct interviews and work closely with each expert to review information, answer reader questions, and add credible advice. Learn more about our editorial process and why millions of readers trust wikiHow.
Co-authored Articles (33)
How to
Survive a War
War is a dark part of our world history, and unfortunately, something we continue to face in the 21st century. Military conflict is extremely dangerous, so we're here to help you prepare for the worst and survive a war a...
How to
Tie a Karate Belt
Doing karate is a great way to learn self-defense, strengthen your body, and focus on your inner balance. However, if you’re just starting out, tying the belt correctly can be a little intimidating. While using both si...
How to
Do a Kip Up (Kick Up)
Ever see a Jackie Chan movie and wonder how he goes from lying flat on his back to standing up in a flash? It looks like he jumps up from the floor effortlessly, but you can do it too with a little practice!
How to
Tie a Judo Belt
In Judo, practitioners wear a uniform called a “gi,” which is held by a belt called an “obi.” If you’re just starting out in Judo, you may have a bit of trouble learning how to tie your obi yourself. Fortunatel...
How to
Win a Swordfight
While many consider sword fighting to be a thing of the past, the sword and the art of sword-fighting still fascinates and inspires people. While you can have a lot of fun sword fighting, you should never use weapons th...
How to
Do a Kimura Submission in Jiu Jitsu
The kimura armbar is one of the most fundamental techniques in jiu-jitsu, and also one of the most feared. Since it can be applied from so many different positions, it's very difficult to defend against, making it a grea...
How to
Be a Secret Agent
Secret agents may be all around us, working for government agencies, corporate entities, and private organizations to collect information and report back. If you want to trade in secrets, and you think you've got what it...
How to Give Someone a Super Evil Stare
Get someone to back off with just a look A good evil glare comes in handy when you want to get rid of bullies or other annoying people, or when you need to assert your personal space. That’s why we’ve put together th...
Are MMA and the UFC the Same Thing? Nope, and Here’s Why
Learn the difference between MMA and the UFC—and why they’re sometimes confused for each other In the world of fighting sports, MMA and the UFC are almost synonymous. But what’s the difference between them? If you ...
How to
Flip Someone over Your Shoulder
Have you ever wanted to flip someone over your shoulder? Well you've come to the right place. This article has instructions on how to perform this maneuver in martial art type training.
How to
Be Like Batman
Find out what it takes to be real-life Batman in mind & body The Dark Knight! The Vigilante! The Caped Crusader! If you want to move in shadows like Batman, you can learn to think, act, and look like him for fun.
How to
Do a Dempsey Roll
Jack Dempsey was the heavyweight boxing champion of the world from 1919-1926 known for his aggressive and dynamic fighting style. Although Dempsey was much smaller and had a shorter reach than many of his opponents, he w...
How to
Give the Evil Eye
Have you, like many other people in this world, always wanted to give someone the mysterious evil eye? Perhaps you have tried before, but failed. Or, maybe you've been too afraid to attempt it due to the possible risk of...
How to
Handcuff a Person
Whether you are a police officer, bail bondsman, or security guard, handcuffing people may be a daily occurrence in your line of work. Knowing how to use handcuffs correctly is important for ensuring that either you or t...
How to
Become a Pro Wrestler
Becoming a pro wrestler requires many of the same athletic and technical skills as those of a traditional, Olympic-style wrestler, but also has many unique aspects. Professional wrestling, for instance, emphasizes person...
How to
Tie an Obi Belt
Obi belts are traditionally worn during martial arts to keep your uniform in place. More recently, they have also been used as a decorative feature over dresses, shirts, and kimonos. The knot for martial arts is quick an...
How to
Keep a Punching Bag Stand from Moving
Ugh! There’s nothing worse than a punching bag stand that just won’t stop shifting and sliding around while you’re in the middle of a great workout. Don’t lose your cool and take it out on the bag (or a nearby wa...
How to
Fix a Punching Bag
Punching bags can withstand a lot, but even the best ones don’t last forever. Tears form, straps break, and even the filling inside your bag will wear out if you hit it enough. Instead of spending a lot of money on a n...
How to
Make a Punching Bag Stand
Large punching bags need to be suspended from some type of structure in order for them to take punches and move as they're designed to do. If you'd rather not purchase a punching bag stand, you can make your own at home....
How to
Learn to Use Nunchaku by Yourself
A step-by-step guide to mastering nunchuck basics Whether you're a seasoned martial artist or you just love Bruce Lee films, learning to use Nunchaku is a worthwhile and enjoyable pastime. With a focus on safety and prop...
