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
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Co-authored Articles (20)
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
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
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...
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
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...
How to
Perform a Spinning Hook Kick
Prior to the 1970s, spinning kicks were less popular in Taekwondo and were considered too risky to be used by all but the most experienced competitors. Roundhouse and side kicks were dominant for knockouts then, and spin...
How to
Fight with a Bo Staff
Fighting with the Bo staff is a handy skill, more likely to come to your aid in a street fight than the fancier weapons. Though the actual fighting is very different from the cool looking moves from martial arts movies, ...
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
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
Make a Nunchaku
Nunchaku, often casually known as "nunchuks," are a traditional Okinawan martial arts weapon that is made of two sticks connected by a rope or a chain on one end. The Nunchaku make a great training weapon, which can help...
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
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
Put Someone in a Fingerlock
Amaze your friends at the next party or gathering you go to by putting a finger lock on an unsuspecting person. Learn how to perform this simple party trick, which seems to “lock” another person’s ring fingers when...
How to
Fight With a Stick
Basic and effective fighting strategy with a stick or stick-like weapon. Kali sticks, umbrellas, canes, crowbars.
How to
Do a Figure Four Leg Lock
In professional wrestling, the figure four leg lock is a popular move to "force" an opponent into submission. However, with pro-wrestling moves, remember that you and your opponent must move in sync with each other in or...
How to
Do Tai Sabaki (martial Arts Body Shifting)
Martial artists can get out of the line of attack by using Tai Sabaki techniques. This is a general guide that can be used with many styles such as karate, aikido or jujitsu. The explanation will be on Hanmi, Irimi, Isso...
How to
Do Tricks With Nunchucks
Nunchucks, or ''nunchaku,'' are a type of weapon that originated on Okinawa, an East Asian island. Most famous in Bruce Lee films, nunchucks are comprised of two sticks connected with a cord or chain. You too can maste...
How to
Do the Ouchi Gari Judo Throw
Ouchi Gari is a classic and effective judo throw that involves sweeping your opponent's leg to off-balance and take them down. It's a fundamental technique in judo, but it can also be used in other martial arts and self-...
