Self Defense

Situational Awareness: The First Skill of Self-Defense

Food for Thought, Krav Maga / By Joel Williams / September 19, 2026 / Global Martial Arts University, GMAU, Krav Maga, Krav Maga Instructor, Martial Arts, personal safety, prevention, Self Defense, Self Protection, Self-Defense, situational awareness, Train At Home

When people think about self-defense, they often picture punches, kicks, or escaping from an attacker. While physical skills certainly have their place, experienced instructors know that effective self-defense begins long before a confrontation ever occurs. It begins with awareness: paying attention to your surroundings, recognizing potential risks, and making decisions that reduce the likelihood of becoming a target in the first place. Situational awareness isn’t about living in fear or expecting danger around every corner. It’s about developing the habit of being present, observant, and prepared. Many times, that awareness can help you avoid problems altogether, making it one of the most valuable self-defense skills you’ll ever develop.

Elbows and Knees: Devastating Tools of Muay Thai

Muay Thai / By Joel Williams / December 17, 2025 / Boxing, Combat Sports, elbows, Global Martial Arts University, GMAU, Kickboxing, knees, Martial Arts, MMA, Muay Thai, Self Defense, Train At Home

Known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” Muay Thai is famous for its powerful use of punches, kicks, elbows, and knees. Among these weapons, elbows and knees stand out as two of the most effective and feared tools in the sport. Sharp, fast, and brutally efficient, they embody the close-range intensity that defines Muay Thai. Read on to learn more about these powerful weapons in Muay Thai.

Krav Maga’s Core Values

Krav Maga / By Joel Williams / May 20, 2025 / Combatives, Global Martial Arts University, GMAU, Krav Maga, mindset, online learning, Self Defense, Self Protection, Train At Home, values

If you’re new to Krav Maga, welcome! You’re not just learning a proven and effective self-defense system—you’re adopting a mindset: a set of values that will shape how you train and how you carry yourself in everyday life. Read on to learn more about the core values of Krav Maga.

Yoga for Martial Artists

Fitness, Home Study Students / By Joel Williams / May 9, 2025 / bo staff, exercise, flexibility, Global Martial Arts University, GMAU, health, karate, Kobudo, Krav Maga, Martial Arts, Muay Thai, Nunchaku, Self Defense, taekwondo, Train At Home, yoga

Martial arts demand more than just strength and technique—they require balance, flexibility, focus, and resilience. That’s where yoga steps in as an ideal complement to any martial artist’s training regimen. Far from being just a tool for relaxation, yoga offers a wide range of physical and mental benefits that can elevate martial performance to the next level. Read on for an introduction to basic yoga poses you can incorporate into your training routine.

Martial Arts Families: Training & Growing Together

Food for Thought, Home Study Students / By Joel Williams / April 30, 2025 / Bojutsu, Global Martial Arts University, GMAU, karate, Kobudo, Krav Maga, Martial Arts, Muay Thai, Nunchaku, Self Defense, taekwondo, Train At Home, workout

Martial arts isn’t just an individual pursuit—it can be a powerful bonding experience for families. Whether it’s parents and children, siblings, or even grandparents training together, martial arts offers a unique way to strengthen relationships while improving physical and mental well-being. Read on for a list of benefits of training together.

Shotokan Karate: Self-Defense Applications

Shotokan Karate / By Joel Williams / April 15, 2025 / Global Martial Arts University, GMAU, karate, Martial Arts, Self Defense, Self Protection, Train At Home

Shotokan karate is often recognized for its powerful stances, precise strikes, and disciplined training. While it emphasizes kihon (fundamentals) and kata (forms), it also provides effective self-defense techniques rooted in efficiency, speed, and strategy. Read on to learn more about Karate self-defense combinations.