Professor Steve Kardian: A Teacher’s Teacher
In the martial arts world where many attempt to appropriate other’s hard-won mantles by parroting what they’d found online, it is refreshing to know teachers who have sacrificed and dedicated their lives to acquiring skills the old fashion way and can effectively transmit them to others. Professor Steve Kardian is such a teacher and I am honored to call him a Brother.
From 1994 to about 2002 I traveled to the Gracie Academy in Torrance, Calif, every 2 month, as a part of their instructor program. Every Thursday when Grand Master Helio was in the USA he gave those of us on the program a 2-hour private lesson. GM Helio was in his early to late 80’s during this time period. I remember this time with GM Helio vividly. It was amazing to see him in his 80’s, 5’6 or less and about 125lbs do as he wished to even the biggest guys on the program using leverage, technique and timing. During one class one of the instructors asked what he would do from the guard in a real street fight. He was very animated and slid his hips out grabbed his assistant’s wrists and started kicking to the chin area (simulated). With every kick he said BAH, BAH, BAH. Through his interrupter he said “I get up and I walk away!” I don’t know if they had a name for it back then but today it’s called the up kick and like many of the effective techniques in the UFC it is illegal from this position. It’s a technique I teach to the women in my program from the “rape is imminent position” and I have been knocked out (wearing a FIST suit) by women 4’11” and 90lbs (I don’t take kicks to the head any longer). The second part of the technique is also effective or a small person. Using your trunk muscles, you can lift and launch someone 3X your size. The key for the women in this move is to keep their hips flat to the ground and not round. Thong and I have talked about this video in the past and I thought some would find the history interesting. Sorry for the long post.
~ Steve
Don’t forget to check out Steve’s treatise on personal protection, “The New Super Power for Women”. It is hardly just for women and recommended reading for anyone interested in keeping safe. Currently 42% off on Amazon.
Enjoy your Path!
