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First, let me define the term "Axis of Evil" for those who may not be familiar with it. "Axis of evil" is a term coined by United States President George W. Bush in his State of the Union Address on January 29, 2002 in order to describe governments that he accused of helping terrorism and seeking weapons of mass destruction. President Bush named Iran, Iraq, and North Korea in his speech.

Iraq and Afghanistan are no longer considered the "Bad Guys" but having served one tour in Iraq and three in Afghanistan (from where I’m writing this response) let me give you my first hand knowledge.

As a whole, the martial arts have not been institutionalized by either country's military, unlike those (China, Korea, Japan, etc.) who culturally embrace the martial arts. As far as the enemy and their method of physical combat; Shoto-Kan is very popular in most Muslim country's with some variations including Jujitsu and grappling. As with most militaries, it is usually the "Special Operations or Commando Units" who received specialized training. These specialized units train in a much more Spartan and aggressive manner. Injuries are common place but they know they have to be able to dish it out and take it in order to win. Regardless of what style or system they are utilizing the question now becomes "How they are training and what can we learn from it?" I would start by looking at these common denominators:

1. Every Climb and Place: They train in unarmed combat scenarios with buildings, rooms, parking lots, streets, woods, jungle, vehicles and innocent bystanders getting in the way.

2. Assume the worst: You have to assume your assailant is armed; he has friends and has intent.

3. Shock and Awe: You will be taken off guard and your adrenaline will only allow you to perform gross motor skills. Your assailant will attack/ambush you at a point that’s pre-determined and most advantageous to him.

How about your training? Is it confined to the sterile environment of a dojang or dojo? Does your training take into consideration an environment that has confined spaces, doorways, and ground with loose footing or changes in elevation? Training in these environments makes you tough. It is as simple as that. The harder you train, the more confidence you have and the tougher you are. Is your training geared to defending yourself against a drunken brawler, or is it geared towards that predator that earns his ‘living’ taking people like you out?

The question isn’t what system are the “bad guys” training? Because in the final analysis it doesn’t really matter. The real question…is the system that YOU’RE training embrace a minimum of techniques that fit into all of the above? Train those techniques with intent and conviction, keep yourself in shape and you’re good to go. Remember, hit first, hit fast, and keep hitting.
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Respectfully,

Darren C. Poesel