Brian Johns, Instructor and Coach

10/09/2026

BrianBrief #4 (Foreseeable Crap)

“Self defense” often denotes an immediate situation confronting you. A stranger accosts you in an elevator or at a parking lot. Or a loved one throws a violent temper tantrum to the point where you fear for your safety. But what about life style choices that start out innocently enough but develops into a potential life threatening scenario? For example, imagine a person racking up a gambling debt that approaches hundreds of thousands of dollars?...

“Self defense” often denotes an immediate situation confronting you. A stranger accosts you in an elevator or at a parking lot. Or a loved one throws a violent temper tantrum to the point where you fear for your safety. But what about life style choices...

10/07/2026

BrianBrief #3 (Miracle Exercise)

Two years ago I suffered a severe case of tendonitis in my right shoulder as a result of my push-up training leading up to my 60th birthday. Long story short: I went through physical therapy located a short walk from my house. It helped a lot. I also supplemented my physical therapy exercises with a shoulder stretching routine at the ABS Training Centre....

Two years ago I suffered a severe case of tendonitis in my right shoulder as a result of my push-up training leading up to my 60th birthday. Long story short: I went through physical therapy located a short walk from my house. It helped a...

10/06/2026

BrianBrief #2

In one sense, I have two different kinds of private clients. Both concern the willingness to slow down their training sequences. The first kind consciously slows down their technique (often prompted by me) to smooth things out. For example, I have a brother-sister duo who are particular about slow, smooth technique. I learned that their acting training and background informed their approach....

In one sense, I have two different kinds of private clients. Both concern the willingness to slow down their training sequences. The first kind consciously slows down their technique (often prompted by me) to smooth things out. For example, I have a brother-sister duo who...

10/05/2026

Old School Workouts

Lately I've been digging into old-school 19th-century physical culture. Specifically, I'm looking for challenging exercises that fit my Modern Arnis. The above video showcasing 19th-century Swedish calisthenics is fascinating. To backtrack, I have shifted away from weightlifting and more toward bodyweight/calisthenics routines. They are more fun and, in many ways, more challenging. Also, the fact that I'm now 62 and have had my right hip replaced is a factor in my shift away from weightlifting....

Lately I’ve been digging into old-school 19th-century physical culture. Specifically, I’m looking for challenging exercises that fit my Modern Arnis. The above video showcasing 19th-century Swedish calisthenics is fascinating. To backtrack, I have shifted away from weightlifting and more toward ...

10/02/2026

BrianBrief #1

All right. I'm slowly getting the hang of typing out short posts on my iPhone. The tricky part is the formatting of each paragraph, whether it be a heading or a regular paragraph. I'll get it soon enough. These may consist of quick thoughts or short training videos Some of these posts may be expanded into longer traditional blog posts. The photo? Those are 2 and 3 lb Indian clubs I recently purchased to add to my garage workout. Stay tuned for more!

All right. I’m slowly getting the hang of typing out short posts on my iPhone. The tricky part is the formatting of each paragraph, whether it be a heading or a regular paragraph. I’ll get it soon enough. These may consist of quick thoughts or...

10/01/2026

Blog Posts vs Mini Posts

Since I discovered I can write posts in the Jetpack app on my iPhone, I've been thinking about writing mini posts on the go. As you might guess, this is the first mini post. It might just work. I suspect I will need to do the final touches on my laptop. It looks like I can upload videos and photos directly to this app on my iPhone....

Since I discovered I can write posts in the Jetpack app on my iPhone, I’ve been thinking about writing mini posts on the go. As you might guess, this is the first mini post. It might just work. I suspect I will need to do...

09/30/2026

The Reports of My Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated

Yes, I'm still alive! My last post was written WAY back in May. I've been buried in work. Some readers know what I do for a living, but I'd rather not reveal it since it's a public-facing position. My workload doubled from 2023 to 2024, and doubled again from 2024 to 2025. While it hasn't doubled from last year to this year, it has increased by about 40%....

Yes, I’m still alive! My last post was written WAY back in May. I’ve been buried in work. Some readers know what I do for a living, but I’d rather not reveal it since it’s a public-facing position. My workload doubled from 2023 to 2024,...

09/15/2026

The Annual Arnis Fest is coming up!!

It is always an amazing camp!

05/25/2026

Putting Everything On The Line

If you are not able to watch the video, go here. One of my all-time favourite moments was the amazing, desperate downhill run by Austria's Franz Klammer. I was 12 at the time and a fan. Klammer was the reigning World Downhill champion skier and was favored to win the gold medal in this event in the 1976 Innsbruck Winter Olympics....

If you are not able to watch the video, go here. One of my all-time favourite moments was the amazing, desperate downhill run by Austria’s Franz Klammer. I was 12 at the time and a fan. Klammer was the reigning World Downhill champion skier and...

03/29/2026

I had a great time at the