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ABOUT SLI BEATHA
Sli Beatha was not developed by the Celts. In fact, we know little about their specific combat tactics. It really is not important that we know what physical techniques they used, as fighting tactics change over time with different cultures, trends and environmental factors. The truth is, people do not attack today like they did a thousand years ago or even 20 years ago. Tactics must change over time to accommodate practical issues a peron(s) may face.
Sli Beatha is a martial art and science, designed for the preservation of an individual and those they protect under a strict code of honorable conduct, based on Celtic principles and philosophy. Sli Beatha is about teaching, learning and applying realistic, practical and useful techniques, tactics and combat strategies for personal and family protection.
The martial aspect of Sli Beatha is a comprehensive system of personal combat, which teaches an understanding of attack dynamics, application of force, comparative movement and positioning, anatomy & physiology, physics and stress psychology, enabling the student to develop practical and applicable self-defense abilities.
The physical tactics and techniques of Sli Beatha include a comprehensive array of both offensive and defensive blocks, parries, traps, strikes, takedowns, joint locks/submissions, chokes and finishing techniques as well as modern weapons training, while the mental dimension of training emphasizes self-discipline, focus, and transcendence over fear, confusion and self-doubt.
The fitness aspect of Sli Beatha is composed of intense cardiovascular and muscular endurance training and conditioning and developmental flexibility training. Students develop a complete understanding of anatomy & physiology, calisthenics, nutrition and proper development of the physical body.
It is also far more than this. Students learn a great amount of practical information, including history, science, First Aid/CPR, fitness and more by developing physical and mental aspects within a pace that is appropriate for each student. Students not only learn the formalities of the system, they learn the reasoning for everything they do. This includes all techniques, tactics and strategies. Students learn basic physics, anatomy & physiology, fitness and calisthenics, nutrition, flexibility, psychology, Celtic philosophy, history & archaeology, the Irish Gaelic language, CPR & First Aid, law, and a great many other concepts, which are integral to the Sli Beatha system.
The modern martial arts have devolved into a ridiculous mass-market for Pseudo-Budos, 9-year-old black belts, pajama dancers, think-they-are's, wanna-be's, wish-they-were's and dishonorable, ego-driven megalomaniacs with no personal principles. Sli Beatha is not about prestige, looking fancy, making money, acting arrogant or teaching fluff. Sli Beatha is about personal preservation, honor, integrity, truth and knowledge.
Central to Celtic philosophy was an acceptance of and reverence for the integration of the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of life, and the understanding that no man or woman, whether craftsman, poet or warrior, could manifest a full and authentic life without the development and melding of this natural triune.
Many people choose to study the martial arts in order to be able to defend themselves and the ones they love. Others study primarily to develop a greater and more integrated sense of "self", and a peaceful relationship with life and nature. Still others study for the exercise, health, social activity or competition the training provides. Whatever the reason, Sli Beatha provides benefits that are responsive to the needs of the individual, in keeping with the Celtic respect for individuality and the value of diverse interests and abilities.
Although Sli Beatha has martial aspects, it should not be thought of as a martial art, but rather, a life system.
Ceim 1 Manual
Craig Smith: Ard Taoiseach and Sli Beatha Founder.
"Sli Beatha is a realistic, comprehensive approach to street self-defense. Craig Smith combines his many years of experience and training to provide a complete martial art for beginners as well as experienced martial artists."
-David Newton, Judo Black Belt, Member of 4 National Wrestling Teams, 13 Years Collegiate & Freestyle Wrestling, 10 Years Judo & Jujitsu.
"If I could turn back the hands of time, it would be nice to have learned the martial arts in a thorough, realistic manner such as Sli Beatha."
-Jason Cohen, 4th Degree Black Belt, Hapkido Instructor, Owner of Total Martial Arts, Overland Park, KS.
"From my experience as a police officer, I can honestly say this is the most realistic self-defense system I have ever seen. This should be available to all police officers around the nation. Sli Beatha deals with practical applications in real-life situations. I would have felt much more confident on patrol with this system rather than what was taught at the academy. It really could save lives."
-Jeff Cheek, Former Kansas City P.D.
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