I Sat with john and put to him an array of questions sent in by members of the board and others. Here john gives us an insight to his world.

1/ what made you take up self defense and martial arts and how old were you.

I originally started with boxing. I strung up an old white canvass Royal Navy kitbag on an apple tree in my back yard my brothers and I would pound the bag daily, I was about fourteen at the time. We never used gloves just pounded the bag bare knuckle.
We also had an old mattress slung over a washing line pole and we used to pound that as well. We also had regular grappling fights in the living room known as mad half hour.
I eventually went to a boxing club and sparred regularly. I got into martial arts around 1984 /5 starting with Lau Gar kung fu. I never took up self defence -

I could already defend myself! I did take up self protection which is avoiding violent confrontation and using violence as a last resort act.

2/ have you got any plans to write any books or do any instructional DVDs in the future?

Yes I have, my first book is due to be released in summer 2009 and is an autobiographical account of a growing youth and the effects of violence and its consequences. Of course that youth was me! You can reserve a copy by logging onto www.johnskillen.com or www.extrachillisauce.com


All the best
Craig



Could you tell us more about your pentagon system what sort of methods etc are included in the system?
I include all of the relevant techniques applicable to real self defence - kicks, punches, slaps, elbows, knees, and psychological effects of violence for a breakdown of the pentagon system log on to my website.

Thanks for your time.
Best Wishes
Stuart rider sdf.


What is your favorite technique? What technique has given you the highest percentage of KOs?
Right hand punch.

Have you kept records of each confrontation and what you used? I believe Terry O’Neil did this? (If so please can I have a copy)

I have never kept a manual as such, but have a massive biological library of techniques and experience logged inside my memory. Some of these memories are recorded in my forthcoming book Extra Chilli Sauce.


What techniques have worked for him best when he’s on the
Ground with the opponent on top (I get the feeling it wasn’t often)
and what percentage of knife attacks that he’s experienced did he see the blade before the attack?
Pounding from the mount and eye gouges ripping and tearing like an animal. It’s the only way to get back to your feet.

All of them!

karl




I see you have a seminar coming up on May 10 th covering pure power punching. Can you give us a little insight into what you plan on covering on the day please?"
I will be teaching Lots of punching skills and drills that enhance and improve punching ability with stress plus street effective power punching.


I would like to ask how John's training regime has changed over the years to accommodate such factors as....differing goals, poss injuries, time constraints and lastly but respectfully age.
Thanks
Mick Tully

It hasn’t changed yet! And Age shouldn’t be used as an excuse not to train hard. I will say that as you do get older you need to push more weights to keep the body strong- also the intensity should increase and keep the routines explosive- I do double clap press ups hands clap in front - and then behind the back - lots of pull ups - and heavy weight routines all mixed - I believe that the GOOD MMA lads have some great power routines. For kickboxing I am heavily influenced by the great Peter Consterdine and his training day regime it’s hard explosive and very technical and very enjoyable, his routines are featured in his training day DVD’S

I remember you mentioning somewhere about the different way people fall when there struck with the punch compared to the slap, would it be possible for you to go into a bit of detail on the difference's that you have seen and the way people react to the different strikes?

Generally the body appears to crumple when hit with a slap compared with being hit with a punch- where the body becomes like a felled tree and the last thing to hit the ground is the back of the head- reason, it is heavy Also if you connect with the slap disorientation and memory loss occur. Most but not all recover from the slap pretty much intact except for probably a red cheek

Do you have a different approach to self protection (both what you would do and teach) now as a father than you did beforehand.

Jimmy fatwing

No - If I have to use my skills it will be for good reason and a last resort act - I must mention, although it is a last resort act be under no illusion here - I will strike first and fight like an animal until I’m safe. As a father I have a right to self preservation. I would be doing my family an injustice if I didn’t protect myself and them from harm. Of course I would act within the confines of the law!

What Art would you consider your favorite out of all of the arts and ranges you have and do train in?

I no longer see separate arts just a collection of techniques taught in differing ways - I have respect for all arts and all people who train - no matter what level.
I practise a broad spectrum of technique at varying ranges but my favourite technique of all and the hardest to master is psychological and deceptive techniques.

Why is that?

I have seen people destroyed without a punch or kick being thrown in anger. Destroyed by pure psychological technique alone.


What have been your toughest challenges?
In your martial arts career
Training with the BJC national Judo squad

In your door work and real-life fighting career?
Doing the job right - And leading by example.


In general in your life (if that is not too personal)

Having to Deal with my dad passing away.

And how has your training helped you through these tough times - if indeed it has helped at all

If it wasn’t for training I wouldn’t be the man I am today!

Have you ever lacked motivation to train and how did you overcome that
Of course - it’s natural to feel a lack of motivation and the only cure that I’ve found is a real hard long training session like forty rounds on the bag. Or a major hill running and hill sprint session or a big blast out on the weights.

How do you keep motivated and keep a passion for training
I love it and experience tells me it’s the right thing for me to do!

Does you ever struggle with making martial arts, and what starts out for most as a hobby, into a business - I'm thinking here about the general humility ethos that goes with traditional martial arts, but the need to self promote when it comes to making money in business.

Profit is not a dirty word - The more successful I become the more people I can help.


What does the future hold for you?
What are your plans for the future - both inside the martial arts world and outside.

To Train hard and to help and inspire as many people as I can to do the same. And to be as successful as I can be.



Who are your fighting heroes and why?
All of our brave men and women who are fighting on the front line in order to protect us from harm.

Who is your main influence on your martial arts past and present?
My Dad, my brother Sam Skillen, Geoff Thompson and The great Peter Consterdine.

What is a true martial artist?
A man that try’s to improve his physical and mental well being by taking his body to its limits through artistic expression.

What is your main aim in life outside of the martial arts?
To live a good life and continually try to improve myself.

If you could only do one fighting art what would it be and why?
All in fighting, because in has everything physical one would need.

If you weren’t a full time martial artist what would you do for a living?
I would probably still be in venue and security management.

What do you do on your day off?
Spend time with my wife and children. We do a host of activities archery, snowboarding, football, walking, but I generally only get a few days off a year.

If you suddenly inherited one billion pounds what would you do with the money?
First thought spend it like crazy- second thought - No idea it would require very careful thought.

Who is in your eyes the greatest living martial artist?

The usual suspects they’re all great! But you know what; there are some very good martial artists out there. I like men like Brian seabright, Rick Young, Gary chamberlain, Iain Abernathy good British Talent that enjoy what they do, keep an open mind and are always trying to better themselves and help others do the same. Of course there are a host of instructor’s world wide that do a great job. And Great men like Dennis Martin, Peter Consterdine, Geoff Thompson who are far more than martial artists they are pioneers - creators of technique and training skills. They are True Masters.


What are your plans for your gym and your pentagon system?
To teach as many people as possible proper self defence skills and good self protection and to expand the concept and increase the footfall of my gym business.

Have you ever taught in the states/ would you?
I haven’t and yes of course I would - Passing on knowledge and experience is what all good instructors should do.

If you were trapped on an island for a year on your own what book would you take?
Dictionary
what one film?
The adventures of Robinson Crusoe.
What one cd?
Best of desert island discs.
Finally what do you consider you’re greatest achievement?
Creating my two sons’ and leading a good clean life.

thanks a lot John and Peter