FAQs:

Stories stick in one's memory. People learn better from stories ...

I have a Master Degree from the University of Oregon that emphasizes on Teaching Methodology. Some of my studies focused on the strength of indirect teaching.

I also wanted to appeal to the non-martial artist. A story is more interesting than dry lessons in awareness training or basic self defense.

Call this a primer for self defense. We ease into the idea.

Non-martial artists learn that not all martial arts training is about testing testosterone levels with macho violent rituals and competitions.

All of this awareness starts with a parable -- Tiptoeing to Tranquility.

Top of Page

Yes. Definitely.

You'll probably want to take notes as you read the story. This way you can ponder which principles and strategies make the most sense for your life.

Then, incorporate just one tactic at a time into your daily routine. Try it for a month. If you like the change -- feel safer and more aware, then keep the technique as part of your way of living.

From my research in education, I am willing to bet that just reading the story will change your paradigm for safety.

Top of Page

The easy answer is that all of the characters in the story are fictitious.

People still wonder or ask if "I" am Sam. Or maybe my teacher, Steve Golden?

And if Sam exists, can "you" take lessons from him?

No, Sam isn't anyone real. Both Steve and I teach out of our garages, and I am pretty sure that neither of us are accepting new students.

Of course many of Sam's ideas on how to live life come straight from my own philosophy about leading a safe life.

Top of Page

I wrote Tiptoeing to Tranquility because I get sick every time I hear about another woman or child being abducted.

I wrote Tiptoeing to Tranquility, because I care.

This book will definitely make you aware of how to lead a safer and more secure life,

But there are no guarantees in life. I wish I could wave the magic wand and make the whole world a moral and ethical place, but that's not possible at this time, and in this global reality.

What you and I can do is to continue to search for ways to continue expanding comfort zones, and increasing our skills for keeping ourselves and our lived ones safe.

And speaking of loved ones ...

Top of Page

Whom do you care about?

Immediately, a wife or husband comes to mind.

Maybe a daughter or son.

A close friend or relative.

When I wrote Tiptoeing ..., I was thinking of several friends, my mother, my mother-in-law, my daughter in the future, and several other relatives.

(I wasn't worried so much about my wife, Kate. She has a lot of martial-arts skill.)

The more I looked around, I saw our postal lady, a couple of tellers at my local bank, the bookstore manager, and the list kept growing.

I want all of these people to be aware and safe, but I know I won't always be there for them.

Yes, Tiptroeing to Tranquility makes the perfect gift.

Top of Page

I certainly hope not. Tiptoeing to Tranquility is an entertaining story designed to help people lead safer and more secure lives.

If you are interested in basic self defense, I have a free course you can sign up for. You get one lesson a day, for nine days -- all free. That's if you want basic, hand-to-hand combat style, self defense.

As I said, I hope Tiptoeing to Tranquility offers you a lot more.

This is a sane way to add safety to your life.

Top of Page

Even martial artists need a dose of confidence, once in awhile.

Seriously, I think it's a good story -- worth reading. But more, as you read it, you'll recognize many of the principles.

If you already lead a calm, safe life, then you'll find yourself nodding in agreement. These suggestions make sense.

But maybe, just maybe, you'll find a new kernel of information. A suggestion for leading a safer life. Something you can use -- incorporate into the way you live.

Martial artists are known for being in control of their emotions and being more aware than other people. If you are a martial artist who isn't "there" quite yet, you'll find this story particularly useful.

Top of Page

No, it's not silly, at all.

I recommend that you blend a self-defense class with lessons in being safe from fear.

If you are looking for self-defense ideas, take the free Hand-to-Hand Combat Course:

Also, sign up for the free safety tips on this site -- Danger Signs.

I think it's admirable that you want to help others to lead safer lives. (And you can even make some extra cash teaching lesson.)

Incorporate elements from the Hand-to-Hand Combat Course and from Danger Signs into your lesson plans.

Do you really want to teach Tiptoeing to Tranquility?

Read the next FAQ ...

Top of Page

If you are a little at a loss of how to teach a good self-defense class or a great class in Tiptoeing to Tranquility, then here's an idea ...

I have created a package, call it a course for teaching Tiptoeing to Tranquility.

It includes: