Dirty Ninja Tricks

A Masterclass in Deception: Luke Holloway Learns from Dr. Kacem Zoughari

In a remarkable meeting of martial minds, Raw Combat International founder Luke Holloway has received an eye-opening lesson in defensive strategy from Dr. Kacem Zoughari. Known for his uncompromising approach to tactical training and personal security, Holloway has dedicated his life to combative arts and has trained military, law enforcement, and security personnel worldwide. Yet, his encounter with Dr. Zoughari revealed a sophisticated counter using Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, offering Holloway a fresh perspective on ancient combat techniques.

The focus of Dr. Zoughari’s instruction was a subtle yet highly effective method for dealing with low roundhouse kicks. The key to Dr. Zoughari’s method lay in assuming a specific posture, or kamae, found within the Bujinkan system. This unique stance is designed not just to intercept the kick, but to deflect and redirect its energy in a way that neutralizes the attacker’s movement. Dr. Zoughari’s mastery of such movements and his deep understanding of body mechanics and timing showcased the subtleties often missed in modern interpretations of martial arts.

This nuanced approach is no surprise from Dr. Zoughari, who has been a personal student of Bujinkan Grandmasters Hatsumi Masaaki and Ishizuka Tetsuji. His research and practice have been backed by decades of dedicated study,. He holds a Ph.D. in Japanese History and Culture from INALCO in Paris, where he also earned his master’s degree with a thesis on ninjutsu. With over 34 years of martial arts experience and a prolific body of published work in multiple languages, Zoughari combines his academic knowledge and physical expertise to bring unique insights into traditional Japanese martial arts.