Martial Arts: Mind, Body and Spirit Presented (american martial arts mats) Online
May 17th, 2007
Martial Arts: Mind, Body and Spirit Presented Online
Martial Arts: Mind, Body and Spirit Presented Online
by: Jesse S. Somer
http://www.taichiacademy.com.au/default.htm
I am very interested in Martial Arts, as Ive been training in Tai Chi on and off for ten years as well as an Internal Martial Art called Wu Dao Gong for a year and a half. I have searched many websites to find a good one to write about but none seem to compare to the site by the actual organization that I am fortunately part of. They are called the Tai Chi Academy and their online magazine can be found at a link from their homepage or at: http://www.taichiacademy.com.au/magazine/index.htm
What I find so remarkable about this site compared to other martial art sites is the variety and depth of information shared with visitors. These people really want to paint a true, honest picture about everything that they do and why they do it. Flow like a river, and be still like a mountain. This famous Tai Chi quote epitomizes the flowing yet static style of this website. There must be at least a hundred pages about everything from basic school principles for prospective students to recipes for healthy vegetarian food recipes! Martial Arts are a lifestyle to this school and I believe they want to address all aspects of life in a truly holistic approach.
Integrated throughout the site are heaps of photos (most of which are in vibrant color) depicting the actual training as well as cool photos of their field trips to China etc. The magazine site itself is separated into main categories such as Archived Features, Testimonials, Archived Interviews, Suggested Reading, and Vegetarian Corner for Non-vegetarians as well as Links.
Under the Archived Features section is a category entitled Training in Wu Dao Gong. This couple of pages gives the visitor an excellent, detailed perspective on the philosophy behind this training. If you are then interested in finding out more you can click on the Tai Chi Academy actual Home Page and click on the subheading Courses. There you can read several more in-depth explanations about all the aspects of the training from meditation to physical exercises and their effects. They emphasize that emotional and spiritual development are integral to moving forward down the path of happiness and peace. They are adamant that this is a course for the arts and is not religious in any way.
I found the Testimonials section to be quite interesting as there are a variety of responses from students. They come across as being very authentic as there seems to be such a diverse reaction to the training. The Kung Fu seems to have helped so many people ranging from older women to teenage boys. One aspect that everyone comments on is the lack of ego and competitive nature of the instructors. Just like the website, the stigmatic qualities often associated with Martial Arts is not present here; no one is trying to look cool or be aggressive. This is very important to people whom just want to increase their health and self-defense capabilities like myself.
This website is a perfect example of the true function and intention of the Internet, to share positive information and knowledge around the world. Of course the Tai Chi Academy is a business, but the honest and open format of their website reflects the philosophy of their teachings and is appreciated by visitors. All products costs are right there to be seen; as there is nothing to hide when monetary gain is not the sole imperative of an organization. A lot can be learned here by companies and individuals approaches to constructing an identity on the Internet.
Wing Chun - Chinese Martial Art
Brief History:
Wing Chun (also known as Wing Tsun, Ving Chun or Ving Tsun) is one of the most popular types of Chinese martial arts. Though it?s basically an unarmed combat technique, Wing Chun may include weapons as part of its course. The origin of Wing Chun can be traced back to China, but the real history of its creation has long been a topic of much debate. The most credible suggestion regarding the origin of Wing Chun dates back to 1700 AD in the Henan Shaolin Monastery.
When the Qing forces raided and ravaged the Southern Shaolin temple, a nun named Ng Mui fled to the distant Daliang Mountains, the only survivor. Ng Mui already had knowledge of Kung Fu in the Shaolin temple, which she assimilated with a new form she had learnt while observing a battle between a snake and a crane. She taught this new combat style to her adopted daughter whom she named Yimm Wing Chun. The new system was refined and then passed on from generation to generation, and was eventually named Wing Chun, after Yimm.
The modernization of Wing Chun started in Hong Kong during the 1950s under a Grandmaster called Yip Man. The discipline began to gain real popularity in Asia and the West when actor Bruce Lee became one of the most famous Wing Chun practitioners.
The Concept of Wing Chun:
Wing Chun is based on three basic principles - Practicality, Efficiency and Economy of Movement.
1. Practicality: Techniques such as Palm-up Hand (tan sau), Wing Arm (bong sau), Slapping Hand (pak sau) are designed to maim the most sensitive or vulnerable parts of the opponent?s body such as throat, groin, eyes and lower torso. Many movements and techniques in Wing Chun are often meant to be fatal.
2. Efficiency: Wing Chun does not use force against force, in order to gain the most efficient manipulation of the body’s energy. It believes in accurately timed and appropriately positioned little movements, and counter-attack is based on the opponent?s own force. This concept is also called Contact Reflexes.
3. Economy of Movement: This is a linear concept in which movements are based on an imaginary pole running vertically through the center of the body. The Center Line spreads out from this Mother Line, and since most of the vital points of the body are located along the Center Line, many offensive and defensive movements are based on this line. The Central Line, on the other hand, is the shortest path between the fighters where most of the combat exchanges take place.
Wing Chun Forms:
There are three basic forms in Wing Chun:
1. Empty Hand Form: This form has three more sub-forms - Siu Nim Tao - the foundation of the art, Chum Kiu - focus on advanced footwork and entry techniques, and Biu Jee - extreme short-range or long-range techniques, low kicks and sweeps, and emergency techniques.
2. Weapon Forms: The Dragon Pole and Butterfly Swords are the two forms of weapons incorporated in Wing Chun, categorized under advanced training.
3. Wooden Dummy or the Muk Yan Jong Form: A dummy made from several wooden posts represents a human opponent. The contraption is used to perfect angle, position, and footwork.
<a href="http://martialarts-hq.com/">Martial Arts</a> HQ offers articles, tips and tricks about different martial arts.
Karaoke 101: Some Basic Facts Of Karaoke
Have you ever wonder why this little music machine attracts so many people in the entertainment world? Have you ever tried singing a good song using a karaoke?
Today, the utilization of karaoke is rapidly gaining a fair share in the market. In most entertainment places like bars, merry-making will not be complete without these remarkable music machine known as the karaoke.
However, many people are wondering what this karaoke is all about. How come that this new technology had quickly gained the people?s attention in a short span of time.
Moreover, there are many people wondering why, is spite of the close interaction between and among karaoke users, still, they do not know what karaoke is all about.
So for those who wish to know everything about karaoke, here is a list of some facts that will help those who want to land a big score in this remarkable music box.
1. When name matters
It is obvious that the word ?karaoke? is a foreign name.
In reality, karaoke is actually a Japanese term, which means ?empty orchestra,? where ?kara? in Japan means empty, while ?oke,? from the Japanese term okesutora, which means orchestra.
No wonder why using karaoke literally creates a small orchestra where the performer and his audience are having a grand time.
2. The origin
Karaoke first originated in Japan during the 1970s, where people are known to be ?entertainment aficionados.? At a later stage, this wonderful music boom box was distributed to the East Asia during the last part of the 1980s and entered the United States on early part of the 1990s. From here, karaoke gradually dominated the whole world.
3. The technology
The basic technological concept of karaoke machine is based on the utilization of ?audio input? and ?audio output.?
This technology uses the concept of ?subcode,? which, in turn, makes the encoding of the lyrics absolutely possible.
With this device, seeing the lyrics on the screen was made possible.
On the other hand, the technology that is being used by the karaoke machines has the capacity to modify or alternate the ?pitch of music? so that the singers will be able to establish a good connection with any available source of music. This can be done by preferring a particular key based on their ?vocal range.?
4. The authentic look
What the modern people may not realize is the fact that the first forms of karaoke resemble to that of a cassette player. This is because karaoke in the past uses compact discs or CDs. The only difference this karaoke CDs make with the other CDs is that it combines standard graphics capability known as the CD+G.
5. Utilization of newer technology
With the fast pace of technology, one item seem to evolve with another item that is more technically superb than its first form.
Take for example the emerging new technology of karaoke. With the help of the new technology, karaoke fanatics may no longer stay in clubs and bars just to get hold of the microphone and sing. This is because karaoke is already available over the cellular phones, Internet, and computers.
All of these three use special software that when attached to the machine, the audience will be able to make the best performance.
Indeed, karaoke are known for its entertainment purpose. So one should keep in mind that the only best way to enjoy karaoke is to be entertained to the fullest.
Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides karaoke resources on <a href="http://www.your-karaoke-resource.info">www.your-karaoke-resource.info</a>.
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