“Kick Me Where It Counts” - A Critical Mistake in Martial Arts and Self-Defense Training
During my recent visit to Japan for training, there was one overriding thing that I noticed about most of the black belts that I trained with. Now, if they were just having fun and aren’t really looking to be able to defend themselves…

Best Martial Arts Training Creates Speed and Strength
Martial arts is about training and discipline. Learning about the correct styles and techniques will help in finding the correct school and instructor.

Facts about Martial Arts for Kids - Part 3

“Martial Arts or Karate may not be a good fit for my daughter.”

We are living in the 21st century, and I still hear this one. This kind of thinking is what has been holding women back for centuries. This statement is not only made by fathers, but by mothers, too. If your daughter wants to try martial arts, let her have a chance. Martial arts classes for girls, or women, are very rewarding.

Over the years, I have coached successful female martial arts competitors who were every bit as good as their male counterparts. In the past, our kids’ karate demonstration team had female captains. At one point, we had more girls on the demonstration team than boys.

Lately, we have hit the opposite cycle, with more boys than girls, as the kids from our kids’ Karate demonstration team perform around the Providence, Rhode Island area. However, girls learn faster, understand precision, can easily grasp complicated techniques, and are usually better kickers.

Some grappling arts, such as Jujitsu, are not as popular with girls, but I have coached good female grapplers, as well. There is no reason to stop your daughter from learning martial arts, if she shows an interest. All of the life skill benefits such as, goal setting, self esteem, self discipline, success, and self defense, make martial arts training as important for girls as it is for boys.

“How can I justify the cost of Karate?”

When you consider that many Karate schools charge less than a babysitter, martial arts training for children is a “bargain.” Consider this formula based upon a fairly high priced Karate studio. Most martial arts studios, in the United States, average around $70 per month to train a child. Granted, some are more and mome are less, but let’s look at your price per hour, if you paid $100 per month.

That comes to just $25 per week, and many Karate studios have a three class limit per week for children. That comes to $8.33 per session for your child to learn life skills, self defense, and play with good kids in a safe environment. Martial arts, for children, are a formula for success, and the cost is really, “peanuts.”

Most well behaved children are allowed to take more Karate classes. The children who “run the staff ragged” will be reminded of the weekly limit. So, the truth is the real cost may be less than peanuts, since there are plenty of martial arts schools, including our center in North Providence, Rhode Island, that charge far less than $100 per month.

Using the formula mentioned above, the cost of Karate per class for a martial arts school, charging the national average of $70 per month, comes to $5.83 per session. Did I say martial arts training is a bargain? Maybe I should have said martial arts training is a steal.

The alternative to plug kids into the television, and put a joystick in their hands, is a big mistake. It’s not any cheaper, when you consider the cost of games and the ever changing video game formats.

On top of that, here’s what video games do for kids: Create anxiety, destroy social skills, teach them a lot about violence, and waste most of their time. All you need to do is throw a Big Mac in their lap every night, and within a year, you should have a child who is a nervous wreck, with poor communication skills, and an obesity problem.

Over the long-term, the wrong after school activities result in very expensive health and psychological care. Therefore, look at martial arts as preventative medicine, and as a bonus, your child is staying out of trouble.

Lastly, if cost is really an issue and you still can’t
justify paying less than you would pay for a babysitter at $5.83 per session, you can still shop around and talk until you find the right karate studio.

A martial arts studio, that is “packed to the rafters” with kids, may not be as negotiable as a Karate studio that is an upstart, or a martial arts center that has plenty of room in their kids Karate classes.

? Copyright 2005 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

About the Author

Paul Jerard is the director of Yoga teacher training at Aura in RI. He’s a master instructor of martial arts and Yoga. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness. He wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students wanting to be a Yoga teacher.
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org

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An evolutionary Quantum Leap in precision Martial Arts training equipment

Are You Looking For A New Way To Improve Your Martial Arts?

Imagine for a minute that you have a home personal martial arts training partner that works tirelessly to teach you only the best techniques. A martial arts dummy on which you can practice and learn what strikes and defences work for you.

Imagine having this martial arts training device available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day and who can take everything you’ve got, so you never have to hold back - all day, every day.

Imagine having this advantage in your training - a partner who will not hesitate to strike back if there is any opening or gap in your defences.

Well it is not just a dream anymore, it is a reality in the Martialarm Martial Arts Machine.

Up Until Now We Have Not Had A Realistic Training Partner

Experienced martial practitioners will love the Martialarm because you can create new techniques due to its constant forward force and so it strike back. The Martialarm is used to practise in the control of any opponent’s arms: and new unique techniques will develop from training on it! The ability to enter into your opponents space and really improve your attacks are just some of the benifits of training with the martialarm, also control over the opponent’s attack and defence capabilities because of the constant forward force and resistance to the center. The Martialarm attaches to a wall and is used like a wooden dummy for martial arts training!

Other martial arts training devices are not easily used by the new student because they are not a simple representation of an opponent in an attacking or defensive position. The Martialarm is and so it does teach the new student how to handle that by constantly drilling his techniques on the martialarm.

What is the Martialarm?

The Martialarm Machine Is The Only Martial Arts Tool that allows you complete realism in all your martial arts training of kung fu, karate, krav maga, jeet kune do, tae kwon do, kempo and more..

The Martialarm is a Martial Arts training machine used to develop the entry and trapping skills of any martial artist - in any style. The Martialarm is designed to actually test your techniques so to improve them and for you to gain the amazing ability to trap and control your opponents hands and arms. This is because the Martialarm moves and reacts like a real opponent.

If you own a dojo or training school, using the Martialarm Training Partner increases your new student sign up and also retention rate; because adding modern training equipment for your students is essential. Today more than ever you must offer value for money in student training and that means you teach them ‘everything you’ve got’. The Stuff That Really Works and Works In The Street - 24/7! This is exactly what the Martialarm does! It puts the experienced martial artist or the new student to the test!

Only the martialarm movies show how the Martialarm really works in full combat conditions. The Martialarm moves and twists up, down, left, right and all the variations like a real opponent would. Any pressure placed on the arms internal springs will be distributed over the shoulder and elbow joints and so it will springs forward - so it does strike back!

The Martialarm Martial Arts Theory

#1 — Safety

You must maintain 100% safety when entering into the opponents attack range, this means to limit any variables that could occur by covering them. (Methods of entry must be sophisticated yet simple, fast as well as safe!)

#2 — Attack

You must have the ability to attack at will, with no concern or hesitation. The attack should incorporate a total control of the opponents weapons. (Attacks must be structured to have within them a 100% defense!)

#3 — Adaptability

Techniques, attacks and defenses must flow but not necessarily at a constant pace. Adaptability to choose what’s next is key!

How Often Do You Hear Yourself Saying: “I’ll Get Back Into Training Next Week…”?

Many people give up on their martial arts training because it stops being fun. The reason why this happens is because they’re not being challenged enough so it becomes repetitive.

Break through your training block!

Add an exciting new dimension to your training that will bust through your boredom and make your martial arts training exciting again!

The Martialarm will give you the active, dynamic training workout that will renew your interest in the martial arts.

Don’t procrastinate, decide to get active again!

Your Own Personal Training Partner - Hangs Right on Your Wall!

The traditional wooden dummy is quite bulky and requires a big chunk of space to set it up properly for training. That’s fine if you have a big training hall, but you probably don’t have that much space to devote to your training.

The Martialarm fits into even the smallest training areas.

With its compact design, it’s easy to make space for it, even if you live in a tiny bachelor’s apartment! Or if you have a training hall, the Martialarm is small enough for you to put up a bunch of them so more students can benefit from training with them.

It’s very easy to set up and it hangs conveniently on your wall, ready and waiting for your next urge to train.

http://www.martialarm.com

“This is the answer to the only problem I had in my martial arts training, ‘How to effectively test a technique?’. I can now experiment using full power which I could never do before with my normal training partner.” L. Baxter

About the Author

This article was submitted by P. Sundbye who has been training in various martialarts for the last 11 years including Wing Chun Kung Fu, Aikido, Tong Long and the Lee Total Control system.

For more information and martial arts news visit http://www.martialarm.com/martialarm.html

A Dummy Can Teach You How to Flow Smoothly From Technique to Technique
Dummy training allows the Wing Chun practitioner a way to correctly train the body in performing techniques.

The reason Wing Chung wooden dummy training is so important is that it allows the skin and bones to strengthen and toughen up. When making contact in a real fight, your fists and shins are subjected to a lot of force and pain. Striking air does not get your skin and bones ready for a real fight. Hitting the Mook Jung allows …

Free-form Sparring and Exercises to Develop Internal Energy
Take a sneak peak into the world of Hapkido. The history, traditions and technique of this ancient form of martial arts.

Targeted Karate Training Sessions In Your Own Home
Classes are great but if you feel you want to pay more attention to a certain area of your training a DVD at home is most beneficial as your instructor in the classroom only has limited time during the class before moving on with the next group.

Popularity: unranked [?]

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>.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Lesser Publicized Benefits of Marital Arts Training
Martial art practice gives the individual a means of enjoyable exercise with a purpose and a goal, the self esteem and confidence aspect together with such practices being an all over body workout that also challenges the individual mentally, with rewards for progression in the form of belts and gradings gives an incentive to stick with a program or club.

What Does the Law Have To Say About the Use of Force In A Self-Defense Situation
This article addresses the issue of using physical force in a self-defense situation. Now I am not an attorney, so please DO NOT consider this to be legal advice what-so-ever. That can only come from a competent and professionally licensed attorney in the state in which you reside concerning that particular state’s laws governing the act of using force in a self-defense situation.

Emotion-Based Defensive Response - A Non-Traditional Martial Arts Approach to Self-Defense

When discussing self-defense training, we really need to be discussing more than just learning some tricks and techniques for dodging punches or escaping locks and holds. Why then, are most instructors content with stopping at, and most students satisfied with learning, self-defense in a vaccuum?

Well, I have my own beliefs, mostly involving the fact that most have never been in a real-world self-preservation situation with an assailant out to do maximum damage with any technique or weapon they choose. Basically…

… they don’t know any better.

In this issue, I want to look at a foundational idea that the rest of our training philosophies should take into account if we are to prepare ourselves in the most efficient and effective way possible.

First, we need to consider the learning curve of the average human being. When we think about how we learn best, aside from the methods that we might have been exposed to along the way, it becomes obvious that the “natural” way to learn can be seen in the following pattern:

Do - Think - Feel

That is, the most effecient and effective learning model for most of us is to:

* Do the ‘thing’ in a hands-on fashion.

* Think about the ‘thing’ - work at understanding what makes it ‘tick’ and how it can be used - it’s impact and use for us.

* Have an emotional response - we either like-it, don’t like-it, or it doesn’t matter.

So, what’s the problem you might ask. That’s the way martial artists train in just about every dojo or training center around.

The problem is that…

… the above formula is only half the equation!

The problem is that, we may learn best this way but, we operate very differently when under stress. I don’t mean just danger, but any time stress factors play on us. Whether we’re talking about fear, sadness, happiness, or whatever, we simply operate in a different way than we learn. And, this must be accounted for in the learning curve or we will simply be unprepared for a real-life encounter with an attacker.

The difference that I’m speaking of is really an exact opposite of the learning formula. When under stress, human beings operate by the formula:

Feel - Think - Do

This means that in a life-threatening situation we will:

* Have an emotional reaction - to the type of attack, the assailant, the environment, rules and regulations that we are bound by, and a hundred other factors.

* Access memories, beliefs, and mental functions - and then, based on what we think about the situation and what we know…

* We go into action - and do the best we can with what we know.

To say that the formulas are different, is more than an understatement.

What are we to do with this information? How can it help us to better train to be prepared for a life-saving situation?

Quite simply - we can make sure that we are producing and working under a particular emotional mode when training for self defense. This will require a training atmosphere akin to that used by actors-in-training than what we are typically used to seeing in a martial arts academy.

The Four Base Emotions

The human being enters the world with four base emotional triggers that, based on future stimuli and the addition of the higher mental functions, combine to produce the many emotions themselves. But, from a primative, self-preservation perspective, it is these 4 base impulses that we will concern ourself.

The four base emotional responses to stress are:

* Confident, stability - we’re basically unmoved by the threat, because there is no perceived threat.

* Defensive repulsion - we are overwhelmed by the source of the impulse and instinctively cover our targets or pull away to a safer distance.

* Aggressiveness - we quickly move in to take control of the situation.

* Evasiveness, avoiding - we sidestep or evade the problem, seeking primarily to completely avoid having to deal with the problem at all.

While there have been countless martial arts and self-defense systems that have been designed around a particular emotional response mode, no one mode is right or wrong in and of itself. Each one is an option to be channelled and used as a tool, if only we knew how.

About the Author

Jeffrey Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior Concepts International. He is the author of “The Karate-Myth” and the Danger Prevention Tactics video, among others. For more info, subscribe to his ezine here.

Popularity: unranked [?]

WorldTaiChiDay.org Announces a Global Healing Event - World Tai Chi & Qigong Day Saturday April 28 at 10:00 a.m. Local Time Worldwide
World Tai Chi & Qigong Day is a free participatory world event open to the public on Saturday, April 28, 2007, at 10:00 a.m. local time (worldwide). (PRWeb Apr 18, 2007)

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Custom Silicone Wristbands, Rubber Bracelets, & Promotional Products Company Announces New Hire
CAS Enterprises, LLC announced today the hiring of Nick Norris as its new Sales & Marketing Manager. Clark Swihart, president of CAS, said, "Nick has several years of managerial, sales, and marketing experience. We are fortunate to have access to his wealth of knowledge and expertise." Nick will initially concentrate on CAS Enterprises' flagship website, www.TheAwristocrat.com. (PRWeb Apr 26, 2007)

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No Martial Arts or Self-Defense Technique is Perfect

Far too many people who are training in the conventional martial arts or in a “quicky” self-defense program - including police and security personnel by-the-way - take for granted that all they have to do to survive a real-world attack is learn a few tricks and that’s it. When, according to the reality and nature of self-defense, no preset, memorized technique that you’ve learned in a martial arts or self-defense class is perfect in-and-of-itself for the unique situation and circumstances that you will find yourself in when you need it. And…

…that’s okay.

What’s important to learn is this…

…these techniques that everyone seems to hold up as the “holy symbols of their style,”…

…were just passed down from past-generation masters as “examples” anyway!

After you’ve been training for a significant while with a focus on being able to handle a real-world self-defense situation, rather than merely memorizing a preset string of moves for your next belt, what you’ll find is that…

…in your attempt to defend yourself in a given situation and against a unique assailant with his own ‘favorite’ techniques and attack-methods, you will actually be stringing several basic moves together in a moment-to-moment, spontaneous flow. The trick is to know your techniques so well that you can do this in what appears to be an effortless flow from one technqiue or skill to the next.

Just as I pointed out in “The Karate-Myth,” there are certain critical pieces missing from the vast majority of training programs. And, it is those key elements that MUST be managed during a physical altercation if you are to walk away with most of YOU intact.

So, if you really want to be able to use what you’ve learned in a real-world self-defense situation…

…then you must be able to give up your attachment to your “perfect techniques.”

Remember: The only people who believe that any given technique or skill is “perfect” or “unbeatable,” are those who have not been around long enough, or…

…those who have deluded themselves into believing that training in class, or competing in a tournament, is somehow equivelant to the all-out, adrenalin-triggering, knock-down, drag-out overwhelm that makes you feel like your heart will explode in your chest during the “real thing.”

Do you want to be able to survive a real attack? Do you want to not have your own training - that thing you’ve been working to study, that’s supposed to work under fire - get in the way and be the VERY thing that causes your downfall?

Sure you do. Who wouldn’t?

Then, the first thing you have to do is get over this delusion that any technique, including your “favorite,” is perfect and unbeatable. Because, if you don’t…

…it may be the very thing that gets “you” beaten!

About the Author

Jeffrey Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior Concepts International. He is the author of “The Karate-Myth” and the Danger Prevention Tactics video, among others. For more info, subscribe to his ezine here.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Keys To Choosing The Right Martial Arts School

1. Location

The key to learning any martial art is practice. To make this easy for you, look for a school near your home, work or school. The easier it is for you to get there, the more time you?ll spend practicing and the better you?ll get. Eliminate those ?Well, it?s kind of a long ways away, so I?ll just watch TV tonight? excuses.

Note to husbands: Watch out for schools located in malls as they give you wife an excuse to shop while your kids are in class! (The location of a school says nothing about how ?good? it is…give every school a fair evaluation while you?re checking them out.)

2. Instructor

You want to be sure that you get along well with your instructor, especially if you?re going to commit to a school for a period of time. Keep in mind that a martial arts instructor is just like any teacher or coach that you have had, their job is to teach you the art and help you improve. Pay special attention to their personality, philosophy, energy, motivation and how they treat other students. If you?re having a difficult time making a decision, go with your gut feeling…this is a decision that has to be right for you. Remember, selecting an instructor is not a life-long decision so don?t take too long to make a decision. Get started, learn about the arts and change instructors later on if you feel it?s in your best interest.

3. Style

You want to be sure the schools you?re looking at offer styles that will help you accomplish your goals. If your goal is meditation, you probably don?t belong in a jujitsu school. But don?t get too picky either. Just because you always wanted to be like Bruce Lee doesn?t mean you have to practice Wushu. Many martial artists train in different arts through their career and end up creating a style that is a combination of all their styles.

Again, this isn?t a permanent decision so it?s better to just get started with a school nearby that has an instructor you like.

4. Costs

Look for schools that offers 1-2 introductory classes for free. These benefit both you and the school by ensuring you?re a good fit before making you commit to anything.

If you?re going to invest in a ?martial arts education?, make sure it?s within your budget. You don?t want you or your kids to get started and become excited about martial arts, just to have to quit due to finances.

Some schools require contracts (or ?tuitional agreements? as they are often called) while others don?t. Don?t be afraid of tuitional agreements, often times these schools are extremely interested in seeing you or your child succeed, which is why they want you to make a longer-term commitment after a free class or two. There are also excellent instructors who don?t want to see money interfere with a martial arts education, so they opt to not require contracts and charge on a per-class basis.

Both contract and no-contract schools are good options, just be sure to give location and instructors more weight than payment structure when making a decision to commit to a school.

If you would like to learn more about Martial Arts or are interested in finding a martial arts school in your area, go to http://www.experiencemartialarts.com.

About the Author:

Javier Lozano, Jr. has been training in the martial arts for over 15 years. He is currently part owner of Experience Martial Arts and will be opening a martial arts school shortly.

Shooting From Behind Cover
Firing from a barricaded position is an essential part of combat marksmanship. It is a

relatively straightforward skill and easily acquired. As all shooting techniques, however,

mastery only comes from extensive practice. Contrary to what is seen on movies, most

shooting incidents do not happen at high noon on Main Street. Common sense dictates that

when being shot at, the reasonable person will try to find cover from incoming rounds. If

withdrawal from the scene is not practical and returning fire is justified, then knowledge

of barricade position firing is essential.

The most important part of the barricaded position is being behind the barricade. While

this seems a simpleminded thing to say, it is amazing how many times while coaching this

technique, one sees shooters positioned beside the cover they should be behind.

As this is a combat skill, it is important to become as small a target as possible. A good

strategy is to adopt a kneeling position behind the item of cover. Kneeling is a good

position because it allows quick adoption from standing and is quick to get up from. As a

general rule, the closer your center of balance is to the ground, the more inherently

accurate a position is. Therefore the kneeling position is a two-fold better position than

standing for return fire, not only for making yourself a smaller target but also for making

your shots more likely to hit your aggressor.

The adaptations from a normal two handed shooting position are simple. The shooter does not

use the off hand to give support to the weapon by muscle tension as he would in a

traditional manner. Instead the off hand is pressed against the covering object. A

much-used method to accomplish this is to make a fist with the thumb extended, in a “thumbs

up” sign. Press the pad of the thumb and the last knuckle of the support hand into the

barricade. Cradle the firing hand and weapon in the support hand. Make sure that no part

of the firearm is touching anything other than your flesh. Contact by the weapon with solid

objects causes the weapon to bounce and the round to go off target. The only portions of

your body that should be exposed beyond the barricade are your firing hand, and only the

amount of your face that is needed to obtain a clear view of the sights, target, and

situation. Your arm should be raised enough so that the weapon is brought up to your face,

not your face lowered to your sights. It takes practice to enable you to be able to quickly

judge the distance needed between your body and cover to allow you to quickly assume the

This article is based on the strategies for using a pistol behind a barricade, but long guns

can also use this tactic with superficial modifications. Instead of using the knuckles of

the support hand against the wall the hand should be extended as if making a “stop” sign.

Extend the thumb away from the hand. Press your hand against the cover with your index

finger flush against the barricade edge. Your thumb should extend past the cover like a

shelf. Rest the forearm of the firearm on this shelf. All other aspects are similar.

It cannot be stressed how important this technique is in a lethal force situation. It is

equally important that this technique is practiced so as to allow a seamless transition into

this position.

David is a former U.S. Marine Corps noncommissioned officer, correctional supervisor and firearms instructor for the TN Dept. of Correction. He is presently commissioned as an operations officer for the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency. He holds firearm instructor ratings with the NRA, TN Dept of Safety, TN Dept of Commerce and Insurance, TN Department of Correction, and the State of Utah. For articles or advice visit his website Shepherd School Inc at http://www.tngun.com

Strengthen your mind and body by practicing a martial art
Martial arts are basically a set of physical and mental skills that are gradually taught, developed and polished by a trainer usually called sensei for Japanese arts and sifu in Cantonese. Martial arts translate as the arts of war, and they consist of a multitude of weaponless combat techniques, focused primarily on self defense. Based on ancient wisdom and philosophy, martial arts not only strengthen the body of the adept, but they also fortify his mind and his spirit. In Eastern culture, self control, discipline, patience, awareness, are considered to be the traits of a true warrior, and martial arts mainly focus on developing these skills to practicing students. In ancient times, martial arts were kept secret and practiced in silence; being an apprentice in these skills was a great privilege. However, today there are various schools that perpetuate the traditional teachings of the great ancient masters. Martial arts are divided into many different styles, linked together by the omnipresent oriental mentality. If you wish to begin practicing a martial art, you should choose a style that best satisfies your needs and potential. Some martial arts focus more on physical strength, while others focus on technique and reflex. The best thing to do before choosing the appropriate style is assisting to a few training classes and asking the trainer whether you fit in or not. Another important aspect you should consider is that martial arts require a lot of ambition, dedication, perseverance and practice. You should keep in mind that the skills are learned gradually, and it takes time to achieve higher ranks. When you have discovered the style that fits you best, make sure that your trainer is qualified and that he teaches in an approachable manner. Regardless of experience or rank, not all martial arts masters have the ability to teach! You should look for an instructor that stands as a true raw model, a person whose teachings match his ideals and beliefs. Having found the right instructor and training gym, all you need is equipment. Martial arts equipment is sometimes optional and it mainly consists of a uniform or sparring and protective equipment such as boxing gloves, head gear and chest protection. You can either buy these traditional uniforms, or make them yourself. Consult your instructor and find out his requirements regarding the appropriate training outfit. The martial art equipment also includes a belt. It is made of a certain textile material and its purpose is to distinguish the ranks of the students. The black belt marks the highest level of experience and it can be obtained through years of learning and practice. Whether you choose to practice martial arts as a sport or for self defense, its benefits are substantial. Martial arts improve your physical condition, as well as your concentration, attention and ambition. They strengthen the mind and body altogether and help you achieve self-respect, confidence and balance.

For great martial arts equipment just visit our site http://www.bambamboo.com .After years of our own training in various martial arts, we know what a product needs to make it good, reliable, and durable. Visit http://www.bambamboo.com for great martial arts equipment Toronto .

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7 Quick and Natural Ways to Increase Your Energy for Martial Arts Training

“7 Quick and Natural Ways to Increase Your Energy for
Martial Arts Training”

-by Joshua Black

? 2006 Joshua Black -All Rights Reserved

1. A no-brainer, but most people don’t follow it: Get at least
8 hours of sleep each night. Actually the perfect amount of
sleep has been found to be 8.2 hours. No amount of pills,
potions, or energy drinks can make up for the lack of required
sleep

2. Drink a ton of water on the days that you train. Slam 2-3
glasses 20 minutes before training to make sure your body is
adequately hydrated before you sweat profusely for a few hours.
Hydrate well during your workout too. You’re mostly made of
water, don’t lose it at the gym.

3. Take a multi-vitamin every day. Most of the food we eat
no longer contains all of the vitamins we need, despite how
good (or bad) your intentions are. Choose a multivitamin of
high quality, and pick one that is sex-specific. Women need
iron supplements, men don’t. Men should have a lycopene
additive. You may also want to add an additional large dose
of vitamin C (500 mg+). You will notice a huge difference
in your daily energy if you have picked high quality vitamins.
The change usually takes 1-2 weeks to notice.

4. 10-15 minutes of meditation and deep breathing just before
working out. Find a quiet place to sit. Close you eyes and focus
only on your breathing, nothing else. This will empty your mind
of energy-draining stress and will dump extra oxygen into your
system, getting your body ready for training.

5. Eat a thick peanut butter and jelly sandwich on wheat bread,
15-20 minutes before working out. The peanut butter will
provide you with long lasting protein energy, while the jelly will
give you that quick sugar boost to get you started during cardio
training. The wheat bread is used instead of white, to avoid the
fat-generating carbs from white flour.

6. Perform the cardio portion of you workout first when you have
peak energy, then focus on forms and technique. This will give
your body all of the advantage it needs to get optimum training
results, and then your mind will be clear for techniques later.

7. Eat small meals 4-6 times a day, instead of 2-3 large ones.
This will keep your metabolism level up all day long and give
you increased energy, instead of feeling like you gorged yourself
3 times a day like most people.BREAK#

#TITLE#Martial Arts Secrets Used By Military Special Ops

How To Explain Karate Kata To Beginner Students
Kata training is at the heart of karate - but how do you explain kata to a beginner or non-martial artists?

Boxing Equipment
Boxing is a sport that requires extensive physical training. Being a sport where fighters punch each other and try to knock their opponents out, there are plenty of opportunities for injury. Boxing equipment is very important when it comes to safety equipment for both the boxer and his sparring partner.

How I Started Writing My First Book and Why I Decided To Write It
Ever since I started my martial arts training back in the early 80’s, I bought any and every book that I could get my hands on concerning every martial art that I could find. Even if it had nothing to do with the ones I had actually started studying. I had books of all kinds from Aikido to Zen and everything in between. Some of those books I still have to this day.

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The Martial Arts Ceremony of The Year Takes Place in California this June
The most coveted martial arts ceremony in the world will be taking place in California this June.

Benefits of Martial Arts Training For Kids

Admit it. When the going gets tough at home, weve all plopped the kids in front of the television and breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, we can get started on dinner, maybe check email or sort that massive pile of laundry.

But when your five-year old yells at you Mom, Kids Rule! or your ten-year old horrifies you with language that would make a sailor blush, you realize there must be something amiss with what these family programs really teach our kids. And sadly, its happening all over the media today, from sports to cartoons, and our children are learning things that we, as parents, vowed we would never teach them. Old fashioned values like respect and self-discipline, seems to have been forgotten, replaced by the dreaded bling bling pop culture of today.

Just the thought of your angelic three-year old morphing into a designer-clad, smart-mouthed, money-worshipping, me-obsessed, lay-about is enough to make any parent consider that threatening military school brochure, but there is a solution out there to consider.

Martial Arts training.

From Ninja Turtles to The Karate Kid

You and your kids have all seen the flying kicks, battle cries and mighty chops of their favorite TV characters, as they beat the bad guys to submission but, you may ask, how on earth can these acts of violence teach my child anything worthwhile?

First, know that what you see on television (save perhaps the Karate Kid) is a far cry from what real martial arts are all about. The fact is, martial arts training is based on non-violence.

Originating in Asia (mainly Japan, China and Korea, although Thailand and Vietnam have their own practices as well), martial arts range from a variety of types and styles, all of which are based on well-rounded, moral teachings. The beauty of learning martial arts is that it encompasses not just the physical aspect of the sport, but mental and emotional lessons as well.

Comparing that to other kids activities and sports, where fierce competitiveness and winning at all costs seems to be the order of the day, its not surprising that many children grapple with issues of self-esteem and misplaced aggression.

Now imagine your child actually learning valuable life lessons, skills that he will take throughout life, laying the foundation for a happy, well-adjusted and fulfilled adult life. If only karate for kids was popular in the 70s, when I was growing up!

The Advantages

Karate, and other martial arts for kids, builds confidence and self-esteem as well as self-discipline, respect, concentration and courtesy.

Many martial arts schools also offer leadership courses for kids, in conjunction with their karate for kids programs, or similar lessons.

Martial Arts is ideal for children who do not do well in team sports, giving them the ability to flourish this activity, while combining physical and mental practices.

Many do not realize this, but it is a fact that martial arts training are safer than most school sports.

Children with special needs, such as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), learning difficulties and hyperactivity are often recommended to participate in martial arts for kids because of the clear benefits in its structured training techniques.

Kung-Fu Master or Ninja Warrior?

Before you sign up Junior for the first martial arts class you see, take some time to check out the different methods available, and match it with what you know would suit your child best. This is a good way to avoid any problems that may sprout from a conflict of your childs personality and the training techniques.

Is your little Zach a sensitive soul? Then maybe a class that doesnt center on sparring (full-on kicks and punches training) but rather, slower, defensive maneuvers would fare better for him. Kids with an aggressive streak, however, may prefer the more forceful moves and thrive in competitive sparring.

Heres a quick primer on the kid-friendly martial arts training youre likely to find:

Martial Arts From Japan

Karate
Uses defensive and aggressive moves
Centers on building strength and endurance
Involves chops, punches, kicks, strikes, blocking and sparring
May use weapons

Jujitsu
Uses defensive and aggressive moves
Involves lots of sparring
Teaches a fair amount of weapons training

Aikido
Uses a more spiritual and harmonious style in redirecting the aggression of the attacker as the form of defense, using throws, pins, rolls etc.
Taught on the premise of disabling an aggressor without attacking, through your individual inner energy
Does not involve sparring or competitions

Judo
Uses gentle, wrestling-like movements
Considered one of the safest methods of martial arts
Emphasizes physical control as well as mental development
Engages in competitions

Martial Arts From China

Kung-Fu
The generic term referring to Chinese martial arts with a variety of styles
Involves attack movements as well as defensive techniques
Teaches kicks, punches, chops, throws, falls, grappling, katas, leg sweeps and blows among others.
Engages in sparring competitions

Martial Arts From Korea

Taekwondo
Competitive in nature, involves techniques using elaborate footwork and unique high kicks.
Emphasizes strength, force and attack methods.
Engages in lots of sparring and competitions.

Choosing The Right Instruction

If you have an idea of the type of martial arts class youd like your child to participate in, the next step would be to find the right school. Finding the right class that not only matches your childs and your needs, in terms of teachers you feel comfortable with, the price, facilities and so on, are all important factors.

Say youve found a local place that specializes in Karate for Kids. What are the things you should look for?

1. Good Instructors: Check out their qualifications, teaching methods and watch carefully how they interact with the other children. It should be a fun learning experience!

2. Space and Safety: Obviously you would want to entrust your child in as establishment that is safe, well-maintained, and clean with ample space as well as decent facilities and equipment.

3. School Values: Different martial arts schools inevitably go by different values, for instance, one kids karate class may handle aggression in one way, while a judo class would have a different approach. Take some time to observe which schools ideals match your familys principles.

4. Prices and Schedules: Prices for martial arts training can vary according to school and location, so make sure you the instruction you choose represents fair value. Finding the most effective way to fit martial arts training into your familys lifestyle is also essential, knowing what works best with your schedule and other activities.

Baby Blackbelts

Starting your child young in karate training is ideal (children as young as the age of four are usually accepted, as it is also a good way to hone fine motor skills), and lots of parents have found that in as little as a year, their children who were involved in martial arts had noticeably gained positive traits such as increased self-esteem, respect and overall physical fitness.

Many parents also opt to join a martial arts training program themselves, making it a great bonding experience for the entire family.

About the author:
Laura Saunders is a successful freelance writer, mother of two and a martial arts practitioner who has written articles for http://www.best-karate-equipment.com, your online guide to karate uniforms, martial arts sparring equipment, and karate training equipment.

Tedoradze vs. Blackledge Re-Arranged For Cagewarriors Strike Force 3 On October 1st.
The huge heavyweight Ultimate Fighting/Mixed Martial Arts encounter between the Wolfslair Academy’s Tom Blackledge and the former CWFC Heavyweight Champion Tengiz Tedoradze has been brought forward by 2 weeks to Cagewarriors Strike Force 3.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Atlantan Qualifies for 2008 Beijing Olympic Games
Craig Harkins, the owner and operator of Fencing.Net, recently learned that he had become one of only 5,600 members of media worldwide to earn a spot in Beijing covering the Olympic Games. The Atlantan will be going to Beijing in 2008 to report on the progress of the US Olympic Fencing Team as their members attempt to improve on the Gold and Bronze medal brought back from the 2004 Athens Games. (PRWeb Apr 25, 2007)

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Ninjutsu Martial Arts Strategy: Key Moments and Phases in a Self-Defense Situation

A major pivoting point in my ninjutsu martial arts learning process happened when I realized that there was something more going on than just the punching, kicking, and what-not, that makes up conventional martial arts and self-defense training. In fact, once I saw it happening, my mind shifted away from the typical orientation toward this “style” or that, and started looking beyond the techniques themselves to…

…what was being “done” by each move in a technique string.

The question I began to ask was, “what’s the logic behind the moves?” And, “why are the moves where they are in this particular string?”

And THAT is what the book, “Controlling the Fight: The 5 Keys of Effective Self-Defense Strategy,” is all about.

It’s about understanding and recognizing the keys, or bridges, between one phase…

…one strategic moment…

…in a self-defense situation, and another.

It’s about controlling the “pieces” of a fight-scenario that must be strategically managed in the correct order, and at the correct time, if you are to be successful.

What are these critical moments within the flow of the fight? Let me first tell you what they’re NOT.

They are not…

…when you’re fist makes contact with the surface of your assailant’s body…

…when you lock his joints to immobilize him and prevent him from continuing to fight…

…when you take up your “way-cool” stance…

…the way with which you’ve been taught to hold your weapon, or…

…a hundred other “things” that most books, videos, and schools of martial arts and self-defense focus almost exclusively on.

But, they are not NOT these things either. If you don’t understand what I’m trying to point out here, you won’t see it.

Confused? Don’t be.

The point here is that, behind any move or technique itself - the punch, lock, throw, etc. - there is a “reason” that THAT particular technique is being done at THAT way, and at THAT particular time. There is something that the technique is either doing ‘for’ us or ‘to’ our attacker that gains, maintains, or accentuates our control of the situation. In short…

…there is something that makes a particular technique RIGHT and APPROPRIATE for any given moment…

…and completely WRONG for another.

And, make no mistake here. We are talking about a scientific application of principles that work, and have worked for centuries. And, this science works…

…for whoever is knowledgeable of, and in control of it in the fight!

What it means is this; if you know how to use this scientific application and make it the logic behind your strategic use of your skills and techniques, then you will probably win. If you don’t and your assailant does, you will lose.

So, what are these key moments or critical phases?

They are…

1) Your ability to assess your situation and understand what the assailant is doing or attempting to do to you.

2) Your defense against his incoming attacks. This is your ability to neutralize the effect that his attacks were to have on you.

3) How you unbalance him in a way that prevents your assailant from going on with his own strategy and literally puts him in a position of weakness.

4) The actual counter-attack that you use to knock him back or take him to the ground. This is the phase where you actually take the fight to him.

5) Your ability to assess the effect that your technique has had on your assailant and what your next move (escape, restrain him, or prepare for another barrage of attacks) should be.

In my attempt to learn how to really be successful at defending myself and others, I was lucky enough to find some teachers who could point the way towards many of these answers. Unfortunately (or fortunately, as this caused me to have to really look), we’re not talking about the step-by-step mechanics of the “style” here, as these can be taught by practically anyone to almost anyone else. What we ARE talking about is something that cannot be seen unless you know what you’re looking for. It’s invisible to the naked eye but there nonetheless.

Just know this. Each of these critical moments - these keys - is an important, no crucial, element in any overall defense strategy. But, where the book “The Karate-Myth” focused on the big-picture defense strategy that lead from General Awareness to Actually having to Deal with the Attacker (remember?), what I’m talking about here is the little-picture strategy of phase 6 - “dealing with the attack.”

Where an overall general self-defense strategy is ultimately designed to “avoid” dangerous situations altogether; this life-saving knowledge is all about effectively and efficiently handling one one you find yourself in it.

And, when the “rubber-meets-the-road,” so-to-speak…

…it doesn’t matter how many way-cool techniques you know, so much as…

…what you can “do” with them.

About the Author

Jeffrey Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior Concepts International. He is the author of “The Karate-Myth” and the Danger Prevention Tactics video, among others. For more info, subscribe to his ezine here.

The Martial Arts Supply.Net Launched: Martial Arts Gear, Information & Articles Database
The Martial Arts Supply is an online listing database of martial arts related content and products to facilitate all aspects of training for martial arts practitioners and enthusiasts. The site is designed and operated by Matt Canei, a Tae Kwon Do 1st Dan black belt who is a one-time Junior Olympics Gold Medalist for forms. (PRWeb May 10, 2007)

Frank Trigg Returns to Morning Radio with Daily MMA Show
Trigg is back on the airwaves and this time he's got a cast of characters along for the ride. His buddy Gorgeous George and GG's brother Goze (yes, the infamous Goze of myspace fame) are blowing up the internet with their new radio show dedicated to the fastest growing sport in the world. (PRWeb Apr 25, 2007)

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Jiu Jitsu Legend Royce Gracie Joins Bodog Fight: Costa Rica Combat
Bodog Fight: Costa Rica Combat debuted Tuesday, April 17th at 11 p.m. / 10 p.m. Central on ION Television. (PRWeb Apr 18, 2007)

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Controversial Martial Arts Guru, Lieutenant X, to Provide Free Self Defense Videos for College Students
In the wake of the Virginia Tech massacre, students need better preparation for on-campus violence with proper and legitimate martial arts and self defense training. (PRWeb Apr 18, 2007)

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Tatami flooring for Yoga, Martial Arts and Judo schools

InterlockingFloormat.com is expanding their partnership with all Yoga, Martial Arts, Judo, Karate, Aikido, Tae Kuan Do, and exercise schools. The partnership program will promote all Yoga and Martial Arts schools on its partner webpage. All instructors and studios background, website and contact information are introduced on their page .

InterlockingFloormat.com is expanding their partnership with all Yoga, Martial Arts, Judo, Karate, Aikido, Tae Kuan Do, and exercise schools. The partnership program will promote all Yoga and Martial Arts schools on its partner webpage. All instructors and studios background, website and contact information are introduced on their page .

This is a free marketing opportunity to promote your exercise school in a high traffic website and increase your yoga and martial arts instructors reputation. Interlockingfloormat.com is also providing risk free interlocking floor mat sample for all yoga and exercise partner in the program. If any partner is interested to resell or promote the interlocking floor mat for their students, they can receive very aggressive resell pricing or rebate. All partners can increase extra income by introducing a gorgeous interlocking floor mat to their students and earn it without extra effort.
See these existing partners in http://www.interlockingfloormat.com/partners.htm
InterlockingFloorMat.com is a manufacturer-direct distributor and wholesaler for EVA form mats. Their interlocking puzzle mat products include tatami style mats and educational music puzzle mat. These products are widely using at home, yoga studios, fitness centers, martial arts, Judo, Karate, Aikido, Tae Kuan Do and exercise schools. With high quality EVA foam material and cutting edge technology, these interlocking puzzle mats provide a safe, comfortable, waterproof, anti-fatigue soft-tile for businesses and homes. Please visit www.interlockingfloormat.com for detail.

Marketing Department
Partners@interlocingfloormat.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Xyience Sets High Goals For ‘07 and ‘08
Xyience has added new team members for 2007 and 2008. (PRWeb Apr 29, 2007)

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Popularity: unranked [?]

A Little History on Kung Fu
Kung Fu a generic label used to describe the martial arts that come from China. Chinese kung fu is not only about fighting but about self discipline, self respect, humbleness and patience. What makes the Chinese martial arts unique is the use of meditation as part of their art. Also the many weapons they have to master is another unique benefit of kung fu. Kung fu really took off in China when they added mind training to their workouts.

MMA Training Tip
A good mma training tip routine should focus on 3 main elements. Here I list 3 of these elements that are vital to successful mma training.

The Most Dangerous Attack You’ll Ever Face
The most dangerous attack you’ll ever face is when you’re
outnumbered. There could be 2 or 3 of them or there could be
20.

What would you do?

So many have asked me this question that I’ve decided to answer
it right in this now.

Self-Defense Within Martial Arts Training Demands a Real-World Perspective

This story is being offered in response to a request made by my teacher, Soke (Grand Master) Masaaki Hatsumi, during a recent training visit to Japan. During one of the training sessions, Soke was suggesting that everyone, regardless of rank, should make it a point to talk to those with actual combat experience and to learn from these people. The point was, if you do not know what a real fight is like, you will not be able to train properly for an authentic situation.

I was asked to share some of my experience in dealing with an attack and the following story came to mind. Though I have much experience with dealing with danger and dangerous people, this particular situation stands out as both a successful outcome where I was able to use some of my ninpo-taijutsu martial arts training, and a learning experience where I was actually able to control both my awareness and response, instead of mentally shutting down and “hoping” for the best.

The incident occurred many years ago while I was stationed in, what was then, West Germany. I was serving with the United States Army Military Police Corps. My partner and I were called to respond to a unit where a serviceman was assaulting others, including the officer-in-charge.

When we arrived at, what we thought was, the location of the incident, there was no one but the Charge of Quarters present. He had no idea about the incident. What none of us knew was that the ‘problem’ was occurring next door and moving in our direction.

While my partner and I were confirming the call with our superiors, the attacker entered the building where we were. He was obviously intoxicated and shouting racial insults and demanding satisfaction before he started a ‘real war.’ By the smell of him, he had been drinking heavily and primarily whiskey. His clothes showed signs of a struggle and at this point I wasn’t sure if I was facing an attacker or the victim of an assault.

I immediately tried to calm the individual and find out what the problem was. As I was doing this, several other soldiers, including the command duty officer entered the building and became involved. The belligerent soldier was going on with his racial attacks and how he was attacked by what he thought were his friends. It was then that he turned his attention to me and began implying that he had martial arts experience and “didn’t have to prove himself to anyone.”

During this, and later after interviewing witnesses, we found that the individual had tested for his black belt in another martial art earlier that day and was out ‘celebrating’ with his friends. Witnesses testified that the more intoxicated he became, the more he started “showing off” to his friends which involved hitting and kicking. Eventually, his friends had had enough and then attempted to stop his obnoxious behavior by pushing him away and leaving him behind. This only made him more “playful” at which time he jumped on his friends resulting in them throwing him down on the ground. It was this that finally enraged him enough to chase them to the barracks and begin attacking others.

As he was telling me that he didn’t have to prove himself, he also made statements that I only thought that I was tougher than him because I carried a gun, a nightstick and wore an MP helmet. I responded by removing my helmet and handing my night stick to my partner in an attempt to neutralize any perceived threat that I might be projecting and bring the soldier’s anxiety level down. I informed him that the gun stayed where it was but that we needed to talk like civilized men so we could solve whatever problem was going on.

The soldier continued on with the “I’m a black belt and don’t need to prove how tough I am” speech when he closed the distance and, from about an inch from my face, stated that, “I’m going to show you how tough you’re not.”

I ordered the soldier back and before I knew what was happening, I sensed his fist coming up between our bodies toward my jaw. I rode off the strike which landed before I could evade and then backed out as he began to flail widely with both arms at my head and body. I remember taking up a hoko-like position (a guarding posture in ninjutsu designed to create a protective ‘bubble’ that is difficult for the attacker to get through) to cover against the incoming attacks and having to simultaneously deal with an officer who thought that I was the one doing the attacking!

At one point, I realized that his right arm had wrapped around my left forearm and that a ‘musha-dori-like thing’ (uplifting elbow - shoulder dislocating technique) was happening. I remember moving to capture his balance and laid him down when suddenly his feet went out from under him. Later I found out that, in an attempt to help, my partner chose that moment to sweep my assailant’s legs out from under him. I felt the soldier’s shoulder give way as I applied the lock and took him down. This didn’t help with the anxiety and emotional pressure I was dealing with as I was now worried about a possible ‘police brutality’ charge for excessive force.

This injury didn’t deter his aggression though as he continued to fight against our restraint. We were finally able to subdue him and get him onto his stomach to be handcuffed when his wife and young child entered the building. I don’t know how they found out about the situation but there they were. I felt sad for them and was only able to give a look of apology for having to do this. Again, more stress was added in that I didn’t want to have to physically hurt this man in front of his family.

Unfortunately, their presence only served to escalate the problem. When the soldier became aware of his wife and child, he blamed my partner and I for his “embarrassment” and began to fight against his restraint again. I am not a big man and this soldier’s build was easily 150% of my own size and weight, so holding him was a serious problem. Having to improvise and immobilize the man, I placed my night stick between the handcuff chain and his back and applied leverage against his spine which created a situation where he would only hurt himself with his continued resistance. This was only necessary for a moment or two, as he passes out from his exertion.

As I related during my initial telling of the story at the Hombu Dojo (’main training hall’0 in Noda-city, Japan, my legs begin to shake and I can feel my breathing change as I recall this situation and many others like it. It does not control me or the way I go through my life in the ordinary sense that I am not afraid to associate with people or the like. What it has done is imprinted on me much more than just a step-by-step memory of the events, and I’m sure that my recollection of these is less than accurate because the experience was much more emotional and from what Soke has called “budo-nerves” orientation or perspective than from any sort of memorized technique string.

I will simply end this by saying that, this situation is one that has forever changed my perspective on how I should train, and as a teacher, how I should train my students. It has taught me that kata-like, step-by-step training is only a piece of the training puzzle but, anyone who believes that they will fight this way is deluding themselves. Conversely, it has also taught me that training that is just henka-based, where the basics like cover, distance and the like are not drilled until they become second-nature and the student just “does whatever” in an attempt to imitate (his or her teacher) is also deluded. This type of practice is necessary but, again, only a piece.

I am in complete agreement with Soke when he points out that it is the ability to go between the animal instinct response required for surviving an attack and returning to the civilized state to live a happy life, unstained by fear, defensiveness or antisocial behavior because of the attack that should be the goal.

Let me also say that, I respect Soke and the Shihan master instructors that I train with. But, not simply because they are Soke and the Shihan. I respect these people and continue to train in this art precisely because my own experience with having to handle danger tells me that what they have to offer is authentic and “on the mark” with that experience. Because I know that should I ever be attacked again, it will be the lessons that I have learned from them and not my admiration of them or their abilities that will help to insure that my family gets to have me around a little while longer. In a world filled with martial artists and instructors who want trophies, admiration and to ‘look good,’ it is comforting to know that there are still those who have what the true warrior needs to create a life worth living and the power to protect that life from whatever might harm it.

About the Author

Jeffrey Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior Concepts International. He is the author of “The Karate-Myth” and the Danger Prevention Tactics video, among others. For more info, subscribe to his ezine here.

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ATTITUDE: “FAILURE IS NOT AN OPTION! - Keys to Martial Arts Mastery, Key #7

One of the most important traits of any successful person is one of total commitment and passion for what it is that they are doing. They see their goal; they devise a plan for reaching it; and, the set about doing what is necessary to attain that goal.

This is something that has been repeated in uncountable books on success and personal achievement as-well-as here in this newsletter. I have written and re-written about it - I have spoken and reiterated my points again and again in class. But still I see my students and others that I care about settling for average results and the unfortunate habit of excuse-making.

Why is this so?

I believe that it is due to our need to have a ‘back-up’ plan should we not succeed.

Not succeed?!

If we have set a realistic goal (growing gills and moving in with our goldfish is not a good example!), we have worked out a plan of action, and, we are prepared to do what’s necessary, why then would we need a plan of action should we not succeed?!

Now, I’m not being funny, or mean, or unrealistic. What I am doing is pointing out what I, and from what I have been able to find out about the psychology of success, every other successful person sees as a ‘flaw in logic.’

The flaw is in the understanding of ‘having a back-up plan if we don’t succeed.’ If we don’t succeed at what? If we’re following the plan and we’re on track, aren’t we getting at least closer all the time? And if not, what IS happening that is preventing us from reaching our goal - not enough time, an unforeseen circumstance, lack of experience, knowledge or resources?

The point here is that, very often, we set ourselves up for failure by designing something into the equation that will make it OK to fail. I don’t mean that we necessarily set out to fail, just that we provide an excuse before we need one.

Here’s an example. My son has a goal to enlist in the Navy. He is doing this to gain both knowledge and experience for a future job with a major airline as an aircraft engine mechanic. He has set up the necessary interviews, obtained the requirements for enlistment as-well as those for getting the job that he is after. Unfortunately he is overweight and as a result, will have to lose weight or, at the very least, get to a point where his measurements meet the minimum standards. He has set one date after another for the enlistment, but has not lost enough by each date to qualify for enlistment.

A friend of his, someone who is very concerned for his welfare has suggested heavily that he start looking for an apartment, as-well-as gathering information about car insurance, etc., just in case he doesn’t meet his latest goal. The idea being that he will have a back-up plan should he not make it.

A look at this story should bring one very important question to mind:

“What is the goal here?”

Is the goal to begin a career in the Navy or to move out on his own? While both would accomplish the later, this is not the goal. And the so-called back-up plan does not contribute to the attainment of that goal. In this scenario, failure - not attaining the desired goal - has been wired into the equation.

The point is not whether or not to have a back-up plan but to make sure that any such plans contribute to the accomplishment of the goal. This is more aptly called a ‘contingency plan.’

Why was he not able to enlist by those other dates? Setting an unrealistic time to accomplish the task? Not carrying through on what needed to be done? These are questions that a contingency plan will handle.

In these cases, his so-called back-up plans would include: moving the date, recommitting to the goal, giving himself a worse-case alternative as an incentive to achieving the goal, etc.

The idea here is that we need to clearly understand the goal and what we want to get. Then, any back-up or contingency plan would work to go over, under, around, or through any obstacles that popped up. It would not cause us to drop our goal and drastically change what we are doing as ‘just another option.’

Remember, to successful people…

..failure is never an option!

Samy Schiavo to Rematch Jean Silva for the Cage Rage Title
The most recent fight added to the Cage Rage 9 card on November 27th is a rematch that has the MMA community talking. Samy Schiavo will get a shot at the Cage Rage title.

Sonny Sison joins Black Salt Films
Sonny Sison has been a part of movies and tv shows such as “Cradle 2 the Grave” and “The Power Rangers”

The Cagewarriors Fighting Championship Announce Its “Enter The Wolfslair” Tournament Line-up
The Cagewarriors Fighting Championships are proud to announce the Welterweight Tournament line-up for their March 5th “Enter The Wolfslair” show, to be held at the Olympia in Liverpool.

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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.

Taekwondo: A Mixture of Many Martial Arts Styles

Taekwondo as the most popular of Korean art forms is the only other Asian martial arts that found its place in international sports (besides Judo). Taekwondo calls itself the way of kicks and punches. “Tae” means to kick or destroy with the foot, “kwon” means to strike with the hand, chiefly the fist and “Do” means the way. Taekwondo develops strength, speed, balance and stamina. But it emphasizes on the development of five qualities in the practitioner: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit. The art form is therefore a mental discipline as well and one that leads to heightened awareness, focus and concentration.

Basically founded on Karate, Taekwondo is more than just kicking and punching - it’s a combination of offensive as well as defensive techniques, philosophy and, as with most martial arts in their present form, entertainment as well.

To comprehend how Taekwondo came to be, one must analyze Korean history. As early as 668 AD, Chinese Chuan Fa techniques were used to prepare Korean warriors for combat. These techniques evolved through time into the empty-hand art of Subak. Thiart form split into the Taekyon (striking art) and the Yusul (a grappling art).

Yusul vanished while Taekyon remained, thanks to the secret practice of certain Korean families and street gangs. When the Japanese took over Korea, Karate that is originally by the Japanese was absorbed into the martia art forms of Taekyon along with influences from Manchuria and China.

Even when Korea was liberated in 1945, the art form called Taekwondo did not exist. In fact General Choi Hong Hi who is considered to be the father of modern Taekwondo taught a combination of Karate and Taekyon to his soldiers. In 1955, when the government called for a single name that could unify these disparate art forms, General Choi’s submission Taekwondo, which incorporated several native Korean styles into a linear form, won the day.

There are several types of Taekwondo styles, each different in their doctrine and technical construct. Yet, all styles have a common emphasis: that on kicks thrown from a distance, using the leg’s greater reach and power. This disables the opponent from a distance. The other techniques used are jumps, spins, skips and side-kicks. They are used alone or in combination with other moves. Taekwondo also includes a comprehensive system of hand strikes and blocks, but generally does not emphasize grappling.

About the Author

Callie Armstrong is a writer for http://www.AllergyHero.com. Her insights on dieting, exercise and health can be read at http://www.body4beach.com

Develop your Kiai - To Win More Battles
KIAI

Hector, one of the heroes of the Trojan war, had such a fearsome war-cry it would drive whole armies back, Medieval Irish warriors were known to instill fear in even the toughest most disciplined English troops. The druids used a low-droning sound to un-nerve the Roman legions in the battle field, and G.I.’s returning from the pacific after world war 2 tell of a paralyzing Batlle-cry that the Japanese used during bayonet charges.

Oriental B.S.? Martial-arts fantasy or just proper psychology and physics applied at the right moment?
In one form or another, The Kiai or spirit shout has been touted to be an effective psychological weapon in the battle field or in one-on-one combat. Whether you are a believer in this or not, the Kiai, when executed properly is supposed to achieve the following:

1. Rally the troops. The Kiai is supposed to instill courage and ferocity in a full-frontal assault.Projected into an opponent, the kiai can paralyze the mind momentarily

2. a sudden un expected shriek causes the mind to look for the origins of the sound- thereby distracting him/her for a moment thus creating an opening

3. the Kiai is a spontaneous expression of individual courage and ferocity, in essence the kiai should ( or is supposed to ) psych you up.

4. Conversely - when the opponent is expecting a Kiai and it is not delivered - the effect is the same - the mind is expecting the battle-cry and is occupied with the expectation - thus distracting the opponent again.

As an ancient flowery Japanese text commands your kiai should fill your lungs and explode from your hara , it should reverberate like a thousand samurai storming into battle

Franz von Muhlfeld

For More Martial Arts Secrets Visit This Site

Travel Industry Veteran Of 40 years - has visited 127 countries and counting…

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Mma-A Brief History
It would be impossible to fully track every aspect of the beginnings of mma. The Greeks, Romans, Cavemen? I will try to bring to you a history of mma that impacted the United States as I believe it occurred, and what is now the growing popularity in this reality fighting. When I use the term reality fighting, it refers to actual full contact striking and joint wrenching submissions. It is not meant to disrespect the traditional martial arts. In Brazil there was a competition called vale tudo (Portuguese for anything goes) In the early nineties an elder son of a very respected Brazilian jiu-jitsu (bjj) master came to the United States. This elder son and his younger brother were giving Bjj lessons out of their garage. This elder son partnered with another man and began a very popular competition where fighters of different styles would fight each other abiding by only a few rules. The younger brother of the man you started this competition dominated the fighters that stood before him. Many of the fighters were of a standing style (karate,kung-fu,etc) when this young man would take them down and tie them in a pretzel they were at a loss on how to defend against it. At this time there were no time limits on rounds. This young man would hold on to his competitors like an anaconda; wearing them down and waiting for the right moment to apply a submission hold. It did not take long for future fighters to start training in this young mans style and start gaining there own submissions. One mistake was made though. Now they were getting knocked out. The new rules to this competition incorporated rounds, and if they were on the ground too long with no action the ref would stand them back up. Not exactly a grapplers desire. With these new rules in place a new breed of fighter emerged. Mma fighters had to find a new way to cope with the double threat of stand up and ground fighting. Many of these fighters started to cross train in both ground fighting and stand up. The world of mma in the United States would never be the same. It was no longer a matter of style versus style, but who had the better stand up OR ground game. Its very complex if you think about it. Say fighter A is stronger at stand up than on the ground. His competitor, fighter B is equal at both, maybe a little better at standing and just as good a fighter as A on the ground. This scenario can be a combination of a lot of variables. There is strategy in these fights. They do not just go toe to toe with a fighter. They study their competitor and try to exploit their weakness. Regardless where mma originated from, no one can deny the explosion this sport has seen, or the skill of these athletes. These are not brainless brawlers wanting to duke it out, they are skilled combatants with a strategy wanting to compete with other skilled fighters.

Shawn Sellen is the owner of the mixed martial arts website <A HREF="http://www.mmaarticles.com">mmaarticles.com</A>

Martial Arts Book Review: Fists, Wits, and a Wicked Right by Marc “Animal” MacYoung

Being the author of several books on the martial arts and fighting, I am always looking for books of exceptional quality to add to my library. If I have a book in my library, it’s definitely worth owning. One such book is Marc ?Animal? MacYoung?s, “Fists, Wits, and a Wicked Right.”

One of the great things that I absolutely love about Marc?s books is his no-holds barred direct approach to getting his point across. There is never any sugarcoating or politically correct terminology is his books. He simply tells it like it is, whether you like it or not. Marc?s not-so-politically correct way of explaining things is always refreshing in today?s society where everyone wants to sugarcoat everything so as not to off