Shotokan Karate - General Background
History: Shotokan is both a young and an . It is ancient because its roots are deeply entrenched in the past, and young because, as it is expressed today, it is an art that is less than a 100 years old. Shotokan is characterised by its long and low stances, its powerful techniques and its dynamic forms. The founder of Shotokan, Gichin Funakoshi, was an Okinawan. He trained in the oldest of the Okinawan te (hand) systems as a young man and in the early 20th century brought what he had learned in the island of Okinawa to mainland Japan, where he demonstrated his art before the Emperor. He originally intended to return to Okinawa but was persuaded to to remain and continue teaching in Japan. Funakoshi’s pen name was Shoto (waving pines) and kan (hall). Hence Shotokan can be translated to mean “Shoto’s hall of the way of the empty hand”. While Funakoshi was the originator of Shotokan, it was really his son, Yoshitaka Funakoshi, who developed it into the form we know today. It rapidly grew in popularity, supported, encouraged and regulated by the powerful Japan Karate Association. Before long, it was to be found all over the world. Triads: Shotokan is built on what are known as triads, which are both real organisations and metaphors for something much deeper within the human psyche. There exists the physical triad of kihon (basics), kumite (sparring) and kata (forms), which require dedicated training and the constant perfecting of technique. This is followed by the moral triad of justice, mercy and compassion and finally by the ethical triad of duty, honour and loyalty. If we put all of the 9 triad principles together (9 symbolises perfection) we achieve the whole, rounded person. When these principles are practised in a martial art, they illustrate one of the fundamental concepts of Shotokan, as advocated by the founder, Gichin Funakoshi. His aim was to focus on the development of the human character as a whole being, rather than on winning and losing. Significance: While Shotokan is a wonderful form of relaxation or sport for many people, for those who practise it seriously it has a much deeper and wider significance. This deeper realisation, however, can only come after years of dedicated practice. While this is a dimension of the art that emerges rather slowly, Shotokan can still be enjoyed at all levels by hundreds of thousands of people throughout the world.
- Thanaseelan, click on <a target="_new" href="http://www.worthofwordplay.blogspot.com">http://www.worthofwordplay.blogspot.com</a> to view his main blog. Don't forget to check out the categories on his blog.
Tai Chi Chuan - General Background
Philosophy: The initial aim of Tai chi chuan is to teach the practitioners to relax. Relax does not mean to flop loosely around, but rather to use the body as efficiently as possible, with no muscular tension. The foremost requirement is good posture with relaxed shoulders, an upright back and firmly rooted stance. Tai chi chuan incorporates Chi kung exercises, which encourage deep breathing, improved blood circulation and greater efficiency of the bodys systems. On a mental level, the quiet concentration, required for Tai chi chuan brings a serene state of mind, in which the everyday stresses of life can be placed in their proper perspective. This leads to a more tolerant, even state of mind, and a calm mind is able to respond more quickly and effectively to challenges in any situation. In Practice: At this level, the art is accessible to anyone. Age, health or infirmity is not barrier to reaping some of the rewards that Tai chi chuan has to offer. However, to reach the higher levels it is necessary to study the art in its wider context. Practising the martial aspects of Tai chi chuan involves more complex form of Chi kung, body strengthening, practising with another person and various supplementary exercises. Such training is more demanding than basic form practice, but it does bring greater benefits in terms of mental and physical health, as well as providing an excellent self-defense method. At the higher stages the theoretical aspects of the art also become more apparent. As a martial art, Tai chi chuan works on a number of levels, but the principal aim is to teach practitioners to relax and become fluid in their movements. This allows for smoother actions and quicker response times. The objective is for self-defense to become a reflexive action rather than a repetition of technique. There is a variety of sensitivity exercises which allow the practitioner to adapt instantly to an opponent and to react in the most appropriate manner. Incoming force will, typically, be diverted, however slightly, and the corresponding opening in the opponents defense exploited. The level of response can range from applying holds and locks, to immobilizing an opponent, through to highly damaging strikes against nerve centres and acupuncture points (dim mak). Power training consists of chi kung to develop internal strength, as well as methods to strengthen the tendons and ligaments. The ability to issue power (fa jing) from close range is a basic feature of Tai chi chuan. This involves incorporating the whole body into one unit behind an attack. Tai chi chuan includes punches, kicks, locks, open hand techniques and throws in its repertoire, as well as traditional Chinese weapons ” sword, broadsword, staff and spear. Today, while traditional practitioners of Tai chi chuan are still in evidence, the majority practise the art in order to both maintain and improve their health and to provide an increasingly necessary antidote to the stresses and strains of modern day life.
- Thanaseelan, click on <a target="_new" href="http://www.worthofwordplay.blogspot.com">http://www.worthofwordplay.blogspot.com</a> to view his main blog. Don't forget to check out the categories on his blog.
An Interview with Mike Swick
Mike Quick Swick (born 19 June 1979) is an American professional mixed martial arts fighter.
He was a participant in the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, a reality television series produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which is one of the reasons for his popularity. He was eliminated from the competition after a semi-final loss to Stephan Bonnar.
Since joining the ranks of the UFC, Mike has gone 5-0 and is considered on of the top Middleweight contenders in the UFC
MMAToday: How did you get involved in martial arts and MMA?
MS: I started in Tae-Kwon-Do at the age of 8. I have just been progressing from there every since
MMAToday: Once you got started did you ever think you make it all the way to the UFC?
MS: I hoped! Ha-ha
MMAToday: How much did your appearance on TUF affect your training and your career?
MS: It made my career what it is today. It was the exposure that I needed and it made me train harder than ever.
MMAToday: What is it like going from fighting in smaller shows to fighting in the UFC? Were you nervous or did you feel you were ready to be there?
MS: Its a big difference. The UFC is the Big Show. I felt ready.
MMAToday: Your first 4 fights in the UFC lasted a combined 6 minutes or so, what was the rush?
MS: I am just an aggressive fighter ha-ha
MMAToday: How has your training been coming? And how is the hand?
MS: Training is going great! Hand is almost 100%. I am still sparring and doing mitt work, I am just still a little careful with it.
MMAToday: Can you give us a little insight into your training regimen?
MS: We train 2-3 times a day, 6 days a week.
MMAToday: Who are you currently training with?
MS: We have a great crew in now As far as training, I have Lynn Schutz, Bob Cook, Dave Camarillo, and Javier Mendez. As far as teammates I got Fitch, Koscheck, Thomson, Prangley, Southworth, Fukada, plus a lot of great up and comers. Baroni should be back soon as well.
MMAToday: What motivated you to keep going and fighting?
MS: Wanting to be the best
MMAToday: Your next opponent is Yushin Okami on March 3rd, anything special planned for that fight?
MS: This fight is not for sure. Nothing is signed. We are still working on it. I want this fight though.
MMAToday: Where do you see yourself in the Middleweight title picture if you are victorious there?
MS: I guess it depends on how I perform. I plan to perform at my best.
MMAToday: How well do you stack up against the current champ Anderson Silva?
MS: Wouldnt mind finding out ha-ha
MMAToday: Is there any other Middleweight out there in the UFC you would like to fight? And why?
MS: All of them!
MMAToday: Would you still like a rematch with Chris Leben?
MS: That fight will happen eventually and yes I will be happy when it does. After his performance against MacDonald though, it wouldnt be a step up as far as my career goes. I want to fight top contenders right now.
MMAToday: What fights in your career are the most memorable to you?
MS: All my UFC fights have been very memorable.
MMAToday: How much longer do you have on your current contract?
MS: A little over a year
MMAToday: Any possibilities of jumping ship to another promotion when its up?
MS: Nope.
MMAToday: Is there any fighter outside the UFC you would like to mix it up with?
MS: Havent thought about it really.
MMAToday: What fighters do you enjoy watching and why?
MS: GSP, Liddell, Couture, CroCop, Riggs, Loiseau, Silva, etc All the exciting ones! I am a huge MMA fan myself.
MMAToday: What fighters do you look up to?
MS: Too many to list!
MMAToday: Who do think would be your toughest fight and why?
MS: Right now, I think Anderson Silva. It would be a good test for me.
MMAToday: What are your hobbies outside of MMA?
MS: Traveling. I love traveling! Whatever happens after you die happens, but this is the only earth we will ever have and I want to see it all. I like playing poker as well.
MMAToday: Who do you think the best over looked fighter in your weight class is?
MS: I am not sure. I dont follow the forums too much to know who is favored more and stuff
MMAToday: What do you think of Randy coming back?
MS: I am excited, I like him a lot.
MMAToday: What do you think of the UFC bringing in fighters from pride etc?
MS: I think they are just getting the best fighters from all over the world from all organizations and I think its great. I love competition.
MMAToday: If you could fight anyone who would it be? Why?
MS: Silva for the title. I want the belt! Ha-ha
MMAToday: Thank you very much for your time Mike, is there anything you would like to add here to your fans or anyone in general?
MS: Thanks for all your support guys! Please check out my webpage at MikeSwick.com and my Myspace at http://Myspace.com/mikeswick. I am also running a UNICEF campaign to raise money for underprivileged children worldwide. You can check out that page at http://unicefusa.org/ert/mikeswick. Thanks!
Brian is owner and webmaster of http://www.mmatoday.com
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