Where To Get Your Martial Arts And Self Defense Equipment
When you start training martial arts or Self Defense you will need the adequate martial arts of Self Defense equipment.

Both types of equipment are different and you should know what to look for when shopping for martial arts or self defense equipment.

The most common place to buy martial arts or self defense equipment is in the local dojo. Most dojos, training centers, etc?. have a small store where you can buy or order the martial arts or self defense equipment you need for your practice.

Buying your martial arts or self defense equipment at your local dojo has a lot of advantages. You will get expert advise from your teacher. He knows your needs and what type of martial arts or self defense equipment you are going to need for his classes. He will also be the best person to advise you on the quality of the different brands due to his years of experience with many different suppliers.

The negative part of buying martial arts or self defense equipment at your local dojo is the price. Buying only a minor wholesaler, the discount margins are very small and this will reflect itself in the prices your teacher has to charge for the martial arts and self defense equipment he or she sells.

The second possibility is buy your martial arts and self defense equipment at a local specialized store. The advantage is a lower price than in your local dojo or gym, you can touch, feel and try on the equipment before you buy to see if you like it and if the size fits you. You can get some advise from the salesperson about the different brands of martial arts and self defense equipment they sell.

The downside is the fact that most salespersons in those shops are non practitioners of the martial arts or self defense so they have no practical experience with the equipment they sell. This may lead to mistakes that will cost you money.

The third way to buy your martial arts or self defense equipment is to shop for it online. There are many suppliers to be found online that will ship the goods to your doorstep. To find them just type: martial arts or self defense equipment in google or any other search engine and you will get thousands of listings for this term.

The advantages are obvious : no need to leave your home, low prices and shipping to your doorstep but the inconveniences are also very obvious: You can not feel, try or touch the equipment before finishing the payment and receiving the shipment of your martial arts or self defense equipment. You won?t be able to get advise from a real person, face to face. Some suppliers will be happy to assist you in your selection of martial arts or self defense equipment by email or phone. If you have to return an order for whatever reason you will have to take care of the shipping and packing and refunds can take time to be paid.

So before starting to shop for your martial arts or self defense equipment take a look at the above and consider what is the best way for you. Some people will be limited to one or two possibilities and others can only buy their martial arts or self defense equipment online but wherever you go to buy yours, consider the warranty and the refund policies of all 3, the local dojo, the specialized shop and the online supplier.

This can save you a lot of headaches. Things do break and sometimes it just isn?t manufactured as it should be so warranty and refund policies will help you determine the professionalism of the seller and save you time and headaches.

Peter Vermeeren is a traditional martial arts teacher for over 30 year. His websites can be found here: <a href="http://www.takaharudojo.org" target="_blank">http://www.takaharudojo.org</a> and <a href="http://www.kamikaze-portal.com" target="_blank">http://www.kamikaze-portal.com</a>

Martial Arts and Self-Defense Wisdom: Stretch Before A Fight, Not During A Fight

One of the funniest, yet not-so-bright, things that I have ever heard of someone doing during a fight was actually done by one of my former students. Even though the incident that I am about to relate to you happened several years ago, it still makes me laugh every time I think about it. Even now as I type this article, I have a smile on my face and a chuckle in my belly.

I was first made aware of this particular incident on a Monday night as my intermediate adult class was arriving for their first class after the weekend. Larry (the name has been changed to protect the guilty) along with his friend and fellow classmate Joe, had just arrived at the dojo and went immediately to the change room in order to change and get ready for class. As they walked to the change room, I noticed that Larry seemed to be in an awfully big hurry and was actually looking away from me, while keeping his head down so that I couldn?t see his face. Although I thought this behavior was a bit peculiar, I really didn?t give it much thought at the time.

I spent the next 15 minutes or so with my beginning adult class as I finished teaching them their particular lesson for the day. After dismissing them for the evening, I had one of my senior students begin warming-up the next class. Which just so happened to be the one that Larry and Joe were in. The stretching period lasted about 20 minutes and as soon as it was completed, I took over the class.

Now have you ever been in a situation where you see something and then immediately do a double take because you can?t believe what you have just seen? Well, that very thing happened to me. As I called the class to attention, I looked at Larry and saw what had to be the biggest black eye I had ever seen. Now I must admit that I was rather awe struck at the time and just stared at Larry for several seconds. Finally, it occurred to me what I was seeing so I asked him what had happened. Larry?s only response to my question was to put his head down and look at the ground. While this is going on, I hear a couple of snickers coming from the back row of students. Since I was unable to determine who was laughing, I asked the entire class what was so funny. Joe, who ended up being the one laughing, informed me that I should ask Larry and then started outright laughing.

Well, I must admit that by this time my curiosity was sorely peaked. Therefore, I had one of my senior black belts take over the class while Larry and I went to my office. Once inside the office, Larry told me how he had acquired his black eye. Now I am generally not one to laugh at someone else?s misfortune and pride myself on being a fairly understanding and somewhat compassionate person. This however, was not one of those times. As a matter of fact, I was laughing so hard that I actually had tears running down my cheeks.

Now before I get into the actual events behind Larry?s black eye, you may want to stop reading this for a moment and go get a box of tissue paper. Because if you have any sense of humor at all, you are going to be laughing pretty hard in the next few moments as you continue to read this story.

Okay, now that you are back with the tissues, let?s get started.

Apparently the whole incident started the previous Saturday evening when Joe and Larry went to a local watering hole to have a few drinks with their wives. The evening started smoothly with no problems, that is until the local tough guys showed up with more liquor in their bodies, than brains in their head. As it turned out, the same could and would also be said of Larry.

The basic premise of the fight was that supposedly one of the local tough guys had made some kind of inappropriate comment towards Larry?s wife. Larry responded verbally and the tough guy challenged Larry to a fight. Larry agreed and he and Joe went outside with the loud mouth instigator and a couple of his friends.

Once out in the parking lot, Larry and his antagonist started to square off when Larry held up his hands and told the guy to wait a minute that he had to stretch first. When speaking with Joe later that night, he told me that he just stood there dumbfounded as Larry proceeded to sit down in the parking lot and stretch his legs. Now according to Joe, everyone stood there for almost a minute in shear disbelief that this was actually happening. Of course the first person to snap out of it was Larry?s opponent. Joe said that it seemed like he was watching it in slow motion when the guy take a couple of steps towards Larry as he drew back his right leg and proceeded to kick Larry right in the face with what would best be described as a punters kick.

Fortunately for Larry, he seen the kick at the last moment and was able to turn his head enough that the kick didn?t land flush against his face and ended up glancing off of his cheek bone after initially making impact. Larry then proceeded to get up off of the ground and put a major hurting on his opponent. Even though his face and eye hurt considerably, Larry told me that his self-esteem was hurt far worse for pulling such a foolish stunt. I told Larry that although it was a foolish thing to do, at least he had not gotten seriously hurt and that hopefully he learned a valuable lesson from this incident.

After several minutes of me trying to regain my composure, Larry and I began to pick apart the entire incident to try and discern all the various mistakes that were made and how he could avoid them in the future. The following mistakes are those that Larry and I both felt were made before and during this particular altercation.

1. Going to that particular bar, which was known as a roughneck bar, and where there was always trouble of some sort happening.

2. Drinking excessively in the first place. Whether in that bar or any other.

3. Allowing a verbal altercation to elevate into an actual fight.

4. Telling his opponent to hold on a minute, and then actually sitting down on the ground and stretching his legs.

When I asked Larry what had possessed him to sit down and stretch his legs, he told me that he wanted to be warmed-up and stretched out before getting into the actual fight. I informed Larry that the ?actual fight? started long before he went outside and that he was never going to get into a real fight when he was at his best. It always seems that every fight happens when you are either drinking (the vast majority of the time), tired, or distracted by something or someone else. Therefore, he needed to learn how best to avoid a possible confrontation, and when not able to avoid it, how to best use the actual situation and his surroundings to his advantage, not his opponents. And finally, never stop what you are doing in order to, nor expect your opponent to give you the opportunity to, sit down and stretch.

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

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A Martial Artist’s View of Jet Li’s Latest & Last Martial Arts Film: “Fearless”

There must have been only a dozen people attending the Florida showing of Jet Li?s latest and reportedly last martial arts film, ?Fearless.?

But numbers lie, because you can?t judge how ?boffo? this film is from its box office numbers.

This is gem, I?m sure you?ll agree, when you see it.

In this movie, Li?s character is descended from a father who could have been the martial arts champ of his province, if he hadn?t shown mercy and followed through with a punch he had already expertly launched at his adversary?s heart.

Li swore that he would redeem the family honor and win the title that eluded Papa.

As he journeys toward greatness, Li learns many things about love, life, revenge, and honor, and we see him mature as a martial artist and as a hero.

This movie is masterful at examining the role of restraint in a warrior?s life; a theme I have written quite a lot about, lately. Let me say, by the time the end of the movie is achieved, a great harmony between a battler?s motivations is consummated, almost improbably, but witnessing this outcome is very moving.

I suppose I knew that this was Li?s last contribution to martial arts films, and touched by this cinematic farewell as well as by the tightly woven story, I found myself immobilized as the credits ran.

Though you?ll see some good action and intense swordplay and wire-assisted leaps, this offering is more about internal strength than anything else.

You might see it and conclude as I did, that Li is the real deal, and most important, he leaves his fans and sometimes overly enthusiastic brawlers with more to ponder than their speed or athleticism.

He shows that the martial arts are a noble and humane endeavor, and their true aim is the perfection of character.

Walking the Path
Life is in the living - swimming is in the water - karate is in the empty hand. Karate is not in the clenched fist, but in the open mind and tempered spirit. This is the true path of budo.

Karate Kids- Children in the Martial Arts
“Will the martial arts make my child aggressive or dangerous?” I’d like to respond with a simple and resounding “NO” but that might be an untruth. The negative consequences of misplaced values and poor martial arts teaching appear very quickly and can have an overwhelming affect on your child.

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Samy Schiavo to Rematch Jean Silva for the Cage Rage Title
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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.

Martial Arts and The Zone

On the occasions you delivered the perfect strike; blocked without the need to think or performed a near flawless kata, did it feel difficult? Or did you get the sense it happened by itself? If you have experienced such moments you were in The Zone. The Zone is a place where athletes describe this sort of experience. Studies suggest its a state of ‘effortless merging of action and awareness’. So what stops us from getting there? Factors such as stress or attempts to try harder can interfere. Often our efforts to train harder result in unnecessary muscular responses that prevent us reaching the effortless state of The Zone.

It is my belief that our natural state is to be in The Zone. Diligent practice of the martial arts can help us to experience this shift of consciousness. The Zone is an altered state where things can happen with little or no perceived effort. In these moments our response appears to precede conscious thought and is executed near to perfection; right timing, right effort and entirely appropriate to the situation.

I am sure we have all experienced moments like this. For example, in one competition I scored ippon with a jodan mawashi geri to the side of my opponents exposed face. Afterwards my opponent congratulated me on my technique commenting he didn’t see it coming, to which I could honestly reply, “Neither did I”. I was only aware of the execution of the technique once my leg has started its recoil. Where had it come from? At some level my senses had registered the target, selected the most appropriate technique, fired it off, made the lightest of contact and started the recovery before I had become aware of it! This was probably my ‘finest hour’. But how can we be capable of such remarkable feats one moment and be totally incompetent the next - I lost the next round and was appallingly slow.

Whilst the patterns (techniques) residing at a subconscious level can be called upon with incredible speed and effectiveness, I believe this can only happen if we are in a balanced state. Another word for this is poise, this is not to be confused with posture. Poise is a state of totally appropriate activity, both at a muscular and ‘mental’ level. When we are in this state there is ‘optimum integration of the postural reflexes, consciousness and appropriate use of learnt patterns’. That is, we can get out of the way and let the processes just happen. Nerves, tension and stress will interfere with this process if we allow ourselves to react negatively to these situations such as stiffening the neck, an action that will impede the balance reflexes. Likewise, over-confidence has a similar affect of preventing the unity of self and action as, in my view, it will reduce our level of alertness and state of readiness. The ego really should be left at the door of the dojo!

So perhaps to heighten our chances of getting into The Zone we need to focus on ‘being in the moment’. Only by being consciously aware of the moment or ‘the here and now’ can we ensure inappropriate muscular activity is not present in our actions. This takes time and involves going back to some very basic movements (pre-martial art techniques) such as everyday simple activities and Zazen to experience a stillness and awareness that will help in more demanding activities.

About the Author

Roy Palmer is a teacher of The Alexander Technique and has studied performance enhancement in sport for the last 10 years. In 2001 he published a book called ‘The Performance Paradox: Challenging the conventional methods of sports training and exercise’ and is currently working on a new project about The Zone. More information about his unique approach to training can be found at http://www.fitness-programs-for-life.com/martial_arts_training.html

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Flexibility, Adaptibility, and The Keys to Martial Arts Mastery, Key #8

“Flexibility is the Key to Longevity.”

Think about that statement for a moment. Flexibility is the key to longevity.

I first encountered that statement almost over two decades ago while stationed with the US Army at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. The Operations Sergeant of my Military Police unit had it blown up to poster-size and hanging on the wall behind his desk.

As with all new members assigned to the 21st MP Company, I was asked, “Do you understand what that means?” And, like most I’m sure, my response to a senior was, “Yes, sergeant.” My affirmation was not at all related to what I think of that same phrase today.

To a disgruntled young soldier who had better things to do than put up with the “hurry-up and wait” organization that I perceived then, the phrase meant, “put up with all of the changes, and changes to the changes we throw at you and you’ll last much longer.”

Ironically, I came to find that - he was right! Except that it’s not just an ‘Army thing.’ What I have come to realize is that, regardless of whether we’re talking about a fight, a relationship, or just living, life is filled with change. In fact, there is nothing more permanent than change. Isn’t that funny? The only thing that doesn’t change is change-itself. And our own individual ability to adapt to those changes in our life, determine our own level of happiness, satisfaction, and ’survivability.’

Phrases like: “There’s always something,” and, “If it’s not one thing, it’s another,” are right. They are 100% accurate and the sad thing is that - there is absolutely nothing that we can do about it. But, that’s also the good news. We can stop chasing after permanence. We can stop fighting change because it’s a losing battle. Stress, or what most people call stress, which is the tension and anxiety that occurs when things don’t go our way, is what happens when we assume that things will happen just because we want them to. We expect that the world will magically conform to our wishes without any awareness or planning on our part. “It worked yesterday,” is the general belief along with, “if it hasn’t broken yet, it won’t.”

In the scrolls of the Takagi-Yoshin school of martial warriorship that has been past down for the last several hundred years, there is a key for winning in every battle. It’s simple, and I’d like to share this age-old wisdom with you.

Are your ready? Here it is:

“Don’t enter a battle you can’t win.”

That’s it.

Our ability to be adaptable and to have more than one way of doing things is essential to winning the battles of day-to-day life.

That poster means much more to me today than it did to that young man years ago. I can still hear my Sergeant’s voice as he asks…

“…Do you understand what it means?”

And, I can hear my answer to him.

“Yes, Sergeant.”

“It means…put up with all of the changes, and changes to the changes that are thrown at you and you’ll last much longer.”

Take a deep breath…

…relax, and…

…enjoy the ride.

I’ll see you in class.

About the Author

Jeffrey Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior Concepts International. He is a consultant for businesses, groups, and organizations on the topic of self-protection. For more info, subscribe to his ezine here.

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7 Ways To Protect Your Own Entourage With Simple Self-Defense Tactics
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Facts about Martial Arts for Kids - Part 2

In this continuing series, let’s address more issues and frequently asked questions that concern parents who seek to enroll their child in a martial arts program. The first question in this part is possibly the most important one of all.

How do I find the right martial arts teacher for my kids?

You will know when you have a face-to-face meeting and
observe him or her teach a martial arts class. The
chemistry between a prospective martial arts teacher and you should be good.

After all, your child is supposed to learn courtesy,
respect, self-discipline, goal setting, and many more life skills from his or her martial arts instructor. If the martial arts teacher you are considering displays none of the above-mentioned qualities, please continue to shop around.

It makes no difference if your child is learning Karate, Jujitsu, Aikido, Judo, Tae Kwon Do, or Kung Fu, when the teacher is not a good role model. You don’t need to expose your children to hazards or questionable characters in order for them to learn martial arts. The martial arts school philosophy, and the instructors, should meet your standard - never settle for less.

Are you looking for discipline, academic improvement, life skills, tournament competition, self-defense, or a positive activity? Martial arts studios are not created equally. A life skills school may not meet the needs of a competitive parent or child. A “tournament school” that teaches Sport Karate, Sport Jujitsu, or enters many competitions, may be lacking in life skills and so forth.

This is not meant to take away the value of any aspect in martial arts training, but to make you, as a parent, aware that the emphasis will be different from one type of school to another. Also, the self-defense aspect will be taught differently within each martial arts school. Some martial arts schools teach more of one technique such as: punching, kicking, joint locks, sweeps, and throws.

At our wellness center in North Providence, Rhode Island, we teach all of those aspects, and we also teach self-defense through communication. For example: Wouldn’t it be better to prevent a physical conflict by talking it out? If a child is fully capable of defending himself or herself, why should he or she pursue a physical fight?

As adults, we know that the diplomatic approach to a
physical conflict will not always work, but it is worth a try. Our children need to look at social skills, awareness, and courtesy as survival tools. Whether they are walking down a street, or entering the workplace, these skills are extremely important.

Know your goals and your child’s needs. Please make sure your reasons for enrolling your son or daughter in martial arts classes are sound. Martial arts for your child, is his or her personal endeavor. You can share in the feeling of accomplishment by being supportive and watch them grow to be successful. Success is one of the most important gifts we can give to our children.

The ideal martial arts instructor should have knowledge of sports medicine and CPR training. This may be one of the reasons why serious injuries are rare. Make sure that the safety of each child is a priority with the martial arts school you choose.

Some parents may feel I play it too safe within a karate class, but they have not seen a child knocked unconscious, a broken nose, or loss of blood, in my school. When I was a Sport Karate coach, referee, and judge, I saw all of those things in tournaments, and children were all wearing protective equipment.

Therefore, safety precautions are a very important factor, when deciding which martial arts school you should choose for your child.

? 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

Martial Arts Expert, Lieutenant X, Offers Free Tips on How to Kick Tony Soprano Into Next Season
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Submit Gear and Gold’s Gym Bridge the Gap between Bodybuilding and Mixed Martial Arts

Gold’s Gym, Training Ground, and Submit Gear Inc. are working together to create a training facility like no other.

The first of five Gold’s Gym locations will be re-opening in October located at 2440 Cawthra Rd. in Mississauga. The new 45,000 sq. ft. facility will be introducing mixed martial arts classes consisting of Muay Thai, Boxing and Jiu Jitsu and will be managed by Kru Gerald Ching of “Training Ground” . The gym will have a designated martial arts area consisting of a full size boxing ring, octagon, and floor space for classes.

There are more people training today in martial arts than ever before. With today’s tough competition, one of the key aspects to becoming a successful mixed martial arts fighter is impeccable physical conditioning.

“It makes perfect sense to offer weightlifting, cardio, and martial arts all under one roof” says Joe de Barros, president of Gold’s Gym.

Other features of the new location include: indoor basketball court, indoor beach volleyball (instructed by Canadian Olympic Team member Kara Zakrzewski), juice bar, hairdresser, esthetician, child playroom, personal training, nutrition counselling, and a pro shop.

Gold’s Gym will also be the first Canadian distributor of Submit Gear fight apparel, an online Mississauga-based clothing company (www.SubmitGear.com) which sells athletic apparel for fighters and fans. “We’ve just recently introduced our wholesale program, and to have Gold’s Gym as our first Canadian distributor in my hometown is very exciting” says Mark Chiappino, owner of Submit Gear Inc.

For more information on the new Gold’s Gym Mississauga location, visit www.GoldsGymMississauga.com.

About the Author

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History And Fundamentals Of Karate
History:

Though Karate is often associated with Japanese martial arts, its true origin dwells in Okinawan combat techniques and Southern Chinese martial arts. It is basically a fusion of both arts and was introduced to Japan only in 1921. During this period, Karate was simply known as “Te”, or hand, as called by the Okinawans. Chinese influence is evident in the original symbol for Karate - the “Tang Hand” or ?Chinese Hand?.

There were no specified or concrete Karate styles in the early days and simply generalized as Shuri-te, Naha-te and Tomari-te, named after the three cities in which they were formed. Each city had its own methods, principles, system and traditions of Karate.

The introduction, popularization and modernization of Karate to Japan are mainly credited to Funakoshi, an Okinawan master, venerably regarded by many practitioners as ?The Father of Modern Karate?. Other prominent Karate experts in his time include Kenwa Mabuni, Miyagi Chojun, Choshin Chibana, and Motobu Choki.

Japan began introducing Karate as a subject in schools before the Second World War and soldiers in the army were often trained in the discipline. Competitions and different styles also started emerging as several universities started karate club programs during this period.

The popularization of Karate in the West has its roots in the American military occupation of Japan and Okinawa after the Second World War, and Japanese immigration to the United States.

Fundamentals of Karate:

Karate mainly stresses on volatile combat techniques such as punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open hand methods. Grappling, joint manipulations, locks, restraints, throwing, and vital point striking are also parts of this discipline.

Karate training is divided into three main sections ?

? Kihon refers to the study of basic techniques, movements and components
? Kata or ‘form’, a fixed sequence of moves, is a series of movements and techniques linked together by the combatative principles that the kata expresses.
? Kumite or ’sparring’ evovles from well-defined kata to open attack and defense.

The Uniform ? Color of the Belt and Ranks:

The Karate uniform is white and comprised of the Kimono (shirt), Dogi or Keikogi (pants) and a belt (white or colored), a combination introduced by Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo. The color of the belt is dependant on the rank and expertise of a practitioner. In accordance with commonly held standards, white belts are for beginners, and black for the highest rank. This, howver, may differ from one organization to another. Each rank may also have subdivions of its own even if the color of the belt is similar.
Styles and Variations:

Karate styles can be broadly classified into Traditional and Full Body Karate. Traditional styles are those that developed in the early period of the 20th century and include variants such as Shotokan, Goju-ryu, Wado-ryu, Shito-ryu, Kushin-ryu, and Shindo Jinen Ryu. Full contact karate includes styles such as Kyokushin-kaikan and Kansuiryu. Many of the styles have offshoots that developed into styles of their own. Although the concepts remain universal, each representation differ from one another.

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Tai Chi for Over Fifties And Under Fifties!
Tai Chi is an internal martial art which can be soft and gentle. It can and should be practised in a flowing way for practitioners of any age. Particlularly, in China and the est nowadays, people ove r 50 are taking up tai chi whilst the younger generation in china are not so interested in such a traditional art! Tai chi has been proven by the 3000 years of Chinese experience and recent medical studies into te benefits of qigong tai chi is acomplete qigong to be beneficial to the health of the individual practioner. Complete recovery of from diseases from cancer to colds has been documented through diligent pratice of tai chi. Tai chi can also be used to control arthritis. It is recommended that you learn under a highly experienced instructor, who has over 10 years of experience and has learned in China or from a well-recognized master with verificable “lineage”. This is because you want to be learning the real thing and benefitting by clearer mind, healthier body and gradual recovery from any health challeneges you may have experienced or be experienceing. Enjoying it so far: click here> Tai chi chuan means “supreme ultimate fist”. What does “supreme ultimate” mean to you? Tai chi is really about the cultivation of mind, body, spirit and also to kinds of energy, which we don’t have a proper concept of in the West. Those are internal energy, or chi which is present in the body from birth and we also get it from air and food. External energy is the energy that is in the universe. We learn to build up the chi in our bodies in tai chi and that helps us to improve our health. This is the medical aspect of tai chi. We learn to utilize the external energy in tai chi which is the martial aspect of the martial art of tai chi. Tai chi is said to have been invented approximately 5000 years ago, legend has it either by a Taoist priest named Chang Seng Feng or passed to the ancient Chinese people by a group of people reputed to have been 7ft tall and these people - “the sons of reflected light” are said to have taught the arts to the chinese which has made their civilisation so advanced since as long as 3000 year ago as documented by discoveries of the porcelain and silk items in archaeology. Chang Seng Feng is reported to have witnessed a fight between a crane and a snake and noticed the yielding and striking qualities of these animals and designed tai chi based on observations of nature. Tai chi is thus performed slowly and changingly, “flowing like a river” to promote longevity and health. does the tortoise or the elephant move quickly and fast? And how long do these creratures live for? Is it not possible then that we should slow down in our lives and relax like these long-living creature to improve our own chances of living long lives? We imitate the movements of many animals in the tai chi form - a sequence of movements or postures which flow into each other. These stretching and strengthening exercises have very poetic names, beautiful such as White Crane Spreads Its Wings, Golden cock Stands On one Leg and Fair Lady Weaves The Shuttles. Tai chi is a healthy exercise which improves circulation. The author used to be a medical student at Sheffield university and notes that Tai chi was used in the Royal Hallamshire Hospital to aid recovery for heart attack patients. Tai chi incorporates breathing and movement as well as internal assage of the body’s organs and stretching of muscles, tendons and ligaments. Keeping a clear mind is important and whilst the exercise is anaerobic, i.e. not strenuous, the body feel invigorated after proper practice and one can feel energy circulating in the body after practice -so don’t overdo it. The key is consistent daily practice and taking responsibility for your health 100% Sam Beatson runs http://www.tai-chi-kung-fu.com

Sam Beatson Runs Several
http://www.tai-chi-kung-fu.com and http://www.tai-chi-kung-fu.gods-internet.com

British Aikido Board National Nepotism Seminar
The British Aikido Board Disastrous National Nepotism Seminar 2004 — 99 Students By Henry Ellis ( BAB Founder member - now resigned ) Co-author of Positive Aikido. For many years The British Aikido Board ( BAB ) have shown no interest whatsoever in the true history of British Aikido, to be fair to the BAB, they have in the past shown a great deal of interest and support for the false history of British Aikido for which they have now publicly apologised, the apology to Henry Ellis by the chairman Mr Vincent Sumpter can be viewed on www.geocities.com/britishaikido. Kenshiro Abbe Sensei When Kenshiro Abbe Sensei first stepped on British soil in 1955 he brought with him the knowledge of many Budo arts, Aikido being one of them. Abbe Sensei also brought his Aikido based philosophy of Kyu-Shin-Do. This was the inception of British Aikido. Yet no where in the BAB literature will you find any reference to Kenshiro Abbe Sensei or the origins of Aikido within the UK. In the year 2000 the BAB were happy to help promote Mr Pooles proven fraudulent claims to 47 yrs of Aikido, I am plesaed to add that the BAB have now taken this claim by Mr Poole from the BAB Associations information website. I personally received my invitation from the BAB to attend Mr Poole’s event, that was the start of the long running British Aikido Board Controversy which was resolved at the mediation meeting 6th July 2005 with Sport England/BAB/Ellis. Yet sadly, the BAB have never ever recognised or promoted the true history of British Aikido or its founder Kenshiro Abbe Sensei. The reason for this article is that following the success of the great Kenshiro Abbe Sensei Celebrations 14th May 2005 I am informed that the BAB plan a similar event next year which would be an insult to the memory of Abbe Sensei and to the handful of Abbe Sensei direct students. It should be pointed out that the spate of attacks on the credibilty of British Aikido History - Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and Henry Ellis have all come from within the BAB, some are executive members along with prominent members of the British Aikido Board associations. These are the very people that the members would expect to promote and protect their proud lineage. The BAB chairman once supported the claims of Mr Poole by stating ” We have no formal records to prove or disprove either claim ” DUH < There were four of Abbe Sense’s direct students within the BAB > Mr John Burn.* BAB Executive *- *BAB Communications Officer* - Very Serious libel attack on the name of Henry Ellis. renews his attack 10th June 2005 stating ” This only serves to amuse me “. Jim Johnston. The then *BAB Press Officer*. Promoting the fraudulent claims of Mr Poole whilst fully knowing the truth. Mr Dominick Foster.* BAB Executive * - Attends the Kenshiro Abbe Celebrations and states to a VIP guest “What is this Celebration all about ” he then states that next year is the true celebration of British Aikido by the BAB. Mr Jack Poole.* BAB Senior Principal Coach *. The Jack Poole Biography..( a catalogue of lies. ). The KenShinKai.* Prominent BAB Association*. Gave 100% Support for the JP Bio..Their open letter taken from the NACD is a classic. Mr Gwynne Jones.* Prominent BAB member *. Dis-credits 6 of the first 8 of the early dan grades in MartialArts Illustrated article ” Bends the Branch..Issue June 05. visit the National Aikido Database for more information. British Aikido Board Statement Damned Forever * The BAB Chairman *Toni Davis stated in the year 2000 “We the British Aikido Board are not the custodians of British Aikido History and therefore have no interest in the same” Sadly with the arrival of the new BAB chairman Mr Vincent Sumpter nothing changed, he made the statement below despite the factual information available to him and his executive, We must not forget that Mr Sumpter had the only four surviving students of Abbe Sensei for Aikido within the BAB. On the 17th April 2002 The *BAB Chairman * Mr Vincent Sumpter wrote to Henry Ellis with reference to the history of British Aikido. He then made the following crass statement in his support for the BAB stance on Mr Jack Poole. “The period in question predates the creation of the BAB by a significant amount of time and therefore we have no formal records to prove or disprove either claim.” The Kenshiro Abbe 50th Celebration Seminar May 14th Crystal Palace London 720 Participants —Guests — Spectators At the Sport England / BAB / Ellis mediation meeting 6th July 2004 where the BAB were reprimanded by Sport England and instructed to give Henry Ellis a full public apology. At the end of the meeting ( The minutes for this meeting can be viewed on www.geocities.com/britishaikido ), Henry Ellis appraised Ms Sadie Mason of Sport England of the proposed plans for the Kenshiro Abbe event, Ms Mason suggested that we should involve the BAB in our plans as part of the reconciliation of British Aikido, Henry Ellis agreed. Henry Ellis offered Ms Mason’s suggestion to the Abbe Event Committee, the suggestion was unanimously accepted 100%. The BAB executive were then approached and invited to send a representative ( any one of its 15,000 members ) of the BAB to attend our meetings and report back on our progress, this offer was rejected out of hand. Mr Vincent Sumpter “No matter your Pretence, you are what you are and nothing more!” Kenshiro Abbe Sensei Not deterred, we then invited the BAB chairman Mr Vincent Sumpter to attend The Kenshiro Abbe 50th Celebration as a VIP guest, to pay the respects of the BAB membership of which he represents . There were many BAB members attending, proving that this event was not about personal differences — styles or what organisation you belong to, I was pleased to see students from Mr Poole’s organisation who were also made very welcome. This event was about one thing and one thing only ” Kenshiro Abbe Sensie ” with demonstrations of the early aikido and its proud standards, with Sensei Eastman showing various techniques to show the influences that the different early teachers brought to the UK in those early days. Students trained with other students of various styles and associations with a friendliness not often seen in modern Aikido circles. this event went a long way to promote all that is good in Aikido. I believe that the spirit of Abbe Sensei would be very proud of this special day to his memory. Another crass statement from Mr Vincent Sumpter 27th March 2004 made before the Sport England Mediation meeting 6th July 2005. In an unwarranted attack on the genuine aikidoka who supported the British Aikido Controversy debate in its defence of the true history of British Aikido and the Aikido history of Abbe Sensei and his disciples. Mr Sumpter bleats. “The Boards conscience is clear. like all the practitioners of Aikido who contribute to this “controversy ” Mr Humm appears to have forgotten the meaning of the word “Aikido ” — Harmony of Sprit to find a Way ” The “Controversy ” website feeds hatred, ill — feeling, bitterness and discord. For my part, as an aikidoka who is passionate about the art and the etiquette that goes with it, I will therefore not add to the feeding frenzy this website generates. I can’t stop what is going on but I can turn the other cheek.” With reference to the above statement by Mr Sumpter I should remind the reader to visit www.geocities.com/britishaikido to read both the Sport England minutes and Mr Sumpters apology to Mr Ellis which can only be considered an apology to all those that supported the “Controversy ” in the name of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei including the named Mr David Humm. In response to our invitation to attend as a VIP guest to the Abbe event Mr Sumpter replied stating that he graciously accepted our invitation. Just before the event he changed his mind without explanation, suggesting that we allow Mr Ralph Reynolds to represent the BAB. Mr Reynolds had a far more important role to play as one of the main teachers at this event where he was delighted to take part as an original student of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei. This was such an important event with many good students who were members of the BAB, yet, the British Aikido Board were not represented at this event to pay tribute to such a great master and the founding father of British Aikido. If Mr Sumpter had attended he would have seen a Martial Arts Spectacular never before seen in the United Kingdom, where students from many organisations met and renewed old friendships, there were many more that made new friendships. In almost 50 years of Aikido I have never before experienced the special atmosphere that electrified the great hall at Crystal Palace from the moment the Taiko Drummers started to play on this day of celebration in the name of Abbe Sensei. I never ever thought in my life time that I would ever see an event to eclipse the great event at The Royal Albert Hall in 1963 with Abbe Sensei. I knew on Saturday the 14th of May that I was now witnessing the greatest Aikido event in my 48 years of Aikido. I am not an emotional man but I will admit that as I looked over the balcony of the concourse onto the tatami area with the sound of the Taiko Drummers and the hundreds of students and guests gathering below I was unable to stop the trickle of a few emotional tears as I realised I was witnessing something very special. MR SUMPTER, you missed something very special, whilst you sat 40 miles away at home ignoring the tribute to the father of British Aikido, others travelled from all parts of the UK — USA — France — Holland — Germany — Czechoslovakia. etc. Whilst you sat at home it was a wonderful moment when Sensei Bill Woods who was the personal aide to Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and without doubt the most influential force in the history British Martial Arts, made a supreme effort despite his serious illness to pay his respects to the memory of Abbe Sensei. Also whilst you sat at home, Sensei Bill Stopps the personal Aide to Matsutharu Otani Sensei who despite his age and ill health also attended and thanked me wholeheartedly for inviting him as a special guest, and for the wonderful day he had experienced. Whilst you sat at home just 40 miles away, Sensei Robin Otani and his two sons, the descendents of Matsutharu Otani Sensei travelled all the way from Devon to attend. Sensei Joe Curran travelled all the way from Newcastle and Sensei Mike Nery travelled from Bristol. Sensei Dave Rogers travelled 7000 miles from New Mexico USA as did Sensei Al Montemar and Mr Chad Hatcher who flew over from Texas USA to pay their respects. Whilst you sat at home there were many others that travelled long journeys to attend. Unlike you Mr Sumpter these people wanted to attend. You missed some of the finest displays of the Budo arts that any martial artist is ever likely to witness at any one event, a truly lasting experience for all those that made the effort to attend. I was always under the impression that it was the sworn duty of any chairman to always do what was best for his organisation and its members. As the previous BAB chairman Toni Davies will always be rembered for nothing more than his unsweving support for Mr Poole. The present chairman Mr Sumpter will always be rembered as the BAB chairman who snubbed the Kenshiro Abbe Memorial to pay tribute to our founding father on behalf of his membership. Try Try Try Again After the disastrous “British Aikido Board Nepotism Seminar 2004″ with only 99 students attending out of a membership of approx 15000, the BAB have decided not to hold it’s 2005 National Seminar . They are of course fully aware of the fantastic success of the Kenshiro Abbe Celebrations. With 720 participants — honoured guests — spectators. The BAB having failed in its four year support for Mr Jack Poole to change the history of British Aikido. They now appear to have a renewed interest in the true history of British Aikido and its founder Kenshiro Abbe. No matter whatever the British Aikido Board do, that damning statement below will hang over their shameless heads for ever and a day. British Aikido Board Statement Damned Forever The BAB Chairman Toni Davis stated in the year 2000 “We the British Aikido Board are not the custodians of British Aikido History and therefore have no interest in the same.” “No matter your pretence, you are what you are and nothing more.” Kenshiro Abbe Sensei By: Henry Ellis Co-Author of Positive Aikido. http://www.EllisAikido.org http://www.geocities.com/britishaikido

Henry Ellis Co-author of Positive Aikido. Aikido assistant National Coach for ten years, direct student of the legendary master Kenshiro Abbe Sensei from 1957. Principal Coach of the Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido.

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Martial Arts Book Review: Zen Combat by Jay Gluck
This is a very well written book and one that I don’t believe is in print anymore. The copy I have I ended up finding in an old book store several years ago. This book gives you some outstanding information on the history of primarily the Japanese martial arts and their philosophy.

Martial Arts Book Review: Mas Oyama’s Karate by Bobby Lowe
Included in this book are some really wonderful historical photographs of both Masutatsu “Mas” Oyama and Bobby Lowe. These photographs are in addition to the numerous photographs of Mr. Lowe’s students demonstrating the techniques described throughout this book.

A Self-Defense Reality - A Reason to Study Reality-Based Martial Arts and Self-Defense

Imagine, if you will…

A woman walking across a dark parking lot late at night - perhaps on her way to meet her date. The lot, apparently occupied only by the vehicles parked there and the occasional cat hunting for an evening snack.

Then, as if from out of nowhere, she feels the hard, meaty arm slam into her throat from the front. While her mind races to determine exactly what’s happening, she becomes more and more aware that she is not in control - her world has just changed forever.

The woman feels her muscles contract and, though she tries to move, is aware that much of her own body won’t respond to her brain’s commands. As the adrenaline and other chemicals flood her blood stream in natural response to danger, she is overcome by a multitude of feelings and sensations that she has, quite literally, never experienced before.

As the initial shock response and wave of panic begins to ebb, she finds herself becoming aware of the sensation of her assailant’s body behind her and the fact that his arm is coming from over her right shoulder. She can now hear his hot, rasping breath in her ear and perhaps the fact that he is saying something to her; though she’s not quite sure what it is.

Since she’s taken a few self-defense classes, she remembers learning how to get out of this type of attack and reaches up to grab and pull his arm away from her neck. What she finds though, is that she cannot even begin to budge it in the least.

“Wait a minute,” she thinks in a moment of clarity, “this isn’t right.”

“This isn’t right!”

“It always worked in class.” “This guy’s holding me too tight!” “No one ever holds THIS TIGHT!”

She feels the next wave of panic start to grip her. Not because she is being attacked but…

…because she realizes that her defense doesn’t work.

“Why?” “What’s going on?!”

“It’s supposed to work!” “He said it would wo….”

As the darkness of unconsciousness overtakes her, she is left with the feeling of a warm blanket that is being pulled over someone who will sleep for a long while.

The preceding story, believe it or not, happens several times every single day in our country and around the world. To be certain, the details are different. Perhaps the victim…

…is a man - not a woman…

…never actually trained with anyone and just had their own assumptions…

…was attacked differently, but…

…the results are always the same.

Or, are they?

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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Martial Arts Leaders Give More Support for the New Museum
The Martial Arts History Museum continues to receive support from martial arts leaders across the globe

The Martial Arts and Self-Defense - Emotional Response and Reaction

The media has fuelled the perception that ordinary people on the street are in constant danger from violent attack, and self-defense classes promise to counter this fear.

To attract students, most martial arts schools in the U.S. teach self-defense methods. They make many claims about the usefulness of martial arts techniques in defending oneself against attack. Such situations of attack are rare, however, and can be avoided by not putting oneself in danger (for example, not walking around bad neighborhoods after dark, not buying or selling illegal drugs, not hanging around bars, not getting involved with gangs, and so on). Being alert and aware of one’s surroundings and recognizing the types of events that are likely to occur in certain locations are the individual’s first line of self-defense.

The media has fuelled the perception that ordinary people on the street are in constant danger from violent attack, and self-defense classes promise to counter this fear. In truth, this perception is largely false, as more people are injured in incidents of domestic violence than on the street by strangers. To be effective, self-defense classes only need to reduce the feeling of fear.

When a person is actually attacked on the street by a stranger, the main problem in self-defense is generally not a lack of physical ability to counter the attack, but an emotional reaction, such as panic or anger, that can turn a bad situation worse. Panic can be paralyzing and invite attack, while anger can provoke harm as well by frightening or angering an attacker to further violence.

Serious training in the martial arts takes the emotional reaction out of violent confrontations. After many hours of practice, a punch or a kick becomes merely a physical force, a fist or a foot is easily handled, and an encounter is not even experienced as a personal attack. Students learn good coordination and self-confidence, characteristics which can discourage potential aggressors from becoming aggressive in the first place. In the martial arts, the simple act itself of practicing over a long period of time may be the most important element in effective self-defense than any specific technique learned.

Focusing on self-defense in today’s world has changed the techniques being taught in the martial arts. In the modern world, no one is likely to be attacked by a sword-wielding samurai. Instead, an attacker may be unarmed or have a baseball bat, knife, or gun. Battlefield combat techniques would not be very useful in these situations. The emphasis on such techniques has declined in most martial arts styles and has been replaced with techniques that are relevant to our times.

About the Author

Steven Gregoire has been training in the martial arts since 1986. Currently
he operates Tigerstrike.com A martial art
equipment and supply store.

Hollywood Star Joe Piscopo headed to the Atlantic City Tropicana Casino in Jnauary
Joe Piscopo is set for the Mega Martial Arts Expo that will be taking place at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City NJ

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Martial Arts Book Review: Krav Maga by David Kahn
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 David Kahn’s, “Krav Maga.” The author gives you a very good basic overview on the art of Krav Maga, and this book is one you definitely want to acquire, especially if you decide to join a Krav Maga class. And that is not a bad idea at all.

Martial Arts Book Review: Ending Violence Quickly by Marc “Animal” MacYoung
Once again, Marc gives you a no-holds barred look at the reality of fighting and surviving on the street. This book is simply loaded with sound principles and easy to learn techniques for making the most of a bad situation. I find the information on the principles behind the techniques very useful, and it is usually a very good indicator of a high quality self-defense and/or martial arts book.

Failure is Not an Option! - “Attitude” and the 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!

About the Author

Jeffrey Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior Concepts International. He is a consultant for businesses, groups, and organizations on the topic of self-protection. For more info, subscribe to his ezine here.

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Are You Including A Press Release In Your Marketing Campaign Arsenal? Perhaps You Should Be…
 

Beating Stress with Martial Arts

Are you a busy executive or mom trying to do everything? Are you getting so stressed out that it seems like you’re not accomplishing anything? If so, you can use martial arts to combat that stress! Many of the skills and techniques used in martial arts training are the same skills and techniques you can use to rid your body of stress.

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So, you might be wondering how a skill that is commonly depicted as a fighting tool can actually reduce stress… Some of these common images of martial arts aren’t completely accurate. The cartoons, video games and movies showing martial arts as a fighting tool are only showing you one small facet of the art. The skills necessary for training martial arts can teach you how to balance your mind and body and give you the confidence you need to face the stressful events in your life. (more…)

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The Secrets Behind the Art of the Eight Limbs
These increase strength, speed, power and accuracy and are ideal for the beginner and the master alike.

Mixed Martial Arts
Article on mixed martial arts (MMA) which explains the origin, techniques used and training aspects of MMA.

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. (more…)

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Weight Training and Martial Arts Training- Should You Do Both?

Should You Add Supplementary Weight Training to your Martial Arts Training?

There are four things you should consider before you add supplementary weight training into your workout schedule:

? Speed

? Flexibility

? Endurance

? Strength (more…)

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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? (more…)

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Jujitsu: History, Philosophy And Methods
Brief History:

Jujitsu is a 2500 year old unarmed combat discipline that has its roots in ancient Japan. The exact date on the creation of this martial art form is hard to trace but techniques resembling that of Jujitsu had already been incorporated into the training methods of the Samurai, from the 8th to the 6th centuries. Earliest Japanese historical records such as the Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters) and the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) also have passages related to unarmed combat systems.

Before this Japanese martial art developed into what we know as Jujitsu today, there were many other Japanese combat techniques such as Kogusoku, yawara, kumiuchi, and hakuda etc, also collectively known as Sengoku Jujutsu. Traditions finally gave rise to the modern Nihon Jujutsu we know today, which is classified under Edo Jujutsu ? the true unarmed Japanese combat system.

Jujitsu gained prominence during the reign of Tokugawa in the 1600s but was soon alienated when Emperor Melse regained power. However, towards the mid-20th century, the ban on Jujitsu in Japan was lifted, following the Meiji restoration, and the combat art form began to be widely practiced.

The Philosophy:

Jujitsu revolves around three basic states of mind ? Zanshin, Mushin and Fudoshin. The proper combination of these elements gave the power, preparation and potential to the practitioner to excel in the Jujitsu art.

1. Zanshin ? ?remaining spirit? ? connotes the readiness for anything at any given time.

2. Mushin ? ?no mind? ? Its spontaneity permits instantaneous action without conscious thought.

3. Fudoshin - “immovable mind” ?during times of confrontation.

Basic Methods:

Jujitsu is a circular, hard and soft, external combat style. The basic techniques of attacks includes throws, locks, hitting and striking, thrusting and punching, pinning and immobilizing, strangling and joint-locking, with strong emphasis on throws, locks, and defensive techniques. In-fighting and close work are also focused upon.

Even though Jujitsu is basically an unarmed fighting system, small weapons like the Jitte (truncheon), Tanto (knife), or Kakushi Buki (hidden weapons), which include the Ryofundo Kusari (weighted chain) or the Bankokuchoki (a type of knuckle-duster) may also be used in combat.

Competition Systems:

Conventional Jujitsu can be dangerous, or maybe even fatal if its fundamental techniques were to be applied. So, in order to make the art a safer sport for the competitive arena, systems and rules have to be introduced. That is why most of the competition methods have incorporated ?Half-contact?, which prohibits serious attempts to knock out an opponent.

1. The Fighting System: This is the most popular method, divided into three phases. The first is for striking only, the second for striking, grappling and throwing, and the third includes ground-fighting such as chokeholds.

2. The Practical System: According to this rule, two defenders are surrounded by four attackers from four corners. Highest points go to the best defender judged upon effectiveness, oversight and control of the situation.

3. The Duo System: In this system, contestants are randomly chosen and awarded points for effective defences. The attacks are divided into four groups of five attacks each.

4. Combat Jujitsu: The most recent system developed in the United States. Victory in the competition is based on submission. The combat round between the two opponents lasts for not more than two minutes.

<a href="http://martialarts-hq.com/">Martial Arts HQ</a> offers articles, tips and tricks about different martial arts.

Martial Arts Book Review: Hard Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks by Alain Burrese

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 Alain Burrese’s, “Hard Won Wisdom from the School of Hard Knocks.” I had purchased Alain’s book several years ago when I had just caught the tail end of one of his seminars on Hapkido. I took the book home and read it a few days later.

Boy was I impressed! Not so much by the book itself, as I was by the author. Alain’s grasp of the philosophical aspects of the “war stories” that he recounts shows a remarkable insight into the various situations that we seem to put ourselves in, never once thinking of the possible consequences that could transpire because of our lack of foresight.

Some of the major points that I got out of Alain?s book are as follows.

The lessons that Alain teaches the reader are from his own personal experiences and, liked I stated in the previous paragraph, show a remarkable insight into how doing a couple of small easy things can keep you out of a lot of the trouble that you could easily find yourself in.

Alain has a good solid section covering the use of your hands, elbows, and knees as personal striking weapons to use against an opponent. This is more of a principle based teaching and less of a ?How To? section. I have seen way too many books that spent a lot of time on the ?How To? sections, but then little to nothing at all on the principles behind the techniques. This is definitely not the case with Alain?s book.

The one section that I was looking forward to was, in my opinion, a little too brief. Although I am sure that this is primarily because my particular field of expertise just so happens to be the section in question. This is Alain?s brief section devoted to kicking. Now although a lot of what Alain has to say on the subject I happen to agree with, there are other things that, shall I say, we share a difference of opinion.

Alain then follows up with a section on going to the ground during a fight, and the possible ramifications of what could happen once this occurs. One point that everyone should agree on, is the fact that no matter how hard you try not to, there is a 90% plus chance that if a physical confrontation lasts much more than a few seconds it will probably end up on the ground. A place you definitely don?t want to be in a self-defense situation. In my opinion, it is best to do whatever you can in order to not end up on the ground, and if you do how to quickly get back up on your feet again.

The next section gives you a brief but informative overview of training methods and fitness routines that you can and should implement in order to not only improve your fighting technique, but also to keep you in shape for normal day-to-day activities.

One section that Alain included in his book that I can?t recall ever seeing in any other books is a section dealing with women. Now you can tell by reading this section that Alain is by his very nature the knight on a white horse racing to save the damsel in distress. I find this to be a very chivalrous attitude and one that seems to be sorely lacking in today?s society. However, having said that, I would like to ask the following question, ?Who is to blame for this prevalent modern attitude, the man, or the woman?? I will leave it up to the individual to decide.

They say that hindsight is 20/20, and I happen to agree. However, if you would like to have 20/20 foresight, do the following.

1. Purchase this book

2. Sit down with this book, a notepad, and a pen.

3. Make three columns on the notepad. Mark one “Mistakes,” ?Options,? and the other
“End It.”

4. As you read this book, write down the ?Mistakes? that were made in each recounted story.

5. Then write down other ?Options? that could be used to avoid each situation.

6. And finally, if unavoidable, what other things could have been done to ?End It.?

7. After you have done this and have had the time to thoroughly digest it, sit down and write a letter to Alain thanking him for the wonderful book that you just had the opportunity to learn from. I did!

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>.

History And Fundamentals Of Karate
History:

Though Karate is often associated with Japanese martial arts, its true origin dwells in Okinawan combat techniques and Southern Chinese martial arts. It is basically a fusion of both arts and was introduced to Japan only in 1921. During this period, Karate was simply known as “Te”, or hand, as called by the Okinawans. Chinese influence is evident in the original symbol for Karate - the “Tang Hand” or ?Chinese Hand?.

There were no specified or concrete Karate styles in the early days and simply generalized as Shuri-te, Naha-te and Tomari-te, named after the three cities in which they were formed. Each city had its own methods, principles, system and traditions of Karate.

The introduction, popularization and modernization of Karate to Japan are mainly credited to Funakoshi, an Okinawan master, venerably regarded by many practitioners as ?The Father of Modern Karate?. Other prominent Karate experts in his time include Kenwa Mabuni, Miyagi Chojun, Choshin Chibana, and Motobu Choki.

Japan began introducing Karate as a subject in schools before the Second World War and soldiers in the army were often trained in the discipline. Competitions and different styles also started emerging as several universities started karate club programs during this period.

The popularization of Karate in the West has its roots in the American military occupation of Japan and Okinawa after the Second World War, and Japanese immigration to the United States.

Fundamentals of Karate:

Karate mainly stresses on volatile combat techniques such as punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open hand methods. Grappling, joint manipulations, locks, restraints, throwing, and vital point striking are also parts of this discipline.

Karate training is divided into three main sections ?

? Kihon refers to the study of basic techniques, movements and components
? Kata or ‘form’, a fixed sequence of moves, is a series of movements and techniques linked together by the combatative principles that the kata expresses.
? Kumite or ’sparring’ evovles from well-defined kata to open attack and defense.

The Uniform ? Color of the Belt and Ranks:

The Karate uniform is white and comprised of the Kimono (shirt), Dogi or Keikogi (pants) and a belt (white or colored), a combination introduced by Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo. The color of the belt is dependant on the rank and expertise of a practitioner. In accordance with commonly held standards, white belts are for beginners, and black for the highest rank. This, howver, may differ from one organization to another. Each rank may also have subdivions of its own even if the color of the belt is similar.
Styles and Variations:

Karate styles can be broadly classified into Traditional and Full Body Karate. Traditional styles are those that developed in the early period of the 20th century and include variants such as Shotokan, Goju-ryu, Wado-ryu, Shito-ryu, Kushin-ryu, and Shindo Jinen Ryu. Full contact karate includes styles such as Kyokushin-kaikan and Kansuiryu. Many of the styles have offshoots that developed into styles of their own. Although the concepts remain universal, each representation differ from one another.

<a href="http://martialarts-hq.com/">Martial Arts HQ</a> offers articles, tips and tricks about different martial arts.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Tai Chi for Over Fifties And Under Fifties!
Tai Chi is an internal martial art which can be soft and gentle. It can and should be practised in a flowing way for practitioners of any age. Particlularly, in China and the est nowadays, people ove r 50 are taking up tai chi whilst the younger generation in china are not so interested in such a traditional art! Tai chi has been proven by the 3000 years of Chinese experience and recent medical studies into te benefits of qigong tai chi is acomplete qigong to be beneficial to the health of the individual practioner. Complete recovery of from diseases from cancer to colds has been documented through diligent pratice of tai chi. Tai chi can also be used to control arthritis. It is recommended that you learn under a highly experienced instructor, who has over 10 years of experience and has learned in China or from a well-recognized master with verificable “lineage”. This is because you want to be learning the real thing and benefitting by clearer mind, healthier body and gradual recovery from any health challeneges you may have experienced or be experienceing. Enjoying it so far: click here> Tai chi chuan means “supreme ultimate fist”. What does “supreme ultimate” mean to you? Tai chi is really about the cultivation of mind, body, spirit and also to kinds of energy, which we don’t have a proper concept of in the West. Those are internal energy, or chi which is present in the body from birth and we also get it from air and food. External energy is the energy that is in the universe. We learn to build up the chi in our bodies in tai chi and that helps us to improve our health. This is the medical aspect of tai chi. We learn to utilize the external energy in tai chi which is the martial aspect of the martial art of tai chi. Tai chi is said to have been invented approximately 5000 years ago, legend has it either by a Taoist priest named Chang Seng Feng or passed to the ancient Chinese people by a group of people reputed to have been 7ft tall and these people - “the sons of reflected light” are said to have taught the arts to the chinese which has made their civilisation so advanced since as long as 3000 year ago as documented by discoveries of the porcelain and silk items in archaeology. Chang Seng Feng is reported to have witnessed a fight between a crane and a snake and noticed the yielding and striking qualities of these animals and designed tai chi based on observations of nature. Tai chi is thus performed slowly and changingly, “flowing like a river” to promote longevity and health. does the tortoise or the elephant move quickly and fast? And how long do these creratures live for? Is it not possible then that we should slow down in our lives and relax like these long-living creature to improve our own chances of living long lives? We imitate the movements of many animals in the tai chi form - a sequence of movements or postures which flow into each other. These stretching and strengthening exercises have very poetic names, beautiful such as White Crane Spreads Its Wings, Golden cock Stands On one Leg and Fair Lady Weaves The Shuttles. Tai chi is a healthy exercise which improves circulation. The author used to be a medical student at Sheffield university and notes that Tai chi was used in the Royal Hallamshire Hospital to aid recovery for heart attack patients. Tai chi incorporates breathing and movement as well as internal assage of the body’s organs and stretching of muscles, tendons and ligaments. Keeping a clear mind is important and whilst the exercise is anaerobic, i.e. not strenuous, the body feel invigorated after proper practice and one can feel energy circulating in the body after practice -so don’t overdo it. The key is consistent daily practice and taking responsibility for your health 100% Sam Beatson runs http://www.tai-chi-kung-fu.com

Sam Beatson Runs Several
http://www.tai-chi-kung-fu.com and http://www.tai-chi-kung-fu.gods-internet.com

Bruce Lee, The Greatest Martial Arts Action Hero

Before Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Steven Seagal and Jean-Claude Van Damme, there was Bruce Lee. In a way, it is a real shame that many of today?s generation of action film fans have never been exposed to Bruce Lee because he was perhaps the greatest martial arts action hero of all time. His martial arts on film may not have been as fancy as say Jackie Chan?s or Jet Li?s but his on screen ferocity and charisma are unequalled. Even more important was the impact on martial arts that Bruce Lee had which still endures today even over 30 years since his passing.

Bruce Lee always considered himself a martial artist first and an actor second. As a martial artist, he was way ahead of his time in developing his own style of martial arts he called jeet kune do. His martial arts incorporated the most practical techniques from various combative disciplines as he moved away from the traditional and classical techniques. His martial arts abilities were real and

respected by other prominent martial artists like Jhoon Rhee, Chuck Norris, Ed Parker and Joe Lewis. His name was inducted into the prestigious Black Belt Hall of Fame twice, once while he was alive and the other after his death. These are honors that no other martial arts action hero has ever come close to. Martial arts schools in North America enjoyed a huge growth in enrollment because of Bruce Lee.

North America got an early glimpse of Bruce Lee when he played Kato in the Green Hornet television series and a bit role in the movie Marlowe. He went to Hong Kong and made a few films like Fists of Fury (called the Big Boss in the Asia market) and the Chinese Connection which made him a huge star in Asia. Bruce Lee also wrote, directed and starred in his own movie production called the Way of the Dragon which featured perhaps one of the greatest martial arts fight scenes ever. This scene took place in the Roman Coliseum and was with Chuck Norris which gave Norris his first film start. It was Enter the Dragon that broke him to North America. Unfortunately, he died tragically at the age of 32 in 1973 before he was able to witness the success of that movie. At the time of Lee?s death, he had completed the fight scenes for another movie called Game of Death which featured basketball star Kareem Abdul-Jabar, who was actually one of his martial arts students. Other students of Bruce Lee included actors Steve McQueen and James Coburn. Game of Death was completed with look-alike actors later on.

One of the most significant contributions Bruce Lee made is that he opened the door for other Asians in the entertainment industry worldwide. He was the first Asian to achieve any significant success in the North American entertainment scene. He became a star in North America and the rest of the world by playing heroes rather than past stereotype roles for Asians such as like servants, gangsters, laundry workers or other ?pigtail coolie? characters. On an even greater scale, Bruce Lee gave Asians, particularly the Chinese people worldwide, a reason to be proud. Bruce Lee influenced them to be confident in pushing forward to achieve their goals no matter what field they were in.

How to increase your Martial Arts Weapons Skills Almost overnight!
How to gain more in the next 6 months in Martial Arts than you have in the prior 5 years! Learning Martial Arts is a lifelong process. That statement is certainly true but in the last 6 months I have learned more than in the prior 23 years about the inside secrets to real Martial Arts Training Success. It took learning real training methods from an incredible Grandmaster and true Martial Arts Legend to help me leapfrog my technique to a much hirer level almost overnight. You see I used to train about 1-2 hours a day in my teenage years, and I had a very good instructor. However; even at the 1st Dan Black Belt level he would not share much of the behind the scenes training secrets that there are in Martial Arts. Since those early days I have trained with some of the best in the World, and I have gained a lot personally from everyone. However; in the last six months I have experience powerful gains in a key area of my Martial Arts Training and that is in Weapons Training. Yes ever since I joined the Martial Arts Weapons Association and started learning the methods that Grandmaster Ted Gambordella teaches, I have made huge gains in weapons knowledge and skills. I have nearly mastered 5 weapons in only 6 months and that is just launching from a basic knowledge level. Sure I knew my Katas and my basic weapon work, but now I understand the inside mechanics of my weapon Kata and the overall advantages of one weapon over another. Here I am in my 30s and I am now finally getting it, and thats after a 3rd Dan in one style and a 1st Dan in another. I am lucky that my basics were as solid as they where because considering that I trained in traditional schools and Dojos over the years. If you too want to make massive gains in your Martial Arts Weapons training I strongly recommend the Martial Arts Weapons Association. It is the lowest cost way to learn from a legend and get an entire library worth of books and videos. In fact Grandmaster Gambordella has reduced the cost to only $35 so anyone at any level in the Martial Arts Sport can afford to get the best training and information. The secret to proper training is studied and practicing a real method. Katas are fine but they will never take you to the highest levels. You can be great at a Kata (as I was) but still be bad with your weapon. So you simply have to learn the right way from the right instructor. This is your opportunity to learn from a legend and for next to nothing.

Lee Warrick is a seasoned Martial Artist and instructor and is working with Grandmaster Gambordella on www.themartialartssite.com/MAWA.html

Popularity: unranked [?]

Suggestions for Getting the Best Martial Arts Training - Attending Ninja Camps and Seminars

One of the many things that can stop someone with a heartfelt desire to study authentic martial arts under a qualified teacher is…

…the teacher or program is nowhere near where they live.

I can certainly relate to the distance that one must travel to get the training you want. I, for one, have always made it a point that, if I wanted something of value, I was willing to do whatever it took to get THAT thing. In the early days of my training in the martial art of Ninjutsu, I had to travel great distances, especially during my time with the US Army while stationed in such places as North Carolina and the then West Germany.

Many people find it difficult to believe that the closest that I ever found myself to my teacher’s school was… 9 HOURS! That was, of course, driving one-way.

Now that I’m a tenth degree Black Belt, I do most of my training in Japan (which I am required to do once each year as a minimum). That means that I have to…

…drive 1 to 4 hours to an airport…

…fly (if it’s non-stop) for 14 hours to Japan, and then…

…ride trains for about 2 hours or so to get to where I’m staying…

…BEFORE I can begin training.

And, where many of my students complain about spending hundreds of dollars on training - I spend THOUSANDS - EACH time I go for training!!!

Many of the prospective students who contact me for training are only one or two hour’s drive from my academy. I have several other students who drive that, and farther - some as far away as Canada - on a regular basis. One of these students does this an average of once a week to do private training or seminars with me. That’s not devotion, and it’s not loyalty (he has access to other teachers much closer to him). That is, however; a man who is true to his desire to get what he needs to become the person that he wants to be!

As I see it, you have three choices (settling for getting “good-enough” training from a local school notwithstanding)…

You can…

1) Continue to wait for “someday”…

2) Watch for, and attend events like Camps, Seminars, perhaps augmenting that with videos, books, articles, and the like, deciding that you will at-least train at this level, or…

3) Do whatever you must to live true to yourself and take control of the only life you have. If you truly want the confidence, power, and control that comes from this art and philosophy that is out there…

… you must get the ball rolling. No one else can do it for you.

The choice, as always, is yours.

About the Author

Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and director of Warrior Concepts International in Sunbury, Pennsylvania. He hosts annual Spring and Fall Ninja Training Camps as well as a full schedule of seminars. Subscribe to his newsletter

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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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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BodogFight - Emelianenko Brothers Make MMA History
Emelianenko Brothers make MMA history with their first fight in Russia. BodogFight brings this much anticipated PPV event from St. Petersburg. (PRWeb Mar 27, 2007)

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Popularity: unranked [?]

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 .

Tai Chi for Over Fifties And Under Fifties!
Tai Chi is an internal martial art which can be soft and gentle. It can and should be practised in a flowing way for practitioners of any age. Particlularly, in China and the est nowadays, people ove r 50 are taking up tai chi whilst the younger generation in china are not so interested in such a traditional art! Tai chi has been proven by the 3000 years of Chinese experience and recent medical studies into te benefits of qigong tai chi is acomplete qigong to be beneficial to the health of the individual practioner. Complete recovery of from diseases from cancer to colds has been documented through diligent pratice of tai chi. Tai chi can also be used to control arthritis. It is recommended that you learn under a highly experienced instructor, who has over 10 years of experience and has learned in China or from a well-recognized master with verificable “lineage”. This is because you want to be learning the real thing and benefitting by clearer mind, healthier body and gradual recovery from any health challeneges you may have experienced or be experienceing. Enjoying it so far: click here> Tai chi chuan means “supreme ultimate fist”. What does “supreme ultimate” mean to you? Tai chi is really about the cultivation of mind, body, spirit and also to kinds of energy, which we don’t have a proper concept of in the West. Those are internal energy, or chi which is present in the body from birth and we also get it from air and food. External energy is the energy that is in the universe. We learn to build up the chi in our bodies in tai chi and that helps us to improve our health. This is the medical aspect of tai chi. We learn to utilize the external energy in tai chi which is the martial aspect of the martial art of tai chi. Tai chi is said to have been invented approximately 5000 years ago, legend has it either by a Taoist priest named Chang Seng Feng or passed to the ancient Chinese people by a group of people reputed to have been 7ft tall and these people - “the sons of reflected light” are said to have taught the arts to the chinese which has made their civilisation so advanced since as long as 3000 year ago as documented by discoveries of the porcelain and silk items in archaeology. Chang Seng Feng is reported to have witnessed a fight between a crane and a snake and noticed the yielding and striking qualities of these animals and designed tai chi based on observations of nature. Tai chi is thus performed slowly and changingly, “flowing like a river” to promote longevity and health. does the tortoise or the elephant move quickly and fast? And how long do these creratures live for? Is it not possible then that we should slow down in our lives and relax like these long-living creature to improve our own chances of living long lives? We imitate the movements of many animals in the tai chi form - a sequence of movements or postures which flow into each other. These stretching and strengthening exercises have very poetic names, beautiful such as White Crane Spreads Its Wings, Golden cock Stands On one Leg and Fair Lady Weaves The Shuttles. Tai chi is a healthy exercise which improves circulation. The author used to be a medical student at Sheffield university and notes that Tai chi was used in the Royal Hallamshire Hospital to aid recovery for heart attack patients. Tai chi incorporates breathing and movement as well as internal assage of the body’s organs and stretching of muscles, tendons and ligaments. Keeping a clear mind is important and whilst the exercise is anaerobic, i.e. not strenuous, the body feel invigorated after proper practice and one can feel energy circulating in the body after practice -so don’t overdo it. The key is consistent daily practice and taking responsibility for your health 100% Sam Beatson runs http://www.tai-chi-kung-fu.com

Sam Beatson Runs Several
http://www.tai-chi-kung-fu.com and http://www.tai-chi-kung-fu.gods-internet.com

Can You Really Learn Martial Arts and Self-Defense From Seminar Training Only?

What do you do when, you want to pursue the study of the martial arts or learn real-world self-defense and there are no schools near where you live? What do you do even if there are martial arts schools or self-defense classes being offered in your local area but…

…they’re just not up to par with what you want or need.

How can you get what you know you need without compromising quality and settling for what’s available or, even worse…

…not pursuing your goal at all?

Well, you have two choices, really…

…you can accept defeat or the fact that maybe your standards are too high and settle for what’s available, or…

…you can do what scores of very skilled practitioners have done before you. You can take advantage of the benefits of seminars and camps to get the knowledge you need from the best teachers there are.

Instead of “settling” and approaching your training with what amounts to a “victim’s mentality,” you can take control of the situation. Instead of whining, complaining, and making excuses - you can take action - one of the main traits of a warrior.

With all of the power and rich information pool of the internet today, it is impossible to NOT find what you’re looking for in the way of martial arts training. There are literally hundreds of seminars, from half-day workshops to full weekend events, and from one and two-day intensives to full-blown ninja training camps; and they’re all there for the students who are willing to plan a little more, focus a little more, and be ready to travel a little farther than everyone else who HAS “settled.”

Can you really learn martial arts and self-defense from seminar training only? I know it’s worked for me and many of the most proficient experts that I’m associated with. In fact, most of my training career, at least in the early days, was during a time when I was serving with the US Army and stationed in places like Korea and, what was then, West Germany.

Were there martial arts clubs and groups close-by? Absolutely.

But, I had a desire to not only train in the martial arts but, to train with the best. And so…

…I had no choice. I HAD to travel to get what I wanted and needed in the way of quality.

What I found was that I learned more during each training event because there was MORE TO learn. That was perfect for me because it gave me more than enough to work on in-between the martial arts seminars and Ninja Camps that I WAS able to attend. And, it also caused me to focus much more than the local students who were there.

Why?

I think it was because…

…they took their training for granted. Whereas I did not. Since I went through more in the way of time, effort and money to be there, I refused to let any of it slip by. As a result, I, and many of my friends who also traveled for training, developed our self-defense abilities much more fully - learning our martial art with much greater depth than many who had access to their teacher practically everyday.

Funny, really. Because it wasn’t until I became much more interested in the lives of warriors-past, that I realized that this method of training - traveling to one’s teacher to spend short, but intense, visits to gain the lessons for mastery, is exactly the same way many of the most famous warriors in history…

…became Legends!

About the Author

Jeffrey Miller specializes in teaching self-protection and personal development lessons in a way that is easily understood and put to use by modern Western students and corporate clients. Subscribe to his newsletter here

Popularity: unranked [?]

Martial Arts Book Review: Cheap Shots, Ambushes, and Other Lessons by Marc “Animal” MacYoung
It is painfully obvious that Marc has had some bad experiences with formal martial arts training and that is too bad. However, one must remember that, “One bad apple doesn’t spoil the whole bunch babe.” I believe that is either an old parable, or a line from the Jackson 5, if I’m not mistaken. Or it may even be both.

What Is Mixed Martial Arts?
The New Ultimate Fighting Championship is the world’s leading mixed martial arts sports association.

Is All This Martial Arts Training Gear Necessary?

*Please note: While this piece was written directed at parents of youth members, adult students should keep all of the relevant safety points in mind. Remember: Safety and vigilance are not ‘things’ to do. They are constant states of mind.

Occasionally, a staff member or I will have a parent come to us with something like: “This past year, my daughter grew six inches and gained 50 pounds. As a result, I had to buy protective gear twice. It’s so expensive and she is heading for another growth spurt. Is all this equipment necessary?”

The answer, honestly, is Yes! You see, a lot more is changing than height and weight. We as parents and teachers easily notice the emotional and physical changes in children as they grow older, however, the mental and skeletal changes we can’t see are just as important and unpredictable. During growth spurts, the bones are growing quicker than the muscles and tendons.

Even as they reach their full height, their skeletal and muscular systems are not fully developed making them vulnerable to injury. During the growth spurts, your child will probably be less coordinated until he or she adjusts to the physical change. This is normal, but can cause injuries if protective gear does not fit properly.

Are you considering buying a larger size so it lasts longer? Please keep in mind that mouth guards are relatively inexpensive, especially considering the protection they offer. Make sure they fit properly and replace them with new ones as needed. Head gear should always fit properly. Tight head gear may cause headaches, but loose head gear my slip and blind a child momentarily from an oncoming punch or not offer the protection where needed. As children advance in martial arts, the foot and hand gear will usually wear out before it can be outgrown. If the foot gear is a little large, consider wearing padded insteps for a better fit. Be certain the fingers fit in the hand gears’ finger tabs.

Periodically check the equipment at all flex or stress points for wear; this is any place the gear bends, flexes or has an air hole. If you have any questions about fit or wear, ask your child’s instructor.

Also, take advantage of the academy’s sales and let friends and relatives know during gift giving holidays like birthdays and Christmas, etc. if there is something they can order from the school that your son or daughter might need.

It not only helps you to keep your child’s gear in top-notch shape, but also shows your child that other members of the family, like grandparents, aunts and uncles, etc. are just as involved and supported of the training as you are.

Also, to assist in preventing bone and muscle injuries during growth spurts, be certain your child warms-up and then stretches before any physical activity. Have them stop if stabbing pain occurs (aching and burning is natural as the muscles are taken to greater ranges).

Stabbing pain is not normal and can cause serious injury. Train your child to avoid continuous repetitious motions that can affect growth development. Call your health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have.

Above all, be mindfully aware of safety and the steps needed to protect your most precious assets - the lives of yourself and those you love!

About the Author

Read more like this by subscribing to the author’s newsletter here For seminar & media requests, call (570) 988-2228 or go to his website at www.warrior-concepts-online.com

Popularity: unranked [?]

Kung Fu: History And Basic Principles
The Term:

Historically, the term ?Kung Fu? is not really featured in any ancient texts. It was first coined by a Frenchman named Jean Joseph Marie Amiot, a missionary who lived in the 18th Century, in reference to Chinese martial arts. Kung Fu is also called Gongfu, Wushu, or Kuoshu, and originally denotes expertise in any skill, and not exclusive to martial arts.

Brief History:

The practice, philosophy, and concept of Kung Fu can be traced back to ancient Chinese texts such as Zhuang Zi, Dao De Jing, and Sun Zi Bing Fa (Art of War written by Sun Zi), all written between 1111-255 BC. These texts contain passages related to the practice, propagation, and principles of Chinese martial arts, or Kung Fu as it is known today.

One theory regarding the first written history of Kung Fu suggests that the Yellow Emperor, who reigned from 2698 BC, wrote the first treatise on Chinese martial arts. Others give credit to Taoist monks for introducing an art form that resemble modern Tai Chi around 500 BC. Then in 39-92 AD, Pan Ku included “Six Chapters of Hand Fighting” in his discourse on the history of the Han dynasty (Han Shu). As the popularity of martial arts progressed, a physician named Hua T?uo also wrote his own treatise entitled, ?Five Animals Play” in 220 AD.

Kung Fu had become a common word in the West beginning in the late 1960s, popularized by martial arts movies and TV series. The Western world today has also seen an immense upsurge in the creation and production of martial arts movies starring great actors/masters such as Jackie Chan and Jet Li.

Basic Principles:

The concept of Kung Fu revolves around three basic principles ? Motivation, Self-discipline and Time.

According to experts, the real motivation behind learning Kung Fu is inspiration and not force, which should come from an inner craving to learn and develop the mind and body. Motivation here is the fundamental driving force. There is no external or worldly gain for the learner, and the only reward is that of knowledge, skill, strength and wisdom.

In Kung Fu, discipline is complementary to motivation. Discipline puts motivation into deed and action. A learner has to make an effort into what he has been motivated for, and self-discipline helps him get started and guides him to achieve that goal. Therefore, without discipline, motivation is just a dormant state of mind.

Time is the path to perfection in martial arts. Once motivation and self-discipline have set in, a learner has to spend a considerable amount of time putting mind and body into practice. A truly inspired learner does not have the privilege to waste time, stay idle or indulge in fruitless activities. Everything done by him/her should reflect real motivation and self-discipline.

Variants and Styles:

With the passage of time, numerous variants and styles have come up in martial arts, or Kung Fu. Some of the more popular ones include Karate, Escrima, Wing Chun, Jujitsu, Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Shaolin, White Crane, T’ai Chi Ch’uan, and Bagua Zhang.

<a href="http://martialarts-hq.com/">Martial Arts HQ</a> offers articles, tips and tricks about different martial arts.

Brand New Mini Stun Gun Offers Powerful Punch
Everybody I am sure has watched Cops before and seen those videos of out-of-control ?bad guys? and seen them get shocked or tased by either a stun gun or a taser. Or, for any 24 fans out there we all say Jack shock President Logan in an attempt to subdue him and get him off of the helicopter. Well, the problem with most stun guns today is that although they are pretty small, you may want them just a little bit smaller. Maybe something just a little easier to carry around with you is all you would want. That time has come. The new kid in town is here. Introducing The Runt Stun Gun.

Everyone has seen the Stun Master?s and what they look like. The new Runt Stun Gun is easily concealable and it will fit virtually undetectable in the hand of a woman or a man. This allows your attacker to approach with no fear. The element of surprise is the key here. Your attacker will drop to his knees and will never see it coming.

The reason for this sudden surprise and drop comes from the technology that The Runt possesses. It uses new cutting edge micro-technology that allows it to deliver unprecedented power from a palm sized weapon. It contains three voltage levels so you can choose how much you need to use. I would recommend choosing the level based on your own size and how much more power you would need to subdue a man two or three times your size.

The Runt is perfect for all women or men of all sizes and is available in 350k, 650k, and 950k volts. This selection of voltage will allow people to get the kind of voltage they are looking for. At 950k volts, this is hands down one of the most powerful stun guns on the market today.

Adam Walls is the owner of 919 Security, an online self defense products store that also specializes in home and personal safety, child safety, hidden cameras and much, much more.
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Training Traditional Martial Arts
All to often traditional martial arts and those who practice these ancient arts are considered dreamers, fools or historical mummies because we are training arts that flourished 400 or more years ago. These people can not understand the reasons why we study archaic weapons like sword, bow, spear, halberd, etc? Their n?1 line is ” you can never walk on the street with these weapons” But that is not all. Traditional kata training is considered foolish , a waste of time not realistic??.. How little do these people understand of the traditional training and the underlying concepts….
Unlike the rest of the world Japan has been isolated from external influences for the biggest part of it’s existence as a nation. For over 1500 years the Japanese have been involved in internal struggles, battles and full scale wars. They had to defend themselves against the Mongol invasions, conspiracies amongst themselves and assassinations.

Because of their isolation from the rest of the world, new inventions like gunpowder came to them very late. The rest of the world was tasking giant steps in modern armament development whilst the Japanese on the contrary did not depend on weapon development to fight their battles.

After having perfected the weapons the had and having explored all the different ways a bow can fire, a sword can cut and thrust, a punch and kick can be given and a Naginata can slice they came to the conclusion that the deepest secret of martial arts was not to be found in the type of weapon, the thickness of the yoroi, the strength of the unarmed techniques but in something else.

They started to look inward , into the deepest part of their being and they came up with the answer that have made them the experts of martial arts in the world.

They knew that by knowing oneself and the opponent they would always be able to overcome him. From that moment a new martial science was born. The art of strategy. Strategy has been developed by the Japanese and taken to the point were it became an art form. The Japanese strategy is far superior to other countries. The Go Rin No Sho (book of 5 rings) of Miyamoto Musashi is considered in the western world as one of the top books concerning strategies for battle. There are even books written applying Musashi’s principles to the modern day business world. But to the Japanese the go Rin No Sho is a book for beginners. That makes you wonder doesn’t it?

Today in this rapid changing world the learning of traditional martial arts is still learning these practical martial strategies through physical exercises.

Let’s compare:

When you enter a traditional Ryu you start learning a bunch of techniques called waza. This is like learning how to lay bricks, plumbing, making doors and windows , etc?.

The next step called Kata training takes you to the next level. You start building a house. Your first house will be very traditional, square with no fancy extra’s. This is when you start seeing the principles of building a house. The experience you acquire teaches you that there are certain ways to do things. You can not make a 2 by 2 m hole and place in this hole a much smaller window or door. You also learn that you must start at the bottom when constructing a house, not at the roof.
After making many, many houses you start designing your own house. You put in some extra’s, some improvements and so on. This is the moment when you can use the principles or strategies of making houses to construct different types of buildings. You understand the underlying concepts. You know inside yourself what it is that makes a building being such and you understand that although their shape may be different at the end they are all houses?.. But only he who masters the highest level will be able to turn any house into a home.

This is what modern day practitioners fail to see. They think that more muscle strength, faster movements, more deadly techniques and such will make them invincible. How wrong they are. They are still living in a dream. As long as man has 2 legs, 2 arms, 2 eyes, etc? battle will never change. The outer form may change but he who understands the underlying concepts will always win the battle. Man’s actions are ruled by basic instincts and the art of strategy as learned in the traditional martial arts builds upon these instincts to secure victory. Through training we learn to see our inner fears, understand the reasons of our behaviour and actions. We learn to correct and perfect these in order to obtain control over ourselves. By understanding this we will also be able to know the enemy and control his actions.

Finally, modern day practitioners tell us ” let’s fight , no rules”. No rules?.. ok , so we are allowed to bite? To stick our fingers in your eyes? To catch and twist your groin until it is separated from your body? To use the most extreme techniques until you die? This is true combat, anything goes and until the end. Until one or both will never get up again to see the rising of the sun.

This is the reason why traditional martial artists never get involved in modern day martial arts championships. They realize that by participating they already have lost. And in the rare case that some traditional martial artist would step in a ring with rules he will loose the battle. He is trained for true combat not sports.

Peter Vermeeren is a traditional martial arts teacher for over 30 year. His websites can be found here: <a href="http://www.takaharudojo.org" target="_blank">http://www.takaharudojo.org</a> and http.//<a href="http://www.kamikaze-portal.com" target="_blank">http://www.kamikaze-portal.com</a>

Martial Arts For The Troubled Mind

Have you had a loved one pass away recently? Or maybe you are thinking about leaving a relationship or your job? Death is another metaphor for change. Yet death has been given a bad name. Compared to birth and life. Death is not something one talks about. Yet it happens. Life and death are connected. When we are born, death is inevitable. From my first breath to my last gasp, my life will end one day. So when death comes, why should I be surprised or fearful? Yet the honest truth, life involves facing fear. Fear of pain. Fear of rejection. Fear of growing old. Fear of loss. A lot of these fears are self-inflicted. We sometimes worry about a future event that is not here yet. Or a past hurt that happened years ago. Yet a lot of our beliefs define our biology.

The word Terror is becoming a common word. In some countries children are now growing up hearing the word Terror. Children sense vibrations very easily. The word Terror soon gets imprinted into their cells. They form their behaviours. These children will grow into neurotic adults. The fears of the parents will fest in the children.

This is where a martial arts for the mind is needed. I am not talking about sparring tournaments and sports trophies. It is about the victory within. Resisting other people’s fears. Conquering your own fears. Your fears are like your enemies. This is where the battle is fought. Inside your mind. Ghost memories. Carnivorous beliefs. These can drain your energy. Suck your life force.

It is about repatterning the way you think. The way you move. The way you live your life.

Here is one example of how this works.

Try this.
Say the word, NO, 10 times with intensity.
Say the word, YES, 10 times with intensity.

Note the feelings in your body. Which word caused tightness? Which one expanded your energy? Now if we keep repeating words and thoughts that have negative vibrations than these can affect our energy flows. They can form negative blocks at a psychic level. Some may manifest as physical illnesses.

Recently I helped a woman who had being raped by a close relative when she was 11 years old. She asked for my help so I agreed. Her energy towards men was dark and angry yet she wanted to be in a loving relationship with a man. So we worked on transforming the negative energy. She told me about the rape. I found where she was carrying this blockage. It was in her lower abdomen. The next thing I did was to change the body vibration associated with the negative memory. I got the woman to breathe into the area by focussing her mind and breath. Help shift the energy. I wacked her body in certain places to jolt the mind and loosen up the negative memory. I then got her heart involved by asking her about love and forgiveness. She said love was like a warm feeling flowing out from her upper chest. I got her to channel this energy down into her painful memory.

At this point she started to scream and cry for a couple of minutes.

She fell down and curled into the foetal position as she recovered. I patiently watched over her during this time. The tears, the screaming and physical collapse is all part of the cleansing process. Bit like the winter before the spring. When she stood up and had returned to normal, her energy block had shifted. Her face looked much lighter. She gave me a big hug. My final words was that she daily cultivate her energy, weed out the good from the bad stuff. And make peace with whoever. My work was done. It was now over to her.

The lesson is that it is really about teaching yourself. You are both the teacher and the student. Use your own life experiences to create your own stances, forms and techniques. Deep deep down you know what works best for you. Your very own nature will show you how. Just listen to what your heart and body tell you sometimes.

About the Author

Hirini Reedy is a Maori healer, former military officer, martial arts founder and eco-business coach. Learn about the 7 Seeds of Maori Wisdom. Feel the power of Thunderclap Breathing. Read more at http://www.maori-secrets.com

Popularity: unranked [?]

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.

Martial Arts: Helping Your Children Protect Themselves

Did you know that a child is reported abducted or missing every 40 seconds in the United States and that most potential abductors make their first contact with the children they abduct within one quarter of a mile from their homes? With summer approaching and children having more time to play with friends during the day, it is now more important than ever to start (or continue) giving your children the tools they need to protect themselves:

Never leave young children unattended anywhere and have older children practice a buddy system with their peers. Teach your children their full name, your name, your address and telephone number. Teach them how to dial and use 911 or your equivalent emergency number. Teach your children about strangers, to never talk to strangers and to never go near strangers.

Give your children the confidence, strength, skills and mental awareness they need to defend themselves if they ever find that they are in a shady situation with either a stranger or someone they know - enroll them in a martial arts class. It can make all the difference. Training martial arts can give your children four important skills that will not only help them defend themselves against a possible abduction, but will also help them in other areas of their lives. Read on to find out more:

Martial Arts Increases Confidence. Martial arts can help your children increase their confidence by giving them the skills and practice needed to get in tune with their minds and bodies They will begin to not only understand their actions and options, but themselves as a whole. Martial arts training also gives children the skills and abilities they need to know that they can defend themselves if the need arises and this confidence in their abilities carries over into all aspects of their lives. Confidence in themselves and their lives help them become less likely to fall prey to the convincing persuasions of potential abductors. Confident children appear to be (and are) strong individuals and are less likely to become victims of all forms of violent acts.

Martial Arts Increase Strength. Martial arts training use the entire body during each and every session. This means that when practicing martial arts, your children will be conditioning their entire bodies to become stronger and more physically fit. If they are physically fit, they increase their chances of fighting off or getting away from a potential abductor. Furthermore, regular physical exercise can help decrease the chances of obesity, diabetes and heart disease in your children.

Martial Arts Teach Self-Defense Skills. Rest assured, martial arts training doesn’t focus on combat and fighting. It does, however, teach skills that your children can use for self-defense should the need arise. The various skills taught in martial arts can give your children the knowledge they need to handle many situations and the peace of mind you need to know that your children are trained to protect themselves.

Martial Arts Improve Mental Awareness. Training martial arts is not a mindless activity. It requires complete concentration and focus at all time during training. This concentration will also carry over to all parts of your children’s lives to help them be more aware of themselves and their surroundings. They will be less likely to just “zone out” and be caught off guard in a potentially harmful situation.

If you are interested in learning more about how martial arts can help your self confidence, please contact one of my three locations in Bellevue, Lynnwood or Kent, Washington at 800-508-6141or martialadvice@hotmail.com to set up a free 2 week trail orientation.

Also, please see our web pages at www.kungfutemple.com and www.martialarts-instruction.com

Sincerely,

Robert Jones
Master Instructor
6th Degree Black Belt
Owner, the Academy of Kempo Martial Arts

About the Author

Mr. Robert Jones runs three successful martial arts schools located in Bellevue, Lynnwood, and Kent Washington. He has been helping families make positive changes in their lives through martial arts for over 20 years. He has also written two guides on how to pick a martial arts school. One for adults and one for parents wanting to pick the right school for their children. He can be reached at 800-508-6141.

Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) 2007, “Week of Workshops” near Annapolis
The Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi near Annapolis, Maryland has several events scheduled in honor of the Chinese New Year.

Popularity: unranked [?]

Martial Arts Mentoring: “I Think You Have A Future At This!”

?A teacher never knows where his or her influence stops? is an expression you may have come across, and it?s quite true.

A simple word of discouragement or encouragement, for example, can mean all of the difference in a student?s life.

A few years ago, I noticed a young lower belt who was taking a test for the next level of training, and he performed quite well.

I thought back to myself at that level, and I could see that this fellow was more agile than I was at a similar point in training, and overall, he had certain physical capabilities that were impressive.

Also, I knew that my fellow instructors were not going to lavish praise on him because they wouldn?t want it to go to his head, to have the effect of making him think he didn?t have to work hard to improve.

I can understand that concern, but I think it can also mask a degree of jealousy on the part of senior dojo members toward up and coming stars. They may feel threatened that someone?s kata will be more aesthetic, that their techniques may look like they can really work, and that their strikes and kicks are more powerful.

Anyway, I felt I had to step in, that otherwise, the dojo could lose this young man unless he received some timely encouragement.

So, after the test, I said very directly: ?You did very well, and I think you have a future at this!?

He smiled, and that was that.

The other day, I popped into the dojo on a Saturday to drop off a note. It was his day to manage the place, to teach the Juniors, the kids, as well as the adult classes ranging from White Belt to Blue Belt.

He was practicing his kata between classes, and he looked great, and I could see he was maturing into a confident, competent, and capable martial artist and instructor.

As I left, I smiled broadly, knowing that my influence, however small and subtle, may never stop!

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 on “inner secrets of martial arts visit-
http://ecomnow.turnwill.hop.clickbank.net

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

Defense against a knife attack
Defences against Knife attacks, Firstly if at all possible get yourself and anyone else out of the potential danger area…..RUN AWAY.
Yes you heard right, run away. This is not a cowards way out, this is sensible. After all your potential assailant could be on drugs or just plain crazy. Nobody needs a dead hero.
However if you can’t get away or you are cornered, try to talk your way out of the situation, tell the guy what he wants to hear or give him what he wants, if it’s a mugging, but only if you think this will pacify him…
Let me explain. If it is apparent that your assailant is going to stab you whether you give him all your money or not then you must do something about the situation before this happens, either way you may get stabbed. Thats why this is a last resort and only attempted if YOU are certain he is going to attack you no matter what.
It’s a judgement call that only you can make and if you ever do end up in that situation it won’t be easy.
So, you’re in that nightmare situation. How do you tackle him ?
Do you use the knife defences you learned in your martial arts classes ? I hope not because you’ll very soon be bleeding to death if your assailant has any idea how to use the knife.
I tried an experiment about 5 years ago now with my training partner who is very fast with his hands and can handle a knife. We used a dummy knife (Thankfully) with some red ink on the end of it and I wore a white Gi.
I had at this time been training in the martial arts for about 16 years and had learned many many knife defences from many different styles so I was sure that whatever he came at me with I would be able to handle it.
He moved the knife very quickly from hand to hand and attacked from a variety of angles, slashing, lunging and really going for it. I successfully disarmed him several times, but each time he had also stabbed me several times (This is why the Police and Prison service use riot shields and several officers when dealing with knife attackers).
We worked this scenario using all the knife defences we had both learned from many different styles over the years but the one factor that kept coming up was the fact that this was simulating a real situation, so the attacker wasn’t in stance and didn’t come with a single attack in a straight line, he’d attack several times from any angle very fast.
What we were looking for was something that kept your vital organs as far away from the knife as possible whilst allowing you to attack the assailant.
Here’s what we came up with: (This is just my opinion, based on over 20 years martial arts experience, and this one worked time after time. But remember only use as a last resort)
First you must take your attackers mind off what he’s thinking about (I.e. stabbing you !) ………Spit in his face, not nice but remember this guy wants to stab you !
This gives you a fraction of a second to move.
Next, drop to your side, fast ! (Side breakfall) As you do this hook one of your feet round the back of his front foot and with your other foot, stamp hard onto the front of his knee. This will either snap or dislocate it (Again not nice but this guys going to stab you !) It also doesn’t matter too much if you miss with the hook as you can still get the stamp in on the knee.
Either disarm him while he’s on the floor and wait for the Police or just get out of there, he won’t chase you.
The fall and hook take some practice to get fast but it’s worth it as this is one well worth having in your arsenal.

The Author has achieved 5th Dan Black belt in Karate Jitsu, 3rd Dan in Jujitsu and has practised martial arts for over 23 years.

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>

Popularity: unranked [?]

Choosing a Self Defense / Martial Arts School: a Parent’s Guide

Daddy, I want to take Karate!

Mommy, Jimmy on the bus hit me again today

There are many reasons why parents want to sign their children up for Self Defense or Martial Arts classes. Once you have made the decision, now you are faced with many different options and questions. What style? How much does it cost? Is my child to young?

Martial Arts and Self Defense Styles

There are as many different styles of Martial Arts as there are religions in the world. You have probably heard of Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Jujitsu, and even Aikido, but there are still numerous styles and offshoots of the Major styles.

So what Style is the Best and what style should I choose?

In reality, it is this authors opinion that the style of Martial Arts your child will learn is not that important. What is important is the method of teaching and training that your child will undergo. With Martial Arts training your child should learn self-discipline, self-respect, and self-esteem, along with the confidence and ability to defend themselves.

The Instructor, (or Sensei) is the key. I suggest that all parents visit several locations with their children to observe the Instructor at work. Make sure you visit a beginners class as well as an upper level class. The beginners class is where your child will start.

Does the instructors personality and philosophy match your morals and ideals? Does the class participate in any Eastern Religious practice that doesnt match your faith? Do you want your child viewing this instructor as a role model? Most children will look up to their Martial Arts & Self Defense Instructors as role models and will be in awe of their skills and abilities. Make sure that this person who will be dealing with your children matches your values.

It is also important to view an upper level class. The beginner classes are usually very tame, and the teaching philosophy is tailored to a younger audience. However, the older the student is, the real teaching and training methods are put into effect. You may feel comfortable with how the instructor teaches the younger beginning students, but may not be comfortable with how they handle the older students.

Cost

The majority of Martial Arts & Self Defense Locations (or Dojos) run their business on a membership basis. Customers must sign contracts, where they are obligated to pay for a certain time period to participate. The locations are run like a gym membership, you pay for a certain length of time and may participate as often as you desire.

Unfortunately, rarely are the hidden costs discussed when signing up for a class or membership. What are the hidden costs? The most over looked cost is the testing fee. In Martial Arts there are numerous skill levels that are equated to a belt rank. After a certain period of time and training, the student is ready to advance to a new level or belt in their martial arts style, and a belt test will be performed. This belt test almost always required the student to pay a belt-testing fee. I have seen fees from $50 up to $500 depending on the belt rank. Parents, make sure you inquire about these fees and are comfortable with them before you sign any contract.

Another hidden cost is required items to purchase. Some locations require that you purchase a uniform with the schools logo. The average cost of these uniforms range from $30-$50. As the child advances in rank, protective sparring gear is required. Now this is normally mandatory for the childs protection and safety, but can be expensive. Normal safety gear for Martial Arts consists of Foot Pads, Hand Pads, Head Gear, Mouth Piece, Groin Cup, and optional Spar Vest. Depending on the style and sizes all this gear together cost about $150 retail or higher.

So Parents, factor in the total cost of classes, testing fees, and required equipment when making your decisions.

Age

At what age should my child begin Martial Arts or Self Defense? Now this is an often-debated issue. I have seen children as young as 4 years old participate in Martial Arts or Self Defense training. Some have been successful while others it was just to young. The age of which a child should start Martial Arts or Self Defense classes should be judged on an individual basis and be determined by the parents. Some key points to consider. Does the child have a good attention span? Has the child participated and flourished in other group activities? Is the child comfortable in larger group settings?

If the child is currently enrolled in grade school and has no problem adapting to those settings or conditions then they should be considered old enough to participate and benefit from Martial Arts or Self Defense instruction.

Self Defense - How to Stop a Would-be Rapist in His Tracks!
If there is one crime that people, mainly women, fear more than any other crime it is a sexual attack - rape to be specific. Just the thought of another person using force to invade your body in this manner is repugnant. But there are ways to make the mongrels who commit or attempt to commit this disgusting crime to stop DEAD in their tracks before they get too far into their actions. Knowing how to do this can save you from suffering a hideous sexual attack…

What is Tai Chi - Not Merely A Martial Art
What I practice is a very specific pattern of movements, attempting to execute a set of principles. The movements have martial implication, if not application, and are sequenced in a way that allows me to practice with a sense of an opponent’s attack/defend tactics. Practice time is a period of releasing the incessant, insistent noise of contemporary society, and retreating to a more contemplative personal experience.

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Kenshiro Abbe Sensei 50th Celebrations
THE KENSHIRO ABBE 50th CELEBRATION EVENT
14th May 2005 Crystal Palace Sports Centre London. UK
By Henry Ellis

Henry Ellis, a direct student of the legendary Budo master Kenshiro Abbe Sensei, from 1957 describes the great event at the Crystal Palace Sports Centre, London, to celebrate this great teacher and his arrival to Great Britain in 1955 and the subsequent inception of Aikido. Tribute website to Kenshiro Abbe Sensei at http://www.KenshiroAbbe.com . . .

The Bushido ZaZen International Society Annual Dinner

In February 2004 Derek Eastman and I were invited as guests at the annual dinner of The Bushido Za Zen International Society by its Chairman Mr Arnold Davies Hanshi an old student of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and a close friend of my own good friend Bill Woods Sensei. These names alone meant that this evening was to be something special with so much history and martial arts background between us.

As we arrived we were met by Mr Clive MacDonald, a member of the Bushido ZaZen. Mr MacDonald and Mr Davies had been instrumental in putting together many of the facts to help with the protection of the true history of British Aikido during the great British Aikido Board Controversy.

Memories of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei

Mr MacDonald immediately brought several pints of beer to our table and from then on the conversation flowed along with the beer. As we spoke of our memories of the legendary master, Kenshiro Abbe Sensei, I said ” Do you realize that it is 50 years next year since Abbe Sensei arrived in Britain ! “. We all discussed the importance of this date, I then suggested that, as we all belonged to the Essex Aikido Forum ( EAF ), which is a group of like minded people interested only in Aikido without its politics, we agreed that we should organise a celebration of such an important date. Mr MacDonald called over Mr Davies who, without a moments hesitation, gave the event his full support and financial backing.

The Organising Committee

Before the evening was over we realised that this event would be bigger than anything ever previously organised by the EAF or any other Aikido organisation for that matter. We decided there and then that we would need a working committee if we were to put this very special event together. Mr MacDonald approached two other senior EAF member, Mr Mike Leavy and Mr Eric Gillett, who agreed to join our organising committee. I then approached Mr David Humm the administrator of the very popular website the ” National Aikido Communication DataBase ” . Mr Humm had also been involved in our efforts to protect the history of British Aikido. He also became a willing committee member. Mr Rob Peck agreed to be the secretary We now had a full committee of seven members who were now totally committed and dedicated to putting together the greatest Aikido seminar ever in the United Kingdom. I don’t believe that any one of us on this night were able to grasp the enormity of the task we had pledged to undertake.

The Venue

As the word spread throughout the Aikido and MartialArts communities and, from the interest that was now being generated, we now knew that we would need a prestigious venue After much deliberation and following a visit to Crystal Palace Sports Centre, we soon realised that this was to be the final venue. This was to be a wise decision as, with its great hall and facilities along with the accommodation blocks and restaurants, It would later prove to be capable of hosting the planned event comfortably. The event attracted 430 students. 60 guests, 370 spectators and visitors totalling almost one thousand people on the day With students from all over the UK — USA — France — Holland — Germany, Czechoslvakia.

The Teachers of the Day

As this day was to celebrate the arrival in the UK of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei in 1955, and the subsequent inception of Aikido. It was decided to invite the five surviving direct students of Abbe Sensei from the 1950’s/60’s mentioned below.

I, Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman had already agreed, now I had to approach my old friends, Sensei Ralph Reynolds and Sensei Hayden Foster, who willingly offered their support.

Sensei Ken Williams, first student of Abbe Sensei, was also approached. He had to decline due to prior commitments. He did however provided a letter of dedication to be read out at the event. I then approached Sensei Bill Smith Shihan MBE, who sadly had to decline due to health issues. His son Phillip attended to represent his father and the AikiKai. Now we had a full Aikido teaching team. The event was officially under-way. We also received a letter of tribute to the memory of Abbe Sensei from the Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba ..

The Guests

The guest list was a who’s who of the Martial-Arts world in the UK. There were 60 guests and, with respect, I am unable to mention them all but, the following will give some insight.

Mr F Motai of the Japanese Embassy — Sensei Bill Woods Aide / Secretary to Kenshiro Abbe Sensei 1955 - Sensei Bill Stopps, Personal Aide to Matsutaro Otani Sensei from 1947. - Sensei Robin Otani, Pesident of the British Judo Council. - Mr P, Don of Sport England. - Sensei N Jones, my personal guest. - Ms Jenny Earle, World Judo champion.

Mr Ken Cottier Shihan, a member of the Aiki-Kai World Council. Mr Gigs Shouten, a special guest from Holland. Joe Curran Sensei who read a letter of tribute to Abbe Sensei from Kazuo Chiba Shihan.

The Budo Demonstrations

During the mid day part of the event there was a break for the students while the Budo demonstrations were carried out by some of the very best exponents of the various arts on display. This was a unique event where students were now able to witness many of the Budo arts that they had never seen before.

Aikido -Judo — Karate — Iaido — Kyudo — Kendo — JuJutsu — Ju Kendo

The Event and The Day

This was a very wonderful and special day for me after almost 50 years of practicing Aikido. On the morning of the event as I entered the great hall at Crystal Palace Sports Centre to the electrifying sound of the Taiko Drummers and masses of students around the mat area plus many more queuing at the door to register. I walked onto the concourse floor to see all the various stalls set out. Mr Don Baney a specialist in Japanese works of art had a fine display of Samurai armour and swords, for more information visit: http://www.geocities.com/britishaikido/japanese_swords.htm The atmosphere was fantastic, an indication of the great day ahead. I met so many people that I had not seen for so many years.

There was a raffle at the end of the day with a prized valuable ShinKen sword, presented by Nine Circles Budo Equipment Supplies. A hand made Tanto presented by Sensei Dave Rogers of New Mexic,o USA. Other prizes included the book ” Positive Aikido”, Gi’s, bokkens, shinai’s and many commemorative T-Shirts.

This was indeed a very special day.

I was privileged to be at the great event in 1963 held by Abbe Sensei at the Royal Albert Hall in London where I was assistant to Mikoto Nakazono Sensei. I never thought that I would ever see another event to equal that one. On this day of celebration and commemoration of the life of Abbe Sensei, I believe I saw the event to eclipse all others.

Henry Ellis Event Liasion Officer
Co-Author of Positive Aikido
Principal Coach Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido
http://www.EllisAikido.org
http://www.geocities.com/britishAikido

Henry Ellis born 1936. Co -author of Positive Aikido. A direct student of the legendary Budo master Kenshiro Abbe Sensei from 1957. Ellis has had articles published in several International Martial Arts magazines, he has written several articles on the proud history and lineage of British Aikido. Protecting the legacy left by Abbe Sensei from those that have attempted to alter the facts to advance their insatiable ego’s.

No copyright on this article..
Henry Ellis co-author of Positive Aikido and the Principal Coach of the Ellis SChools of Traditional Aikido UK - USA.. He is a direct student from 1957 of the legendary Budo master Kenshiro Abbe Sensie. Ellis has written many articles on the history and lineage of British Aikido, several articles have been published in International Martial Arts magazines.

Absolute Speed and Power Training for Martial Arts

It hardly takes much convincing to conclude that having blinding speed of punches or bone-cracking power in kicks are the most desireable assets for Martial Artists to posess. Remember Miyamoto Musashi stated in his famous text “A Book of Five Rings” that one ultimate goal of the warrior is to learn to end the fight with a single blow! That’s exactly where speed & power come in! The idea is to make them as specific as possible so as to achieve the most applicable results. In this article we will attempt to explore some of the best methods available to get those results.

Economy of Motion. Basically the more you practice your peticular techniques, the more your nervous system becomes familiar & you naturally get faster. Its a really good idea to use mirrors because you can self-coach so to say & strip away wasted movements as well as learn to utilize power centers (like the hips & legs). For example you can immediately make your punch will be twice as powerful by springing off the slightly bent legs when you execute it. Think of your body akin to a coiled up snake about to strike!
Think SPEED! Sounds simple but when you start thinking you are fast you will actually start moving faster. Get over any preconceived mental limitations you may have. The other aspect of this notion is to keep the thought of speed on the forefront of your mind. As you train to do those skills you wish to be faster & stronger at make a conscious effort to do them with your best speed & power efforts! Time yourself. Count down how many strikes or roundhouses you can land on a target or heavy bag in a 10 second period. Seek to improve your numbers every session.
Overspeed methods A.K.A. Forcing faster muscle memory! The abridged version goes like this:You have an innate speed at which muscles can fire off & move any given limb. Factors like motor unit recruitment, neural efficiency/capacity, & strength ratios effect this. What we are going to do is teach the nervous system to coordinate movement & build muscle memory at faster speeds! To speed up punches wrap a tubular resistance band or even bungee cord around your wrists and anchor the other end or have a partner stretch it out. Now release & throw the arm into motion with the added speed. Relax the opposing muscles to avoid any “braking” effects. The same proceedure can be performed on kicks by binding the band to the foot.10-20 reps 2 times aweek will be enough to develop noticeable results.
Specific drills to build power. Much can be done with a simple medicineball & even bodyweight outside of what you are already familiar with. Here are some to get started on:
Power absorbtion exercises:How the theory works is that you can’t create more power than you can absorb. So it only makes sense to start here before we start “jumping” into plyometrics! For upperbody power, drop push-ups are king! Assume a position upright but on your knees with both arms at chest level slightly more than shoulder width apart bend aprox 90?, now drop to your hands without hesitation and forcefully contract when the hands touch the floor as to limit the amount of arm bend. The higher the “drop” the more force is absorbed, thus the more power potential to develop. The same concept is easily adapted to the lowerbody by doing drops from a 4′-5′ surface landing in a 1/4 squat. For pulling power, hold yourself at the top of a pull up position & fall to “catch” yourself about 1/2 through the pull ups range of motion.You’ll find after performing as little as 10 reps each you’ll be plenty sore! Its a good idea to work these 4-8 weeks, 2 times a week before progressing to the next phase…

Plyometric Kung Fu:Okay to begin lets start with punching/pushing power. Clapping push-ups work great but I feel the need to mention that the idea is to “bounce” off of each rep. Not just get the clap in! In fact forget the clap, just repetitively hop off the floor from this position. Its the fast reaction off the landing that matters so focus on that. One idea that will work good on the legs is to depth jump right into a kick. Peticularly a jump-kick! Now these are good starters…ready to leave elementary onto High School? Get a partner & medicineball (start with light ball, please!). Have him Throw it (throw, not toss) at you. The first step its to rebound it as soon as it touches your hands. Next level of progress is to actually strike the oncoming ball out of the air with a chop, punch, palm, & even any various kicks you desire to build power onto. This drill works some serious plyo-power into your martial arts! Start with a light 3 lb. ball & slow throws gradually working up to faster throws & heavier balls.Obviosly the further you are able to displace the ball/target the more power you have gained(Like a baseball batter). Kind of works as a measuring devise as well. For you solo practitioners get a bouncy type med-ball & react off the rebound of a wall throw. Please exercise caution as this last one is alot more difficult than it sounds & takes some serious getting used to.The great thing is you can build accuracy at the same time you get faster & more powerful techniques. Lastly plyometrics like these are intense, so only work out with them 2 times a week.
If you’d like to learn more about speed,the science of power training, & plyometrics stop by our site Bionicplyometrics.com & read up. If you have any specific question you’ll be able to contact me here as well.

About the Author

Mark learned plyometrics as well as other modalities of training as a professional & collegiate gymnastics instructor.Mr. Sias now is a Firefighter/Paramedic which allows him much free time to study science of sports training & consult many tainers across the country.

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 on “inner secrets of martial arts visit-
http://ecomnow.turnwill.hop.clickbank.net

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

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Martial Arts Expert, Lieutenant X, Offers Free Tips on How to Kick Tony Soprano Into Next Season
With the final season of HBO’s THE SOPRANOS about to air, controversial New Jersey martial arts & street fighting expert, Lieutenant X, reveals how to defend yourself against angry mobsters. (PRWeb Apr 4, 2007)

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Martial Arts Summer Camp: A Success Story for Children

Do you ever get the feeling that your child is losing ground in the battle for a decent education? Do you dread the high cost of summer camp? Do you feel that your child is learning courtesy and respect in school or summer camp?

None of us can afford to let the years go by and “hope for the best.” Each child must go through a re-programming process every September to regain his or her previous academic level. The child who did great in June may have to settle and adjust to school all over again in the Fall.

The common problems for children, when going back to school, are attention span, motivation, and goal setting skills. We have many choices to enhance the success rates of our children, but if money is a factor, our choices seem to be limited, and every parent wants the best for his or her child.

Therefore, let’s look at our options. You could do it all yourself, and some parents choose this path. You would need to tutor your child, reinforce respect, supervise each activity, and gently guide him or her toward constructive friendships. If you have a career, you might as well put it on hold for the summer.

You could place your child in an affordable summer camp and pray he or she will survive the season. You could also find a good skills camp for a minimum of $300 per week. Between summer camp, back to school, gasoline, and Christmas, we’ll all be working a second job.

However, martial arts summer camps are very affordable in comparison to most summer camps. All of them are run with maximum supervision and kids are eager to belong to a structured society. Children know what is expected of them; it is just a matter of reinforcing the structure and making it fun for kids.

Does it sound like a military school? In some ways it is - but each child who enters a martial arts summer camp, will be a model student in an academic school setting, during the next school year.

How is this possible? The foundation of martial arts is courtesy and respect. This is how a martial arts school maintains structure and integrity. All of the extra life skills such as: goal setting, anger management, stress management, motivation, self defense, and having a positive attitude, are “icing on the cake.”

Every child who enters a martial arts summer camp learns the taste of success, the feeling of achievement - and no child is left behind. In turn, this will prepare him or her for the next school year.

? Copyright 2006 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

About the Author

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

4 New Ways to Workout in the Gym - 300 Spartan Training Style
CrossFit Trainer Tells How to Duplicate 300 Spartan Training Workout (PRWeb Mar 23, 2007)

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Martial Arts - 9 Questions To Ask When Looking For A School

Thinking of taking Martial Arts? Choosing a Martial Arts school can be intimidating, but not if you do some research first. Knowing these nine questions to ask before you pick any school for yourself or your child will ensure a positive experience.

1. Do you have belt test fees? And if so, how much are they? If they do, make sure you ask what they charge for each belt, so you know your true costs.

2. Do they mix adults with kids when training? Most schools consider an adult to be 12 or 13. You do not want to pair up with a youth if you are an adult. It slows down your training.

3. Do they do tournaments? Many places will say yes, but you don’t have to participate. Well let me tell you, the four weeks before the tournament, most schools are so busy getting ready for it, you will be a punching bag until the tournament is over.

4. Do they allow the public to watch the classes? I really dislike being watched while I teach or practice. Do you really want to be trying to learn an advance move that looks real funny, with people on the side lines laughing at you? Most of my students don’t, so we do NOT allow it, except during the kid’s class. All parents are allowed to watch their kids if they want to. If the school doesn’t allow that - watch out.

5. What style do they teach? I am a traditionalist. I like to teach and learn only one style. Many incomplete styles have to bring in different systems to complete their style. Not a good thing. Imagine speaking a quarter English, a quarter French, a quarter Spanish, and a quarter Russian. You would never learn to write. Try to stick to a complete system that isn’t just the flavor of the month.

6. What type of screening process do they have? Can just anybody train? Remember, you will be learning a martial art, and in the course of things, someone will be punching and kicking at you. It’s nice to know that the instructor screened his students (All my students go through an ongoing screening process, starting with the very first interview and first lesson).

7. How often can I come in? I allow my students full access to the training hall all day long, five days a week. If you can only come down twice a week, that’s ok if that works for you. I just know that working with adults, their schedule is always changing, so we have to change with them. Just be aware of what you can and can’t do. If all the sudden you cannot make your seven o’clock lesson, do they have another time for you?

8. Who teaches the class? Are they paid instructors or just teenage helpers trying to get their next belt? A paid instructor usually knows that they are being paid by the student. The unpaid teenager often doesn’t care if you stay or go, learn or not.

9. Do they have contracts? I love this one. I have done it both ways. I have signed contracts and I have not signed them. Let me tell you, the person that does not have a contract is no professional. They usually are the worst run schools. You must absolutely know up front what is expected from you, the student, and what you can expect from the school. How many times have you heard “get it in writing”? Well do it. The only reason not to sign a contract is the length of time you are committing to. Remember, they are committing to you as well. Contracts are not one sided. If you are not going to be in the area for the term of the contract, don’t sign it. All my agreements have a clause allowing you out if you get sick or move. One last thing, would you buy a house, rent an apartment, purchase a car, or sell a house without some sort of contract? I think not. So don’t fall for “we don’t have contracts here”. A month to month club is just that, a month to month club. It takes two to commit. If the school is willing to commit, so should the student.

There are many other things to be aware of, but I feel these are the most critical. If you have any questions about a school in your area or want some advice, feel free to email me at the contact address below. I will be happy to help you make the right decision.

Mr. Robert Jones
Master Instructor
Temple Kung-Fu Studios

About the Author

Mr. Robert Jones runs three successful martial arts schools located in Bellevue, Lynnwood, and Kent Washington. He has been helping families make positive changes in their lives through martial arts for over 20 years. He has also written two guides on how to pick a martial arts school. He can be reached at martialadvice@hotmail.com or at the Academy of Kempo Martial Arts. 800-508-6141

360 Replays Releases Improved 3D Sports-replay Prototype
360 Replays announced today that they have successfully completed development of a 40 camera, 3D sports replay system known as VantEDGE technology that can be used to capture and playback live video from many angles during sports events. (PRWeb Mar 20, 2007)

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A Classic Collector’s Dream: Fusian Films Strikes Again
On April 17, 2007 Fusian Films will be releasing two more digitally re-mastered DVDs in to collectors' video libraries all over the world, Absurd Brave and Bloody Mask. (PRWeb Apr 6, 2007)

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Xyience has put together an exceptional team from the investment banking, beverage and marketing industries. William (Bill) Underhill is the new company CEO and Chairman of the Board of Xyience and Jan Hall is the President and Chief Operating Officer. (PRWeb Mar 27, 2007)

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The Reverend Kensho Furuya of the Aikido Dojo Los Angeles - 1948-2007
This afternoon I discovered that The Reverend Kensho Furuya, founder of Little Tokyo’s Aikido Center Los Angeles, passed away earlier this month, to the sadness of many friends, students, and fellow martial artists.

The memorial web page, posted by his dojo community, displays his picture and simply refers to him as “Our Chief Instructor.”

Some may think this characterization is unduly modest, given the Sensei’s many accomplishments. But to be a teacher is a very serious profession, often without immediate gratification and bearing heavy responsibilities for the development of others.

Sensei Furuya bore his burden with humility and dedication, sharing this story…

Unconventional Personal Self Defense Weapons
Every day objects can be powerful weapons for defending yourself…IF you know what the possibilities are…and HOW TO USE THEM!

The Origins of the Martial Arts in the UK.

The Origins of Martial Arts in the UK

By Mr Nigel Porter.

Submitted by Henry Ellis.

The following article offers those students, who are interested in the true history of British Judo and Aikido, a more comprehensive view of the profound effect that Kenshiro Abbe sensei had on British Martial Arts. ESTA are most grateful to Mr Nigel Porter of the “Tokushima Budo Council International (Judo)” and also the “Traditional Aikido Iwama Ryu GB”, for allowing us to place this article on our website.

Jujutsu Arrives

On the 26th of September 1899 a British engineer, called Barton Wright, returned to England after an extended period of living and working in Japan. He brought with him an eighteen year old Japanese man whom he had developed a friendship with, and who he believed had something special to give to the British people. The Japanese youth was Yukio Tani (1881 - 1950) and he was an exponent of the Japanese art of Jujutsu. The combination ofBarton Wright, as entrepreneur /manager and Yukio Tani, a natural showman, led the two men into touring the Music Hall circuit, where Tani would challenge anyone willing to wrestle with him. With the temptation of winning ?1 for lasting each minute, overan initial 5 minutes, or ?50 for winning, there was never a shortage of challengers. However, at a diminutive 5 feet 6 inches (1.67Mts) Tani allegedly lost only one music hall match and that was to a fellow Japanese national.

In 1900 S.K. Uyenishi joined the circuit, but soon after began teaching self defence and physical education at the Army Gymnastic HQ in Aldershot. In the May of 1906 the feet of arguably one of the most famous Judoka, in British history, touched our shores. His name was Gunji Koizumi (1885 - 1965), a Chinese lacquer expert by trade and master of Tenshin Shinyo Jujutsu, Kenjutsu, Akishima Ryu Jujutsu and Katsu. He was only to stay for a year, training and instructing his martial Arts around the country, notably at the Kara Ashikaga Jujutsu school, the Piccadilly School of Jujutsu, the RNVR, etc. until he decided to journey to the United States. He did, however return in 1910 and eventually founded the London Budokwai, in1918, offering Jujutsu, Kendo and other Japanese arts to the British public. A year later Koizumi asked Tani to join him as an instructor at his school of Martial Ways and Tani accepted, retiring from his Music Hall bouts.

In 1919 another, yet to be famous, Martial Artist arrived in Britain. This time it was a Japanese gentleman by the name of Masutaro O’Tani (1899 - 1977), who had worked his passage on a merchant vessel. He was a Jujutsu man, having trainedin Japan as well as Ceylon, where he had lived during his passage.

Judo Is Accepted

Koizumi and Tani were teaching their Jujutsu method at the Budokwai until 1920, when a delegation formed by Jigoro Kano,the founder of Kodokan Judo, Hikoichi Aida and E.J.Harrison, both Kodokan Dan grades and members of the Budokwai,influenced them to covert to Judo. This was achieved and the Jujutsu men were awarded their Judo 2nd Dans, in recognition of their technique and status. From there on Judo was formally taught at the Budokwai and this can be recognised as the starting point of British Judo. Meanwhile Masutaro O’Tani had been looking to continue his Martial Arts training and subsequently joined the budokwai in 1921. Within 5 years he had risen to the position of assistant instruct to Yukio Tani and become close friends with this character. In 1948 the British Judo Association (BJA) was formed, uniting the majority of Judo clubs in Great Britain and installing GunjiKoizumi as President. Two years later Yukio Tani passed away, having previously suffered a debilitating stroke. Over the next few years O’Tani became disenchanted with the Judo that was being promoted by the BJA and it’s anglicising of the Japanese sport he loved. He was also said to be unhappy with the level of support and care that had been extended to his old friend Tani. Consequently,in 1954 O’Tani severed his links with the BJA and formed his own organisation - the Masutaro O’Tani Society of Judo (MOSJ).

Around that time the London Judo Society (LJS), a BJA group co-founded by George Chew and Eric Dominy, decided to invite a high ranking Japanese Judo player/teacher to their society, to become their chief instructor.

Kenshiro Abbe and Kyu Shin Do

In 1955 and as a result of the LJS decision, a man, who’s credentials were incredible by Japanese standards let alone British ones, arrived in Britain. The man was Kenshiro Abbe (1915 - 1985) and he was single handedly to have more of an impact on British Martial Arts than anyone who had gone before or, for that matter, after.

Abbe Sensei was born in Tokushima province, Japan and was first introduced to Martial Arts by his father, a Kendo teacher,at the age of 3. Abbe Sensei learnt Sumo wrestling at school and became the regional school champion. In 1931 Abbe Sensei began Judo and one year later, when only 15 years old, was graded 2nd Dan. His Judo prowess grew from there, becoming the Tokushima High schools champion at 16 and receiving his 3rd Dan from the national Martial Arts governing body, the Butokukai.

In 1933 he enrolled at the Butokukai’s special teacher training college and later was graded 5th Dan, graduated and retained as an instructor. In 1935, aged only 18, Abbe Sensei won both the All Japan East/West Tournament and the 5th Dan championships, a pinnacle in competitive Judo. It was around this time that Abbe Sensei began a 10 year study of Morihei Ueshiba’s Martial Art - Aikido and formulated his own Budo philosophy of Kyu Shin Do. Abbe Sensei received his 6th Dan in 1938 and during the war years ran a military training company, where he studied and mastered Jukendo, the way of the Bayonet.

In 1945 the Butokukai graded Abbe Sensei 7th Dan Judo and 6th Dan Kendo and in 1949 he took up the position of chief instructor to the Kyoto Police and the Doshisha University. Six years later Abbe Sensei was teaching in Britain.

Although initially invited by the LJS to be their chief instructor, a series of disagreements resulted in Abbe Sensei parting company with them. The stage was set for Abbe Sensei to teach pure Kyu Shin Do to the British and in order to achieve this Abbe Sensei formed a number of martial Arts Councils, including the British Judo Council (BJC), the British Kendo Council, the British Karate Council, etc. as well as an overall governing body - the International Budo Council (IBC). It was through these various councils that, by 1957, Abbe Sensei had introduced Kendo (the way of the sword), Aikido (the way of spiritualharmony), Kyudo (the way of the bow), Jukendo (the way of the bayonet), Iaido (the way of sword drawing), Yarido (theway of the spear) and Naginatado (the way of the halberd) to Europe.

Around this time (1956) OTani, by then a 5th Dan, made contact with Abbe Sensei and very soon began training under him. By 1958 O’Tani had been given the position of national coach to the BJC. The early 60’s were to prove very exciting for British Martial Artists and Abbe Sensei was instrumental in inviting leading Budo teachers to Great Britain, including Nakazono Sensei - 6th Dan Aikido and Harada Sensei - 6th Dan Shotokai Karatedo.

In 1964 Abbe Sensei returned to Japan in order to see the Olympics hosted in his home land and Judo represented for the first time. It was 5 years later that he finally returned, his delay being caused by an old injury to his neck, that had gradually got worse since the car accident that caused it, back in 1960. What he returned to was a near dormant IBC and a BJC that had changed course in his absence. He felt that, instead of studying the truth of Budo, most BJC members only wanted the physical instruction, misunderstanding the origins of the teaching and consequently corrupting the essence of Abbe Sensei’s KyuShin Do philosophy.

Subsequently Abbe Sensei set about redressing the situation, virtually dismantling the BJC and leaving in place only those worthy to help in the reconstruction. O’Tani was made president of the BJC and graded 8th Dan. O’Tani was also left incharge of the IBC, with a number of other loyal students. In 1970 Abbe Sensei returned to Japan and in the same year O’Tani merged the MOSJ into the BJC. During the early and mid 70’s the management of both the BJC and IBC became difficult for O’Tani and those that had been left to continue Abbe Sensei’s teachings. In 1978 the BJC severed it’s links with the now ‘all but’redundant IBC. Since then many organisations have sprung up, promoting the Kyu Shin Do philosophy, but few truly grasp what Abbe Sensei meant.

Abbe Sensei sadly passed away on December 1st 1985.

By Nigel Porter

Kind Regards

Henry Ellis
Co- Author of Positive Aikido.
http://www.EllisAikido.org
http://www.geocities.com/britishaikido
http://www.KenshiroAbbe.com

About the Author

Nigel Porter is a student and writer of Judo

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7 Ways To Protect Your Own Entourage With Simple Self-Defense Tactics
With the new season of HBO's ENTOURAGE under way, notorious martial arts & self-defense expert, Lieutenant X, sheds some light on how to defend your own family when out on the town. (PRWeb Apr 11, 2007)

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360 Replays Releases Improved 3D Sports-replay Prototype
360 Replays announced today that they have successfully completed development of a 40 camera, 3D sports replay system known as VantEDGE technology that can be used to capture and playback live video from many angles during sports events. (PRWeb Mar 20, 2007)

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7 Tips For Selecting A Martial Arts Style

With hundreds of different styles available, it’s difficult to make a decision on what to learn. The simple answer is to stay close to home and find an instructor you love. A close location and a good instructor will keep you interested and inspired more than the style will. With that said, here are some tips to help you out.

1. There?s no style that is the ?best?.

2. Find a school nearby with classes to fit your purpose - you may be limited to what?s nearby and to what you can fit into your schedule.

3. Experiencemartialarts.com lists the most common styles, however there are hundreds (if not thousands) of styles that use combinations of these common styles. Just because a school advertises a style that isn?t listed here doesn?t mean it isn?t a good style. Keep an open mind and form your own opinion about each style.

4. Sport, Self-Defense or Fitness - All styles have all 3 of these components, just be sure to look for a class that either focuses on your purpose or gives a general overview of all 3 depending on your goals.

5. Visit schools to see if you enjoy the atmosphere and instructor along with the style. Even though two schools both teach Karate, the way in which they teach it and the sub-styles of Karate may be completely different. Also, pay close attention to the instructors and use your “gut feel” when evaluating them. Are they someone you can get along with? Are they someone who you will respect and listen to?

6. Know your physical abilities and limits. As you are visiting schools, be sure to check with the instructor about any limitations you may have before signing up. You?ll also get a really good feel for what you?re in for by observing a class or two. Most schools offer one class for free.

7. If you have friends already practicing a style, think strongly about learning the same style. Having others to practice with and to encourage you helps a great deal in the long run and makes it even more fun.

As we said before, your instructor will make all the difference in the world. A good instructor is like a good teacher in that they can take the most daunting and boring tasks and make them exciting! Once you’re excited about martial arts, you’ll find that training 3 days a week isn’t work…it’s something you truly enjoy doing.

About the Author:

Javier Lozano, Jr. is a 2nd dan in Wado-Ryu Karate and a writer for Experience Martial Arts, a resource to help you find a martial arts school that suits your needs.

Ghost Post Publishing is Proud to Announce a New Book, Funky Gorilla Fist, the First Novella by Anthony F. Pepe:
Ghost Post Publishing is proud to announce a new book, Funky Gorilla Fist, the first novella by Anthony F. Pepe: (4.5×7 paperback, 131 pages ISBN 1-59872-304-9 GhostPostPublishing.com, $14.99) The stunning cover art, provided by Lauren Pascarella is beautifully dark, if a little unsettling to some. It is a look that perfectly represents the feel of this book.This intriguing story will lure you into it's depths and hold you there, even if at times, it's against your will. (PRWeb Mar 19, 2007)

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Is Mike Swick Ready For a Title Shot in the UFC?
I believe that Mixed Martial Arts fighter Mike “Quick” Swick is ready for a UFC title shot right now, however Swick may need to wait until later this year to get his chance.

Facts about Martial Arts for Kids - Part 4

“How important is age?”

In a nutshell, age is extremely important. A child who cannot handle being in kindergarten, or pre-school, will not be able to concentrate in a martial arts class. Before five years of age, any child who can focus in a martial arts class is exceptional.

We have successfully trained a few children who were, or are, four years of age. I don’t want to turn away the next Bruce Lee or Mozart, when he or she comes along, but there are a few factors to consider when a child is very young.

1. Can he or she let go of a parent’s hand and work independently, in a classroom setting? This is very important, unless you can find a martial arts teacher that will teach parent and child, together, in the same classroom.

2. What are your true goals? When a parent has a lot of patience, it is much easier to accomplish realistic goals of focusing in a classroom, improved motor skills, and enhanced athletic abilities. However, instant success and precision performance are not likely. In many cases, young karate students tend to “shine” around seven years of age or older, so why put your child under pressure?

3. How much of a distraction is a young child going to be in a karate class? If your child is used to being the center of attention, this won’t work in a martial arts class. Time is shared with other students, and the objective is to learn everything in the daily lesson plan. This cannot be accomplished if a child is screaming for attention.

Within our Karate studio, in North Providence, we have a no pressure screening process for young children, as a measure, to see if joining our kids Karate classes will be a good relationship for the parents, child, and the Karate studio. This is why we have a free 30-day trial membership, with no obligations on either side.

As a parent, you want your child to get the optimum martial arts experience every time they train. This can only happen if the martial arts school establishes clear guidelines for conduct and if all the children participating are “team players.”

Otherwise, parents do not get their money’s worth and children waste time in a Karate class, while the child who gets the most attention is a discipline problem.

Within a child’s mind, being responsible for his or her actions is a matter of developing awareness, and everything is a new experience. As adults, we know that this knowledge comes with age, but each individual child grows at a different rate. Children are not “little adults,” and we cannot place adult expectations upon them.

If you put children into extremely high-pressure
situations, they will not continue to enjoy the activity. Whether it is martial arts, academic school, or little league baseball, it is healthy for parents and children to have goals, but we all have to learn to accept life’s little setbacks without worry.

? 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

Entitlement: Do I Owe You Because You Helped Me?
Here’s a scenario that I’m sure everyone has experienced at one time in our lives, whether we’re on the giving end of it or you’ve heard someone say it in the past. Two people are having an argument, tempers flare, and in the heat of the argument, someone says something like “How can you treat me like this after all I’ve done for you?” or “If it wasn’t for me, you wouldn’t been able to do what you did! You owe me!”

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.

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The difference between martial arts and self defense

Many people refer to martial arts with the purpose of obtaining fighting skills to protect themselves on the streets. But what’s the difference between martial arts (in their technical aspect) and street self defense? At first, the difference is in the goal. The goal of martial arts competition is to win, to show your technical superiority over an opponent. But it’s not a good idea to compete with an assailant on the street - your aim is to protect yourself or even survive. Also the street is different from the ring or tatami because in the ring you’re prepared for the fight, but on the street people usually face with sudden violence. Thus, you have no time to develop a strategy - you have to get into action immediately. Generally, martial arts practitioners are used to fight in nearly constant and well-known conditions, wearing appropriate and comfortable clothes. On the street situation dramatically changes: attack might occur in any inappropriate place; surrounding conditions may be not on your side (slippery ground, poor illuminance, bad weather, etc); your clothes may be not good for fighting, confining moves. Martial arts have certain rules, ethics, and admit fair combat; some techniques are forbidden for the safety reasons. But street fights have no rules, and you should expect every dirty trick of an assailant - don’t reckon on a fair combat. Contrary to sparring, in a self defense situation you will quite probably deal with two or more attackers and they might be armed (with edged weapons, baseball bats, bottles, chains, etc). You should realize, that where’s no need for you to prove your fighting abilities to somebody on the street - your safety is crucial, and such solution as a quick escape might be optimal in a self defense situation.

www.self-defense4u.blogspot.com

About the Author

Karate coach

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 .

Self Defense And Psychological Preparedness
Being psychologically prepared is critical for self defense during an assault in the street. It is very important to be ready to repel the assailant (assailants) using all the means you have. Note that even being in not very good physical shape these means could be quite sufficient to disable your enemy (enemies).

For example, if you wear hard sharp-toe shoes, then kicking your enemy in groin or shank with the toe of such shoe (even if there are no years of practice behind this kick) immediately makes him writhe with pain for several moments. And this gives you enough time to either disable the enemy or simply run away.

Scratching facer using fingernails also causes pain shock to your enemy and makes him unable to resist for some time. Remembering how dangerous a furious cat can be for people is enough to understand this.

In several cases, a furious cat is known to make its owners hide in one of the rooms and wait for the police to come and help them. Police officers in this situation often have to use guns to protect themselves and rescue the owners of the animal.

Now let’s take a look at a cat, its weight is about 30 times less than that of a man. And this tiny thing can resist police officers armed with firearms. That’s one thing. The other thing is that a common schoolboy, who tortures a cat giving it a hard time, can cope with it, the cat doing nothing to protect itself.

Now you can see the difference between a man employing everything he has at hand to give furious resistance to an assault, and a man who does not resist at all or makes poor attempts to resist.

So we see, at one hand, the enraged and furiously attacking cat that a couple of armed policemen cannot restrain, and, on the other hand, a meek unresisting cat that a little boy can easily handle. The difference is very substantial. This example clearly shows that the more furious and fast you resistance, the more chances you have to win the fight.

I remember a story told me by my disciple about one weak man small in stature, who succeeded in protecting himself against a husky trained fellow with the black belt in taekwondo, who assaulted him.

This small man was so furious and fearless giving his much stronger offender a hail of blows (weak and unskilled as they were) as to shock the guy and made him only try to cover himself from the blows.

One would think what chances had this tiny, middle-aged man, who has never gone in for any sport in a fight against a young and well-trained in taekwondo school guy with the black belt. Any one would say he had no chance. However, it all turned out badly for no one, but the young insolent beggar.

Why, after all, the winner was that small man, who had no chance to win. It is very simple. The moment the fight began, he had his consciousness fully blocked; he acted automatically guided by his subconsciousness.

At the moment, he had nothing in his mind, but the enemy and the thought of disabling that enemy by any means possibly. At that moment, his consciousness was, as it were, at one with the Universe. He feared nothing since the sense of fear was gone from him.

He had neither diffidence nor other impeding factors, that’s why all his actions became TRUE ones. Even though he had not much power and skill, but all he had he putted in each blow. So that’s why, seemingly, with no chance to succeed he won the unequal fight.

Quite contrarily, his enemy was stiffened with fear and uncertainty as a result of this sudden and furious repel. Who could ever dare to attack him, as he was so strong and practiced fighter, he thought. Certainly not this small man, who, as it seemed, was supposed to be trembling with fear.

But it turned out so that it was that strong and trained beef, who had a weak spirit. At the critical moment, his will, composure and fighting skills failed him. He simply got scared and confused, and, as a result, was defeated by a weaker and less skilled opponent.

Alexander Popov is the leading expert in knife and hand-to-hand combat in the version of Spetsnaz GRU. Spetsnaz martial arts videos and ebooks: <a href="http://www.spetsnaz-gru-smersh.com" title="http://www.spetsnaz-gru-smersh.com" target="_blank">http://www.spetsnaz-gru-smersh.com</a>

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>

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3 Ways Martial Arts Training Can Give You Higher Levels of Confidence, Energy and Enthusiasm

Wouldn’t if be great if everyday you had so much energy, so much confidence and so much enthusiasm that you could accomplish anything that you set your mind to do? Below are just three ways martial arts benefits your life:

1. Training martial arts increases your energy. It’s been proven that any regular physical activity increases your energy levels. Practicing martial arts is no exception. Plus, the additional benefits and effects of training martial arts take this increased energy to another level. Read on to find out more…

2. Training martial arts increases confidence. Practicing martial arts helps you create a self awareness like no other physical activity. You’ll also be able to get (and keep) your body and mind in tune with one another. By training a martial art, you will learn how to physically defend yourself. This ability gives you the confidence to control yourself in stressful situations. You’ll find that you’ll soon be able to defend yourself physically, emotionally and mentally - and, in turn, excel in your endeavors!

3. Training martial arts increases your enthusiasm. Once you find a martial arts style, school and instructor that suit your needs and help you reach your goals, you’ll become so enthusiastic about your martial art experience that you’ll tell everyone you know. In addition to that, this enthusiasm (along with your increased energy and confidence) will carry over to other parts of your life. Just think about it: If you are full of energy and have the confidence to reach your goals, you are going to be enthusiastic about your job, your family, your hobbies, and your life.

Most people think of martial arts as simply a method of self-defense. While that assumption is accurate, it’s not complete. We hope that none of you ever find yourself in the situation where you need to use your martial arts training on the street; the knowledge that you can defend yourself and your family, however, is comforting and confidence-building. The same energy, confidence and enthusiasm you gain with your self-defense skills carries over into your daily life as well. You’ll be able to use your abilities to achieve your goals, overcome bad habits and make outstanding life changes. Just imagine, after even a few weeks of training in martial arts you’ll be able to concentrate, focus and reach for whatever goals you want.

Now, we know that everyone has different goals in their lives - but that’s the beauty of martial arts. The energy, confidence and enthusiasm you gain from martial arts can be directed towards virtually any goal you have in mind. You’ll be able to work hard towards that promotion. You’ll be able to keep your family life moving smoothly. You’ll be able to reduce your stress while increasing your success. The self-defense aspect of training a martial art is just icing on the cake. Everything else you learn will help you improve your life and if your train properly, you may never need to use self-defense anyway.

Give it a try. You owe it to yourself to increase your energy, confidence, and enthusiasm. Make a commitment to start becoming unstoppable today and give me a call.

Robert Jones
Master Instructor
Owner, the Academy of Kempo Martial Arts

About the Author

Mr. Robert Jones runs three successful martial arts schools located in Bellevue, Lynnwood, and Kent Washington. He has been helping families make positive changes in their lives through martial arts for over 20 years. He has also written two guides on how to pick a martial arts school. He can be reached at martialadvice@hotmail.com or at the Academy of Kempo Martial Arts. 800-508-6141

Japanese Samurai Swords - A Brief History
The first proofs of the existence of samurai swords in Japan date from 240 BC, during the Yayoi period, when the queen Himeko sent a tribute to the Chinese dynasty Wei, two swords. In the 5th century the first samurai katana sword appeared on a major scale. They were straight and they were called chokuto. The method of hardening the folded steel, very specific in Japan, as far as the manufacturing of the Japanese swords is concerned, was used for the first time in the 6th century.

Entry Tactics Part 1
To be able to apply a takedown, a throw, a restraint, a hold or impact against somebody, we need to have entry tactics. None of the more complex and advanced manoeuvres of self defense are possible without an entry tactic. Unless you are a person who pre-emptively strikes every time, you will need to have an excellent base of entry tactics allowing you to enter upon any angled delivered strike. This is one of the key factors that most martial artists and people who practice self defense forget. They get comfortable or enjoy the more complex manoeuvres of self defense because they can apply them in an environment with no threat to themselves.

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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

Tai Chi for Over Fifties And Under Fifties!
Tai Chi is an internal martial art which can be soft and gentle. It can and should be practised in a flowing way for practitioners of any age. Particlularly, in China and the est nowadays, people ove r 50 are taking up tai chi whilst the younger generation in china are not so interested in such a traditional art! Tai chi has been proven by the 3000 years of Chinese experience and recent medical studies into te benefits of qigong tai chi is acomplete qigong to be beneficial to the health of the individual practioner. Complete recovery of from diseases from cancer to colds has been documented through diligent pratice of tai chi. Tai chi can also be used to control arthritis. It is recommended that you learn under a highly experienced instructor, who has over 10 years of experience and has learned in China or from a well-recognized master with verificable “lineage”. This is because you want to be learning the real thing and benefitting by clearer mind, healthier body and gradual recovery from any health challeneges you may have experienced or be experienceing. Enjoying it so far: click here> Tai chi chuan means “supreme ultimate fist”. What does “supreme ultimate” mean to you? Tai chi is really about the cultivation of mind, body, spirit and also to kinds of energy, which we don’t have a proper concept of in the West. Those are internal energy, or chi which is present in the body from birth and we also get it from air and food. External energy is the energy that is in the universe. We learn to build up the chi in our bodies in tai chi and that helps us to improve our health. This is the medical aspect of tai chi. We learn to utilize the external energy in tai chi which is the martial aspect of the martial art of tai chi. Tai chi is said to have been invented approximately 5000 years ago, legend has it either by a Taoist priest named Chang Seng Feng or passed to the ancient Chinese people by a group of people reputed to have been 7ft tall and these people - “the sons of reflected light” are said to have taught the arts to the chinese which has made their civilisation so advanced since as long as 3000 year ago as documented by discoveries of the porcelain and silk items in archaeology. Chang Seng Feng is reported to have witnessed a fight between a crane and a snake and noticed the yielding and striking qualities of these animals and designed tai chi based on observations of nature. Tai chi is thus performed slowly and changingly, “flowing like a river” to promote longevity and health. does the tortoise or the elephant move quickly and fast? And how long do these creratures live for? Is it not possible then that we should slow down in our lives and relax like these long-living creature to improve our own chances of living long lives? We imitate the movements of many animals in the tai chi form - a sequence of movements or postures which flow into each other. These stretching and strengthening exercises have very poetic names, beautiful such as White Crane Spreads Its Wings, Golden cock Stands On one Leg and Fair Lady Weaves The Shuttles. Tai chi is a healthy exercise which improves circulation. The author used to be a medical student at Sheffield university and notes that Tai chi was used in the Royal Hallamshire Hospital to aid recovery for heart attack patients. Tai chi incorporates breathing and movement as well as internal assage of the body’s organs and stretching of muscles, tendons and ligaments. Keeping a clear mind is important and whilst the exercise is anaerobic, i.e. not strenuous, the body feel invigorated after proper practice and one can feel energy circulating in the body after practice -so don’t overdo it. The key is consistent daily practice and taking responsibility for your health 100% Sam Beatson runs http://www.tai-chi-kung-fu.com

Sam Beatson Runs Several
http://www.tai-chi-kung-fu.com and http://www.tai-chi-kung-fu.gods-internet.com

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>

The Martial Arts of China

China is the place of origin of the earliest form of martial arts that began 2500 years ago. Martial arts, as the greatest enhancer of the body represent a number of fighting systems, each system possessing a unique set of techniques that is continually perfected over the ages. However, Hollywood placed the idea of martial arts in a box and restricted it as just a cultural practice of Oriental countries, and the truth is Martial arts has been a worldwide practice for quite a long time already.

The Chinese martial arts are the most advanced and the most varied. Drawing their inspiration from birds, reptiles, animals as well as their strong philosophies - Chinese martial art is unique and absolutely astounding.

These martial arts have been practiced for thousands of years, and even today maintain their vigor and originality. They can broadly be classified into the following categories:

1. Wushu Styles: Wushu is an ancient and fluid martial art form that is based on rapid kicks and jumps. There are hundreds of styles and schools of this particular art form. However most can be grouped under five or six categories. These are:

a) Northern Shaolin Temple Styles: These styles are said to have originated in the northern provinces of Cchina such as Henna. They focus on kicks, jumps and fluid movements. This is said to be because the northern population of China was taller and made full use of their longer limbs. Changquan, the sword and broadsword routines used in contemporary Wushu competitions, belong to these schools.

b) Southern Shaolin Temple Styles: These originated in southern China, in the provinces south of the Yangtze River (Chang Jiang). The people here were shorter and therefore the styles developed here focused mostly on the upper body strength and speed. Some Southern styles are Nanquan, Hung Gar, Wing Chun, and Choy Lay F.

c) External styles: The external style is most often perceived to be synonymous with Chinese martial arts because it focuses on physical strength, agility, stamina and explosive movements. External style training concentrates on muscular power, speed and application. These styles generally integrate their qigong aspects during advanced training levels after the desired physical hardiness has been reached. External styles include most types of Wushu, except Taijiquan, Xingyiquan, Baguazhang and Liu He Ba Fa.

d) Internal or soft styles: Soft style focuses on building power by focusing on internal elements such as the spirit, energy flow and by using relaxed leverage rather than brute force. Theorists say that the internal and the external styles differ in their focus on the philosophy of martial arts. The internal stylists are seen as philosopher-fighters, spending more time on developing the soul. The External schools are the ones that focus more on the hard aspect of developing physical prowess.

However Internal schools do focus on physical training. The movements and postures are slow as opposed to fast and explosive. The idea is to involve the entire body in every motion, stay relaxed, with deep, controlled breathing and coordinate the motions of the body to the breathing. All this should be done, while maintaining perfect balance. Taijiquan, Baguazhang, and Xingyiquan, Liuhexinyiquan, Liu He Ba Fa and
Yiquan are all internal styles.

2. Buddhist styles: Buddhist styles were created mostly within Buddhist temples by Buddhist monks and later spread to laymen. These styles include Buddhist philosophy, imagery, numbers, and principles. The most famous are Shaolinquan, Luohanquan, Hung
Gar, Wing Chun and White Crane.

3. Daoist styles: Daoist styles were developed within Daoist Temples by Daoist ascetics and include Daoist principles, philosophy, and imagery.

4. Muslim styles: Muslim styles were practiced by the Muslim Hui minority in China. These styles have Muslim principles or imagery and include Chaquan, Xinyiliuhequan, and Qishiquan.
Drawing on physical skills bring about discipline and well-being.

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

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The Martial Arts History Museum’s Hall of Fame is Announced
The prestigous Martial Arts History Museum hall of fame ceremony is announced.

Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) 2007, “Week of Workshops” near Annapolis
The Jing Ying Institute of Kung Fu and Tai Chi near Annapolis, Maryland has several events scheduled in honor of the Chinese New Year.

New Horizon Karate instructor honored by Action Martial Arts Magazine Hall of Fame for Excellence in Teaching the Martial Arts.
WORLDS LARGEST MARTIAL ARTS HALL OF FAME BANQUET , EXPO and TRADE SHOW MEGA MARTIAL ARTS WEEKEND was held Jan. 5-7th at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, N.J. This event was attended by thousands of martial artists.

Fun Games for Children Training in Martial Arts

Keeping children interested in their Martial Arts training requires an element of fun and games. Traditionalists are usually only concerned with the discipline and structure of their training, but incorporating fun games involving proper techniques will add to the value of training and keep the kids interested.

Keeping children interested in their Martial Arts training requires an element of fun and games. Traditionalists are usually only concerned with the discipline and structure of their training, but incorporating fun games involving proper techniques will add to the value of training and keep the kids interested.

Here are a few fun games and activities that utilize Martial Arts skills to keep the enthusiasm high and kids interested in their training.

Sensei Says

Sensei Says is a take off of the old Simon Says Game. In this version the instructor or parent would call out various martial arts techniques for the children to perform.

One instructor or parent is designated as Sensei or Leader. Children are instructed to follow and perform the commands of the Sensei only if the command is initiated by the words Sensei Says. The leader will call out various commands. If the child does not perform the task when initiated by the words Sensei Says they are out of the game. If the leader commands a task without using the prompt Sensei Says and the child performs the task, then the child is out of the game. Last child remaining wins.

Wild & Crazy Blocker

Requirements: 2 padded foam blockers.

The instructor or parent will attempt to strike the child with the padded foam blocker. The attempted strikes should vary from left side to right side, and to various body points, including Head, Chest, Stomach, and Legs.

The child will use their martial arts blocking skills to block those strikes.

Each time a strike connects without the child blocking or shielding they receive a point. Three points or three strikes and they are out.

Danger Alley

Requirements: 4 people, various Martial Arts Foam Blockers, Body Shields, Target Squares.
A diagram is available at
www.aimusainc.com/files/PDF/dangeralley.pdf

Danger Alley is a simple and easy obstacle course in which the child goes from station to station. At each station the child must perform a self-defense or marital arts technique to stop an Attack or Danger.

A minimum of four stations with various situations is recommended.

Station One (The Escape)
An instructor or parent will subdue the child by grabbing and holding on to the childs wrist. The child must then perform an escape maneuver. Once the child escapes they proceed to Station Two.

Station Two (The Block)

When the child proceeds to station two, they encounter a would be attacker, attempting a punch or strike. An instructor or parent using a padded foam blocker will attempt to strike the child. The child should attempt to block the strike using a martial arts technique and then proceed to station three.

Station Three (The Punch)

When the child proceeds to station three, they encounter another would be attacker. The child performs a martial arts punch technique to stop the attack. An instructor or parent would hold a padded target square, which the child would punch. The child then proceeds to station four.

Station Four (The Kick)

When the child proceeds to station four, they encounter another would be attacker. The child performs a martial arts kick technique to stop the attack. An instructor or parent would hold a padded Body Shield, which the child would kick. After completing the four stations the child has successfully conquered Danger Alley.

Martial Arts trainings can be fun for children just by incorporating the techniques and skills into activities and games.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Martial Arts Museum Adds two New Board Members
The Martial Arts History Museum has added two new board members to their team.

Martial Arts: The Number One Way to Combat Bullying

As parents, we do everything we can to protect our children from harm and to provide them with the skills they need to be healthy, successful adults. The problem is, we are not with them all the time. What our kids do at school is sometimes a mystery to us. Are they polite to their teachers? Do they participate in class? Are they bullying other kids? Are they being bullied? There is something you can do to help get them on track to be successful in school and to avoid the bully-trap - even when you’re not around: Enroll them in a martial arts class.

One of the biggest misconceptions about enrolling children and teenagers in martial arts is that the kids become aggressive and, therefore, a likely bully. The fact is, however, that martial arts do just the opposite. Bullies often have sense of superiority over others and their environments and lack impulse control. Often time, bullies don’t know how to manage their anger so they take it out on people they deem weaker than themselves. Many times, bullies are being, or have been, bullied at some point in their lives as well. Martial arts help solve these problems.

Martial arts can also help kids who are being bullied. Bullies thrive on attacking (physically or emotionally) people that they see as weak. Kids who are bullied often have (generally as a result of the bullying) low confidence levels, inability to concentrate on school work, lack of focus and high stress levels which make them look even weaker. Martial arts help solve these problems too.

The many benefits of martial arts for children are a great way to combat bullying, but as you read on, you’ll see that the benefits extend way past bullying and will help your children succeed in other areas of their lives as well:

Concentration and Focus. Training martial arts is not a mindless activity. It requires complete concentration and focus at all times during training. The best part about this needed concentration, however, is that it carries over into all parts of your children’s lives. You’ll notice (and your children’s teachers will probably also notice) that they will be able to focus more on their school work and they might even have more successful grades.

Confidence and Control. Martial arts will help your children get in tune with their minds and bodies. This will help kids better understand themselves, their actions and their options. They know that they don’t need to lose their temper to handle stressful situations and they’ll also know that they have the ability to physically defend themselves if needed. All of this knowledge will increase their confidence and over all demeanor making them appear (and be) stronger individuals and less likely to be a victim of a bully. It will also help prevent them from bullying others because they will be more aware of themselves and those around them.

Stress Reduction. You probably already know that physical exercise is a great stress reliever for you. Do you also know that it works for your children as well? Any type of exercise such as jogging or playing sports can relieve the physical stress that your children feel from daily life - and it may be more than you’d expect. Training martial arts goes one step further, however. It will also help your children relieve their emotional stress because martial arts require them to concentrate their training, not dwell on their problems.

Respect. If you send your children to the right school, their martial arts instructors will both command and deserve respect from all of their students. They will also be able to instill in your children that all people deserve respect, especially adults.

If you are interested in learning more about how martial arts can help your self confidence, please contact one of my three locations in Bellevue, Lynnwood or Kent, Washington at 800-508-6141or martialadvice@hotmail.com to set up a free 2 week trail orientation.

Also, please see our web pages at www.kungfutemple.com and www.martialarts-instruction.com

Sincerely,

Robert Jones
Master Instructor
6th Degree Black Belt
Owner, the Academy of Kempo Martial Arts

About the Author

Mr. Robert Jones runs three successful martial arts schools located in Bellevue, Lynnwood, and Kent Washington. He has been helping families make positive changes in their lives through martial arts for over 20 years. He has also written two guides on how to pick a martial arts school. He can be reached at martialadvice@hotmail.com or at the Academy of Kempo Martial Arts. 800-508-6141

Qinna (Chin-Na) Seminar in Maryland, March 25
Qinna workshop in Maryland by Master Willy Lin. Qinna (Chin-Na) is the Chinese martial art of joint locking.

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What To Expect On Your First Day Of Martial Arts

Everyone is a bit nervous on their first day of trying out martial arts, so no, you?re not alone here. Your first day of martial arts is a lot like a first date. There?s a lot of tension and you?re aware of every little move you make, but when you look back on it a year later it really isn?t that big of a deal. All you?re trying to find out is if you want to go on a second date.

The key is to remember that the class and the instructor truly do want you to succeed. But before they begin to really teach you, they need to be sure you?re a good fit for the school and the school is a good fit for you. If this balance isn?t there, then everyone is wasting their time.

Your first day of martial arts is all about getting a feel for the school, the instructor and the other students, so don?t expect to learn much. Most schools will have about a 30 minute session with a very high-level explanation of techniques and some physical fitness (pushups, sit-ups, etc.).

When I say a high-level explanation of techniques, I?m referring to basic punches and kicks. If you pick up on these quickly, there may be time for a couple of combinations as well. Don?t expect to have any physical contact with other students, in fact, you shouldn?t have any physical contact with other students. If you?re put into an uncomfortable situation on your first day, then you know the school probably isn?t a good fit for you.

There?s really no set ?agenda? for a student?s first day. The instructor is using these basic techniques to evaluate incoming students to see what areas they may need help in and to find the class that will best suit them.

At the end of your first class you should have a good ?gut feeling? about the school in general. If you?re petrified after one 30 minute session, you may want to try another school. But if the school makes you excited to come back again, then you can be pretty certain you?ve found a great fit.

Now that those first day jitters are out of the way, you can begin to work on getting your first belt.

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

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.

Matt Ewin vs. Martin Kampmann Confirmed As The Main Event For Cagewarriors Strike Force 2 - UK vs. the World
The Cagewarriors Fighting Championships are proud to announce that Danish star Martin Kampmann will replace Damien Riccio in the Main Event of Cagewarriors Strike Force 2 at the Skydome Arena in Coventry on July 16th

The Cagewarriors Fighting Championships Announces A Date For Their Rescheduled Ultimate Force 2 Show
Cagewarriors are proud to announce that the previously postponed “Ultimate Force 2″ Ultimate Fighting/Mixed Martial Arts show has been rescheduled and will take place at the Doncaster Dome in South Yorkshire, England on October 15th

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Martial Arts for Children - A Note to Parents About Motivation Problems and Child Development

I want to address a common parental concern that I continue to encounter, both in my role as a martial arts teacher, and as a fellow parent. This is in the difficulty that many parents often encounter in getting their youth student to martial arts class only to be even more confused at their child’s enthusiasm when they are actually in class. “I have to fight to get them here,” or “He just wants to play with his friends,” are common complaints that I hear from frustrated parents.

Often, these parents consider letting their son or daughter quit but then come to find that’s not what the child wants. “How,” they ask me, “can he want to keep training but fight me when it’s time to come?”

They find it very difficult to understand the contradiction between having to fight to get their child to class and the fact that they have so much fun when they get there.

To solve the ‘mystery’ and eliminate the misunderstanding we must first understand the way a child thinks and the way their brain has developed to this point in their young lives.

What makes them resist coming to class but enjoy it once they are here? The answer is…

…timing.

And this, is linked to the physiological development and growth of their brain.

Quite frankly, children (and some adults) have not developed an understanding of the concept of scheduling and timing. That is to say that, once they have become involved in something, that is what they want to do. Anything else, regardless of how pleasurable or necessary, at that moment is seen as a hindrance to ‘this moment’s fun.’ Whether it is watching TV or playing with their friends, or whatever, once a child becomes involved in something, anything, that “thing” gets ALL of their attention - period.

Don’t blame the child or think that you must be a bad parent or the only one dealing with this sort of thing. It is completely natural. The reality of the matter is that…

…your child cannot do what you ask because…

1) He or she is NOT an adult in a smaller body

2) The parts of the brain that process this type of information and data, quite literally, hasn’t developed yet, and…

3) He or she has been ALLOWED to get involved in something that you know will capture his or her attention before you need them to go to class

And, therein lies the secret for overcoming both the frustration and the confusion. Just don’t allow your young martial artist to get into anything that you KNOW will make him or her not want to stop when it’s time to go to martial arts or karate class.

Won’t they go stir-crazy? What’s a child to do while waiting?

Good question. And the answer is…

…practice “preparing for class.” This simple step will actually help your child to develop the skills you’re looking for and promote brain growth in those areas.

So, instead of letting them drift into TV Land or whatever, at least for the hour or so before you’ll be leaving for class, have them “get ready.” Make it a rule that they have to make sure that they have their uniform, belt, and equipment. Have them practice their moves by “showing you what they learned last class” or “what their favorite techniques are.”

We as parents and teachers, must help our children over these moments with gentle reminders of other commitments and necessities until they learn this for themselves. Unfortunately, until a child learns to project their thought processes forward to specific time periods (as opposed to the general “can we ____ sometime?” or “when will it be tomorrow?”) they will have to be taken away from things they are engaged in ‘at the moment.’ I know it’s rough, but it’s also “natural.” And, no amount of wishing for an easier job as a parent will make your child’s brain work any differently. The fact is that, until this skill develops, YOU will have to be there as a stand-in to help them through.

So, the next time you have to do something like coming to martial arts class, try giving your child a “heads-up” before they become involved in any activity. Once they get in the habit of thinking ahead and preparing for a future event, they will do more and more of it on their own. Until then, it will take a little nudging, prodding, and reminding. But then again, if it didn’t, we parents would be out of a job!

About the Author

Jeffrey Miller is founder of Warrior Concepts Int’l. He specializes in teaching self-protection and personal development in a way that’s easily understood by modern students. Subscribe to his newsletter at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com

Interactive Fitness And Bodybuilding Community, Teams Up With a Top Discount Supplement Store to Create a Unique 1-2 Punch
MuscularTrainingDevelopment.com and Zupplements.com, the hottest new websites among Health & Fitness enthusiasts, have now teamed up to take the bodybuilding industry by storm. (PRWeb Apr 3, 2007)

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Xyience Adds New Team Members and Sets Goals for ‘07 and ‘08
Xyience has put together an exceptional team from the investment banking, beverage and marketing industries. William (Bill) Underhill is the new company CEO and Chairman of the Board of Xyience and Jan Hall is the President and Chief Operating Officer. (PRWeb Mar 27, 2007)

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Lake of the Torches Resort Casino Teams up With King of the Cage to Bring Mixed Martial Arts Action to Northern Wisconsin
Lake of the Torches Resort Casino Teams Up With King of the Cage to Bring Mixed Martial Arts Action to Northern Wisconsin. (PRWeb Mar 11, 2007)

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Inner Secrets of Martial Arts and Free Bonus

What’s more is a lot of people training in a martial art reach a plateau. They don’t feel like they are progressing. They feel that there’s something missing. Or even if starting, the basic training seems just so boring. They’re right, there is something missing which enriches the whole experience many times over. But for you it could be very different.

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll discover
in Inner Secrets of Martial Arts Success:

* Your most effective weapon. Your MIND! And how you must use it for success in all things.

* Street effective techniques that will save your ass. (Don’t be one of the many martial artists who get whipped big time out there in the real world)

* The amazing proven training technique that allows you to train effectively without sweat ON YOUR OWN in the comfort of your home. (Next time you train at the dojo you will be already better than the rest of your class.)

* What your 6th sense is, how to improve yours and how to destroy your opponents.

* Find why learning completely on your own just won’t do.

* The truth about the one inch punch, made famous by Bruce Lee, and how to perform it. (It’ll take some practice, but once you “get it” it will unlock many skills)

* The secret of rookie Australian Wing Chun students who won world full contact titles and how you can benefit immensely from it.

* The essence of what professional athletes pay $1000’s for at their special training camps disclosed. Only you won’t have to pay mega dollars for it like they did!

* Why sparring is essential to your development as a martial artist.

—–Don’t Break the Patio Furniture with your new found skills.—

Here’s what a few people just like you have said already:
 ————————————————————– (more…)

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Black Salt Films Speaking to October Pictures Ltd
October Pictures Limited out of Hong Kong has expressed a very strong interest in working with the “Black Salt” film project

Martial Arts Legend Bill ?Superfoot? Wallace on his way to the Tropicana in January
Bill “Superfoot” Wallace is headed to the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City New Jersey in January 2005.

Is Martial Arts Effective For The Streets?

The topic of how effective traditional martial arts is in today?s world as a way of protecting oneself is still a very sensitive issue to a lot of martial artists. What is even more sensitive is the issue of how realistic and street effective is the newer styles that have come out since UFC/PRIDE have come into the picture. I am a Registered Black Belt & have nothing against the martial arts and have also studied styles such as Pankration. I know that the techniques I have learned in the dojo should stay in the dojo because they will only work there, that also goes with styles such as the ?modern day or reality based systems? they are for sport only.

I work as a bouncer/bodyguard & also teach tactical self defense. Many of my students are black belts or have trained under reality based systems & have learned the hard way that what they learned in the ring or dojo is not street effective. Their common question is why didn?t their system work? Part of the reason is that if a rule or law is applied to a system it will subconsciously hinder you when your adrenaline takes over in combat. There are no rules in the streets your mind should not have to sensor or think can I do this to beat this person? We respond exactly the same way that we train.

There is no time to switch gears from sport to tactical. If you are training and your coach or sensei says can?t hit their or no contact to the eyes your mind will remember that and store it for future reference. Your self defense system should take into account your environment as well. Can you kick your attacker in the small space your in? Can you balance yourself while performing a technique on the icy sidewalk? If you grapple with him what if he has friends coming around, what do you do then? Street fighting or tactical self-defense should be in the simplest form of fighting. You don?t have time to play a chess game, like you would see in a UFC match. Time is not on your side in a street confrontation nor are rules or morals. What we can learn from the UFC or mixed martial arts events when it comes to reality fighting is if it has rules of what not to do, do those things in a street fight because its got to be effective.

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