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The movie, Black, was the main winner at 2005 Indian Filmfare Awards winning eleven awards in total, breaking a record as a result. It then went on to win 10 awards in the 2006 IIFA Awards ceremony. Time Magazine (Europe) selected the film as one of the 10 Best Movies of the Year 2005 from across the globe. The movie was positioned at number five. It was also listed on the 25 Must See Bollywood Movies by Filmfare Magazine. Story: Black is the story of blind and deaf girl (acted by Rani Mukherjee) who has been in darkness since she was born. No one, not even her parents, are able to help her in any way until an old alcoholic teacher, Debraj Sahai (acted by Amitabh Bachan), enters her life and takes on a mammoth of a task of bringing the young girl into light and ensuring her graduation from a normal college. The film is similar to the story of Helen Keller. Screenplay: Superb acting is produced by well-renowned veteran Amitabh Bachan and multiple award winning actress Rani Mukherjee. Probably this is the finest ever performance of Rani Mukherjee. Her turning point in acting came from the movie, Hey Ram whereby she claimed that Kamal Hassan changed the actress within her and indeed it was a very successful change. One is able to feel the pain and sufferings experienced by the girl and admire the determination and patience given by her teacher. Cinematography: Cinematography is very well done by providing the appropriate lighting to create the suitable mood and atmosphere such as the scene of the young girl. Video Editing: Not much video editing can be expected from this movie since the focus is on the story and the deep portrayal of the characters. However, few scenes like the one where Rani Mukherjee enjoys the snow are well edited.

- Thanaseelan, click on <a target="_new" href="http://www.worthofwordplay.blogspot.com">http://www.worthofwordplay.blogspot.com</a> to view his main blog. Don't forget to check out the categories on his blog.

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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History: Shaolin Mok-gar kuen is one of the original family disciplines of Kung fu, from Southern China, and is well known for its kicking techniques. Practitioners are not restricted just to kicking, however, since the use of a full range of weapons is also part of the system. The resulting flexibility of attack and defence epitomises the original concept of Chinese martial arts: to express oneself fully in the attempt to triumph in combat. When engaging in combat, the objective is to win, so practitioners believe that to place any restrictions on one particular movement would be to put themselves at a disadvantage. Training: One of the unique training drills found in Mok-gar kuen is that of the darn gee kicking technique. In Kung fu, each school has its own method of teaching the kicks using various mechanical facilities. Irrespective the method, the aim is the same: to increase the freedom of leg movements, enhance speed, improve accuracy, and to develop and harden the soles of the feet. During the course of training, the darn gee helps practitioners to improve their stamina, hardness, speed, accuracy and strength techniques. This unique training drill is a stage that all Mok-gar practitioners must experience if they wish to develop a high standard within this style. The 108 movements that are the basis of the Mok-gar style can be used in many ways, from just a single punch, which may be all that is needed to win a fight, to multiple jumping kicks. When experienced students progress to learning a soft form of Kung fu, called Tai chi. Sifu Chan, who came to England to develop the system which incorporated the use of weapons, teaches the wu style Tai chi, based on the Taoist symbol of yin and yang. Tai chi teaches us to be aware of, and to react to, any form of attack, and to be ever-changing and formless. To learn and combine these 2 systems of Kung fu is not an easy task, but once acquired, the knowledge and experience can prove invaluable.

- Thanaseelan, click on <a target="_new" href="http://www.worthofwordplay.blogspot.com">http://www.worthofwordplay.blogspot.com</a> to view his main blog. Don't forget to check out the categories on his blog.

Karate - General Background
Karate, or Karate-do, loosely translates empty hand (”kara” means empty and “te” means hand). This art is indeed predominantly concerned with fighting with bare hands and feet. The basic principle is to turn the body into an effective weapon to defend and attack when and where it is appropriate. History:
Karate is one of the most widely practised of the oriental martial arts. It evolved during one of the Japanese occupations of the island of Okinawa, part of the Ryukyu chain of islands, in the 15th century. Its roots, however, can be traced back much further than this - all the way back to ancient India. Many people hold the view that what we regard today as the oriental martial arts have their roots in India. In fact, when we look at such disciplines as yoga and the breathing techniques that originated in India, there does seem to be a great similarity between those and many of the modern martial arts systems. Zen Buddhist monks took the Indian fighting techniques to China from as early as the 5th century BC. Bodhidharma, an Indian monk, travelled at the end of the 5th century AD from India to China, where he became an instructor at the Shaolin monastery. He taught a combination of empty hand fighting systems and yoga. This became the well-known Shaolin Kong Fu - the system on which many Chinese martial arts systems are based. In 1470, the Japanese had occupied the island of Okinawa. The law of the land dictated that anybody found carrying weapons would be put to death. In order to protect themselves from local bandits, who largely ignored the prohibition on weapons, Zen Buddhist monks developed the empty hand system known as “te”, importing new techniques from China. Eventually the new art was translated as “t’ang” (China hand), but was familiarly known as “Okinawa-te” (Okinawa hand). It was not until the 20th century that t’ang became known as Karate-do. The suffix do was added by Gichin Funakoshi’s son Yoshitaka Funakoshi, in friendly opposition to his father’s Okinawa-te style. Practice and demonstrations until that time had been extremely violent. Punches were not pulled and full contact was an integral part of the Okinawa-te style. Yoshitaka Funakoshi transformed the techniques of Okinawa-te into a gentler system, seeking not to deliver blows fully, but to focus strikes at skin level. The do suffix expressed the move away from the aim of the warrior and towards physical and spiritual development. Styles:
There are numerous styles of karate practised. Wado Ryu and Shotokan are just 2 of them. Other popular systems include Shinto Ryu, developed in 1948, and now one of the main systems in the world. It is also important to realise that the various styles of Karate are the results of the personal ideas of many individuals about how each basic technique should be carried out or applied. The different techniques within the styles of Karate also dictate whether strength, speed, hand or leg techniques are emphasised. Competitive Karate:
Karate has been a self defense system and a form of physical exercise. The competitive and sporting elements have a further part to play in the individual’s enjoyment of this activity. It is because of the possibility of participation in competition that many people take up this art. Competition is not the only reason for engaging in this art. It is possible to learn Karate without participating in competitions, however for some people, competition provides motivation and stimulation for training. The sense of achievement that comes from just taking part can be carried over into everyday life.

- Thanaseelan, click on <a target="_new" href="http://www.worthofwordplay.blogspot.com">http://www.worthofwordplay.blogspot.com</a> to view his main blog. Don't forget to check out the categories on his blog.

Kick Boxing - General Background
Kick boxing is a relatively modern martial arts system, who syllabus derived by combining several fighting techniques from a variety of the more traditional disciplines, including Kung fu, Kyokushinkai Karate, Muay Thai, Kyokky shinkai and Tae kwon do. History: Martial arts boomed during the early 1970s and interest was greatly increased by their emphasis on competition fighting. Chinese styles of fighting began to take a more westernised form in the UK, and even more so in the United States, where the first real freestyle systems were beginning to be created. Indeed, many people claim that Kick boxing originated in the US during the 1970s. This, they say, was due to various American Karate practitioners becoming frustrated with the limitations of tournament competitive scoring. While Karate and the other disciplines were viewed as being entrenched with theories and set kata, and were performed in a controlled environment, practitioners wanted to see how effective their moves would be in a more realistic environment. Great emphasis began to be placed on specialised techniques, such as kicks and punches, being delivered with full force. Although full contact Karate was already established, concerns were expressed for the safety of competitors. Development: There is a close affinity between Kick boxing and Muay Thai. While it is believed that the Americans had created this concept in their attempt to find a sport that could refine full contact competition, it is believed that the development of Kick boxing was borne out of the World Kick boxing Association finding common ground between Eastern and Western fighting cultures. It is also believed that Joe Cawley, Don and Judy Quinn, along with Howard Hansen, a Shorin ryn Karate black belt, were the initial promoters of Kick boxing and worked together for improved recognition. Hansen took Kick boxing a stage further by introducing fights in a boxing ring rather than the usual Karate tournament bouts. He became known as a ring matchmaker, staging a variety of successful events with stars such as Bill Superfoot Wallis. New rules evolved and were introduced into Kick boxing, most notably weight divisions ” from fly weight to heavy weight ” similar to those in traditional boxing. A down side to the discipline in those early days was criticism of a high risk injury. This led to improvement in the safety rules, such as contestants wearing protective clothing to cushion the impacts of the blows.

- Thanaseelan, click on <a target="_new" href="http://www.worthofwordplay.blogspot.com">http://www.worthofwordplay.blogspot.com</a> to view his main blog. Don't forget to check out the categories on his blog.

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There are many myths through out the world that martial arts are still valid in today’s crime filled society as an efficient
means of fighting in real life situations.

The fact remains, most martial arts are targetted for fitness, fun and sometimes tournament fighting. However, how applicable are these skills really?

Lots of people think that using the moves in martial arts, and even what they see on TV, on UFC, PRIDE & K1 can win street fights.

The fact remains that these are “sports based” fight systems. I recently put together 13 techniques, banned in the mixed martial arts in a free eBook you can get by visiting: http://www.howtofightandwin.com/deadlysecrets.htm

My free eBook reveals street based, reality self defense techniques that implement the best of the martial arts & self defense courses.

What you need to learn to protect yourself against real life violence, is different then 90% of the martial arts being

taught. You must look into “reality based self defense” for real fighting skills for life or death situations.

Don’t get me wrong I’m not saying that all martial artsare bad, but implementing a reality based self defense fighting system
into your training would be an excellent way to become a better well rounded fighter in the dojo and on the street.

Article by Steve Gibbs. Download his new free eBook that showcases 13 special, "Reality based" self defense techniques! http://www.howtofightandwin.com/deadlysecrets.htm

An Interview with Mike Swick
Mike Quick Swick (born 19 June 1979) is an American professional mixed martial arts fighter.
He was a participant in the first season of The Ultimate Fighter, a reality television series produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship, which is one of the reasons for his popularity. He was eliminated from the competition after a semi-final loss to Stephan Bonnar.
Since joining the ranks of the UFC, Mike has gone 5-0 and is considered on of the top Middleweight contenders in the UFC
MMAToday: How did you get involved in martial arts and MMA?
MS: I started in Tae-Kwon-Do at the age of 8. I have just been progressing from there every since

MMAToday: Once you got started did you ever think you make it all the way to the UFC?
MS: I hoped! Ha-ha

MMAToday: How much did your appearance on TUF affect your training and your career?
MS: It made my career what it is today. It was the exposure that I needed and it made me train harder than ever.

MMAToday: What is it like going from fighting in smaller shows to fighting in the UFC? Were you nervous or did you feel you were ready to be there?
MS: Its a big difference. The UFC is the Big Show. I felt ready.

MMAToday: Your first 4 fights in the UFC lasted a combined 6 minutes or so, what was the rush?
MS: I am just an aggressive fighter ha-ha

MMAToday: How has your training been coming? And how is the hand?
MS: Training is going great! Hand is almost 100%. I am still sparring and doing mitt work, I am just still a little careful with it.

MMAToday: Can you give us a little insight into your training regimen?
MS: We train 2-3 times a day, 6 days a week.

MMAToday: Who are you currently training with?
MS: We have a great crew in now As far as training, I have Lynn Schutz, Bob Cook, Dave Camarillo, and Javier Mendez. As far as teammates I got Fitch, Koscheck, Thomson, Prangley, Southworth, Fukada, plus a lot of great up and comers. Baroni should be back soon as well.

MMAToday: What motivated you to keep going and fighting?
MS: Wanting to be the best

MMAToday: Your next opponent is Yushin Okami on March 3rd, anything special planned for that fight?
MS: This fight is not for sure. Nothing is signed. We are still working on it. I want this fight though.

MMAToday: Where do you see yourself in the Middleweight title picture if you are victorious there?
MS: I guess it depends on how I perform. I plan to perform at my best.

MMAToday: How well do you stack up against the current champ Anderson Silva?
MS: Wouldnt mind finding out ha-ha

MMAToday: Is there any other Middleweight out there in the UFC you would like to fight? And why?
MS: All of them!

MMAToday: Would you still like a rematch with Chris Leben?
MS: That fight will happen eventually and yes I will be happy when it does. After his performance against MacDonald though, it wouldnt be a step up as far as my career goes. I want to fight top contenders right now.

MMAToday: What fights in your career are the most memorable to you?
MS: All my UFC fights have been very memorable.

MMAToday: How much longer do you have on your current contract?
MS: A little over a year

MMAToday: Any possibilities of jumping ship to another promotion when its up?
MS: Nope.

MMAToday: Is there any fighter outside the UFC you would like to mix it up with?
MS: Havent thought about it really.

MMAToday: What fighters do you enjoy watching and why?
MS: GSP, Liddell, Couture, CroCop, Riggs, Loiseau, Silva, etc All the exciting ones! I am a huge MMA fan myself.

MMAToday: What fighters do you look up to?
MS: Too many to list!

MMAToday: Who do think would be your toughest fight and why?
MS: Right now, I think Anderson Silva. It would be a good test for me.

MMAToday: What are your hobbies outside of MMA?
MS: Traveling. I love traveling! Whatever happens after you die happens, but this is the only earth we will ever have and I want to see it all. I like playing poker as well.

MMAToday: Who do you think the best over looked fighter in your weight class is?
MS: I am not sure. I dont follow the forums too much to know who is favored more and stuff

MMAToday: What do you think of Randy coming back?
MS: I am excited, I like him a lot.

MMAToday: What do you think of the UFC bringing in fighters from pride etc?
MS: I think they are just getting the best fighters from all over the world from all organizations and I think its great. I love competition.

MMAToday: If you could fight anyone who would it be? Why?
MS: Silva for the title. I want the belt! Ha-ha

MMAToday: Thank you very much for your time Mike, is there anything you would like to add here to your fans or anyone in general?
MS: Thanks for all your support guys! Please check out my webpage at MikeSwick.com and my Myspace at http://Myspace.com/mikeswick. I am also running a UNICEF campaign to raise money for underprivileged children worldwide. You can check out that page at http://unicefusa.org/ert/mikeswick. Thanks!

Brian is owner and webmaster of http://www.mmatoday.com

Judo - General Background
History: Professor Jiguro Kano, the founder of Judo, graduated from the Imperial University of Tokyo, Japan, in 1881. He attended several Ju-jitsu schools, seeking to develop a system of physical exercise. He adopted the best principles of each ju-jitsu system and called it Judo. Literally translated, it means “gentle way”. Kano’s interpretation, however, was maximum efficiency. It is worth bearing in mind that Kano did not create Judo to be a public competition sport, and he felt strongly that it was a personal art to train the body and the mind. He insisted that its mastery required and appreciation of the inherent philosophy that supports all aspects of Judo. With this in mind, it is interesting to know the oath that all Judo students at the Kodukan dojo (the name given by Kano to his dojo) must make on admission: Once I have entered the Kodukan dojo, I will not end my study without reasonable cause; I will not dishonour the dojo; unless I am given permission, I will not disclose the secrets that I have been taught; unless I am given permission, I will not teach Judo; pupil first, teacher second, I will always follow the rules of the dojo. Competition: Judo today is one of the most wide-spread martial arts in the world, with reputedly more than 8 million students. Practitioners are referred to as judoka and competitions (Shiai) are conducted under the supervision of a referee and a judge. Contests and training take place in the judojo (hall). Free-style combat in Judo is known as randori; the submitting opponent is known as the uke, and the winning partner is referred to as the tori in Judo. More than just a sport: Judo is not purely about physical skill. Its aim is to teach good attitude and behaviour and to instill a sense of decorum in its judoka: best summed up in 2 terms used to describe the mental attitude expected from a judoka: hontai, demonstrating the state of permanent alertness and bonno, demonstrating a disciplined mind, serene and calm, controlling the body and being able to react to any situation.

- Thanaseelan, click on <a target="_new" href="http://www.worthofwordplay.blogspot.com">http://www.worthofwordplay.blogspot.com</a> to view his main blog. Don't forget to check out the categories on his blog.

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