Affichage des articles dont le libellé est martial arts. Afficher tous les articles
Affichage des articles dont le libellé est martial arts. Afficher tous les articles

Self Defense Training Too Brutal for Social Media Snowflakes

 


Social Media Conglomerate FACEBOOK (METAVERSE) has repeatedly banned The Self Defense Company from promoting its EMPTY HAND self defense program ONE SHOT FIGHT ENDERS from advertising on its platforms. 




Over the last thirty years he and his team has been showing elite soldiers, SWAT and now everyday people like you how to end ANY ATTACK in just one shot. 


Damian and his team will show you how to effect instant LIGHTS OUT - SHOCK KNOCK OUTS with one technique…plus he’s going to give you his personal training formula so you get build these incredible, life changing skills in a fraction of the time.

 

And to nudge you in the right direction, he’s  dropping the price JUST FOR MY FOLLOWERS from $199.00 to only $37…

 

This special offer is set to expire, so before it does claim yours here:

 

Life is too short… why fight when you can end it with one shot?

 

See You Over There…

 


An experienced boatman defeated in a single move by an unpretentious monk

The Japanese provoke and insult the Chinese, infuriating a kungfu master who paralyzes him with a

The Ultimate Fighting Championship

 


It’s no secret that martial arts has indeed come a long way over the years.  Many years ago, Bruce Lee helped the arts become even more famous, when he developed his style of Jeet Kune Do.  He participated in several movies, showing the world his speed and finesse.  Since then, movies have been a popular way to showcase martial arts skills.

Back in the early 1990s, something known as the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) came along to take things one step further.  Even though there have been other competitions similar to the UFC, none of them had the flair and the dedication as UFC did.  When it first began, the UFC paired different styles and different weight classes.

The result were exciting fights with varying results.  The first ever champion was a man from Brazil named Royce Gracie.  Gracie was the first to introduce Brazilian Jui-Jitsu in this way, opening up the eyes of everyone who witness him fight.  After the first UFC tournament, Brazilian Jui-Jitsu was instantly viewed as the best martial art. Royce weighed under 200 pounds, and he was completely dominating people nearly 3 times his size.

Gracie would go on to win UFC 2 and 4 as well.  He was the most dominating in the sport, and opened the eyes of everyone across the world.  In UFC 3, he didn’t lose, although he ran into a very tough fighter who nearly beat him.  Gracie came back in UFC 5 for a superfight match up with Ken Shamrock, which would go the distance and end in a draw.

Other fighters have done exceptionally well in the UFC, although none of them had the impact as Royce Gracie.  Fighters like Ken Shamrock, Dan Severn, Oleg Taktarov, Matt Hughes, and Matt Sylivia have also done very well.  Matt Hughes is also regarded as one of the best, as he fights in the Welterweight class and is considered pound for pound to be the best fighter in the world.

In the world of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), the UFC has made a big impact.  In the beginning, there were no rules and no judges, just one on one fights until someone either tapped out, got knocked out, or the ref through in the towel.  Fighters also fought in a tournament style as well, which took 3 fights to win the championship.

Over the years, there were several changes.  The UFC would start with judges after a few years, along with eliminating the tournaments.  The fights would eventually go to one on one, which was great for the fans.  Although the fights didn’t have time limits in the beginning, they do now.  The non title fights are three 5 minute rounds, while the title fights are five 5 minute rounds.

If a fight goes to the judges, the judges decide the winner.  There are three judges, which normally change with each different UFC.  Judges are there do determine the winner if there is no knockout or submission, while the ref is there to protect the fighters.  The referee can stop a fight as well, if a fighter is unable to defend themselves.

With all the changes in the rules of the UFC, it’s only a matter of time before the UFC gains a lot more popularity.  It is more popular today than it ever has been, which tells you that martial arts have come a long way.  Martial arts is very popular these days, with competitions such as the UFC being one of the most popular sports in the world.

oldest and most scientific martial arts in the world

Kalaripayattu of Kerala

Kalaripayattu of Kerala is considered among the oldest and most scientific martial arts in the world is acknowledged and respected across the world. Kalaripayattu helps to gain mental peace, physical strength and flexibility. 
The training begins with an oil massage of the entire body until it is agile and supple. Feats like jumping, running and somersault are also integral parts of the art form.
 The primary aim is the ultimate coordination between mind and body. Another focus of Kalaripayattu is specialisation in indigenous medicinal practices. Kalaris are also important centres of religious worship. Once the course is complete, one should engage in oil massage and practice to maintain shape. 

Kalaripayattu is the exclusive martial arts legacy of Kerala, taken to China by the Buddhist monks which became the fabled model for the modern martial arts. Kalari means school or arena and payattu is skill training exercise or practice. Buddhist writings show that Kalaripayatt flourished during the 5th century AD. 
The founder of Zen Buddhism, Bodhi Dharma, had visited the Southernmost part of Kerala, stayed here for a long period of time and learned Kalaripayat.
Bodhi Dharma later went to Shaolin in China and there he taught his disciples Kalaripayattu. All the modern day martial arts such as Kung-Fu, Karate, Judo, Kick-Boxing, Tai-Chi etc are believed to have been originated from Kalaripayattu. Early written evidence of martial arts in Southern India dates back to the Sangam literature of about the 3rd century BC to the 2nd century AD. 


Kalaripayattu had developed into its present form by the 6th century, during an extended period of warfare between the Cheraand Chola dynasties.

Patience With Learning

Patience with learning (All techniques take a while to do "correctly").

There is a lot of talk with this generation wanting instant gratification and while this is definitely apparent at times, most students understand that it will take a while and don't mind working towards something.

It is also important to understand that some techniques and concepts will just be more natural and come quicker and to keep in mind that when something doesn't come fast, it just means you have to be patient.

However, do not believe anyone who tells you that you can be a self defense expert in a short amount of time or that their system is superior so that you can learn without wasting a lot of time (as the saying goes "a little knowledge is a dangerous thing").

Generally, the first move I teach is the horsestance punch. Now your first horestance punch is a lot different than your 1000th and that 1000th punch is a lot different than your 10,000th. A common mistake that I see with students is their mindset of "I think I'm doing it correctly so now I'm ready for something new," not realizing that "learning how to do a technique is not actually practicing that technique, you can only practice a technique once you've learned how to do it correctly." There are many details with every move and yes, you could technically "do" a horsestance punch the very first class. But it is doubtful that your stance, your hand position, your posture, your power, etc. is great.

As techniques become more difficult, you will find that it takes longer and longer to just learn to do that technique correctly and of course there are always those techniques that will come quickly because you can do it naturally and other techniques that will take even longer because they don't come naturally.

As the saying goes "anything worth doing is worth doing poorly" Front kicks aren't that special because most people can do them without much practice (although a great front kick takes some time).

Often times students are so concerned with doing a spinning or jumping technique, that they don't worry about improving their basics. They don't realize (even when told) that their more advanced techniques aren't developing because their basics are lousy.

So be patient and enjoy the "fun" of overcoming obstacles, once you do you will build confidence and go into your next endeavor with a better mindset. After a while this effect snowballs and you are unstoppable (if you want to be).

Why Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Training Is A Popular Health Approach

Martial arts combat sports has received increased attention in terms of its applications in health and fitness. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training involves a series of strength maneuvers, locking and wrestling actions against an opponent assisting in weight loss, flexibility, endurance and stamina. Learning about the benefits this approach to a workout can provide will assist in making informed and effective wellness decisions.

What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Training

The sporting approach is based on martial arts principles using the mind and body to control movement and deliver powerful kicks and blows. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training teaches participants a variety of stand up moves, but is most formidable with its lockdown techniques requiring strength, determination and calculated moves to secure opponents. It increases heart rate, builds strength and provides a multitude of health benefits for all participants.

Having originated in the 1900s, the martial arts techniques have been introduced to the modern fitness world as an effective workout routine. It engages all of the core muscles and provides participants with an intensive, challenging and stimulating approach to physicality. While mobility is important and encouraged during lessons, it offers mental support and processes to improve overall function for a long period of time.

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How to Benefit Mentally

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Training consists of a number of techniques that are taught for engagement in combative sports and the ability to maintain stable, flexible movement. Students are required to sustain mental focus to learn each of these moves for effective application against an opponent. Poor stability and a failure to correctly apply the different moves can lead to injuries and therefore a guided instructor will advise on the technique and steps that must be followed when engaging.

It teaches learners to overcome their fears and mental blockages that are holding them back from achieving effective physical and emotional results. Implementing the structured techniques requires regular practice to achieve a sense of mastery over the different moves to protect against injuries and to assist in producing strong behaviors that produce effective physical results. Implementing the necessary strategies can assist in achieving a stronger fitter outcome.

The locks and grabs performed during a session must be learned effectively to take down an opponent. Rolling techniques and lockdowns will have to be repeated before being equipped to manage another that can prove frustrating if not performed correctly. A professional instructor is available during each class to assist all learners to overcome difficulties and pursue goals that is a principle that can be applied in all areas of life.

How to Benefit Physically

The health returns in the performance of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training can be many with regular practice and mastery over specific techniques. A major advantage of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training includes the physical improvements achieved through structured techniques to enhance routine function and the condition of the muscles and joints. It promotes flexibility by alleviating limitations and developing core strength.

People of all fitness levels can engage in the classes and achieve their physical goals within a more efficient period of time. Investing a fair amount of time in the practice of routine training can provide many enhancements in stable and flexible operation on a regular basis. A professional approach can assist in facilitating healthy techniques without sustaining severe injuries that will prevent participation in lessons.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training can prove difficult in the beginning as the body adjusts to the tumbles and techniques that are engaged. The martial arts practices aim to teach individuals combat methods to protect in case of threat and requires increased physical strength to take down an opponent and produce a healthy and resistant result. Increased bodily wellness can create a sense of toughness and build greater levels of muscle stamina.

Endurance is increased with ongoing cardiovascular activities and the engagement of all core muscles while pushing, pulling and having to implement various resistance strategies. Having to grapple and wrestle an opponent will build greater levels of resistance and overall strength that are needed in activity and can assist in faster weight loss and muscle tone. It is an ongoing process that involves targeted moves and the development of greater levels of stamina.

Engagement in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training is a challenging and exciting martial arts sport that can be incorporated into everyday fitness as part of an effective workout regime. The different techniques performed assists in building greater levels of strength and muscle tone proving most effective in enhancing overall stamina. Achieving a healthy state and working towards overall goals can be achieved with routine practice.

How Do You Become Good at Muay Thai

Becoming a master of anything, especially Muay Thai, can be very easy as long as you understand the steps required to take you there. Therefore, you have to pay attention to the steps that will catapult you to become a Muay Thai master.

What do you have to do to become a Muay Thai master?

It is simple, just follow these steps.

Basically, there are 4 steps which can be considered as building blocks to mastering Muay Thai. The four steps include:

Learning the Right Technique
Drilling the Muay Thai Technique
Situation Drilling of That Technique
Trying the Technique in a Live Situation
Let's have an in-depth look at each of these steps and what you are required to do in each of them.

The 4 Steps to Mastering Thai Boxing

1. Learning the right technique.

First and foremost, you have to master the right techniques depending on the situation you are in. perhaps, you might be learning about the fundamentals of the round kick, how to tackle a push kick or even training on how to handle your opponents jab punches.

Regardless, of the move of the move you are trying to master be sure that it is the right one and that you master it the right way. The best way to learn the right technique is by attending professional Muay Thai classes. That way, you can be assured that you are on the right track. It makes no point in learning the wrong moves.

2. Practicing the Muay Thai Technique

Once you have learnt a technique, it just does not end there. You have to practice it from time to time to ensure that you have mastered the technique until it becomes a reflex in such a way that you even don't have to think about when doing it.

Techniques can be practiced both in class and outside class. Personally, I would recommend both. Even when not in class, you take some time out and practice your technique. It doesn't have to take hours. Practicing for even 20 minutes will help you in becoming a Muay Thai master.

3. Situation practicing of That Technique

What does this term even mean? This is practicing using Thai pads but having a goal in mind. The goal is usually testing something new or perfecting a certain technique you have already learnt. You could put yourself in a scenario whereby you have learnt a new technique and you have to execute it within a limited period. Using situation practice, you can test it out and ensure that your strikes are synchronized with the time limit

4. Trying the Technique in a Live Situation

What does this even mean? Well, it is also called controlled sparring. It is one of the most efficient and safest ways to test out your techniques. It is not only for you to test your techniques but also for your partner or friend to test theirs also.

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It is a golden opportunity to test out your skills in the real world and at the same time ensuring your partners safety. Controlled sparring is best when mastering a new technique.

If the technique doesn't work, there is no reason to be surprised. Most techniques will fail during the initial trials but this doesn't mean that you should abandon the technique. With more and more practice, the technique will work out.

If you notice that the skill is not working after a series of trials, it is time to let it go. Maybe it wasn't made for you. And this doesn't mean that the technique doesn't work, perhaps your body type is built for such techniques. There are several others out there you can try.

Health Benefits Associated With Martial Arts

Starting a martial arts journey as a young child or as an adult can provide a variety of benefits. Beyond its ability to increase health and fitness, it can also instill a sense of ethics and achievement as you make your way through the different belts. Signing up for a class of mixed martial arts, Jiu Jitsu and grappling, or kickboxing is a great activity for most people even for those with no previous experience.

Plus, this type of physical activity is great for children because it is not only a great exercise, but because it is fun and exciting. Part of the training relates to discussing lifestyle habits and diet, so the children are more likely to adopt these healthy habits in later life.

Here are six reasons why it can benefit to get involved:

Complete body workout


Any form of martial arts is very active and gives a complete aerobic workout that makes use of virtually every muscle in the body. This can help to improve the health by increasing the strength, balance, flexibility, muscle tone and stamina.

Self confidence


A martial arts training program includes respect for values, positive encouragement and goal setting which can over time help to encourage and grow self-confidence. This can give the extra confidence in a variety of situations, such as those that take you out of your comfort zone to situations where you might feel you are in danger.

Cardiovascular health


A regular session of any form of activity that stresses the heart, such as martial arts, can help to improve the cardiovascular health. Building your cardiovascular has the ability to not only improve the body, but also helps with stress and anxiety.


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Weight loss


Martial arts have the potential to help with weight loss with a single 60 minute session having the potential to burn up to 500 calories.

Improved reflexes


Physical activities help improve your reflexes, which is not only useful for increasing the ability to perform well at this activity, but also makes the reaction times faster for everyday activities like driving.

Better mood


Research has shown that those involved in regular exercise find it much easier to improve their mood. Martial arts are useful for relieving frustration and stress, while also leaving you feeling a lot happier. Also, the endorphins that are released during exercise can quickly increase the mood and stay in the body for nearly four hours after exercising.

Taking A Look At The Benefits Of Martial Arts

Many people get into martial arts with the aim of learning the different fighting skills that will help them in competitions and defend themselves. Experts report that the benefits of the sport are more than this.

Benefits of the sport

One of the obvious benefits is the physical fitness. For you to be a good fighter you need to be physically fit. This calls for you to burns calories and maintain a lean body. When you are physically fit you not only look good, you also tend to be more productive in other areas of your life. If you are a student, you start experiencing better results in school. As an adult, you become more productive in your job.

One of the important lessons you learn in martial arts is mind and body control. You have to learn how to coordinate your senses and reflexes for you to be a great fighter. The control you learn is reflected in other areas of your life-not just on the field. For you to coordinate all of your senses, you need high levels of focus. Just like the mind-body control, the focus is reflected both in the field and in your day-to-day life.

Another benefit of the program is that you develop self-confidence. The great body and the fighting skill that you get from the program help in building your self-confidence. According to experts, your confidence grows as you accomplish more.

Types of martial arts

The sport is popular with children but this doesn't mean that it's only them that should practice it. Experts report that there are many types of the sport that are ideal for people of all ages. The most common are:

Kickboxing: It finds its roots in the United States. It began in the 1970s after karate practitioners in the USA found that the karate rules were too strict as they didn't allow full contact punches and kicks. Kickboxing involves punches, kicks, wood breaking, shadow boxing, kick blocks and other practices done under the instructions of a professional. the cool thing about it is that it's ideal for all people regardless of their age.

Jiu Jitsu: This is the art of flexibility and suppleness. Just like kickboxing, it's ideal for people of all ages. Unlike other forms of martial arts that require your own strength to win over your opponent, Jiu-jitsu uses your opponent's force of attack and strength as a weapon. With proper use of this art, you will be able to subdue your opponent regardless of how big or stronger he/she is. The art makes use of unarmed joint locks, strikes, throws, and chokes.

Mixed martial arts: This is a form of art that combines a wide range of sports such as judo, boxing, kickboxing, and many others. There is mixed martial arts for both kids and adults for you to choose from.

Conclusion

This is what you need to know about martial arts. If interested in learning about it, you should find a reputable academy in your area and enroll.


Three Levels of Martial Arts Secrets

All students want to know the secrets of the martial arts. There's got to be martial arts secrets behind all those blocks and strikes, right? Well, it may be tough for some people to handle, but this article is going to point you in the direction of those hidden gems that only the mightiest of the martial arts masters know.

One out of a thousand people who begin a study of the martial arts get a black belt. This is a sad commentary, and does not speak highly of the various styles, and especially of their teachers. So only one in a thousand people have gone to the top of their art and found the truth of the various taekwondo secrets and karate secrets.

Out of the thousand people who reach black belt, only one can be considered a real black belt. A real black belt (one in a million) is one who has 'matured,' which is the actual meaning of the word 'Dan,' which word signifies the levels of black belt. To mature means to give up the desire to fight, to stop being foolish, to take responsibility for what one does, and this is the indication that somebody actually understands the first level of mystery in the various types of martial arts.

Now, the story goes strange, for out of the people who learn the external arts to this high level, only one out of a thousand will study another art to the point of understanding that arts mysteries! This is the next stage of the martial arts mysteries: wudan kung fu secrets and aikido secrets. That's one in a billion who will actually pursue their dream to the point of understanding both the hard and the soft sides of the martial arts!

Now, of those billion people, only one in a thousand--that's right, one in a trillion--will finally understand the truth of the fighting disciplines. This means overcoming the slant and taint of school and system and such and actually perceiving the true physics inherent in the martial arts. The actual physics are described by such laws as 'For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction, but they develop into 'For every action there is a source point.'

Interestingly, one would assume that Wudan based arts, or Aikido, or that ilk, would teach second level physics. Unfortunately, though one does see isolated incidents of individual achievement, the arts themselves are biased and slanted. Just as a person who thinks he is the only one... isn't, so do arts which hold themselves up as the only one... are not.

Interestingly, and here is the crux of the problem, of the few people who do become capable, and who do manifest the second level of physics, none understand it. They teach through mysticism, you see, and do not offer concrete science for explaining what they are doing and why. For there to be a true art there must be a science, a system backed up by a method which works every time, and which leads one through and to solid manifestation of the second level of physics.

So one in a thousand actual learns an art, and one in a million actually becomes an artist, and one in a billion actually can do something which is mystical, which means they can do something which follows certain rules, but they have no idea what the rules are. And only one in a trillion has penetrated through to the third level of martial arts secrets. And if you want the secrets, study one art until you understand it, complement it with a second art until you understand it, then find the person who understands the science behind what you are doing, that is the only and true way to find out those fabulous martial arts secrets.

Learn How to Do a Martial Arts Form the Right Way

When it concerns Understanding ways to Do a Martial Arts Form, the typical misinterpretation is that that you go into a class with twenty additional individuals, you implement kicks into the air maniacally, then you are a martial artist.

No, you are a martial arts lover, and you are no place near to being an artist.

A lot of martial artists have not the faintest idea as to ways to do a martial arts form. The martial arts merely took place too quick in the nation, and coaches were fresh off the airplane and either didn't talk the language, didn't have sufficient experience, or an assortment of additional things.

So right here is just how you do a martial art form.

You discover the very first motion. This normally includes something like standing in one spot, stepping in a direction, and doing a low block.

Now, do not acquire the 2nd motion. Work on the very first motion. Take that very first motion home, stand in the center of your bedroom, and do it.

Do not do it quick and maniacally, do it slowly and gradually. Work on making the hand and the foot move at the same time. Work on making certain the hips are turning with the hand and the foot. Work on relaxing, then tightening up the fist at the moment of block. Work on breathing. Work on making that karate block or kung fu block the only thing you are doing. Rid the mind of interruptions till there is just the block. not even a thought of you.

Now close your eyes and do the motion. Feel your balance, feel your breath, feel your coordination and weight drop and anything else.

The application of a form is not to find out the best ways to block. An idiot can easily block. the application of the form is to clear the mind of distraction, and to make that block the only thing that you are doing.

When the carpenter strikes the nail, is he thinking, or doing without thinking?

And, speaking of carpenters and nails, right here is an ingenious, little workout to assist the novice, the other who does not comprehend exactly what I am asking right here and wishes to, or also the other with thirty for forty years martial arts experience in a variety of martial arts.

Stand 3 feet away from your automobile with the keys in your hand. Close your eyes. Step forward and place the keys into the doorlock.

Within a short time, I'll gamble, your pretty, shining auto is going to have a couple of scratches around the keyhole.

I always remember when I was doing this, but sitting in the automobile and just placing the keys into the ignition with my eyes closed. The spouse comes out and asks just what I'm doing.

Martial Arts, I reply.

Okay, got that block down? Really good, go be taught a 2nd motion, and do the exact same thing all over once again. And do not forget to duplicate the very first lesson so you will not forget it.

I ensure that discovering your karate forms, or kung fu of taekwondo or whatever, in this way will certainly tremendously increase your development in the martial arts. All those amazing motions, you see, are nothing but polished basics. And by utilizing the technique I explain right here you are discovering ways to polish from the get go.

Keep in mind, it is not just how many times you do something maniacally and with frenzied energy. It is doing it once with reduced energy and high understanding. Opt for the understanding, that's the best ways to do a martial arts form.

The Dos and Don'ts of Karate Etiquette

Have you ever walked into a karate school and wondered what all of the rigid hierarchy and bowing is all about? Are you currently a new member of a karate studio and are wondering what all of the foreign words and chanting means? Or are you an avid student who still wonders what it all means when you enter your "Mini Martial Arts Experience" every Wednesday evening at 6pm? Lots of people share your confusion and many people wonder if it is all necessary.

Here is your quick cheat sheet to "The Dos and Don'ts of Karate Etiquette."

Depending on your karate school and style, some or all of the following may apply:

1. DO show respect to your instructor and fellow members while you try to find your place within the group and see if the school matches YOUR goals and has YOUR best interests at heart. If the school does meet your expectations then continue to train there and continue to show respect to the instructor, the club members and the traditions of the style. If the school doesn't meet your expectations then get out of there faster than Bruce Lee coult throw a One-Inch Punch.

2. DO open your mind to different ways of doing things. For the most part karate practices and methods have been transmitted down through the generations and as such carry a lot of cultural-specific traditions. In many ways these traditions help to accentuate the overall benefit of the "karate experience", in some ways they serve to distract you from your main goals for beginning karate in the first place. Be sure to be clear about why you want to start karate.

3. DO try to learn more about the background culture of your chosen martial art. For example, Karate is originally from Okinawa, Taekwondo is from Korea, Kung Fu is from China. By knowing where your art originated you can begin to learn some basic cultural knowledge about your chosen style. Your instructor should be able to help you find material for this.

4. DO your best to follow the directions given by your instructor and to fit in with the class, at least while you are in the discovery phase of seeing if Karate is for you. You will probably have lots of questions and depending on the situation it may be bad timing to ask your questions in the middle of the class. However, make sure that you ask your instructor and other club members about things that don't make sense or that are confusing before you go home. They should be more than willing to answer your questions and offer help.

5. DON'T take karate etiquette too seriously. A bow is simply a form of greeting, just like a handshake in the West. Some martial arts schools embrace traditional values, others don't. It's not a big deal either way. Your decision to join a particular school should be based on the quality of their martial arts programs and on their customer service, not on their chosen rituals of etiquette.

6. DON'T give up your spiritual values or religious beliefs. Just because you start learning about some mysterious Chi force or miraculous feats, don't suddenly think that you have found the answers to all of your unanswered questions. While karate can provide some very enlightening wisdom and inspiration, you should always remember why you first enrolled in the martial arts. It was probably to learn self-defense, to improve your health and fitness, or to join in with a worthwhile activity together with your child. I doubt that you wanted to join a pseudo-religious cult.

7. DON'T think that your instructor is some transcendental guru or sage, or even a demi-God. He's not! He is just another human being like you. He happens to be very good at karate; you may be very good at playing the piano, singing a song or telling a joke. Recognize that all people have strengths and weaknesses - even karate instructors!

8. DON'T forget the value of humility. Despite my rather light-hearted look at karate etiquette, it is still important to be respectful in a martial arts environment and not to be too outspoken. As with anything "actions speak louder than words" and all too often members of martial arts clubs get into trouble by speaking out about things that they don't understand too soon. It is better to give your chosen art a fair chance and to let your efforts in class initially do the talking until you feel that you have reached the point of being accepted and are able to ask intelligent questions.

To many people martial arts are a completely foreign activity and it takes some time to acclimate themselves to the specific culture and nuances of the art. Give karate a chance and don't deliver yourself a killer blow without first paying your dues.

Questioning Martial Arts

My Sifu, Alan Orr often starts his class with the question "Any questions?"

One of the problems with martial arts training can often be the unwillingness to really question anything, it's an easy habit to get into and often only broken by the best students, so start by asking yourself if you want to be amongst that group? One of the best students, the students who go on to become instructors and/or fighters within their system.

It is a constant questioning of what you are doing, what it is that you are being taught, why do this? What happens in this situation and possibly most importantly "Is what I'm doing actually relevant?" that will lead to finding the solutions. It's maybe that those questions take you away from where you are training to seek out new information, maybe new teachers. I have trained under many different instructors, some good, some not. Sometimes years on you realise all you learned from one was that you had to find another but this article is aimed at cutting down that time span and to help lead you to the right path for you.

Why am I doing this?

This to my mind is one of the questions you should be asking yourself and then a secondary question should be what am I doing to achieve my goals??

My belief is that if you wish to do a martial art then you must want to learn the skills to defend yourself effectively against an average adversary maybe one with greater strength or size, maybe to be able to really fight against a skilled and determined opponent or multiple attackers. The self confidence aspect of martial arts to my mind is the knowledge that you really can do those things under pressure. If you simply want a social club and a bit of fitness thrown into the bargain then fair enough maybe this article holds no relevance to those people and I know there is quite a contingent of people out there that go to their respective martial arts club to say they do a martial art but really have no intention of ever really being able to seriously use it. This article is aimed only at those who really want to achieve a good level of skill and the ability to use it under real pressure.

Anyone who trains at a martial arts club will recognise this scenario.......

You know nothing or very little about the martial arts but are eager to learn, you have seen Bruce Lee flicks, the UFC, Jet Li, you want to be like those guys, you are in a training hall with fifteen others most of which obviously know what they are doing. The instructor starts the class and everything feels alien. You learn some moves, the instructor explains and demonstrates them with the help of a willing senior and they all look good. This is probably where most people have stopped thinking....

Its accepted practice in many walks of life that in order to be successful you must have clear and concise goals. In martial arts this is very true. However so few people take control of their path, instead they chose to rely on the guy standing at the front with the black belt or the pretty suit to take them there. If the guy with the black belt isn't of the highest calibre then you probably won't get to where you wish to be. However if you are in control, if you have done your research and have kept informed then you may learn to recognise what you can take from an instructor and also what to leave, sometimes even when to leave! An instructor must have integrity and humility to truly lead his students to a high standard and this is the ability to be transparent to his students as regards his/her own strengths and weaknesses. I admire any instructor who willingly brings in other teachers to fill his own deficiencies and will happily take his better students to study with others with skills to offer they might not have themselves. The best instructors are unafraid of honesty.

To blindly follow someone on the premise that because he or she has done something a long time therefore they must be right, because they call themselves "Master" or "Sensei" or "Sifu" or simply because they have put themselves into the role of an instructor is certainly unwise. Common sense, taking note of real situations, reading, watching will all tell there own stories so don't ignore them.

Listen to your own experiences!!

My first martial art was Tae kwon do which at the time was very much the fashionable martial art. In some ways I was lucky because I landed at a club where the instructor was both honest and also ex military and unlike many in the TKD field had spent some time boxing and was reasonably progressive with his training. However after 2 years I had started reading Bruce Lee's JKD books and in practice started trying out many of the techniques and concepts outlined there. Bruce Lee's investigations led me to go to a local boxing club and voila.... Some of the guys I really couldn't do much with in sparring suddenly became much less trouble. The day I walked past one particular black belts' defences and landed several unanswered punches was the day I decided TKD had lost its appeal. I had my 5th or sixth grade at the time, no black belt. I didn't want one if 8 weeks boxing could wipe out the advantage of years of my opponents experience.

Be prepared to walk!!!

It was about the same time I decided to find a Wing Chun school. Like many people I decided to learn this martial art because it was the basis of Bruce Lee's thinking. One of the truly keenest and revolutionary minds that the martial arts world had ever produced had based many of his beliefs on his first system and that was good enough for me. Unfortunately finding a teacher to match was another matter. I was in a class almost exactly like I outlined in the scenario above aside from the fact I did have some sparring experience and was still boxing on and off.

One year on my feelings towards this school were changing. Most of the students there couldn't handle my sparring ability, they couldn't handle pace or power, couldn't deal with my ability to kick. I stayed for another year although mainly because I'd met a guy very like minded who became my sparring partner and friend. We used the class to train together and often just experimented with our own ideas. Dave emigrated (returning years later to again help with my development) and that was me done with that school. Again the temptation to stay for the next grade, the next 'level' just lost its appeal and again the idea of chasing the black belt held nothing for me there.

This particular school is a great example of a place where the instructor had lost all his humility and although a nice enough guy who did believe in his own ability he was neither skilled nor really honest. He would rarely chi sao and certainly never spar with his students, external training was very strongly discouraged. Everything was in house. There was never a comparison with the outside and students could blindly follow their "master" for many years achieving meaningless grades in a system that was never ever tested.

The year that time forgot......

In 1993 two things happened that shook the martial arts world. The Ultimate Fighting Championships should have re educated the world as to what it takes to win a fight but much of the martial arts world myself included were unaware of it in its early days (although mixed martial arts certainly changed things for me later on) and a series of books by a gentleman by the name of Geoff Thompson, a night club doorman from Coventry. I can't remember whether it was 93 or 94 when I read "Watch my back", and then bought "Real Self Defence" and "The Pavement Arena".

Real Self Defence is to my mind still one of the best books ever written on the subject of self protection in the street and "Pavement Arena" should be sent to every "traditional" martial arts club in the UK and beyond because its honest and frank discussion of what it takes for a martial art to be effective for real is still very relevant. The information in these two books certainly reinforced some views I held and gave me impetus to explore other aspects of my training. I recognised the truth of what the man said and acted upon it. I still find it amazing how the so many in the martial arts world still manage to ignore all the information available to them, if you wish to own a black belt that's worth more than the 5 quid you paid for it then don't be one of them.


"You too can learn the ways of the force"

I had ditched one martial art took up another and had sampled several others including traditional Ju Jitsu, Freestyle Karate and Kickboxing. Whenever I got sick with Wing Chun I went back to the boxing gym, often doing the two in tandem. My heart was with the kung fu style but often my head with the honest sweat of the gym. Looking back I have often thought that had I put the effort into my boxing over the years that I had my Wing Chun then I would be a better fighter today but as its turned out I now don't think that's true but not because I finally exited the temple doors a shaolin warrior monk with secret kung fu skills only revealed to me after years of training, nor did I face Darth Vader again to finally become a true Jedi.

Like many others I continued to believe that if I just got that bit better in Wing Chun everything would fall into place and I would be the untouchable "Bruce Lee" type I'd seen in his films. I think many martial artists fall into this trap. The truth was I knew my Wing Chun training lacked something, I could see its potential, I knew it had something special, something I hadn't seen anywhere else but couldn't grasp what it was.

So, I followed my Wing Chun instructor and continued to supplement my training now in the new realms of mixed martial arts. I learned some Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (A martial art with true depth that has become a second love), Wrestling, takedown defence and indeed takedowns. My new training and sparring partners often derided my Wing Chun training with "prove it, get in the ring, do it!!" In fairness they did give my hands some respect but would often put that down to my boxing and encouraged me to use my long reach and not play the 'Wing Chun' game.

I'll finish this little story with a happy ending but bare with me for the moment and I'll return to the key points of what this article is about.

When learning something new the worst thing to lose is time and many people in martial arts spend many years developing something that simply isn't really relevant in the belief that if they just get better at it then they'll see that thing, learn the ways of the force???? It'll all click??

It's also a total and utter lie

The Decline and Fall of Martial Arts Films and the Rise of the Action Blockbuster Movie

Comparing martial arts films of the 1970s to the action blockbusters of 2009/10

Red Cliff, Ip Man and True Legend are already iconic of the early 21st century "martial arts films"-although many can argue they are more action spectacle than true "kung fu" films. The 1970s, on the other hand, didn't rely on eye-candy effects and were defined more by the true grit of its martial arts actors: Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, the Five Venoms, Tomisaburo Wakayama, Jimmy Wong, and other real fighters trained in genuine kung fu, karate and other arts.

Martial Arts Becomes Mainstream But Evolves Into Spectacle

Cult classics such as Enter the Dragon helped change Hollywood. Its growing popularity forced filmmakers to adopt martial arts into the formula of the "action flick." Through the eighties and nineties, spectacle thrillers were expected to deliver "the fight moves", even if it was only a few basic moves supported by some stuntmen and wires. Action movies became spectacles that required equal blends of story, drama, pace, "kung fu", special effects and improbable plot twists.

In the 21st century, this became less "equal" with films relying first on special effects, then improbably plot twists (surprise is important, right?), followed by pace, martial arts skills, drama and-last and possibly least today-story. This trend extended even to the hot movies of the last few years, including Kung Fu Panda, Forbidden Kingdom, G.I. Joe and even the Transformers.

Asian Film Industry Threatens to Out-Spectacle Hollywood

With the full support and weight of China's cultural industries, Asian film has blossomed into mainstream spectacles in high demand, led by CGI treats such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, House of Flying Daggers and other instant classics. Arguably, Asian film long ago surpassed Hollywood for imagination, with the western producers buying rights to several hugely successful Asian films. With the largest population demographic in the world, there can be no doubt that Chinese films are set to dominate the film industry in years to come.

Red Cliff and Ip Man are perhaps the best known of these new hit-classics, but the rumor mills and fansites are buzzing with all the latest "coming soon" gossip. The big buz movies in 2010 is True Legend (Su Qi Er), starring Zhao Wen-Zho as the historical Begger Su, the originator of drunken kung fu. Donnie Yen returns in both part 2 of the Ip Man saga and in the much anticipated 14 Blades. Chow Yun-Fat breaks the mold and surprises everyone in his role as Confucius.

Both Hollywood and Asia Rely on CGI and Special Effects

The growing spectacle and importance of the "action film" is both enjoyable to the escapist and annoying for the aficionado of the true martial arts. While the actors in many of the films-in particular Asian films-are genuine martial artists (for example, Donnie Yen, Jet Li and Chow Yun-Fat)-the over-dependence on CGI and elaborate choreography turns the adventure into comic book. With notable exceptions, such as Ip Man and Tony Jaa in Ong Bak (and to a lesser extent Ong Bak 2 and 3), most action films rely on the "wow" factor of dazzling camera angles and computer-aided "enhancements."

Ninja Assassin and the Cross-Over

There are, to be sure, cross-over films such as Ninja Assassin, where actor Rain trained 14 hours a day for months to perfect real martial arts moves (albeit only a handful of repeated moves), blended together with rather Matrix-like special effects. To some, the beauty of the realistic CGI takes away from the pleasure of watching well-choreographed real martial arts.

Ong Bak, on the other hand, led by genuine martial arts expert Tony Jaa, got by on solid martial arts and good choreography. No stuntmen, thank you. Tony Jaa was hailed as the "next Bruce Lee" for this reason, with much buzz and excitement in the martial arts community, and martial arts film fansites.

There's No Escaping Escapism

Action films are, by design, escapist entertainment. They have become somewhat comic-book (pardon me, graphic novel), but that's what most audiences do want. We want to forget reality.

Kill Bill and Kill Bill 2 probably came closest to the ideal mix for both the escapist fan and the martial arts practitioner-fan. While it wasn't "real" by any means, and contained a brilliant and zesty blend of satire, comic-book, spoof, and choreography, it never-the-less nostalgically hearkened back to the wondrous days of Enter the Dragon and the classic Japanese Samarai films of the 70s.

Japanese Film Stays True to Martial Arts Traditions?

Perhaps the film industry most aligned with the older traditions of martial arts film making is Japan. Zatoichi, the Blind Swordsman, was a low-budget film, that became an instant cult classic. Zatoichi took movie audiences back to the classic real-sword skills of the old Samarai films of the earlier decades, and spawned video games and an entire industry.

Less is More? Where is the Real Martial Arts Skill?

Genuine martial arts actors still abound-led by superstars such as Donnie Yen and Jet Li-and most Chinese martial arts actors are proficient. In Hollywood, the film-makers opt for four-move choreography (two kicks, a block and a punch), multiple camera angles (particularly close ups when the skills of the martial artist are not genuine), pounding music, FX, and stuntmen. With the old hopefuls gone from the Hollywood big screen-Chuck Norris, Jean Claude Van Damme and the other promising real martial artists-there's now a world of difference between Asian film actors-who work in frigid cold, fourteen hours a day in often primitive conditions, hammering out genuinely complex martial arts moves for relatively paltry paychecks-and Hollywood films that now rely on computer and actor stand-ins.

Batman Now Does Kung Fu

Batman now does kung fu, and so does G.I. Joe, and even Hellboy. They're fun, but the martial artist fan misses the great luminaries of martial arts films who built their careers on the "real thing": Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, David Chiang, Sonny Chiba, Chen Kuan-tai, Tomisaburo Wkayama, Jimmy Wong Yu, Ti Lung and the Liu brothers.

Derek Armstrong is a journalist contributor to several TV news shows, magazines and newspapers. He has appeared as a reporter on HNN's Nancy Grace, the Larry King Show, MSNBC News, FOX News, Inside Edition, NBC's Dateline and the Dr. Phil Show. Armstrong is currently chief crime correspondent for Crime Report USA, and contributes to Films & Books Magazine, Advance Magazine, Canadian Money Magazine, Secure Net News, LINK World News Magazine, and EDI Weekly. Derek Armstrong is a member of the Canadian Association of Journalists (CAJ).

All readers or media who pick up this story agree that use of this information is solely their responsibility and its use is at your own risk. Nothing in this article is intended to advise. Refer to Blogertize News and Entertainment Zines at http://www.blogertize.com for our full information, subscription information, disclaimers and legal information on our publications.

Jujitsu: History, Philosophy And Methods

Jujitsu: History, Philosophy And Methods
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.

Reaching Fitness Ambitions With Martial Arts

Reaching Fitness Ambitions With Martial Arts
Discover How to Use An Easy Meditation Exercise To Boost Your Martial Arts Expertise

Martial arts is not just about sparring with your spouse or hitting a punch-bag for thirty minutes. To be truly effective at the arts you want to be ready to include meditation and breathing physical exercises into your everyday lifestyle, you can begin operating the thoughts-body-spirit connection in some fairly delicate means and not so delicate means.

There are quite a few diverse forms of meditation workouts to decide on from based on what you are making an attempt to acquire. For instance if you are making an attempt to search for enlightenment with Buddhism, then you will meditate differently from the particular person who is attempting not to yell at the kids.

Western Vs Eastern Martial Arts

The martial arts of the west had their great stage techniques which can be uncovered in the review of the ancient Greek fighting art regarded as Eleftheri Pali which will mean ruthless overcome or something goes. Scenes depicting this product can be identified on historical pottery and demonstrate deadly strikes to the throat and groin. Later on the additional sportive Pancration arrived about which was practiced for the Olympic games. In later on instances, Dans la rue Savate (road savate) was produced in France. I trained some of the personalized bodyguards of French Prime Minister Jaques Chirac in 1995. They have been versed in Savate as properly as Jiu Jitsu and numerous forms of Karate. Most of their instruction centered on how to prevent or incapacitate or kill a would be assassin. What occurred was that in simplifying their coaching the finish end result resembled primary CQC which is comparable to the beginning system of Guided Chaos. It appears that when males who have to battle for a residing develop a program of fighting it all starts to appear the exact same. Simplicity is king. The road or overcome Savate that was demonstrated to me was pretty powerful. Generally minimal kicks, knees and hard style boxing and side of hand strike combinations had been made use of. These guys skilled each day like their life depended on it.

One exercising that they practiced to develop strong punching energy was to carry out up to three sets of 20 dips with many quantities of excess weight all around their waists from thirty kilos to 60 kilos. They felt that obtaining strong triceps and shoulders would make it possible for them to maximize their punching electrical power. I demonstrated Guided Chaos dropping energy for them by getting three of them line up in front of me locked in a robust stance. I placed my ideal fist on the initial man's shoulder and dropped even though shifting my fist about three inches into the to begin with man leading to him to fall into the following and the up coming a single fell into the 3rd one. This gave them a thing to consider about. I showed F.C., their leading fighter, how to do it and he has practiced it for fairly a when and I trust that he teaches this to his guys even nowadays. Dropping Energy is a much more sophisticated version of the "drop punch" that American boxer Jack Dempsey developed and later was utilized accidentally by Muhammad Ali when he knocked out Sonny Liston. Dropping Power uses some principles relatively comparable to "cold power" in tai chi and other internal Asian systems. By using dropping energy with CQC striking we have a beneficial melding of eastern and western procedure.

Acquiring A Lot From Your Combined Martial Arts Sports Coaching

At some stage, you will need to have to concentrate your mixed martial arts training on submission holds. This is the way quite a few matches are won. Applying a submission maintain can let a competent competitor to go from shedding the match to successful it in a make any difference of seconds. Of program, it's not advised that you rely totally on submission retains, as you want to increase all of your competencies, but they can enable you win, primarily in near fights. Retains such as the triangle choke and the rear naked choke need to nonetheless be studied and practiced when you have time. These retains can be threatening and should be practiced meticulously and you should master them from anyone who is seasoned ample to teach them to you safely.

It's important that you train with a wide variety of men and women at your combined martial arts health club or martial arts college. Make a stage of coaching with these who are even more knowledgeable and skillful than you. Everyone's ego can lead them to only train with somebody who is at their degree or reduced so they can sense in handle of the position.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship

The Ultimate Fighting Championship


It’s no secret that martial arts has indeed come a long way over the years.  Many years ago, Bruce Lee helped the arts become even more famous, when he developed his style of Jeet Kune Do.  He participated in several movies, showing the world his speed and finesse.  Since then, movies have been a popular way to showcase martial arts skills.

Back in the early 1990s, something known as the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) came along to take things one step further.  Even though there have been other competitions similar to the UFC, none of them had the flair and the dedication as UFC did.  When it first began, the UFC paired different styles and different weight classes.

The result were exciting fights with varying results.  The first ever champion was a man from Brazil named Royce Gracie.  Gracie was the first to introduce Brazilian Jui-Jitsu in this way, opening up the eyes of everyone who witness him fight.  After the first UFC tournament, Brazilian Jui-Jitsu was instantly viewed as the best martial art. Royce weighed under 200 pounds, and he was completely dominating people nearly 3 times his size.

Gracie would go on to win UFC 2 and 4 as well.  He was the most dominating in the sport, and opened the eyes of everyone across the world.  In UFC 3, he didn’t lose, although he ran into a very tough fighter who nearly beat him.  Gracie came back in UFC 5 for a superfight match up with Ken Shamrock, which would go the distance and end in a draw.

Other fighters have done exceptionally well in the UFC, although none of them had the impact as Royce Gracie.  Fighters like Ken Shamrock, Dan Severn, Oleg Taktarov, Matt Hughes, and Matt Sylivia have also done very well.  Matt Hughes is also regarded as one of the best, as he fights in the Welterweight class and is considered pound for pound to be the best fighter in the world.

In the world of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), the UFC has made a big impact.  In the beginning, there were no rules and no judges, just one on one fights until someone either tapped out, got knocked out, or the ref through in the towel.  Fighters also fought in a tournament style as well, which took 3 fights to win the championship.

Over the years, there were several changes.  The UFC would start with judges after a few years, along with eliminating the tournaments.  The fights would eventually go to one on one, which was great for the fans.  Although the fights didn’t have time limits in the beginning, they do now.  The non title fights are three 5 minute rounds, while the title fights are five 5 minute rounds.

If a fight goes to the judges, the judges decide the winner.  There are three judges, which normally change with each different UFC.  Judges are there do determine the winner if there is no knockout or submission, while the ref is there to protect the fighters.  The referee can stop a fight as well, if a fighter is unable to defend themselves.

With all the changes in the rules of the UFC, it’s only a matter of time before the UFC gains a lot more popularity.  It is more popular today than it ever has been, which tells you that martial arts have come a long way.  Martial arts is very popular these days, with competitions such as the UFC being one of the most popular sports in the world.