Martial Art Daily posts some of the Martial Arts news, happenings and content from around the world. We hope to spread the teachings and benefits of martial arts to all people. Credits are given for content taken from other sites.
~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first
Martial Art Daily
A daily feed of Martial Arts all around the world for all martial artists and all people
Nunchaku sticks should be made from hard wood, which so as oak is strong and elastic (the best is mahogany, cocobolo whether white oak - but it's rather heavily to find this). Nunchaku line, originally was maded from horse's hair, now it's maded from nylon or is replaced with chain.
The length of stick should be equal distance from centre of palm to elbow(about 30-32cm). The size nunchaku should be well-chosen so it fit to growth, weight and strength of his owner's hands. The sticks should have about 2,5-3 cm of diameter. This parameter depends mainly from likings trained person and strength of his fingers(the thiner the harder to hold it). Whereas the length of line (the chain) should be such in order to after place it on palm both sticks hang on both sides freely(about 10-14cm) - in Japanese nunchaku (the most popular). Chinese have a lot of longer lines/chains in relation to sticks whereas Okinawa's shorter - only a few cm
Every part nunchaku can theoretically be put-upon. The upper and bottom ends of sticks nunchaku apply to stabs and strikes. The upper and bottom parts of stickes were used to inflict fly-wheel striks. Median part finds applying in strikes and blocks, and the line serves to holding and strangulations.
Weight nunchaku should be well-chosen to strength exercising. Every one has alone to see what it fit him. They heavier this slower, it is obvious. Strength results from speed and mass. So you shouldn't cross the line to any side.
In half of seventies - in Germany thanks to Markus Bära create the sport(training) nunchaku executed from plastic or different the light material and coated the foam.
Rodzaje:
Traditional nunchaku can be round(Maru-gata nunchaku) or octangular(Hakakukei nunchaku). A lot of edge acts it the effective in fight.
Beyond traditional nunchaku are different variations: Once stick is shorter. It is weaker version nunchaku(So-setsu-kon nunchaku) and half (Han-kei nunchaku) which occupy less places.
Three part nunchaku - all of sticks have normal length. The are also variation with different lengths of sticks - next picture(San-setsu-kon nunchaku)
Once stick has normal length and two remaining are shorter(San-setsu-kon nunchaku) and four-part (Yon setsu-kon nunchaku)
San-setsu-kon in distinction from San-setsu-kon nunchaku, has altered size. The sticks have about 60-70cm dependently from the person's gabarite which will use it, whereas the chain is shorter and has about 7cm. This isn't typical nunchaku and method of using it is completely different, but I decided to add here it as the nunchaku close relative. It arise in China.
Kubotai - designed on need of American police in eighties. Name came into being from words Kubota and Tai. Two pieces of plastic about 30cm length, joint 22cm string. This weapon served to defence in close distance.
For Stricking, Kicking, Clintching, Submitting or Performing Takedowns…. YOU NEED EXPLOSION! Here’s a list of drills to drastically improve your speed and explosion for your next fight!
N.B: I’m not suggesting you all those exercises in a specific order, specific repetitions or specific intensity. Those are just drills that you can integrate to your training routine.
Line Drill Suicide
You can perform this exercise on a football field. First of all, you’ll need (if you’re not on a football field) to set up 4 cones to a 10 yards distance from each other like on the picture.
Sprint from line (or cone) 1 to line 2
Sprint from line 2 to line 1
Sprint from line 1 to line 3
Sprint from line 3 to line 1
Sprint from line 1 to line 4
Sprint from line 4 to line 1
Rest for like 1 minute then repeat the exercise
Lateral Drill
Again, you’ll need (if you’re not on a football field) to set up 3 cones to a 10 yards distance from each other like on the picture. On each stop
Sprint from the cone no.2 to the cone no.1 and touch it
Sprint from the cone no.1 to the cone no.3 and touch it
Sprint from the cone no.3 and sprint as fast as you can further than the cone no.1
Rest for like 1 minute then repeat the exercise
Speed ladder drills
Burpees
(classic but really effective for explosive stricking)
Begin in a squat position with hands on the floor in front of you
Go to a pushup position
Immediately return to the first position
Jump as high as you can from the squat position
Do it again
That’s a burpees. Enjoy, or not…
GSP Weight Training
I’ll finish this post with an exeptional video by Georges St-Pierre from Youtube which is called GSP Weight Training.
The United States has become a country filled with people from many nations, which also includes immigrants bringing their culture and ideas that makes this country the Melting Pot of all Nations.
This also includes, having Asian Immigrants, bringing their customs and beliefs, which had also included the Martial Arts of various styles.
In the United States, many children are fortunate enough to join in many different sports and events, which allow children to interact with other children, to work on their social skills. Not only do they learn how to socialize with other children in the Martial Arts, but they also learn self-discipline, self-respect, develop self-esteem, usually will gain better grades at school, and among other benefits, to live a healthy life style and to learn Self-Defense.
In foreign countries, such as Korea, Japan, and China, to name a few, they have other different activities to sports to such as music, to also include their education system for after school programs. This also includes Martial Arts from Karate, Judo, Kung-Fu, Tae Kwon Do and other various of Asian Styles into the after school programs.
Kendo Students in Japan Public Schools
Or some actually teach it for Physical Education classes while they learn other subjects. Not to say Asians are born to be physically and naturally fit, but their education system does offer benefits, which also changes the character of the student in Asia. Anyone can be healthy and fit, if the right Physical Education is taught in the schools, where even children in the United States, can live healthier lives.
Kenpo/Kung-Fu with United Studios of Self Defense The Akademia
But not many schools in the U.S. teach or give lessons on the martial arts whatever style it might be. Many are only exposed to American Sports such as Base Ball or Basket Ball. Not all children love to play a sport that utilizes a ball.
What a different world children would live in if they were to be taught self-defense in their own school as a Physical Education program, where it would be counted in their grades towards graduation, and have a Black Belt or proficient rank and knowledge in that style. In most cases, the parents has to take their children to a Martial Arts Dojo, and pay for lessons, than the government pays for such school programs such as the Martial Arts.
Regardless of where the child learns Self-Defense, the one thing a parent can be guaranteed is, the child will enter the dojo leaving the outside world, and leave the dojo a better person. Whether it may be low self-esteem that channels anger or sadness, not having the right physical education to reduce or maintain weight, keep a positive outlook in scholastic achievement, and to have a high respect for their surroundings, as they are learning Self-Defense.
Karate Kids
Japanese Shotokan Karate
It does not matter which style the child learns, but to find the right school and style for the child, to where the kid can feel at place with him/her own self, but to feel secure in an unsure world. If they lack the friendships in school, there is always an opportunity to create friendships in the Martial Arts Dojo, as they will more likely not run into peer pressure from other kids at school, to commit crime or join in illegal activities, and not be involved with the Criminal Justice System.
Black Belt in TKD From Ernie Reyes Action Team
Children today need guidance from many avenues, but a parent can only teach so much to a child at home, and schools give so little education about peer pressure other than D.A.R.E programs, and perhaps some after school activities in sports activities. Joining the martial arts has it many benefits at any age.
But for children, it can be a great experience, where a kid can enjoy being a kid among their own peers at a Dojo, but also be able to develop other skills that can be found only by learning the Martial-Arts. But also to develop a positive attitude towards life, be aware of peer pressure, and develop life social skills, where young women and young men, can become better citizens of their communities.
A spokesman for Gaza’s kung fu and karate union says attendance at the classes has doubled since the Israeli offensive
SALIH AL-MASRI, a skinny nine-year-old in a red martial arts uniform, grits his teeth as he stands barefoot on shards of broken glass and recalls his family’s plight during the war in Gaza.“This sport makes me strong so I can defend myself, my family and my country from the Jews,” he says. “We ran away from our home during the war because we were afraid of the shelling,” he adds. “But after we returned I started coming here every day to train. Now I’m strong, and I’m not afraid of anyone.” Haunted by what they saw during the massive Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip at the turn of the year, growing numbers of children are flocking to martial arts classes across the devastated Palestinian coastal territory.
Private clubs offering kung fu and karate lessons have attracted scores of new students in the wake of the fighting, a phenomenon child psychologists attribute to widespread mental trauma. On a recent summer day several of the younger students at a club in the northern town of Beit Lahiya gathered to watch in awe as Salih al-Sawalja, 15, lay on a bed of nails with two other boys standing on his chest.
“No one will be able to mess with us after we become kung fu masters,” a wide-eyed Nashaat Abu Harbid, a nine-year-old, says. “Everyone will be afraid of us.” As Sawalja moves on to the next exhibition, where he will walk barefoot over the upturned blades of several large knives, he explains that kung fu increases his self-confidence and allows him to “protect myself from anything”.
Helmi Matar, a coach at the Beit Lahiya club, says interest in the martial arts has grown in the wake of the war, which killed more than 1,400 Palestinians and left vast swathes of the impoverished enclave in ruins.
“Interest in the sport grew exponentially after the war because people wanted a distraction and for their kids to release pent-up energy,” he says. A spokesman for Gaza’s kung fu and karate union confirmed that attendance at the classes has doubled since the war, which Israel said was aimed at halting Palestinian rocket fire from the besieged, Hamas-run strip. Child psychologists fear that the increased interest stems from the trauma children suffered during the three weeks of near-continual air strikes and shelling. “Children internalise a huge amount of violence in war and they are not able to express it, especially when they feel that no one in their family can protect them,” says Iyad Sarraj, a psychiatrist and director of the Gaza Community Mental Health Programmeme.
“Violence begets violence. The children try to release this built-up energy during sports. They choose violence because it fits with their situation and to boost their sense of power and security.” Osama Darabih, a lean teenager with a strip of black cloth wrapped around his forehead, has been studying kung fu for three years but says he started coming every day after the war.
“These sports are dangerous and there have been injuries and accidents during training,” he says as he waits his turn to spar. “But we train well because we love it. It relaxes us and releases our tensions.” More than half of Gaza’s 1.4 million residents are under the age of 18, and psychologists fear the coming generation will be snared by the cycle of violence that has afflicted the territory since the 2000 Palestinian uprising. Samir Zaqut, a psychologist who works with Sarraj, says the children are drawn to violent activities by what they have experienced. “When these children put their necks or their heads on broken glass or lie on nails they are in danger. But people who face repeated traumas like to take risks and are drawn to danger.” Zaqut fears that by encouraging interest in such activities, the club owners may be feeding into the violence that has convulsed the territory in recent years and scarred its young people. “Sports are one way of getting a release, but we should not allow it to increase the level of violence,” he says. “The children of Gaza have suffered enough.” afp
Lightsabers create a world of fighting that is not similar to any single weapon known to man at this point in time. This is an exploratory piece on just what that world is like. I've been meaning to examine this topic for awhile, but now I'm compelled to do so since I'll be choreographing a fight scene for a short film called Succumb. It is set in a steampunk-meets-starwars world.
Before we examine how to fight with one we need to define what a lightsaber is. There are numerous references to lightsaber physics out there. Many point to the fact that it is likely not just light, but something more along the lines of plasma or charged particles that are somehow stabilized. I'm not going to examine the likelihood of any of these or argue it any particular way. For the purposes of this document we'll assume it is: light, gas, plasma or charged particles. These all have very different properties, but also have a lot in common.
Should the "blade" be made from these things or something similar, we can assume the following about lightsaber properties:
The lightsaber is like an ultra-sharp, straight sword that you can swing in any direction and cut something almost effortlessly.
Handling wise, imagine a very lightweight stick that cuts easily.
Compared to:
Swords - Heavy, lots of weight in the blade, single or double edged, can break
Blunt weapons - Cannot cut easily, impact in any direction, heavy, most weight in the striking end
How to fight with a lightsaber
So what would a real lightsaber fight look like? Fast-moving, single-handed, and last an extremely short length of time. The typical committed (nobody is running away) bare-knuckles street fight or even weapons street fight generally lasts just seconds, maybe a little over two minutes after fighting has begun. Most people can usually take quite a few hits and still live. You could even take a blow from a sword and survive. A lightsaber fight would likely be over after the first hit.
Smart/those-who-can-afford-it practitioners would probably wield two lightsabers since they're compact to transport.
The most effective style of fighting would probably look something like the fast slashing and hacking to the limbs that you see in the martial arts Kali/Escrima/Arnis companied with swift distance-lengthening and target-minimizing-stances of western fencing. It would probably not look like Japanese sword arts (much of what the Star Wars philosophies, characters and 'force' seem based upon). Another similarity with Kali, because Kali teaches with blunt weapons as well as bladed (also see One Technique Many Weapons), is that a light-swordsman would not wield the blade in a manner that is specific to the edge of the blade since it is multi-directional like a blunt weapon.
Because of how easily you can cut with one, your main objective will probably be to keep your distance and disarm your opponent by cutting at hands and limbs.
Other thoughts
Depending on the time it takes to deploy the blade (slow in the older Star Wars films) there would probably be a component of turning the blade on and off during the fight. If blade deployment/retraction is fast then one could avoid an opponents block/parry by retracting ones blade and then redeploying it after passing the opponents blade. This would create a hugely different fighting style.
Why do lightsabers have such a short and fixed length given that they are not hindered by weight in this manner? It seems it may also be possible to create a hybrid blade/projectile weapon out of one.
Gyroscopic stabilizers which I have seen mentioned by theorists for containing the "energy" beam that is the blade could make holding onto one more complicated.
I'd imagine anti-lightsaber armor would be quick to develop in a place where they exist. Likely it would be something outrageously strong as well as lightweight like carbon nanotubes. Although not necessarily with either of those properties. It could be like an energy-based body shield as well (like what is seen near the beginning of the Dune miniseries). Whatever the case, this would radically change the style of fighting.
Lightsaber fighting would be extremely dangerous to oneself. Without armor, in enough time you're probably more likely to cut yourself than someone else will be to cut you. Even well-seasoned knife fighters and swordsmen cut themselves.
Fighting in groups would carry increased dangers as well.
A misconception of most people while watching Kali / Escrima / Arnis being practiced is that it's all about fighting with sticks. Even many Kali practitioners believe this to be the case. It is often referred to as "stick fighting". However, the sticks represent much more.
A great training weapon
Rattan sticks are used because they are a safe, effective training tool. Rattan is cheap, durable, light-weight and does not splinter. It's softer than most hard woods (safer to be hit with), but still solid. It can readily be cut to different sizes as well as sanded (to make handles of different shapes) and fire hardened. All of these properties make it an ideal training material. These properties make it ideal for other martial arts, activities and sports as well such as heavy combat in the Society for Creative Anachronism and the World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation.
A representation of any weapon
While one can use a stick or any blunt weapon as an actual fighting weapon, in Kali the stick is a representation of any weapon of similar size, shape and function. Long sticks could be representative of a bat, sword, shield, machete, mace, baton or even more 'improvised' weapons such as an umbrella, lead pipe, fireplace poker, pool cue, wrench and yes - even a stick you pick up off the ground. A shorter stick could be representative of a knife, beer bottle, candlestick, or screwdriver.
While today it serves as mostly a representation, the stick as a weapon on its own is useful. Blunt (non bladed) weapons are extremely common historically and, from what I have heard and read, the stick has a significant place in Filipino warrior history. Bladed weapons were not immediate parts of any culture of the world. The stick is an example of early weapons 'technology'.
Sticks were not always blunt. Warriors would sharpen the tips of their sticks to a point, possibly even a bladed point. These were used just as you might expect - for stabbing and slashing. It was common for the tips to be dipped in various poisons before battle to ensure the death of the enemy.
In Japanese Martial-Arts, there are at least three known styles that are considered to be grappling, or joint manipulation, type of self defense.
We must understand that the styles I will be mentioning briefly, these styles, such as karate, were utilized during the days of the Samurai and the Ninja.
Japanese martial arts developed during the days when Japan and its history were always in battle among with or against each other for power or for liberty, when claiming Japanese Family Klan’s or tribes that had a deep soul searching for their identity in Japan.
Japanese ShotoKan Karate
Many people today are now becoming familiar with Jiu-Jitsu as MMA is dominating the Entertainment Networks such as UFC and WEC, and other fighting programs around the world. During the Vietnam War, U.S. Soldiers were at least trained in Judo or Karate, for the purpose of having to fight in battle in times of low ammunition, and now Judo is part of an Olympic sport other than Tae Kwon Do (Korean Martial Arts).
Judo Competition
Aikido has been revived in movies by such actors as Steven Segal, which is an art to consider as fighting without fighting, or closely translated as “Way of Harmonious Spirit”. Remember that Shotokan Karate adds a flavor of both Aikido and/or Judo, if what not, at times some Jiu-Jitsu in some Martial Art Schools. Basically these Japanese arts branch out themselves as time and history had changed the image of Japan. It’s really back to the Samurai days, when these styles were used in combat, and to govern order in Japan.
Steven Segal Instructing in Japanese
Steven Segal Fight Scene
How can one person distinguish of the arts, when they all look so similar to each other, when the audience just sees two people trying to dominate one over the other? The only simple answer to that question is to learn and study for yourself, and analyze from your own experiences, as you are able to interpret what is Japanese Martial Arts. Or in this case comparing Traditional Martial arts from Mixed Martial Arts, what you see in Television from the fighting matches, you will not get the full picture.
Fighters such as Lyoto Machida and George St. Pierre are some prime examples the audience can view from what is the Japanese Martial-Arts when used in MMA fighting matches in the UFC. They use their skill and training to dominate their opponents and use the knowledge they have gained from instructors who have the skill and mastery in Japanese Martial-Arts.
Jiu-Jitsu Demonstration
Today, many ask, what is the Japanese Martial Arts? If there are various forms, which branch out to an incomplete martial-art, then why the several of styles are mixed in MMA matches that also includes other forms of fighting such as Muy Thai/Kickboxing?
Remember that the Japanese have always had a complete form of martial-arts, except as it is today, different schools or instructors, had their interpretation of self-defense, that was identified to their environment and situation. MMA events on television does not give the full detail on the history or the understanding of the arts other than having two professional athletes go head to head to win and make a living out from fighting.
MMA Training
The difference with MMA what you see in Television, from fighters who claim that they are Martial-Artists, comparing to those who have studied traditional Martial-Arts especially in Japanese Martial-Arts, would be comparing to a high school drop out who picks up what he/she knows from what they learned out of a book, and comparing to a college educated student with a Bachelor Degree in a specified field.
The real difference is knowing how to come out of a fight without being harmed and using the knowledge learned from Masters in Japanese Martial-Arts. Also the time and training the student puts into the art and master himself to become a Martial-Artist. What you add to the training, and how you apply it, is how you learn from the mistakes when learning how to fight.
That is what the Martial-Arts is really about, learning from your weaknesses, understanding your strengths, and improving on your fighting style, either in life threatening situation or in competition, such as MMA events.
From the day of the term Ninja, many have questioned, what is a Ninja? Or more should the audience be asking, what is Ninjitsu?
From what most people know, those who wear black or colored uniforms which almost resemble as wearing a pair of P.J.’s, and with concealed masks covering their heads, is what most of the viewers can recall what is a Ninja.
In the past centuries, this elite fighting form, were technically considered to be assassins who were creative in using diverse of weapons, using concealed methods to hide from their enemies, and were part of an organization that would be involved with the days of the Samurai back in the feudal years of Japan.
Ninja Fight Scenes
The days of the Samurai and the rise of the ancient Ninja’s, were part of the Japanese culture, which also had changed their way of living. The Ninja, not only used weapons for guerilla warfare tactics, but also developed an elite form of fighting which also involved various acrobatic movements, martial arts skills such as, which derive from Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Aikido,and other forms of Chinese Martial-Arts, which also emulate Shaolin Martial Arts.
Ninja Demonstration
For many reasons, Ninjas were really considered as Mixed Martial Artist, since they had to be prepared for all scenarios of combat. Which Ninjitsu, or closely translated, the art of invisibility or the art of stealth, and their main purpose was to quickly to finish the fight even in death. The Ninja used metal and wooden weapons, which could have been long or short range attacks, even throwing stars or objects, and shooting darts.
Sho Kosugi Ninja Master
If there ever has been a Ninjitsu known expert, would have to be Sho Kosugi, who is from Japan, has made a few Ninja related movies, where he shows the real beauty and the art of Ninjitsu. During the early mid 1980’s, various types of movies about The Ninja had been produced by Hollywood, which since then, very few movies have been produced in the 21st century. Some movie stars such as Michael Dudikoff starring in American Ninja who plays as a military soldier who is out defeating ninjas as terrorist organizations against other nations.
Michael Dudikoff: American Ninja
The Art of Ninja, their history was never really had any records that date the beginning of how the Ninja came to be. Besides than having a history against the Samurai days, the Ninja were more of a secret association that would perform assignments for the government or would be considered as mercenaries.
Though from a viewer or audience stand point, they could have been either or on the good or bad side of the battle field. It’s not the art that was bad or good, but what side the Ninja was protecting or eliminating from the forces of war and blood shed. But today, after the many centuries of keeping and passing on the Martial-Arts, Ninjitsu, has survived, and is still being taught not only in Japan, but also in the United States, and other parts of the world, where ever a certified instructor can teach how to become a Ninja.
Ninja Self Defense Demonstration
From Pop Culture, we have seen what a Ninja is or what a Ninja does, and many have been inspired to want to learn Ninjitsu. Either the influence is coming from Japanese Manga (Animated Cartoon Films), movies about Ninjas and Samurai’s, to playing latest video games, which many love to see what Ninjitsu is really all about.
Dead Or Alive Video Game CG Animation
Kasumi and Hayabusa CG Anime
For many in the late 1980’s to early mid 1990’s, for many children it has been Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, which has today even raised a great interest about Japanese Martial Arts and Ninjitsu.
TMNT Vs The Shredder
The most accurate film which most of the audience in the 21st century might be able to relate to, is watching the movie “The Last Samurai”, which has been the recent movie on Ninjas and Samurai’s, where the Samurai Village and The Ninja, go in a battle of warfare, where the village is being raided by the Ninjas.
The Last Samurai
Ninja Vs Samurai Fight Scene
Now just recently, G.I. JOE, has been one of the least American Anime, which had created a character by the name of Snake Eyes, who is curios character, who was raised in Japan, and grew up with his Japanese Step Brother, Storm Shadow, has hit the big screens in Holly Wood, which they both perform awesome fight scenes of a Ninja. (Soon I hope to add videos after the DVD release images for all my viewers to watch)
Snake Eyes Vs Storm Shadow
The Ninja, really has a low key history, of how and where the organization really come from, or what become of the Ninja after the Samurai were no longer needed in Japan. But one thing for sure, much of what you may see in MMA Cage Match events, a partial of the Ninjitsu moves are utilized, such as Jiuj-Jitu, Karate, Aikido, and other Japanese Style Martial-Arts.
Ninja Movie 2009 Trailer
Today, to revive the art of Ninjitsu, has been a slow process, or growing art, which many students today strive to achieve the level of mastery in Ninjitsu, to maybe someday own a personal Ninja Dojo, and pass it to the next generation. Its one of the arts that can be hard to find, but, can maybe become a rewarding experience, to understand what was the Ninja.
During the times of this country to be first introduced to Japanese Karate, and other forms of Martial-Arts, it was a beginning for many women to want to learn how to defend themselves, and to become better mothers to their children.
Regardless of what style women find fascinating, it has its benefits and gives women the opportunity, to not only learn self-defense, but to also increase self-confidence and, self esteem, where she may feel secure from a dangerous world.
Usually when a woman is attacked, it is always by a bigger person, and sadly common, but a male who is stalking the woman, or is related to the individual where she becomes a victim of a crime.
With the various forms of fighting, whether it is women’s basic self defense, traditional martial arts, or boxing, many women wish to feel secure and to feel they need to protect their children, whether or not a man is present in the family’s lives.
Womens Interview of Self Defense Courses
For some women, and also for men, learning self defense, is also becoming an aerobic workout to reduce and loose weight, to maintain figure, and to feel young again. Many women seem to enjoy Tae Kwon Do, due to its fast pace workouts in the kicks and punches.
Women in Tae Kwon Do
TKD Free Form Demo
For other females, who feel that they are too old or out of shape, sometimes Karate, Aikido, or Kenpo, gives the woman a feeling of basic self defense skills, to fend off from sexual predators on the streets.
Kenpo Self Defense
Womens Basic Self Defense
Such arts as Wushu or Wing Chun, women love the fluidity of the Chinese arts, and its flexibility in the joints and muscles, which it does not emphasis as much muscle or strength from straight forward attacks.
Wing Chun Womens Self-Defense Training
Wing Chun Self Defense Instruction
Also most Chinese arts, teach the practical use of weapons, such as wooden objects, that are easier to find on the street.
Wushu Weapons used by Women
Chinese Woman Performing
Wushu Form
So many styles of Martial-Arts to choose from, but the woman, has preferences on either depending her ability to learn self-defense, judging her strength and from her weaknesses, no matter what style she may choose, she will walk home or return home with confidence. In the past centuries, especially in Japan, women have learned to study various forms of fighting arts, where women have become aware of the danger in their surroundings, such as today.
Women in the Martial-Arts
There is so much to talk about the people in Asian Countries, where women have learned self-defense, and for the reason to learn how to protect her-self in times of conflict and danger.
Woman Learns Kenpo from
United Studios of Self-Defense
Interview Rape Experience
Something I wish and will be a continual part of the articles to come about women in the Martial-Arts. For now, women should know, that not only its great way to stay in shape and to feel healthy and look young, but to remember the real true benefits what a woman can learn about the martial arts, and that is to not become a victim of a crime.
On the occasion of Jay Chou being cast as Kato in The Green Hornet, APA recounts Jay Chou's top ten martial arts moments in films, commercials, and music videos over the years.
The announcement that Taiwanese pop star Jay Chou will be Kato in Seth Rogen and Michel Gondry's Green Hornet big-screen adaptation has both fans and non-fans alike a little confused. Physically, stylistically, culturally, and philosophically, Chou is not exactly who you'd think of to fill in the role that made Bruce Lee an American icon, upstaging co-star Van Williams and making the Green Hornet Show the Kato Show. Can Chou act for Hollywood? Can he speak in English?
Most of all -- can he fight? We all know he wants to. Throughout his career -- in music videos, commercials, and films -- Chou has quite willingly fashioned himself a fighter of sorts. His second album, Fantasy, included two tracks, Ninja and Nunchuks, which explicitly revealed a fascination with Asian martial arts, and the respective music videos visually realized that fantasy for Jay. And most recently, Chou was the star of Kung Fu Dunk, a big-budget Shaolin Soccer knock-off that combines... well you can figure it out.
Perfecting Kato means more than having an ability to fight. Firstly, not any kind of fighting will do; spear and swordplay skills may not come in very handy on the streets of America. Can Chou brawl? Can he be a trickster? Secondly, Kato and the Green Hornet are a crime-fighting duo, which combines all kinds of action genres -- cop films, spy films, buddy films, superhero movies -- none of which we've seen Chou in yet.
However, perhaps it doesn't matter if Jay Chou can fight. Maybe all he needs is to be able to fight better than Seth Rogen, who plays the Green Hornet. Or perhaps it's a moot point because this is Hollywood, where anyone can be a hero. So perhaps what we need from Jay is a certain kind of swagger. The press coverage of the casting announcement often includes this quote from Chou: "I won't try to be Bruce Lee's Kato -- I will try to bring my own interpretation to the part." Sure that's a generic statement, and to some extent a useless one because Green Hornet fans will be, for better or worse, looking for Bruce Lee's Kato.
But the statement is important because it points us away from the question "can Jay fight?" and toward the more appropriate one: "what is Jay's martial arts personality?" For years, Chinese audiences have interpreted (and sometimes dismissed) Jay's forays into martial arts as simply examples of his "sua ku" ("acting cool") tendencies. Is this what Gondry and Rogen were attracted to? (Aside from, of course, the huge financial rewards that will come from casting the biggest male star in East Asia in his Hollywood debut. Rogen better hire a Chinese agent -- and bodyguard.) Will Jay's sua ku fly in America? Or does cinema wizard Michel Gondry have something else up his sleeves?
We've collected here ten examples of how Jay has "interpreted" martial arts in the context of his music and his own persona.
"Ninja" (2001)
Pursued by ninjas, Jay proves as capable of swashbuckling his way back, as he is in rapping about the way of the warrior. Slow motion and rapid editing help too.
"Nunchucks" (2001)
Our first introduction to Jay as a kung fu hero is appropriately over-the-top, with Jay sending shockwaves through walls and villains. Mastery of Bruce Lee's singature weapon is a plus; the "huh huh ha hee" chorus a nice tribute to kung fu grunts of the past.
"Dragon Fist" (2002)
Jay fights a green screen, and "Pow!"s his way to victory (in a nice nod to superhero comics). But Jay as manga hero is less than impressive, mostly because it becomes quickly apparent that the video is little more than a Pepsi commercial (see below).
"The Last Battle" (2002)
Straying from martial arts, Jay seeks his Saving Private Ryan moment, which unfortunately isn't that impressive as a war epic -- nor as a song or an acting performance for that matter. But once again, Jay gets points for it is because, as any aspiring actor should, he's willing to take on any role: amateur boxer, wounded soldier, distressed killer.
Double Blade (2003)
In his first American "film," Jay saves his little brother from neighborhood thugs. Jay takes on a smattering of English, and in classic Chinese kung fu manner, takes on foreigners much bigger than he is. In "Double Blade," Jay doesn't fight so much as pose in succession, but somebody must have been impressed by this ghetto fantasy: director Alexi Tan was given a chance to direct the big budget Blood Brothers as a result of this 14-minute short.
"Chaotic Dance Spring Autumn" (2004)
Jay doesn't fight here, but does show off some increasingly convincing staff skills. Others fight, but Jay clearly thinks he's too cool for that. Proof: see him two-step in warrior garb, and answer his cell phone is a sweet little postmodern moment. Not surprisingly, this is a commercial for a video game. I think.
Pepsi commercial (circa 2005)
Some of the biggest names in Chinese pop star as the nine blue warriors in this series of Pepsi commercials, a cross between Gladiator, Lord of the Rings, and Dragon Ball Z. Among them is Jay Chou, who steals the show, before having his soda stolen from him by a little boy. A chase ensues and Jay and comrades fight a giant sand monster.
scene from Curse of the Golden Flower (2006)
The star of this bloody scene from Curse of the Golden Flower is not Jay Chou, but director Zhang Yimou, whose mastery of rhythm, movement, shape, color, and light are on full display. But Jay is worthy collaborator, holding his own as the warrior who cannot fall. In terms of martial arts, this is Jay Chou's highest moment to date.
"Huo Yuanjia" (2006)
The video for Jay's musical tribute to Fearless subject Huo Yuanjia (incidentally, Bruce Lee's master) has Jay Chou dance-fighting cross-cut with Jet Li rocking some major mayhem. It's clear who is the superior fighter here, but what's surprising is that Jay is equally compelling as a cinematic force -- though that may simply be because Jay, never shying from the spotlight, is the video's director.
scene from Kung Fu Dunk (2008)
Guess who's been practicing? Jay Chou is a full-on martial arts star in the action-comedy Kung Fu Dunk, and his style meshes nicely with Ching Siu-tung's choreography. His comedic moments don't always work though, as Jay relies too much on fans' love for the Jay Chou sua-ku persona than on, say, timing or acting.
When most people think of college safety they picture the student that is out and about campus grounds. But what we sometimes fail to think about is the college dorm environment.
Students can be intruded upon while they are in their dorms as well as outside. If you are a student or a parent of a student in college, you should consider a small item to add to the rest of the college supplies for safety.
A college dorm room would be a safer place to study and sleep if it had a door alarm. There are a variety of affordable door alarms available on the market today. One of the most popular is the Door Stop Alarm. It’s perfect for dorm rooms or even hotel rooms and apartments for that matter! It actually works like the old rubber door stops that were so popular years ago, but it also has an alarm that sounds if someone tries to come in. You just simply place it under the door! The Door Stop Alarm also has an on/off switch that prevents it from sounding accidentally and a sensitivity switch which prevents tampering. If an intruder attempts to open the door, the wedge-shaped design will prevent it from opening and activate a 120 db alarm. Another popular dorm room alarm is the Personal Alarm with Flashing Light. This is mostly a 130db alarm that you can carry with you wherever you go, but it also has the added bonus of being able to be used as a door or even window alarm! It has 2 accessory pieces that when attached to the alarm allows it to be adjusted for different situations. One of the accessories is a cord that attaches to the alarm and is clipped to your belt, backpack, purse or wrapped around your wrist. If someone attempts to take it from you, the alarm and flashing light gets activated. The other accessory can be used on doors and even windows. When either of these entrances has the alarm connected to it and it is opened, the alarm goes off and the light flashes. This particular connector can also be placed under a laptop, for example, if someone tries to lift and take it, it also will sound the alarm and flash the light! Lastly, a personal 116db alarm called the Sport Strobe Personal Alarm by Mace is also one to consider for safety. It’s features are similar to the previous alarm but the flashing light can also be turned on as a constant light by pressing a small button on the side of the unit.
All of these alarms are small, very affordable and easy to use. These door alarms deter any intruder from sneaking into a college dorm.
Last weekend I had the chance to train in DaitoRyu Aikijujutsu. DaitoRyu is a branch of the jujutsu family and was developed by Takeda Sokaku. One of the most famous students of Sokaku was Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido.
During our training the instructor presented us with various self defense situations, and from time to time would ask us to show him how we would react. During each event I did my best to apply solid techniques as quickly as possible.
Eventually the instructor said to me, “That’s good, but you’re making a lot of assumptions aren’t you? You’re thinking he’s going to stand that still, be that loose, and let you do these techniques without a rough struggle? You gotta hit him hard. bang! Loosen him up, then apply your technique.”
At first I was a little embarrassed because an aikijujutsu instructor had to remind me, a karate guy, to do some hitting. But then I realized that he wasn’t providing advice from a stylistic perspective, but from real-life experience, having dealt with conflict most of his life through law enforcement in the Bronx.
The Value of Striking
The art side of martial arts can be a bit ensnaring. With a skilled, cooperate partner, it’s easy to come up with extremely impressive techniques. Over years of practice, we can develop an almost “magic-like” effectiveness as we learn the exact buttons to push on our fellow practitioners. Unfortunately, this cooperation also leads to bad assumptions about how violence and struggle actually takes place.
When dealing with true conflict, you can never be sure of the physical or mental state of an opponent. An assailant could have steely arms which make wrist locks useless. They could be tweeked on mind bending drugs, nullifying any pain-inducing techniques. Their nervous system could be just a bit different than you expect, making your vital point strikes inefficient.
In unpredictable situations, you want the most reliable and simple techniques possible – and in most cases those techniques are going to begin with hard striking.
Starting With Strikes
The problem with beginning your self defense with wrist locks, escapes, throws, or other maneuvers is that you haven’t done anything to disrupt the mental rhythm of your opponent. As you move, there is nothing stopping them from adjusting and moving with you. Of course, your technique might still work, but you’re relying on the inability of your opponent to cope rather than utterly stopping their ability to cope.
A hard strike to a vulnerable part of your opponent’s body will immediately shift their train of thought from attacking you to dealing with the injury you’ve inflicted. As their brain is being fed alert signals from the damaged part of the body, you can swiftly move into your jujutsu, judo, or aikido technique since the overall strength and tenacity of your opponent is temporarily nullified.
The Importance of Location
Striking just anywhere isn’t going to do it. There are some individuals who are in such great shape that you can slam them as hard as you want in the pecs, abs, arms, and thighs and they won’t be slowed down by it. Instead, strikes have to come quick and hard to vulnerable locations like the throat, eyes, ears, groin, and joints.
Even for opponent’s who are enraged or on drugs, a balance inhibiting box to the ears or blinding jab to the eyes will give you an immediate advantage.
A Practice Tip
When learning self defense, even at a beginner level, always utilize some sort of distraction. Even if you are trying to learn a specific joint lock or throw, start off with something that will freeze your opponent’s mental state. Good self defense comes from good practice, and if you drill distractions into your routine there is a much better chance they will be there when you need it.
For non-striking practitioners such as aikidoka or judoka, stick to your curriculum but try to learn from other styles that do utilize striking.
The quickest way to get hit by a good fighter is to block them.
Can you visualize what happened just a moment before this picture was snapped? The leftside downward block should give you a big clue. The kicker sold the defender completely on a low technique – probably snapping a front kick before rolling right into a high roundhouse.
The defender deflected the initial attack, but in the process hung himself out to dry for the follow up.
Independent Blocks Will Get You In Trouble!
So why exactly did our wayward defender get rocked? The answer is that he relied on independent blocking.
During basics training, we move up and down the dojo floor practicing our blocks. Left hand blocks high, right hand blocks high, left hand blocks low, right hand blocks low, etc. This drilling is critical to learning good technique, but can also leave practitioners disjointed if they never learn how to integrate it into more natural movement.
Skilled fighters will be able to notice disjointed blocking and capitalize on it immediately. Let me further explain through the magic of stick figure drawing:
As you can see, a disjointed block is really when one arm or leg moves to create a block without the rest of the body doing something useful.
Generating these kinds of openings is a huge staple of fighting, and tournament combatants have made entire careers on knowing how to do it. The more you are able to dictate the movements of your opponent the more you command a fight. What that means is, as defenders, we have to do our best to eliminate falling into these traps.
It is impossible to know what exactly our opponents are going to do. Furthermore, it is wasted mental energy trying to figure it out. If you are constantly trying to analyze and asses the intentions of your opponent, you give him/her the opportunity to dictate the essence of the fight. You will always be a half step behind. Eventually it will catch up to you and you will get overrun.
Fixing The Blocking Problem
In order to fix a problem with reactionary, independent blocking, you have to understand the nature of tactics. Tactics are designed to make you move in a certain way and dictate your train of thought. So that means if your opponent punches low, he wants you to block low in order to create an opening for his/her next attack (or if you’re not fast enough, to actually hit you low).
To nullify the effectiveness of these tactics you have to learn to cover zones and control centerline.
Let’s say you have one hand high covering your facial region, and one low covering your midsection. If the opponent steps in with a low kick or punch and you drop your high hand to block it, you must develop the habit of rotating your bottom hand high to cover the zone you just left open. By cycling your hands in this fashion, you never leave a clear opening even for a quick second attack.
In addition to covering your zones properly, you must develop a good sense of centerline (and distancing) to foil the intentions of your attacker. To use the same example as above, if the attacker comes in with a low kick, instead of blocking at all, you have the option of moving just slightly backward out of range and leaving your hands completely unmoved. At most the kick will graze your bottom hand, which is there to cover anyway.
At this point your defense is completely unaffected by the opponent’s tactic, which means his next attack will be very manageable and unsurprising to you. As he comes in with that high punch, your defense is still in place, which means you can gently brush the punch aside as you step in with your own attack.
This distance and centerline control is also critical when moving side-to-side and on the 45’s.
The key to beating a superior tactician in sparring is to not play the game at all. As they try to invoke movement in you, your superior control of distancing and timing combined with a calm mind can allow you to move in very small increments, and capitalize on openings created by their complex intentions.
Never move your guard unless you have to or unless you want to create an intentional opening. Many people are amazed at how much excess blocking and moving they do simply because their body tells them that they SHOULD block. If a kick comes grazing near your head but never touches you, there is no reason to block. If a person punches at you but is just out of range, no need to block.
Become an enigma of simplicity! Conserve your movement and wait patiently for the right time to be aggressive.
Training Tip:
Find someone in your dojo who has good control. Have them come in at you with attacks while you are in your on-guard posture. Make sure you are guarding your high zone and low zone, however it is you like to do that. Have your partner come in with various controlled attacks and practice avoiding the attacks with minimal movement. Keep your hands as still as possible, brushing attacks aside just enough so that they barely miss you. Don’t commit to blocking and don’t chase their attacks. Be as simple as possible and if you have to drop or raise a hand, make sure to cycle the other hand to cover the exposed zone.
This drill is all about feeling. Feel just how little you need to do to move outside, around, or in front of their techniques. Keep your legs underneath you and ready to spring backward, frontward, or to the side. With your body doing so little, your mind will be free to notice the cues the opponent is sending when they are about to attack (or are in a position of weakness), and since you are still in a position of strength, you’ll be able to act and dominate.
The length of stick should be equal distance from centre of palm to elbow(about 30-32cm). The size nunchaku should be well-chosen so it fit to growth, weight and strength of his owner's hands. The sticks should have about 2,5-3 cm of diameter. This parameter depends mainly from likings trained person and strength of his fingers(the thiner the harder to hold it). Whereas the length of line (the chain) should be such in order to after place it on palm both sticks hang on both sides freely(about 10-14cm) - in Japanese nunchaku (the most popular). Chinese have a lot of longer lines/chains in relation to sticks whereas Okinawa's shorter - only a few cm
Every part nunchaku can theoretically be put-upon. The upper and bottom ends of sticks nunchaku apply to stabs and strikes. The upper and bottom parts of stickes were used to inflict fly-wheel striks. Median part finds applying in strikes and blocks, and the line serves to holding and strangulations.
By Mai Yaghi
