Martial Art Daily

Jerry Springer Self Defense Reality (offensive content)

2009-09-21T22:59:00.000+08:00

Years before The Ultimate Fighter and pay-per-view MMA specials, talk-show host Jerry Springer pioneered “reality” fighting entertainment.

While Jerry Springer’s talk show environment is obviously somewhat contrived, his guests’ fighting technique is in other respects spontaneous and natural. So how do the lessons taught in the average martial arts dojo compare to combat performances on Jerry Springer?

Dojo Fantasy: There are no rules in a real fight.
Jerry Springer Reality: Violence is a form of communication.
Analysis: Most animals naturally distinguish between fighting and killing. The purpose of fighting is not to maim or kill the opponent, but to establish a social hierarchy. Understanding this distinction is crucial for successful self-defense.

Jerry’s guests know they are playing a game: they pull their punches, and sometimes even smile and laugh during one of their pre-arranged scuffles. This is not to say such grudge matches are completely safe; however, failing to honor the unspoken rules of limited engagement can result in severe punishment, from the other principals, the crowd of observers, and society at large.

Dojo Fantasy: A fight consists of a series of offensive and defensive techniques, executed in turn.
Jerry Springer Reality: Everybody attacks, all at once.
Analysis: The best defense is to attack the opponent’s potential, whereas the worst defense is to resist the opponent’s attack. In this respect, Jerry’s brawlers show more intelligence than the average dojo strategist.

You rarely see guests attempt to block a punch or kick. Instead, they tend to stand far enough away that blows cannot reach them, while waiting for an opportune time to rush in for a clinch. While inside, they manhandle each other for a few seconds, waiting for the bodyguards break it up. Finally, they repeat the entire sequence again, and then go to commercial break.

Dojo Fantasy: A fight starts and ends with two participants.
Jerry Springer Reality: If you stand (or lay) still for even one moment, you will be surrounded, and you will be finished.
Analysis: Despite the constant guests’ constant squabbling, serious injuries appear to be rare. This must be in part due to the show’s large and ever-present security team.

After the producers encourage and facilitate each fight, the security team is expected to allow it, and then stop to it before it gets too ugly. And at this task, they are remarkably effective. Two or three security guards surround each of the freak show fighters, and pull them apart.

The take-away lesson is that you should never walk down the street without a team of security guards. If you can’t hire a bodyguard service, do the next best thing, and never allow yourself to be surrounded by hostile strangers.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

How to visit a martial arts school

2009-09-19T22:26:00.000+08:00

From: Examiner

Call ahead. Schools sometimes shut down for special occasions, have instructors call out sick, or run into other logistical issues that make it difficult for them to accommodate visitors. Some schools just like to know you're coming. Before you make the trip, make sure it's going to be worth it.
Watch a full class. It's worth watching from the outside before you dive in. You may see things from the outside that you won't notice on the inside.
If you can, take a free lesson. Just as there are things you cannot notice without watching, there are things you can't feel until you experience them. Yes, this may require two trips. It's worth it.
Watch the students move. It's very easy to get wrapped up in watching the instructor's performance, but remember that you are not the instructor. While the instructor may be amazing, if she can't impart that amazing skill to any of her students, she may not be the instructor for you.
Pay attention to the instructor's teaching style. Is it inspiring? Abrasive? Gentle? Strict? Abusive? How would you feel about learning under this kind of coaching? (Note: strict training does not equal bad training. Some people learn very well in under tough, strict, coaching. Just know if you are one of them or not.)
Ask questions. Not just of the instructors, but of the students, and the staff. Now is the time to get down to brass tacks about whatever concerns you have.

Don't

Sign up sight unseen. Experience as much as possible before you sign on the dotted line. A good sales person will sell you on the first school you visit, but make sure you check out all of your options before you make a final decision. Buyer's remorse is awful when it's over something like a gym membership.
Challenge anyone. Asking questions is fine, and appropriate. Telling the instructor about how you think you could beat him up, or how his technique isn't as good as that guy you saw on youtube is needlessly antagonistic. If you like what you see, great. If you don't, keep it to yourself, be gracious, and leave.
Just watch the instructor. Again, the instructor should look good at what they do (barring some sort of physical impediment). Watch the students. You may want to move like the instructor, but the students are the ones you're going to move like first.
Interrupt the class. Save your questions until either before or after the training session. If someone comes to speak with you during the training session, that's fine, but don't interfere with other people's training time.
Stay longer than you have to. If you see something that you find so off putting that you don't want to stay any longer, then just go. But again, do so politely. Don't make a scene about it.

Basically, pay attention, ask questions, and be polite. You are a guest, but you're also a business prospect. There should be enough respect on both sides to go around.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Empty your cup and Learn

2009-09-17T22:54:00.000+08:00

From: Ikigaiway

I used to be a debunker. It was an attempt at establishing some form of self identity. When I saw a Taekwondo fighter doing high kicks I would think to myself: “see that’s not practical for the street. His groin is open and he might slip.” Debunked. Next.

If I saw someone who liked to go to the ground I would assure myself: “see that’s a mistake because there might be other bad guys. You never want to go to the ground if you can avoid it. Besides, that statistic about 90% of all fights going to the ground is greatly exaggerated.” Debunked. I win.

Even though my analysis had merit, I was using it as an excuse to close my mind. I was scared of the vastness and complexity of the martial arts. Instead of trying to learn about people and styles that I had no experience in, I simply chose to dismiss them.

In our martial training, there is a great fog to wade through. The fog is there because we each have to develop as individuals and complete artists. Some people choose not to explore, and decide simply to build walls around themselves based on the limited knowledge they have. This shields them from the uncertainty and scope of martial exploration. A few years ago I started constructing my walls, but I’d like to explain how I ultimately decided to tear them down (and how you can too).

Despite the closed-mindedness I displayed in previous years, I’m not angry at myself. I was young both in age and experience and it is impossible to understand the martial arts in a broad sense early on. In fact, comprehending how all the martial arts work together is one of the great ongoing challenges that I don’t think I’ll ever truly lock down.

I’m not angry because I was able to eventually turn my debunking habits into healthy learning (which we will slowly define). A couple of factors helped me turn that corner. First, I took on a full time teaching role at a young age. Just as my walls started to go up, I was forced to discuss concepts with students much more world experienced than me. All of my concrete solutions had to stand up to their inquiries and stories about how real violence happened to them. Since I was young, I didn’t have all the answers already planned out, as opposed to someone well entrenched in their box.

Second, I was an avid reader. Even though I started as most people do with pop culture books and movies (Enter the Dragon, The Princess Bride, etc), I quickly switched over to instructional books. Some books spoke to me immediately, like “Living the Martial Way”. Other books utterly confused me, in a good way, like “Book of Five Rings”.

Third, through our annual training events, I was exposed to real practitioners of different styles. I got to see (and still do get to see) top martial artists go about their business and explain their concepts. It was through one of the seminars by George Alexander and Rick Zondlo that I ultimately decided to study swordsmanship, which has been invaluable in increasing my awareness of the broader aspects of martial art technique and mindset.

Emptying the Cup

Joe Hyams tells an excellent story in his book “Zen in the Martial Arts”. I’d like to take a quick excerpt. This is a story Bruce Lee told Joe during their first training session together:

“Let me tell you a story my sifu told me. It is about the Japanese Zen master who received a university professor who came to inquire about Zen. It was obvious to the master from the start of the conversation that the professor was not so much interested in learning about Zen as he was in impressing the master with his own opinions and knowledge. The master listened patiently and finally suggested they have tea. The master poured his visitor’s cup full and then kept on pouring.

The professor watched the cup overflowing until he could no longer restrain himself. ‘The cup is overfull, no more will go in.’

‘Like this cup, you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?’” – Zen in the Martial Arts

When I was debunking people, it was because my cup was full of my own opinions. True learning is allowing yourself to empty that cup and honestly listen to other people. Of course, that doesn’t mean you have to blindly accept what’s given to you.

“This does not mean that Bruce prevented me from applying a critical mind to his teaching. In fact, he welcomed discussion, even argument. But when challenged too long on a point his reply was always, ‘at least empty your cup and try.’”

I still think my evaluations about taekwondo and ground fighting had merit. Kicking high DOES open up your groin, and is risky on certain surfaces. But what if you have an opponent who constantly keeps his guard down. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a devastating high technique to finish things quickly? Furthermore, who walks around on ice and slippery gravel all day?

If given the option, I wouldn’t want to take a fight to the ground. It’s risky because there might be other assailants to deal with, and room for proper ground technique is always a factor. However, sometimes you aren’t given an option. If you get bull rushed from behind and end up on the ground, no amount of straight punch practice is going to get you out of that situation.

Learning Means a Critical But Open Mind

It’s my belief that every practitioner should try to learn with an empty cup. It can be very scary to do so because the realm of martial arts is so vast. It takes decades to become competent in just one style, let along being open to other styles. There is also the risk of becoming too eclectic and ‘watering down’ your core style. This occurs when people loss the ability to separate the original intent of their style with their own personal findings (or if they are trying to make up their own system).

I believe having a core style, and being faithful to it, is critical to success. However, in my personal experience, considering outside sources has served to strengthen my good techniques and improve my bad ones along with broadening my general comprehension. Using a critical mind to assess both the valuable and not-so-valuable in other methods has actually increased my ability to spot nonsense in the arts, as opposed to making me blind to it.

Why the Walls?

Why is it so common and easy for martial artists to put up walls?

The first reason is sheer laziness. The less we have to think about other stuff the better. Why not just take what’s spoon fed to us and accept it as ‘the best’ way to do whatever?

The second is fear. Fear that years spent in training might have been a waste. That the ultimate techniques promised early on aren’t going to be delivered as neatly as advertised, and that there may have to be a starting over – an emptying of the cup.

The third is business. Many school owners are relying on profits coming in from students, so why would they bother to send those students elsewhere to learn? If they promise the moon and stars, then the student will likely stick around for awhile before getting bored and moving on (or drinking the koolaid completely and staying for the long haul).

Finally, martial arts is an absurdly political realm. People’s egos demand that they stand apart from everyone else, and that their method for doing things is unequivocally better than every other way. They simply can’t bring themselves to admit that someone else might know better. Or, if there are other practitioners who are their “enemies”, they might disparage that style just to get back at the individual.

It’s messy, but you don’t have to contribute to the mess. Use an open mind toward other martial artists and respect what they have to say, even if you come to the ultimate conclusion that you don’t intend to agree with their opinions. Recognize bogus martial arts for what they are, but be careful not to dismiss foreign concepts before you’ve given them an honest shake.

Ultimately you might come to agree with something I believe – the fog is the fun part!

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Crazy Muay Thai knockout Face

2009-09-17T00:14:00.000+08:00

Fighter Knocked Out With Epic Face - Watch more Funny Videos

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Why MMA beats Boxing

2009-09-16T23:29:00.000+08:00

From: Coed Magazine

For decades, boxing reigned as king of the sparing sports. Crowds from around the world would cheer for their favorite heavy hitters, like Muhammad Ali, George Foreman and Mike Tyson. But despite paving the way for the new generation of fighting sports, boxing has taken a real hit in fans and ratings to the new breed, mixed martial arts. Here’s why…

5. No Headkicks

Jabs and hooks are all well and good but what is the fun in dancing around the ring if the worry of getting kicked in the ear isn’t there? Sure guys like Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis were heavy hitters, but would they be so confident in their uppercuts if they had to watch out for a Mirko Cro Cop head kick the entire fight?

4. No Submissions

Floyd Mayweather can throw down with the best of them, but can he get out of a Matt Hughes rear naked choke or a BJ Penn kimura? It’s all fun and games in boxing because there’s no risk of having your arm pulled out of its socket by Demian Maia.

3. No Takedowns or Slams

Wladimir Klitschko can punch out anybody. But can he take a huge takedown or a body slam from Brock Lesnar? Let’s see how powerful those fists are when Brock is jamming his head into the octagon cage.

2. 8 Oz. Padded Gloves

Manny Pacquiao can throw jabs all he wants because the only risk is getting a padded fist in return. Try going up against a guy with 4 Oz. gloves and see if you don’t get your jaw dislocated by Anderson Silva like Forrest Griffin did.

1. No More Stars

The Lennox Lewis-Evander Holyfield-Mike Tyson era was really boxing’s last gasp for air. Today, there are seldom any household names to be found in boxing whereas the UFC is full of guys like Anderson Silva, Chuck Liddell, Randy Couture, Brock Lesnar, Matt Hughes, Georges St. Pierre, etc.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

17 vs 13 yr old girl MMA

2009-09-14T09:07:00.000+08:00

Someone won by submission, watch till the end to find out who

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Reporter gets knocked out after "asking" for a demo

2009-09-10T22:56:00.000+08:00

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Shaq boxing match

2009-09-10T01:05:00.001+08:00

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Relieving stress through martial arts

2009-09-09T00:41:00.000+08:00

From: Examiner

In our daily lives, we all go through a routine of where we all must make a living, to find ways to deal with life, and to be able how to handle our stress throughout the week, and not have to let it overtake our minds, to have it lead to depression.

Sometimes, being able to find a physical exercise routine, can take out a load of exhaustion for individuals to be able to stay in shape, and have a healthy life style.Not many, but only a few find the time to go to the gym, and lift weights, or go for a cardiovascular work out, to maintain the weight.

Many think, to study the Martial-Arts, you have to be young, and fit, and have a wide range of experience to study any art. Many forget or mis-understand, that a Martial-Arts dojo, is really a school of self-defense, and a place where a person can live and stay healthy.

Regardless of what age you are, everyone goes through life facing challenges. Either feeling like a victim of a crime, having to deal with work to make a living, to children trying to get that energy out that drives parents to the wall not knowing how to discipline their children.

Stress is an every day part of life, no matter what background a person comes from. Even those who are in Law Enforcement, are encouraged to find ways to relieve stress. Which the Martial-Arts allows everyone to release some tension than cause depression or feel overwhelmed with life. When finding a style that fits to the personality of the individual, the one important thing he/she must first remember which is to forget the outside world, and enter into a school of learning of self-defense.

Krav Maga Weapons Self-Defense

Just as any type of sport, even in the martial arts, there are set of stretches, warm up exercises before working out a set of movements, and meditation training usually at the end of the class, to clean the mind from daily stress. Joining a Martial-Arts dojo, and find a style that is enjoyable to the student, is really close to entering a spiritual sanctuary or a temple, where a person can find ways to forget the realities of life, for a short or temporal moment.

ShotoKan Karate Dojo

After a workout, and learning a set of moves, or coming out of a sparring session, a student will usually will feel cleaner and much more relaxed when returning home prepared for the next day. Everyone needs a refresher in life. Studying the Martial-Arts can help anyone to release the stress and tensions of life that can not be avoided.

Kick-Boxing Moves

It really does not matter as much which style you choose to learn, many join the Martial-Arts for several of reasons. It can be enjoyable for many different ages, regardless of skill and training, or the experience of the student knows about self-defense.

Kung Fu-Wing Chun Punch

Many students love styles that involve a lot of kicking and that drives for an aerobic work out such as Kick Boxing, Capoeira, and Tae Kwon Do. Other people love styles that only involves on muscle and power such as Karate, Judo or Jiu-Jitsu. For perhaps older people others only wish to be flexible in the joints and less stress in the knees such as Aikido/Hapkido and Taichi/ Kung-Fu.

TKD Rear Leg Horse Kick

Regardless of style the individual chooses, anyone can and will walk out, forgetting the outside world, and be able to release the stress that can cause anyone to feel overwhelmed about life, to maybe lead into depression.

Pop Up Jump Front Kick
Wire Fu Kick

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Some Basic holds

2009-09-07T23:51:00.001+08:00

Ikkyo

Popout

Nikyo

Popout

Sankyo

Kote Gaeshi (Wrist Turnout)

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Victim with Sword and Robber with a Bat

2009-09-06T00:05:00.002+08:00

From: Pheonix New Times

Would-be Robber Ends Up in Sword Fight; He Only Had a Bat...Needless to Say, He Lost

www.tvfanatic.com

A robbery gone wrong ended when the victim upped the ante on the would-be robber by pulling a sword.

Police say that the suspect and the victim, who are believed to have been friends, went to a check cashing store near the victim's house on Thursday.

The two men in their thirties, according to police, returned to the victim's home, where the suspect hit the victim in the shoulder with a bat in an attempt to rob him.

Little did he know he was dealing with an apparent ninja who keeps swords just laying around the house.

After being hit with the bat, the victim ran to a bedroom, grabbed a sword, and had himself a "Kill Bill" moment.

According to police, the victim hit the suspect several times with the sword, and caused what authorities call "serious injuries."

Police say that after being attacked with a sword, the suspect fled the scene, and was discovered four miles away at his apartment complex near the Black Canyon Freeway and West Camelback Road, after another resident of the complex called police to report seeing a bleeding man.

The suspect is expected to be released from the hospital in the next few days, and faces charges of armed robbery and aggravated assault.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Zatoichi, the blind swordsman

2009-09-04T23:28:00.003+08:00

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Games

2009-09-03T10:11:00.002+08:00

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Martial Art Pic

2009-09-02T08:32:00.002+08:00

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Nunchucks

2009-08-31T23:50:00.000+08:00

From: Nunchaku

;: BUILD & TYPES

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.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

MMA under 13yrs CAT

2009-08-31T01:45:00.000+08:00

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Agility Training

2009-08-29T23:28:00.000+08:00

From: All MMA

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.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

10 Best 1 Punch KOs

2009-08-27T21:53:00.000+08:00

Heath Herring vs. Yoshihiro Nakao (MMA)

Fedor Emelianenko vs. Andrei Arlovski (MMA)

James Thunder vs. Crawford Grimsley (BOXING)

Todd Fedoruk vs. Colton Orr (NHL)

Chris Clements vs. Lautaro Tucas (MMA)

Alexis Arguello vs. Kevin Rooney (BOXING)

Ray Mercer vs. Tim Sylvia (MMA)

Brad Kohler vs. Steve Judson (MMA)

Babes can bomb too... (BOXING)
Sorry, don't know their names...

Aaron Downey vs. Jessie Boulerice (NHL)

Now you might be asking yourself, "Where's Mike Tyson in all of this?" Well, Iron Mike would be a whole other Top 10 list as you can see below...

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Martial Arts Kids

2009-08-26T23:44:00.000+08:00

From: Examiner

Children at a Karate Dojo

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.

Martial Arts Demo Team

Chun Kuk Do

UFAF

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Shell Shocked Gaza kids flock to martial arts

2009-08-26T14:42:00.000+08:00

From: Daily Times

Shell-shocked Gaza children flock to martial arts

By Mai Yaghi

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

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Another quickest knockout, Japan

2009-08-25T09:15:00.001+08:00

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Light Sabers in Combat

2009-08-23T22:12:00.001+08:00

From: Jesse Crouch

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:

Lightweight
All/most weight concentrated in handle
Multi-directional blade edge
Unbreakable blade
Nearly infinite "sharpness"

Comparing with weapons of this world

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.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Understanding Kali Sticks

2009-08-22T23:55:00.001+08:00

From: Jesse Crouch

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.

All of this goes back to the topic of transferable technique (also known as One technique, many weapons): What is learned with one weapon should be easily transferred to the next. This means all weapons, including the empty hand.

A weapon of its own and the stick historically

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.

It's not just a stick

It's not just about fighting with sticks. There is a lot more to Kali and Filipino martial arts as a whole. I highly recommend you try Kali as an art.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Taekwondo Unarmed Combat Demo

2009-08-22T00:01:00.000+08:00

This is done a year ago at a local martial arts night event, enjoy.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

5 Things you don't want to hear in a Martial Arts Class

2009-08-20T21:10:00.003+08:00

From: Slim Index
by - Al Case

A Martial Arts class is a place where you learn to be healthy and strong and fit. It is filled with dedicated, hard working, serious and intent people. The five following items are things that you don’t want to hear in any good and serious martial arts class.

Hearing any of these five things interrupts the class, slows it down and breaks the pacing. Hearing any of these five things reveals an innate weakness that should not be manifested, but rather squashed quickly and fast. Hearing any of these things destroys the rite of passage that any good and serious martial arts class is.

Number five: "That hurts."

Hey, a little pain is going to happen here and there, we all know that, but grunt and grit and get over it. If you need medical attention, crawl off the mat, find a telephone, call an ambulance, and check yourself in at the local hospital!

Number four: "I wasn’t ready."

Good friggin’ Lard on rubber crutches in a polio ward with a waxed floor…being ready is what the martial arts are about! Open your eyes and ears and turn your cranium on and get with the program!

Number three: "I’m sorry."

You’re supposed to be learning how to dish out pain! If you handed out too much pain, then watch him or her crawl off the mat, or, better yet, roll them off the mat, and get back to business!

Number two: "what if the guy does something else, like Oh, ow and..."

If he does something else that you didn’t expect, then you do something else that he didn’t expect…and, in the meantime…get with the drill or you won’t be able to handle the first thing he did!

Number one: and finally, amongst the things you don’t ever want to hear in a good and serious martial arts class is…me asking you why you were late! Get ready you good for nothing excuse for a turkey butt, because when I get done doing to you what I’m going to do to you you’re not going to be ready or able to crawl from what is about to hurt so bad somebody is going to have to roll you off the mat so the serious martial artists can get on with the show! I really and truly mean it, too!

The point of this is…always be ready, be careful with your matmates and try not to injure them or yourself, don’t interrupt or slow the flow of the class, and be on time. Sure, we had some humor here, and there should be humor when you’re learning to maim and dismember your fellow man. But…treat the art as sacred, and you will become as sacred.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Grappling

2009-08-19T23:54:00.001+08:00

From: Examiner

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.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Experts in their own fields

2009-08-18T23:26:00.003+08:00

Arrows, nunchuks, ice. Watch the experts in action. Not sure if these are martial art related, but its worth a watch and the post.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Ninjitsu Explained

2009-08-17T23:50:00.001+08:00

From: Examiner

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.

Ninjitsu Demonstration

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Gina Carano vs Cristiane Cyborg Santos – Strikeforce

2009-08-17T08:40:00.003+08:00

Gina Carano vs Cristaine Cyborg Santos – Strikeforce

Heart racing footage from Strikeforce. Won on the BELL, watch to find out who.
Cyborg: Muay Thai, BJJ
Carano: Muay Thai, Boxing

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Why Womens study self-defense?

2009-08-16T23:08:00.000+08:00

From:Examiner

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.

Japanese Women Martial-Artists

Street Fighting

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Top 10 Jay Chow Martial Art Moments

2009-08-16T11:04:00.003+08:00

From: Asia Arts

Jay Chou in Kung Fu Dunk

APA Top Ten: Jay Chou Martial Arts Moments

By Brian Hu

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.

list compiled by Brian Hu and Winghei Kwok

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Samurai Flash Game

2009-08-13T11:39:00.008+08:00

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Collge Dorm Safety

2009-08-12T23:56:00.001+08:00

From: Women on Guard

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.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Samurai Vs Baseball

2009-08-11T23:46:00.000+08:00

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Twitter Suspension

2009-08-11T22:56:00.002+08:00

Our twitter is suspended for the moment, please bear with us while we clear this up.

Meanwhile, this blog will still be updated as usual.

Help clear us up by tweeting and mentioning us "Please lift @martialartdaily from twitter suspension" or something like that.

Thanks all for the help

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

The Value of Striking First

2009-08-11T00:01:00.000+08:00

From: Ikigaiway

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.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Fastest KO in MMA 3 Secs

2009-08-10T09:42:00.000+08:00

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

How effective are your blocks?

2009-08-10T00:15:00.000+08:00

From: Ikigaiway

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.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Best UFC/Pride KOs

2009-08-09T01:41:00.000+08:00

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Do all Martial Artists love violence?

2009-08-08T00:11:00.000+08:00

From: Ikigaiway

A lot of people are surprised when I tell them that I don’t get off on hurting others.

They’re also skeptical when I say they don’t need to love violence to join a martial art.

In conversation I never debate if martial arts are violent (they are) or if there are violent martial artists (there are). Instead I suggest that you needn’t be driven by bloodlust to get extraordinary value out of training.

Unfortunately, in the world we live in, violence can be thrust on us at any given moment. Whether we like it or not, we can find ourselves in altercations, scrapes, and even life-threatening situations. The two options we have are to depend on the ability of others to help us (like police, security, etc) and to prepare ourselves as best as possible.

In feudal era Japan, a lot of martial art activity involved the desire to kill. A Samurai often increased his status and the prestige of his sword style by dispatching other worthy opponents. This became even more prevalent after the Warring States Period (when most soldiers and Samurai had constant conflict to worry about as opposed to focusing on duels).

Nowadays the closest thing we have (thankfully) is Ultimate Fighting. Martial arts are still a tool of war, just ask the marine corp, but they are also a method of civilian self defense. The shift has been made from glory-through-killing to life preservation.

I’m tempted to liken our situation as civilian martial artists to that of the old Okinawans. The Okinawans were simple farmers, fisherman, etc who developed karate and kobudo as a means to defend themselves with what they had: farming tools and their wits. If a ronin or pirate were to start trouble in their village, the Karateka did what he had to do to eliminate that threat.

I’m tempted to compare us to them – but it’s not the same. The Okinawan Karateka were civilians, policemen, judges, doctors, and spiritual guides all rolled up into one. We are civilians through-and-through and have a deluge of laws to live by. Although I feel as strongly as anyone that we must do all we can to protect ourselves and the ones we love, there are gradations to violence and repercussions that we have to face.

So What Are We?

We are law abiding individuals who realize that the severity of life and death still plays a roll in our lives. Guns make the line of survival only a hairsbreadth wide. That’s not a comforting thought, but what can we do? We can’t pack heat all the time – even gun enthusiasts with licenses to conceal can be caught unawares or unprepared. What we do have is martial arts and they are just as crucial for people who abhor violence as those that love it.

One thing that does concern me is the amount of individuals I hear talking about how much they love to fight/spar, and what a thrill it is to knock someone out. Of course I understand the feeling of empowerment a good technique or strike can give, but I don’t believe causing aggressive dysfunction in another person’s body should be thrilling, nor should it inspire unwarranted confidence in ability. The most effectively violent practitioners I have met are also the most reserved. Their abilities have to be used with care and control in a realistic environment. If that sounds like a tough mixture to obtain – care and control plus realistic aggression – it is. Damn tough, but worth it.

I think a lot of people (including myself) ask themselves from time to time – am I the right kind of person to be studying a combat art? Shouldn’t it be left to someone bigger, tougher, stronger, better?

The answer is no – you need to train and the rest of us need you to train. The people in command of any given situation need to be those that understand and respect violence; those that can use it, but don’t want to. In a world that can snatch everything away quicker than a heartbeat, it is up to each of us to do our best to persevere.

Train if the thought of violence unsettles you – train harder if it makes you shudder.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Muat Thai vs TKD

2009-08-07T09:28:00.000+08:00

give your comments

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Is Martial Arts right for your kids?

2009-08-06T23:05:00.000+08:00

From: The Father Life

After having watched Kung Fu Panda for the 37th time this summer, it is no wonder that your kids are now insisting that they want to learn martial arts.

While the study of karate, kung fu, tae kwon do, and other forms of self-defense offer many benefits for kids and adults, parents often wonder if it is right for their children. It is also challenging to select a style and studio, especially if you have never studied martial arts.

First you may wish to question the reason or reasons behind your child’s interest in taking martial arts. If it is because it “looks cool” in the movies or they want to learn to fight, perhaps these are not the best reasons. However, if your family’s interest stems from a yearning for new challenges and self-defense in a structured environment then you should consider the many benefits that this activity has to offer.

Martial arts give boys and girls a healthy, controlled outlet for their almost-boundless energy and can provide additional energy for those who could use a little more. They can be a way to present many important life-lessons to young people, and introduce them to a new set of friends with a built-in common interest. Also, a good school will not only teach their students how to use their self-defense skills, but when they should (and when they shouldn’t!)

Steve Dexter, father to 7-year-old Jack, has observed a number of benefits over his son’s four years of training. “Jack has increased agility, confidence and a moral base (such as respecting teachers) that I don’t see kids getting in school these days.”

Matthew Apsokardu, a professional martial arts writer who has taught karate for over 13 years, has recently released a free ebook that is available for download at http://www.ikigaiway.com/2009/students-dojo-survival-guide. This book provides a basic overview of martial arts, including information on selecting a style and what to expect from a school. This ebook provides tips to help you prepare your child (mentally and physically) for joining a school and set him or her on the path to be a successful student.

Apsokardu explains, “As a parent, it is critical that you have an understanding of what is normal and abnormal behavior in a martial art school. Furthermore, you’ll want to learn how to deal with problem students, teachers, and other issues that could arise.” This ebook, in addition to being a good resource for parents, is also accessible for older children and teens.

When selecting a martial art, it is important to remember that not all styles emphasize all aspects. Some will concentrate on flexibility and endurance while others may focus more on sparring and strength training. Schools within each style can also vary dramatically. For example, some may stress the philosophical or traditional elements of the martial art while others will not. When selecting a style and training studio, keep in mind what your child wants from the experience, how he or she best learns, and what type of teacher they are most comfortable with.

As an example, the Afro-Brazilian art form capoeira is all about the energy dynamic; the energy that is released through the combination of dance, music, and martial art. Unlike the ranks or belts in other forms, achievements or chords are often based on play and accomplishments. Jason Luethje, a dedicated capoeira player and instructor in Iowa City, acknowledges that there is merit to a variety of styles. He states, “We want both our sons involved in martial arts, whatever one they chose to pursue.”

Your local library and the internet can be used to compare different styles. Information and video clip examples of a number of martial arts can also be found at http://www.ikigaiway.com/2008/how-to-choose-a-martial-art/. Once you select a style, you will want to visit a few schools with your child. It is important to observe a class with your child and make sure you are both comfortable with the environment and the teacher before signing up.

Once a student begins training, it is very easy for both the child and parent to become overly focused on the black belt. As a parent, Steve Dexter would caution other parents “not to race to the finish but enjoy the process.” While there are many rewards that kids gain from taking martial arts, they do not occur overnight but with dedication and determination – the same as with any other sport or activity.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

1st Asian Martial Arts Games - Kick Boxing 1st round KO

2009-08-05T23:08:00.001+08:00

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Origins of Korean Martial Arts

2009-08-05T11:43:00.000+08:00

From: Examiner

As with all of worlds history, there is always a story on how an origin of an artifact, theories of pre-historic fossils, or an unused building or castle, has a hidden past which there are few, some, or no records to re-tell the story of our human culture.

It’s some what the same when speaking of the origins of the Martial-Arts in most Asian cultures. When many think of Korean Martial-Arts, the first comes to mind is Tae Kwon Do, and it’s just an Olympic Art for sport and only demonstrations.

It could take a whole text book to get deep into the past of Korean Martial Arts. But I will make the best of trying to be brief and clear. If you love history, it can sound very exciting to hear how Korean Martial Arts has been formed, if you like to know the dates, places, and people who were involved for those reasons of combat and battle on warfare.

As with most world history, all forms of combat or martial arts, really basically comes from war and violence. People through out the centuries and decades have felt the need to feel secure and safe from danger. But to be clear from harm, it is really about being able to defend one-self, even if it means fighting to the death.

Korea, as with most countries, have had battles on all sides and conflicts of Religion, Communication, Culture, Language, and Economics, around its borders of Asia. That would include Mongolia, China, Japan, and at times with India. Korea has been influenced by all of its border brothers of Asia in many ways. So as with Korean Martial Arts, a lot of the styles have been influenced by Buddhist Shaloin Monks and Japanese Occupation during WWII, and having wars with the Monguls for past generations. Each confrontation brought ideas of self defense that would fit to their environment.

Kuk Sool Won Demonstrations

The Mongolians were usually bigger to which brought grappling styles being evolved such as Kuk Sool Won, Tan Soo Do, Hapkido, to which it’s a mixture of styles to grapple, rapid Chinese punches, sweep and throw, and become rapidly fast on their hands, and practice of sharp weapons. But with the influence of kicks in each style being the focus or power of the Martial-Arts un-armed combat.

Hwa Rang Do Demo Part 1

Conflicts with the Japanese during WWII, Tae Kwon Do was born, taking pieces from the Japanese Martial Arts from its open hand system, but evolving the kicks to be the main target of a weapon, but to have the hands as a last resort of self-defense when in close range combat.

Tae Kwon Do: K-Tigers Korean Demo Team

Korean National Demo Team

When in conflict or having difficult settling disputes with the Chinese, various form of martial arts evolved when having to defend one self from armed combat when using medal or wooden weapons, which would be called Hwa Ran Do, meaning "The way of the Flowering Manhood".

Hwa Rang Do Demo Part 2

As the centuries had past, Korean Martial Arts was born, but all due to having difficult Public Relations with their Asian Border Brothers, which they were surrounded without the need of an ID or pass port to show some form of an identification. Many other styles of Korean Martial-Arts has been created or designed to fit not only for the environment but also for different stages of a fight.

Tang Soo Do Demonstrations

But not only for the location or site the battle or war would be held, but also to involve young men to become warriors into army regimens, and to allow their women to learn self-defense skills while they were at their palaces performing duties in the kingdom when there is chance for war to arise.

Hapkido Sparring

Since the time of many conflicts in Korea with other national countries, many styles or systems of organizations of the Korean Martial Arts has been born to name only a few, WTF (World Tae Kwon Do Federation) ITF (International Tae Kwon Do Federation) ATA (American Tae Kwon Do Assocation), ICHF (International Combat Hapkido Federation), and many other Korean Martial Art Organizations that have created their system of Korean Martial Arts. But regardless of which martial art you could be of interest in, what really matters, what you may enjoy out of the training and what you are looking for, when wanting to better your life.

Hapkido Demonstrations in Korea

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

1st Asian Martial Art Games - Muay Thai

2009-08-04T23:34:00.002+08:00

Some video footage from the 1st Asian Martial Arts Games 2009 held in Thailand.
Red thailand, Blue Philipines 3 Aug 2009

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

1st Kick KO, Taekwondo Tornado Kick

2009-08-04T23:24:00.000+08:00

Thief thanks cops for rescuing him from victims

2009-08-04T21:35:00.000+08:00

From: Nine MSN

An Italian thief has thanked police officers for arresting him and putting an end to a beating from Korean tourists whom he had robbed in Rome, police said.

"I must thank you, they were massacring me," the 48-year-old criminal told police after he was arrested near the Theatre of Marcellus, one of the monuments in Rome's historic centre.

The thief, from the northern region of Liguria, stole a handbag from a Korean family when they were not paying attention. He threatened the family with a knife when he was spotted and then tried to flee.

Two men from the family, in their twenties, chased him for several hundred metres before they got him down with taekwondo moves. They disarmed the thief and continued to beat him.

A patrolling police officer intervened, separated the three and arrested the thief immediately.

"Normally tourists will just call us and report the incidents," the officer said. "In this case, the two got really excited and could have seriously injured the thief."

The young Koreans left after they got the handbag back. The thief was transferred to a prison in Rome and will face robbery charges.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Wing Chun Demostration

2009-08-03T23:57:00.000+08:00

Wing Chun Demostration by Sifu Joel

Blind folded

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Pretty Pink Defense

2009-08-02T23:52:00.000+08:00

From: Non Lethal Defense

It’s about time someone thought of women when creating their lines of self defense weapons. Now everybody is! Everyone from Mace and Pepper Shot to Taser International are making their pepper spray or stun guns and tasers with a model that comes in pink.

Mace offers a keychain pepper spray unit as well as their Mace pepper spray gun in pink. Taser International makes their C2 Taser in a metallic pink model after offering both that model and a lighter fashion pink model which is no longer available. The popular Pretender disguised cell phone stun gun now comes in pink as well.

For all the women out their that need to carry a personal self defense weapon, you can now rest assured knowing that you can do it in style! There is also a lipstick pepper spray available that is disguised as lipstick and comes in a variety of colors!

Interested in nonlethal self defense weapons that come in pink? Just click on the pictures of each item for a full price and product description!

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

5 Core Ethics of Martial Arts

2009-08-01T23:54:00.000+08:00

From: MMA Village

Many martial arts schools around the world promote a philosophy of self-improvement as well as an expected standard of technical skill. When you think about it, it is the philosophy rather than the technical skill that should influence every practitioner's daily life.

The martial arts philosophy, or at least the traditional karate philosophy, is called the Dojo-Kun. The Dojo-Kun is simply a five point ethical guide for training in the martial arts and for behavior in your everyday life and is sometimes called the "Student Creed" in English. The traditional karate ethics are often translated as:

· To strive for the perfection of character

· To follow the paths of truth

· To foster a spirit of effort

· To honor the principles of etiquette

· To guard against impetuous courage

In many traditional karate schools these precepts are chanted at the beginning and end of each lesson in Japanese, and in other schools in English. In some schools there is no chanting at all, just a posting of the principles on the dojo wall and other schools invent their own "Student Creed."

I'm not here to tell you which way is right or wrong, but what you should do when choosing a martial arts school is ask yourself whether the core values of that school resonate with your view of life and your moral ethics. After all you are exposing yourself and your family to a very emotive venture by beginning your karate journey. A conflict of moral values is likely to "Dim Mak" (deliver a Death Touch to) your involvement in the martial arts from the very beginning.

The Dojo-Kun's precepts can offer a very simple template for following a virtuous path and for reaching your potential in everything you do and for being a good citizen. It's up to you to decide how this philosophy fits in with your own ideals and ethics.

Most people find these five core ethics to be something that they can relate to on an intimate basis; some people don't place much value on the philosophy of the martial arts and are in your karate class alongside you for very different reasons such as self-defense or basic health and fitness.

The phrase "each unto his own" is definitely applicable here. As with so many things in life, we have to find our own way given our own set of criteria and backgrounds.

Essentially there are many other paths to self-realization and understanding of the greater world around you. The martial arts simply offer a valuable template for beginning to understand yourself and others through understanding movement, power, speed, timing, energy, tension, relaxation and harmony. It is a beginning in what can be a long and extremely rewarding journey.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Female TKD Practitioner Sets world record

2009-07-31T23:53:00.000+08:00

From: Sun Coast Pasco

Cheryl Cleveland celebrated Independence Day by setting a world record. While competing July Fourth at the U.S. Open World Martial Arts Championships in Orlando, she set a martial arts record for most boards broken by a female with a side kick.

"Cheryl broke five 1-inch-thick pine boards placed back to back in a metal holder with a skipping side kick," read a related news release. "In recent years the record was four boards, held by multiple women from around the world. Now Cheryl and one other competitor from Texas hold the world record at five boards."

Cleveland, 30, is chairwoman and CEO of Community Fun and Fitness Center in New Port Richey. She has 24 years of martial arts experience, and was first introduced to the sport at age 6.

"My main focus has always been Tae kwon do but I also explored Kenpo, Uechi Ryu, Capoeira, Kali Kuntao, and Kung Fu a bit too," she said. "I first got involved when I was 6 years old. One of my older brothers was taking Tae kwon do and would come home and show me what he learned in class."

"He was really just using me as his training dummy," she said, adding with a chuckle, "I don't remember if I joined because I liked what he was showing me or felt that I needed to defend myself from him."

She considers her new world record the highlight of her career.

"I have won quite a few trophies in sparring, forms, and board breaking but never anything like this," she said.

She first learned about this world record through extensive online research before the tournament; armed with this information, Cleveland started working toward a new goal.

"I made sure I did 100 crunches, practiced my forms, and side kicked a heavy bag as hard as I could every morning," she said. "Sometimes I would kick the heavy bag so hard that the bones in my fingers would hurt from the shockwave...I knew I had a good kick when that happened."

At the actual event, Cleveland set the new world record on her second attempt.

"Once I realized I had broken all of them it was such an awesome feeling," she said.

Cleveland, also a tae kwon do instructor at the New First Baptist of Odessa, wants to pass this feeling onto her students, inspiring them to overcome the odds to achieve their goals.

"This is a story of perseverance I can tell my students because my side kick was by far my worst technique for years until right before I got my black belt," she said.

Inspiring people to get the most of martial arts and fitness is the idea behind Community Fun and Fitness, Cleveland's Pasco-based nonprofit organization headquartered in a building donated by New First Baptist Church of Odessa.

Community Fun & Fitness Center, at 1234 Gunn Highway, is a nonprofit organization in Pasco County that will offer donation-based fitness classes and community service events for all ages and all incomes, she said. "I formed this organization in 2007 with hopes that I could provide all ages, toddlers to senior citizens, a place to join physically and mentally beneficial classes (like martial arts and dance classes) all on a donation-based system so that everyone could afford to take part in something that has been such a good part of my life," she said.

She even took out a personal loan to pay for the $100,000 renovations the building needed before its scheduled 2010 opening.

"We just got a new roof, and this week the building is getting a face lift with new exterior paint and a new parking lot," she said. "I really hope once we are open people will rush in to take advantage of our donation based classes."

In Cleveland's eyes, the rewards of studying martial arts are well worth the work.

"The most important benefit by far is confidence, especially for women," she said. "Women usually feel that there is nothing they can do if they are attacked by a man who is so much bigger and stronger than them. In the first class I have my students learn to break boards with a palm strike. Right away I see their confidence grow and I know that they are already more able to defend themselves should the need arose. Flexibility is also something that I see develop in students. Other benefits are: strength, endurance, discipline, overall health, the list goes on and on."

In the future, she plans to compete at the US Open World Martial Arts Event again in 2010 - this time, she'll try to break her own record.

"Next year I will try for six!" she said.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Shaolin Demostration

2009-07-30T22:20:00.000+08:00

This is video footage from a Martial Arts Appreciation Event taken on 25 July 2009

Shaolin Monk Demostrating Flexibility Routine

Nine Section Whip Demostration (you cant see the chain clearly, its too thin)

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

5 Reasons to start a martial art journey

2009-07-28T23:50:00.002+08:00

From: Examiner

With the summer months creeping up on us, many in the Detroit metro area are looking for activities for their kids and themselves. Detroit has such a rich community ripe with activities and programs for families. But deep down in your heart, after watching countless Jet Lee and Jackie Chan movies, you want to enroll in a martial arts class. You ask:” Is it worth it?” or “Am I going to be flying through the air like those guys in the movies?” This leads to the often asked, “What benefits can I get from martial arts?”

Chances are you won’t be flying around like Chow Yun-Fat in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (unless you have five guys that follow you with those huge wires and harnesses). There are many other reachable rewards that martial arts training offers you.

Here’s a sample of some worthwhile benefits:

• Social- Martial Arts classes often have people from different backgrounds, personalities, and careers. Mingling with these people can open up a world of experiences and friendships. You may find yourself trying sushi, bean curd, or even octopus in addition to hanging out in places you may have not been aware of.

• Cultural- Learning some traditional martial arts such as Karate, Kung Fu, and Capoeira will introduce you to customs, terminology, and music of exotic foreign cultures. Not only will you be able to kick to the ceiling or execute the Tiger-Crane form, but you will be able to impress your friends when you got to the local Chinese food joint.

• Mental- Focus and concentration are key elements in all martial arts and is of great importance on a test, on the job, or when writing a great informative blog. Through focused disciplined training and a “can do” attitude, a person can call upon tremendous focus in their daily lives. Martial arts are one of the best vehicles for focus and discipline; the Marines use martial arts training to instill even more focus in its soldiers. If it’s good enough for the Jarhead then it’s good enough for you and me!

• Confidence- Feeling in control of yourself and various situations definitely gives you confidence to go out and face your day with power and bravery. If you can survive doing 1,000 kicks or 500 reverse punches you understand that you can survive another hard day at work or school. As a martial artist there are very few challenges that you won’t be able to overcome and your head will be high when you walk into a room.

• Physical- Lastly the ability to kick over your head, punch through a board, or perform a perfect handstand cannot be overstated. Unlike traditional bodybuilding your muscles won’t bulge out, yet they will be very strong and be able to endure long periods of activity. Walking up a few flights of steps will be boring and you’ll want to sprint up those steps. An ordinary stroll on the Riverwalk will change into a desire to jog on the Riverwalk. The urge to participate in a marathon or indoor rock climbing will be within reach. And to top off all that you’ll be able to spot danger and protect yourself when needed.

So, if you’re are looking to spice up your life and get off the couch this summer grab a Yellow Pages, an I-Phone search or the nearest internet search engine and look for Detroit martial arts or martial arts in Detroit and begin the same journey I took 20 years ago. While I can’t guarantee that you’ll be the next Tony Jaa, Jet Lee or Jackie Chan I can tell you your life will be enhanced and you will meet some very cool people and it will be fun, challenging, rewarding, and eye-opening.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Goal of a Martial Artist

2009-07-28T11:50:00.000+08:00

From: Examiner

Japanese Karate Master

In all aspects of the Martial-Arts, regardless of what style a person chooses to learn, the path of a Martial-Artist is more than just learning to become a weapon, and learn various of movements in Self-Defense, is really to master his/her soul.

Studying the Martial-Arts, is a journey to the path of becoming a Master of the Martial-Arts, as the style becomes a form of a religion, than just knowing how defend one-self on the street or in violent situations.

The Mind:
As the student grows into the arts and learns how to kick, punch, jump, grapple or throw, and all the various of movements is being mastered, it really starts from the mind, which also becomes psychological to think forward.

Since most of our motor functions of the body really is being controlled from the brain, it really starts how one views themselves to achieve a goal or set a path, in mastering the art which ever style it maybe. If you tell the child he/she cant learn, and they are no good, eventually the child might accept it in time, as the child becomes self aware of his/her ability whether it be scholastic or academic studies, to perform something physical, or to learn new tricks that even a dog can learn.

The Human Brain

Same principle as for adults, if one tells them own selves,” It cant be done and it wont be achieved”, then the practitioner have already defeated ones own self. If you think and try to know you can, and do your part to make the effort, it can be done, as time progresses in his/her training. The mind is only as expandable as you wish it to be regardless of your age and health.

Organs and Muscles and Bones of Male and Female

The Body:
We all come from different forms, shapes, and sizes whether we are old or young. We all have different limitations to what life has offered us in each different stage of our lives.

Some come from health problems, such as cancer, diabetes, or have different disabilities from all walks of life that limit his/her to be at a perfect state.

Life does come in trials and challenges, regardless what they may be, studying the Martial-Arts, are only given barriers to what the individual wishes to limit themselves to be.

There are no barriers in the martial arts, other than speaking to yourself, “ If I can, I must, and if I must, I will Aaasaaahhh!!!!” If you do have some physical limitations, there is always a style that is a right fit for everyone, you just have to find what is best for you.

Though Martial-Arts is about Self-Defense, it is also about enhancing your body, to live and become a healthier person.

Insert photo caption or credit here

The Spirit:
The spirit, in many cultures, can be translated differently, depending on his/her beliefs on what is a Spirit.

But in the Martial-Arts, is a form of action that only comes from within the person, the wiliness to strive to improve, and the desire to grow in the chosen style.

In Tae Kwon Do, many instructors teach of “ The Abominable Spirit”, or having a positive attitude, or more less, to keep trying.

Though Martial-Arts is about learning how to fight and defend one-self, it is about filling the inner self with clean feelings, that will only fill the heart to be happier. Life is challenging in all forms, as we grow older, we learn from life’s lessons, though it wont be solved by punching or kicking a punching bag, but overcoming life through the martial arts, we learn to “Endure To The End”. Martial-Arts is a peaceful way of living as the spirit overcomes the stresses of life

Studying the Martial-Arts, training the Mind, the Body, and the Spirit, for in it’s intensive practice and self-mastery, we can strive to become better people, and to live a better life through. The Martial-Arts is a way of life as life becomes our teacher, which is, experience, who is our true, Master

Martial Arts Free Style Demo

The Mind, The Body, and The Spirit, moving as One in Unison.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Difference between Judo and BJJ

2009-07-27T23:52:00.002+08:00

From: Martial Arts Club Directory

After 30 years of doing anything – or anyone - continuously, one might find themselves at a crossroads, perhaps feeling that change is in order. Some call this a mid-life crisis and as a result may get married, divorced, re-married, divorced again, commit a crime spree or just buy a white sports car. At 45 years of age, I’d already done most of the above.

My case was different. The crisis I was experiencing was a Martial Arts Mid Life Crisis. Yes, 30 years of doing any martial art – Judo in my case – can do that to you.

So I strayed and left my first martial art love for something new – Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).

Why BJJ? I suppose the seed had been planted back in 1993 after witnessing my first UFC. Watching Royce Gracie choke and armlock his way to victory using techniques familiar to and practiced by Judoka everywhere, but with funky names like the Kimura, Guard and Triangle Choke.

Other reasons for choosing BJJ were to test my Judo skills against this fairly new art - 95% of which takes place on the ground - and to better learn how to fight off my back.

So, I joined a BJJ Club. What follows are some first hand observations and noted differences between these 2 related, yet different, martial arts:

1. Lineage: Judo was developed in Japan by Jigoro Kano in the late 1800’s, a variation of Jujitsu. As its namesake implies, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) was developed and modified in Brazil by the Gracie brothers after having being taught Judo.

2. Uniform: Judoka wear heavy weave Gi’s (kimonos) tied by a belt and with no undergarments (save underwear – hopefully); BJJ practitioners tend to wear a single weave and much lighter Gi that is also tied by a belt. They also tend to wear funky form fitting and shiny undergarments called rash guards that can be worn under the gi or without: For lack of a better term, they’re cool. Furthermore, BJJ practitioners adorn their Gi’s with color-coordinated patches and logos, usually representing clubs, organizations and/or both. Again, the coolness factor.

3. Fighting Styles: Traditional Judo clubs focus on throws and takedowns which are scored accordingly. For example, a perfect throw, one that demonstrates control, power and impetus can score a perfect point, the equivalent of a knockout punch. A perfect throw (Ippon) is the ultimate goal of most Judoka. One can also win on the ground via a submission (choke, arm lock) and/or hold down. Most Judo Clubs will focus 70-80 percent (or more) of their training on throws with the balance on ground work. Conversely, BJJ practitioners spend about 80-90 percent (or more) on the ground. Throws and takedowns are secondary and are scored as such. The ultimate goal in BJJ competition is a submission.

4. Tempo: For advanced BJJ competitors – blue to black belt – matches can run from 6 to 10 minutes with the majority of the contest taking placing on the ground/grappling. The average Judo match – for advanced and beginners - runs 5 minutes, with the majority of the contest taking place standing up. Unlike BJJ, if a Judo contest does go to the ground, fighters are given very little time to work into a hold down or submission and if there is no immediate progression, fighters are quickly brought back to the standing position. As well, a lull in action from either fighter results in penalties. As a result of shorter matches and penalties for inactivity, Judo fights tend to be faster paced and more frenetic. BJJ fights tend to have a slower tempo as fighters work on the ground to gain position, control and eventually, submissions. Extended durations may also result in a slower and more deliberate pace during BJJ matches, in large part to conserve energy and to set an opponent up for a submission.

5. Terminology: Steeped in Japanese tradition, Judo throws and techniques have Japanese origins and names. For example, the fireman’s carry (a common wrestling takedown) is known as ‘kata-guruma’ in Judo. Another common wrestling takedown – the double leg takedown – is known as ‘morote-gari’ in Judo. The rear naked choke is known as ‘hadaka jime.’ BJJ, on the other hand, has exotic and descriptive names that roll off the tongue and pique the imagination. For example, ‘peruvian neck tie,’ ‘omoplata,’ ‘nonoplata,’ ‘gogoplata’ and more. Other techniques have been anglicized and named so that the average person can easily visualize them, even those with no martial arts background. For example, the ‘guillotine choke,’ ‘clock choke,’ ‘collar choke,’ ‘spin around armbar,’ ‘guard to arm lock no gi.’ These terms, for lack of a better term, just sound cool.

6. Belt Gradings: Judoka begin at white belt and from there, progress to yellow, orange, green, blue, brown and eventually black belt. At each level, students are required to know a certain number of throws and hold downs to advance. For black belt, it is necessary to perform ‘kata’ which are also known as forms. Prior to being eligible for a black belt and performing ‘kata,’ a Judoka must first compete and accumulate points by entering tournaments and winning fights. Depending on how they win and the rank of the person(s) they beat, they are awarded points. The process is very formal. An enthusiastic Judoka that practices 3-4 times per week and that competes should be able to attain their first degree black belt within 4-5 years. Like Judo, BJJ uses a belt grading system, but that is where the similarity ends. BJJ practitioners start as white belts and progress to blue, purple, brown and black belt. After attaining each belt, stripes may also be awarded to signify progress and levels of competence. Rather than forms, belt gradings are informal and conservative in nature: belts are awarded at the instructor’s discretion and seem to be heavily influenced by attendance, progress and time spent on the mat. That said, a BJJ practitioner may remain at the same belt level for years at a time. An enthusiastic and avid BJJ practitioner should be able to attain their black belt within 8-9 years. An exceptional student, perhaps sooner.

7. Honorifics: Seniority and respect play a large role in Judo. Senior students and/or instructors are referred to as ‘Sempai’ and are the equivalent of mentors while ‘Kohai’ are the equivalent of trainees. In Judo, the term ‘Sensei’ is usually reserved for 3rd degree black belts and up, but may be used by colored belts when addressing any black belt. The term is used in reference to those that have achieved a certain level of mastery and maturity. In BJJ, the equivalent of Sensei is Professor and is only used when addressing black belts. The term ‘professor’ has a scholarly overtone and again, is one that the average person can easily identify with.

8. Profit vs Non-Profit: As a rule, Judo Clubs are run as non-profit and can often be found in community center’s and/or rented out spaces. It’s rare to find a Judo Club as a standalone storefront/entity. Unlike Judo, BJJ is for profit and charges accordingly; charging what Judo clubs ought to be charging.

9. Conduct: Judo tends to be formal in its on-the-mat interactions. For example, it is proper etiquette to bow before entering and after leaving the dojo mat area. It is also proper etiquette to bow to your partner before and after a randori (freestyle practice or sparring) and/or ne-waza (ground work/grappling) practice session. BJJ clubs are less formal and as a rule, emphasize camaraderie more so than formality. For example, prior to and following a practice session (rolling), participants will shake or slap hands. Should one partner submit the other during a rolling session, they will break and shake or slap hands. At the end of the BJJ class, everyone is acknowledged and appreciated for their efforts with hand shakes, hand slaps and partial hugs.
Note: this is the behavior demonstrated at the BJJ club that yours truly belongs to and, as a result, can not be verified as common practice among all BJJ clubs.

10. Perception: Although an Olympic sport, practiced world-wide and over 100 years old, Judo has an image/PR problem. In general, the Judo community has no idea how to market itself. If Judo were an animal, it would be on the endangered species list. On the other hand, BJJ is flourishing. It is marketed as a form of self-defense and a staple to any serious mixed-martial artists game. No doubt helped in large part by the UFC, Royce Gracie’s early success and the continued success of BJJ practitioners in mixed martial arts.

In essence, both Judo and BJJ are great sports/martial arts that have a lot to offer both purists and mixed martial artists alike. Now, if Judo can learn from the BJJ brain trust, it just may have a fighting chance of surviving the coming decades. In the meantime, I’ve temporarily traded in my Judo black belt for a BJJ white belt and am enjoying every minute of it.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Teaching Gospel Through Martial Arts

2009-07-26T23:17:00.001+08:00

From: Rankinledger

Broken boards, broken glass and bent rebar steel are the tools being used by a local martial arts group to spread the gospel.

"Namido Fire Team" is the name of the group which is made up of local martial arts teachers. Alex "Buddy" Cooper III leads the team. He said the team tries to reach out to those who might not attend a conventional church service.

At a recent demonstration Cooper said, "We preached God's word and broke boards. We had a couple of guys lay on glass while others piled on top of them. One soul was brought to Jesus when he witnessed one of our guys bend rebar with his bare throat."

Like other members of the team, Cooper has been practicing martial arts for years. Traveling at their own expense the team travels all over the southeast taking the gospel to where they are invited to speak.

"There are many physical parallels to a person's spiritual walk. You have to have discipline to follow Christ and read your Bible and pray and it takes discipline to train in the area of martial arts. These demonstrations give us a window to people that is free from all religion and it seems people are more apt to listen," said Cooper.

The children's pastor at Cornerstone Church in Pearl is on the team. Pastor Brian Means said he uses his talent to help mentor kids and show them the love of Christ. Means holds classes at the church and charges only $25 dollars a month which is donated to the church. However he has given lessons for free for kids who couldn't afford to pay.

"I have been using Christian Martial Arts as a ministry tool for several years now. It is a great way to mentor kids who don't have any structure or caring adults in their lives. It gives them an outlet and keeps them off the streets so they don't get involved in drugs or crime," said Means.

Michael Frazier is the associate pastor of the Morton Church of God. He travels with the team and said it is easy to see art imitating life through the demonstrations.

"We come in and speak on the spiritual warfare that is outlined in the Bible.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Taekwondo amputee still gets his kicks

2009-07-26T23:08:00.002+08:00

From: Gazette

Ben Schwenk doesn’t remember a lot about the worst 11 days of his life.

After overcoming bone cancer, he underwent 17 surgeries in less than two weeks in 1990, as doctors unsuccessfully tried to halt a relentless staph infection that turned his left knee into the size of a basketball.

His leg was amputated above the knee, but a radical operation preserved his calf muscle, quadriceps and hamstring — kept together by a steel plate and eight screws. And it opened the door for an improbable taekwondo career.

The Air Academy High School graduate, competing with a specially designed prosthetic leg, has quickly climbed the ladder in the world’s most practiced martial art, needing only 21 months to attain a blue belt — seven rankings below a black belt.

Schwenk, 37, took up taekwondo in 2007 alongside his adopted son, Daniel, hoping the endeavor would atone for his failed bid at disabled skiing and provide discipline for a “big, tough kid” accustomed to bullying others in the foster care system.

He said his son “put his foot down. He wanted nothing to do with taekwondo.” Making matters worse, Schwenk, training under 2000 Olympian Barb Kunkel at the Academy of Life and Leadership Taekwondo in Colorado Springs, struggled performing some kicks and stances, and his lateral movement was limited.

A new prosthetic leg from Mandy Myers of Colorado Springs-based Horizon Prosthetics increased Schwenk’s flexibility so much, the self-proclaimed “Transformer” can swing his left shoe 6 inches above his head and snap boards like they’re toothpicks.

As Schwenk got better, he noticed his 12-year-old son, a notch below him at purple belt, developed “a heart to do things for others. Instead of focusing on him, he’s focusing on others.” Plus his wife, Michelle, started taekwondo, and she already has advanced to orange belt — the highest beginner level.

“I don’t make every stance look absolutely perfect, but we’re doing it,” said Schwenk, who placed first in forms and second in board breaking at the Rocky Mountain Open last year at the Olympic Training Center.

If taekwondo becomes a Paralympic sport, Schwenk maintains he could qualify because his powerful front kicks and axe kicks — his prosthetic leg often generates more strength than his right leg — are enough to compensate for inconsistent roundhouse kicks.

His biggest problem? Sometimes, his prosthetic leg falls off during practice.

“I don’t think that’s good,” he quipped. “Moving around can be really challenging. If (his prosthetic leg) has to be synchronized (with his right leg) or if it has to be a certain form, that is my biggest challenge.”

Schwenk called his prosthetic leg a blessing in disguise.

“I wouldn’t be who I am without it,” he said. “I wouldn’t have experienced so many other things. I wouldn’t have met my wife. I would have never gotten here. … I lost my leg, but I gained my life.”

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Using Martial Arts to help disabilities

2009-07-25T16:55:00.002+08:00

From: seMissourian

Instructor Alan Williams helps Alexis Johnson, 9, of Oak Ridge, with her kicks at Children Tae Kwon Do class Thursday at Outerlimits LLC. The class was a mix of traditional students and adaptive students with disabilities. Johnson has a mild form of cerebral palsy making it harder for her to kick with her left leg.
(Elizabeth Dodd)
[Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Alexis Johnson, 9, started wearing leg braces when she was 18 months old after being diagnosed with cerebral palsy. For about an hour she takes off the braces and wears a tae kwon do uniform to practice martial arts with her instructor, Alan Williams, part of her treatment.

At his Outerlimits martial arts school near Oak Ridge, Williams uses his 31 years of experience in martial arts to teach traditional students and students with disabilities. Putting on a uniform and earning a belt rank gives his students a new outlook on their treatment, he said.

"There's more to it than trying to make it interesting," said Williams, who is also a physical therapy assistant at Southeast Missouri Hospital.

After having 11 joint surgeries throughout his life, Williams said he knows the physical therapy regimen from a firsthand perspective. With children especially, he said, an element of fun helps the treatment.

Johnson said she likes working on her roundhouse kick. She said she practices in the grass at home because she falls down often, but never gives up.

Kevin Henry of Jackson instructs blocks during an adult tae kwon do class Thursday at Outerlimits LLC.
[Click to enlarge]

"I like to learn the defense because it will help you when danger comes, especially when your parents are elderly," she said.

After two months of tae kwon do she is showing improvement in balance and flexibility, said her grandmother, Vera Archer. For example, she can now stand flat-footed and brush the floor with her hand, Archer said.

During class, Williams gives her goals encourages her to kick higher, especially with her weaker left leg.

"Alexis is one of those kids, she's just determined," Archer said.

Archer said she notices the small improvements in the left leg but still tenses up sometimes while watching the class.

"I try not to show those things to her," she said. "Kids read us like books."

Williams said he started teaching at the hospital in 1998. Since then he has taught at various locations in the area. In fall 2008, he and his wife, Jani, built and opened his own school in the country. He also teaches a class once a week at the SEMO Alliance for Disability Independence in Cape Girardeau.

Williams said individuals with disabilities are often written off, but he helps them with their weaknesses. He works with students who have cerebral palsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Down syndrome and are recovering from a brain tumor.

"I know what their specialties are and what they can and can't do," he said.

Kevin Henry, 41, started studying with Williams nine years ago while in a wheelchair. He now uses a cane and credits martial arts with helping him learn to walk.

"I wouldn't have even tried if I hadn't come," he said.

Henry was 21 when he started having double vision, the first symptoms of spinal cerebral ataxia. The neurological disorder that targets the cerebellum has since affected his speech and ability to walk.

"All that crap you don't think about, your cerebellum does," he said.

He said he started by standing up, finding his balance and throwing punches. He eventually relearned to walk after gaining more self-confidence.

"I'm going to stand here and not fall over," he said, recalling his thought process. "I'm going to walk across the room and not fall over."

Henry, a brown belt, helps with the children's class, which is an hour before the adult class he attends.

He said he changes his technique to fit his abilities. Sometimes he pivots more to keep his balance and prevent from falling down.

Williams said his students with disabilities are adaptive.

"There are no limits, only modifications," he said citing the motto of his school.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Salt Sprinkling In Sumo

2009-07-24T23:38:00.003+08:00

On mounting the dohyō the wrestler performs a number of rituals derived from Shinto practice. Facing the audience, he claps his hands and then performs the leg-stomping shiko exercise to drive evil spirits from the dohyō.

Stepping out of the ring into their corners, each wrestler is given a ladleful of water, the chikara-mizu ("power water"), with which he rinses out his mouth; and a paper tissue, the chikara-gami ("power paper"), to dry his lips. Then both step back into the ring, squat facing each other, clap their hands, then spread them wide (traditionally to show they have no weapons).

Returning to their corners, they each pick up a handful of salt which they toss onto the ring to purify the ring ridding of evil spirits. Some also sprinkle salt on their body to pray for protection. The salt also serves as sterilisation for abrasions during the match.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Definition of Martial Arts

2009-07-23T09:44:00.002+08:00

From: Examiner, Nicolas Rodriguez

Image from Video Game Classic Street Fighter: Gouken

In the days of the first creations of man, there was an ideal of being able to adapt to the land, as man knew there was danger from all sides, which different forms of Martial Arts have been created for one purpose, Self-Defense.

There are variations of Martial-Arts, from most parts of the world, as weapons were designed, so was the human body to utilized as a weapon of Self-Defense, either in the arts of war, protecting one self from bandits, to learn how to fight back from being a victim to those close to us who cause us harm. What are the Martial Arts?

Is it just punching, kicking, grappling, and being able to hurt the attacker? Or is it just an expression of the body that performs movements with or without weapons in a Self Defense situation? To many, it can be just a way to get back in shape and start feeling young again, to have a healthy, strong and flexible body. Martial, really defines warfare or battle in combat at life and threatening situations. Art, as what it explains for itself, is an expression or form of movements, whether it is sculpting, painting, linguistics or building. But to define the term, is really an expression of the body performing movements of a Self-Defense experience.

To name of the various types of Martial Arts and explain the origins and different styles which expresses the Art, could take a long journey back in time, to interpret how what we know or what we watch on a movie, on video games, and what history has to tell us about the Martial Arts.

To only name a few, Tae Kwon Do (The way of the hand and foot), which has become popular in North America where it originates from Korea. Karate (Open or Empty Hand) which originates from Japan, Kung-Fu (literally translates as Chinese Boxing) which is originated, the style or father of all Asian Martial-Arts. As time elapsed and as each style has evolved to its environment, such as other grappling styles, Pankration, Jiu-Jitsu, Greco-Roman Wrestling, so have the weapons have become an essential part of each style.

"Krava Maga" (Close Contact/Fighting)

Israelian Military Martial Arts

When speaking of weapons, many are more familiar with perhaps a knife, sword, or an axe, which were more assessable to normal people on a daily routine, which have been used for hunting, cutting meat, or chopping wood. As in life, being human, means making mistakes, or be part of the problem not part of a solution, to cause harm to other human beings. In our human history, ever since the first history recorded about war from ancient scriptures from the bible, people have learned to kill and hurt other people.

As in the Martial-Arts has been evolved, it has changed depending on the persons environment, whether it be fighting with or without weapons. Chinese Martial Arts has been a foundation, on all Asian Martial Arts, on utilizing weapons for a life and threatening situation. All styles of Self-Defense have used some form of weapons to be able to have the advantage to a fight either it be to save a life or take a life.

But are the Martial-Arts all about creating danger or to eliminate harm? The Art is really on the beholder, as with the great comic hero, Spider-Man, has always reminiscent the words of his Uncle, Ben, and “WITH GREAT POWER COMES WITH GREAT RESPONSIBILITY”, so is the same with the Martial-Arts. The Martial-Arts is a form of a military discipline, but not only to teach the student to control his/her anger, but to be self-disciplined to have that control his/her emotions.

Any style can teach a person to hurt a person, but it takes personal integrity to uphold his/her behavior, to limit the extent of the emotions that comes from anger or from negative thoughts. It’s really how a person lives their life style, to be an example, and lead with knowledge of being responsible for the use of that power.

This message is really about how to live to be a better person, as the Martial-Arts develops a sense of character, as the body forms to become a human weapon, but also how to channel ones energy psychologically, as well as physical. The Martial-Arts was created for man, not for man to create the Martial-Arts, for it’s a spiritual journey as it becomes a physical encounter of the mind.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Martial Art Pics

2009-07-23T00:14:00.002+08:00

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Laws of Self Defense

2009-07-20T10:05:00.002+08:00

From: Close Protection World

"THE DEFENSE OF PRIVATE DEFENSE:

Private Defense includes both self-defense and the defense of a third party

These concepts are common law concepts and as such valid universally!

This defense attacks the state of mind arm of a crime providing a complete defense against successful prosecution.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE PHYSICAL HARM:

-Threat of physical harm is unlawful
-Threat of physical harm is against you or another's legal interest
-Threat of physical harm is occurring or objectively imminent

REQUIREMENTS OF THE COUNTER MEASURES:

-Directed at the perceived attacker or agent thereof
-Objectively necessary to have acted at all or in that way
-Action was commensurate to the harm threatened
-Where aware of the fact that you were acting in Private Defense

THE DEFENSE OF NECESSITY:

The Defense of Necessity allows you to harm an innocent a third party (Defeats Terror)

These concepts are common law concepts and as such valid universally!

This defense attacks the state of mind arm of a crime providing a complete defense against successful prosecution

Fault is attributed to the Assailant - moral blame is yours to assimilate

REQUIREMENTS OF THE PHYSICAL HARM:

-Threat of physical harm is unlawful
-Threat of physical harm is against your or another`s legal interest
-Threat of physical harm is occurring or objectively imminent
-You are not the author of your own misfortune

REQUIREMENTS OF THE COUNTER MEASURES:

-Objectively necessary to have acted at all or in that way
-Action was commensurate to the harm threatened
-Where aware of the fact that you were acting out of necessity"

Example

You are escorting your principal through an open field, there is no way for you to get to cover, there is only one way to protect the live's of your team and that of your principals. A man using a small female child as a shield, whilst wielding an assualt rifle jumps up from behind a low wall to your right. What are your options before he starts to systematically off your team?

1) You're an hero... You shield your principal as your team engages. You all die in the procces.

2) As you are legal allowed, you shoot through the little girl killing her and killing the threat. Your team is safe and so too is your principal, other then emotion issues, sorted. You will more then likely be arrested, but the case will be dismissed because you exercised your legal rights. You have to live with it, but it's legal.

Still a dilema nonetheless, but at least now you know your legal rights.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Bare foot or shoes?

2009-07-19T17:47:00.000+08:00

From: Examiner

Martial arts is generally thought of as a barefoot sport unless shoes are specifically required to the type of martial art, i.e., wrestling shoes for wrestling, savate shoes for savate. Generally practitioners of a mix of martial arts have their shoes pulling double duty to spare the extra expense. (Wearing savate shoes both for wrestling and savate, for example.)

In some blended systems, footwear is left up to the individual practitioner.

The case for shoes:

Shoes help avoid calluses from pivoting on bare feet.
Shoes help prevent frequent toe jams and mat burn.
Shoes will stay in place better than the strap on foot coverings.
Wrestling shoes provide better footing for explosive movements (shooting).
Your feet will remain cleaner and warmer. If you have a cut or open sore on your foot, shoes are a good idea to prevent infection.
If you've sustained any recent injury or have chronic problems with your feet or ankles, shoes may be a smart idea.

The case for bare feet:

If you lack control beware of injuring the person you're working with when wearing shoes. You may feel the impact of your kicks on your feet less and thus kick harder.
If you're not used to it, wearing shoes may take a while to get used to and your form could suffer until you acclimate.
Fitting shoes can be tricky. Like any other athletic shoe, there is more to it than just size.
If you become used to shoes and then are suddenly unable to wear them because of class requirements or other reasons, you may sustain some blisters while you get used to bare feet again.

There are a few things that should be taken into consideration if you decide to give up bare feet. Never wear old gym shoes that you use to walk to work or run outside. You'll carry all of the unwanted dirt and bacteria they've picked up onto the mats, this is inconsiderate to those who go barefoot or grapple on the same mats. Avoid wearing running shoes as they have too much traction to be used for martial arts. To avoid unnecessary discomfort, don’t wear a new pair of martial arts shoes during a competition or a lengthy seminar.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Stretching and flexibility in Martial Art

2009-07-17T23:43:00.001+08:00

From: Examiner

Have you ever noticed in the movies, watching famous actors such as Jackie Chan, Jean Claude Vanne Damme, Steven Segal, Jason Statham, Cynthia Rothrock, Lucy Liu, and Michelle Yeoh, why all of these actors could perform such graceful and magical moves?

In the Martial-Arts, such as Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Kung-Fu, Kickboxing, and including many other styles, it is not only about the kicking or punching and not about throwing moves in the art itself.

It does rely on a lot of stretching, plenty of exercise, such as aerobic and anaerobic workouts, but it also does involve having the body agile or loose to not pull a muscle.

The body is much like a rubber band, the more you stretch constantly or have a daily routine to exercise the body, the more loose and flexible the body becomes. Its much easier as younger children learn and study any sport or physical exercise, such as in the Martial-Arts, it takes discipline and the will to want to be flexible.

For those who don’t consider yourself young as what you once used to be, there is still time to develop and improve on your flexibility and on your health. There are a few basic simple stretches that one can practice or train on when wishing to be able to perform a full side split or front split.

Each muscle in the legs, have different sets of fibers which the body must be loose enough or warmed up enough, to keep the kicks to become flexible in performing a strong kick, or to be able to kick head height.

Upper Body Stretches

Okinawa Japanese Style Side Kick

The upper body, as well as the upper and lower back, neck muscles, all must have the flexibility to be able to punch, strike, and perform guarding positions, or be able to evade from an attack.

So as in this case, even the joints and bones have to be able to move in a quick reaction or be able to act on a move either attacking or moving away from an attack.

The better your upper body, arms, back, and neck are loose enough or warmed up to train before a hard workout in the dojo or at home, it is essential to warm up the fibers of the body to keep it loose.

Side and Back Stretch

Tae Kwon Do High Side Kick

Regardless of what style you train to learn in the Martial-Arts, without flexibility, loose joints, warmed up body, it is easy to cause injury when wishing to train harder or go over your limit of what your true goal is in the martial arts.

This is also especially true, in the case if you are confronted in a real life situation, if your body is not loose enough.

If your body is not prepared to perform or execute a move from an attack, you could more likely injure yourself more than actually being confronted by an attacker on the street.

Not only the body has to be ready to have a great work out in the Dojo, but also, be ready when your life depends on your flexibility if it is your last line of defense, before you are able to call authorities for further emergency assistance.

If you were to pull a muscle or strain a joint, how would you able to defend yourself, and those who are your loved ones and people who are close to you, when they will need your assistance in a life threatening situation?

Shaolin Side Kick Stretch Demo

Capoeira Brazilian Dance/Martial Arts High Kick

The Martial Arts is a beautiful form or expression, that allows you to be open in a way that no other sport can allow you to do.

Other than from dancing and gymnastics, the Martial-Arts, allows you to express your body.

When it means being able to defend yourself and your loved ones, and to be able to have a great work out for either your health, or for competition.

Remember, it will not come over night to have those nice flashy, hard, and powerful kicks, or the quickness and manipulation of the hands, but it does take a great part of your time to stretch you lower and upper body.

What you put into it is really what you get out of it. It all depends on how far or what your mind stretches you where you wish to be.

Side Split Stretching Demo

Front Split Stretch Demo

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Self Defense for a Man

2009-07-17T00:13:00.004+08:00

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Weirdest Knockouts in MMA

2009-07-12T15:04:00.003+08:00

From: Calgary Sun with videos linked

Unexpected Ong Bak style back elbow (Watch 2:52)

Self KO while attempting takedown

Pete Sell looked to have Scott Smith wounded with a stiff body shot. However, as he went in for the kill, Smith put everything into one big Hail Mary shot, dropping Sell.

The pressure from the submission causes Hughes to temporarily black out and powerbombs Newton to the mat, knocking him out. (watch 7:14)

Double KO in 8secs

Aweful job being a ref sometimes

Trying to kiss your opponent is really a bad idea

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Teen dies after match

2009-07-11T13:44:00.000+08:00

From: Straits Times

Vincent Tan, a first-year IT student at Nanyang Polytechnic, had picked up the sport only a year ago. -- PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE TAN FAMILY

IT WAS only his second taekwondo competition and 17-year-old Vincent Tan was fighting an opponent two belt levels above him.

Barely a minute into the sparring match last Sunday, his slighter-built opponent, who had a brown belt, gave Tan a kick in the neck which ruptured a main blood vessel to his brain.

Tan, who held a green belt, was seen fumbling with his head guard for a few seconds before tumbling onto the ground.

First aid was immediately given to him, but he never gained consciousness. He died on Thursday afternoon in hospital.

The polytechnic student's death has now prompted the People's Association (PA) to suspend all taekwondo competitions while it reviews the procedures usually undertaken in such events.

'We are reviewing our processes to see if any improvements need to be made. In the meantime, we have suspended all taekwondo competitions pending the review,' said a PA spokesman. The police are also investigating.

PA said the competition, held at the Kampong Kembangan Community Club, was organised by the Greenville Residents' Committee and Singapore Taekwondo Gymnasium (STG). It had attracted more than 180 participants and was scheduled to run from 9am to 9pm, but was later cancelled.

All participants were required to wear safety gear, including head guards, and were given a safety briefing before their bouts.

PA said Tan lost consciousness at about 9.30am, and certified first aid workers from St John Ambulance Brigade, Alexandra Hospital and the Red Cross immediately attended to him while an emergency ambulance was called. He reached Changi General Hospital about 20 minutes later, with Vivian in the ambulance.

His distraught mother, Madam Nur Julia, said she cannot accept her only son's death and wants answers from the organisers.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

A little on Taekwondo

2009-07-10T21:54:00.002+08:00

From: Examiner

Aaassaahhhh!!!!!!!! Aaacheeyy!!! Haaa paasooo!!!!!
Huh?? What was that??? Oh, in the essence of the martial arts, such as in TKD, when connecting a punch or kick to the opponents body, making noises is not only is part of an breathing exercise, but a part of generating power from the attack when upon striking a part of the body.

It helps the student to keep a focus on the target as breathing becomes part of a source which demonstrates the strength and power of that strike. Breathing is a must in all styles of martial arts, whether making a noise to fend of foes, or to help control breathing patterns in a fighting situation. So that’s good information for all of you to know.

In TKD, the punches and the kicks, all have a real secret, which takes time and training in the art itself, is being precise on the accuracy of the strikes, having the correct speed, to maximize the power in the attacks in Korean Martial Arts.

In this beautiful art, which many are fascinated by its kicks and aero dynamics of its fighting style, to hit the opponent, a TKD stylist must have the speed, to not only be the first to get the hit, but to be also be quick enough to step out of the way from an attack from the opponent.

In the beginning as the student starts off learning the basics, through out his/her training, speed and precision will follow after learning a set of kicking and punching patterns. The student must be the first to strike, to knock out the attacker, and be the first to stay out of range. Most trained fighters in TKD, fight from a long distance, where it is not open for close range attacks, which speed and precision must come into play, to get the first hit, as power combines from the quickness of the attack.

Usually in TKD, fighters may start from a side fighting stance, where the shoulders and the hips, are directed towards the target. This position allows the stylist to be quick on his/her feet, and to allow for free of movement, where jumping or hopping becomes easier to perform to either do a flying kick in the air to reach in for distance from long range attacks. Regardless of what moves the TKD stylist chooses to utilize to strike his/her target, the important part of the art is to have the speed and precision to generate power at the target.

It maybe similar to boxing, but instead of having the body or the chest to be faced towards the target, being able to fight on a sided stance allows the body for free of movement and motion, where it is easily generated to increase the speed and precision which allows the power to connect from the twist or turn of the hips.

TKD-Tornado Kick

Either the strike could be a punch/strike or kick, twisting of the hips, and turns or spins increases the power of the moves in Tae Kwon Do. But without speed and without precision, the move will not connect accurately, and will leave the stylist to be off guard or to be left open from an attack from the opponent. Timing is everything when making its first or second move in this art. One false impression or one incorrect move towards the target could be devastating when being left unprotected from a serious injury from the other opponent

Upon Accuracy and Speed hitting the body

In TKD, it’s an art form that allows freedom of expression, especially as the kicks can become a powerful weapon, either in fighting on the street, or in a tournament competition. Speed must be first where you can be first to strike; Precision is for the accuracy where the hit must be targeted at the attacker, as the Power becomes the weapon when the movements are combined in Tae Kwon Do

Speed + Precision = Power (All from the mind)

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Nice Left Hook

2009-07-08T21:51:00.000+08:00

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Hadoken

2009-07-06T09:24:00.001+08:00

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Martial Art Pic

2009-07-04T00:35:00.001+08:00

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Robber battered trying to rob a 71 year old boxer

2009-07-01T22:10:00.002+08:00

From: The Sun

THIS is how a burglar looked after he made the mistake of breaking into the home of a 71-year-old ex-boxer.

Vicious Gregory McCalium, 23 - jailed for 4½ years yesterday - looked like a "car accident" victim after he was punched by battling grandad Frank Corti

Still got it ... grandad Frank Corti

Frank - woken by noises as he lay in bed with his wife Margaret - DODGED the knife as the yob lunged at him in his hallway, FEINTED and DECKED him with two massive right hooks.

The former Army boxer, who as a 16-year-old won the National Association of Boys Clubs Championship, then coolly made a citizen's arrest and waited for cops.

A judge yesterday told McCalium - who wound up with a black eye, split lip and severe swelling - he "got what he deserved".

After seeing him jailed, modest Frank insisted he had no choice but to "restrain" him. He said: "We are pleased he won't be troubling us for a few years."

Hero ... Frank in his heyday

The retired car worker told how he came face-to-face with the hooded lout at the foot of his stairs in Bolney, Oxford.

Frank - famous for his fearsome right hook when he boxed as a featherweight in the Royal Engineers - said: "He took a slash at me.

"If I needed to I would do it again. I had the advantage of having done some boxing training and retained the ability to punch." McCalium's lawyer told Oxford Crown Court: "Photographs of the defendant showed what looked like a car accident.

"Photos of the scene looked more like a murder scene."

Cocktail waiter McCalium - a troublesome neighbour of the couple - denied aggravated burglary but was convicted by a jury.

Recorder Angela Morris told him: "Luckily, Mr Corti was an able-bodied 71-year-old who was able to defend himself."

She added: "Elderly and vulnerable people are entitled to demand the protection of courts from people like you who decide to take matters into your own hands and enter a property with a weapon."

Frank, just 5ft 5in and who in his boxing heyday weighed 10st, said: "The element of surprise was with me and I hit him with my right hand - hard - just below the eye.

"He was almost knocked out and the knife fell out of his hand."

Childhood pal Colin Goodenough, 73, who used to spar with Frank at Baliol Boys Club, said: "I want to shake his hand. We need more like him."

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Blind Karate student earns Black Belt after 4 years

2009-06-29T10:55:00.003+08:00

From: Courant

MERIDEN, Conn. - Some call it a big obstacle to overcome; he just calls it a nuisance. All agree it took a lot of hard work to accomplish what he has.

George Sanchez is blind, and after passing his test this month, he is also something that defines his character much more: a karate black belt.

Sanchez, 47, stood next to his 10-year-old son, Timothy, and the rest of his class as both were awarded black belts by Villari's martial arts studio, in Southington, after four years of work.

"It feels great," Sanchez, a former Southington resident who recently moved to Middletown, said after passing the test in Windsor. "It was a lot of hard work to get here."

He tried to get involved in a karate program a few times in the past, but no one would train a blind man. Then, four years ago, Timothy signed his father and himself up for a demonstration without George knowing about it while both were attending Trails Day at Panthorn Park.

When he found out, "I said, 'Oh boy.' I was kind of shy, because I didn't know what to expect," Sanchez recalls.

Carrie Waskowicz, one of the instructors at Villari's, said that when Sanchez called up to ask if they would train a blind man, she thought he was joking, but told him to come on in anyway.

"It doesn't matter who you train. Just because you are blind doesn't mean you can't defend yourself," Waskowicz said.

Sanchez, who lost his sight at 3, said the path to the black belt was difficult, but he has had help along the way from instructors, classmates and his family. Classmate Brian Bradshaw was one of the helpers to whom Sanchez was thankful.

"We've had some good times and some good hits," Bradshaw said jokingly after the ceremony. "We're the two oldest guys in the class, so we practiced a lot to look good."

Sanchez said some of the most difficult aspects to master were correct angles, forms and precise combinations. Along with Bradshaw, he would go in early to get a quick overview from the instructors of what the class would be working on that day.

"You're exceptional, but there were no exceptions for you," Waskowicz said to him at the ceremony on June 14. "No special treatment when performing. It was a challenge to teach. We learned multiple teaching styles."

Sanchez kidded that Waskowicz got fairly nervous the first time he asked if he could spar. She said he ended up being great at it. She would often play music when he was sparring to take away his sense of hearing, which would be eliminated through the screaming during tournaments.

Many other classmates and instructors came over to congratulate him as he posed for pictures after the ceremony. Master David Shirley said he would have said something more about Sanchez during the ceremony, but was afraid he would get choked up talking about it.

"We're very proud of you, you know that," Shirley said to his pupil. "It's been a long, hard road and you did well." Shirley said Sanchez is the school's first-ever blind black belt.

That road was navigated a little more easily due to the friendly competition with Timothy. Sanchez's wife, Susan, said the adult classes were usually a day or two before the youth classes, so dad would tease Timothy about getting his colored belts first. She was very proud of them both.

"Don't ever tell George he can't do it, because he will go out of his way to prove that he can," Susan Sanchez said. "I think it's awesome. It's nice to see them both reach that goal. I hope they go on."

George Sanchez laughed while thinking about some of the classes to which his wife came. She would get dirty looks from bystanders, who didn't realize who she was as she yelled teasing comments to her husband to "pick up the pace."

Besides learning martial arts, Sanchez also plays golf. He used to wrestle, has been president of the Southington Lions Club, and has run a silkscreen and sewing company. He now has a cafe, called 20-200 Cafe, in the state Department of Labor building in Wethersfield, after many of his sewing jobs went overseas.

"I figured no one is going to go to China for lunch," Sanchez said of his new venture.

As for continuing in martial-arts, he said he wants to let it sink in and enjoy the fact that he is actually a black belt, while encouraging his youngest son, Nick, 6, to keep working on one of his own.

If Timothy decides to move on, however, [anchez said, he will probably have to get back into it in order to keep their friendly competition alive.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Youngsters taught Martial Arts to stop anti-social behaviour

2009-06-25T23:59:00.001+08:00

From: Lancashire Telegraph

YOUNGSTERS in Pendle are being offered the chance to hone self-defence skills in a bid to crack down on anti-social behaviour.

As part of the scheme, children aged eight to 15-years-old can sign up to the free martial arts summer school, where they will be taught an introduction to the ancient Japanese art of ju-jitsu.

The classes will take place at Pendle Martial Arts Academy, in Colne Road, Brierfield, but the project is the brainchild of police community support officer (PCSO) Catherine Horner, who said a similar incentive in a neighbouring area has led to a reduction in anti-social behaviour.

Students who sign up to the course will receive a uniform, insurance to the club for a year and on completion will be graded to red belt status.

The course is due to be run on a Tuesday afternoon throughout the summer holidays at the club.

PCSO Horner said: “This is now the second year we have run this type of event, last year we saw a very positive outcome with a reduction of anti social behaviour on the Queensgate area and it was great getting to know the children.”

“There are still several students at the club who attended the scheme last year and they are all making good progress.”

The course has a very limited number of places on the course. Those wishing to apply must be between the ages of eight and 15 and live in the local area.

For an application pack contact PCSO Horner on 07961065419. If there is no answer then leave a message with contact details.

Pendle Martial Arts Academy trains six days a week in many different types of martial arts. For more information contact them on 01282 690216.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Martial Art Pic

2009-06-23T23:45:00.000+08:00

Indian Martial Art: Urumi

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Malaysian Master Pierced 4 Coconuts with Fingers

2009-06-22T16:05:00.003+08:00

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Calorie intake and outtake

2009-06-21T00:28:00.002+08:00

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

How to knockout someone with one punch

2009-06-18T11:21:00.000+08:00

From: Ezinearticles

It is actually not as hard as many people think to knock someone out with one punch. Watching a boxing match, mixed martial arts fight, or other combat sports you can get the impression that a knockout punch is something very difficult to get right. But in real life, in a street confrontation with no gloves and fighting against someone who is probably not trained to take a punch, getting a k.o. is much, much easier.

If you want to learn how to knock someone out with one punch the first thing you have to do is to think about what it actually is which causes the loss of consciousness. Some types of punch can be very effective at hurting your opponent, opening up cuts on their face or breaking their nose, but may still have little or no chance of knocking them out.

When a person gets knocked unconscious by a punch it is not the immediate force of the impact which does this, but rather the force of the brain being rattled against the inside of the skull.

This means that a punch which causes the head to jerk and move rapidly will be much more likely to knock someone out than a punch which causes less movement of the head, even if it is not as hard. It also means that speed is paramount. A very fast strike with just enough power to move the head will be more likely to knock someone out than a slower punch which has more power and weight behind it.

The need to create this movement of the head is the reason why you are more likely to knock someone out with a punch which they don't see coming. If you see a punch coming towards you you will tense your neck muscles and brace yourself against the impact, reducing the movement of your head when the punch lands. If your neck muscles are relaxed when a punch hits you then you will almost always get knocked out, whatever kind of punch it is.

Once a fight has started it is very difficult to engineer a situation where your opponent will not see a punch coming, however if you are in a situation where you are being threatened and a fight seems inevitable, but hasn't yet started, you can take advantage of this by suddenly throwing the first punch at an unexpected moment, such as while you are in the middle of a sentence, and by striking from a direction where they will not see it until it is too late.

When it comes to the actual punch a strike from the side, such as a hook, is more likely to knock someone out than a straight punch to the front of the face, simply because it will be harder for the neck muscles to prevent the head from being jerked. For the same reason an uppercut is generally better than a straight punch, but probably not as good as a hook. When trying to knock someone out with a hook the further away from the neck you can land the punch the more movement there will be and the more likely it is to knock them out. This means that the best place to land a hook is right on the end of the chin.

The ultimate knockout punch, however, uses and entirely different method. Rather than jerking the knead it uses the principles of Dim Mak pressure point fighting. The ultimate knockout punch is a strike to the temple. You have to be very accurate to get this right, but with practice you can do it every time.

The only trick you must know in order to knock someone out with a strike to the temple is how to hold your hand. It should be clear that an ordinary fist is much bigger than the area of the temple, and so it is very poor at focusing force on this pressure point.

There are two hand forms you can use instead. The first is the phoenix fist, in which you hold an ordinary fist but with the middle finger raised up a little out of the bunch. When using this you strike with the middle joint of the raised finger, rather than the knuckle.

The other option, which I personally prefer, is to use a sword hand. To do this hold your hand out flat with the palm facing downwards and turn your wrist so that your fingers are pointing outwards. This creates a fairly sharp point from the joint at the very base of the thumb, just above the wrist. With this hand form you strike using a swinging motion of the arm.

When practicing either of these strikes power is virtually irrelevant, and accuracy is everything. If you land a strike with the whole force focused on the temple you will knock your opponent out every time, no matter how hard the strike is.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

10 Reasons Older Adults Need to learn Yoga

2009-06-14T20:36:00.001+08:00

From: SMUT

Today, millions of older Americans are experiencing a higher quality of life by taking an active and positive approach to their personal wellness. They are enjoying improved health and successful living by becoming self-educated, personally responsible and proactive. The most successful are those who adopt a whole-person wellness model, addressing the needs of the body, mind, and spirit.

Most people know about the research that shows that regular exercise provides a wide range of health benefits and, perhaps most importantly, can preserve function and independence. Fewer realize that their choice of exercise activity can produce another host of unexpected benefits. By choosing mind/body exercises, such as yoga or soft martial arts (like Chi Gung and T’ai Chi), older adults can unleash even greater health and vitality.

Yoga and Chi Gung (as well as all other soft arts) are ideal choices for older adults because they positively affect the whole person: body, intellect, emotions, and spirit. They increase vital energy while strengthening and soothing the body, focusing the mind, and nurturing the spirit.

The ten best reasons older adults need a mind/body practice are:

Body – Caring for the body improves health, preserves your ability to function and preserves independence. Yoga and Chi Gung offer powerful protection from falls – a major threat to older adults!

1. Strengthen Muscles and Bones… Yoga especially builds muscle strength and bone mass. The vital weight-bearing postures of yoga stimulate the bones to retain calcium. In yoga, both the upper and lower body receive the benefits of bearing weight, unlike walking or running.

2. Improved Heart and Respiratory Health… Chi Gung and the soft martial arts have been shown in studies to improve circulation, heart health, and respiratory function. Yoga breathing exercises are very powerful tools to increase respiratory function, breath capacity and physical energy. Both increase vitality and sense of well-being.

3. Increased Flexibility… Yoga and Chi Gung both increase overall flexibility, contributing to improved everyday functioning and mobility, and protection from falls. Despite popular notions, you do not need to be flexible to practice yoga. The idea is to practice at your current level with patience and compassion, gently becoming more pliable.

4. Better Posture… Good posture calls upon our new strength and flexibility to keep our spine healthy and strong. Healthy body posture supports digestive and respiratory functions as well. Poor posture in combination with osteoporosis leads to stress fractures.

5. Improved Balance… Balance gives older adults the confidence to move freely and to engage in physical activities. One of the most important parts of a senior fitness program is balance training. Seniors who exercise and practice balance activities, like those found in yoga and Chi Gung, can avert the devastating effects of a fall – the second leading cause of accidental death for seniors. Balance is an intangible force that many people take for granted.

6. Increased Energy… Yoga and Chi Gung are, in essence, ancient renewal and balancing systems for our vital energy. More than the sum of their parts, these practices gently revitalize the body. The term “Chi” itself means “energy”, and “Chi Gung” literally means “energy work”.

Mind - Challenging the mind is crucial to staving off diseases like Alzheimer’s. Be sure to stimulate your intellectual dimension through learning new information and exploring topics that require judgment and decision-making. The physical aspects of a mind-body practice lead directly to a mental sense of rootedness, stability and balance.

7. Intellectual Stimulation… Learning a mind-body exercise is like learning a new language with its own vocabulary and rules. It takes focused attention. It is a practice…a journey of exploration. Yoga and the soft martial arts also invite us to explore a way of thinking that may be very unfamiliar to us.

8. Emotional Support… The philosophies infusing yoga and Chi Gung encourage us to be mindful of the present moment, to be aware and grateful of all around us, and to let go of our attachments of how we think things should be. This positive outlook leads to a sense of calm and well-being.

Spirit - A new study shows that once people retire, they adopt a new sense of time and their place in the world as their values and beliefs begin to change. Adding a spiritual dimension to your exercise activities offers additional wellness benefits. In addition to yoga and Chi Gung, consider nature walks and ‘mindful’ strength training and meditation in all forms.

9. Connecting with the Big Picture… A mindfulness practice is a direct way to practice connecting with a truth larger than ourselves. Practicing becoming quiet and receptive allows our inner wisdom to be heard. Older adults have indicated a desire to search for “the meaning of life”. Practitioners of yoga and the soft arts create a deep sense of richness and unity in their lives.

10. Inner Exploration… Central to the spiritual dimensions of the older adult is the desire to explore the inner self. Beyond the physical exercises of yoga and Chi Gung, they challenge us to look deeply at ourselves, to “be” with ourselves. We learn to celebrate our strengths and forgive our weaknesses while practicing patience and focused concentration.

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Martial Art Pic

2009-06-08T12:37:00.004+08:00

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Pupils to be taught self-defence in school to counter muggings risk

2009-06-02T09:27:00.002+08:00

From: Times Online

Children as young as 7 are to be taught self-defence in schools to help them to cope with muggings, as the authorities battle rising crime rates against the young.

A national standard safety initiative is also being implemented for the first time to counter the targeting of vulnerable young people for possessions such as mobile phones and iPods, The Times has learnt.
Police and education sources said that street crime was one of the most serious issues facing young people because their generation was the first to carry around expensive technology.

Concerns about attacks on pupils have prompted the Metropolitan Police to focus patrols on the three hours after schools shut. Transport for London is considering aligning its bus timetables with school closures to avoid students being targeted while they are waiting for buses and trains.
According to the Home Office, 10 to 15-year-olds are the most likely age group to fall victim to personal crime such as muggings. In response, a self-defence programme is to be used in schools across the country after it proved successful in the capital.

The Safety Box scheme, which is funded by local authorities and police, teaches primary pupils defensive tactics to minimise the risk of injury in the event of confrontation. Nathaniel Peat, its founder, told The Times that workshops were planned for schools in areas including Manchester, Leeds and Derby. The programme has already been undertaken in Northampton, Milton Keynes, Luton, Reading, Slough, Stevenage, Birmingham, Surrey and Watford. “It gives young people confidence and the fundamentals of how to stay safe,” he said.

In a similar initiative, primary and secondary school pupils will be taught how to avoid muggings, such as hiding their mobile phones when in public. The scheme, run by the Kids Taskforce, will become the first national standard safety programme, after a pilot in Yorkshire last year.
Many schools, particularly in the capital, already warn their students not to wear their ties and blazers to and from school to avoid being mugged. Police regularly address students on safety tactics. In London, patrols by Metropolitan Police officers outside schools and at transport hubs in the three hours after schools close have resulted in a 21 per cent fall in the number of young people who were victims of violence in January this year compared with January 2008.

Commander Mark Simmons, head of the Met’s violent crime directorate, said that the carrying of gadgets was only part of the problem. “Some of it is just about rival groups of kids, and those who want to assert their authority,” he said. “It’s not always about the goods that get stolen. It’s also a way for them to assert their control and influence.”

~武德为首, Martial Art Virtue comes first

Martial Art pic

2009-06-01T23:48:00.000+08:00

~武德为首, Martial Art Morality comes first

Martial Art Pics

2009-05-25T22:08:00.000+08:00

~武德为首, Martial Art Morality comes first

Does Size Matters in Self Defense?

2009-05-25T00:01:00.002+08:00

From: Ultimate Defense System

As a self defense instructor, one of the most common things I hear is “I just don’t think I’m strong enough to defend myself!”

Usually, it’s a small female, sub 100 lb’s telling me that she just doesn’t feel that she can defend herself against a large man attacking her.

And the cold truth is…she’s absolutely right…but there’s a catch!

Follow me here…

It’s not that she’s too small or too weak to defend herself.

Not at all.

It’s just that by ceonventional thinking, she simply doesn’t stand a chance.

Let’s build a character here.

We’ll call her Jenny. Jenny wanted to learn to defend herself, so she went with the “latest” fighting styles that are all the rage.

She learned some western boxing for quick hands, she learned some muay thai for deadly kicks, and finally she finished it up with a year of BJJ for some solid ground game.

So now we’ve got Jenny, our tough little MMA fighter.

But guess what, she’s still gonna lose that fight. EVERYTIME.

But it’s not because Jenny is too weak, or too small.

What it really comes down to, is the fact that she’s training to fight the opponent physically. She’s training to punch harder, kick faster, etc…

But no matter how hard she can punch, how fast she can kick, or whatever, their will always be someone stronger.

So what is Jenny to do? Is her self defense journey pointless?

Not even close my friend…

Instead, Jenny must throw away traditional “Physical” fight mentality and learn what I call “Psychological” fighting skills.

So instead of that front hand jab, we use an eye flick, which can disrupt an opponents vision and temporarily blind them.

Instead of a hook punch, you use an ear slap, which blows the opponents equilibrium and gives you valuable time.

By using attacks that not only do PHYSICAL damage, but has PSYCHOLOGICAL damage, such as scrambling the opponents brain and temporarily blinding them, you can BYPASS the physical.

And the best part is that you don’t have to go practice for 10 years in a dojo.

Theres no fancy head kicks, no crazy joint locks.

Real self defense is about the simplest and dirtiest moves you can use.

So next time your practicing up on your self defense moves, take a step back and look at what your doing.

Ask yourself, would this work on a man 120 lbs larger than me? (Yes, this rules out 90% of wrist locks)

Then ask yourself if you feel you could pull it off in a stressful situation where words and hormones are flying.

If it fails either of these tests then chances are it’s not the most effective self defense technique you could be practicing.

You don’t have to be in great shape to defend yourself, but you do have to have a smart approach.

Otherwise…well…there’s always someone out there who’s just a bit faster, a bit stronger.

~武德为首, Martial Art Morality comes first

Martial Virtue

2009-05-22T23:55:00.000+08:00

From: Richard Northwood

All traditional martial arts have a code of conduct. When people are taught how to fight, it is extremely important that they are able to keep out of trouble. For a person who is trained to fight can easily resort to violence unless they are disciplined. The Chen family are no exception, and they have twenty disciplines:

1. Do not bully others.

2. Do not oppress the weak.

3. Do not be a coward; help those in peril.

4. Do not engage in unlawful acts.

5. Do not use skill for immoral acts.

6. Do not be arrogant.

7. Do not sell/exhibit skill indiscriminately.

8. Do not join illicit gangs.

9. Do not waste time in idleness.

10. Do not be conceited and boastful.

11. Do not compete with the arrogant.

12. Do not argue with the ignorant.

13. Do not be influenced by worldly possessions.

14. Do not seek undeserved wealth.

15. Do not indulge in alcohol and lust.

16. Do not be in public or personal debt.

17. Do not obstruct public or personal efforts.

18. Do not hunger for power and position.

19. Do not be a traitor.

20. Do not neglect your training or waste your skill.

So when you start a martial art, ask if they have a code of conduct. Does it make sense? If there are no rules for conduct, consider that you may be putting yourself in danger.

~武德为首, Martial Art Morality comes first

Street Fight Vs Self-Defence

2009-05-21T23:24:00.004+08:00

From: Martial Jesse Crouch

Street fights greatly differ from self defense situations. Even on the 'rule-less' street there are rules, mores and unique environmental factors that exist during fights that do not in self defense scenarios. I talk a lot about the two and it should be understood that they are very different from each other.

	Street Fight Sometimes planned. Generally, all participants can see signs of a fight coming.			Self-Defence Victim has no plan. Often planned by attacker.
	Often has many observers. Many are close to those fighting.			Attackers work to make sure their victims are as isolated as possible.
	Is often understood to be one-on-one and not multiple attackers			Attacker wants odds on his side as much as possible. Multiple attackers common. Will rarely attack groups of people.
	Doesn't usually involve weapons			Often involves weapons, sometimes victim has a weapon as well.
	Often a feud between people. Goal is to 'win' the fight and usually does not involve death. Sometimes seen as a fair way to settle a dispute, but can also just be a way of signaling dominance.			Goal is some sort of property theft - money, life, etc. Not about winning or losing.
	Often has understood rules that vary greatly depending on the fight. Cultural values reflect highly here and 'dirty fighting' techniques are sometimes frowned upon. Examples: no eye gouging, no groin shots, no kicking, no biting, etc.			Absolutely no rules.

These are general differences. The chart is purely for reference and to understand that there usually are differences between the two. These specifications vary greatly between situations.

~武德为首, Martial Art Morality comes first

Awesome Martial Art Pic

2009-05-18T23:57:00.001+08:00

Send your Martial Art Pic to martialartdaily@gmail.com to be featured here

~武德为首, Martial Art Morality comes first

Breaking Boards for Charity

2009-05-18T23:30:00.001+08:00

From: Postar

HUDSON FALLS -- The sound of snapping boards and spirited yells resounded off the walls of Murray’s Family Martial Arts Center on Sunday, as more than 100 people participated in the center’s charity board break.

The "Kicks for Kindness" event sought to raise money for Desma Degraw, a second-degree black belt who was diagnosed with breast cancer last December.

Participants with a variety of skill levels lined up to kick or punch their way through 2,009 boards in two hours. While some children punched through a thin stick, those with more experience broke through several layers of lumber.

The symbolic act served as a display of perseverance in the face of adversity, a skill set students say was ingrained through their practice of martial arts.

"It just makes you keep going," Degraw said.

For Degraw, the skills learned in her years of Taekwondo practice helped her stay optimistic in spite of what otherwise might be a grim situation. She pointed toward the repeated efforts necessary in perfecting a move or a form with teaching her persistence.

"It keeps you focused," she said. "You don’t spend a lot of time worrying about the what-ifs."

Degraw, who was undergoing chemotherapy treatments to cure her cancer, plans to have a double mastectomy performed this week, which will remove both breasts and a portion of her lymph nodes.

"I’ll be all right," she said. "I’m not too worried about it."

She credited her teacher, Bob Murray, for instilling her with courage and persistence.

"I figure cancer’s no worse than having him back you into a corner and pummel you for a while," she told the crowd.

The event raised about $9,400 for Degraw, who has been unable to work since undergoing treatment. Local businesses donated items to be auctioned off during the event, while Murray’s daughters and a number of others cut hair and sold refreshments outside.

~武德为首, Martial Art Morality comes first

Become A Stronger, Smarter, Healthier You…In 7 Seconds A Day

2009-05-15T16:45:00.001+08:00

From: Ultimate Defense System do check this site out

Back when I was about 14 years old, I had a serious problem.

You see while I was sweeping up the state and national tournaments for martial arts, I knew that I didn’t stand a chance to compete in the World Championships.

It wasn’t that I wasn’t good enough, not at all. My kicks were spot on, my punches and combination’s perfect to a “T”. I could even do all the fancy moves…flips, jump spin kicks, no problem.

What I lacked was jumping power. Sure I had the skill to pull it off, but the moves were just missing that extra “pop” that jumping 5 feet into the air gives.

Truth be told, I had a TERRIBLE vertical jump. I’m almost embarrased to say, but it was around 13 inches give or take.

However, winners don’t make excuses, they take action. So right then and there I decided I needed a plan to increase my vertical. Only problem was, between all my training, I didn’t have any time to dedicate to soly training my vertical.

So instead I came up with a wicked clever solution.

I designated a spot in the kitchen…a nice flat smooth surface where I would pass quite often.

And then every time I passed that spot, I’d give my hardest jump and try to touch the ceiling.

At first, I was nearly a foot away from reaching it.

Then, a few months later, it was only 6 inches.

Then one day I could barely brush it with my fingers.

And then, my palm.

It got to the point where I could nearly touch that same spot with the top of my head!

All it took was making a quick, simple, yet productive habit that I could repeat multiple times a day.

I’ve done this in a few ways since then such as…

…a bag of sand in my door way that I’d punch every time I walked through the door to toughen my knuckles.

…balancing on one foot when I dressed every morning, as well as when I shampoo’d and conditioned my hair.

…taking the stairs every day at work.

And most recently, it was installing a pullup bar in my hall, so that every time I passed I’d do one pullup.

Just like jumping, I saw phenomenal results. I started out doing just one pullup every time I passed.

But soon that number grew to 2, then 3, and 4…and now 10. EVERY TIME I PASS.

As you can imagine, that adds up pretty quickly.

The key here is that I’m not doing major activities such as going for a 30 minute jog or anything like that. I’m focussing on one quick and simple thing that I can do every day, and I know will give me great results.

And just like me, you can have great results by creating a simple habit that will better your life.

Below I’ve created a simple step by step plan on how you can take action and improve your quality of life. Read it thoroughly, and don’t hesitate. Who needs new years when you have today?!

No time like the present!

Step#1
Pick out a simple thing in your life you’d like to improve upon. Make it as specific as possible. Maybe you want to improve your foreign language vocabularary, so you go out and get a book on common spanish phrases. Maybe you just want to get ripped abs for the summer, so like me you get a pullup bar(yes you can work your abs on a pullup bar).

Whatever it is, think of it now. Make it as specific and narrowed down as you can.

Step #2
Decide how you will work on this specific area of your life. Get creative! You have lots of spare time where you could be multi-tasking. Showers, driving, think about all the unused time you could be more productive, and pick a way to do it. I’ve given you a few of my examples, but you have to come up with your own on this one, unless of course you want to do one of mine.

The key here is to make it a quick activity that you can do over and over. A good judge is that it should be a quick activity that takes anywhere from 2-14 seconds. Anymore, and you’ll find it a hassle rather than a habit. Note:This doesn’t apply if your doing it during otherwise wasted time IE: Showering or driving etc.

Step #3
Decide on when you will do it. Will you do it every morning drive? Every time you pass that spot in the hall? Every time you first sit down at work? Whatever it is, plan it out and decide how you can incoorporate it into your schedule.

Step#4
This is the hardest step! You’re going to have to actually *gasp* do it! Take action, and make it a habit of your life. Losers make excuses, winners take action.

The first few times you’ll forget it, thats ok. Persist! It can take up to 14 days to build a really solid habit, but once you do, the results will amaze you.

Step #5
Now that you’ve got your plan of action all mapped out, scroll down to the comments section below, and post it for the world to see! Posting a public commitment to bettering yourself lets you stay more dedicated, and serves as a gentle reminder to yourself.

I highly encourage you to give the system a try and see what it can do for you.

I want to point out that this is NOT an excuse not to exercise, nor is it a replacement. Instead, it’s just a way to get a little more leverage out of your day.

We all get 24 hours, but if you can squeeze a bit more productivity out of them, you’ll be amazed at how far it can go!

Best of luck,
Blake “The Rebel Martial Artist” Holloway

P.S. In case anyone was wondering, I have a 29.5″ vertical. More than double the average males vertical.

P.P.S. If your a fitness lover like me, I’ve got a special treat coming for you guys soon. I can’t reveal too many details yet, but look forward to it!

~武德为首, Martial Art Morality comes first

Taekwondo - Seoul Olympics 1988 Opening Demo

2009-05-13T21:16:00.002+08:00

Awsome coordination and discipline

~武德为首, Martial Art Morality comes first

Black Belt teen strikes back at bully, rallies community against Racism

2009-05-10T12:11:00.002+08:00

From: Globe Campus

KESWICK, ONT. — The 15-year-old black belt thought he was doing his tormentor a favour when he elected to fight back with his weaker left hand.

He had heard his white classmate throw an angry racial slur in his direction after an argument during a gym class game of speedball, and now the student was shoving him backward, refusing to retract the smear.

The white student swung first, hitting the 15-year-old with a punch to the mouth.

The 15-year-old heard his father's voice running through his head: Fight only as a last resort, only in self-defence, only if given no choice, and only with the left hand.

His swing was short and compact, a left-handed dart that hit the white student square on the nose.

The nose broke under his fist, igniting a sequence of events - from arrest to suspension to possible expulsion - that has left the Asian student and his family wondering whether they are welcome in this small, rural and mostly white community north of Toronto, one that has been touched by anti-Asian attacks in the past.

The 15-year-old, the only person charged in connection with the April 21 school fight, faces one count of assault causing bodily harm.

But a remarkable thing happened this week.

On Monday, 400 of his fellow students, wearing black in solidarity and carrying signs of support, walked out of Keswick High School to rally in protest in front of their school.

Organizer Mathew Winch, a Grade 12 student, said the school has fewer than 10 Asian students, but everyone wanted to stand up against bullying and racism. The story even hit the front page of local newspapers.

After the public outcry, the York Regional Police hate crimes unit reopened the case. Although the other student has not been charged, further charges are possible, a spokesman said yesterday.

The case is particularly sensitive because of a series of attacks on Asian fishermen in the same area in 2007 - given the name "nipper tipping" by locals - which led to a high-profile investigation by the Ontario Human Rights Commission.

Five such cases in 2007, ranging from violent car chases to fishermen on piers being pushed into the water, led to criminal charges. As a result of the publicity, many other Asian anglers came forward to say they had been abused or harassed while fishing in the Lake Simcoe area.

The Asian boy's father is a martial-arts master who trained with the Korean national team. He brought his family to Canada in 2004.

They settled in Keswick in 2006, and his son, who is still learning English, has studied hard to become a top student.

He proudly showed off a report card with a 90-per-cent average. The boy has struggled a little socially, his parents said, which makes the outpouring of support from his classmates all the more remarkable.

"It's the first time in my life I ever fought someone. I've been trained not to attack. It's total self-defence," the boy said. "I felt sorry because I broke his nose, but I can say he deserved it because he called me the racial comment. He started the fight, he punched me first."

He said the boy called him a "fucking Chinese," a comment he instantly knew was far from a joke.

"It's upsetting," he said. "I don't know how better to tell it."

For the moment, both students are suspended from Keswick High School, but the Asian student's parents have been told he could be expelled and forced to find a new school.

They are shocked and saddened by the ordeal.

The day after the fight, an older cousin of their son's antagonist approached him in the school cafeteria and uttered a similar slur, compounding their sense of despair.

"He said, 'You punched my cousin you Chinese fuck,' " the 15-year-old said. That student was overheard by a teacher and suspended.

His father explains that the easiest course would be to move somewhere else and get a fresh start for his son. But he can't do it.

"I don't want to run away. If another Asian kid comes to this school, what happens to him? Will he run into problems? Will they think they can just kick him out? I don't want to set that example," he said.

"Personally, for my kid, I should move. But as a Canadian I cannot move."

> Fight only as a last resort, as self-defence. This is what every Martial Artist should believe in.

~武德为首, Martial Art Morality comes first

Grip of Death

2009-05-10T11:57:00.002+08:00

The first simultanous hit to the back and front is to the demonstrator's Kidney and Groin. The rest of it is a mystery to me. Feel free to leave a comment if you have a deeper understanding on this.

~武德为首, Martial Art Morality comes first

Theives stoled 12year old kid's Martial Art Kit

2009-05-10T00:37:00.002+08:00

From: Swindon Advertisor

THIEVES have stolen a 12-year-old boy’s martial arts kit which he saved up all his pocket money to buy.

The kit, worth around £400, was taken after the thieves broke into Bradley Simpkins’ mother’s car and, finding nothing of value, got into the boot and took the kit bag.

Now his mother Sarah, 33, is hoping that Bradley’s plight will shame the culprit into giving his prized possessions back.

Currently a blue belt, Bradley, of Kirkstall Close, Toothill, has been taking lessons at the Total Arts Academy in Toothill for the past year and a half, which covers a mixture of martial arts including kickboxing.

However, this belt along with most of his uniform, foam weapons and the protective gear he needs to attend classes has been taken.

“I’m a bit upset because I can’t do it and angry at the people that did it because obviously they wouldn’t like it if I came and did it to them,” said Bradley.

“They haven’t got anything better in their life to do than to nick people’s stuff.”

Police confirmed that the kit had been taken between 7.30pm on April 27 and 6.30am on April 28 while the vehicle was parked outside the family’s flat.

The Greendown School pupil had saved up his pocket money and birthday money to buy some of the equipment and clothing, but without the proper kit Bradley is unable to continue his lessons because single mother Miss Simpkins said she cannot afford to replace it.

“He’s bought most of it with pocket money and he’s quite gutted about it,” she said.

“It’s more sentimental for him.

“He said to me the only thing he enjoys at the moment has been taken away from him.”

Miss Simpkins hopes that she may be able to find some second hand replacements, but Bradley has already had to miss two lessons.

She appealed for anyone who has come across the distinctive kit to come forward.

The dark blue holdall-style bag with wheels contains the uniform made up of white trouser bottoms, which have badges sewn into the right leg, a white top with a red and black collar and sleeves and Total Martial Arts written on the back and a plain white t-shirt with Total Martial Arts and the logo on the back.

There are also red shin pads, gloves, pads and white body armour with a red and blue aiming circle in the middle, black foam weapons, one with a light brown wooden handle, the mid-blue belt and white Lonsdale trainers with red stripes.

“I’m hoping whoever took it may feel a bit guilty if they realise,” said Miss Simpkins. “They know it would be a kid’s because of the size.”

~武德为首, Martial Art Morality comes first

Pankration

2009-05-09T01:06:00.002+08:00

From: Niagara This Week

Could pankration become the newest Olympic contact sport? If you ask Stephano Horianopoulos, the head instructor at the Spartan Warrior Fight Club, he’ll tell you he and his students are going all out to try to make that happen.

Derek Maurice and Dylan Clark, two of Horianopoulos’ students, just returned from the North American Pankration Championship competition in Wisconsin where both teens walked away with gold and silver medals.

Pankration is a martial art that combines the techniques of both boxing and wrestling, as well as additional elements, such as the use of strikes with the lower extremities, to create a broad fighting sport very similar to today’s mixed martial arts competitions.

In a competition sanctioned by the Ontario Jiu Jitsu Association, Clark, 17, won a gold and a silver medal, while fellow student Maurice, 18, took home two silver medals, after both were victorious over their U.S. opponents. Horianopoulos said the time has come to have pankration become an Olympic event once again.

There is evidence that, although knockouts were common, most early pankration competitions were probably decided by striking and submission techniques resulting from a variety of takedowns, chokes and punishing joint locks.

Greek mythology has is that pankration was invented by Heracles and Theseus, as methods used by each hero in defeating their most noteworthy opponents -- the Nemean lion and the Minotaur, respectively -- are strikingly similar to the submission techniques of pankration. In ancient Greece, in addition to being an Olympic event, it was also part of the arsenal of Greek soldiers, including the ferocious Spartans and Alexander the Great’s Macedonian phalanx. Pankration continued in popularity throughout the Roman Empire before being abolished by Emperor Theodosius I in 393 A.D., perhaps after one of the leading pankration fighters of the time won a match despite having succumbed to his injuries just as the referee raised his hand to indicate he’d won.

Horianopoulos said ancient pankration was a truly violent practice, a sport in which the only rules were no gouging or biting.

”There were no time limits or weight classes. People were killed,” he said. “It was the most spectacular sport in the Olympics and they usually saved it till the end.”

Over the past four decades, pankration has made a comeback, due largely to the popularity of mixed martial arts competitions featuring legendary fighters such as Jim Arvanitis, who introduced pankration to mainstream martial arts in the early 1970s, exceptional fighters, including Bas Rutten and Ken and Frank Shamrock, and instructors like Aris Makris and Angelo Melaragni, who pass along the tradition.

Horianopoulos said several of his students will compete in the 2009 FILA Pankration World Championships being held February in Lithuania. Better still, his club has been chosen to represent Ontario on the Canadian National Team. In addition to Maurice and Clark, fellow club member, 34-year-old Kevin Clow will also compete. In preparation for the competition, the 20-member club – which is run as a not-for-profit -- is organizing a series of fundraisers to cover the costs of the trip.

Anyone wishing to support the club or take up pankration, can call 289-213-4050 or visit the Lakeside Karate Club at 14 Charlotte St. Horianopoulos said there’s a concerted effort underway among pankration enthusiasts worldwide to have the sport reinstated at the Olympics, hopefully by 2012, perhaps as an exhibition, then ideally as an official event in 2016.

“We’re ready. I think we really have a chance to put together a national team for the Olympics,” he said.

~武德为首, Martial Art Morality comes first

Martial Art Pic of the week

2009-05-08T11:28:00.000+08:00

From: Persion Mirror

Iranian Martial Art Kid doing a super high jumping round house kick

~武德为首, Martial Art Morality comes first