Martial Arts - Affence and Defence

Powerful and Effective Martial Combat In The Street Footwork

noreply@blogger.com (Harshil) — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:54:00 +0000

Footwork is the foundation of all human movement, indeed it is the foundation of all athletic, martial arts and martial combat endeavors. From all-time great quarterbacks, to hall of fame tennis players, Jack Dempsey and Bruce Lee
themselves; it was the foundation of their footwork that allowed them to amaze and dismay all their worthy opponents.

Bruce Lee said," Footwork can beat any attack, and a properly maintained distance will baffle any skilled opponent." While maintaining distance in real life dangerous situation is not always possible I still none the less, 100 % agree with the great ones statement.

In order to throw a smart, effective and powerful strike, be it punching, elbows, knees or kicks you need to possess smart, effective and powerful footwork. But you know what? this is the single most overlooked component of both combat sport and martial combat (self-defense)

Jim Driscoll in his book "The Straight Left and How To Cultivate It," observed this; all men who hit straight, and use the left hand as it should be used, are fully aware of the fact the feet are as important as the hands in the boxing game.

Jack Dempsey wrote in his book"Championship Fighting: Explosive Punching and Aggressive Defense" the following. He said boxing was "being taught wrong nearly everywhere." Than he went on to list the incorrect applications he was referring to and four of those reasons involved footwork, he pointed out that:

* Beginners are not grounded in the four principle methods of putting bodyweight in fast motion: (a) falling step, (b) leg spring, (c) shoulder whirl, (d) upward surge

* Explosive straight punching has become almost a lost art because instructors place so much emphasis on the shoulder whirl, that beginners are taught wrongfully to punch straight without stepping whenever possible.

* Failure to teach the falling step (trigger step) for straight punching has resulted in the left jab being used generally as a light, auxiliary weapon for making openings and "setting up" instead of as a stunning blow.

* Beginners are not warned that taking long steps with hooks may open up those hooks into swings.

Who are we to argue with the great Jack Dempsey. After all he had a lifetime percentage of 79% knockouts to decisions and was a champion who fought much heavier opponents than he. And he was Champ for seven years in a row.

Footwork is more than merely a means to get from point A to point B - yet even today many instructors still only gloss over their students footwork, preferring instead to concentrate their attentions on the upper torso; wrong, huge and deadly mistake. This is why their punches are lacking - in short they are powder-puff punchers not power punchers.

Even the slew of so called power punching coaches we find on You Tube today gloss over this, yet they too mention so hollowed and powerful techniques as the fall step, leg spring, shoulder whirl and upward surge.

But alas they teach it wrong thus coming close but missing the mark, and in combat or deadly situations a miss is as good as being DEAD!!!

Punching mechanics are determined by alignment, and our alignment begins at ground level. How we position our feet determines the alignment of our legs.

Our legs are attached to and determine the position of our trunk. And our arms are attached to our trunk. So if we begin incorrectly how in heavens name are we going to end up correctly?

Answers is we cannot.

Even for punches like the hook and upper cut, the arm should merely be along for the ride, not the over-ridding factor in the punch. It is the body (in motion - not stationary) that should do all the work. Because as we all know this is where all the true weight is. The principle of force is F = ma.

This means the more acceleration we create in the direction of the strike the more powerful the strike will be; and acceleration starts with the feet pushing of the ground and moving.

You want to stop being an arm puncher than start learning how to move your feet properly.

This same principle of force applies to our defensive posture as well, remember Newtons third law of motion:

" To every action there is an equal and opposite reaction." Meaning that you can not hit someone without being hit back with an equal and opposite force. This is what aggressive defense action is all about.

On top of Newtons third law or because of it, we need to remember that in order to remain in a balanced position of stability as well as mobility, we cannot rely on moving only from the waist up.

You must correctly position your center of gravity (CG), and in order to accomplish this while in motion, you need footwork.

A forceful punch means absolutely nothing if you are not in a position to use it. And of course, if your close enough to use it than your close enough to be hit.

If your familiar with the term "fighting measure" than you know it refers to the distance between your opponent and yourself that is too far to either be hit or hit. This is a crucial aspect of martial combat, and if you master the long straight lead than this principle can be used against your opponent.

But in order to master the long straight lead you need to master footwork.

And of course your lead foot is your distance regulator. Whether you step forward, push-off, or spring, surge, whirl and drop, it is your lead foot that enables you to reach your opponent - it is has nothing to do with your upper body or arm reach.

Remember if you over-reach you end up outside your center of gravity (CG) and therefore not balanced. Proper footwork will stop this from happening and in the rare occasion that it does happen you will be able to correct it as quickly as possible.

When we talk about footwork, at it's most basic level there are only four directions in which we move; forward, backwards, left and right. But the variations of those four directions are infinitely more complex and endless.

There is the Step and Slide - this is your garden variety method that most martial combat practitioners use, and even in this most are wrong in it's application. It is not supposed to be used to launch an attack (yet most do and even than they step,slide and stop before punching) - it is suppose to be a distance regulator.

There is the Push Step - Where the Step and Slide is a two step process the Push Step is a single step process and when done properly should drastically reduce the time between when your back foot pushes and your front foot lands. This is an explosive movement that is seldom seen and should be a requirement in every martial combat practitioners footwork arsenal and is a great defensive weapon.

There is the Push-Off - This is an offensive weapon and should be used with the leg spring to create a nice stiff jab versus a powder-puff "feeler" type jab.

There is the Pivot Step - which allows you to move at an angle and is great as a counter, allowing you to first move out of harms way than deliver a counter strike form a balanced and set position of power.

There are also half-beat steps that allow you instantaneous action such as :

Punching with your weight up front - when we step and slide there is a brief moment where our weight is shifted to our front foot and the other is in the air. This technique allows you to fire off a quick shot before your opponent has time to react because unlike the step and slide which is a two beat movement, this technique is done on a one beat; results - surprise and a stunned opponent.

There is the Pendulum Step will allow you to maintain leverage in a situation. There is the Stealing Step which creates a little more explosion and allows you to reach your opponent quickly. There are many other variation of the basic movements. All of which allow you to dictate range and rhythm and thus keep you in command of the situation.

So as you can see it is your footwork that will at the end of the day allow you to create explosive offensive and defensive strikes, keep you in a position of balance, and ultimately allow you to survive. So the next time you hear a martial arts or martial combat instructor say," just follow what I do with my upper body and don't worry about the feet they'll come along for the ride", do yourself a favor and grab your wallet and run away as fast as you can - because your in the wrong place.

In closing I'd like to leave you with a quote from the legendary basketball coach John Wooden.

" I believe in the basics. Attention to, and perfection of, tiny details that might commonly be overlooked. They may seem trivial, perhaps even laughable to those who don't understand, but they aren't. They are fundamental to your progress in basketball, business, and life. They are the difference between champions and near champions."

And I like to add this "Details are the difference between survival and death." If you pay attention to them while preparing and training they will be instinctive and automatic when the moment comes to spring, surge and drop into action.

So pay attention to your footwork...

The Key To Victory On The Street

noreply@blogger.com (Harshil) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 07:41:00 +0000

"Hit First - Hit Hard - Hit Often"

I have studied more than a few tremendous punchers in my career, and being a no hype kind of guy, I must admit that the vast majority of them have been old school boxers, and bare knuckle boxers.

This is because I am a firm believer in the 'straight punch,' and quite frankly I find that todays athletic version of the hero's of the past are quite lacking when it comes to the mechanics of a pure and truly powerful straight punch, or should I say straight lead.

In fact I believe in it's power, efficiency and effectiveness so much that I have over time made it the center piece of my B.K.E. fighting system.

You see I believe that martial arts are about fighting and protecting oneself from those who would inflict their physical or psychological wishes, or way of life on you.

This means that the art in 'martial arts' does not stand for movies or flash, cash and celebrity status.

The art in 'martial art' stands for fighting, for combat; at least where I and the B.K.E. fighting system are concerned.

And as far as I am concerned there is absolutely no technique that covers so many of the intangibles of fighting like the straight lead. It's applications are indeed almost limitless.

In battle there is no time for fancy or complicated movements. The technique we use must be efficient and effective.

There is no time for wasted motion and a correctly applied and properly thrown 'straight lead' is both efficient, as well as strategically sound.

First off the majority of street wise guys and thugs attack with wild swings, and slaps. Some even use semi-properly executed hooks. In short they are all bear/cats.

Primal little animals who are mostly incapable of executing well thought out attacks. They are untrained, they are bullies, and they are thugs.

Even if they are trained the vast majority of them will do nothing more than use the straight "jab" as a set-up for what they home to be a knock-out punch ( a hook).

"There it is" so how do you deal with this type of undisciplined and primal behavior?

You must let your opponent know from the out-set that your lead hand is a dangerous. Make sure they understand that it is a threat. Pop him a few times right off the bat, and make him respect it. Once you understand that he does not have an answer for it, that he has no other recourse but to stop the attack, rush you or continue doing as he is - you own him.

The rest is a piece of cake.

You can make him flinch, react to what ever you wish. You can guide him, sucker him or knock him out anytime you wish.

That is as long you are throwing the straight lead correctly and applying the proper principles of power production to the technique. This is an absolute must because a properly thrown straight lead is NOT A JAB.

A jab is of precious little use as an offensive weapon, and even more useless as a defensive one. A properly executed 'straight lead' on the other hand is a great defensive weapon, "stop hit," that also has uses as a simple direct as well as progressive direct attacks.

In the heat of battle, there is no time to think. The more steps needed for an attack, the more time is wasted in thought and the more danger you put yourself in. The flashier the technique, the more time and energy is used in wasted motion.

My studies, as well as my past years of experience has taught me one thing and to illustrate it I will quote another strong advocate of the straight lead, Bruce Lee. Bruce said," There is no effective trick to stop a properly timed simple attack, and always remember the best technique is offense or defense is the simple one properly performed.

So if your really interested in learning a power, effective and energy efficient method of protecting yourself and ending a fight early, learn the following movements:

* The Dempsey Drop or Fall Step

* The Shoulder Whirl

* The Upward Surge

* The Leg Spring

* The Push-Off

And learn correctly from a reliable source not from all the self-professed coaches on You Tube. You need to learn them from someone who has spent their entire life studying, and applying the principles of power that come with these movements.

Study Jim Driscoll, Edward Haslett, the fencing coach Aldo Nadi, Jack Dempsey and of course Bruce Lee himself, and while I do not put myself in such esteemed company as the greats above you can go to our website and study the B.K.E. Fighting system.

Until next time remember - " Hit First - Hit Hard - Hit Often"

Lessons For The Judo Beginner

noreply@blogger.com (Harshil) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 07:40:00 +0000

SHISEI, SHIZENTAIAHD JIGOTAI

Shisei, or posture, is a very important aspect of all judo training. The basic posture is called shizentai, or natural posture. The back is kept straight and the head up, with the eyes looking straight ahead. The feet should be shoulder-width apart with the weight spread evenly on the balls of the feet, not flat-footed, or up on the toes, but with just enough space under the heel to slide a piece of paper, allowing for rapid movement in any direction.

If tori steps forwards about 12in (30cm) on his right foot, he is said to be in right natural posture or migi-shizental; if he steps forwards on his left foot, he is in left natural posture or hidari-shizentai. This is the recommended posture for skill training, randoriand contest.
The other basic posture is called jigotaior defensive posture and involves bending the knees and sinking the hips to prevent yourself from being thrown by the opponent. Other more extreme defensive postures not actually taught as a part of Kodokan judo occur quite often in contest situations, with both players gripping the judo gi and bending 90 degrees from the waist, to keep their hips as far away from their opponent as possible.

UKEMI-WAZA

Ukemi-waza are the breakfalling techniques of judo and are another of Jigoro Kano's innovations for improving the safety of the activity. It is important for everyone to learn to fall correctly and safely, in the first place to avoid injury and in the second place to allow them to move confidently without stiffening up because of the fear of falling and being hurt.

Skill in falling automatically improves the individual's ability to relax and move fluidly and leads to improved throwing skills. The three main breakfalls are the forward rolling breakfall, the side breakfall and the back breakfall. Once these breakfalls are correctly learned on both right and left sides, uke can be thrown with most techniques without fear of injury. Other breakfalls include the front breakfall, the somersault breakfall, the handstand breakfall and the single arm cut-away. Practicing the whole range of breakfalls leads to increased spatial awareness and eventually all fear of being thrown disappears.

KUMIKATA

Kumikata, or gripping skills, are a vital part of judo and often mean the difference between the success or failure of a technique. The basic grip in judo and the one usually taught to beginners in the first months of training is the sleeve-lapel grip. A right-handed player usually takes a grip on his partner's left lapel with his right hand and grips the right sleeve with his left hand. This is the orthodox grip. The left-handed player takes uke's right lapel in his left hand and the left sleeve in his right hand. If one player grips left-handed and the other grips right-handed the situation is called kenka-yotsu, which means opposing grips. If both players are right-handed or both are left-handed they take the same grips on the judo uniform and the gripping situation is called ai-yotsu.

Normally in Japan players adjust their stances quite considerably and a player who grips left-handed will stand left side on,vice versa if they grip the judo gi right-handed. European players are often more inclined to remain in a square-on posture. It is difficult but not impossible to throw left and right and it is a good idea to practice switching sides as soon as possible. This does not necessarily mean changing grips.

If a right-handed player who specializes in harai-goshi from a basic sleeve-lapel grip can be taught to do left seoi-nage without changing the right-hand lapel grip he has aformidable combination at his disposal. Quite often the problem is that it takes such a long time to develop one good movement or major throw that by the time players realize the very real need for a 'big gun' on the other side it is too late. This, and other left-right switches such as sode-tsuri-komi-goshi on the other side (to the left in the case of a right-handed player) should be encouraged from the beginning in a player's development.

The grip of the judo gi is a players basic foundation, whether left or right, will determine which techniques he can use effectively. Experimentation with grips on the opponents uniform can prove very fruitful, and on occasion altering the grip can totally transform a technique.

Apart from the basic grip, others that have proved to be effective include the sleeve and high collar grip, which is often favored by taller players as it offers good head control for forward throws such as harai-goshi and uchimata. Gripping the belt is a favorite ploy of east European fighters, many of whom come from sombo wrestling, and allows great force to be generated for hip throws and sacrifice techniques. It also means the contest becomes more of a wrestling match because it allows much closer contact than the traditional Japanese grip and posture where the opponent is generally at arm's length.

Another grip common in European judo is the double-lapel grip, which allows fighters to switch from left to right but sacrifices control of the sleeves. The double-sleeve grip is also seen occasionally, as it allows players to attack with sode-tsuri-komi-goshi on both sides. It was a much more popular grip in the years when there were no weight categories and was often used by smaller men against larger opponents.

Street Fighting Tips, Moves And Techniques

noreply@blogger.com (Harshil) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 07:37:00 +0000

So what exactly are the best street fighting techniques to use in the case of a real attack.

You need street fighting moves that:

1.)Don't require hours of practice,
2.)Are easy to remember under pressure, and
3.)It certainly can't hurt if their effects on your attacker are painful and downright nasty. You need to be able to end the fight quick and easy.

My definition of a street fight is when there is a confrontation between 2 or more people, And No Rules Apply. When you're in a street fight, there's no referee there to call "low blows," there's no points, no rounds, and there's no calling a time out when you've had enough. It's just 2 people in a drag down, all out brawl, or 1 person who's having to deal with multiple attackers. Either way, no rules apply, and you have to do what it takes to survive!

The more you understand street fighting, the less you will fear it and the better prepared you will be. Here are some things to keep in mind in real street fighting:

(1) Street Fighting is fast and explosive;

(2) Street Fighting is unpredictable and spontaneous;

(3) Street Fighting is ugly and brutal;

(4) Street Fighting is extremely dangerous;

(5) Unarmed Street Fighting usually turns into a ground fight;

(6) Kicking is seldom used in Street Fighting;

(7) Street Fighting is almost always unfair.

(8) And finally... there are no rules when Street Fighting.

There are lots of street fighting tips that I could give you, and most would take pages and pages to fully explore. Here are just a few street fighting tips that can keep you alive in a street confrontation.

1. STRIKE FIRST BEFORE STREET FIGHTING.
One of the best street fighting techniques to remember is that whenever you are squared off with a dangerous attacker you must strike first, strike fast, and keep the pressure on. This street fighting move is critical to being able to stop your attacker dead in his tracks, and can often end the fight before it starts.

2. DON'T TELEGRAPH YOUR STREET FIGHTING MOVES.
Telegraphing means letting your assailant know what you're going to do during the street fight. There are many subtle forms of telegraphing that you may not even realize. Here are just a few: (1) Cocking your arm back before punching or striking; (2) Tensing your neck, shoulders or arms before striking; (3) Widening your eyes or raising your eyebrows; (4) Shifting your shoulders; (5) Taking a sudden and deep breath.

3. DON'T USE FLEXIBLE WEAPONS WHEN STREET FIGHTING.
One of the best street fighting tips to remember is to not use flexible weapons (chains, belts, etc.) in a street fight. I know the movies and television would have you believe differently but they are actually ineffective for some of the following reasons: (1) They can be difficult to control in a fight; (2) Once you swing a chain, for example, if you miss you can't retract it quick enough to make it worth your while; they have to follow through the complete range of motion to be re-executed; (4) They open you up to a variety of possible counters during a street fight; (6) They can get snagged or caught on your assailant’s body or limbs, and they can get it away from you and use it against you.

4. ATTACK THE THREE TARGET ZONES WHEN STREET FIGHTING.
There are three possible target zones. Zone One (head region). They include: eyes, temples, nose, chin, and back of neck. These areas affect his senses. Zone Two (neck, torso, groin) deals with targets related to the attacker's breathing. They include: throat, solar plexus, ribs, and groin. Zone Three (legs and feet) deals with targets that affect his mobility. They include: thighs, knees, shins, instep, and toes.

These are just a few street fighting tips to remember if you ever find yourself in this unfortunate situation. These tips, moves and techniques have barely scratched the surface though in really being able to become unstoppable in an actual street fight.

Stop using ineffective street fighting moves and street fighting techniques that are only going to get you killed. Visit Street Fighting Pressure Point Techniques to learn 3 of the easiest but nastiest street fighting techniques you can use in a fight right now!!! See ya on the other side!!!

What Is The Best Self Defense

noreply@blogger.com (Harshil) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 07:36:00 +0000

What's The Best Self Defense For "basic" Self Defense?
The rise of Mixed Martial Arts competitions and UFC competitions has led lots of people to asking, "What is the best self defence methods to use?" There are many self defense methods and techniques to choose from, and this leads to alot of people wondering are there self defence techniques that are better than others, and what is the best self defence for basic self defense?

Well, the best self defense techniques to use and even basic self defense techniques depend on the circumstance that you're in. Some techniques give you an advantage from a standing position, others give you the advantage in grappling, or ground fighting. Some give you an advantage in any situation. So the basic self defence techniques that are "best" depend on the fighting situation that you find yourself in.

Most people train in martial arts for self defense and protection purposes. There are many that are looking for the deadliest self defense techniques that will allow them to defend themselves against any attacker they come in contact with. I have trained in many different martial arts styles myself and if I had to pick one that I would consider to be the deadliest style of martial arts, one that offers the best self defence techniques and that offers basic self defense techniques that are extremely effective on the street, it would be-----(drumroll please)--- Pressure Point Fighting!!!!!

If you're looking for the "deadliest" self defense techniques that will be effective on the street, then you need techniques that will allow you to know exactly where to strike in different situations and with different sizes and strengths of opponents. Most street fights eventually end up in a grappling or ground fighting situation. It's not like in the movies where you can take out 5-10 guys as they attack you one at a time, and you just do some incredible moves and stay on your feet the whole time. Come on, that's just not reality.

Pressure Point fighting gives you the best self defence techniques as it is a system that teaches you exactly where to attack in different situations and with different attackers.

Instead of exchanging blocks and kicks and then blocks and punches with someone who is seriously trying to hurt you, you can learn how to literally leap into your attacker so fast he won't know what hit him. Then, you can attack any number of pressure points which will end the fight in seconds! Some of these pressure points just cause pain, some can actually cause internal pain and causes your opponent to throw up right then and there, and many can even cause death(not that I'm advocating that you use that as your first line of defense).

There are many basic self defense techniques to use in a street fighting situation or attack. The "best self defense" techniques to use depend on the SITUATION that you find yourself in.

If you are looking for the most street effective techniques that just might be considered the deadliest and best self defense that ends a fight in seconds, Pressure Point Fighting has my vote-----Hands Down.

Visit Martial Arts Pressure Points to see what I'm talking about. Learn techniques that can give you strength and flexibility as well as the self confidence to know that you can end a fight within seconds.

Visit Martial Arts Pressure Points to learn 3 of the easiest but nastiest pressure point fighting techniques you can use right now!

10 Important Concepts Of Tai Chi

noreply@blogger.com (Harshil) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 07:20:00 +0000

Practicing Tai Chi is not merely a swing of the arm and the movement of the feet. There is a reason behind every movement and style that is made. These concepts paved the way to building every form of Tai Chi. So you have to pay close attention on the things that are not brought up every once in a while because even though if things seem so basic, they are indeed important.

Here are 10 of the most important concepts of Tai Chi that you should never take for granted. Remember these and it will make you appreciate more the forms that are performed.

Concept #1

Tai Chi is done with emphasis on every movement and the fashion of every pattern must be in connected with one another. Meaning every motion made must always start from the spine, going down to the waist, then moving lower to the legs and the feet, then it is simultaneously going up to the body then the arms, hands and last, the fingers.

Concept #2

Maintain your shoulders dropped so that any tension will be eliminated. Shoulders that are always propped are said to have overflowing tension.

Concept #3

Your wrists must always be straight in order to form a lady’s hand if you are performing the Cheng form. All points apply to all forms of Tai Chi but the lady’s hand is basic and a very important trait of the Cheng form in order to cultivate the energy flowing in the body.

Concept #4

Moving slowly should always be done every step of the way. It can never be overemphasized because the slow smoothness of your motions will improve the connection of your body and your environment.

Concept #5

Never let anything disconnect you. You should always stay connected with every instruction. If you have been disconnected, continue to perform the movements and listen carefully to the instructions so that you can overcome any distraction.

Concept #6

Your knees must always be bent during the entire form. Your height must not bob down and up. There are some considerations but all the while, your height must always be maintained at a level that is constant.

Concept #7

The power of Tai Chi travels differently from the movement of Tai Chi. Power of Tai Chi will start from the feet going up to the legs, controlling the shoulders, and will be expressed by the fingers and hands.

Concept #8

Your head must be maintained as if it was suspended on air.

Concept #9

Your chest must be depressed and your back should be raised but this must be done without exerting any force.

Concept #10

Your breath must be focused on your dan-tien but force must not be exerted. As time in the program may pass, there will be accomplishments that will fulfill you like synchronizing your breathing with the movements that you make.

You should always consult your teacher when to exhale or inhale.

The Two Most Powerful Weapons Of Martial Arts

noreply@blogger.com (Harshil) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:13:00 +0000

Nunchakus, the katana sword, double sticks, and others are among some of the weapons to be mastered through different styles of traditional martial arts. All of them have their own merits, but I believe the two most powerful weapons which can multiply the power of your techniques are the subconscious mind and Chi energy. Below I will explain in detail why.

All skills we have learned in any style, after hard and serious training, become natural reflexes. The reason for this is that there is a section of our mind that is in charge of memorizing all of our experiences from the moment we are born until the last breath we take. This part of our mind is in charge of vital functions of the body, such as breathing, defecating, regulation of bodily fluids and circulation as well as, other complicated processes. This part of our mind is working 24/7 without rest. Behold the subconscious mind!

What is the subconscious mind and how can it help you become a powerful martial artist? Sub means under and conscious means your everyday mind or the mind of everyday life. So subconscious means the part of your mind that is below your conscious awareness. In order words, you are not aware of it. The most important part for a martial artist to know and master about the subconscious mind is its inability to recognize physical limitations. Whatever skills regardless of the situation, you will be able to accomplish it if you impress or command the subconscious mind with an exact image of what you are trying to accomplish.

Let me use myself as an example. I do lots of visualization with my techniques and when I do them physically I’ve noticed something very interesting. I feel like I’ve been performing them for a long time physically. They feel crisp, with more strength, faster and alive. All the things I’ve visualized give me a sense of connectedness to the techniques. In other words, my body, mind and emotions work together as one with the technique. This was an “aha” moment because I had heard the stories of
visualization, but had never experienced them myself.

Another function under the control of the subconscious is the reflexes. When you react or attack your opponent, before all this happens, there is a signal sent from the brain to the body via the nervous system. The nervous system activates the muscle and then the muscles move the body. This happens in an instant, but you can lessen the time it takes for your muscles to receive the signal by training your subconscious and the body at the same time. This is accomplished using visualization as the above example proves.

Aside from the subconscious mind, there is another aspect to the training of martial arts call Chi training. Chi is not easy to explain, but let me give it my best shot. Chi is life itself and all things are made of it. It is internal and external energy. Planets and constellations are made of Chi. In the human body, Chi is regulated by the conscious mind and the amount is limited. Breathing exercises are one of the tools used to increase the amount of Chi in your body. I know, if all things are made of Chi how come it is limited in the body, that’s your question. I don’t know the answer to that question yet, but I have a theory and I will explain it later on.

Among the benefits of increasing your level of Chi is a stronger immune system, an increase of overall strength, faster reflexes, faster blood circulation, a strong sense of being grounded and a feeling of being in the present moment or in the Zone. If you practice martial arts, extra strength and total awareness and being in harmony with your opponent is a great skill to have, don’t you think? Ask your teacher if he knows anything about Chi and ask him to teach you about it. If you are a practitioner keep reaping the rewards of your Chi.

Finally it may be possible that Chi is another expression of the subconscious mind. It is not a subjective experience, all you’ve got to do is practice and you will soon reap the benefits of Chi training, whether you practice the martial arts or not.

Martial Arts Uniforms: Karate To Kendo

noreply@blogger.com (Harshil) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:12:00 +0000

Leafing through a martial arts magazine one day, I came across the vilest clothing ensemble I have ever seen: a uniform created after the fashion of the United States flag. Stars, stripes, it was all there. I believe the worst part about the picture, and what causes it to remain in my mind, is the fact that the gentleman wearing the uniform was performing a high side kick. His position, most unfortunately, allowed me to see that while the pants of the uniform were mostly red and white, a field of blue with white stars had been used to create the crotch. I still have nightmares.

Fortunately for everyone involved in martial arts, this monstrosity is the exception rather than the rule. Martial arts uniforms are usually rather austere and simple ensembles that allow the wearer maximum movement and comfort. There is, of course, a wide variety of martial arts out there, and the name of the uniform varies not only by language, but my martial style. In karate, it is referred to as a "karategi;" in aikido, as an "aikidogi;" in tae kwon, as a "dobok," and so on.

Many of these uniforms are very similar in appearance, consisting of lose, usually cotton pants with an elastic or drawstring waist. The pants extend to the ankles and hang there, with no elastic.

The upper article of clothing comes to the bottom of the hips and wraps around the body like a robe; the sleeves usually come to the wrists. The wrapped garment is secured with ties at both sides and with a belt, also of cotton, the color of which signifies the rank of the wearer.

While most martial arts uniforms of this description are white, black is also relatively common. In some schools, once a student reaches the level of 1st dan black belt, he or she is permitted to wear a black uniform or one with black edging. In the United States, it is common for the name and logo of a specific martial arts school to be imprinted on the back of the uniform. This is especially true of those schools that compete in tournaments.

One notable exception to the uniforms described above is the clothing often used by practitioners of tai chi chuan and kung fu. These outfits can be made of cotton, but silk is often used as well. They can be of almost any color imaginable. The pants are not dissimilar from those described above. The top, however, is characterized by frog buttons that often extend from neck to hem. Additionally, the top usually has a traditional Chinese-style collar, similar to what one would see on a cheongsam.

Perhaps the most dramatic martial arts uniform is the one used in kendo. Kendo is the Japanese martial art of sword fighting. Its clothing includes long, full pants that almost appear to be a skirt, a top similar to the one worn in karate and bagu, specifically designed protective armor. A set of bagu consists of a facemask, shoulder protectors, a torso protector, gauntlets, leg protectors, a groin protector and sometimes shin protectors. A kendo fighter in full regalia is a very intimidating sight.

Are You Willing To Bet Your Life On Your Beliefs

noreply@blogger.com (Harshil) — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 08:17:00 +0000

If I have learned one thing for certain in my thirty years in the trenches, it is that there are quite a few incorrect beliefs and fallacy's taught and expounded as the truth where combat and self-defense are concerned.

One out of every three people, in every city, in every state, in every country of the entire world, will encounter a dangerous and deadly situation where their very life depends on their self-defense abilities; at least once in their life.

Are you willing to bet your life or the life of a family member on these incorrect belief's, myths and fallacy's.

I am not here to take away from the Martial Arts, but the truth is that many of them portray themselves as the one and only "true path" to self-defense.

This is simply not so.

While some of the techniques they teach are in fact excellent for self-defense, especially where throws and disarmament are concerned. Much of what they teach as self-defense will end up getting the practitioner seriously hurt or killed where 'street self-defense' is concerned.

As many of my clients have heard me say (time and time again) the street is real, it is combat. It is not a sport, nor is it a movie.

Yet many of the techniques taught in Dojo's all around the world have been perfected for use in the movies, for show or for sport.

Are you a kicker? - than listen up.

In a real street fight you should never, ever attempt a kick above thigh level. In point of fact all your kicks should be directed towards the feet or shins of your opponent.

Anything else and you'll probably end up on the ground with a serious leg injury and a head that is busted open and bleeding profusely.

Also, here is another word for the wise. If your one of the millions who prefer to to use a snapping roundhouse, that is delivered with the foot as the focal point; your best suited to shelf this technique and the belief that this is an effective weapon on the street or in combat.

This technique is for sport nothing more.

What about the spinning back kick, you love that right? Wrong again.

I have personally been involved in several scuffles with the martial artist that believed he was going to defeat me with one of these beauties.

So what happened? Simple enough, avoid, block and attack. Hey, if you attempt one of these fancy tricks on the street your willingly giving your opponent your back, and I don't care how quickly you think you can complete the the spin and the kick; it ain't quick enough.

You try it against me and you'll wake up on the ground and I'll be long gone.

What about all those novice fighters out there that are in search of the one true, works in every circumstance, magical technique?

Most rookie's believe that one shot will win the battle and that one shot is to the groin; the balls!

This is a good starting point, but the truth is a slap or punch to the groin is not an immediate reaction strike during the heat of battle. Meaning that because of adrenaline most opponents reactions to this strike will be delayed.

Another misconception is the vaunted one punch knock out.

While power development should be an integral part of everyones self-defense training, it should not be relied on as a magical cure for trouble.

I can and I have ended fights with one punch, and so can you (if you learn to apply the principles of power correctly). But the truth is that in your normal dangerous situation it may well be the second, third or even fourth punch or strike that ends the conflict.

Relying on one technique to survive a dealy situation is for rookies and idiot's, your not an idiot are you?

No - I didn't think so.

OK, your saying I get the point and I agree with you and your asking what than can I do to ensure my survival if I encounter a deadly situation.

First off, this is a fair question, one that every day people have been asking themselves since humanity has been around.

Secondly, let me make this perfectly clear. You do not need to become a master warrior in order to defend yourself.

Obviously you will need to train hard, and like your live depends on it ( it really does!) in order to understand the concepts and principles. But it does not take your entire life to become proficent, especially if you stick to simple, common sense principles and techniques, that are based on gross motor skill production.

Yes simple. On the street simplicity succeeds. It succeeds because you do not have enough time to warrant complex strategies and attacks.

A typical donnie brook on the street last 6 to 8 seconds. You square off, and one of you moves forward for the opening strike; at which point all hell breaks loose.

Six to eight seconds is not a long time my friend, especially because a multitude of strikes and counter strikes can happen during that time.

You need to train hard in order to build your physical resolve high enough to withstand this onslaught. You need to develop an attitude that dictate you will do whatever you need to do in order to survive the encounter, and you need to be a peace with this attitude.

And you need to understand the principles of power where combat and self-defense are concerned.