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.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Martial Arts Uniforms: Karate To Kendo
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.
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.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Are You Willing To Bet Your Life On Your Beliefs
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.
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.
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