More Than Just A Fight - No Ropes And No Where To Hide
You know, I used to think I was pretty handy at looking after myself. I'm a brown belt in karate, and I take my black belt grading later this year. I know I'm not Superman, but I'd like to think I could handle myself if I got into a scrape. Then I went to a mixed martial arts contest and saw these guys do san shou kickboxing, and I felt like giving up there and then. These guys are phenomenal!
Using the Power and Weight of an Aggressor Against Them
Most people do not think about how easy it is to use someone's own weight and momentum against them when they try to attack you. By using certain jujitsu throws, I can show you how to take care of business. This is not rocket science but there are some important techniques that must be adhered to in order to get the most out of what I am telling you. The first fundamental to grasp is the idea of a proper stance.
The Reverend Kensho Furuya of the Aikido Dojo Los Angeles - 1948-2007
This afternoon I discovered that The Reverend Kensho Furuya, founder of Little Tokyo's Aikido Center Los Angeles, passed away earlier this month, to the sadness of many friends, students, and fellow martial artists. The memorial web page, posted by his dojo community, displays his picture and simply refers to him as "Our Chief Instructor." Some may think this characterization is unduly modest, given the Sensei's many accomplishments.
Martial Arts & Self-Defense Weapons - What IS a "Kubotan"?
If you do a search on the internet, there seems to be no end to what has been written about this simple, yet powerful weapon. There seems to be no small supply of writers who have used dramatic titles to add to the impact of an otherwise so-so article on the subject. "Fistful of Dynamite, " "Rod of Pain, " and many others lead the way as writers share their own knowledge and insight into this inconspicuous, and yet surprisingly powerful little weapon.
Learn How To Kick - Kicking Effectively In A Self-Defense Or Combat Situation Part 9 Of 10
This ten article series will deal with the various components that need to be addressed when considering the utilization of a particular kick in a combat or self-defense situation. These ten components can also be used by the tournament competitor although certain segments would have to be modified slightly for the tournament aspects of kicking, rather than the more intensive nature of using a kick or kicks in combat.
Learn How To Kick - Kicking Effectively In A Self-Defense Or Combat Situation Part 10 Of 10
This ten article series will deal with the various components that need to be addressed when considering the utilization of a particular kick in a combat or self-defense situation. These ten components can also be used by the tournament competitor although certain segments would have to be modified slightly for the tournament aspects of kicking, rather than the more intensive nature of using a kick or kicks in combat.
Walking the Path
"From one thing, know ten thousand things." - Musashi, "Go Rin no Sho" It is hard to describe the true experience of kata ("set forms" / "formal movements" in various Japanese arts) with words, in the way it is hard to describe a symphony with sheet music alone. Similarly, it is difficult to understand the true way of karate after having practiced kata only a few times. Life is in the living - swimming is in the water - karate is in the empty hand.
Keeping Your Balance
There are always some aspects of your training that will have a profound impact on all aspects of your progress and level of competence. Stretching and overall fitness are two elements that are frequently mentioned and deserve the attention they receive. Today I want to write about another core element in your overall development as a martial artist - balance. In Chinese martial arts and most other fighting skills, balance is very important.
Taekwondo - General Background
Taekwondo is derived from several martial arts with the main influence being tae-kyon - Korean kick fighting. "Tae" means to kick. "Kwon" means to strike using the hand, in most cases the fist. "Do" refers to the way of the art, like in the examples of Hapkido, Karate-do, Ninjado etc. Thus, the foundation of the artis the use of the hands and feet to overcome an attacker swiftly. History: Taekwondo was originally developed in Korea in the 1950s, when a group of leading martial arts exponents came together to unify their respective disciplines under a single fighting system.
Karate - General Background
Karate, or Karate-do, loosely translates empty hand ("kara" means empty and "te" means hand). This art is indeed predominantly concerned with fighting with bare hands and feet. The basic principle is to turn the body into an effective weapon to defend and attack when and where it is appropriate. History: Karate is one of the most widely practised of the oriental martial arts. It evolved during one of the Japanese occupations of the island of Okinawa, part of the Ryukyu chain of islands, in the 15th century.