The Way to the True Path of the Martial Arts

By Al Case

I was in the army last century, stuck with drab duty and endless amounts of time in which to imagine. I was supposed to go to another country where I would be afforded the opportunity to kill people. This was not a task I was looking forward to.

One night I fell into a conversation with an egghead, and he asked me if I have ever read Lao Tse. I replied no and asked him what it was. He said it was...The Way.

Actually, I had come across the concept of The Way in the course of my martial arts study. I had read of the concept, talked it over with fellow students, and dealt with it in light manner. Oddly, though I had been involved in the martial arts for a couple of years, I had no idea that there was a book written expressly about The Way.

I found a copy of the book and began to peruse it. I poured over the passages, translated the ancient Chinese concepts into modern English as best I was able. I was to find that the mere reading of the book, which is actually a short, little tome, was a journey in itself.

There is no high without low, there is no front without back, translated into the most marvelous dichotomy. Oddly, I found that these concepts, high and low, front and back, were usable in freestyle. Indeed, as the years passed I was to find that the mere conjecturing of these concepts in thought, even in the middle of chaotic freestyle, brought order and advantage of a sizable nature.

My favorite passage, Do nothing until nothing is left undone, positively enlightened me. I would trade the passage of years for the chance to implement this strategy. Eventually, the forms done ten thousand times, I would start to understand, and my art would actually engage in the effortless principles that make up the True Art.

Not every time would I be able to make the concepts of The Way function, but the contest was in The Way, and this contest brought me out of the box, undid the normal way of thinking, and enabled me to actually be a seeker in action, and the whims of my youthful desire began to manifest. Age became a relaxation, and emotions became a joy, and still The Way guides me. My form manipulates to the tune of this ancient rhyme, and another world calls to me.

A perfect world, where the realization that The Way is merely the unceasing time before me has opened up before me. A world where those obsessed with such things as political intrigue and the power of the dollar fall sick by the wayside and envy me my youth and good health. A world where human beings exist, outside the range of transgressions and judgment, this is The Way that has opened up and accepted me. - 30300

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Fundamentals of a Successful Martial Arts Stretching Routine

By Donald Borah

With every one of the myriad martial arts styles out there, there's a martial arts stretching program that's unique to that particular discipline. People who practice martial arts that emphasize high kicking, such as savate, Northern shaolin, or taekwondo, you might want to exercise your hamstrings and hips with your flexibility stretches; grappling arts will need greater core strength and arm flexibility from the results of its martial arts stretching routine. If you're just starting out in martial arts, you'll need a more well rounded martial arts stretching regimen to increase your flexibility in general.

A good martial arts stretching program should include several parts to maximum efforts, as well as maintain safety. Here are tips to help keep your program of flexibility stretches both effective and completely safe.

1. Stretching in the Morning.

Martial arts stretching each morning is a great way to keep improving. These flexibility stretches should be done on an empty stomach and last no more than 30 minutes. Be sure to include a warm up, a few dynamic type stretches and a cool down. Static, isometric or PNF stretches should be set aside for your primary stretching workout because they are too taxing to your muscles and are harder to recover from. Once you get used to starting your day with stretching, you will be very pleased with the results.

2. Warm Up Exercises

There are specific warm up procedures to martial arts stretching, as you have a proper beginning and specific warm up regimen. As you begin your warm up period, start calisthenics, so that your muscles get adequate blood flow and your body temperature rises. In the specific warm up, do dynamic flexibility stretches that start getting your body accustomed to the specific martial art you focus on. In order to properly exercise, especially during the morning, you have to warm up properly, because your body is usually tighter in the morning and requires more stretching. As you finish the specific warm up, start your real stretching routine, as it more specifically focuses on what areas need to be more flexible to properly perform the martial art.

3. Cool Down Period

It is imperative to take the time for a cool-down process as part of your morning martial arts stretching program. The cool down is similar to the warm-up in that it allows additional blood flow to the muscles which speeds recovery of the muscles.

Safety and Injury Prevention.

Martial arts stretching is meant to keep your body limber and safe as you improve your skills in your specific martial art. If you don't stretch properly, you could damage your skeletal system, muscles, or connective tissues, permanently delaying your progress. If you want to make your flexibility stretches safer, be sure to:

* Be sure to check with your doctor before you start this or any other fitness program. Getting clearance from your doctor will help you make greater and faster progress.

* Don't ever do flexibility stretches that cause you any pain. If you feel a sharp pain as you exercise, stop immediately; the most you should be feeling is a warm or small burning feeling in your muscle. Even the smallest amount of pain can be evidence of micro reading of your muscles, making them scar and permanently making you that much less flexible, thereby hindering your progress. If you have any sort of pain as you start stretching, talk to your physician.

* Bouncing, rhythmic and bobbing motions should be avoided when performing your martial arts stretching. These methods are called ballistic stretching, they carry a high risk of injury and that risk is not worthy an potential benefits from using them.

I invite you to use this martial arts stretching information to increase the benefit of your stretching routine by rapidly increasing your functional flexibility. - 30300

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How Kung Fu was Destroyed by the PRC

By Al Case

How would you like to learn Jujitsu from Queen Elizabeth? Or maybe a good solid class in Shorin ryu Karate from William J. Clinton? No...well, how about, I've got it...Hung Gar Shaolin Kung Fu as taught by Nancy Pelosi!

You may think I am having a little fun with you, but there is a dark underbelly to all this. When the government decides to take over a business, you see, it tends to destroy, corrupt and confound that business. And I am talking any government, and any business.

Kung Fu, to name one example, been around for thousands of years, has been spreading long life, health, good physical conditioning, and some of the best darned self-defense imaginable. Then along came Chairman Mao, and Kung Fu was put to the torch. The method utilized for the destruction of the one of the greatest arts the world has ever known was called The Cultural Revolution.

During the Cultural Revolution Mao decided to cure society of elements that he deemed dangerous to that society. Thus, the population was carted off and murdered, 70,000,000 strong. If you were bright of mind, had any talent, or stood out in any manner, you were murdered.

If you were a school teacher, wore a wig, or had written a book, you were murdered. If you spoke out against Mao or played the violin, you were murdered. If you knew Kung Fu, you were definitely out of there.

Once the Revolution was over, the country began to rebuild, in the image of Chairman Mao. Funny thing, as China tried to catch up with a world that was still possessed of talent and intelligence, it discovered that there was money to be made in this thing called Kung Fu. Unfortunately, they had murdered Kung Fu.

So, what does a government do when it has killed off an entire art form, and then found that it needs that art form? Simple, you gather together a bunch of coaches and have them make up some Kung Fu. So they brought together some coaches, the ones who hadn't known enough Kung Fu to be carted off and killed during the revolution, read any manuals that survived the book burnings, and made up some Kung Fu!

And they made double sure that the Kung Fu didn't have anything that could actually be used in it. You don't want people able to actually have a Kung Fu that works. Heck, if they had that they might actually want to have a (choke) Great Revolution! - 30300

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NY Bar Brawl

By L.J. James

It was a quite day in a small Bar in upstate New York . The girl working behind the bar was young, she had just turned twenty one and had only been bar tending a few weeks, this was her first time working alone. Everything was going fine with only two of the regulars in the back shooting pool it was nothing she could not handle she thought to herself.

Then the front door opened and in walked ten of the biggest men she had ever seen. They talked loudly and as they walked over to the far side of the bar, She got a look at the back of their jackets. She could easily see that the markings on them where all the same. The men ordered pitchers of beer and their talking only got louder as they drank more and talked about things she did not understand. Then the men went quite as the front door opened and in walked seven more large men, at first she thought these seven men where with the first Ten as they looked and dressed similar but as she looked at the markings on the backs of these new comers Jackets she could tell while they where similar the markings where different, By the way the two groups where looking at each other she guessed the difference must mean a lot to them.

The Seven men sat up toward the front of the bar and also ordered pitchers of beer. The young girl did her best to make sure both groups where kept happy, but it was just a matter of time and Beer! When one of the men from the first group called out to her, "Hey Honey don't worry about those guys, there losers! Come over here and hang with some real men." That was all it took, the fuse was lit. "Who you calling losers pal we are good enough to beat you any day of the week!" Yelled back a guy from the second group. "You may think your as good as us but you never will be!" Yelled back a man from the first group.

Then in what was a blur to our young barmaid a fight broke out between the two groups it was loud and she could hear glass and wood breaking all around her as the men cursed and screamed at each other. This young Girl was scared and she feared for her life.

Her fear abated a little when in the distance she heard sirens. The police are coming, she thought to herself as she hid behind the bar. The police arrived in force and they stormed in arresting the men and taking them away. When things got quite and all the men where taken away the young girl looked around the small bar. So much damage she thought to herself, She looked at one of the officers and asked how did you know to come here. We got a call that these two groups where both heading to this bar and we just knew, it happens all the time with these type of guys!!!

Epilogue: The next morning when the young barmaid awoke she walked down stairs to the kitchen where her father was reading the morning paper. Does it say anything about the fight in the bar yesterday she asked her father? Yes he said as he pointed to a small article in the back of the paper "Yankees and Mets fans Brawl it out in small town bar" the story went on to explain how all the men where given tickets for disorderly conduct and released. That's it she screamed at her father these men trash the bar, scare the hell out of me, They should all be in jail and all they get is Tickets!!! Calm down sweetheart her father said as he hugged her, The way your acting one would think it had been a bunch of rowdy Bikers in the bar yesterday! Those Guys would have been locked away, But it was only Sports fans!

Story By Your Bro L.J. James AmericanBikerX.com - 30300

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How Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Gained Its Fame

By Curtis Adams

Brazilian jiu jitsu schools can trace their roots to the early 1920s when the Gracie family began to learn jiu jitsu from a master visiting from Japan. Gracie Jiu-jitsu developed from the teaching Helio Gracie and his brothers received into a discipline that would allow a smaller fighter to best a bigger and stronger one. Helio continued to adapt the martial art techniques so that they became even more efficient and soon he was earning the respect of those around him.

As he grew more adept, Helio introduced the world to the first phase of Gracie Jiu-jitsu in a series of high profile events. In spite of not necessarily claiming victory in these bouts, Helio gained acclamation for lasting significantly longer than anyone thought he would have the ability to against more powerful and more skilled foes. In 1951 he fought Masahiko Kimura, then seen as the best jiu jitsu fighter in the world. Kimura claimed that if the competition lasted more than three minutes, then Helio should be proclaimed the victor; Helio lasted for thirteen. In 1955, the longest fight in the world occurred when Helio fought off a combatant twenty years his junior and forty pounds heavier for three hours and forty minutes.

When Rorion Gracie, Helio's son, departed Brazil to bring Gracie Jiu-jitsu to the United States, he planned to continue his father's legacy. The Gracies intended to found jiu-jitsu institutes to share the martial art methods that they had adapted after years of concentrated study with the rest of the world, and the United States was the perfect place to do so. While Rorion initially faced many problems in founding his Brazilian Jiu jitsu academy, he gained increasingly larger numbers of students mainly by issuing the Gracie challenge. This was a call to any fighter of any field to meet him in hand-to-hand combat so as to see whose field was more powerful.

World-wide recognition would come in the 90s. Gracie Jiu-jitsu was represented by Royce Gracie at a soon to be famous mixed martial arts tournament called the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Defeating opponents much larger and stronger than he was, Gracie made it to the top spot by forcing the other fighters to tap out after he used various submission techniques to subdue them. If this was not enough, he did it two more times, winning not only the championships but the hearts of those involved in the martial arts world.

As a result of these steps over the years, of hard work and a willingness to commit entirely to the martial art, Gracie Jiu-jitsu has earned the spot as the most famous and one of the most respected disciplines in the world. Who knew that when Mitsuyo Maeda came to Brazil to share his master's teachings in 1914 that he would be setting off a chain of events that would lead to jiu jitsu gracing the top of the martial arts world less than one hundred years later? - 30300

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The Ultimate Fighter & It's Popularity

By Connor Smith

The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) is a reality based TV program on Spike TV based on mixed martial artists (MMA) fighters trying to win the competition and winning a six figured contract with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

The show consists of a bunch of fighters, usually 16 plus fighters living under the roof with no contact with the outside for a few months. All they do is train and fight for the contract.

As you can imagine, having all those fighters living under one rough with nothing to occupy their time with, things tend to get a little crazy in the house which makes for good viewing,. One thing this show has also been able to do is show that the fighters are not barbaric morons. These fighters tend to be well educated people whose choose this profession for the completion and the big money.

The fighters who win a contract at the end of the season receive a large sum of cash for winning plus a contract of approx guaranteed 4 fights afterward, which gives them the potential to make a lot of money. If they win these fights they tend to continue fighting for the UFC making a very good living.

The tenth season of the Ultimate Fighter (TUF) has just finished and the popularity of the show just keeps increasing in popularity. The UFC Ultimate Fighter looks as though it has no bounds, being that the latest season of the show has blown all previous ratings records clean out of the water.

As if the debut episode of the latest season of the show breaking all previous records and pulling in 4.1million viewers wasn't enough, yesterday's episode averaged 5.3 million viewers, peaking at a staggering 6.1million during the actual fight between Kimbo Slice and Roy Nelson.

When UFC president Dana White said that the fight between Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson and Roy "Big Country" Nelson was the biggest fight in TUF history, he wasn't kidding. Only time will tell whether the show can go continue to grow and better itself once more.

The Ultimate Fighter show has been a backbone of the UFC's huge success over the last few years. The UFC in general is just getting bigger by the day with the organization just booked there first show in Australia in 2011. - 30300

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Tai Chi Chuan Instructor has Never had a Lesson in Tai Chi!

By Al Case

This is going to be the weirdest tai chi lesson you have ever had. I've never had a lesson in tai chi, you see, but my tai chi chuan is the best. I don't mean to be self serving, but let us see what you think after you have read how I came up with my tai chi.

I began my study of tai chi with a book, Lee Ying Arng Modified Tai Chi for Health. I spent hours a night memorizing the form, trying to figure out the applications, trying to figure out what it all meant. And, it didn't mean much.

So I found books by Chen Man Ching, and I went over the tai chi of Chen and Yang and Wu and Sun, but they all spoke this gobbledegook that didn't make sense. Then, a stroke smarts and frustration, I began doing my Karate, I had near ten years experience in Kang Duk Won karate, and this tai chi thing started to resolve. I was using good, old karate power to feed the form, and it worked, and then I was able to translate karate power into Tai Chi power.

More important, I was throwing out all the mysticism and bushwah philosophy I read in the books and using something called physics. The martial arts, you see, as transmitted with eastern methodology, are taught through the memorization of random strings of data. In physics you look for a reason, and you find a logic, and you look for a concept.

Now, ancient stories claim tai chi was created in a dream by san feng after he watched a bird and a snake fight. Or, it was started by a general in a village, who was retired from war and wanted to make up games for the children. Neither of these concepts have much verifiable validity, but we can't just discount them out of hand.

Maybe the general in Chen village was old, couldn't do the martial arts the way they should be done, careful not to hurt himself, and actually came up with something. And the vision of the snake and the crane, though I espouse physics I would not disclaim the value of visions, which are the dreams and inspiration of the human race. Still, whether rehabilitation of the aged and injured, or big dreams, tai chi does not make sense without the application of physics.

So I want you to get a book on physics. Make it a simple book, with big, simple illustrations. It would really help if you found a simple one describing a motor.

Now, read that book, and start asking yourself what terms are the same as in tai chi. Rooting is grounding, where is the generator, and so on. Do that, and when the face and guts of your tai chi chuan start to alter, do not come whining to me. - 30300

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Simple & Effective Personal Security Training

By Kodie Eason

There is no better way to protect yourself than by educating yourself in self-defense. It doesn't have to involve learning advanced techniques or require months out of your life either. But a little personal security training will go a long way in helping to ensure your own safety.

The chances of being robbed, mugged or kidnapped are slim, of course, but the risks are still out there and it is worth being prepared. Many people can sense what sorts of places and situations to avoid yet may still find themselves in just such a predicament unavoidably. You want to be prepared for potentially threatening situations.

Potential attackers choose their targets carefully. This does not necessarily mean that you have been targeted for days but rather implies that a potential attacker will assess and determine if you will be their next victim or not quickly. Something as simple as the manner in which you walk to your car can determine whether or not you will be chosen for the assault.

Taking a course on personal security training is a fantastic idea! These classes will teach you to make smart decisions should you find yourself in a less than desirable situation. In addition to learning tactics that can help you avoid confrontation, you will also learn how to get out of it once you are involved and you will learn the important role that confidence plays in keeping you safe.

As a general rule, the people who instruct these classes have a background in law enforcement or may have had some personal experience with assault in the past. Either way, they are usually quite passionate about sharing their knowledge and teaching people how to protect themselves. Classes may meet once or twice a week for a few weeks and you will have the opportunity to put your newfound knowledge to the test with hands-on practice and enough review that you can call on your training should you ever need it.

A little personal security training can help you lead a safer, more confident life. By educating yourself, you can take some of the fear out of your everyday activities and be secure in the knowledge that you know how to protect yourself. This alone will make you a much more difficult target for an attacker.

Don't let yourself be a victim! Invest in a personal alarm or some pepper spray and, most importantly, enroll in a personal security training course because you never know when a threatening situation may arise. - 30300

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The Secret of Knocking People Out in the Martial Arts!

By Al Case

Mixed Martial Arts gladiators circling the octagon, searching for the chance, and, BAM, somebody is punched out. The roaring crowd, the price of the ticket, the cost of good brewski, it is all worth it if you can see a good knock out. What most people don't realize is that a good knock out, given a little thought and hard work, is actually easy.

Four decades ago, in Kang Duk Won Korean Karate my instructor told me that A tight fist is a heavy fist. Man, that was just what the doctor ordered! Just curl the fingers into iron bands, tie them together with a thick thumb, and, zingo bingo, you have yourself a board breaking fist.

The trick, of course, is to be totally relaxed before, and to be totally empty after. This is the idea of focus, and if you understand it you can knock an opponent all the way out. Hard to do it the way they put fists in gloves before a fight, but there it is.

Think about it like this, a radar station is searching for incoming targets, it is looking, and what would happen if the radar screen suddenly filled up with static? The radar operator wouldn't be able to see, he wouldn't be able to find the incoming targets for the static. So when you make yourself empty, and make your fist empty, you are trying to get rid of the static, make it so you can see what is going on around you.

Then, your perceptions picking up the path of an incoming fist, the emotion, the very intention of the attacker, your fist will move faster because it is empty, and it will hit harder when it becomes tight. Muscular tension will not bind your motion and slow down your fist, and it will fly fast, your radar will better help it find the target. The moment of truth and your fist gets tight, and that increases the weight and mass of the fist, making it hard enough to knock somebody unconscious.

So there are two things a fighter, whether in the UFC or on the street, must do if he is going to get knock out power. The first, of course, is to be empty, loosey goosey, not tied in place by his own muscular tension. This frees the inner radar to pick up the attack, and enables the MMA fighter to move faster because he is not thinking of his body as weighty and heavy.

The second thing is to tighten the fist upon impact, and loosen it immediately afterwards. This is real microsecond stuff here, but it is guaranteed to work. The energy focuses, the power comes to bear, and that which was empty and quick suddenly becomes full and heavy.

If you are an MMA fighter in the UFC or strikeforce, or even a spectator, think about the physics I have described here, and figure out how to use them in your strikes. Empty/full is actually a classical concept from traditional Karate, and it is used extensively in the ancient Shaolin types of kung fu like Hung Gar or Choy Lee Fut. Emptiness and focus, these are the keys that will lay anybody out for the ten count! - 30300

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Simple Personal Security Training Techniques

By Kodie Eason

If you are looking for ways to protect yourself from someone who may want to harm you, there is no better defense than education. Learning basic personal security techniques does not have to involve weeks of rigorous training and involve demanding skills and techniques but it can go a long way in arming you with basic self-defense skills.

The chances of you ever being attacked, robbed or kidnapped are not great but they do, in fact, exist and it is worth being prepared. Most people can sense the types of places and situations to avoid but sometimes these sorts of places and situations are truly unavoidable. You want to be prepared for times like these.

Potential attackers take time to choose their targets. Often within seconds they will determine if you will be their next victim or not. Something as simple as the way in which you walk to your car can help deter or invite a potential attacker.

Personal security training courses are offered in many communities around the country and it is a great idea to sign up for a class! These classes will teach you how to handle potentially threatening situations. They will teach you the importance of confidence in deterring criminals and you will learn techniques to help you avoid confrontation and/or get out of it quickly.

Quite often, personal security training instructors have law enforcement backgrounds or have had some prior experience with assault. They are usually quite passionate about sharing their knowledge with others. Classes may meet once or twice a week for several weeks and you will practice tactics and be taught valuable skills that you will be able to call upon, if needed.

Some personal security training can help you lead a safer, more confident and secure life. The knowledge that you gain will give you greater confidence in your everyday activities and help alleviate fear of unknown situations. You will thus become a much more difficult target for criminals.

Don't allow yourself to be victimized! Invest in an alarm or pepper spray and sign up for a personal security training class today - because you never know what's in store for you in the future. - 30300

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MMA Training

By Jesse Scott

When studying about what you need to become involved with MMA, you need to grasp exactly what it is. MMA is an acronym for Mixed martial-arts. You'll find that there are numerous resources on the web that can provide you with information about this kind of fighting. In this type of fighting, the fighters are able to use many different types of fighting moves. It is a combination of several different fighting styles including karate skills, boxing, and wrestling. A long time back, this fighting did not have many rules that the fighters had to obey.

It was basically just fighting in any form until a winner was determined. However, in order to make the sport accepted by many more folk, rules came into play as well as better MMA training. This training is used to make sure wrestlers are in the proper physical condition. It also helps to increase the safety of the competitors. You'll find that because of this coaching, this sport h increased in appreciation. You can view many matches on TV as well as many pay-per-view events that are on wire and satellite television.

The MMA training has increased noticeably for many competitors but there are many different ways you will find to coach. You may use the web as a great resource in order to find out all of the methods that are being used. There are rivals that base their coaching on their nutrition and physical well-being while others base theirs on the strength that they have. All the coaching that you'll find has different moves that have to be mastered in order to be a top competitor. There are submission holds and many various moves a competitor has to learn.

A few of these moves a competitor will learn in their MMA training include the arm bar and the bicep slicer. Circuit coaching is an an incredibly well-liked sort of coaching that is being used today. This kind of coaching permits the rival to work on their cardiovascular and their strength all at the same time. You can also use this kind of coaching to lose some weight as it will help you to drop a major quantity of calories. This coaching involves completing a number of exercises within one training session without any breaks between exercises. This is what creates the circuit.

You may find on the web, that there are numerous websites you can visit for MMA training courses. Which one you choose to do for your training will all depend on the type of rival you would like to be. Most of these training programs will come with a fee so you want to make sure that you select the best one for you and your training wants. You must definitely review all the prevailing matches that are posted on the web to see precisely how the fighting is done. You can also use these videos to get tips and tricks to win over your contestant and come out being the victorious one. - 30300

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Kicking, the Secret of the Lost Art!

By Al Case

I don't care if I make enemies, I'm going to say it, the kicking I see on the UFC and MMA type of thing is not really kicking. Truth, it is leg swinging, without focus, and it doesn't work. This article is going to tell you why it doesn't work, and what to do about it.

I had a friend, name of Ted, some forty years ago when I was doing Chinese Kenpo. He dressed like a hippie and had long hair, and he happened to have the most amazing kicks. One day he was driving through the rush hour traffic when a fellow cut in front of him, so Ted hit the horn.

The fellow stopped his car and walked back towards Ted, who got out of his car and backed away. The fellow was a monster, easily three hundred pounds, and he dwarfed Ted, and he said some unpleasant things. Ted held up his hands palm out, and said he didn't want to fight.

The fellow swung a punch, and Ted rocked back and planted a beautiful roudhouse kick in the center of the monsters chest. The fellow sat down on the pavement, groaned, then stood up and rushed Ted again. Ted tried to back away, he held up his palms again, and told the fellow he didn't want to fight.

The brute threw a haymaker, and that was when Ted called on the true art of kicking. Ted sunk his weight, put his weight into the kick, and smacked the fellow on the chin. Bang and fellow laid down for a ten count snooze, and Ted went to his car and drove away.

So, sinking your weight and throwing the hips are important, even crucial, and some fellows do it and some fellows don't, but the ball of the foot, that was the key. Look, when the UFC gladiator bashes, he swings his leg like he is swinging a baseball bat, and there is not enough weight behind it. When you swing the foot and use the ball of the foot, the energy goes back along the leg and into the hips, and even into the ground and there is body and weight behind the kick.

Yes, kicking with the instep is okay, but kicking with the instep spreads the striking area over the ankle. The ball of the foot kick concentrates the mass into a smaller area, puts more weight into a smaller contact surface. If you want to put a nice, precise hole in a piece of wood, are you going to bash it and let the weight spread out, or use a balpeen hammer and focus the weight into a smaller area?

Kicking is an art, as is punching, and the UFC and MMA type of fighters are really doing boxing, not pure martial arts. To understand pure martial arts, one has to study pure physics, and then the answers will come, and then the art will be seen again. Art, not sport, and not in the ring, but in ones life, that is the answer and the solution and the way. - 30300

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Safety and You

By Jeff Kamar

Times have gotten insanely unsafe. With the exclusion of the more tame toys of mischief and the inclusion of killing tools. Gang activity is now plaguing our society, completely shunning law and any form of control. Those in desperate situations are taking extreme measures to survive, often ending in fatal mistakes, and civilians have become so lax in their participation that self-defense is nearly a dying species. Both those fortunate in quality of life, and those not quite so blessed, we have all become targets of heinous acts. And truthfully, while bonded to law, we have few options of self-preservation.

Regrettably, one would undoubtedly look foolish, if not suspicious trouncing about town decked out in a full suit of kevlar. Honestly, it is doubtful that it would even be allowed. But there is another solution. There are those out there, companies, that devote their time and resources to the creation of tools of defense, and not of destruction. Tools of protection that provide the everyman with the power to defend against those that seek to tear our society apart. One product of note, is the creation of normal garments, but with a single adaptation. They are bulletproof.

One can now avoid suspicion from peers and local delinquents, all the while completely insulated against an attack! Armored clothing has seen completely new levels of progression, now capable of stopping even high powered rifle ammunition and AP rounds! Not to mention, some of this stuff just looks awesome! What's better than sporting your new favorite jacket, walking about all cool, and then stopping a bullet to the chest? Like what you already have, and don't want to reorganize your wardrobe? They also offer fine vests to fit under your button downs, looking like just another clothing accessory, but still offering top notch defense!

Garments are custom-fitted, assuring comfort and style and avoiding the "bulky" look that most armored gear boasts. And the armored plates are removable, and replaceable if you decide you need to upgrade the plates to a higher armor level. Armor levels vary from knife-proof, to AP ammo proof! That's some serious defense!

You could assume that this type of technology would be extremely expensive, however, this uses pre-existing technology that and is rather affordable even to the average citizen.Take the first step in becoming a safer and more confident individual by taking the time to look into this quickly growing phenomenon! - 30300

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Gichin Funakoshi and the True History of Okinawan Karate!

By Al Case

It is commonly held that Gichin Funakoshi is the father of modern Karate. Well, he could be considered such, except that something odd happened a century ago, that puts forth a slightly different idea. We've got to give him credit for sharing karate, but was his karate the true art?

I know what I write here is not going to be what a lot of people want to hear, there will be a few people who are going to want to take me to task. However, the story that I am about to relay really happened, it is the truth. That said, please know that I do respect Gichin Funakoshi, he is pivotal to Karate.

In turn of the century, last century, Japan, people, same as people all over, loved the human cockfight. It wasn't uncommon for people to gather to watch gladiatorial contests between different arts and artists. Certain of these gladiators even offered open challenges to the audience, step up if you think you can beat me.

One night a Russian strongman issued a challenge to the Japanese audience. One can imagine the sneering challenge, and the surprise when a frumpy, old Okinawan stepped up to the ring and prepared to fight. The year was'21, and the turning point for karate was about to occur.

Motobu Chōki was 52 years old when he climbed through the ropes that night. He had studied with virtually every Karate master on the island of Okinawa, and he had, when he was young and impetuous, perfected his art in the violent red light districts of his island home. This history, and a daily regimen of makiwara pounding, served him in good stead.

One punch later, a punch almost too fast to be seen, Motobu climbed out of the ring, the Russian strongman lay sprawled and snoozing the fist snooze. Reporters went wild, wrote their stories, and submitted them to the editors. Editors went wild, and, since they didn't have any photos of Motobu, but they did have a picture of a guy doing karate, they popped in the wrong picture.

Gichin Funakoshi, a nondescript teacher from Okinawa, was held up as the guy who did the violent knock out performed by Motobu Choki. And Motobu, though he did teach karate and was responsible for spreading the art, because the media did such a bang up job of investigating, received virtually no credit. And Funakoshi is became famous and shared Karate with the world, yet, it wouldn't have happened if Motobu hadn't had the one punch one kill ability.

Now, who has the real karate, a school teacher who shmoozed with the Japanese because of the wrong picture and good communication skills, or a rough cob who got the job done. No, Funakoshi's karate is not bad, and generations of karateka have worked to improve it. However, there is still that one blot, a hundred years ago, provided by a man with a slobber knocker punch, which offers the concept of who had the True Art. - 30300

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Do You Live In Stourbridge And Are Looking To Start Karate?

By Paul Campbell

If you are a resident of Stourbridge UK and a Karate enthusiast wanting to attend a Karate club yourself or planning to send your kid to one, Karate club Stourbridge can be a great option. The Karate club at Stourbridge that you choose to join will have a major role to pay in honing up your Karate skills. Choosing a good Karate club at Stourbridge can not just give you a great start but will save you lot of hassle in the later stages. Here are some pointers to help you to do your due diligence before joining any of the karate club at Stourbridge:

Lookup online or in your telephone directory to find out the nearest Stourbridge Karate club to your location. You can lookup the website of the Karate club if they have one. The website of the Karate club can give you the phone number and most of the other information needed by you to contact the Karate club at Stourbridge. Check the listing of the Karate Club at Stourbridge with the local chamber or commerce or Better business bureau.

Call up or visit the Stourbridge Karate club to check about the Types of Karate styles they teach How many times a week classes are held and cost per lesson? Prefer paying per lesson fee or month by month over a lump sum fee in the beginning. Affiliations. Prefer a Stourbridge Karate club which has affiliations with bigger bodies such as World Karate Association. This gives the strong credentials to the quality of Karate practice. If a Stourbridge Karate club is not affiliated to any established organization then the method of teaching and advancement procedures could be inconsistent.

Introspect to know your martial art goals. What is it that you want to learn? Do you want to learn Karate as a hobby or as a competitive sport? Are you taking Karate merely for exercise or you want to advance to a black belt level? Asking these questions to yourself will help you find the karate club at Stourbridge that is best for you.

Before enrolling in any Karate club Stourbridge avail any free lessons offer they have. If they do not have any free lesson offers then ask them if you can observe the training session before you finally make up your mind.

If a Karate club Stourbridge allows you to talk to students to gather their thoughts and experiences. Talk to the students to check with them if the your martial art goals will be supported by the style taught at that particular Karate club at Stourbridge? Talk to the instructors at the Karate club Stourbridge that you are considering. Instructors play a very major role in the Karate training. Evaluate their behavior, friendliness and attitude. Find out about the main emphasis and focus of the Karate club Stourbridge that you are considering. The Karate club at Stourbridge might not be for you if you are merely interested in simple exercises and the main emphasis of the karate club is on tournaments and competitive Karate. A little time spent in this evaluation and weighing your options can go a long way in choosing the right Karate club Stourbridge that can help you or your kid achieve Karate learning goals. - 30300

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The Firsthand Information of Tai Chi Techniques and Training

By Walter McKibbin

The prevalence of the oldest schools of learning on dynamic principles of today is believed to be the aftermath of the ongoing and ever-rising practice in Tai Chi. The term Tai Chi originates from the Tai Ji symbol which is commonly known in the Western World as the Yin and Yang.

The core training of Tai Chi features two forms: the solo form and the Push Hands. In solo form, slow motions are given emphasis while maintaining a straight and firm spine and constant fine abdominal breathing. Push hands, on the other hand, involve training with a more practical and convenient ways of motion.

By incorporating solo form in Tai Chi training, the students go through a natural and complete range of motion over gravity's center. With constant practice, the solo form of Tai Chi benefits the student with good and proper posture, improved flexibility, and better their body's blood circulation. Moreover, it gives students' focus and prepares them for an even more rigid form along the course of Tai Chi training.

Major styles of traditional Tai Chi have forms that somewhat differ from the others, cosmetically. Some differ in the wave of the hands, in the position of the legs, the reaction of the body and the pace of the movement. But these are all irrelevant because what is important to Tai Chi training is that it benefits not only the body but the mind as well. Although, there are many similarities coming from the point of their common origin that are obvious enough to recognize.

Solo form, weapons and empty-hands are the basic steps to start off with learning Tai Chi. Many other martial arts application do this in their trainings. This is especially intended to prepare the students for self-defense.

Tai Chi's Philosophy in training tells that if one becomes as hard as his opponent during a fight whether attending or resisting it, the clash will inevitably create physical injuries to both sides. A fight like this is greatly compared to fighting brutes, according to the Tai Chi theory - an attitude despised by Tai Chi discipline.

Unlike in other martial arts where force is encourage to be applied to some extent, in Tai Chi, students are taught to face battle with delicate movements and gentleness, following every attacking motion and in the end, tiring their opponent. This is even done while remaining at a close contact. This is the principle wherein the yin and yang is applied - the main goal of training Tai Chi.

Aside from discipline, Tai Chi schools also put their concentration on how the energy of a striking person will bring damage to his opponent. Say for example, you can use your palm to hit your opponent looking the same and performing the same but with a different impact on the target.

With your palm you can push a person forward or backward, do it in such a way that the opponents are lifted vertically from the ground, this way their center of gravity will be shaken and eventually fall.

After which, this technique can cease the striking force within the body of the person and resulting to a traumatic internal damage. - 30300

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Most of What You Learn From Karate Schools Will Get You Killed In A Real Fight

By Vincent Grammar

91% Of What You've Learned From Your Local community Dojos, Or Strip Mall Dojos, Will Get You Killed In A Real Street Brawl.

Hi, my name is Vincent Grammar, an ex- weakling softy and wimp. I looked big and strong, but I lacked the confidence and tough guy mindset. What I've mentioned up there is the absolute truth. All the fighting skills you have acquired from these so call martial arts dojos are merely gym class from high school. You receive the needed exercise for increasing your fitness and their goal is to take your monthly class payments. Most of them never teach you how to defend yourself in a REAL fight with full speed and power. State regulations prohibit instructors to cause harm to a student. So how are you ever going to learn to fight for REAL? Now I'm not suggesting every one of these martial arts schools are bad. Many places are true hardcore fighting schools, however I have no way of telling you which ones are the real deal since I'm not from your area.

A lot of the things you've learned from your schools speak about peace above all else and avoiding all fights and conflicts because these promotes violence. Instructors give you about the "Violence is not the answer... " speech before even maybe train you about self-defense. That's what I was taught before I learn the truth in fighting.

I recall from my first bloody violent brawl at the bar years ago... it got me a trip right to the hospital. I didn't even last more than 30 seconds during the brawl. My friends saw me getting smashed to the ground by a much smaller Asian dude. That was definitely the most embarrassing moment of my life. Thinking about peacefulness was the last thing in my head, while laying in my hospital bed. I had to work harder to become a better fighter to better protect myself and my friends against violent encounters.

I will warn you though, If you don't want to witness any bloody actions. Please don't go to any social places that serve alcohol. You will certainly encounter messy violent activities and if you are unprepared, you may be a victim of violence.

With the correct kind of fighter's mindset, you exert ultimate confidence during any events and have no fear of defending an attacker ever again. Destroy your opponent in the streets or in the ring, no matter if they are bigger, stronger, or faster than you. - 30300

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Kung Fu Master...and the Secret of Light Kung Fu!

By Al Case

One of the neatest things in cinema was when David Carradine in the old Kung Fu TV series walked on the rice paper. Rice paper is extremely thin, and the moisture on the sole of the foot, along with the weight of the body, was enough to tear the stuff. The legend, of course, was there is this thing called Light Kung Fu, where one could actually make the body lighter, maybe even levitate it.

Now, myself and all the guys in the neighborhood would watch David Carradine, Kwai Chang Caine as he was known on TV, and wish we had a kung fu master to teach us how to walk on rice paper. Why, there was no end to the things we could do if we only knew Light Kung Fu! The neighborhood bullies would be nothing if we had that awesome power!

So, a little thought about what Kawi Chang Caine was doing on the TV show, a little yankee ingenuity, and we came up with a plan. Rolll a roll of toilet paper out on a linoleum surface. Now, with an eyedropper, put a small drop of water exactly in the middle of each square of toilet tissue. Now, meditate and summon the chi, it was time to walk the walk.

We thought that rice paper would be like wet toilet paper, you see. So we tried out our kung fu steps, and...the thin stuff was ripped apart. Hmmmmm.

Try it again, placing the foot and not turning it at all. Squoosh, squoosh! Darn stuff just tore apart.

So we tried arranging a long row of chairs along the sides of the unrolled toilet tissue, and we tried supporting ourselves with a little arm strength as we walked our kung fu walk. Squish, rip, and oh my good lard! This rice paper stuff was tougher, uh, softer, than we thought.

Now, in the end, we never did manage to walk the light kung fu walk, and not tear the filmy tissue into shreds. And, to be truthful, I don't think it is possible to do, toilet paper is supposed to dissolve in water, and rice paper, well, who knows what the heck rice paper is for, or even looks like. But something amazing happened because of our interest in being able to do what the old masters did, even if they were only actors on the tube.

We worked out long hours. In between trying out our light kung fu, we practicing kicking and blocking, we did our forms again and again. In essence, though we never walked the light kung fu walk, we became masters through another route, through dedication and long hard work and by pursuing dreams! - 30300

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WWE Executive To Invest Into The UFC

By Connor Smith

Current WWE executive, and Vice President Shane McMahon, who will leave the company at the beginning of January, is looking into the possibility of buying a financial interest within the UFC, and has cashed out $50 of his $80 million dollars in WWE stock to do so.

UFC President Dana White has always said that he would be willing to let someone take a 'piece of the pie' in his billion dollar empire, and while it may seem unorthodox, Shane McMahon would be the perfect partner. It is reported that Shane and the UFC President have already had meetings, and Shane was also present in the crowd at UFC 91.

It is well documented that UFC are now overtaking the WWE in PPV sales, but whereas WWE has had a 10 year head start on the UFC, Shane believes it will never reach the heights that it did in the early'90's, and the UFC's merchandise sales are still suffering. This is where McMahon comes in.

He is well known for securing large international business deals, something the UFC has been trying to do for two years, and during the UFC Fight Club last week in Vegas, Dana White declined to discuss anything that was said in the meeting with McMahon, just citing him as "a good friend" and "you never know."

I know what you are thinking "this sounds a bit weird with the WWE Shane McMahon buying into the UFC" but all in all this could be an excellent peace of business for the UFC. Shane McMachon has a wealth of business knowledge that can only enhance the UFC image worldwide. The only downside is when people think of Shane McMahon they think of the WWE which can't be good for the UFC. As we all know WWE is completely unreal a bit like a pantomime with good and bad guys. The UFC however is the complete opposite! Will this have a negative effect on the UFC? I personally don't think so! However if that thought comes to me then I'm sure it will come to other people.

Either way, without Shane McMahon the UFC will continue to grow its numbers worldwide! - 30300

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Karate Masters, Some of the Things They Did, and How You Can Become One!

By Al Case

Whap, bam and pow! We watch TV and the movies, and we see kung fu flips in the Matrix and sword standing and eye gouging in Kill Bill and we know we have seen the real masters! Wake up, dude, that's a movie, and what the real masters do is a lot different than what you see on TV!

Gichin Funakoshi is considered to be one of the more important karate masters. He taught karate to Japan, and then to the whole world. If that isn't considered feat enough to be considered a master, why don't you go stand on a rooftop during a hurricane and hold a 3 by 6 sheet of plywood?

That's right, to make his stance strong and perfect in every way, he battled the elements, and word has it he never sailed off to Oz. And, if you want one of the older masters, try Sokon Matsumuri, who made a bull run away just by giving the bull a serious stare. The trick was that he went out to the bull every night and stuck a pin in the middle of that old bulls nose!

Of course you may think intelligence is cheating when it comes to becoming a karate master, and that to figure out how to beat a bull without bashing him is much of a big thing. So try something a little more simple, try pinching the beams of a ceiling with your gnarly, little fingers, not hooking the fingers over the beams, but just pinching them, and hand walking across the rafters. This is something that the karate masters in ancient Okinawa were doing just for grins and laughs!

One of the toughest of the old karate masters was Mas Oyama. Mas was famous for chopping the horns off of charging bulls, and he ended up killing three of the poor beasts. Now, cruelty to animals is not what we are about, and this was a while ago, but think about the muscle, the intelligence, the brute strength, and the sheer artism required to kill a bull with your bare hands. It's not something I would try if I were you.

Okay, you've read my take on the old legends, so let me give you a simple trick to do, and you can start becoming a karate master of legend all on your own. Learn one of the forms taught in Karate, maybe Bassai, or maybe you might want to start off with a simpler form like Heian One. Now, turn the garden hose on that bare patch of ground behind your house for an hour.

Now, the ground is soft and gooey, yucky and messy. So it is time to do that karate form, heh heh. Whap, bam and kazowie!

Your feet go over your butt and your face plants in the mud. Up on your feet you lazy good for nothing! Did you think the Karate masters of the legends would whine just because they got a little mud on their face? - 30300

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The Martial Art of Aikido

By Rhys Jones

The sphere of Martial Arts is one of the most important contributions of Asia to the world. Who will forget Bruce Lee and the fact that he was first and foremost a martial arts competitor before becoming a movie star? Martial arts pictures are a huge hit with the ever-increasing popularity of Asian cinema like 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon' and more recently 'The House of the Flying Daggers'.

The Chinese are the first nation that come to mind when it you think of these things, but the Japanese are equally as sporty with a rich heritage of body contact sports in their past. Modern Japan still gives honor to the martial arts by holding tournaments and promoting their sports abroad,

One of these is Aikido. It is interesting to note the fact that the word comes from three Japanese characters from which one derives the meaning of the one word. Ai means 'joining', Ki means 'spirit' and Do means 'way'. From this we can understand why Aikido lies beyond only the physical skills of it students, particularly since its first advocate, Ueshiba, focused on the spiritual and philosophical improvement of his students.

In Aikido, one is not taught violence as a substitute, one is trained to be in concord with the opponent so that you are able to defeat him more easily. This might seem strange but it actually works. In approaching an opponent, the aim of the Aikido practitioner is to be one with the adversary so as to be able to tackle him where he is weakest and in so doing, deflect or immobilize him, but never to kill him.

This is where Aikido becomes an art form. Art is something beautiful to look at and something positive and Aikido is all that. At least one of the people involved in the combat is searching for harmony and concord can only be achieved if there is elegance in the actions. The moves may be calculated, but there is an air of elegance in performing these movements. Not a feminine grace, but a grace that emanates peace. The 'art of peace' is what they call it in Aikido and it is one of the most affirmative influences of Aikido on its students and to everyone else who chooses to learn about this Japanese martial art.

Some of the techniques in Aikido include the following.

Ikkyo is the first technique. Using this technique, you direct an adversary by using one hand to hold his elbow and one to hold near the wrist. This action is supposed to allow you to pin your opponent down to the ground.

Nikyo, the second technique, is when you perform a wrist lock that allows you to turn the arm of your opponent which will in turn cause nerve pressure.

Sankyo, the third technique, is a technique that directs upward-spiraling tension throughout the arm, elbow and shoulder. There are many other techniques but the first three are enough to give you a basic insight.

When you are studying Aikido, it is important to keep in mind that, along with building physical strength, you will need to improve your mind to be able to overpower your adversary. Just like in any art form, it takes a lot of training and discipline to perfect the art of Aikido. The chief thing to remember is, that anyone who wants to get into the art, must have the determination to give honour to the art by performing it in the best way they can. - 30300

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Learning To Improve Your Street Fighting Techniques And Abilities

By Vincent Grammar

What would happen if you are caught in a street fight and there is no one around to assist you? It is crucial to understand the fact that you must be able to support yourself and not depend on external factors to help you. You should take up street fighting tactics. When you learn street fighting skills you will come to know that they are the most effective forms of self defense and do not require any lethal weapons. They can be learned by nearly any person of any size or sex. The street fighting strategies are the most extreme and reasonable ways to protect your self from rough attacks and opponent.

You don't need to go to martial arts school in order to learn street fighting strategies. There are also lots of information available on the Internet to learn. Some tips will mention things like you must have control of your surroundings and to be focused all the time and not let your mind wander. This will make your enemy know that you can see their purpose and that you are prepared. You should always keep away from deserted areas and take routes to escape where they have more number of people.

When you study street fighting techniques you will come to know that the element of fear will hinder your thought and you will become illogical. So when you are in a fight it is important that you gain self control and do not become scare which sounds easier than it can be achieved. Panic and fear are a peoples' worst oppositions. They hinder the vision and ability to think rationally. The main idea is that you must have a rational direction before it occurs so you know what to prepare for.

In the martial arts school, they tell you about the importance of kicks. Kicks are an important technique in any form of martial art. Many of the kicking moves may not be as effective when it comes to street fighting though. If you try to kick the assaulter in the middle of their body or the head, then most probably the enemy will catch hold of your leg and counter attack you. Therefore when you learn street fighting techniques, you should know to try and kick the enemy on their knee. A kick directly on the front side of the knee will make your opposition squirm in pain. Yu will be damaging his or her knee by either splitting the cartilage or the knee cap. Another smart move is to kick the person in the inner side of the knee with full force. This will be enough for the attacker to cripple on the ground and you can then freely run away from the ugly scene.

Domestic fighting occurs anywhere in the streets and it doesn't matter where you live. Anyone can be the next victim of the criminals. Our children can get attacked anytime whether we are with them or not. Acts of violence can occur for motives to get money, due to jealously, or by any unfair means. Therefore it is important we have to learn street fighting techniques in order to have a better future. - 30300

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Which Art is Better, Karate or Aikido?

By Al Case

I know, the question does have a slant to it, as one should be comparing arts such as Karate and Aikido more by complimenting them than opposing them. Still, having said that, let us discuss how the fist should fit into the glove. No guns or knives, just an honest viewpoint for your education and enlightenment.

Karate is supposed to be straight line, and Aikido is supposed to be the circle. Yet, if on looks at Karate, let alone the martial arts, one will see that perfection of geometric figure is loose, at best. If Karate could actually adhere to the perfect line, if one examines how the bones, joints, muscles and so on function, the body would probably explode, or, at least collapse upon itself.

On the other hand, if Aikido tried to use only the perfect circle, except in the most theoretical of strategies, the art would not work. And, not to offend anyone, Aikido is not the best choice for down and dirty combat. While Aikido is an elevated art, and can evolve the practitioner spiritually, one should use a martial art like Karate to enter the fight, then turn to aikido to control the fight.

The way to look at it is like this, distance collapses in a fight. The circle being made by stepping and circling the arm, and the lever of the extend arm is too long and unwieldy. However, Karate creates a perfect method to work your way to the inside of the fight, where you will find a shorter lever.

Instead of stepping in and tying a three foot arm circle to a wrist twist, try a hard middle block, slide in and turn the waist. As you turn the waist, bring the arms up to a short position and catch the elbow, shove your shoulder in and go with the flow. Go ahead, try this technical adaptation with a friend, even gaze at a little youtube to get the idea of the arts involved, and you are going to find an instant blend of karate, even the hardest of karate, like Kyukoshinkai, with even the purest of Aikido, even the soft taught by Morihei Uyeshiba.

Now, the above technique being examined, the glaring weakness of Karate is that it is limited, in most modern classes, to the fact of destruction. It has been altered to win the tournament, beat the other guy for a trophy, and gloves are used for more violence, and fighting is done for fighting sake. But, I have been guilty of shouting this from the mountain tops, while there is an art to destruction, the true art is in control.

Thus, a study of Aikido, tempered by the things I have written here, will enable you to confront the fiercest violence, and alter that violence into the simplest of workable techniques. You kick, you punch, then you simply embrace your opponent and go with the flow.

A last word on this subject, don't mistake the throws of Aikido for those throws espoused by such arts as judo or jujitsu. While techniques of the jujitsu methods are quick and workable, we want to move from hard to soft in a conceptual sense, and a certain amount of hard is still needed to make most ju techniques work. That all said, I wish you the best with this new art you are creating, whether you call it...karido...aikate...your choice. - 30300

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Who was better, Bruce or Mohammad Ali?

By Al Case

Man, there's gonna be a knock down! I can feel it in my bones! The question is, will Bruce knock down Mohammad, or will Mohammad knock down Bruce?

Okay, first factor to be considered, let's talk about the physical measurements of the combatants. Mohammad Ali was six foot three, and Bruce Lee was only five foot seven. The point goes to Mohammad on this one, though it is a weak point when one considers Bruces legs.

Let's take a look at the weigh in. Bruce Lees weight went up and down, but at his ripping best he tilted the scales at about 160 pounds, Mohammad had his ups and downs in weight, also, but he mashed the scales to the tune of 200 pounds. Mohammad gets the nod in this statistic, for 200 pounds of finely tuned fighter is going to have a sizable mallet behind it.

Speed is often decisive in a fight, and here the edge goes to Mr. Lee. Yes, Mohammad did deliver an invisible punch in one fight. Bruces speed, however, is always a constant blur.

All around martial ability must be considered, and here, again, Bruce gets the edge. Yes, Mohammad was fluid, powerful, and unique, but he only used his arms. Honestly, though we are limited to one point here, I would like to give more to Bruce, for you would have to tie one of Bruces legs behind his back to get an even fight in this category.

One of the deadliest weapons in any fight is always going to be the mouth. Simply, if you talk the talk with brilliant, rapier like wit, you might not have to walk the walk at all. That said, in spite of script writers feeding Bruce, no one in the world could compete with the Louiseville Lip, why, you would have to tie one of Mohammads lips behind his back, and then they wouldn't even be in the same arena!

Mohammad has the edge thus far, but the contest is about to even up, for we are going to consider the most important question in the martial arts, pure martial knowledge. Mohammad knew a lot, but his was a natural talent, and, as we have discussed, he was limited to fists. Bruce, on the other hand, not only knew an amazing amount of hits, kicks, trips, throws, and so on, he used to watch movies of Mohammad just to study his techniques!

In conclusion, I am not going to call a knock out, because these men were just too fast to be so caught. I am, however, going to give a decision to Bruce, this because he not only watched movies of Mohammad Ali, he watched them in a mirror so he could do the Mohammad on both sides! Now that is unbelievably creative and innovative, and it is for this reason I give the decision to Bruce Lee! - 30300

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Benefits of Tai Chi to People's Health

By Walter McKibbin

Tai Chi is believed to have beneficial effects on health. It can increase energy flow which results to an increase in strength and harmony in your body system. In fact, practitioners of Tai Chi have testified about how the meditative and calming aspect of Tai Chi have helped them eliminate stress brought about by their daily workloads.

When use as an exercise regimen, Tai Chi can increase the strength of muscles and enhance the flexibility and balance of a person. Conforming to the concept of Yin and Yang, Tai Chi as an exercise will enable you to bring out the forces in you in a harmonious and balance form.

Aside from relaxing the mind and enriching the soul, Tai Chi can also prevent complications of certain illnesses. Over all, it is a very good way of maintaining good health and wellness inside and out. However, it doesn't mean that Tai Chi is a disease-curing technique nor it can be a replacement to your medicines. Tai Chi is somewhat a form of therapy to consider - a therapy that gives you the following benefits:

Balance

One of the major causes of disability and death among the elderly is loss of coordination or in more ways than one, falling. By practicing Tai Chi, balance in older people can improve thus reducing the risk of falling.

Lessens Pain

Tai Chi can soothe an arthritic pain with its unique range of motion and not even a twinge of pain can be felt with this technique. This, also improve the flexibility of the bones and strengthens the surrounding muscles. It is not to be addressed that Tai Chi can cure the disease itself. What it basically do is it only lessens possible complications.

Circulation

Diseases resulting from poor blood circulation can be remedied by involving oneself to Tai Chi sessions. The movements in Tai Chi practices can be a good cardio work out. The range in motion is intended to be invigorating enough to make you perspire and make your heart beat fast. These are indications that your heart is pumping enough blood throughout your body thereby, improving your body's circulatory system.

Prevention from Multiple Sclerosis

Through Tai Chi, one can reduce the risk of having a multiple sclerosis. Indeed, can improve ones mental and physical well-being.

Eliminates Stress

Who would want stress? Although, stress is inevitable it surely can be prevented. Tai Chi and its meditation function can reduce the production of toxins and hormones that contribute stress which is directly reflected into your body.

For your Tai Chi experience to become more reproductive and effective, choose a practitioner that is a master of the different aspects and knows what is best for your present day situation.

Anyone can do Tai Chi: young or old unless completely disabled. Those who are already old, especially those with existing health problems, must consult their physicians first before engaging in Tai Chi.

Always remember to inform your instructor of any health problems that you have so that he or she can make certain measures to provide you with the ability to do such movements. Tai Chi must not make you feel any pain. If you do feel any pain, tell your instructor right away. - 30300

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