St. Louis Kickboxing: The Best Martial Arts To Get You Into The Best Fitness

By Edgar D. Madison

If you are looking for high impact, fun, and a challenging St. Louis kickboxing experience, you need to try out Absolute Martial Arts. The style of martial arts you will be taught is Muay Thai. Muay Thai is growing faster than any other martial art currently is.

Muay Thai will enable you to have the greatest St. Louis kickboxing experience you can get. Fitness and self defense are the dual goals of Absolute Martial Arts. You can get in great shape and have fun while doing it! If you can combine westernized boxing with high impact kicking, which is Muay Thai, you will find a St. Louis kickboxing experience second to none.

All that said, you should make it a goal to find the top Muay Thai St. Louis kickboxing experience possible. But how do you know what a good program looks like? You cannot say enough of the importance of the instructor when it comes to St. Louis kickboxing. Safe and correct instruction is the result of having an instructor that teaches you the correct way.

Toddy at Absolute Martial Arts is looked up to around the world and in the St. Louis kickboxing community. He is a grandmaster of Muay Thai, which is very renowned and makes for good instructing. Other St. Louis kickboxing regimens will not be able to offer you such great teaching.

Being registered with the Muay Thai international Association is also a key qualification you need to look for a good program. You should to do this because it is important to know proper techniques and the absolute uses of the latest progressive methods.

But at Absolute Martial Arts, you will get the state of the art treatment you cannot find in any other St. Louis kick boxing business. You will also find trainers who work right next to you and give you the attention you need. With a fraction of the cost, you will feel like you have your own personal trainer.

You do not have to be in great shape - it's our job to get you there. Challenging the mind, getting in shape, and having a good time is what we're about, unlike other St. Louis kickboxing programs. Do not fret about hurrying your training - we'll go as fast or slow as you want while we challenge you where you are.

All in all, you will see that many physical and psychological benefits and gain self-confidence by engaging Muay Thai. We believe you'll find that out of all the St. Louis kickboxing communities, we will be the best there is. - 30300

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Martial Arts Power Revealed!

By Al Case

Everybody wants to have the power of Iron Man! They want to be strong, able to jump into combat and toss around an attacker like a rag doll. The problem is that nobody seems to know what true power is.

Everybody confuses this concept of power with strength, or big muscles, or other things. But power has nothing to do with muscles or strength. The truth of the matter is that Power has to do with stabilizing your body as a motor.

A motor is tension between two poles. Whether it is a pull or a push, the tension between two terminals results in a motor. Push on another body and you have a motor, love somebody and you have a motor, work with or against somebody and you have a motor, and so on from the smallest to the largest objects in this universe.

In the world of physics as it has come to be known on this planet, a motor, unless held in place, will move as result of the forces it is creating and using. A car motor has motor mounts, brackets, which hold the machine in place, lest it flip over and fall out of the engine compartment. A helicopter has a tail rotor to hold it in place and stop it from spinning around in reaction to the main prop.

In the world of the martial arts one must hold oneself in place to withstand an attack, or to launch an attack. That is the purposes of stances, incidentally, not to make big muscular legs, but to hold the body in place, or to launch it. Once one learns how to use stances in this manner one is able to create and use energy quickly and easily.

Now boxing, or the mixed martial arts type of punching people, does not use stances, and they waste energy, and do not build it. Thus, they must rely on the strength of individual motors such as biceps and quads and so on, which provide tension across the bones and enable the skeletal structure to move. At this point, unless there happens to be a unique collision, the only power provided is due to the weight of the arm, but when you hold the whole body in place you use the weight of the whole body, and this is efficiency.

The point here is that you must use a stance if you wish to enable the body to create true power, and this means you must sink your weight with the execution of technique. Whether you punch, or block, or do any basic motion, you must learn how to sink the weight when doing so. This will lock the motor of the body down, and actually cause the energy generator of the body to function far more efficiently, and to create usable energy in vast amounts.

I know everybody wants to hit people and win trophies, but MMA fighting doesn't create energy, it only wastes bodies. Thus, a practice of Karate, or Shaolin, or especially the wudan arts, results in far greater amounts of power, and with enhancement to the body, and not damage. No offense to the big muscle boys, but we are talking about true power here, the kind of power that lasts all day long, and does lead the student of classical arts, such as karate or shaolin or wudan, to higher levels. - 30300

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The Ability to Learn the Martial Arts Ten Times Faster!

By Al Case

It took me near seven years to get my black belt in classical Karate, but it only took my instructor 2 1/2 years to get his black belt. I always wondered at this difference, but it wasn't until I began to take apart martial arts systems that I understood why. It turns out that there are several reasons why it takes people longer and longer to become expert and truly learn anything in the martial arts.

When I took apart the system I had been taught I found two systems. I had not only learned the classical system of ten forms that my instructor had been taught, but I was learning an additional system of seven forms that my instructor had made up. I was also learning several other forms that my instructor had thrown into his teachings just because he thought they were valuable.

This happens quite often throughout the world of the martial arts. Ed Parker, of Kenpo fame, for instance, began his career teaching simple karate forms. When he ran out of forms to teach he started putting vast amounts of kung fu into what he was teaching.

Now the problem is not one of not enough material, there is endless martial arts material available. The real problem is separating the martial arts into logical, little slices. Each of the slices must represent a logical perspective and viewpoint of individual arts and styles.

If we were talking dance, we would be separating ballet from ballroom from whatever. If we were talking music we would be separating jazz from blues from so on. In the martial arts we must actually separate karate from kung fu from aikido from wudan...and so on.

When you separate the martial arts into individual pieces, you must understand the differences between basics and stylistic interpretations. You must understand that the hard blocks of karate, for instance, go outward from the center of the body, and wudan type blocks are rotated off the turning body, and silat blocks are slipping types of blocks, and so on. If you don't understand these differences the arts won't be easy to learn and will remain complex

If you don't understand these differences then you are mixing arts, and different ways of moving the body, and different ways of using energy, and so on. Thus, a peach becomes indistinguishable from an apple from an orange, and so on. Thus, the arts become a mush which the mind refuses to digest.

Understanding these differences, the arts become very easy to understand, and the mind absorbs, aligns and catalogues everything easy as pie. The martial arts, you see, are only illogical because people have created them as such. Separate tai chi into tai chi, or karate into karate, or wing chun into wing chun, and the martial arts can be learned in a matter of months, not years. - 30300

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MMA Training Workouts

By Sean Lloyd

I encourage anyone who needs to lose fat, build lean muscle and get into "fighter shape" to start to train with their own version of MMA exercise programmes. It's not surprising that MMA wrestlers all appear to have that lean, ripped, and athletic look, like Brad Pitt in Fight Club.

It's imperative that we learn from these world class sportsmen. If you want to appear like an MMA fighter who's in glorious shape, you actually need to be in excellent shape yourself. Sadly, we can't cut corners and the sole way to get a ripped MMA body is to put in difficult work thru your own MMA-inspired workout routines.

In my opinion, the ripped Hollywood look is the only one to go for. Massive and lumpish is going out of favor. In general, one can see from watching MMA athletes compete, that having slightly less muscle mass is favorable to an impressive performance. These fighters have the perfect mix of power, explosiveness, endurance, and overall athletic ability.

If only strongman competitions were more main line then bodybuilding then maybe more mixed martial artists would incorporate better strength and conditioning exercises into their MMA work-outs without the need of learning or knowing why.

One of the most common mistakes MMA wrestlers make when the are new to the theorem of adding strength and conditioning to their MMA workouts is they carry around the perspective of a weightlifter. They are going to the gymnasium thinking they have to do all kinds of exercises for each muscle grouping and the only method to get a productive workout in is to get a good "pump."

But if you wanted a general idea of what kind of strength and conditioning you want to develop with your MMA exercise programs, then think about the sort of exercises strongmen do : picking up heavy and awkward objects, carrying heavy weight for long distances, performing powerful and heavy lifts as many times as practical in a certain period of time, to name a couple.

These types of exercises are way more functional and carry over very well to MMA fighters when it comes to the sort of strength and conditioning they want. The reason being is that in a MMA fight your opponent, unlike a balanced barbell, is a constantly shifting his clumsy weight that you've got to steadily push and pull from both balanced and unbalanced positions, for example the sort of resistance a heavy and awkward object would give you.

If you want to be an MMA fighter, you will have to train like one. This indicates you will have to learn the components of an MMA workout. Although self-defense skills has been around for hundreds of years, the game of mixed martial-arts is still in its infancy. Mixed kung fu skills is growing leaps and bounds with the increased popularity of the final Fighting Championship ( UFC ) and the real life television show, The final Fighter.

there are lots of sides to coming up with a good MMA workout for anybody looking to become a professional fighter, or for someone just wanting to get in shape. A good workout includes coaching in some, or all, of the following areas, conditioning, striking, grappling, wrestling, or submission talents. These skills can be both offensive and defensive in nature. - 30300

MMA Gear

By Christian Brian

Being a mixed martial arts fighter takes more than skill. You also have to have all of the correct MMA gear both for training and for competition. The amount of gear you buy will depend upon what gear is available at the gymnasium and whether you want to train at all at home. Most training gymnasiums will have all the bigger gear you need,eg the grappling dummies and heavy pads. You'll have to get the smaller stuff, like your gloves, clothing, head gear and pads. The way in which you select the gear all relies upon what you need and how cosy they feel on you.

The protective MMA gear that you are going to need for training and competition are gloves, groin protectors and head and mouth guards. These all are necessary for any fighter, with no regard for his talent level. Most of this gear is reasonably self-explanatory when it comes to selecting them. You simply go with what fits and feels comfortable. The only one that's different is the gloves. You are going to need separate gloves for training than you've got for fighting. The reason for this is as the training gloves typically are bigger in shape than the competition gloves. Having separate pairs will make for better fighting.

For training, you might want to consider using knee and elbow pads. This is optional MMA gear, but it is the best way to protect yourself from injury before you actually get into the ring. You don't desire to get hurt in practice as you thought you were too good to wear protective pads. Another optional gear is handwraps. Many individuals wear these in the place of gloves during training because they feel they're more comfortable. Also, it gives them the opportunity to actually feel their contestant, which many fighters like.

If you are not already Internet savvy, shopping online for MMA Clothing and Fight Gear can be an overwhelming process. Happily though, it does not have to be. I have written this guide to ease you thru the method of selecting the right online MMA retailer to buy with the 1st time, so that your online shopping experience is a good one.

Choose an online store with a large choice of product. If you are like me, you do not want to be forced to shop at three different net stores to find everything that you would like. I like to pick a major shop ( or 2 maximum ) and stick with them throughout the buying process.

Let's face it , for many of us price is something that we need to consider. When shopping on the net, it's very advantageous to your wallet to be aware of the price tag as it can ( and actually does ) alter considerably from site to site.

Not all corners of the internet are considered equal. When buying online, be sure to read about the retailer on their "about us" page and learn all you can. It may also be useful to look up reviews in the big search engines, and spend some time surfing gear & kit forums. Spending even only a few minutes to analyze can actually tell you a lot about a company, and whether you want to spend your hard-earned money with them or not.

generally though, all MMA shorts have two things in common. Do your old gym shorts wick away sweat and moisture? Are they cut to increase your mobility for grappling? Do they have split seams making your striking re knees and kicks more effective? Are you keen on getting your hands caught in pockets or a loose pair of shorts while grappling? If you answered "no" to at least one of these questions, then that should be enough reason to invest in a pair. - 30300

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The Martial Arts, Zen, and Enlightenment!

By Al Case

The martial arts have long been held up as a means to achieve enlightenment. Indeed, this is the goal at the end of the road for every True Martial Artist. This article is about why this is so, and to enable the reader to reach the end of that road this lifetime.

Enlightenment is when light is emitted from an individual. With that light the enlightened being sees the world with different perception. His perceptions are heightened, and he has a viewpoint that rises above the norm.

If enlightenment happened because of the fact of motion, then movement would result in enlightenment. Hockey, ballet, football, all would result in an enlightened individual, but they don't, so one must ask oneself, what is it about the Martial Arts that they result in enlightenment of the human being?

What is different is that there is fighting, and when one understands what fighting truly is, one becomes enlightened. What is the essence of this thing called fighting? One could sum up the subject by saying that when one finally understands that when he is fighting he is only fighting himself, he becomes enlightened, and a study of the martial arts does result in this realization.

The universe, you see, is a space filled with moving objects. Every object in the universe has a direction that it is going in. It is only in the martial arts that one actually engages in the study of the directions of objects as the one who creates the direction.

A fist flies at you, and you go through a range of emotions. Eventually, you give up emotions so that you can analyze. Thus, you rise above base reaction and become cause.

A person threatens you, he holds a knife and approaches you, and you must divine the direction before it manifests. You must look at the world the way it exists, and not through some fantasy, and thus you look at the world you created. Thus, you rise above being the flotsam and jetsam of a universe awash with random motion, and thus you take control of the motions of the universe.

There would be no motion in this universe, you see, were it not for you. That star shines for you, because of you, if it wasn't for you, there would be no purpose for that star to emit even the faintest of light. And through the tempering of form, the steeling of will, the martial artist engages in fighting, to give up fighting and become what he truly is, an enlightened being free to roam the universe as he wishes. - 30300

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You Can Achieve Great Balance With Trampolines And Gymnastics

By Dave Vower

Trampolines and gymnastics are excellent for helping young and old people develop suppleness, agility and balance. Young children who are interested in gymnastics will learn many helpful skills such as control, focus and discipline. It's never too late to start gymnastic classes. You will also learn some beneficial exercises on the trampoline.

Watching Olympic gymnastics perform on TV is fascinating. They do incredible stunts on trampolines, rings and uneven bars. The novice gymnast will learn the basics such as tucks, roll-overs and handstands. Certain muscles need to be strengthened in order to hold your own weight. Children aged 3 or 4 quickly learn exercises and their bodies become supple very quickly.

Students start by learning the basics of using a trampoline for tumbling. They then perfect the tumble track and the double mini. There are all sizes of trampolines - the smaller ones are used for beginners. The larger trampolines are perfect for low-impact training.

Coaches talk about students getting air-time on a trampoline. This means the more time they spend bouncing and learning control, the sooner they can learn other skills. Somersaults and other more difficult moves are for the more advanced student.

Because trampolines have a sprung surface, they are safer to land on than a floor. There is less chance of getting RSI (repetitive stress injuries) when landing on a trampoline. When practicing, you can do many repetitions in a quicker time on a trampoline.

A trampoline at home is great not only for the aspiring gymnast, but for every member of the family. The gymnast can have practice sessions while mom, dad, brothers and sisters can get fit. A 14 foot built-in trampoline is ideal, but there are other sizes that are free standing. Even a mini trampoline is excellent for training and exercising. - 30300

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The Puzzle of Using Yoga to Master the True Martial Art

By Al Case

There are two paths to take when one studies the martial arts. These directions are art and sport. One of these methods leads straight to decay, the other leads, ultimately, to enlightenment.

If one studies the martial arts simply as a sport, he engages in the fact of contest, and that actually defines the difference between sport and art. If one studies the martial arts as an artistic form, he is attempting to conquer the part of him which resists and fights. Subdue the self, or subdue another, these are the differences between sport and art.

If one is attempting to subdue another, he is holding the world responsible for his problems, not taking responsibility. Wether the accumulation of wealth, or just trying to beat somebody down, the student is not using the art the way it was designed, as a mirror for the soul. It is the soul, the individual, the spirit, the I AM that is the point of the martial arts, not defeating somebody else.

When one is doing the art as sport, he is creating the strongest body, and then tossing that body to destruction. When one is doing the art as art, he is obsessed with finding out the truth about himself and what this thing called life is really all about. He is engaged in defining what impulse is behind the muscle and quiver of fighting his fellow man, and then defeating that impulse

This all said, the True Martial Way can be defined by analyzing the degree of motion within the art. A young man practices Karate and Shaolin and that excessive type of motion. As the student ages, he may move into taiji, slowing his motion down, looking at it, trying to understand his every action.

Eventually, man becomes tired, still, and begins to think about what it all means. At this point he has become motionless, a person who watches the movement of the universe, and this is where he finds the truth. In motionlessness, he sees the truth of who is behind all motion.

When one does Yoga one is exercising, making the body strong, but not through mock fighting. This does create a weakness, as the universe is motion, and we should study motion to understand life. That one weakness aside, yoga does encourage progression to the heart of the matter.

Putting the body in an asana, breathing, watching, we slowly become aware of who is doing the watching, who is creating the asana. We find the I AM that is behind all the motion of the universe, and thus we become who we were meant to be, spiritual, souls, individuals unique and creative and filled with passion. We could wait, and grow old through lack of a method, or we could pursue violence through the martial arts until we run out of violence, or, we could just accelerate the process with yoga, through posture and slow breathing, and find out who we really are. - 30300

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Understanding the Principles of Gracie Jiujitsu

By Curtis Adams

Gracie Jiujitsu has its roots in Brazilian jiu jitsu, but it is considered to be its own discipline. There are certain moves and martial art techniques that the Gracie family developed and perfected over the years, but there is also a greater philosophy that comes with Gracie jiu jitsu. There are three principles involved, and they embody a way of thinking and training, during and in preparation for combat. They also, however, are used as a way of leading one's life outside of the ring and combat.

The first principle of Gracie Jiujitsu is about control. In a fight, this involves being the one who will dictate what happens during the fight. Part of this is in physically controlling your opponent and restricting his movements to what you want him to do; the other part is the self-control that you need to impose upon yourself so that you can make the best choices to win the fight. This is personal training at its best, and it is part of a healthy lifestyle. It is expected that you are able to exercise enough control to eat properly and take care of your health.

The next principle of Gracie Jiujitsu involves patience. This is particularly important for a fighter, since so much that occurs in a fight can depend on timing and whether enough patience has been used. Patience is often rewarded, as opportunities are more likely to appear. For those who rush, bad decisions are more likely to occur. This philosophy is instilled from the beginning and it is expected that if you can be patient on the mat, then you will display the same quality in your life outside of the dojo.

The final of Gracie Jiujitsu principles is efficiency. This is particularly important for a fight, since the foundation of this discipline is built on the assumption that you will be fighting someone stronger and bigger than yourself. Jiu jitsu schools will often promote the idea that you drain your opponent of his or her energy while conserving your own strength in order to finish the fight. This applies to daily living as well, with the idea that you are able to maximize your results through an efficient application of effort, whether it is in business or social situations.

As you can see, Gracie Jiujitsu goes well beyond the mat, and really the only people who will succeed in this discipline are the ones who are able to live their lives according to the ideals that the discipline is based upon. Brazilian jiu jitsu academies are everywhere nowadays, and you can probably find one that won't require a commitment on your part to lead your life outside of the dojo according to the Gracie Principles. But whether that will result in you being a better fighter is unlikely, since how you are on the mat is not so different from how you are when off it. - 30300

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Trampolines And Gymnastics ' A Great Activity

By Dave Vower

Trampolines have been in existence for hundreds of years. They can be used as a fun activity or a more serious pursuit. Trampolines and gymnastics have seen a resurgence in popularity over the last ten years as more adults and children are rediscovering the joy and excitement as well as health benefits that can be achieved.

A typical trampoline is designed similar to a springboard. They are generally rectangular or square in shape and feature a strong elastic fabric pulled over a metal frame. There will be pads along the edge of the frame and the floor that help prevent injury.

You may have noticed that there are more trampolines in neighborhood gardens than ever before. Today there are many options available; the latest models come in all shapes and sizes. If you have young children then you could choose a small low lightweight option for indoor use. If your garden is big in size then why not consider one of the larger ten foot by ten foot models. These have an added security feature of netting to prevent you from jumping out and breaking a leg.

You can also see trampolines and gymnastics regularly on TV. Since the year 2000, the Olympics and most major international athletics competitions feature the activity. It actually takes many years of practice to become highly a highly skilled performer. And of course you can also see professional gymnasts in most circuses; the feats and stunts they pull will leave you amazed.

It's also known that regularly using a trampoline can be a wonderful form of exercising. It will improve your cardio vascular system as well as improve the tone and strength of your legs and abdomen. Be sure to warm up for a few minutes as it is easy to damage a muscle when out of practice.

No matter how old you are it always feels great to jump about on a trampoline. It is a perfect way of releasing tension and having fun. - 30300

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The Truth About Matrix Martial Arts and True Intelligence

By Al Case

It is a proven fact that Matrix Martial Arts raises intelligence. It is a proven fact that when one matrixes his art, be it shotokan or aikido or that rare form of wudan Tai chi chuan, the art becomes better, and the person becomes more intuitive, and his intelligence goes up. What is not so obvious is why this is so.

Intelligence is measured in todays institutions through various tests. What these tests do, however, is tell you how big your memory is. What these tests do is evaluate how adequate your memory is.

Thus, current testing is checking the state of memory, and it has nothing to do with the factors of true intelligence. Current testing does nothing more than verify that the memorization methods of modern schools is working. To come to grips with what this really means we must define what true intelligence is.

True intelligence is the speed at which your mind works. There are other factors, but this is the one that is most important. This doesn't evaluate how big or good your memory is, but how fast you can interchange with the environment.

In the martial arts the student is taught by having him or her memorize strings of random data. Or memorize random strings of data, however you want it. The hope is that if you get a big enough memory then you can pull a trick out of the hat, and hopefully it is the right trick.

When you matrix the martial arts you put the data in a logical sequence, no more random data, or random strings of random data. Thus, you are going to use less of your memory, and the data is filed in the right manner for quick and accurate extraction. Thus, you are not slowed down or made incorrect by having the incorrect data, the missing data and the gaps and holes and wrong arrangements of data and so on, and intuition can kick in.

Intuition means that the data being extracted for use is being extracted virtually instantaneously. Furthermore, and here is a blessing, it is never wrong. Thus, the true speed of the martial arts, as represented by intuition, is in effect, and thus the students intelligence is raised.

Now, it doesn't matter what form of wudan you are partial to, or what system of karate you study, all that matters is that you take the time to rearrange the data by applying matrix martial arts to it. When you use matrixing as your mode for learning, you see, it is nothing more than putting the book on the bookshelf. The trick here is that we are putting all the books on all the bookshelves throughout the entire library, in the right order, at the same time, and that is certainly measurable as an increase in intelligence. - 30300

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Story Regarding The Chinese Traditions

By Omar Negron

Besides it's rich history, China is world famous for it's culture, particularly the Chinese ancient Dragon dance and therefore the lion dance. The traditions of the east have over the years turn into a rage within the west; many of us enjoy watching these dances, knowing little or nothing concerning their origin and value. The Dragon it's a belief in China that the folks of China are the forbearers of dragon. Dragon is of course a mythical creature, believed to own had features of alternative animals like fish, deer, lion, horse, snake and vulture.

The Legendary Dragon Dance:- The dragon dance is a vital festive tradition in China. Initially this dance was performed to please the God of water and for rain throughout the drought years. Gradually it took a type of leisure and fashioned a important part of all festive occasions, especially throughout the spring festival and Lantern Festival.

Dragons are usually contrived out of bamboo, wood, cloth and paper typically it's an enormous creation generally even ranging a lot of than a hundred meters. Poles are hooked up to the belly of the dragon and during the show; performers hold these poles and lift the dragon, beginning the grand dance with the beats of roaring drums. The dragon mask and body used for the dance is coloured inexperienced, gold and red. If this dance is performed at midnight, then it's preceded by carrying bunch of burning torches to loosen up the show.

The Lion Dance:- Chinese contemplate the lion to be a symbol of power, pride, dignity and bravery, capable of fighting off evil spirits. In Chinese mythology, lion is the 9th son of the dragon and was thought-about as the foremost protector; still it is seen in front of imperial palaces and big houses.

Besides the dragon dance, the lion dance performance conjointly includes a long history within the Chinese tradition, it had been originally used for worship and to hope for rain, the lion dance is usually performed with the dragon dance on auspicious occasions. A good performance is believed to bring luck and happiness.

The fascinating lion dance will be seen at the time of the Chinese New Year or on any ancient festival. The lion dance is performed by Wushu - Kung Fu experts. There are sometimes 2 performers who bring life to the lion - the one managing the lion's head leads the dance and depicts the lion's emotions. The opposite plays the body and tail. They hide themselves underneath a cloth fur attached with the head. There's also a third person - a man who allures the lion, and carries a silk flower ball or wears a mask of the happy Buddha with a banana-leaf fan in one hand. He more magnifies the level of merriment of the Lion Dance by dodging from left to right, jumping all around to create a spirited entertainment, driving lion crazy.

The centuries recent traditions of the Chinese continues to be alive and surprisingly gaining popularity by the day. However, it's for us to stay alive the history of these age previous traditions, cultures and practices. - 30300

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How to Punch Harder than Mike Tyson!

By Al Case

Wham and bam! Iron Mike Tyson, a few years ago, was knocking them down faster than they could stand up. More than half of his first nineteen fights ended in the first round, and always with the opposing fighter laying face down like a drunk that had been humped by a bulldozer!

No other fighter was knocking people out like Iron Mike, also known as Kid Dynamite, and there were a lot of strong fighters out there. So there had to be something that Mike was doing that nobody else was doing. There simply had to be a secret behind his incredible, dynamite filled, slobber knocking punches!

The secret can be detailed in two parts. The first part is that he was not as tall as the other fighters, therefore he was automatically ducking under the incoming fist, and rising up with his own. This meant that he had to use the push of his legs as part of his punch.

Because he was rising up, he learned how to push with his legs and use his hips so they assisted the angle of his punch. He just happened to be the exact height that enabled him to arc his punch at exactly the right angle, to pop that chin at exactly the right spot. Every fighter attacked him in similar fashion, he defended the same way, and he went on winning until opposing fighters analyzed him correctly and actually boxed him!

The other part of the secret has to do with his lifestyle. He was winning fights while Cus DAmato was training him, because Cus DAmato was keeping him in hand, caring about him as an individual, working with him as a person. When Cus died, however, everything changed for the man who came to be known as The Baddest Man on the Planet.

After Cus died Tyson came under the influence of such people as Don King. His marriage ended in divorce, and he eventually began taking prescribed medicine. The mental edge evaporated, and other fighters were no longer coming in in exactly the right manner to be taken apart by him.

So the secret of Mike Tysons elephant hammering punch had to do with taking advantage of his height to use his legs and come up under his opponent. It also hinged upon the discipline in his lifestyle which was enforced through the friendship of a man who cared about him as a unique individual. And everything changed when fighters figured out what he was doing and he no longer had a trainer who could help him solve the issue.

The lesson here is that when you train in the martial arts, you must assess your body truthfully, and learn how to avoid its weaknesses and exploit its strengths, not an easy thing to do, but rather requiring an honest and truthful approach to oneself. The second thing you must do is live an appropriate lifestyle, staying away from people who say they love you, but who act otherwise, this is seen easily if you look at how they treat people in their past. Anybody who follows these two rules, analyzing their body correctly and living a good lifestyle, has a chance to develop the hardest punch in the world. - 30300

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How to Make the Transformation from Shaolin to Wudan

By Al Case

One of the oldest martial arts on the planet is Shaolin. It was brought from India by a fellow named Bodhidharma, and has been an inspiration to martial artists the world over. Interestingly, Shaolin evolved into an internal art atop Wudan Mountain.

I know there will be those who disagree with what I say here, but I hold to it, as I have watched students go through the evolution of hard to soft, and the evolution of art from Shaolin to Wudan mirrors what I have seen students go through. Indeed, as students peel layers off the art, so they peel off layers of unawaress, and attain the truly miraculous.

The beginning students learn to expend energy from the tan tan, to spread that energy throughout the body and make the body hard. Arms become like iron, stances become as if permanent fixtures to the planet. This, however, is all based on explosion, and outward expulsion of energy.

As a student explores the various martial arts he will come across the concept of drawing in energy. The act of guiding a punch, instead of just bashing a block into it, increases awareness of the concept of absorbing energy, instead of just putting it out. This progression of art often begins with Shaolin, begins the transition with a softer art like Wing Chun Kung Fu, and goes whole body with a Wudan art like Tai Chi Chuan.

The odd fact of the matter is that if the student stays within a hard art, he will evolve into the soft. The unfortunate fact of aging, of the body no longer being able to handle the explosive energy of hard arts, will bring the student into the softer arts. He will punch so that he doesn't experience whiplash in his neck, he will use his legs so he doesn't suffer hip problems, and he will naturally evolve his art from hard to soft.

As these progressions of age and art occur, students learn to use their minds and their bodies with less effort, and and they are often surprised that the abilities they gained in the hard arts grow even greater. Instead of exploding energy through their bodies, they push the energy with less effort, and focus it. Thus, awareness builds, and the blinders come off.

Instead of exploding energy brutally through their bodies, the students learn to guide and manipulate energy within their bodies. They learn to move energy easier and naturally as they become more aware. They learn that the body energy they were so proud of when they were young and robust was only a hint of things to come.

Finally, they make the change from hard to soft, from inner to outer, from internal to external, and the Shaolin adept becomes the Wudan sage. Instead of using violent art, the Wudan master moves with an opponent, drawing in the energy of the attack and transforming as he wishes. Yet, though there is wisdom in the Gung Fu of the Wudan variety, there is no disdain for the hard, for the true sage knows the need for his early Shaolin training, he knows the benefit of understanding energy on hard levels if the student is to make the transition to the softer Wudan intelligence. - 30300

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Your Personal Home Security Plans

By Kodie Eason

For most people, taking care of the things they value and the people they love comes naturally. You want to protect your loved ones from harm whether it is your family, your new car or your old baseball card collection. Unfortunately, your home - the place you most likely consider to be your safe haven - is not guaranteed to never be burglarized. This is why it is important for you to take an active role in ensuring your homes personal security.

Protecting your home from break-ins and burglary can be as simple as following a few easy steps. This is the most certain way to protect the people and things you cherish. Some of the items listed here can be expensive and time-consuming but others are relatively simple, low-cost or even free and very effective. For example, start by always locking your doors, put your lights and appliances on timers so it appears as if someone is home, avoid "hiding" a key in an obvious location near the front door, and always change the locks when moving into a new home or losing your keys.

Search the internet for other safety and security tips to help protect your family. There are, of course, more drastic measures you can employ. One of the most popular ways to protect your home is by installing a home security system. There are many different types of security systems from which to choose. Shop around to make sure you are getting the system that best fits your needs and budget.

Many alarm systems come with signs and/or stickers that can help ward off potential burglars. You may consider simply purchasing one of these signs in hopes of deterring potential thieves. A simple "Beware of Dog" sign can work wonders. Consider protecting your home from the inside by installing a home surveillance system.

Cameras installed throughout your house in strategic locations can help you see what has been happening in your home. This can not only protect your property but can also alert you to any abuse or theft by the nanny or housekeeper or capture burglars on film in the event your house is broken into.

The methods you employ to enhance your homes' security are entirely your choice but it is a wise decision to do something. If an elaborate alarm system is not for you, making small changes as outlined above can discourage the average burglar from making your home a target. Protect your loved ones and your valued possessions by ensuring the personal security of your home. - 30300

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How You Know About The Lion Dance

By Gregg Hall

Are you fascinating in knowing regarding the Lion Dance? This text will tell you all that you need to know. Well, it's a very traditional part of Chinese culture, and also the dance primarily mimics the movements of a lion, a person doing it during a lion costume. The lions that are depicted in Chinese culture are Asiatic lions, that are found in India. In fact, the Lion Dance actually originated in India, a country where the lion is regarded as a creature of guardianship.

Today, the Lion Dance has many variations in different Asian cultures like Hong Kong, China, Macau, Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Okinawa, Malaysia, etc. with Sydney - and the dance varies from region to region, in the form of distinct styles and movements. For example, in Japanese culture, the Lion Dance is practiced as Shishimai, a follow that meant dancing around symbols of different animals like deer.

The Chinese Lion Dance can be of 2 main sorts - Northern and Southern. The former was used as a form of entertainment for the imperial court, and the northern lion is red, orange and yellow, sometimes the female lion is depicted as having green fur. The lion conjointly includes a shaggy appearance, and features a golden head. The northern Lion Dance itself is extremely acrobatic in nature, and is sometimes performed for the purpose of entertainment. Dangerous stunts are generally performed by them.

The Lion Dance, on the other hand, is a lot of symbolic in nature. The aim of its performance is usually to exorcise evil spirits, and to herald fortune and sensible luck. The southern lion can have a wide variety of colors, and the animal itself encompasses a distinctive head with huge eyes, there's a mirror on the forehead, and on the center of the top is a single horn. Don't ever confuse the Lion Dance with the Chinese Dragon Dance, which is totally different. The latter is completed with a team of ten or a lot of folks, whereas the Lion Dance sometimes is created up of just 2 dancers. The Lion Dance is closely related to the observe of Kung Fu, and also the folks who dance it could be members of the local Kung Fu Club. Some rigorous coaching is needed so as to master the Lion Dance.

The northern Lion Dance has the dancers appearing in pairs, and during their performance, the lions sometimes resemble Pekingese or Fu Dogs, the movements are realistic and life-like. They perform stunts like balancing on a large ball, or doing lifts. It is quite common for the northern lions to seem as a family, there are typically two massive adult lions, and a pair of tiny young lions. On the other hand, the homeland of the southern vogue of the Lion Dance is Guangdong, and also the southern Cantonese style will be any sub-divided into Hok Shan (Crane Mountain), Fat Shan (Buddha Mountain), Fat Hok (this is a mixture of the previous two), Jow Ga, and the Inexperienced Lion (which is terribly widespread with the Taiwanese). - 30300

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The Fascinating Development of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu

By Curtis Adams

Brazilian jiu-jitsu and its martial art techniques have their roots in Japanese judo. The beginning of their history can be found in a martial arts group called Kodokan. The decision of this group to send out their followers to the rest of the world to share their teachings would have a major impact on the future of mixed martial arts tournaments. In the beginning of the twentieth century, one of these followers reached Brazil and began spreading the knowledge that he had obtained through years of training. An important meeting between this man, Mitsuyo Maeda, and a Brazilian man would change the course of fighting history.

Among the people that Maeda associated with was a man with the last name Gracie. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is highly linked to the Gracie name and this is where it started. Carlos Gracie began being taught by Maeda and subsequently in 1921, passed on his knowledge to his brothers, including the youngest, Helio. Helio adapted the teachings so that he, as a smaller man, could defeat much larger foes. This became a key facet of jiu-jitsu and it would be demonstrated over and over in competitions that size really does not matter in combat.

Up until this point, what the Gracies were studying was mainly known just as jiu-jitsu. In 1978 it became Brazilian jiu-jitsu when Helio's son left Brazil to make his and his family's mark on America. Rorion Gracie was determined to succeed. He was not accepted by any other martial arts schools, so he created his own school in his garage, offering free lessons and personal training to virtually everyone he met. After defeating several larger opponents in fights, word spread and soon the Gracies had more students than they could teach from their garage.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu exploded throughout the planet in the early 1990s, with the creation of the Ultimate Fighting Championship events. These were mixed martial arts fights that were primarily no-holds-barred events that paired fighters of different disciplines. Royce Gracie jumped to fame and success by winning three of the first four contests, mainly by defeating opponents much bigger than he and by way of submission holds on the floor. It became apparent that his martial art methods were considerably superior to those of other disciplines and Brazilian jiu jitsu schools sprang up across North America.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu still continues to be one of the most effective forms of fighting, with Gracie jiu jitsu being recognized in its own right as a separate discipline. From Japan to Brazil and then to America and finally the world, the Gracies have had tremendous success in proving the excellence of their abilities and of their chosen discipline. The future only looks bright as jiu-jitsu continues to be extremely popular for martial artists and for those who watch the fights. - 30300

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Four Important Reasons to for Teaching the Martial Arts

By Al Case

People are always impressed when they find out that I am a martial arts instructor. Unfortunately, I do not really care about impressing people. This is a cruel trap, because if they are impressed enough I can teach them, but I don't really care to impress them.

I remember when I first began studying the martial arts, this was a long time ago, I was quite taken by these quick moving ninjas in pajamas, but what kept me going was that they talked to me. I mean, they were tough fighters, and yet they took the time to sit down and laugh and joke with a young kid. I always remember this, from the early days, and try to copy the way they behaved.

Now, that said, there are really four reasons I teach the martial arts. I am speaking from the instructors viewpoint here, so you will probably find what I say a little different than what you might expect. Still, you might find it enlightening.

One, I teach for the sense of power it gives me. The thing is, I am not talking about having power over people, I am talking about the power I feel with the clarity of my thought and the health of my body. While friends I have had over the years grow old and fat, cannot even bend over to tie their shoes, use walkers and oxygen tanks, I run up and down the stairs, eat what I want, and am as active today as I was over forty years ago, when I was but 19.

Secondly, when I teach it empties me. Now this is really quite something, when I teach somebody, if I have been true in my instruction, then I am suddenly empty, and in that emptiness I learn things. It is almost like I have shoved a book off a table, so there is room for another book to be placed upon the table, except that we are talking about knowledge being shoved out of the mind here.

Three, I teach so that I can see myself from outside of myself. I am not the attacker nor the defender, but I am both attacker and defender, outside of them, and this gives me a viewpoint that is virtually unknown in western culture. There simply is no practice, in any kind of teaching I have ever seen, that imparts this type of viewpoint.

Four, I teach so that I can relate to the reality of the world. I see so many people who talk much and say little, or they can talk to people about their work, but not about the world around them. Teaching the martial arts forces a commitment to a deeper level of communication, an intuitive level of communication, a zen level of communication that is so much more natural to my beingness and existence.

So, there you have it. Not all teachers have my same reasons, but you can bet they have reasons similar in scope and magnitude. Always know that whether somebody teaches the beautiful and exquisite arcs and forms of shaolin, or the inspiring internal energy of wudan, or combat oriented Krav Maga, or just fun and games like one would find in the mixed martial arts, know that there is a depth of personality that they are pursuing, and that it would behoove you to similarly pursue. - 30300

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Why It Is Time To Start A Tai Chi Routine

By Spencer Yurtt

Are you looking for a manner to cut back the stress of daily life? If so, then it's about time that you start Tai chi. This ancient art used mild flowing movements that may improve general health and scale back tension and stress by connecting the mind and body. Therefore if you are worked up along with your daily routine of work or studies, then learning how to try and do this program will be a very healthy habit.

Before You Start Before you start this healthy habit, it'd prove useful to perceive its dynamics first. This swish sort of exercise originated as a type of a self-defense art. These days, though, it is primarily used for stress reductions and health improvement. It's mainly targeted on mild stretching and swish movements of the body. It practically permits you to form sleek movements or light positions which will tone not simply the body but also the mind. Consequently, there are way more than a hundred attainable movements that can be wiped out Tai chi. You do not have to be told all of them. The necessary issue is to learn a few and coordinate each one along with your respiration to realize tension release, physical relaxation and inner calm. You need to concentrate when doing Tai chi. You do this by putting aside present issues or distressing thoughts. This approach, this kind of sleek exercise isn't just for the physical self but also for the mind and spirit.

Who Will Attempt Tai Chi Practically anyone will do Tai chi. You do not have to meet specific physical standards as this kind of exercise will be very light and the intensity can preferably be adjusted. The fast-paced movements will be reserved for people who are already physically fit. If you do not match this description then you can begin with the terribly slow and mild movements that are appropriate for everybody no matter age. Another advantage to the present form of exercise is the actual fact that it does not need you to use any kind of equipment. You simply would like to be in comfy clothes therefore you'll be able to simply do the movements and postures while not restrictions. It can additionally be done indoors or outdoors, by yourself or as half of a group. Recent folks, those with special health conditions and pregnant girls should 1st consult their doctors before starting a new tai chi program.

What You Will Get Out of the Program There are many edges to a tai chi program. Primarily, it brings your body and mind in sync with each alternative therefore relieving you from stress. Since you target movement and calming respiration, a session will additionally provide you relaxation and tension release. The simplest issue about it's that you do not only feel the consequences during or immediately once a session.

You get to feel relaxed and relieved of tension long when you have done your routine. Other than stress and tension reduction, tai chi will conjointly supplement your other health practices. It will facilitate reduce tension, depression and anxiety, improves flexibility, balance and muscular strength, improves the standard of sleep, lowers blood pressure along with improve one's overall cardiovascular condition, increases the degree of endurance, energy and suppleness and improves a person's general feeling of well-being. - 30300

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The Effect of the Lensmen on Martial Arts

By Al Case

A lot of the martial arts, like karate, are fiction. Hit a guy up the nose with a palm and bone shards will spear into his brain and kill him, except there isn't any bone in the nose, its all cartilage. And all those old legends, a lot of them are good for hogwash, if you have a willing hog.

But, there is a certain science that has proven applicable in the realm of the martial arts. This is the science of how to apply concepts of geometrical energy potentials. I discovered this field while consumed by a book series called the Lensmen Series.

I suppose the first time it hit me was when the author, E. E. Smith, described people fighting on the hull of a space ship. They were hooking their feet under hand grips so they would not fly into space from the reverse force of their strikes. They were anchoring themselves so they could apply force, and not be the effect of their own force.

Soon I was totally immersed in a universe where weapons created incredible geometries of force. A death ray created a mattering splattering beam, and it could be deflected by a well built shield. And if a shield could deflect that beam, then another shield used like a disk could slice the first shield apart.

Soon I was enraptured by concepts of fleets of space ships creating their own particular brand of strategic logics. Fleets of space ships would form globes around other fleets, and cones of fleets of spaceships would engulf and swallow globes of fleets. Each time a geometry was described, my mind struggled to keep up with the concepts.

Then, shock of shocks, fleets of spaceships gave way to the powers of the mind. Those same rods and shields and globes and cones, made real in the ultimate space combat, became the stuff of mind to mind encounters. How do you slide your awareness through the grid of another minds awareness?

And, ultimately, having exhausted the books, I began extending those outer space alien mind combat strategies to the field of the martial arts. I sank my weight into deep horse stances, planted my stance so I would not fly away from my own force. I described cones with the movements of my arms, and engulfed the globes of fists as they flew out of space at me.

When I tell people about what has inspired me they generally think I am a bit crazy, or they realize I am a genius. Reading sci fi for inspiration in the martial arts, who would have thought? Yet, it is all art, and should not art be filled with creativity and expression and beams of force and mind to mind conflicts? - 30300

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