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

About the Author:

Al Case has studied martial arts 4O++ years. He began writing articles for the magazines in'81, and had his own column in Inside Karate. He has written dozens of books and, and he is the originator of Matrixing, which enables a person to analyze any fight or fighter accurately. You can get his free ebook on Matrixing at Monster Martial Arts.

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

About the Author:

Are you still looking for the very best Tai Chi classes in terms of prices and selection online? So far, there is no better place you will find than Tai Chi Los Angeles.

Karate Can Be A Great Hobby To Get Fit

By Paul Campbell

Karate as a sport and hobby is fast picking up popularity amongst Stourbridge residents. There are several renowned Karate clubs which conduct Karate classes in Stourbridge. Most of the Karate classes in Stourbridge offer karate lessons to both, hobby karate enthusiasts and competitive Karate enthusiasts. Hobby Karate lessons focus on building strength and endurance while the competitive karate lesson also focus on pattern of moves and kicking and punching techniques. Some of the students of Karate classes in Stourbridge have even represented F.E.K.O (Federation England Karate Organization).

Some of the Salient features of Karate classes at Stourbridge are: The Karate classes at Stourbridge are conducted by certified instructors. The instructors are fully insured. The instructors are CRB (Criminal record bureau) cleared to work with children. Some of the Karate classes at Stourbridge also have certified physical trainers. These trainers guide the students to healthy diet and weight management practices to enhance their performance in the discipline of Karate.

Karate classes at Stourbridge focus on the holistic development of mind and body. The Karate classes not only comprise of lesson that teach the art of Karate to students but also train the students in social and leadership aspects. They teach the students the virtue of non violence and respect for others.

There is no age bar for taking the karate classes at Stourbridge. Children from young age of four to adults of any age can enroll. Most of the Karate Classes at Stourbridge take special care of safety of young children. The Karate classes at Stourbridge also conduct lessons for children and adults with special needs.

With the training from Karate classes at Stourbridge you will be able to excel in any Karate style of your choice. But to master the art of Karate one has to be disciplined.

Mentioned below are some tips that would help you get the best out of your karate classes:

To maintain the momentum from the Karate classes at Stourbridge, its important that you attend them regularly. Tiredness and fatigue from your daily routine or previous karate classes may lure you to make excuses, but do not be tempted into missing your karate classes.

While taking your Karate classes keep your mind free from any kind of stress or disturbing thoughts. These distracters do not let you to focus on the lessons and can even affect your performance. Push out all your worries out of your mind when entering the Karate classes

Be social and friendly. Talk to your colleagues and instructors in a friendly manner. Try to be a team player. Ask for feedback on your performance from your instructor and colleagues. Constructive feedback from your them can help you know your weakness and make it easy for you to improve your Karate skills. Every student is different. Do not compare yourself with others in the Karate class. There will always be students who are faster and better than you but your goal should be to perform better than yourself every time. Last but not the least, keep practicing. Keep practicing the moves taught in every Karate class. The key to mastering any karate style is practice.

Seriously pursuing the Karate whether as a hobby or as a combat style can help discover a new you. - 30300

About the Author:

For karate classes in Stourbridge please visit dudley shukokai karate club or dudley karate

What Right Do You Have to Call Yourself a Master? (Part Two)

By Al Case

In part one we discussed that a person has to know something, and not just in the general monkey see monkey do sense of the current legion of so called masters. This article has to do with the second and even more important missing ingredient upon the part of todays masters. This article has to do with the amount of knowledge a master must have to be a Master.

Yes, a fellow can study a martial art and say he has mastered that martial art, and people might even fall for it. He can get so good at the art of karate, for instance, that nobody can even come close to beating him. That, however, isn't going to result in him really becoming a master.

To be able to destroy somebody using a particular martial art is very limited in scope. Destruction, you see, is a very short sighted thing. While there can be an art to destruction, the true martial art is one of control.

How do you control somebody? You must learn more than one art, and this means you must learn both the destructive arts, and the arts which espouse control. You've got to learn force and flow, which is another way of saying you must be able to bash something, or control it.

Destroy something and it is gone. No more authority or power over that. True mastery is a perpetuating state whereby you can sustain your power and authority.

In the first article I said you had to know something about something. In this article I am telling you have to know everything, and one other thing. I am telling you that you must have power and authority even over those strange and unreasoning things called people.

Having power and authority over not just the technology of an art and all its moves is not enough to make somebody a master. You must be able to have power and authority over the people of the world. You must not just know the moves of an art, you must be able to apply them at any place and any time and over any person.

Now, having defined a master, consider those individuals who lay claim to being a master. Can they just destroy and hurt people, and especially those who subject themselves to their teachings? Or have they studied and can apply a wide range of arts, the techniques of their choice, to anybody at any time? - 30300

About the Author:

Al Case has studied martial arts 4O++ years. He began writing articles in'89, and had his own column in Inside Karate. He is the originator of Matrixing Technology, which you can find out about in a free ebook offered at Monster Martial Arts.

Some Of The Benefits Of Karate Lessons

By Paul Campbell

Karate as a discipline has originated mainly from Asian countries like Japan, China and Korea. The common misconception amongst people about Karate is that it is a form of violent sport and one who practices it may become overtly aggressive but in reality the truth of the matter is that Karate is based on the principal of "non violence". There are various types of Karate and depending on the interest one can take up karate lesson for specializing in kicks or punches called sparring or take up Karate lessons focusing on defensive maneuver. Karate channels all the energy in the body in the positive direction to improve the overall physical and emotional well being.

The beauty of the karate is that it can be learnt in any age. So be it a four year toddler or a 40 year adult they can equally learn Karate to reap its multidimensional benefits. Apart from being a good exercise which helps in maintaining a healthy weight, Karate lessons improve the overall well being of its students.

Some of the well known benefits of Karate lessons are: Karate builds up self confidence and esteem in the ones who practices it. This comes from increased belief in oneself. Karate increases the ability to concentrate and focus. This is beneficial both for kids and adults alike. Karate lessons comprise of leadership and social behavior lessons which positively contribute to developing the overall personality of the Karate disciples. Nowadays the hectic work life induces lot of stress that can deteriorate our physical and mental well being. Karate gives an outlet to overcome this stress and convert it into positive energy. Children with special needs such as those having problems in learning, hyperactivity and attention deficit hyper activity disorder (ADHD) are even clinically advised to take Karate lesson because of the structured nature of the training techniques.

Some of the best Karate lessons in England are delivered at karate clubs Dudley. Some of the Salient features of Karate lessons Dudley are:

Karate lessons Dudley are delivered by some of the best Karate instructors. The all the instructors are CRB (criminal record board) cleared and are certified to work with children. Children as young as four years can enroll for Karate lesson Dudley. Special care is taken about their safety. Children younger than six years do not come in contact of the sport. Most of Karate clubs at Dudley conduct lesson around five times a week. Whether the students want to pursue the discipline of Karate as a hobby or a competitive sport, the Karate lessons at Dudley are tailored as per the interest of the students. For competitive karate enthusiasts the karate club at Dudley regularly hold the Kata lessons (meaning the forms or patterns of moves) and Kumite lessons (meaning punches and kicking technique).

For those of you who are interested in taking Karate lessons at Dudley or want your kids to take the Karate lessons at Dudley you can take a free test lesson offered at most of the Dudley Karate clubs. - 30300

About the Author:

If you are interested in starting karate in the midlands then visit karate club briery hill and karate lessons dudley

Dana White And The UFC

By Gregory Barnes

Ultimate Fighting Championship or more commonly known as UFC is fast becoming one of the most recognized sports in the world. They show live shows in over 50 countries ranging from the U.S to Australia. The sport is taking off in such a way no one would have expected. It's amazing to look back just a few years ago to when the UFC was barely known.

So how did this transformation take place? It seems quite impossible! It mostly took off due to Dana White and the majority owners Fertitta brothers backing. Dana White has turned out to be the Messiah of MMA he has almost single handedly made MMA as popular as it is today. Did you know that Dana was born in Manchester, Connecticut? White grew up in Las Vegas, Boston and Levant, Maine. White is a fierce Boston Red Sox fan. During his youth, he bounced back and forth between Las Vegas and Maine. He attended college in Boston for two years but did not finish; however, while there he did launch a boxing program for inner-city children.

White has a background as an aerobics instructor. In'92, White established Dana White Enterprises in Las Vegas. He conducted aerobics classes at three gyms in the Las Vegas area and began managing MMA fighters Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell.

While working as a manager, White learned that Semaphore Entertainment Group, the parent company of the UFC, was looking for a buyer for the UFC. White contacted childhood friend Lorenzo Fertitta, an executive at Station Casinos, and a former commissioner of the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Within a month, Lorenzo and his older brother Frank bought the UFC, with White installed as its president. White currently owns 10% of Zuffa, LLC, the entity the Fertitta brothers created to own and manage the UFC.

One of the best things Dana has done for the UFC is produce the show "TUF" (The Ultimate Fighter) on Spike TV. This show has taken off in a big way! It's also helped a lot of people understand the sport more. From what fighters go through training wise to see that they're actually very normal well educated people, not just barbarians as a lot of people thought.

The UFC continues to grow at an alarming rate and with no end in sight, I see this sport being in the top 3 favorites of the American people within 5 years. - 30300

About the Author:

Check out this site for free MMA Videos and UFC News. Also if you are a fan of TUF UFC Ultimate Fighter then check this site out for fight videos and TUF news.

Five Things that have Gone Totally and Utterly Wrong with Freestyle!

By Al Case

The problem with freestyle is that it has degraded into the basic fact of fighting. Sounds contradictory, I know, but I began learning martial arts over 40 years ago, and I have seen a different face of freestyle. This was a freestyle that was actually more effective, easier to learn, and made students evolve into better human beings.

Now, I have nothing against MMA, or UFC, or learning ground and pound and all the other modes of freestyle. Truth, I think some of this stuff would have been awfully useful back when I was beginning. That said, consider the following points.

Controlled freestyle in the martial arts effectively died when people started putting on pads and gloves. Sure, we occasionally wore protective gear back then, but the purpose was to protect injuries that had already occurred. The breaking point, however, was when instructors realized how much money there was to be made in selling pads and gloves, they pandered to mothers fears, and this halted little Johnny from learning about true control, and effectively stopped the personal growth stage of the martial arts.

Bruce Lee took a frightful toll on freestyle by introducing bouncing. He watched films of Mohammad Ali, realized that bouncing disrupted timing, and changed the world of freestyle. Unfortunately, the effect was also that people stopped learning about timing, and stopped observing a whole fact of life, for time, as you may not have known, keeps this universe going.

With a lack of reality and a lack of timing eating at the innards of budding students, a loss of control was quick to follow. I remember seeing a fellow with three karate lessons under his belt taken to a tournament and encouraged to fight, not to get a point, but to fight. He fought, there were injuries, and nobody showed any control. And control, control through timing and reality, is what the martial arts evolution is really all about.

The final straw behind the death of freestyle had to do with lack of respect. I was taught to bow when I entered the school, and to bow when I got on the mat, and to bow to my classmates and partners, and to bow to the instructor, and it all showed respect. Now there is a bully boy attitude of we're tough and the hell with the other school, and this derails the art of freestyle, and the art of human compassion.

I know there will be those who will not accept what I say, and, let's face it, my criticisms must be tempered by some of the marvelous things that are inherent in the arts that have developed, and this includes the mixed martial arts and the ultimate fighting championships styles. There are things to be learned in the martial arts that are popular today, and, I am not opposed to these new arts. When I see people showing a total lack of respect, fighting merely to beat each other up, I am on the other side, the old side, the side that shows compassion for their fellow man.

So, let me toss you a question, what can you do to create the old attitude of respect? Will telling people not to freestyle with gloves and pads enable people to feel the reality of what they are doing, and get rid of harmful attitudes? And, doing this, can you still make the art work? - 30300

About the Author:

Al Case has analyzed martial arts for 40+ years. A writer for the mags, with his own column, Al is the originator of Matrixing and Neutronics. He is giving away a free ebook about Matrixing at Monster Martial Arts.