The Importance of an Effective Martial Arts Stretching Routine

By Donald Borah

The body must first learn to perform the proper techniques at an extended range of motion comfortably and without excessive effort and strain. The graceful power demonstrated by those proficient in martial arts is comprised of flexibility, focus and strength.

An effectively structured martial arts stretching regimen will be an essential component of your training in order for you to quickly progress. For a program that is effective, your day should begin with a light stretching routine in the morning, a strenuous general workout on certain days, and another light stretching routine in the evening. This may seem to be excessive, but staying with an aggressive martial arts stretching and workout program such as this will improve your flexibility in less than half the time of an easier regimen. When your flexibility has improved sufficiently, your workout regimen will become less time consuming.

One should practice general loosening and active flexibility stretches both morning and evening. Avoid more intense passive forms of stretching like isometric, or PNF stretches during the morning and evening workouts. It is not advisable to stretch on a full stomach so begin your morning routine of flexibility stretches before breakfast. Do not try to divide your blood supply between physical activity and digestion at the same time. The evening stretching is best completed an hour or so after dinner while at least an hour before sleep. Keep the morning and evening workouts relatively brief at fifteen to thirty minutes but perform them 6 days a week.

Your main martial arts stretching routine should be a more intense workout which is completer no more than two to four times weekly. It is important to provide the body with enough time to fully recuperate between stretching workouts. Always begin with a general warm-up including some cardiovascular elements and simple dynamic stretching. Increase the intensity gradually as your muscles loosen and warm. Progress to a section which is designed to closely mimic the movements of your particular style of martial art. Continue with the primary portion of your martial arts stretching routine by utilizing modern stretching methods like isometric, PNF and relaxed stretching techniques. Follow with a cool down period during which only static forms of flexibility stretches and less strenuous forms are used.

Your expertise and experience will dictate how often you work out, how long your intense martial arts stretching routine is, and how you divide your time among the warm-up, cool-down, and intense portions of the workout. Novices should allocate more time to the warm-ups and cool-downs, and spend less time on the intense part of the workout. People with a lot of experience stretching and a greater degree of flexibility can allocate a greater amount of time to sport-specific exercises and on the intense workout. Students who are advanced generally need to spend less time working out to maintain their excellent flexibility. The flexibility routine and exercises that you develop will be determined by your level of experience and expertise and the martial art you are training in.

Students who are new to the martial arts need to focus on flexibility stretches that are non-specific. Students who are classified as advanced or intermediate should focus on techniques, such as, relaxed stretching, PNF, and isometric stretching, which are more advanced and concentrate on the groups of muscles needed for their particular art.

You need to design these stretches on the muscle groups you need to perform the specific technique you need to use. For example: if you are do a lot of high kicks, you need to concentrate on hip and leg stretching; if you are a grappler, you need to work on the flexibility in your arms, shoulders, back and torso; etc.

Developing an effective martial arts stretching regimen requires that you consider your experience and the requirements of your specific martial art, and if you are dedicated to following your regimen, your flexibility will improve dramatically and you will quickly have the range of motion necessary for you to perform your martial art. - 30300

About the Author:

If you want to much learn more about the routines, flexibility stretches, and martial arts stretching techniques needed to succeed at the martial art you wish to practice, visit www.MartialArtsStretching.com today.

Butterfly Pa Kua Chang in Three Months!

By Al Case

The first thing you are going to have to learn is that it doesn't take a lifetime to learn an art such as Tai Chi Chuan or Pa Kua Chang or Aikido. Look, the army makes soldiers in under six months, and that includes some pretty high tech stuff! And, when you add up the actual hours spent studying on that college course, it doesn't take that long to learn how to use a computer or become a teacher.

The idea that it takes immense amounts of time is something that has been given to us by people who want to make money. After all, the longer somebody studies, the longer they put money into that cultural dojo box. So get over the idea that it takes long decades, and get used to learning fast!

Now, to learn pa kua chang you need to draw a circle about six feet in diameter, and which takes exactly eight steps to go around. You need to situate the circle so it is squarely in the room, which means that if you stopped walking and straightened up every two steps you would face a wall. Now you need to isolate a weekend to master this thing.

The first rule in walking the circle is to keep the hips low and move them at an even rate of speed. The second rule is to breath evenly and synchronize the movements of your hands and feet so they move at the same rate of speed, starting and finishing techniques at the same time. The third rule is to be willing to isolate yourself as separate from the regular universe, let your attention slide off the tables and chairs, the trees and fences, as you walk around and around.

Now, you need basics that actually work. Examine an art such as karate for basic blocks, and curve the arms to adapt them to a circular art such as Pa Kua Chang. Things can get complex pretty quickly, so you might consider taking the four basic blocks, hi, low, in and out, and working with them to start.

Now take a step on the circle and do a block, making the largest circles you can make with a basic block. Though you have only taken one step, let your body turn to the maximum, and don't let the block finish until you have reached the endpoint. When you reach the end of the turn, reverse your turn and start a long and slow second block. Take a step with that second turn and block, and, again, let your body turn to the maximum.

Keeping the hips tucked under will help you keep your spine from being injured, place the feet flat and seek total contact with the ground, and search for graceful movements. Be a contortionist in slow motion, slowly spinning and whirling, exploring the limits of motion. Put all self-doubts out of your mind, and let a few hours reveal the truth of Pa Kua Chang to you.

The last thing is to make sure what you are doing actually works as a martial art, because if it doesn't work you shouldn't be doing it. Have a friend try slow attack movements on you, and walk a small circle around his attacks, letting your blocks encircle his limbs, and you will find all sorts of odd but useful techniques. Now, the one thing you should know, the one thing that will make all the difference...this is exactly how such arts as Tai Chi, Pa Kua and Aikido were invented in the first place! - 30300

About the Author:

Al Case has practiced martial arts for forty++ years, and has written hundreds of articles for the major magazines. He can teach almost anybody how to learn almost any art within a couple of months. Complete data, including a free ebook, is available at Monster Martial Arts.

Is a Muay Thai Heavy Bag Different than a Boxing Heavy Bag?

By Jonathon Hardcastle

Muay Thai is a form of martial arts that comes from Indochina. It has become quite the popular sport in Thailand and other South Pacific areas. Today, modern Muay Thai is typically a ring sport where gloves that are similar to boxing gloves are used. The form of Muay Thai is commonly found in the training used for mixed martial arts; many trainers have a Muay Thai bag in their facility.

The primary idea behind Muay Thai is that there are not two, not four but eight different places on the body that can be used to attack the opponent. The hands and feet make up four and the other four are made up by savage attacks from the elbow and knee.

Because these attacks are more unique than other forms of fighting and martial arts, Muay Thai requires specialized training and equipment. This is where the Muay Thai bag comes in; it is a heavy hanging bag that is designed to meet the needs of all Muay Thai practicers.

Unlike a boxing bag, the Muay thai bag is much longer and thinner. It is between five and six feet long, to accommodate both punches and low and high kicks. It is designed to be about the same diameter as a person, to practice the holds used prior to the particular savage knee strikes that Muay Thai is known for.

The bag falls into the standard weight range categories as most heavy boxing bags do. The average weight is at least 85 pounds, which is ideal for the tough punches and kicks that will be thrown its way.

Unlike most other heavy bags for boxing or martial arts, Muay Thai bags are shipped to both homes and gums unfilled. This not only reduces the cost of shipping, but it gives all trainers and home users the ability to customize the bag filling.

As hanging bags, Muay Thai bags are subject to more force and they need to be able to withstand that force. For that reason, each user or trainer has a different way of filling the bag. Most get started with filling the bottom of the bag with sand; this sand is dense and will prevent the bag from moving too much.

After the sand, the rent of the bag can be filled with rice, flour, or cloth rags. Each of these items has their own benefits. For example, cloth rags easily absorb all blows; flower has a similar feel to stand when in the bag; rice is a good compromise between the two.

Muay Thai is a sport that is exciting like no other; the blows are amazing! Since there are benefits to utilizing special training and equipment, it is no wonder why these Muay Thai heavy bags are found in the homes and training centers of martial arts participants all around the globe. - 30300

About the Author:

Incredible Heavy Bag prices happening now at the boxing bag store.

Buy Stun Gun That Is Right For You

By James Edwards

If you are thinking about buying a stun gun but quite know what to look for, you will find the information you need in this article. Stun guns are available are different shapes, sizes and even colors. Choose one that most fits your lifestyle and needs. When you buy stun gun think about the following options.

Stun guns vary in the amount of voltage that they deliver. The lower the voltage, the longer it will take to have an effect on the attacker. The higher the voltage, the more clothes it can through and the quicker the attacker will be disabled.

The larger stun guns, like batons, are carried mainly by law enforcement, security or military personnel. The stun batons range in length from 10 to' inches long. The batons, with their added length, put distance between you and your assailant. For an added punch use blast knuckles. Use them for an added kick in punching someone.

Items like the flashlight are available. Pens, batons and cell phone look a likes that operate as a flashlight and a stun gun are quite popular.

Personal alarm systems are also beneficial. When activated, these alarms produce an almost mind numbing sound which will definitely attract attention and ward off assailants. You can choose a stun gun with this added feature.

It would also be wise to consider a stun gun that is equipped with a disable pin. If your attacker manages to get the stun gun from you and the pin is pulled, the stun gun will not operate.

You also have the choice of purchasing stun guns with rechargeable batteries. If you can afford one of these, by all means purchase it. They only need to be charged for 8 hours every 60 days.

Taser's have three components in common regardless of the style you choose.

The packages come with a TASER device, an air cartridge and a power source.

Regardless of the style of taser you choose, keep it within reach. It won't be of any use if you cannot get to it. - 30300

About the Author:

Learn more about Stun Guns. Stop by James Edwards's site where you can find out all about Stun Gun and what it can do for you.

Three Steps to the Most Powerful Punch on the Planet!

By Al Case

I don't care if you study kenpo or Uechi ryu or shotokan or whatever, you're going to need a power packed punch. I don't care if it is Wado ryu or Shorin Ryu or Wing Chun, you're going to need a fist that knocks them down the first time! Even if you're in Aikido or Tai Chi, you're going to need to understand what power is so you can properly manipulate and avoid it.

The funny thing is that a powerful punch is easy to get if you follow a couple of easy instructions. You don't have to pound your delicate hand against a telephone pole. You don't have to lance your delicate fingers into boxes of sand.

As with most things in this world, once you realize behind something, that something is easy to do. Thus, the first thing you need to know in developing a punch that can knock down hippos and rhinos is simple. That one thing you need to analyze and realize is...weight.

This universe is constructed of objects flying through space. When objects collide weight will be the resulting sensation. The more weight involved in the collision, the more drastic an effect you will create.

You hit somebody, and your fist flies through space and collides. Now, if the body your fist is colliding with weighs 200 pounds, then you are going to have to have a two hundred pound fist. Well, you could multiply the 20 pounds of your fist by ten times the velocity, but there is an easier way.

The easiest way is to align your body behind the strike. Your arm may be 20 pounds, but if you can add the weight of your torso and your limbs and even your head to the punch, you can weigh, especially when you times your weight by velocity, 200 pounds. Heck, if you can line up a hundred pounds of body weight behind that strike, and then multiple it by a simple ten, you are going to have a thousand pound sledge hammer of a punch!

First, do lots of push ups, and when your arms get strong and able to absorb the shock, start jumping your push ups into the air. Second, do your form slowly, looking at the pieces of your body, and learn to assemble them into one movement. Three, set up a six foot tall box, pad it, make it weigh 200 pounds, and practice shoving it across the floor with your punch.

The funny things is that this method is so simple that everybody overlooks it. And, to be truthful, nobody really understands the importance of gauging weight in the martial arts. But, whether you do tai chi chuan, pa kua chang, Chinese Kenpo, tae kwon do, or any of the forms of classical karate, you need to understand weight, and you need to implement some form of the training method I have detailed here if you want The Most Powerful Punch in The World! - 30300

About the Author:

Al Case has learned the martial arts for 4O++ years. He has written hundreds of articles for the magazines. You can find out more about The Most Powerful Punch on Earthh at Monster Martial Arts.

Purchasing Ninja Swords

By Tiger Claire

If you're looking for Ninja swords, you'd be happy to learn that there are several high-quality swords available on the internet. This is good news for those collecting different types of Ninja swords since you don't have to go to novelty shops or even fly to faraway Japan in order to locate some of the most authentic Ninja swords today.

Whether the swords are actually for your set or you are a Ninja wannabe who wants a real Ninja sword, you can find whatever type of sword you wish to have over the internet. Now, if you are only starting to get interested in these Japanese swords, you will find a bit of data about them as well, online.

NINJA SWORDS ON THE INTERNET

With a bit of research, you can get to know more about the different kinds of Ninja swords to help you in deciding which ones you'd like to purchase, whether as a gift or for yourself; especially if you are learning Martial Arts.

There are unique designs that make each type even more interesting. Take for instance an exceptional kind of Ninja sword that has a dragon symbol carved in its blade. This is especially interesting because there has been a long-standing link between the dragon and Ninjas and this will truly make you feel more of a Ninja than anything else.

There are naturally the classic Ninja swords ideal for your sword set. Generally, these are made of alloy hence they have a an authentic feel than any kind of steel sword. There are likewise those with tassels if you want to accessorize a bit.

BUYING NINJA SWORDS ONLINE

On the other hand, before you actually make a purchase, you should check the background of these online stores that provide Ninja swords. Others assert that what they offer are authentic; which you would be disappointed to learn later on that they are mediocre copycats - not even acceptable as an authentic replica, if there is such a thing.

You should likewise check the return guidelines of these online shops so you can easily send back the Ninja sword if you are dissatisfied with it. But overall, you'll find that a few of these websites do have genuine Ninja swords or copies that look so real you wouldn't be able to tell the difference at first glance. - 30300

About the Author:

Want to learn more about ninja swords, then visit Tiger Claire's site on how to select the best ninja swords for your needs.

The Three Types of Karate Fighters.

By Al Case

The method I am about to tell you is supposed to have been created by the Little Dragon, Bruce Lee, though I don't know whether it was ever included in his Jeet Kune Do teachings. It was supposedly taught by Bruce to Karate fighter Joe Lewis, who became one of the fiercest Karate fighters to ever enter the ring. Joe Lewis is supposed to have relayed the method to various Kenpo schools, where it was used by Ed Parker, and eventually disappeared from view.

This method will work, it will tell you what kind of a fighter you are facing, and help you create a strategy to fight that fighter. However, there is a glaring weakness in the implementation of the method, and, there is a glaring weakness in the fact of the method. Still, it is important to know and be able to use if you are going to develop as a real fighter.

When you face off towards a fellow in freestyle, fake a punch and watch what happens. Before we analyze what happens, consider the basic weakness behind this movement. A fake is a wasted motion, and while you're faking he might not be wasting motions.

If the fighter backs up, he is a runner. This means that you are going to have to track him down. You are going to have to develop a strategy which cuts him off, backs him into a corner, and sets him up for the kill.

If the fighter charges you, then he is aggressive, an attacker. This means you are going to have to slip him or back him down. You are going to have to develop a strategy which stops him, which slips his aggressiveness, and which takes advantage of his tendency to over charge.

If the fighter makes as if he is going to block, then he is not going anywhere. This means he is going to stay where he is and face you, and you are going to have to penetrate him. You are going to have to develop a strategy which interchanges overwhelming with darting, or whatever else it takes to penetrate his shields.

These three things are excellent for establishing a structure within the chaos of combat, and highly usable. However, the glaring weakness of the method became apparent to me the first time somebody tried to use it on me. The fellow faked, and I moved in response, but did not flee or charge, merely duplicated his motion such as it was.

I knew it wasn't real, and I was waiting for the reality, mirroring his actions, and finding a real time solution to whatever he did. Checking a response is not in real time, it is in fake time. Thus, this method falls apart when somebody lets The True Art move him and detail his responses. - 30300

About the Author:

Al Case has learned the martial arts 4O++ years. You can see him make The True Art work, and see first hand what he is talking about in this article, at Blinding Steel. A Free ebook is available at Monster Martial Arts.