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.

The Real and Mystical Reason Why I Didn't Matrix Shaolin Kung Fu!

By Al Case

Matrixing, to give you the definition right from the start, is the analysis and handling of force and flow. Every object, every particle in this universe has a direction, and everything in the universe has lots of potentials for collision. Thus, the study of Matrixing becomes the single most important thing one can learn if one is going to understand things like Shaolin kung fu.

Now, to set this article up in the proper manner, let me say that the martial arts are taught through the memorizing of random strings of data. This is like somebody memorizing a dozen pieces on the piano, and thinking he is the next Mozart. Obviously, one has to break through the memorizing process and start finding the structure of his art, and how to arrange that art before he can lay claim to being a master artist.

So, let's slide into the subject of Shaolin. Shaolin has a few thousand years of history, and every master and his sister has added to the mix, and thus the logic of the art has become mixed and impenetrable. There is a vast variety of these strings of random data, you see, and there is no set of principles with which to define it.

If one studies Shaolin kung fu like Choy Li Fut or Hung Gar, one thinks that the art is filled with deep horse stances, windmilling arms, and a mangling of concepts which pop out at you at the oddest times. One thinks that one must beat up students right up to the head abbot if he is going to find the sacred scroll, and one must meditate and beat his fists into heated iron pellets for a dozen years to get the real kung fu. The sad fact is that this is a small subset of concepts, and it does not penetrate the True Art in any meaningful fashion.

If one studies Wing Chun, one thinks that he has to stand squarely, close the eyes, and absorb attacks with antennas called forearms. Three sequences of mystical data, a daunting wooden dummy to beat your arms, and never the idea that everything is just random strings of data, and not the True Art. Thus, Wing Chun is phenomenal, amazing, gives true ability, yet it just touches lightly upon the True Art.

Then, of course, there the subset of art called the Praying Mantis, speaking of antenna arms that manipulate an opponent to his doom and disgrace. If you really consider the structure of these arts, however, it is almost like Hung Gar or Choy Li Fut and Wing Chun have been choped out of the same pie. Thus, the principles waggle and interbreed into new bastards, and the True Art is obscured in a dense fog of fascinating ability and amazing art.

This all said, Matrixing could easily organize Shaolin, in the various forms of Hung Gar or Choy Li Fut or Wing Chun and come to the truth of the true art. But I chose Karate to present the principle of Matrixing, and to expose the world to the concept of logic through analysis and handling. Simply, the history was shorter, the mountain was smaller, the obscuring fog more transparent, and karate was easier to define.

There is a true blessing in my selectio of karate as a matrixng vehicle, however, for if youmatrix karate, you can use that matrixing as a template for Shaolin. All you have to do is plug the pieces of Shaolin into Matrix Karate, and, voila, you have instant true art. Doesn't matter how much fog, who cares how tall the mountain is, it can all be resolved into an easy to learn slices of True Art, and thus open the door to the whole of The True Art. - 30300

About the Author:

Al Case has analyzed martial arts for forty+ years. He has written hundreds of articles for the magazines and had his own column in Inside Karate. He is the originator of matrixing Technology. He offers a free ebook on Matrixing at Monster Martial Arts.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Requires Commitment and Focus

By Curtis Adams

Brazilian jiu jitsu training is something that more and more people are getting into. This martial art exploded onto the scene and became hugely popular, especially with the success its practitioners received in the Ultimate Fighting Championships. As a result, there have been many people that are new to the martial arts who are now training at jiu-jitsu academies. While different teachers will have different teaching styles, there are some basic similarities to how a class should be structured.

Brazilian jiu jitsu training, like advanced training and most kinds of structured physical activities, will almost always start with some form of a warm-up. If you're new to jiu jitsu, then the teacher will almost certainly focus on a lighter warm-up session. A lighter session will usually involve some fundamental exercises such as situps and pushups, and perhaps laps around the room. Stretching also happens as soon as your body has warmed up a bit. A heavier warm-up would be longer and really created to break a sweat and help you with conditioning for endurance.

Subsequent to the warm-up, the next part of Brazilian jiu jitsu training typically concentrates on techniques. Certain moves will be selected by the trainer and broken into sections so that students can perfect each stage. Errors are ironed out at this time, and the instructor will attempt to spend time with each student to ensure things are being done correctly. More knowledgeable students are often matched with newer ones, so that the former can assist the latter. This is especially important in larger classes where the instructor cannot provide everybody personal training simultaneously.

After the warm-up and the practice part of Brazilian jiu jitsu training comes the hands-on fighting. When you have a partner working with you, techniques are easier to execute and fighters can become complacent and over confident. By including a sparring session at the end of a lesson, students will need to apply their newly learned techniques against an opponent who will not know what their next move will be, and who will not be so willing to let them win.

Brazilian jiu jitsu training is not for the casual participant due to the amount of work involved and the high expectations that instructors tend to set. But if you are dedicated and make the most out of each session by warming up properly, concentrating on mastering the techniques taught, and making the most out of sparring sessions, then you will have a positive experience. This is personal training at its highest and you will find yourself with greater physical and mental strength as a result. - 30300

About the Author:

Brazilian jiu-jitsu caught the attention of the world in the early'90s with the launch of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. These were mixed martial arts fights that paired fighters of different disciplines. The Brazilian jiu jitsu style is considered by many to be one of the most effective forms of combat.