Kicking, the Secret of the Lost Art!

By Al Case

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author:

Al Case has analyzed martial arts for forty+ years. A writer and columnist for the magazines since 1981, he is the originator of Matrixing Technology. You can see his work on developing perfect and artistic punches and kicks at Monster Martial Arts. Look around the site for his free ebook on Matrixing.

Safety and You

By Jeff Kamar

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author:

Long to read more from me? Check out his blog, where I write about other things from Roman Swords to Armor Clothing, plus other things else related to armor past plus present!

Gichin Funakoshi and the True History of Okinawan Karate!

By Al Case

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author:

Al Case has analyzed true Karate for 40 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, and you can argue with him, pr perhsp pick up a free ebook, at Monster Martial Arts

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

By Paul Campbell

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author:

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

The Firsthand Information of Tai Chi Techniques and Training

By Walter McKibbin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author:

What you just learned about Tai Chi here is just the beginning. Learn how more and more people are benefitted by Tai Chi in matters of physical health and mental wellness. To get the full story and all the details, check us out at Tai Chi Los Angeles.

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

By Vincent Grammar

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author:

New Fighting Techniques That Your Instructors Won't Tell You,Learn To Dominate Fights, learn to absolutely destroy your opponents, Click Here now.

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

By Al Case

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About the Author:

Al Case has studied martial arts for 4O years. A writer for the magazines since'81, he is the founder of matrixing technology and neutronics. You can walk on rice paper with him, or, least get a free ebook, at Monster Martial Arts.