Posts Tagged ‘martial arts’

Martial Arts – Which One To Choose

Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

So you’ve decided you want to do a martial art, but don’t know which one to do, lets face it, there are loads to choose from, providing you are lucky enough to live in the right area.

Not something I really had when I was growing up unfortunately, however there does seem to have been a growth in clubs in recent years, and also in styles followed. All that was really known about to any degree was Karate and Judo during the time I was growing up, and all I had in my area was karate and it wasn’t for me, but then how do you know if it is or isn’t for you?

I believe that this is a very good question as I am of the opinion that you need to deterine why you want to do a martial art in the first place. There are many reasons people have – confidence boost, self-defence, fitness, flexibility, competition etc. All perfectly valid reasons, but different arts will give you different results.

If you are hoping to increase your confidence then any of the arts will be more than capable of providing you with more confidence.

If you’re looking at Self-Defence, then JuJitsu is probably the best you’re going to come across. (personal opinion only and other people will no doubt dis-agree, this is what I’ve been studying for many years.) I have, quite recently, been chatting to some poepl about Keysi as well, and this does appear to have some good options in this area.

If your’e looking to improve your fitness then some form of karate or taekwondo will be suitable. The same for flexibility, these arts are striking arts with a strong emphasis on kicking, and high kicks, these will give you a good workout and result in increased flexibilty through that repeated high kicking!

If is is competitons that you are interested in then what sort of competition? Is it based on forms? If this is the case then you have various options from, Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Taekwondo, Karate – it’s a long list. If you are interested in pure grappling, then both Sombo and Judo are a good start. If you are interested in a bit of everything then mixed martial arts and then jujitsu usually works well as a good base and then mix in some thai boxing and you will have a good mix.

So first look at yourself, what you’re capable of, what you want from it and go and try them. If you’re lucky you might find the right one first time, but if you don’t, don’t let it put you off, let the instructor know what you are trying to achieve and if they’re honest about their art they’ll be upfront about whether or not they can help you.

One thing to bear in mind whatever you decide, a bad instructor can make a good art bad. Don’t let them put you off, unfortunately there are a few out there who are either just trying to make some fast money or dont have the ability to communicate. I’ve seen this happen and they do so at your expense.


How Best To Approach Your Wing Chun Training

Sunday, August 8th, 2010

I have been getting a lot if questions about how often you should train or go to your wing chun training classes.What is the right balance?Depends on your circumstances.Two or three classes per week should be OK.That may not be practical to everyone.When i started i was a student so i had time but little money.  It can get quite expensive –and then when you throw in the uniform, and other accessories it adds up.  However the  thing you must realize is that your kung fu training does not end when you finish your class.You may only manage minimal training as life gets in the way. Developing your home training strategies is important.

It only needs to take about half an hour or 45 minutes whatever you can spare.Preparation is the key with stretching and warm ups important.   This is the most important part….then follow up with a form. Alternate to to keep it interesting.    From there I would practice a few punching drills working on your footwork.  Moving forward  and backwards than practicing a few kicks.Start out with Bil sao front kick~Try out with bil sao front kick drill~Start out with Bil sao front kick}.

If you have a wing chun wooden dummy then you are a step ahead of the rest.  However this is not essential.

This will help you focus and maintain your skill on the basics and from there you can also practice on an imaginary opponent – practice what you learned on your last lessons and go through the moves.  If you are really eager to do your extra bit you can do what I did and keep a diary of every class and every lesson you take.   This can be your keep sake to always have to refer to.  Remember your training does not stop at the classroom


Mixed Martial Arts Safety: How Far The Rules Have Come

Saturday, July 24th, 2010

A lot of people care about Mixed Martial Arts safety. Promoters of all MMA events always make certain that the’re proper security rules and precautions in place so that not everybody gets hurt. Sure the’re a large number of various methods a person could get hurt during an MMA fight but the same could be said for any sport. It is essential to have the right referees for instance, as these are the people who will be enforcing those rules and it is up to them to stop the fight whenever necessary.

There is no time for delay when you are a referee in an MMA fight. One of the main safety rules is that if a fighter is plainly not able to defend himself perhaps because he is too hurt or because he has been knocked out, the ref will step in and will stop the fight and this protects that fighter from getting seriously hurt. Otherwise there might be potential continuing damage to that fighter and he could get seriously hurt. There have been a a few different familiar faces who have stepped in to referee in the octagon.

Bellevue Karate Lessons

John McCarthy is likely the best referee in the history of MMA fighting. As the referee for the original UFC fights as well, he is a ref we’ve known to learn and love. The rules in the initial few fights were pretty barbaric, but that was since the sport was really just beginning and individuals were uncertain of what rules they ought to have. There were people who were more horrified at the MMA fights of long ago than these of now.

Kent Karate

The early UFC fights were a bit different, as there were much fewer rules and a large number of people who saw the fights were horrified. There are a lot more rules enforced, including that you are unable to grab onto your opponent or pull on their hair or clothing. The sport is less hazardous today and particularly so compared to certain other sports, like boxing. With boxing the basic purpose is to hit the other person in the mind until they are unconscious.

Bellevue Martial Arts

The goal here’s to be more strategic, to learn what your opponent is going to do and then take them down on it. Because players are able to make use of a variety of fighting styles it is more to do with technique than actually hurting the opponent. The MMA fights these days are less hazardous and as a result of this we don’t have to feel so bad watching them. MMA fighting is certainly still a rough sport but the Mixed Martial Arts safety has improved substantially in time.


The Coveted Black Belt – Is This The Ultimate Goal?

Saturday, July 3rd, 2010

I’ve seen it so many times that people go into the arts with one thing on their mind, how long will it be until I get my black belt. As if that’s the only reason to do the martial arts is to gain your black belt. I’ve also seen clubs and instructors do things like advertise ‘gain your black belt in a year’, change their name to a black belt academy, heck, I belonged to one that did!

O a personal not I don’t agree with this approach. I believe that achieving your Black Belt is high – it’s a massive personal achievement. Even that is not totally correct, it’s not just a big achievement for you the student it’s also a big achievement for your instructor as your instructor will have been working with you closely over the years and has an interest in your development. Some of the proudest moments in my life have been watching my students gain their black belt. However if you treat your training right then it becomes a by product of your ongoing development.

If you start your martial arts training right, with a good instructor, then you start to learn the basic principles of your art, start to understand body mechanics then put your own twist on to things, put your own stamp on your technique. It’s at this point you are starting to understand what you are doing more, it’s part of the development cycle. Somewhere in there you move up the grades, one of those is your Black Belt, It’s another stage that’s all really. I remember myself, going for that white belt grading, and the feeling was just the same as when I prepared to go for my black belt grading, you still had the butterflies in your stomach as you prepared to start.

In many ways you only actually start to really learn your chosen art after your Black Belt, up until then there is always thoughts of Grading, even if you do want to focus on your training then gradings are always there niggling away in the back somewhere. Once you have achieved your black belt, then the pressure really is off. You can now go back to the beginning and start to break it all down again from the start, using the knowledge you have aquired since your first steps through the door to delve into the inner workings of your first moves.

That’s were it takes real committment, a real desire to better yourself, but all too often that’s when people feel they’ve got there and quit….Why? Or worse, develop a know it all attitude!

From the Instructors point of view, are these fast track Black Belts and Black Belt Academy’s valid? Are they money making schemes? Will the person who passes their Black Belt in a short period of time know the same as someone else who takes their time and understands the principles, rather than just doing the steps requires – simply because they are told to?

So long as they are doing it for the right reasons I’ve got to say a black belt academy, I don’t have a problem with, if someone has that goal then let’s help them to achieve it. Fast track black belts, how can they mean the same to you as if you’d put in years of training to achieve it, how can you develop that inner understanding, both of yourself and your art that can only come with time? How can you stand up there in front of a class, teaching, answering questions when you yourself have only been learning the art for a very short period of time? People devote their lives, and years and years to studying these things and don’t know it all, I certainly don’t and I’ve only been doing it for a fraction of the time of some people.

So in summary, the black belt is a big thing, but it’s not everything!


Samples Of Martial Arts For Self Defense

Monday, June 28th, 2010

While understanding martial arts is great, more often than not, whenever you learn through normal courses, you do not possess just what you’ll need to be able to properly defend yourself. The main reason this is so, is the threat of violence can be found in many various varieties and levels. There are many different types of physical violence, such as a simple discussion which then escalates to a violent altercation, to being robbed, to becoming involved in a rape, to a person wanting to kill you using some sort of weapon. Due to this reality, you should be ready for any and all of them, because who knows what could be waiting for you.

Because violence can come in countless different types, so too must your self-defense methods. One type of self defense may work excellent for a specific type of assault, however not at all for any other attack. Martial arts training is frequently meant to manage certain situations, and not each and every circumstance that may happen. Self defense training is actually taught so that you’re able to protect yourself against imminent threats, and to get this done the right way, you need martial arts training which explains exactly how to do this. There is no one martial art which will show you how to be prepared for any kind of scenario, but through mixing as much as possible, you will be far better ready to deal with many types of violent assaults.

For self defense, many people are actually choosing to study Krav Maga. It had been employed initially by the Israeli military, and is now employed by law enforcement as well as the U.S. military. It is a type of hand to hand fight training which lets you better give attention to much more immediate threats, as well as be able to react in circumstances that place your life in danger. You’re taught how you can protect yourself in a brief period of time. You are taught to protect yourself against threats including guns, knives, sticks, chokes, grabs, as well as other things. When you’re shown how to get past the shock of an attack, it is possible to better keep your wits as well as know precisely ways to get free and stay alive.

Any type of martial arts will help you defend yourself, especially when you know how to apply the concepts you have learned in real life circumstances. Akido is a great martial art to practice for self defense, in which your attacker’s very own strength is employed to cause them to end up being off balance, letting you obtain the upper hand, whatever size you are. You are taught the concepts of flexibility and agility to help you to defend yourself against a person that is much bigger than you are.

Muay Thai, also known as kickboxing, is yet another martial art that numerous people have discovered for the purpose of self-defense. Though it is a martial art that requires a large amount of self-discipline and also commitment, it is amongst the most lethal styles of martial arts in existence. With the appropriate martial arts self-defense training, you’ll be able to protect yourself against the largest of opponents.

If you would like more information regarding martial arts self defense, there are many sites available which will help you. Visit martial arts self defense to get going.


My Moms Tips To Abide By If Looking At Martial Arts Supplies

Saturday, June 19th, 2010

In the United States, firearm laws vary from state to state, and though they’re primarily focused on handguns, the laws mostly also include text governing the use of a number of martial arts weapons, from daggers to throwing stars to whips.  

The right to carry a hid weapon, additionally called “concealed carry,” or “CCW” is regulated by state law and refers to the legal ability of citizens or legal immigrants to carry a hidden weapon in public. Just like general firearms laws, these CCW laws govern not solely handguns and knives, but martial arts weapons as well. Some states allow those with a CCW permit to carry purely a single handgun, others allow multiple handguns, knives plus martial arts weapons. Purely Wisconsin, Illinois and the District of Columbia haven’t any provisions for carrying a hid weapon. Find out more about martial arts supplies here.

Other states, like Vermont, permit all the registered gun owners to carry a concealed weapon plus make no distinctions between handguns and martial arts weapons. Different states, like Tennessee, issue solely “carry permits” as they do not need handguns or martial arts weapons to be concealed when the user is in public. Those against CCW laws have had no success in halting CCW legislation or in reversing legislation once it’s passed by state ruling bodies.  

A rule that used to bar concealed handguns plus martial arts weapons from National Parks isn’t any longer valid. Laws currently prohibit the U.S. Secretary of the Interior from implementing any rule that restricts the rights of CCW permit holders. So long as gun and martial arts weapon owners are obeying the laws in their home state, they are able to legally carry the weapons on National Park land in alternative states.  

Whether weapons laws are recognized from one state to another depends largely on the reciprocity agreements negotiated among the individual states. Absolutely thirty-seven states have such reciprocity agreements with at least one different state, and a few states even automatically honor all other state regulations for visiting gun plus martial arts weapon owners. Additionally, a few states create special arrangements limiting weapons for individuals beneath the age of 21 plus allowing weapons for those discharged from the military.

When traveling to another state, it’s best to contact the state’s attorney general’s office to learn about the specific laws prior to bringing in martial arts weapons.


Martial Arts Moves What Style Is Right For You?

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

Many people that do not an in-depth knowledge of multiple martial arts styles, will often decide what style to learn based solely on martial arts moves that they have seen.  While this isn’t an inherently bad idea, especially if you want to learn martial arts for fun or to stay in shape, it also means that a bigger decision must first be made.  Every form of martial arts has an underlying style or concept that will be reflected in all of the moves that you will learn.  That means that you first need to make a decision about the overall style that you want to learn.

There are a variety of factors that you need to consider to find a style that has martial arts moves that you want to learn.  If you have never done anything like this before, then one factor that you may want to consider is your age and vulnerability to injury.  If, under no circumstances, you cannot sustain an injury then choosing a very low impact style is a good idea.  There are three basic styles of martial arts moves: striking, grappling, and weaponry.  While many forms are a combination or two or three of these styles, it is important to decide what kind of martial arts moves you want to focus on.

For example, if you want to use punches and kicks then striking should be an aspect that you focus on.  If you prefer to learn throws and take-downs, then grappling should be your emphasis.  Many people are learning different martial arts styles, not for sport, but for self defense.  If this is a case, then choosing a style that allows for quick disarming and ending the fight quickly should be a priority.

With a rise is mixed martial arts, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding whether or not MMA (sport martial arts) is better for self defense  On one side of the argument, sport martial arts trains you to compete for a specified length of time, whereas defense-oriented martial art forms want to help you end the fight as quickly as possible.  While sport martial arts is growing in popularity, it is not the right choice for everyone 

A Quick Review

While deciding which martial arts styles to learn based upon your favorite martial arts moves is not a bad idea, it is important to consider other factors as well.  The first thing to consider is how much contact you want to, or can, handle.  If you are older, injury prone, or simply do not want to endure high levels of contact, then a high impact art form like kick-boxing, is probably not right for you.  A second consideration is what overall skill set you want to learn.  Do you want to learn how to strike, grapple, use weapons, or a combination?  Just because your favorite move in a certain form of martial arts is a throw, that doesn’t mean that all you will learning is different take-downs  Finally, you need to take into consideration why you want to learn martial arts.  If you are interested in general health, self-defense, or just want to have a good time, it can drastically affect which choice is right for you.

You can learn more about martial arts moves and martial arts styles to protect yourself from unexpected attacks.


Finding A Maryland Martial Arts School

Thursday, May 6th, 2010

Finding a martial arts school in Maryland can be a difficult task. Anyone looking for a high-quality martial arts school need to ask a few very specific questions, and must like the answers they get before choosing a school. Martial arts, even in practice, can be dangerous. It’s important to find a high quality school with a long track record of success and safety. Qualified instructors are essential, and finding instructors who are willing to provide references is always a good place to start. 

Of course, it’s more than just the instructors which make a dojo. The other people at the martial arts school who will interacting with the new student are just as critical. Do they have the right attitude? Are they able to keep their aggression under control? These are important questions to ask and have answered long before starting the first martial arts class in Maryland. Anyone looking for a martial arts school in Maryland should take the time to sit in on a few sessions before making their decisions, and of course don’t be afraid to ask questions and shop around. The prices vary widely, but be aware that martial arts instruction is truly one area where you do get what you pay for. Don’t be keen on a budget solution just because it’s less expensive. Ask for certifications and references from any school that you’re considering, and take the time to check them out thoroughly. 

Regardless of the school that you decide on joining, make sure that it’s not only tough but fun as well. Having fun while keeping in shape, exercising, and learning self-control is one of the best ways to ensure that you or your child will stick with martial arts in Maryland, truly one of the best hobbies to have at any age.


What Is Kungfu?

Sunday, May 2nd, 2010

The martial art of Kung Fu is an exchange of culture, a kind of exercise, and also a way of defending yourself. The art is very fashionable all through the world, also being called Gung Fu, Wu Shu, and even Kuo Shu. It shares some common traits with Karate, like using both hand and foot systems. Kung Fu is one of the most popular styles of martial arts – and also one of the oldest.

Within Kung Fu, there are several styles and variances, although the most popular are those that have their roots in the recognized Shaolin Temple. What most people aren’t mindful of even so, is the fact that Kung Fu was experienced in China years before the first Shaolin temple was despite the fact that of.

Learn Kungfu

A majority of martial arts enthusiasts think of self defense as being the eventual goal of any martial art, including Kung Fu. While self defense is worried about Kung Fu, the martial is so more than just fighting and defense – it is an honest art, one that develops the mind, body, and the psyche.

Kung Fu doesn’t teach students to overcome others, as it teaches students to look within by themselves and learn to have complete and full control over their emotions. Kung Fu is an art of harmony, that instructs to students to remain at peace and avoid confrontations. If a predicament threatens bodily harm to the student, then he must rise to the occasion – becoming the warrior and defending himself.

Identical to other types of martial arts, Kung Fun instructs the balance that is crucial for executing systems and the proper movement. The standard concept behind the balance is that same balance that the Chinese believe keeps the balance between heaven and earth. This concept of balance can be achieved by students if they completely focus their options and empty their minds clear of any type of distractions.

Kung Fu is a martial art that can be educated by anyone. It does take a strong want, just like any other martial art. It has a wealthy heritage, and a proud legacy. Kung Fu is indeed a life threatening martial art, if used in the wrong ways. The’re variations of Kung Fu as well, which comprise the infamous five animals – Tiger, Dragon, Eagle Claw, Crane, and the Snake.

Adapted by the animals in which they are named after, the five animals style is the majority of the most impressive in martial arts. Tiger Claw is by far the most toxic of the five animals, teaching students to strike just like the dreaded tiger. This style instructs the student power in his hands, so that when he strikes, he tears the flesh. Tiger Claw is very deadly, although it is very rare instructors that teach this style now days.

Unlike other martial arts, there actually are no competitions for Kung Fu. Stylists can compete it other competitions, however, there really aren’t any that’re for only Kung Fu. It is an ancient martial art, that is to be employed only in cases were there is no other alternative than to fight back. When provoked, the stylist should try everything he or she can to avoid confrontations.

Kung Fu aims to teach the lessons of respect, fairness to others, harmony of the spirit, and total self discipline regardless of what. These traits, when paired together, allow students to accomplish success in a hard to treat society. Kung Fu is concerning producing the student’s general health – and following the straight road to mental and physical toughness.

For more, please go through best ways to learn All About Kungfu.


How To Choose The Best Martial Arts Training School

Monday, March 29th, 2010

For thousands of years, martial arts have helped people develop discipline, trust, physical, mental and spiritual fitness as well as an ability to defend by themselves in any presented with situation. The expression martial arts is a very broad term. Under the umbrella of the term martial arts is an entire group of arts that go by various names: Taekwondo, Judo, Karate, Jeet Kune Do, Hapkido, Ninjitsu, Jujitsu and a good many others. Practicing a martial art is one of the better methods to enter shape as well as develop a strong sense of your role and what you can accomplish. It’s not important what martial art you decide. They all have their benefits. Although, it is essential to find the right martial arts instructor.

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The’re frequently dozens of martial arts schools in any presented with city. Just open the local yellow pages and probably you will see a few pages of schools teaching various arts. Each one of those schools has a tutor that can be good, or he/she may not be so good. The only method to conclude is to enter the school and gauge the instructor yourself.

Free Trial

Most schools offer a free of charge trial. This generally comprises of one free class, or even a one on one session with the instructor. You should capitalize of this free trial. If you see a school that doesn’t offer a free trial lesson, ask to observe one of the courses. Taking a class, or watching a class, will give you a good idea of what variety of instructor you’re dealing with. But what should you search for? How are you able to tell which instructor is the foremost and which is a hack?

Federal Way Martial Arts

It is a harsh reality but, anybody with the money can open a martial arts school. It’s sad but true. All the same, you can usually tell if it’s a good school or not by the conduct of the students. Are they disciplined and behaved? Is their technique good? Do they actually respect the instructor, or do they seem to walk everywhere him or her? It is these that are the the items you would like to take heed of. But when judging if an educator is good or not, you will require to try your hand at to corner them in person.

Finding the Best

If you manage to sit with a one on one interview with a tutor, ask how long he’s been practicing. Don’t take heed of awards or trophies, as these can be fabricated by anybody and really don’t mean a thing. Still, if upon meeting the instructor, you get a sense that he knows what he’s discussing, and his technique is good, and he’s in a position to teach others good technique; then you have discovered a good instructor. As far as an educator being the best, that’s relative. You actually just want to find a teacher that’s best for you. And that instructor is one who can instruct you discipline, self confidence, and great technique all while earning your respect. That’s what the best martial arts instructors do, and the’re plenty about. Hopefully, using the above details, you can find that instructor to teach you whatever martial art you’ve chosen.

For more, please check out How to Learn Martial Arts