Month: July 2019

Nunchakus, the katana sword, double sticks, and others are among some of the weapons to be mastered through different styles of traditional martial arts. All of them have their own merits, but I believe the two most powerful weapons which can multiply the power of your techniques are the subconscious mind and Chi energy. Below I will explain in detail why.

All skills we have learned in any style, after hard and serious training, become natural reflexes. The reason for this is that there is a section of our mind that is in charge of memorizing all of our experiences from the moment we are born until the last breath we take. This part of our mind is in charge of vital functions of the body, such as breathing, defecating, regulation of bodily fluids and circulation as well as, other complicated processes. This part of our mind is working 24/7 without rest. Behold the subconscious mind!

What is the subconscious mind and how can it help you become a powerful martial artist? Sub means under and conscious means your everyday mind or the mind of everyday life. So subconscious means the part of your mind that is below your conscious awareness. In order words, you are not aware of it. The most important part for a martial artist to know and master about the subconscious mind is its inability to recognize physical limitations. Whatever skills regardless of the situation, you will be able to accomplish it if you impress or command the subconscious mind with an exact image of what you are trying to accomplish.

Let me use myself as an example. I do lots of visualization with my techniques and when I do them physically Ive noticed something very interesting. I feel like Ive been performing them for a long time physically. They feel crisp, with more strength, faster and alive. All the things Ive visualized give me a sense of connectedness to the techniques. In other words, my body, mind and emotions work together as one with the technique. This was an aha moment because I had heard the stories of visualization, but had never experienced them myself.

Another function under the control of the subconscious is the reflexes. When you react or attack your opponent, before all this happens, there is a signal sent from the brain to the body via the nervous system. The nervous system activates the muscle and then the muscles move the body. This happens in an instant, but you can lessen the time it takes for your muscles to receive the signal by training your subconscious and the body at the same time. This is accomplished using visualization as the above example proves.

Aside from the subconscious mind, there is another aspect to the training of martial arts call Chi training. Chi is not easy to explain, but let me give it my best shot. Chi is life itself and all things are made of it. It is internal and external energy. Planets and constellations are made of Chi. In the human body, Chi is regulated by the conscious mind and the amount is limited. Breathing exercises are one of the tools used to increase the amount of Chi in your body. I know, if all things are made of Chi how come it is limited in the body, thats your question. I dont know the answer to that question yet, but I have a theory and I will explain it later on.

Among the benefits of increasing your level of Chi is a stronger immune system, an increase of overall strength, faster reflexes, faster blood circulation, a strong sense of being grounded and a feeling of being in the present moment or in the Zone. If you practice martial arts, extra strength and total awareness and being in harmony with your opponent is a great skill to have, dont you think? Ask your teacher if he knows anything about Chi and ask him to teach you about it. If you are a practitioner keep reaping the rewards of your Chi.

Finally it may be possible that Chi is another expression of the subconscious mind. It is not a subjective experience, all youve got to do is practice and you will soon reap the benefits of Chi training, whether you practice the martial arts or not.

The Art of Karate can be traced back to an event called ‘Pankration’ held during the first Olympic Games in 776 B.C. This type of Japanese martial arts was developed in the island of Okinawa which was invaded by Japanese in the 17th Century. The invasion involved weapon ban while warrior invaders wore bamboo armor. With the help of Chinese experts on the island,

islanders kick or punch to penetrate such armor and disable the warrior. Since then, they developed karate training which aims to form unarmed combat techniques with hands and feet as lethal weapons.

Karate comes from the Japanese characters which mean “empty hand”. This fighting technique includes kicking, grappling, punching, locks and joint manipulation. It is widely known as an art of self defense and signifies a mysterious way of fighting which enables the executor to cause death or injury even with a single blow.

It doesn’t only focus on physical strength but also polishing inner self and spirit to eliminate weakness and boost strength.

Karate Practice and techniques in Karate training, a mix of extensive physical aspects and incorporation of psychological elements are highlighted. Karatearts is divided into four aspects such the basics, forms, sparring and weapons training.

The basics or kihon involves variety of styles performed in unison or a combination of techniques which is usually executed through pre-arranged drills in small groups or in pairs. Kata, which constitutes forms in Karate,

displays sequence of movements representing a variety of offensive and defensive postures. This concept will lead to real understanding of combat principles while developing correct posture and gracefulness. Sparring or kumite include knockdown karate, kickboxing variants and free sparring.

This technique is mostly notable in tournaments and employs grappling, kicking and punching. Lastly, training of traditional weaponry is the focus of kobudo.

Karate as a sport

The world of sports has witnessed how Karate arts dramatically evolved the last 20 years. With the aid of movies and television, its popularity increased throughout the world and even become part of the Olympic Games. Recognized by the International Olympic Committee, the World Karate Federation facilitates karate competition in the Olympic Games and develop common rules governing all the techniques. Sparring and forms may be demonstrated as a team or by individual. Judging for kata and kobudois through a panel of judges while kumite is judged by a head referee. Karate as a sport is aimed to express and display series of defensive and counter attacking movements. This effectively display how Karate evolved as used in self-defense.

Karate Philosophy

Intensive Karate training incorporates mental refinement and leadership essentials. Anko Itosu, Grandfather of Modern Karate, emphasized the importance of self-discipline and promoted the virtue of personal conviction. This aspect of karate teaches every karateka to practice courtesy, purge selfish thoughts and to be inwardly humble and outwardly gentle. For intent and focus practice, karate will help each karateka to effectively clean one’s mind from evil thought and to never be easily drawn into the fight. Indeed, the world of Karate does not only revolve around physical power and strength. This type of Japanese martial arts promotes the virtues of perseverance and will power. In karate arts, mastery of the craft is not totally physical. A karateka can only be self-improved by keeping within him heart and character.

There is not much that is complicated about the concept of mixed marshal arts. Different types of martial arts taught at the same facility. You can pick between the various forms of martial arts, such as taekwondo or jiu-jitsu.

This is a great idea because there are so many different types of martial arts. Especially if you are not familiar with each, choosing the right one can be confusing.

A mixed martial arts school will show you the various forms so you can choose among them. This type of help will be extremely valuable in choosing the right martial arts for you. Whatever kind you decide upon, you will gain physical strength, confidence and learn to defend yourself.

Which type of martial art will be a matter of personal preference. Find out which schools in your area have mixed marshal arts classes.

Then go and check them out yourself. You will learn a lot about the different kinds of martial arts that are available. How an instructor teaches technique is something to consider.

Watch how they lead the class. Are they just demonstrating, expecting the students to absorb the lesson? Or does he demonstrate and explain each part of a move so the student understands?

Many of those who are great at what they do are not great teachers because they cant explain things properly. Looking at how the class is taught will give you a great idea about whether it is good for you.

The next thing you should do is to talk to the proprietor or chief instructor. In any good school these people should be willing to openly discuss your potential instruction. Some may be good teachers but not able to describe their programs.

Remember that martial arts is a competitive sport. If you do not being in close contact with others, or especially in physical contact, make this known. Feel them out for their level of eagerness and if they think they are benefiting from the classes. If you notice that the students are very happy and enthusiastic about their lessons, you probably have hit upon a great school.

If you dont spend some time on this project, you may be dissuaded from studying martial arts. Dont be afraid to ask questions and learn as much as you can. Youll know the right one when you do.

Mixed martial arts invoke the image of people sparring, kicking, and punching while wearing a special uniform. While this is often the case, there is much to think about when becoming skilled at a sport such as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, or boxing for example. Uniforms and protective gear such as shin guards, mouth guards, headgear, and knee pads are common, but there are various other kinds of MMA equipment while help make practice and competition safe. Otherwise, it would be just like fighting when it has nothing to do with martial arts; people would be seriously hurt and would be wrought with injuries.

Equipment like shin guards and boxing gloves allow people to do things that they wouldnt ordinarily be able to do. The force and frequency of punching in boxing is enough to do serious harm to ones hands and wrists, but this doesnt ordinarily occur when gloves have a secure fit and overlay the wrapping underneath. Shin guards prevent the pain and recovery that go along with injuries to the lower leg, while groin protectors do their part in making martial arts pain free.

Punching bags are commonly used for boxing practice and with other martial arts. These can be found in various shapes and are sometimes configured to look like dummies, so practice can be made more realistic. The material must not be too hard and must be durable enough to take a beating. Making the world of MMA equipment even more sophisticated are the wall mounts, bag slings, swivel hooks, chains, springs, and platforms that can go along with a punching bag. Any type of martial arts requires strength training, and this is where different types of exercise equipment, weights, and even weighted vests come in.

The different styles and weights of barbells also fill the inventory of equipment retailers. Training masks and counters, and ropes for climbing or jumping, are equipment as well. Equipment in this category can be used for anything from building strength and power, to increasing ones speed or endurance. Fold-able mats are an important element of any martial arts training facility, affording safety as one learns to do things that were never thought possible. These can even be placed on hard floors to allow motions and impacts that would not be doable without causing injury.

Training and safety arent always the focus of MMA equipment. This broad category also includes products of convenience, such as duffel bags, back packs, mouth guard cases, and deodorizers. An example of how martial arts can include so many different needs, these items are handy in the day-to-day activities of people who practice. Logos, decals, and patches for uniforms can also be added to a shopping cart, so these too can easily be acquired. Sanitary needs are high before and after practice or a competition, so lotions and soap are often sold along with the different types of equipment.

As with any other sports equipment or products in general, there is a choice of brands, whether it has to do with weightlifting, protection, attire, or storage. Personal choice can influence the decision as to what brand to go with, while quality and reputation are significant as well. The fact is that, with so many brands, variations, and types of MMA equipment available, there is much more to martial arts than learning the sport and training. While the hours must be put in, one must also budget for the uniforms and equipment that help build strength and keep them safe from injury. There are also a wide range of products that help to maximize potential without leaving one to wonder just how far they would otherwise get in a rewarding sport.

Being the author of several books on the martial arts and fighting, I am always looking for books of exceptional quality to add to my library. If I have a book in my library, it’s definitely worth owning. One such book is Marc Animal MacYoungs, “Pool Cues, Beer Bottles, and Baseball Bats.”

As you may well know from my previous reviews of Marcs books, one of the things that I absolutely love about his style of writing, is his no-holds barred direct approach to getting his point across. There is never any sugarcoating or politically correct terminology is his books. He simply tells it like it is, whether you like it or not. Marcs method of writing reminds me of the comical rants of George Carlin. You may be offended by what he says, but by golly its the truth. And yes, sometimes the truth hurts.

Once again, Marc gives you a no-holds barred look at the reality of fighting and surviving on the street. This book focuses on the most common types of weapons you are likely to encounter during an altercation on the street. For the most part, Marc leaves out the two most common ones, guns and knives. The reason for this is because these two are deserving of book all of their own. One of which I know Marc has addressed, as that particular book is on my To Do list.

In the preface, Marc discusses the intent of his book, which is for you the reader to use the knowledge contained within to keep yourself safe and out of trouble. It is not intended nor implied for you to go out and start causing it. As I was making notes to do this review, it occurred to me that what Marc and others like him are trying to teach you is similar to what the late Steve The Crocodile Hunter Irwin was trying to teach all of us that watched him work with animals.

First, that these are wild animals (violent and unpredictable individuals) and need to be treated with respect. Secondly, if you know the ins and outs (what to look for when dealing with this type of person) of the animal, then you will be able to identify and avoid a possible dangerous confrontation.

This last part is strictly Marcs and others like him, and is not Irwins by any stretch of the imagination.

And finally, when unable to avoid a confrontation, what options you have to inflict as much damage upon your opponent as you can while sustaining minimal damage to yourself.

In the first chapter, Marc talks about the vital importance of awareness not only of your surroundings, but also of yourself. He teaches you some of the subtle and not-so-subtle cues that people tend to give off when preparing to attack. He also goes into patterns of trouble, which are a series of events that seem to always follow one after another on a one way course to trouble. With you usually right in the middle of it. One of the ways to avoid these things is to be aware of it. Hence, the lesson to be learned in this section, taking the time to work on your awareness.

The next chapter deals with long range weapons you are likely to encounter. Things such as pool cues, staffs or poles, shovels, etc. The remaining chapters in this book are broken down into various sections that focus on a wide variety of weapons, such as swords, sticks. Marc also goes into quite a bit of detail on impact weapons such as; wrist pins, brass knuckles, rings, saps, etc. Marc even has a chapter dealing with flexible weapons such as chains and ropes. As with all of his books, and this one is no exception, Marc gives you a real good understanding of the principles behind the techniques that he discusses and demonstrates in his books.

Marcs final chapter in this book deals with diversions and distractions that you are likely to encounter during a street altercation. Some of them are obvious, while others are not so obvious. As Marc is fond of saying (and completely right) awareness is the key to survival. Buy Marcs books, read them, study them, learn from them, and then use that knowledge to stay safe and live longer.