Up until 30 years ago, JUDO was the martial art. Then with the introduction of the more mysterious martial arts with more of a “killing” edge to them this coupled with the focus of the USJF/USJI (the leading Judo organizations in the US and the world) focus on Olympic competition and the simple fact that training in judo is painful and to this day, very difficult to get a black belt rank in it, especially if you are in a competitive area. I could probably write another 5 pages on this, but I will stay on point.

During these years EVERY major metropolitan Police Department had a Judo club. Even countries like Thailand taught Judo to there police force, NOT Muay Thai. I personally train a number of law enforcement officers and I have seen the results first hand. So why is Judo the martial art for law enforcement?

The primary purpose of non-lethal force with law enforcement is to get your target to comply. What is the most realistic way of getting someone to do something you don’t want to with out seriously damaging them? How can you get someone from their feet to the ground as quickly as possible? How do you know what its going to be like for real? The answer is JUDO.

First off, when most people “resist” arrest, it’s an ego thing. They are looking to be restrain, or they don’t want to look like a punk and go quietly. The advantage the cop has is that the suspect knows that the officer is not trying to kill him or her. I realize this is a disadvantage in some situations, but that’s what the stuff @ www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com is for.

First, the object of judo is to throw the opponent from his feet to his back. Think about the majority of the altercations policemen get in, most of the time the skel is just kind of testing the officer. Once the suspect feels that the officer is going to be a tough customer, he’ll comply. Nothing drives this point home better than taking someone from their feet to their ass with one shot. Usually, when the guy is on the ground, he’ll take his medicine, since he knows the cop really isn’t going to kill him, a lot of time, that’s all it takes. Plus, to witnesses, it just looks like you pushed or pulled him over; mean while, they hit the deck HARD. Just ask my friend who threw guys one night with sasae tsuri komi ashi (lifting, pulling, ankle throw). These guys were fighting each other, and the guys on the scene had to get them to stop. So, he got in the fray and tossed ‘em all. Well, I guess they felt that getting up and fighting again wasn’t that much of a priority.

A popular argument is that most fights go to the ground. This may be true, but most people don’t know what they are doing. Most people don’t study judo.

One of the primary components of judo is being able to stay on your feet. You develop this skill as a by-product of the training. Just gaining the ability to stay on your feet is worth the price of admission. Especially when you are in a ‘scrum’ maintaining your balance is a primary concern.

The fact is, there is not better way to practice imposing your will on someone who is non compliant. Nothing gives you greater confidence than throwing a man that has 100 pounds on you. Nothing. Especially when that guy doesn’t want to be thrown.

Another important component is the pinning and submissions of judo. To secure a full point in judo you need to hold him on his back for 25 seconds. Being able to hold a man down until the cavalry arrives will save your life. Plus, while this guy struggles, you are just squeezing the life out of him. Trust me, when it comes time for you to put the cuffs on him, he’ll be as compliant as a wet noodle.

Strangles and arm-bars, yep, Judo has them too. If you have to put someone “out of commission” and you really want to know how to strangle someone who doesn’t want to be strangled, you’ve come to the right place. When they wake up, you will have them cuffed and ready to go. (Uh-oh, the choke hold alarm! Hey, I am not talking about liability; I am just trying to save your life).

Lastly the overall toughening and body conditioning is second to none. If you can “randori” for 30 minutes, non- stop – you’re in really good shape. So why aren’t some many people, knocking down the doors of every Judo club. Because it’s hard work and it hurts. There’s no junior black belt, student of the month. Your gi is white and the work is hard. No secrets, just hard work.

The irony and the tragedy: the guys who train with me are only a few. Most of the guys interested in this type of training are SWAT or tactical guys. Unfortunately, these guys are the least likely to get in a roll around. That’s the irony. The tragedy is the guys who are most likely to need good hand to hand fighting skills are the patrolmen doing car stops, domestic violence; and all of the first response details. By the time the SWAT shows up, the situation is intense and the reality of a hand to hand confrontation is highly unlikely if not damned near impossible.

© www.thetruthselfdefense.com

Damian Ross is the owner of Zenshin and instructor of Tekkenryu jujutsu and Kodokan Judo. He started competing in the combative sport of wrestling in 1975 at the age of 7 and began his study of Asian martial arts with Moo Duk Kwan Tae Kwon Do at the age of 16 in 1984. In 1989, Shinan Cestari gave a seminar at Sensei Ross’s dojo. Sensei Ross has trained under Shinan Cestari’s direction ever since. In addition to Tekkenryu Jujutsu, Judo and Tae Kwon Do, Sensei Ross has also studied Bando. Sensei Ross continues his study of Judo under the direction of 8th degree black belt Yoshisada Yonezuka and Tekkenryu Jujutsu under it’s founder, Carl Cestari. Below are is a list of some of his title ranks:

Yodan (fourth degree black belt) Tekkenryu Jujutsu under Carl Cestari
Shodan (First degree black belt) Kodokan Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka
Varsity Wrestling Lehigh University under Thad Turner
2nd Degree Black Belt Tae Kwon Do
http://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com

Becoming a martial artist is a fanatastic method of fitness. While there are many martial art forms to choose from, taekwondo is clearly the most beneficial, and the most practical. And while many realize the benefits of such exercise, the simple fact is most have no idea how to begin.

Getting in shape is a committment to essentially change the way life is lived for the better. But knowing this does not make the first step any easier to take, so many just give up.

Beginning a martial arts program obviously starts with choosing either a school or at the very least, an instructor. Both should be done carefully, but simply getting into a program is a must.

Taekwondo is more of a sport than a martial art, but this distinction makes the art form more readily transferrable to the general public. In short, nearly anyone can practice taekwondo, and with dedication, nearly anyone can become a formidable martial artist.

Taekwondo teaches the equal use of hands and feet, with the emphasis on becoming adept at using both the right and left sides of the body for defense and for attack. Perhaps more importantly than anything else, taekwondo stresses stamina and mental toughness, along with using sound techniques and being in control.

Most people have little or no time to spend getting and staying in shape, but with most taekwondo programs, any time during the day, there are classes to attend. This tends to solve the problem of finding the time to invest in something that is endlessly beneficial, and is yet another reason to choose taekwondo as the martial art to study.

But one of the aspects of taekwondo is how quickly one sees results. Indeed, this is a tremendous motivator to continue practicing taekwondo, and before one knows it, they have altered their life to find a way to fit taekwondo into it.

With all the hand and foot techniques that are taught and practiced in taekwondo, one can easily begin to excel at even the most basic techniques, thereby motivating the student even MORE to stay with it.

Clearly, there are countless health benefits to this particular martial art, but there is a confidence and mental toughness that easily comes with taekwondo in that what is being learned and practiced is practical. Blocks are aggressive, kicks and punches are accurate, and the abilty to perfect both forms and board-breaking only adds to the overall enjoyment of taekwondo.

Increased heart rate and increased muscle tone and muscle mass, as well as the aforementioned increase in confidence and stamina is more than enough to begin, practice, and perfect the martial art of taekwondo.

I am a black belt in taekwondo, but only after sampling many other martial arts forms, finally settling on taekwondo…

According to various sources on the internet, a 1996 article in Iron Man Magazine revealed Bruce Lee’s workout. In addition to his cardio and karate workouts, Lee lifted weights three times a week and performed the following routine:

 clean and presses 2 x 8 squats 2 x 12 barbell pullovers 2 x 8 bench presses 2 x 6 good mornings 2 x 8 barbell curls 2 x 8 

Unfortunately, he injured his back doing good mornings, which nearly ruined his career. Otherwise, his weight training was successful in that it is credited with helping him add 30 pounds of solid muscle to his relatively small frame.

Although Lee is the most famous martial artist ever, it may be that the strongest was a man named Masutatsu Oyama. Therefore, it will be interesting to contrast Lee’s workout with Oyama’s.

The Karate Bull-Fighter

Oyama was one of the first to bring Karate to America and founder of the Kyokushin style of Karate. His 1958 classic "What is Karate?" was one of the first books on the subject written in English, and designed to make the subject accessible to westerners.

Oyama initially became famous with stunts such as bull-fighting Karate-style. Unlike Mexican bull-fighters, he would actually wrestle the bull to the ground and break off one of its horns. (He wasn’t too popular with animal rights activists in Tokyo.)

Oyama’s Strength Training

According to Oyama’s 1958 book, strength and speed are more important than skill for Karate, and speed more important than strength. Also, he said it was very important to practice jumping.

Here are some recommendations he gives in "What is Karate?" (He doesn’t give an exact workout.)

Running - 4km per day
Rope-skipping - 20 minutes per day
Dumbell arm exercise (shoulder press?) - 200 times
Dips - 100 times
Push ups (with hands in fist) - 300 times
Inclined push ups - 100 times
Jumping side kick over 4 foot vaulting horse
Inclined dumbell bench press

Exercises requiring a partner:
Hitting bag with upper elbow and side of elbow - 200 times each
Practicing jumping kick with bag
Exercises for neck (with partner)
Leg exercise (squat with partner on back)
Back and Abdomen exercises with partner

Elsewhere in the book, Oyama said that he would bench press 175 pounds 500 times a day.

Then there are karate-specific exercises such as straw striking and exercises that are specific to board and stone breaking abilities. All this was in addition to practicing forms, sparring, etc.

Comparing Lee and Oyama

Now, what strikes me as the essential difference between Lee’s and Oyama’s workout styles is volume. Lee’s weight training routine is relatively brief, and he avoided lifting on days of heavy martial arts training.

While Lee might do an exercise for 2 sets of 8 reps (which is fairly typical), Oyama would do it for hundreds of reps. Clearly, Oyama’s is a more time-consuming approach that would require a lot of dedication.

If you look at pictures of these men, they have quite different builds. For Lee, his training goal was apparently to add bulk. Before the weight training, he weighed only 135 pounds, and he added 30 pounds of solid muscle.

Oyama, on the other hand, was obviously a stockier fellow, and talks in his book about losing weight during periods of intense training. Judging from pictures of him with other people, I would say that he was probably slightly taller than Lee (who was 5′ 8"). Although Oyama was of average height, he doesn’t look like a small guy when standing next to American professional wrestlers, boxers, and strongmen.

Possible Conclusions

The point is not to compare them as saying one was better than the other. I do wonder what affect their training style had on the way they looked and how much was just genetic.

At any rate, if Oyama struggled to keep his weight down, it sounds like high volume training helped him to achieve that. Lee, on the other hand, seems to have been naturally lean and wanted the weight training to bulk up (probably to look better on camera). Too much volume (without steroids anyway) might be counter-productive to that goal.

So, maybe the lesson in this is that if you want to lose weight while simultaneously getting stronger, it might be worth considering an old-fashioned high volume workout routine, assuming you can make that kind of dedication. On the other hand, if your goal is to look like Bruce Lee… well, all I can say is "good luck"!

The author, Greg Bonney, is the owner of Bonney Information and E-Commerce and founder of Scoutcamping.com (http://www.scoutcamping.com).

Copyright © 2005 Bonney Information and E-Commerce.

This is such a powerful tool that it should leave no question unanswered for you and allow you to create an infinite number of techniques and drills. As this is a principle rather than a technique based system, here are the principles:

PRINCIPLE1: you get what you train for

PRINCIPLE2: if you want a specific answer, ask a specific question

What’s the problem with martial arts and artists? Why do they argue so much? Why cant we find one style that is the best? After all we all only have two eyes, two arms, two legs and one head. (Except if your from a "close community"). Never mind Dragon style, Tiger style, Twisted Badger, Irrational Donkey style… what about "human style"?

The problem is this:

you can’t just fight. It hurts. Bits of you will break. That’s why its called "fighting" not "hugging" or "tickling". You’re trying to hurt each other. The only way to learn it is to do something dangerous and painful- its a double bind.

That is why one of streetfightsecrets.com ’s prime objectives is to get as close to reality as possible as safely as possible. How do you do that?

Flying a plane is dangerous and potentially very expensive. Solution: Flight Simulators.

You must have a certain number of hours virtual "flight time" before you can competently do it for real.

We haven’t yet got the technology to create a virtual reality simulator for hand to hand combat. Though we do have them for firearms training. Hand to hand is such an involved, complex, multi-sensory experience it could be many years yet before we do develop the technology to accomplish this objective satisfactorily.

Until then we must do the best we can. It is this aspect of out training that is the MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR in determining how proficient we are in reality (in the "street"!).

That is why the main focus of this manual is principles and drills. There are pictures and descriptions in the manual of techniques and options, but you should by now have seen all these before.

What would you have a hi-tech virtual reality fight simulator do? What scenarios would you focus on? What ranges?

Imagine that. You could practise for anything. What would it be? Can you get close to that in real life? In my experience the answer to that nine times out of ten would be: yes.

Game Theory

Imagine we had that kind of technology. What kind of games could we develop to teach kids (and adults) how to fight? I had an idea for a DOOM type game. In DOOM your first level attackers are really slow and use one attack over and over again, but your options are also crappy because you haven’t picked up many weapons yet. Could we adapt that for street fighting? Yes. Is there a way of simulating it in the real world? Yes. But you need good training partners.

Here are a couple of ideas for games you could play for beginners learning to cope with multiple opponents.

level1. person who is "on" stands in middle of 5 opponents, she has to break out of the circle, opponents must keep her in without using their arms. (principle being developed is breaking the circle)

level2. person who is "on" wears gum shield. 5 opponents wear heavy gloves. They may attack her only with big, slow haymakers. They may hit her in the back of head. She must stay in arena without being hit for 45 seconds. (principle being developed is positioning so multiple attackers get in each others way and spatial, peripheral and rear awareness.)

level3. person who is "on" wears a gi top. All 5 attackers wear belly shields. The attackers objective is to drag her to the floor using gi. She may only defend with front kick strikes to belly shields. (develops use of front push kick to defend, coping with being pushed and pulled, maintaining balance under duress etc)

These are just some ideas for games or drills. You get what you train for. You are only ever as good as the games you play. My advise would be to keep these drills specific. Drill for a particular principle or technique. top of page Or…

You can use the FIGHT SIMULATOR as a means to answer questions. A really fun, creative thing to do that always creates a buzz with students is to present them with a problem and let them find their own solutions.

If a student has been attacked in a certain way or is worried about being attacked in a certain way or by a certain type of person work to create those circumstances and find a solution.

eg: one of my female students had been thrown up against a wall and pinned with a one handed lapel grab whilst being threatened with a glass in the assailants other hand. I got everyone in the class to do it with a partner and a water bottle as a prop. They came up with as many solutions and escapes and counterattacks as possible, we analysed some of the best ones and everyone experimented with them.

This works well because it causes the mind to think in a proactive, creative, solution finding way as in a real scenario. You must be able to think for yourself and think on your feet. From the best solutions we took from the class we then did a live drill. A live drill is like engaging in a section of a fight. Just for a few frames of the film. It should be very intense, but short lived (no more than 10 seconds, this is not sparring, unless you compare to three step sparring).

One of the counterattacks was as follows:

1. A slams D into wall. Left hand at lapel, right hand brandishing water bottle.

2. D drops weight and hips down and into wall, goes into an ambush response position: bends knees, curves spine, hunches shoulders, tucks in chin whilst simultaneously, raising both hands and setting her right foot against crease of where wall meets floor. right hand swings loose from outside in and up in anticlockwise direction (wouldn’t break grip of larger stronger attacker but brings right arm back into play.)

3. Left hand reaches for attackers elbow crease to cover weapon wielding arm, right hand hooks attackers left collarbone. Springing off from wall with right foot, stamping down with left foot, straightening her spine, pushing her hips forward to drive a big knee into the groin whilst simultaneously yanking collarbone down and in towards her and clawing the forearm muscle points and pulling attackers right arm in and down. Depending on attackers position she gives a stun strike with her forearm, or head butt or a simple shove and then makes her escape or repositions herself to continue assaulting attacker.

Whole drill is less than 5 seconds when done at full speed. Run it slow first. Attacker should wear a groin guard and defender should not strike at full power.

Defender should wear a gi so attacker can really grab at full force. The most important thing again is the principle. The defender is growing accustomed to being grabbed and shoved violently, going with that force and responding immediately and viciously. Try it.

And work through all the "what ifs". What if attacker immediately tries to use the bottle as a weapon? Can you cover it, work your counterattack and still escape or does something else present itself? Try it and find out!

What if he jerks his hips back to avoid the knee to his groin? Well, you have still caused a reaction which can be capitalised on, so what is the next best step? Would it be to pull his head down and into the wall?

…Whatever- if you are doing this as a teacher with your students avoid the temptation to always provide solutions. Let them find them…

*Excerpt of a chapter from my manual FROM THE CAGE TO THE STREET

Training provided by Richard Grannon. Martial Arts Instructor to Doormen and Bodyguards for over 7 years. NLP Master Practitioner, Consultant Psychologist and Author. Over 15 years of study in martial arts and five years of active work as a bouncer, bodyguard and security consultant. This E-manual represents a distillation of years of study of many styles, technique, experience and quality online coaching. You cannot get this information anywhere else.

Keeping children interested in their Martial Arts training requires an element of fun and games. Traditionalists are usually only concerned with the discipline and structure of their training, but incorporating fun games involving proper techniques will add to the value of training and keep the kids interested.

Here are a few fun games and activities that utilize Martial Arts skills to keep the enthusiasm high and kids interested in their training.

Sensei Says

Sensei Says is a take off of the old “Simon Says Game”. In this version the instructor or parent would call out various martial arts techniques for the children to perform.

One instructor or parent is designated as “Sensei” or Leader. Children are instructed to follow and perform the commands of the “Sensei” only if the command is initiated by the words “Sensei Says”. The leader will call out various commands. If the child does not perform the task when initiated by the words “Sensei Says” they are out of the game. If the leader commands a task without using the prompt “Sensei Says” and the child performs the task, then the child is out of the game. Last child remaining wins.

Wild & Crazy Blocker

Requirements: 2 padded foam blockers.

The instructor or parent will attempt to strike the child with the padded foam blocker. The attempted strikes should vary from left side to right side, and to various body points, including Head, Chest, Stomach, and Legs.

The child will use their martial arts blocking skills to “block” those strikes.

Each time a “strike” connects without the child blocking or shielding they receive a point. Three points or three “strikes” and they are out.

Danger Alley

Requirements: 4 people, various Martial Arts Foam Blockers, Body Shields, Target Squares. A diagram is available at http://www.aimusainc.com/files/PDF/dangeralley.pdf

Danger Alley is a simple and easy obstacle course in which the child goes from station to station. At each station the child must perform a “self-defense” or marital arts technique to stop an “Attack or Danger”.

A minimum of four stations with various situations is recommended.

Station One (The Escape)

An instructor or parent will subdue the child by grabbing and holding on to the child’s wrist. The child must then perform an escape maneuver. Once the child escapes they proceed to Station Two.

Station Two (The Block)

When the child proceeds to station two, they encounter a would be attacker, attempting a punch or strike. An instructor or parent using a padded foam blocker will attempt to strike the child. The child should attempt to block the strike using a martial arts technique and then proceed to station three.

Station Three (The Punch)

When the child proceeds to station three, they encounter another would be attacker. The child performs a martial arts punch technique to stop the attack. An instructor or parent would hold a padded target square, which the child would punch. The child then proceeds to station four.

Station Four (The Kick)

When the child proceeds to station four, they encounter another would be attacker. The child performs a martial arts kick technique to stop the attack. An instructor or parent would hold a padded Body Shield, which the child would kick. After completing the four stations the child has successfully conquered Danger Alley.

Martial Arts trainings can be fun for children just by incorporating the techniques and skills into activities and games.

Eric Gehler
http://www.blackbeltdomain.com
Eric has been involved in the Martial Arts Business for over 15 years. More information is available on the website!

Admit it. When the going gets tough at home, we’ve all plopped the kids in front of the television and breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, we can get started on dinner, maybe check email or sort that massive pile of laundry.

But when your five-year old yells at you “Mom, Kids Rule!” or your ten-year old horrifies you with language that would make a sailor blush, you realize there must be something amiss with what these “family programs” really teach our kids. And sadly, its happening all over the media today, from sports to cartoons, and our children are learning things that we, as parents, vowed we would never teach them. Old fashioned values like respect and self-discipline, seems to have been forgotten, replaced by the dreaded “bling bling” pop culture of today.

Just the thought of your angelic three-year old morphing into a designer-clad, smart-mouthed, money-worshipping, me-obsessed, lay-about is enough to make any parent consider that threatening military school brochure, but there is a solution out there to consider.

Martial Arts training.

From Ninja Turtles to The Karate Kid

You and your kids have all seen the flying kicks, battle cries and mighty chops of their favorite TV characters, as they beat the bad guys to submission – but, you may ask, how on earth can these acts of violence teach my child anything worthwhile?

First, know that what you see on television (save perhaps the Karate Kid) is a far cry from what real martial arts are all about. The fact is, martial arts training is based on non-violence.

Originating in Asia (mainly Japan, China and Korea, although Thailand and Vietnam have their own practices as well), martial arts range from a variety of types and styles, all of which are based on well-rounded, moral teachings. The beauty of learning martial arts is that it encompasses not just the physical aspect of the “sport”, but mental and emotional lessons as well.

Comparing that to other kid’s activities and sports, where fierce competitiveness and “winning at all costs” seems to be the order of the day, it’s not surprising that many children grapple with issues of self-esteem and misplaced aggression.

Now imagine your child actually learning valuable life lessons, skills that he will take throughout life, laying the foundation for a happy, well-adjusted and fulfilled adult life. If only karate for kids was popular in the 70’s, when I was growing up!

The Advantages

• Karate, and other martial arts for kids, builds confidence and self-esteem as well as self-discipline, respect, concentration and courtesy.

• Many martial arts schools also offer leadership courses for kids, in conjunction with their karate for kids programs, or similar lessons.

• Martial Arts is ideal for children who do not do well in team sports, giving them the ability to flourish this activity, while combining physical and mental practices.

• Many do not realize this, but it is a fact that martial arts training are safer than most school sports.

• Children with special needs, such as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), learning difficulties and hyperactivity are often recommended to participate in martial arts for kids because of the clear benefits in its structured training techniques.

Kung-Fu Master or Ninja Warrior?

Before you sign up Junior for the first martial arts class you see, take some time to check out the different methods available, and match it with what you know would suit your child best. This is a good way to avoid any problems that may sprout from a conflict of your child’s personality and the training techniques.

Is your little Zach a sensitive soul? Then maybe a class that doesn’t center on sparring (full-on kicks and punches training) but rather, slower, defensive maneuvers would fare better for him. Kids with an aggressive streak, however, may prefer the more forceful moves and thrive in competitive sparring.

Here’s a quick primer on the kid-friendly martial arts training you’re likely to find:

Martial Arts From Japan

Karate
• Uses defensive and aggressive moves
• Centers on building strength and endurance
• Involves chops, punches, kicks, strikes, blocking and sparring
• May use weapons

Jujitsu
• Uses defensive and aggressive moves
• Involves lots of sparring
• Teaches a fair amount of weapons training

Aikido
• Uses a more “spiritual” and harmonious style in redirecting the aggression of the attacker as the form of defense, using throws, pins, rolls etc.
• Taught on the premise of disabling an aggressor without attacking, through your individual inner energy
• Does not involve sparring or competitions

Judo
• Uses gentle, “wrestling-like” movements
• Considered one of the safest methods of martial arts
• Emphasizes physical control as well as mental development
• Engages in competitions

Martial Arts From China

Kung-Fu
• The generic term referring to Chinese martial arts with a variety of styles
• Involves attack movements as well as defensive techniques
• Teaches kicks, punches, chops, throws, falls, grappling, katas, leg sweeps and blows among others.
• Engages in sparring competitions

Martial Arts From Korea

Taekwondo
• Competitive in nature, involves techniques using elaborate footwork and unique high kicks.
• Emphasizes strength, force and attack methods.
• Engages in lots of sparring and competitions.

Choosing The Right Instruction

If you have an idea of the type of martial arts class you’d like your child to participate in, the next step would be to find the right school. Finding the right class that not only matches your child’s and your needs, in terms of teachers you feel comfortable with, the price, facilities and so on, are all important factors.

Say you’ve found a local place that specializes in Karate for Kids. What are the things you should look for?

1. Good Instructors

Check out their qualifications, teaching methods and watch carefully how they interact with the other children. It should be a fun learning experience!

2. Space and Safety

Obviously you would want to entrust your child in as establishment that is safe, well-maintained, and clean with ample space as well as decent facilities and equipment.

3. School Values

Different martial arts schools inevitably go by different values, for instance, one kid’s karate class may handle aggression in one way, while a judo class would have a different approach. Take some time to observe which school’s ideals match your family’s principles.

4. Prices and Schedules

Prices for martial arts training can vary according to school and location, so make sure you the instruction you choose represents fair value. Finding the most effective way to fit martial arts training into your family’s lifestyle is also essential, knowing what works best with your schedule and other activities.

Baby Blackbelts

Starting your child young in karate training is ideal (children as young as the age of four are usually accepted, as it is also a good way to hone fine motor skills), and lots of parents have found that in as little as a year, their children who were involved in martial arts had noticeably gained positive traits such as increased self-esteem, respect and overall physical fitness.

Many parents also opt to join a martial arts training program themselves, making it a great bonding experience for the entire family.

About the author:

Laura Saunders is a successful freelance writer, mother of two, and a martial arts practitioner who has written articles for http://www.best-karate-equipment.com, your online guide to karate uniforms and karate training equipment.

Copyright 2005 Best-Karate-Equipment.com

Permission is granted to publish this article on your site if the author’s byline is included and all 3 links are hyperlinked

How you train is how you will respond and react in the real deal. Self-defense is about survival and nothing else. It is not about fighting fair, clean or being honorable. It’s about doing what you have to do to go home and see your loved ones once again. You don’t know how a thug is going to react when you connect your first blow to him so make sure you mean it when you attack. He could back off (flight) or become enraged (fight), plane and simple combat is about doing whatever needs to be done so you get out alive. Lie, con, manipulate so you can catch him off guard and administer a tactic. Release the idea from your mind the image of a “DIRTY FIGHTER” there is now such thing only a fighter who survived an attack. Free your mind of that idea could mean the difference between life and death, it will subconsciously hamper your actions. You have the right to protect yourself and kill when your life is in jeopardy. When in combative mode your thoughts and actions should be as vile, vicious and violent as possible. Thoughts of legal or moral consequences of your actions should not even cross or enter your mind. If they do it will subconsciously hold you back in giving 100% in your attack and that could mean your kids or loved ones not seeing you again. The importance of training realistically or condition stimulus training could mean the difference between life and death. Training the mind to be accustomed to stimuli that is violent and vile you mean not freezing in violent situations.

Here are some tips and dirty tricks

* HIT FIRST, HIT HARD, KEEP HITTING

* Always attack in mid word, phase or sentence i.e.” I will do anything you say, please don’t hur” ATTACK NOW. The element of surprise is on your side he is not expecting you to do anything.

* Practice saying your trigger sentence, phase or word and cueing yourself to attack when you say it. Make sure your speech is smooth and that you are not telegraphing your words or actions before attacking.

* If you are a woman use the power of “sweet talk” get him to believe that you will do as he says, then turn the tables when he least expects it.

* When speaking use your hands to help you speak, set them up to deflect or to position them closer to the target area you want to attack.

*Use your surroundings, push your attacker into an object so he trips or falls. Giving you time to run off or to follow up with a more devastating tactic to immobilize him.

* Gouge, spit, throw dirt or sand in his eyes to temporarily blind him to give you those vital seconds to get away.

* Make your training as real as possible have your training partner grab you, swear, yell at you and rehearse what you are going to say before you attack

*Remember your “TRIGGER WORD” to give you the signal to attack.

Norm Bettencourt is the founder of TACT Self Defense which specializes in crime prevention, self defense education & combat tactics for mind, body & spirit. For more information go to http://www.tactselfdefense.com

The benefits of Martial Arts has always appealed its practitioners. The disciplined training of the mind and body give a sense of well being but some aspects of Martial Arts training do present a problem.

Most forms of martial art will eventually lead to contact training at some level, whether is is light contact, semi-contact or full contact. Whilst training it is important to wear the right equipment. But what is the right equipment and what protection will it afford you?

During this article I hope to point you in the right direction towards choosing the protective sparring gear that is right for you.

Head gear

This is probably the most important piece of protective equipment you can purchase. Head injuries are serious and can even be fatal. When choosing head gear for martial arts sparring there are certain features you should look out for.

• What material is used in its construction
• What protective features are particular to the model
• How large is it
• How easy is it to clean

These questions can be asked of most martial arts equipment.

Head gear should be comfortable to wear (not too loose and not too tight), light for ease of movement and padded well around the crown and base of the head as these areas are most likely to be damaged and are most vunerable.

Body Armour

Body armour is used primarily in Taekwondo and Karate sparring. Its function is to protect the trunk of the body especially the ribs, kidneys and liver from damage.

Gloves

There are varying styles of martial arts glove on the market. Each style has a particular function to perform. Boxing gloves come in standard sizes 10, 12 and 16 ounces. the heavier gloves are for sparring training the lighter gloves are for competitions. Bear in mind, boxing gloves are designed for use with hand wraps.

Martial arts sparring gloves are usuall open handed, allowing for strikes with fists or open hands and finger thrusts. They are lighter for quicker strikes. Mixed martial arts use a specific glove that is designed for grappling and is very flexible.

Shin and foot guards

shin and foot guards offer as much protection for the attacker as they do for the defender. Often they are made from foam and poly-urethane (P.U.), are easy to clean and light.

The most iimportant thing to remember is the cheapest is not always the best. You must feel comfortable in you equipment and be confident it will protect you. Shop around. Many places will be able to tell you what the equipment is designed for and what you can expect from it. a good site to begin with is Pad-Up.com there is a wealth of information here and questions can be answered quite quickly.

Good luck in your discipline!

As any martial arts practitioner will tell you, there are multiple benefits in martial arts training. Of course, the most obvious benefit is a knowledge of self defense which is one of the major reasons why the martial arts were developed in the first place. Knowing how to defend oneself and loved ones in a potentially dangerous situation is an asset in today’s world just as it was hundreds of years ago. Unlike often portrayed in the movies, martial arts are not just about fighting. Many people take up martial arts for the fitness benefits as well. Training in martial arts such as karate, tae kwon do, kung fu and other martial art styles will improve one’s cardiovascular fitness as well as tone the muscular system. Strength will increase from the calisthenics usually employed within martial arts training but perhaps not to the same extent as working out with weights. But overall power of one’s body will definitely increase since martial arts techniques teach how to use strength effectively.

Most people will also improve their flexibility significantly while training in martial arts since entire ranges of motion from the body are exercised. This is especially true with martial art styles such as tae kwon do, Thai kickboxing as well as some schools of karate and kung fu where high kicks are used. All martial art styles will result in an improvement of one’s coordination as well.

Unlike many other forms of physical activity, martial arts also have a mental and sometimes spiritual element which not only improves the mind’s focus but also helps in self control. Emotions such as anger and fear are better controlled through martial arts. Many martial artists can find an inner peace through their training. In today’s hectic world, these particular benefits translate into one of the most effective stress management tools available. When training in a martial arts session or in a group class, all the day to day troubles of the world seem to be forgotten. People come out refreshed, energized and ready to tackle the big world out there.

Training in martial arts usually involves many little steps and progressions. As one advances in a martial art, the feeling of accomplishment comes with added confidence. This is especially beneficial for children who were not very confident in the first place. An increase in self confidence for kids (as well as adults) will have a cross over effect in other areas of life such as in other sports and general self esteem. Other challenges in life, both physical and mental, will be met with much less fear.

An important benefit of martial arts training for parents to note is that children will generally become more disciplined from the unique formalities of martial arts classes. This is one benefit that is often lacking in other sports. Former ‘problem’ kids with bad attitudes could become well behaved and respectful as a result of taking martial arts a few times per week. Respect is something that all martial arts instructors place great importance in during their classes. Martial arts kids are often very well behaved children no matter what social economic backgrounds they come from.

Martial arts training has so many great benefits covering physical, mental and emotional aspects that it’s no wonder why it has become one of the most popular activities for both adults and children. However, it is important to point out that not all martial arts programs will produce the range of benefits discussed. Programs that teach just combat fighting techniques may not result in the desired mental and spiritual benefits so it is important to search around for the right martial arts school that will offer the benefits one wishes to achieve.

Clint Leung is a lifelong martial artist with over 32 years of training experience in kung fu, tae kwon do, karate, kickboxing and martial arts weaponry. He has won Canadian and world championship titles (NBL and WSKF). He is also owner of Free Spirit Activewear (http://www.FreeSpiritActivewear.com) , an online retailer and designer of premium martial arts activewear. Free Spirit Activewear has martial arts info articles.

When I talk to people about Iron Palm, they think that it’s just about breaking bricks. They even ask, "Why do you want to learn how to break bricks?". Well, it’s not about breaking bricks. What it is about is cultivating and controlling your Chi, your internal energy.

I look at Chi and where it is stored like money and a bank account, a Chi account, if you will. Deposits have to be made, savings for our "golden years". The more you know about cultivating it, and "depositing it into your account", the more internal energy you’ll have when you need it the most.

Once we have an account built up, we have to be able to manage our account. We have to be able to move the energy where we want to, when we want to. That is the Mind-Body connection, to transmit energy where we command it to go.

This is Iron Palm training, this is what we’re after. The breaking of the bricks is strictly a training aid. It’s a measuring devise. It is also a way of losing Chi. You lose Chi from fighting, breaking bricks, and through sex. That’s why Semen Retention, is so vital. That’s why it is so important to makes deposits into your "Chi Account", and not withdrawls.

This is a problem that happens with most Iron Palm people. They stop training because their capabilities become greater.

They think that they have the "heavy hand" and that they have some good techniques, so they slow down in their learning, in their training, and depend on their hand.

This has been a grave error that many a skillful martial artist have made. Fundamentals, the basics are always going to be necessary.

Grand Master Tung Sheng Chang, never trained his hand in Iron Palm. He trained his elbows. When I learned this, I began training my elbows as well. I did keep up with my palm training though.

This was the reason that he didn’t train his hand. He didn’t want to become dependent on this unique special training. He saw many men die from their dependency.

Think about it, the year is 1930, you master this special program, then several years afterward you begin slowing down in your training. Then you receive a challenge, you take the challenge. You feel as though your abilities will see you through. But once the fighting begins, you see the "rust" that has built up on you. You want so badly to land that one blow. The one that will end it, the one that will get you home tonight.

You can see the rest of the story. GM Chang, saw it too many times. How much knowledge went to the graves with these masters?

Most of the Iron Palm courses that are out there start the student off with the striking of a bag filled with mung beans. Then, they move up to the bag that is filled with gravel, all the while using the herbal medicine known as Dit Da Jow.

Dit Da Jow, is a simple formula we call bruise medicine. This formula will get rid of bruises, aches and pains, and so forth. And, it might be a good formula for striking beans and gravel, but, for striking a canvas bag, that is filled with iron shot (about the same size as BB’s) this bruise medicine will not do.

One of the Herbalist that I use for our Iron Palm formula, told me that he and some of his students, put a little of my medicine on their hands, he then told me that their hands were tingeling. This man is an Herbalist, and he said that he had never felt this before.

This is Iron Palm medicine. This is what it does. It pulls your energy, your Chi, to the part of the body that it’s applied to.

There are many different types of formulas, many of them containing between 9 and 16 different herbs in them. I have seen a couple of formulas that have as many as 30 herbs in them. The formula that has been passed down to me has 39 different herbs in it! It is by far the best that I have ever used. It isn’t by any stretch of anyone’s imagination, a Dit Da Jow. It is an Iron Palm medicine.

Steve Hamp, is a 6th Degree Black Belt in the Chinese Martial Arts. He is soaring quickly because of his willingness to teach and his knowledge of health and the Chinese martial arts. You can find out more about Iron Palm by going to; http://www.noweightsworkout.com/