The Benefits Of Joining A Karate Club Can Be Amazing

By Paul Campbell

As the awareness about the benefits of taking Karate lessons is increasing, more and more people are turning towards learning Karate. Karate lessons can have life changing effect on practitioners. There are several advantages of practicing Karate as a discipline, some of them are: The stances and moves in Karate increase hand eye coordination and body reflexes. This is helpful in improving the driving skills of the adults and agility in kids. Karate lessons increase the ability to focus and concentrate in children and adults alike. If you are looking for an exercise that help you reduce weight and maintain a lean muscular structure, then Karate is an ideal art form to learn. Karate lessons give you an invaluable self defense weapon that is there with you all the time. Besides increasing power and strength, karate lessons induce tremendous positive energy in you and increase your overall physical and mental well being. Karate lessons provide an outlet to the stress and tension that builds up in the routine of the daily life. Karate is an excellent form of exercise which can not only help to reduce and maintain a healthy weight but also increase bodily flexibility.

For those of you who are serious about taking up Karate lessons and are resident of briery Hill, there are several clubs offering professional and hobby Karate lessons at Briery hill.

Whether you are interested in taking Karate lessons yourself or want your kid to take one, there is one just right for your at Briery Hill. The main features of Karate lessons at Briery Hill are:

You or your kid can take Karate lessons at Briery hills that just suit your interest. There are hobby karate lessons and professional Karate lessons at Briery hills that you or your kid can enroll for. For competitive Karate enthusiasts there are Kata (patterns and form of moves) and Kumite lessons (kicking and punching technique) lessons.

Most of the instructors delivering the Karate lessons are cleared by CRB (Criminal record board) to work with children. Some Karate clubs imparting the Karate lessons at Briery hill also provide full insurance to the students to safeguard their interest in any event of mishap.

Some Karate clubs imparting the Karate lessons at Briery hill also have Physical trainers on board who guide the students about healthy diet and weight management practices to help them enhance their performance.

No age is underage and no age too old to start taking up the Karate lessons at Briery Hill. From four year olds to adults of any age can start taking up the Karate lessons at Briery hill. Children with special needs such as those having problems in learning, hyperactivity and attention deficit hyper activity disorder (ADHD) are even clinically advised to take Karate lesson because of the structured nature of the training techniques.

Karate as a discipline is a holistic approach towards overall personality development. It not only teaches a combat style but also a way to live. If you have been thinking about taking karate lessons for long, this is the right time to get into the action. - 31491

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Have You Ever Thought ABout Starting Karate?

By Paul Campbell

Karate lessons do not only teach self defense but also the strengthen body and train the practitioner in the correct body posture. At the begining Karate lessons teach the students about the basic linear movements and as the practitioner advances in the art of Karate the Karate lessons teach him/her about combining the linear and circular moves to get an advantage over the opponent. All the Karate lessons can be segregated in five basic moves which are: Single strike Multiple strike Soft strike Hard strike Long strike Short strike

Combination of these moves creates different types of Karate styles.

There are several advantages of taking Karate lesson such as:

Karate builds up self confidence and esteem in the ones who practices it. This comes from increased belief in oneself. Karate increases the ability to concentrate and focus. This is beneficial both for kids and adults alike. Karate lessons comprise of leadership and social behavior lessons which positively contribute towards developing the overall personality of the Karate disciples. Nowadays the hectic work life induces lot of stress that can deteriorate our physical and mental well being. Karate gives you an outlet to overcome this stress and convert it into positive energy. Children with special needs such as those having problems in learning, hyperactivity and attention deficit hyper activity disorder (ADHD) are even clinically advised to take Karate lesson because of the structured nature of the training techniques.

There and many more benefits of Karate lessons that are not even enlisted above. These benefits of Karate lessons have made this art very popular amongst the adults and kids alike.

If you are a Karate enthusiast and looking for Karate lessons you will find many clubs imparting Karate lesson in Stourbridge

Karate lessons Dudley are delivered by some of the best Karate instructors. The all the instructors are CRB (criminal record board) cleared and are certified to work with children. Children as young as four years can enroll for Karate lesson Dudley. Special care is taken about their safety. Children younger than six years do not come in contact of the sport. Most of Karate clubs at Dudley conduct lesson around five times a week. Whether the students want to pursue the discipline of Karate as a hobby or a competitive sport, the Karate lessons at Dudley are tailored as per the interest of the students. For competitive karate enthusiasts the karate clubs at Dudley regularly hold the Kata lessons (meaning the forms or patterns of moves) and Kumite lessons (meaning punches and kicking technique).

Karate is rewarding sports for those who have the dedication and discipline to learn it. Karate lessons Stourbridge can be you first step towards learning Karate. - 31491

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Some Of The Benefits Of Karate Lessons

By Paul Campbell

Karate as a discipline has originated mainly from Asian countries like Japan, China and Korea. The common misconception amongst people about Karate is that it is a form of violent sport and one who practices it may become overtly aggressive but in reality the truth of the matter is that Karate is based on the principal of "non violence". There are various types of Karate and depending on the interest one can take up karate lesson for specializing in kicks or punches called sparring or take up Karate lessons focusing on defensive maneuver. Karate channels all the energy in the body in the positive direction to improve the overall physical and emotional well being.

The beauty of the karate is that it can be learnt in any age. So be it a four year toddler or a 40 year adult they can equally learn Karate to reap its multidimensional benefits. Apart from being a good exercise which helps in maintaining a healthy weight, Karate lessons improve the overall well being of its students.

Some of the well known benefits of Karate lessons are: Karate builds up self confidence and esteem in the ones who practices it. This comes from increased belief in oneself. Karate increases the ability to concentrate and focus. This is beneficial both for kids and adults alike. Karate lessons comprise of leadership and social behavior lessons which positively contribute to developing the overall personality of the Karate disciples. Nowadays the hectic work life induces lot of stress that can deteriorate our physical and mental well being. Karate gives an outlet to overcome this stress and convert it into positive energy. Children with special needs such as those having problems in learning, hyperactivity and attention deficit hyper activity disorder (ADHD) are even clinically advised to take Karate lesson because of the structured nature of the training techniques.

Some of the best Karate lessons in England are delivered at karate clubs Dudley. Some of the Salient features of Karate lessons Dudley are:

Karate lessons Dudley are delivered by some of the best Karate instructors. The all the instructors are CRB (criminal record board) cleared and are certified to work with children. Children as young as four years can enroll for Karate lesson Dudley. Special care is taken about their safety. Children younger than six years do not come in contact of the sport. Most of Karate clubs at Dudley conduct lesson around five times a week. Whether the students want to pursue the discipline of Karate as a hobby or a competitive sport, the Karate lessons at Dudley are tailored as per the interest of the students. For competitive karate enthusiasts the karate club at Dudley regularly hold the Kata lessons (meaning the forms or patterns of moves) and Kumite lessons (meaning punches and kicking technique).

For those of you who are interested in taking Karate lessons at Dudley or want your kids to take the Karate lessons at Dudley you can take a free test lesson offered at most of the Dudley Karate clubs. - 31491

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Starting To Learn Karate Is Just The Start

By Paul Campbell

Karate as a discipline is more than a form of martial arts; it's a way of living. The various advantages of Karate are: Karate increases the hand eye coordination and body reflexes. It enhances the ability to concentrate. Thus it can help students and adults in all areas of their life. Karate is an excellent form of exercise which can not only help reduce and maintain a healthy weight but also increase bodily flexibility. In current times when the crimes and assaults are increasing by the day, Karate gives you an invaluable training to help you defend yourself. Karate increases the positive attitude towards life and confidence of the practitioner. Nowadays, the hectic work life induces lot of stress that can deteriorate our physical and mental well being. Karate gives you an outlet to overcome this stress and convert it into positive energy.

Realizing the tremendous life improving capability of Karate, more and more people are increasingly taking it up as a hobby and serious sport.

With the increasing popularity of Karate amongst kids and adults alike, the Karate learning centers like Karate club at Dudley are flourishing. The Karate clubs at Dudley are prominent karate clubs in England which are dedicated to the discipline of karate. The students of karate clubs at Dudley have represented F.E.K.O (Federation England Karate Organization). The main features of Karate club Dudley are:

The karate clubs at Dudley specialize in both hobby karate and competitive karate. For competitive karate enthusiasts the karate club at Dudley regularly holds the Kata lessons (meaning the forms or patterns of moves) and Kumite lesson meaning the sparring. The karate club at Dudely has certified instructors who are fully insured and cleared by CRB (criminal record bureau) to work with children. The Karate clubs at Dudley also provide full insurance to the students. Karate clubs at Dudley have certified physical trainers to train the students. The physical trainer instructs the students about the diet regimen, weight loss and other key aspects of karate learning.

The Karate club at Dudley is open for children from four years to adult. Special care is taken for the safety of children below six years. Even children and adults with special needs can join Karate club at Dudley.

To help the prospective students make an informed decision the first lesson at most karate clubs at Dudley is free. The membership of Karate club at Dudley is free and students can pay as they take lessons.

If you are a parent and pondering over whether to introduce your child to the sport of Karate or you are an adult wanting to learn Karate then Karate club at Dudley is the right place to start for your child or yourself. - 31491

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Five Things that have Gone Totally Wrong with Freestyle!

By Al Case

The problem with freestyle is that it has degraded into the basic fact of fighting. Sounds contradictory, I know, but I began learning martial arts over 40 years ago, and I have seen a different face of freestyle. This was a freestyle that was actually more effective, easier to learn, and made students evolve into better human beings.

Now, I have nothing against modern martial arts, like the MMA practiced in the UFC, or learning ground and pound and all the other types of freestyle. Truth, I think some of this stuff would have come in pretty handy back when I was first learning the arts. That said, consider my following disgruntlements in connection with freestyle.

Controlled freestyle in the martial arts effectively died when people started putting on pads and protective gear. Sure, we occasionally wore pads back then, but the purpose was for injuries that had occurred. The breaking point, however, was when school owners realized how much money there was to be made in selling protective gear, they pandered to mothers fears, which stopped little Johnny from learning about true control, and effectively stopped the personal growth stage of the martial arts.

Bruce Lee really delivered a haymaker to freestyle by introducing bouncing. He watched Mohammad Ali, saw the float like a butterfly bit, and realized that bouncing disrupted timing, and he changed the world of freestyle. Unfortunately, the effect was also that people stopped learning how to observe their opponent and gauge his timing, and this stopped students from observing a whole fact of life, for time, as you may not have known, keeps this universe going.

With a loss of reality and a degradation of the sense of timing eating at the innards of martial artists, a loss of control was quick to follow. I remember seeing a fellow who had not had but a few lessons in the martial arts taken to a tournament and encouraged to fight, not to get a point, but to beat people. He fought, there were injuries, and control went out the window. And control, control through timing and of reality, is the course of the true martial arts path.

The final straw behind the downfall of the old way of doing freestyle had to do with respect. I was taught to bow when I entered the school, and to bow to my classmates and partners, and to bow before I stepped on the mat and fought somebody, and it all showed respect. Now there is an attitude of I'm tougher than you I spit on your school, and this utterly destroys the art of freestyle, and even the fact of human compassion.

I know there will be those who disagree, and, let's face it, my criticisms must be tempered by the real gains of the new arts, of the mixed martial arts and the ultimate fighting championships. There are things to be learned in the new arts, and, I am not opposed to many of the new training methods. When I see people fighting to hurt one another, showing no control and total lack of respect, I am on the other side, the old side, the side that shows compassion for their fellow man.

So, let me toss a question into the air, what can you do to create the old attitude of restraint, control and respect? Will tossing away the gloves and pads enable people to take responsibility for the reality of what they are doing, and get rid of harmful attitudes? And, doing what i have prescribed here, can you still make the art work? - 31491

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Weapons From A Time Before Gunpowder

By Jeff Kamar

Though today we live in an age where such weapons are considered by many to simply be the pathetic tools of a technologically inferior age, there is something noble about swords and other melee weapons of days gone by.

It is the weapon of duelists, the sword, that has maintained the greatest popularity in the public eye. Every fantasy hero, every cartoon warrior, has a sword. Using a sword against gun-wielding opponents is particularly popular.

Whatever the reason, though, it is undeniable that the sword is the most common weapon when it comes to popular culture melee weapons. Be it the curved grace of the Japanese katana, or the simple efficiency of an Italian rapier, swords have a tendency to show up when you need to suitably epic duel.

But let's not ignore the other weapons of ages past. For example, the spear. Despite the somewhat weaker popularity of it in pop culture, it is a fact that a spear is almost universally considered superior to the sword; there is a saying that a swordsman most possess three times the skill of a man wielding a polearm to best him.

It is for this reason that polearms, from lances to pikes to glaives, have almost always served as the primary weapon of armies everywhere. Add in the relative ease of producing a spear, and it is no wonder they were so popular with the armies of days past.

Bludgeoning weapons make up the last of the big three of melee weapons. This includes things like maces, warhammers, clubs, flails, etc. Even axes can be considered part of this group of weapons. While they require a different kind of technique and are used in different situations from other weapons, you shouldn't underestimate the brutal efficiency of these weapons.

And when facing a man wrapped head to toe in steel, a bashing weapon often serves better than any sword could hope to! For this reason, maces were often the preferred sidearm of western knights, overshadowing even the sword in certain time periods.

I feel that I should give shields a mention here too. Though they aren't technically weapons, and they are completely unpopular with the public, shields are a valuable tool for any melee fighter, and often the man with the best skill with his shield was the last one standing.

A top class shield wielded by a skilled fighter can serve to defeat almost any attack, and can even be used as an effective bludgeoning weapon. Though using two swords may be more popular in movies and games, I'll take a shield in real life any day.

That's all I have to say about melee weapons today. I hope you've learned a little about the weapons that defined our history for so many years, and that you give them at least a little respect even in a world with guns and bombs. - 31491

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The Real and Mystical Truth About Why I Didn't choose Shaolin Kung Fu for Matrixing!

By Al Case

Matrixing, to put your fevered mind to rest, is the analysis and handling of force and direction. Everything in the universe has a direction, and everything in the universe has lots of potentials for collision. Thus, the study of Matrixing becomes crucial if one is going to understand things like Shaolin kung fu.

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

So, let's talk about Shaolin. Shaolin has a few thousand years of history, and this has resulted in every kung fu monk and his brother adding to the mix, and thus the logic and organization of the art has become thoroughly and totally mixed and muddled. There is a mountain of random data, you see, and there is no set of principles with which to define it.

If one studies Shaolin kung fu like Choy Li Fut or Hung Gar, one thinks that kung fu is deep stance, windmilling arms, and a collidoscope of concepts which pop out at you. One thinks that one must beat up students right up to the head abbot to get promoted, and one must meditate and beat his fists into heated iron pellets to get the real kung fu. The sad fact is that this is a small subset of concepts, and while the true art is touched upon, it is not penetrated.

If one studies Wing Chun, one thinks that he has to stand like a bamboo, find an inner eye, and absorb attacks with forearm antennas. Data arranged in mystical sequences, a wooden dummy to give shape to your arms, and never the idea that everything is just random strings of data. Thus, Wing Chun, while being an absolutely astounding practice,touches but lightly upon the True Art.

Then, of course, there is the Mantis, if we wish to speak of antenna arms, and circling motions that manipulate an opponent to his destruction, and so on. But, if you look at it, it is almost like Wing Chun and Hung Gar or Choy Li Fut have been combined. Thus, the principles wallow and intermingle and intermarry and interbreed into fresh bastards and the True Art is obscured in a fog of amazing ability and astounding art.

This all said, Shaolin would be easy to matrix, and come to the truth of, as would Hung Gar or Choy Li Fut or Wing Chun. But I chose Karate to present the principle of Matrixing, and to expose the world to the concept of analysis and handling as a logic. Simply, the mountain was smaller, the history was shorter, the cloud of obscuring fog more transparent, and it could be defined.

And here is the blessing, learn how to matrix karate, and you can use that matrixing as a template. All you have to do is plug the basics of Shaolin into the template provided by Matrix Karate, and you have true art. Too much mountain, too heavy a fog, and yet it can all be resolved into nice, tidy, little, easy to learn packages of True Art, and thus assembled into the whole of The True Art. - 31491

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Five Things I Should have Known About the Martial Arts!

By Al Case

Okay, I've been doing the martial arts for over forty years. I've lived through the arts of the decades, judo in the fifties, karate in the sixties, kung fu in the seventies, and so on, and I've analyzed durn near every art there is. I've made up a list of things which I wish people would have told me, or I somehow could have found out, when I first started.

The point here is that martial arts classes were where one perspired, and not where one engaged in lengthy conversations. However, the reason a lot of people didn't tell people things like what I am telling you here was because they didn't know anything. So are you ready to learn a few of the things necessary before you jump into karate or kung fu or Aikido?

I wish people would have told me that pain hurts, and if I had known the truth about pain it wouldn't have hurt so darn much. The pain of a block, for instance, can go either go into the blocker or into the striker, depending upon which person has more intention. It's not a matter of tough, its a matter of which way you want the energy to go, and the energy will go in the direction of the superior mind.

I wish somebody would have told me what the purpose of my body parts was for. Why it matters how you angle your bones and structure, and why it matters which side of the bone the muscle is on. For that matter, maybe somebody should have just told me I had a head and I could think with it!

This matter of how a body works could have made my progress thought the martial arts ten times easier and quicker if somebody had explained that all the parts had to work as one unit. This is a thing called harmony, and when the body parts all work harmoniously then intention can flow through the body and make it ten times more efficient. What is the ratio of muscle to body part, how much does each part weigh, how far does each body part have to move, how much effort is required for each body part.

Speaking of using the body as one unit, if somebody had explained that it was not just harmony within your body, but how harmony extended into your life, then I would have had a ten times easier life. Heck, life is so much easier when you get along with your fellow man! If somebody had just told me to love my enemy that would have made me a real martial artist!

Probably the most important thing somebody could have told me would have been to get the lead out and stop being lazy. Heck, if I had done a little more sweating I would have gotten to the end of the martial arts faster, maybe even gotten further, maybe even learned something! The point here is that I could have learned all the things that I eventually figured out faster, and then I wouldn't be complaining about how stupid I was.

Ah, the things I didn't know, they slowed me down, held me me up, but, at last I know them. Even more important, you know them, so you aren't going to be lazy or held up in your martial progress! Unless, of course, you want to think you know it all when you don't. - 31491

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Notable Rounds during UFC 94

By Diego Penn

JAKE O'BRIEN VS. CHRISTIAN WELLISCH: Round 2 - After trading more punches to open the round, Wellisch lands a body kick and follows with a leg kick. O'Brien avoids subsequent blows and counters Wellisch with three consecutive jabs. Wellisch lands a nice leg kick. O'Brien works jabs as Wellisch swings and misses wildly. O'Brien lands a nice left- overhand right combination, but Wellisch shakes it off and attempts a takedown. O'Brien, though, dips for the double-leg takedown and slams his opponent to the mat. Wellisch rolls free and quickly gets to his feet and lands a left-right combo. O'Brien counters with an uppercut, but Wellisch continues to push forward. O'Brien counters a low kick-jab combo with an easy takedown and again slams Wellisch to the mat. Wellisch, though, again gets to his feet quickly and land a nice combo of low kicks and punches just as the round ends.

JAKE O'BRIEN VS. CHRISTIAN WELLISCH: Round 3 - Wellisch goes on the offensive as O'Brien looks to counter. Wellisch chases with some lunging rights and eats a shot that opens his nose and causes a steady flow of blood. O'Brien shoots and scores the takedown, but Wellisch rolls free and easily gets to his feet. The fighters trade jabs and Wellisch again throws wildly and lands with a left. O'Brien patiently awaits to counter and forces the fight to the ground again. Wellisch quickly gets to his feet and throws left-right combinations. O'Brien deflects most of them. Wellisch sneaks through an overhand right. Wellisch swings wildly and just misses with a knee to the head. O'Brien shoots and again gets the takedown, but again, he can't keep his opponent there. Wellisch, now gushing blood from his nose and mouth, stalks after O'Brien but is again easily taken to the mount. O'Brien stands over him and tries to rain down a blow, but Wellisch easily deflects it and gets to his feet. The fighters battle for ground position as the round ends. Jake O'Brien def. Christian Wellisch via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28).

JOHN HOWARD VS. CHRIS WILSON: Round 3 - As the third round gets started, random "B.J. Penn!" and "GSP!" chants randomly break out. Wilson opens with a knee to the body, but Howard checks it, takes his opponent's back, locks in a body triangle and looks for the rear-naked choke. Wilson successfully defends, but Howard maintains the dominant position and delivers some blows from behind. After a flurry of the punches, Wilson gives Howard the opening he needs, and he sinks in the rear-naked choke. Wilson rolls just enough to break free and eats some punches. Howard again goes for the rear-naked choke, but he can't get it under Wilson's chin. Two minutes into the position, Howard continues fighting with Wilson's long limbs and then tries to soften him up with punches from behind. Wilson finally escapes and takes top position to avoid the choke threats. Wilson delivers punches from above, but after standing, he's taken to the mat when Howard secures a leg and trips him. Both fighters look for submissions with the other's leg, but they give up the positions and return standing. Howard shoots and after a few efforts trips Wilson to the mat. Wilson delivers elbows from below and Howard throws a few wild punches as the round ends. John Howard def. Chris Wilson via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).

JON FITCH VS. AKIHIRO GONO: Round 1 - Gono and his corner "men" enter the cage in drag, complete with silver dresses, jewelry, sunglasses, wigs, sequined gloves and high heels. The two drag- tastic back-up dancers are in the same get-up. The cageside dance routine delights the crowd. Fitch's Johnny Cash ballad doesn't have the same effect. We're underway, and Fitch fires a combination and immediately looks for the takedown. Gono, pinned against the fence, refuses to go down, and he tries to sprawl free. Fitch briefly takes his back before pinning Gono back against the fence while trying to improve his position. Gono escapes and eats a knee in the process, but no harm appears done. Fitch fires a head kick and knees before Gono closes the distance and pushes him into the fence. Fitch does some damage from the Muay Thai clinch before Gono breaks free. Fitch eats a right hand as he shoots in, and after jockeying for position, finally wrestles Gono to the mat. Fitch then takes his opponent's back and struggles to secure the body triangle. Fitch then attempts the rear-naked choke, but Gono defends well. Fitch peppers him with punches from behind and finally secures his hooks. Gono covers up, but Fitch gets through a series of punches. Gono gets to his feet, but he can't shake Fitch from his back before the round ends.

NATE DIAZ VS. CLAY GUIDA: Round 2 - Diaz works the jab as Guida continues swinging wildly. After a clinch against the fence, Diaz looks for the takedown. Guida defends and attempts the trip takedown, but Diaz easily avoids it. With Diaz's back against the fence, Guida now looks the takedown. Guida tries on two separate occasions, but Diaz's stellar balance keeps him upright. Guida finally pulls Diaz's leg out from under him. Diaz, though, quickly gets back to his feet and then wrestles Guida to the mat. Guida reverses the position during a scramble and tries to take Diaz's back. Diaz, though, does just enough to stay out of trouble and then uses a judo throw to take Guida to the mat. Guida remains on his back but has to give up the position when Diaz secures an arm and looks for a kimura. However, when Diaz gets to his feet, Guida quickly follows. Diaz again throws him to the mat, and Guida again takes the top position. Diaz nearly secures a triangle choke as the round ends, but Guida escapes.

NATE DIAZ VS. CLAY GUIDA: Round 3 - The fighters furiously trade punches and leg kicks to start the round. Diaz has trouble connecting, which causes Guida to smile. Diaz pushes his opponent into the fence and peppers Guida with punches when he tries to create distance. Diaz connects with a kick and showboats while trying to throw follow-up punches. The crowd boos him. Diaz starts to tee off on Guida, who's pinned against the fence. Guida quickly closes the distance and puts Diaz against the cage. Guida slows the pace to catch his breath, and Diaz tries to throw Guida to the mat after securing an arm. Guida quickly takes his opponent's back, but again, he can't lock in his hooks and instead settles for a single-leg drag takedown. Diaz quickly gets to his feet, but Guida works tirelessly to take it back to the ground. Guida won't allow any distance between them, and Diaz is forced to battle for position. Guida hops on Diaz's back, but he slips off and eats a punch as the round ends. Clay Guida def. Nate Diaz via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28).

STEPHAN BONNAR VS. JON JONES: Round 2 - Jones tries to create distance with some front kick, but Bonnar gets through a punch and then throws some body kicks. Bonnar whiffs on a right, and Jones quickly takes his back. As Bonnar tries to get up, Jones hits him with knees to the body. Bonnar then throws a body kick and eats a body punch at the same time. The jolt sends Bonnar to the mat, and Jones takes side control. Bonnar reclaims one leg, but he can't shake Jones from the dominant position. However, he eventually muscles his way back to his feet. Jones lands a leg kick, a right hand and then is pushed into the fence by Bonnar. Bonnar dips for a takedown, but Jones backs him off with a footstomp and a right hand. Bonnar connects on an uppercut and pushes Jones back into the fence and follows with a knee to the bodu. Jones answers with one of his own, and the fighters return to the center of the cage. Jones tosses Bonnar to the mat, but he quickly returns to his feet.

LYOTO MACHIDA VS. THIAGO SILVA: Round 1 - Little action early before Machida connects on a leg kick and then partially connects on a flying knee to the body. Silva shows no damage and pushes forward. An accidental knee to Silva's groin forces a halt in the action. Silva needs little to recover, but Machida quickly trips him to the mat. However, he quickly returns to his feet. Machida is working a stick-and-move approach, but Silva continues to stalk. However, two quick blows from Machida send Silva to his back. Machida follows and works from inside his opponent's guard. Machida stands over his opponent, kicks his legs and then tries to land a diving right. Silva avoids the blow, and ties up his fellow Brazilian. Machida allows Silva to stand and then tries a head kick that's blocked. A left-right combination drops Silva, and Machida pounces on him and lands in side control. Machida easily transition to mount, but Silva bucks free. Machida quickly goes back in and takes his opponent's back as Silva gets to his feet. Silva then pins Machida against the cage to catch his breath. Machida lands some dirty boxing, shoves Silva to the mat and blasts him with a diving right hand just as the round ends. Silva's knocked out cold. Lyoto Machida def. Thiago Silva via knockout (punch) -- Round 1, 4:59.

B.J. PENN VS. GEORGES ST. PIERRE: Round 4 - The doctor check on Penn but allow the fight to continue. Dean gets things started, and we now enter a championship fourth round. St. Pierre goes high a left and low with a righ kick, and Penn's then forced to the mat with a double-leg takedown. St. Pierre easily secures side control and puts Penn in the crucifix position to rain down a few blows. The blows continue as St. Pierre presses his elbow into Penn's mouth. The referee warns them about something, and Penn's head is bounced off the mat like a basketball. St. Pierre then takes the mount position and eats additional blows and the ref keeps watchful eye on things. Now working from side control, St. Pierre delivers knees to the body and returns to the crucifix position for more punishment. Back to the mount, St. Pierre tags Penn with elbows. Penn reclaims one leg, but he can't stop the punishment or St. Pierre's return to side control. Penn is gasping for breath, and St. Pierre continues a series of short punches before hopping back into mount. With a minute to go, St. Pierre continues the assault, and Penn's head bounces off the mat with a thud. The ref considers jumping in to stop it, and after St. Pierre kicks up the energy, he looks to the ref. A final left elbow pops Penn just as the round ends. After conferring with the doctor, referee Heb Dean puts a stop to the fight. Penn sits on the floor gasping for breath as St. Pierre takes a victory lap around the cage. Georges St. Pierre def. B.J. Penn via TKO (doctor's stoppage) - Round 4, 5:00 - 31491

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The Secret Behind Matrixing the Martial Arts

By Al Case

There is a tremendous amount of fascination in the martial arts for this thing called Matrixing. It is pretty obvious that Matrixing is going to be the next significant breakthrough in the martial arts. It is pretty obvious that Matrixing is going to cover the globe and provide transformation in the martial arts.

To explain why this eventuality is going to occur, let me say a couple of things. The first is that Matrixing does not make any martial art less than it is, it makes every single art it touches into a grand and glorious success. The second is that the purpose of matrixing is to align data in the martial arts program, to make all martial arts logical and easier to learn.

Now the actual and defined purpose behind the science of matrixing is to analyze and handle force and flow. To understand this you merely need to know that every object in the universe has a direction. And, the fact of collision is the point at which the various trajectories of the objects pass through each other.

Thus, the point of matrixing is to control the paths of objects so that collision is avoided, or at least beneficial. In the martial arts it is easy to see how this could be extremely important. In fact, a little matrixing and you understand it is the underlying principle of not just the martial arts, but all life.

Joe Blow throws a fist at you, or a spear or a foot or an elbow or a body or whatever. You analyze the route that the weapon is following, and you can handle it. If you do not accurately analyze the path of the weapon, poor you.

How do you ascertain that you have the correct trajectory analyzed? By knowing what all the potential trajectories are. Only if you have assessed the trajectory by all the potential trajectories can you determine that you have selected the correct trajectory to handle.

So matrixing is a method by which you can analyze all potentials of motion, and thus select the correct one to handle. And, by matrixing, you can analyze all of your potential responses, everything you could possibly do and be assured that the one you choose is the best one. And, here is the real key, matrixing enables to discover trajectories that you did not even know were there!

That's right, to discover the things that you don't know, and this makes you the ultimate explorer, the ultimate pioneer of the martial arts. With matrixing you have the key to discover all the hidden mysteries, no matter if you are studying shorin ryu or Tatum kenpo or that esoteric form of krav maga. Beginners in isshin ryu will learn faster, wudan hsing i students will uncover the ancient mysteries, and even the bash and trash experts of the ground and pound arts in ultimate fighting championships and mixed martial arts will find themselves uplifted and enlightened. - 31491

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The Secret of the Three Essentials Necessary to the Martial Arts

By Al Case

In the martial arts, I don't care if it is mma, Pa Kua Chang, Shotokan, or whatever, there are three key ingredients. These three ingredients are what makes an art an art, and they are why people study the arts. Oddly, one of the ingredients is almost totally ignored.

One of the ingredients is the pursuit of strength. Muscle mags are filled with strength advertisements, and everybody obsesses on strength. Oddly, strength is the least important of the three essential techniques of the martial arts.

Another ingredient is the study of technique, and this is the most important of the three ingredients. Technique is measured by how effortless you are when making a technique work. If you need a lot of strength to make your technique work, then your technique is not very good.

The second most important ingredient when it comes to having good martial arts, and the one most people are virtually unaware of, is speed. Interestingly, at least in the beginning, people do think of speed to make their technique work. Yet strength is the item that everybody falls to.

Yes, people try to get fast, a little bit, but it is an individual effort, and usually put aside in the pursuit of strength. People believe that strength is going to make them faster, you see. Well, it will, but there are flexibility drawbacks, and the speed gained is not always enough.

Speed must be developed in a fashion which adjusts it to the individual technique. As knowledge of technique grows, so should the development of speed. In my over 40 years of martial arts I have developed a drill which develops speed in the proper manner.

The Speed Drill is nothing more than a simple slap and grab motion, and yet it is so much more. It makes all techniques as easy as slapping a slow buzzing fly. And every technique can be altered to take advantage of the slap and grab Speed Drill.

So practice the strength of Hung Gar, and build the technique of Tai Chi Chuan. Work the sticky hands of Wing Chun and focus your concentration into the great eternal circleness of Pa Kua Chang. But if you want to build and develop sheer, raw, powerful speed...you need to work on The Speed Drill. - 31491

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The Secret of Making Real Internal Energy!

By Al Case

One of the biggest mysteries come out of the eastern arts is internal energy. Wudan arts, like Pa Kua Chang and Tai Chi Chuan and Hsing i claim it. Supposedly it takes lifetimes to create this thing called internal energy, but when you get it you can defeat attackers with just a sigh and a wave of the palm.

Well, the truth of the matter is that internal energy is in many arts, and if it is not, it can be put into any art easily. The principles of internal energy, you see, are easy to understand. So if you study kenpo or tae kwon do, or even boxing, then the door is hereby opened for you, this article is going to lay out those principles and shove you through the door.

It is absolutely vital that you have phenomenal basics, not just good, but utterly phenomenal. What this means is that you must drop the weight of your body when striking or blocking, and do so with such awareness that you actually create an energy beam down your leg. You must arrange the parts of your body so that they form an unbroken chain for the energy to flow through, very important that they are relaxed, because chi will flow easier through a relaxed body.

Now, you must make sure that you move the parts of your body at the same time. Everything starts together, and everything stop together, this is called Coordinated Body Motion. Analyze your body so that when it swings into alignment all of the pieces are moving in harmony, and with consideration for their mass and size and shape and so on.

Now, you've got basics, and it is time to start the flow of internal energy. Fill a pipe halfway with sand. Move that pipe in such a way that when you stop it all the sand collides on the side of the pipe at the same time.

What I have described, with the pipe drill, which can be done throughout any form, is what internal energy is and does. It is energy swirled on the inside of your body in such a way that it collects and deposits its entire mass inside of the block, or strike, or foot, or whatever, at the same time. We used to develop this type of energy in kang duk won korean karate, way back when, but we didn't think of it as chi because it didn't have any undue significance, it was just the way we did our forms and techniques.

It is helpful if you move slowly, concentrating on feeling the motion of energy inside your body. And, to be truthful, the internal Wudan martial arts have arranged their forms so as to help the process. But you can feel it in Karate, or tae kwon do, or any striking art, if you just take the time to appreciate what you are doing.

The real key is that this method, and all methods, rely on the direction of awareness. It is an idea that moves awareness, and the course of this consciousness can be called Chi, or Ki, or Prana, or pneuma, or intention. Now, the real question here is whether you have the patience to invest your movements with chi, or intention, or whatever you want to call it. - 31491

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Most of What You Learn From Martial Arts Dojos Will Get You Hurt Badly In A Real Fight

By Vincent Grammar

91% Of What You've studied From Your Local Karate Schools, Or Strip Mall Martial Arts Classes, Will Get You Murdered In A Real Street Brawl.

Greetings, I am Vincent Grammar, a former . I looked big and tough, however mentally I lacked the confidence and tough guy mindset. What I've told you above is very true. All the fighting skills you have learned from these local martial arts dojos are nothing more than just gym class from high school. You get the regular exercise for promoting your health and their goal is to make regular money from you. Most of them never really teach you self-defense in a REAL fight with actual full speed and power. Legal rulings prohibit instructors to cause harm to students. How will you ever to know what it feels like to fight for REAL? Don't get me wrong I'm not saying every single martial arts schools are bad. Some places are real tough fighting schools, but I can't be telling you which schools are good and which are bad since I am not from your area.

A lot of the things you've learned from your dojos are about making above all else and avoiding all fights and confrontations because these only causes more problems. Your masters tell you about the "Violence is not the answer... " speech before even maybe teach you about self-defense. That's what I was taught before I discover the truth in fighting.

I recall from my first bloody violent fight at the bar years ago... it got me a ride in the ambulance straight to the emergency room. I didn't even last more than 30 seconds during the brawl. My girlfriend and friends witnessed me getting hammered to the ground by small looking Asian guy. That was probably the most embarrassing moment in my life. Thinking about peacefulness was the last thing in my mind, while laying in the hospital bed. I had to train harder to become a better fighter to better defend myself and my friends against violent encounters.

I must tell you that, If you don't wish to experience or see any bloody events. Please never go to any social places with people drink alcohol. You will certainly see messy violent activities and you may be a victim if you are not prepare.

With the correct kind of fighter's mindset, you will have the ultimate confidence during any events and have no fear of fighting ever again. Destroy your opponent in the ring or in the streets, no matter if they are bigger, stronger, or faster than you. - 31491

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UFC Fight Night 15 - Notable Rounds

By Diego Penn

JASON BRILZ VS. BRAD MORRIS: Round 1 - Big cheers for the hometown fighter Brilz. We're underway, and Brilz quickly grabs a leg, scoops up his opponent, carried him to the corner and slams Morris to the mat. Brilz then takes his back and secures both hooks. Brilz throws some punches from behind to soften him up. Morris briefly escapes, but Brilz lassos him in and gets side control. A barrage of punches and elbows to the head and body of Morris follows. Morris turtles to avoid damage, but Brilz continues the assault. As the round comes to an end, Brilz tries to secure an arm-bar, but the horn sounds. A huge ocation for Brilz for the dominant round.

WILSON GOUVEIA VS. RYAN JENSEN: Round 2 - The fighters engage in a quick exchange. Jensen catches his opponent with a kick in the junk, but after a brief halt in the action, we're again underway. After trading jabs, Jensen partially connects on a head kick. He then scores the takedown. However, Gouveia takes his opponent's back, but when Jensen tries to escape, he's caught with an arm-bar. It's deep, and the bout is halted. It's a solid comeback win for Gouveia. Wilson Gouveia def. Ryan Jensen via submission (arm-bar) -- Round 2, 2:04.

WILSON GOUVEIA VS. RYAN JENSEN: Round 1 - Jensen get a nice ovation from the hometown crowd. Referee Dan Miragliotta gets thing started, and we're underway. Gouveia takes the center of the cage, but Jensen circles around. Jensen engages and works his jab and a few tentative kicks. Gouveia answers with a nice combination. Jensen then shoots andscores the takedown and lands in full guard. Chants of "Jensen!" start to heat up. Jensen rains down some punches and elbows. Gouveia nearly secures a triangle but Jensen escapes. When Gouveia looks for an arm-bar, Jensen batters him with punches. Jensen continues the assault, but Gouveia kicks himself free. During the escape, Gouveia briefly secures mount, but Jensen dodges the position and finishes the round with a frantic flurry of elbows.

ALAN BELCHER VS. ED HERMAN: Round 1 - Herman with an early jab, but Belcher fends off his takedown attempt. Herman may have taken a poke to the eye, but the fight continues with the fighters clinched against the fence. After a restart, Belcher throws a leg kick while Herman partially connects on an overhand right. The fighters again trade punches and body kicks, and Belcher connects on a stiff right jab. Another jab from Belcher sets up a loug leg kick. Herman clinches, but Belcher backs him into the cage and throws knees to the leg and stomach. Herman now gets the better of the stand-up and then staggers Belcher with an uppercut. Belcher fends off the takedown, and the fighters again clinch. The fighters trade shot before Herman dips and scores the double-leg takedown. With Belcher pinned against the fence, Herman moves to half guard and works for a choke. After a few punches, Herman works for the D'arce choke, but Belcher escapes to his feet. Herman swarms and again takes him back down to the mat. A few punches follow before the round ends.

MAC DANZIG VS. CLAY GUIDA: Round 3 - Danzig tries a high kick, but Guida dodges and shoots. Danzig controls Guida's head, but Guida continues to push forward and escapes. Both fighters trade punches on the inside, then Danzig lands a kick and scores a takedown of his own. Danzig moves immediately to secure Guida's arm, but Guida escpaes and moves to Danzig's back. Danzig stands and is breathing very heavily. Chants of "Gui-da" erupt as Guida continues to push for a takedown. Guida take Danzig's back, who is visibly gasping for air. Guida lands a few knees inside, then takes Danzig down yet again. With a minute left, the result seems inevitable. Guida stays close as Danzig pulls guard. Guida finishes with a flurry of punches as the fights ends. Clay Guida def. Mac Danzig via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28).

NATE DIAZ VS. JOSH NEER: Round 1 - Neer opens with a low kick. Neer clinches, scores a slam, and immediately secures a D'arce choke. Diaz rolls, and Neer switches to a guillotine. Diaz escapes again, but Neer has Diaz's back and tosses him to the mat. They stand, and Diaz has a kimura locked on Neer's arm. Neer escapes, and both fighters are looking for control in the clinch. Good scrambles by both fighters. Neer lands a left, but Diaz answers. Diaz works combos to the head and body of Neer. Neer answers with an uppercut on the inside, but Diaz is holding Neer against the cage. The fight moves to the center, and Diaz lands a beautiful judo toss while landing in side control. Neer works to half-guard, and looks for a leg. Diaz stands, lands a few punches standing, then moves back on Neer. A slick transition leaves Diaz on Neer's back, and the round ends. - 31491

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The Best Martial Art

By David Weinberg

People are constantly asking what is the best martial art to study. Many martial art schools boast that their style is the most formidable system in existence. In reality, all martial arts are good and have valuable teachings to offer. The most important criteria is what is the best martial art for you depending on your specific needs, your body, your personality, your age, and your health condition.

Judo is a sport adaptation of the Japanese art of Jujutsu. Judo primarily consists of rolling, falling, throwing, and choking. Depending upon the Judo dojo, you may or may not learn various striking techniques. Judo can be a great way to get in shape, compete in martial art tournaments, and have a lot of fun in the process.

Ketsugo Jujutsu is a practical and effective martial art for dealing with weapons and multiple attackers. Ketsugo Jujutsu is comprehensive, versatile and can teach you how to defend yourself against any and all threats on the street. If you desire to learn effective street combat without taking injuries along the way, Ketsugo Jujutsu may be the perfect martial art for you.

Krav Maga has exploded into popularity over the past decade. The Israeli discipline was designed to be an effective martial art for the military in real life confrontations. Many martial art enthusiasts appreciate that Krav Maga works well in the street, but law enforcement, bouncers, and civilians need to be careful of the legal ramifications if Krav Maga is ever used for self-defense. The martial art has a hard style to it so you might want to find a Krav Maga school that also incorporates restraints and submissions for subduing an attacker without having to severely injure them.

Aikido is a unique martial art. It strives to combine self-defense with efficiency, harmony, and spiritual realization. In many Aikido schools the students do not seem to learn effective street combat applications against assailants who are especially violent and non-compliant. Exceptional Akido teachers can be difficult to find, but they are rather special if you can locate one.

Penjak Silat is a versatile martial art from Indonesia. You will not typically see this martial art in the UFC since it is not sport-based. From standing to knife fighting to ground fighting Silat is about as well-rounded as martial art systems come. Penjak Silat is an excellent choice for martial artists who wish to learn effective techniques for the street.

Aikido is an offshoot of Jujutsu which was once practiced by the Samurai. Aikido aspires to teach efficiency and fluidity of movement, grace, and spiritual development. Aikido is beautiful to watch and can be effective on the street provided the martial art dojo teaches combative Aikido in addition to the regular curriculum. - 31491

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Things You Never Knew About Fight Clubs And Organizations

By Vincent Grammar

Usually when someone thinks of the fight clubs, the picture that directly is evoked is of well conditioned, strong willed fighters, giving everything they can into the fights even at the cost of their own being. Outside all of the laws and precautions, there are some real fight clubs in hidden locations where participants from all over gather to witness these exhausting competitions.

Not all fight clubs are of this fearsome type and for some, they could come across fake, overrated men who believes beating one another makes them rough fellows. Well the secret is that many of the supposed fight clubs are simply sportive ones, much like an entertainment show with a lot of actors.

There are indeed fight clubs formed by teenage boys, needing to feel being macho and hard like they see in movies. They may form a circle of fight groups, challenging each other in fights that aren't too detrimental and most are just sporty stuff. Being an affiliate of the fight club seems to make these fighters a feeling of toughness. Although there are those grown up adults with careers and high stature battering one another contending for real prize money and popularity. Basically there are numerous of the kind of smaller-scale fight club that's a form of a downgrade version of the real fight clubs.

When we think of fight clubs, most times we think about how serious women or men fight and giving everything that they have into the fights which could regularly end in a bloody match. However one secret behind many of the fight clubs isn't truly about toughness and unity. Maybe the thought that fight club fighters are rough people, ready to do anything actually, draws the guys to unite. Perhaps also that they like to hear other folks reactions and being awed by it.

Well another reason why not all fight clubs are that interesting and noteworthy is because they are utilized as a technique to direct and defuse frustrations in their life from work and to take it out on somebody else. Beating one another to a pulp doesn't sound like a great impulse but yes, many of them use fight clubs to channel their private life letdown into the fights. As such many will find these fight clubs to be of great use while they are not true fighters. - 31491

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Personal Security needs

By Kodie Eason

Taking care of yourself under difficult circumstances is something everyone should know how to do. While there's no need to dwell on potential disaster, life is uncertain and it is a good idea to be prepared. Devising a plan of action in the event that you are ever robbed, mugged or abducted is a smart thing to do.

There are several steps you can take to ensure your personal safety. Don't just wait to become a victim - look into a course on self-defense or consider purchasing a personal alarm, pepper spray or even a stun gun.

Confidence is one of the most important elements when it comes to protecting yourself. Criminals specifically target individuals who look weak or unaware of their surroundings. These types of people would be easier to overcome and subdue. If you come across as confident, your chances of being victimized are greatly reduced.

So, how do you acquire that kind of confidence? Confidence is achieved through education and being prepared for any situation. Having a plan can keep you from being afraid of walking through a dark parking lot at night. Having a plan will allow you to walk with confidence.

How do you come up with a good plan of action for your personal security? One of the best resources is the internet, where you will find many sites with information on self-defense and tips on protecting yourself and fending off would-be attackers. Doing a simple search will bring up several sites with good information on personal security.

Here are some suggestions to help you get started:

- Carry a personal alarm on you. These are incredibly loud devices and will work in the event that your voice gives out or your mouth is covered. As a bonus, they are small and convenient and can be carried on your keychain.

- Keep pepper spray or a stun gun in your purse. Check with your local authorities to make sure it is legal to carry these items before investing in them.

- Sign up for a self-defense course. You will be instructed in what types of situations to avoid, what to do when a situation arises, and self-defense moves to protect yourself.

You can never be too prepared. This is especially true when it comes to your personal safety. Don't wait another day to take steps to prepare yourself for any potential criminal who may cross your path. You will gain confidence in knowing that you are prepared. That confidence may be the very thing that keeps you safe by deterring any would-be attackers. - 31491

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How to change Classical Karate into Kung Fu!

By Al Case

I'm going to tell you something that is easy, but which will open your mind, in this article. I am going to tell you how to make your martial art of Karate into Kung fu. And, of course, you should be able to make your martial art of Kung Fu into Karate.

The fact of the matter is that Karate developed from Kung fu. For hundreds of years Okinawa was the shipping center of the far east, and every art, soldier, ambassador, or whatever, came through the doors, and the arts gathered, were dissected, and reorganized to the extreme. Still, there are only so many things you can do with the body, and the main differences are stylistic.

A block is a block, a punch is a punch, a kick is a kick, and a technique is a technique. Shotokan used to be Te, Uechi Ryu used to be Pan Gai Noon, and so on. That said, let's look at a couple of the stylistic differences and what to do about them.

First the stances one will find in Kung Fu are lower, have more flourishing, and are badly altered by the students desire for art. What I am saying is that somebody will sink into his back stance, put the ball of the foot forward, and tweak the hell out of the back stance just so they can feel, and put on the image of having more power. Nothing wrong with more power, but this is a show of power, and not the real thing, not the real chi power that is available to a student of the true art.

The stances common to karate are usually a bit higher, and they put more emphasis on snapping the hips into the move being done. Nothing wrong with this, but in the case of the back stance, for instance, the back leg is usually turned out too far, splitting the intention, and immobilizing the stance. Now, if you want proof, take a gander at images of classical stances in kung fu and karate and see if I haven't described what is happening accurately.

Moving up to the arms, the kung fu people have smoother, more liquid motions, and they swing the arms in a more circular fashion. Karate people, on the other hand, turn the hips sharper and explode the power outward in a more linear fashion. So the motion, and the energy involved in the two arts, vary from explosive lines to swinging arcs.

So, if you want to change your karate into a kung fu type of style, simply align the turn of your stance with the turn of your hips and let the arms circle larger. If you want to change from kung fu into karate, snap the hips and make the circles tighter and more linear. Yes, I know this sounds too easy, but, try it for for a few weeks and you will be immensely surprised, you are going to tap into a world of different power, and that power, karate if you are kung fu, kung fu if you are karate, is amazing.

Now, before any martial arts purists get ahold of me ahold of me, let me make a point. There is ballet and there is ballroom and there is jazz and there is...and in the martial arts, dig a little deeper, and you will find the fundamental principles that are heart and soul to the immense power and art the human being can create. So, whether you practice a kung fu like mantis, or a style of karate like shotokan, work with the concepts I have given you here, and let your art flower. - 31491

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Notable Rounds during UFC 98

By Diego Penn

DAVE KAPLAN VS. GEORGE ROOP: Round 1 - Kaplan works kicks and Roop punches, but little lands early. Roop misses with a head kick. Roop partially connects on a combination of punches and follows a bit later with a nice body kick. Roop scores one of his own. Kaplan has a trickle of blood coming from the bridge of his nose. Kalplan lands an overhand right as Roop moves in. The fighters continue trading punches and kicks with no sense this fight will go to the ground. Roop with a nice front kick to the body, but Kaplan connects on the second part of his combination with a left. Kaplan becomes the aggressor and punches through Roop's reach. Roop throws a head kick that partially connects, but Kaplan shakes it off. Roop lands an uppercut and body kick, and Kaplan shoots, scores the takedown and backs Roops into the fence. Kaplan stands and eats an upkick and then backs off and allows his opponent to do the same. Both fighters get in a few more licks before the end of the round.

PAT BARRY VS. TIM HAGUE: Round 1 - All smiles as the fighters touch gloves. Hague throws the first punches and forces Barry to retreat before he charges forward with a looping right that partially connects. Barry, a smaller heavyweight, showing the speed and elusiveness he talked about. Barry stuns Hague with a combo and head kick and has his dazed. But Hague grabs hold and forces the fight to the mat to regroup. Barry takes to his knees, and Hague blankets him and locks in a guillotine choke when Barry pops out his head. After locking in the body triangle, Barry is forced to tap.

FRANKIE EDGAR VS. SEAN SHERK: Round 3 - Sherk swings with a sense of urgency, but Edgar patiently waits for an opening while circling away. Edgar throws a lazy hook, and Sherk makes him pay with a lightning-quick double-leg takedown. Edgar, though, quickly gets back to his feet. Both fighters look to shoot and knock noggins. Edgar goes high with a head kick that basically just lands as a face slap. Back to the center of the cage, and the pace slows a bit. Edgar shoots, Sherk quickly sees it coming, and we restart in the center of the cage. This time Sherk shoots. Edgar sprawls and easily defends from the takedown. The fighters trade punches again, and Edgar counters with a solid three-punch combo that lands. He then stuffs Sherk's shot and makes him pay with a quick right. With 10 seconds left, Sherk shoots one final time, but Edgar locks in a deep guillotine and pulls guard before the horn sounds.

DAN MILLER VS. CHAEL SONNEN: Round 2 - The fighters trade kicks. Miller catches one, but after a scramble for position, the fighters clinch against the cage, where Sonnen scoops up Miller and slams him to the mat. Sonnen again gets trapped in a guillotine, but he frees himself and works the body with punches. Miller tries to pull him tight from below, but Sonnen postures up and drops a solid elbow strike to the face. Sonnen works a few hammerfists to the mug and follows with shots to the body. Sonnen's assault slows before Miller slaps on an armbar. He tries to stretch it out, but Sonnen breaks free and returns to his opponent's guard. Miller again pulls him close, but Sonnen gets through a couple elbow strikes and hammerfists. The pace slows with 40 seconds remaining, and the boos start to rain down. Sonnen stands over his opponent and rains down a big looping left that just misses.

XAVIER FOUPA-POKAM VS. DREW McFEDRIES: Round 1 - McFedries strikes first, drops his opponent, and batters him with a series of brutal blows. Foupa-Pokam somehow gets back to his feet, and he's popped with a big uppercut and again hits the canvas. McFedries follows with more brutal shots as Foupa-Pokam is pinned against the cage. Yves Lavigne jumps in to stop it, though Foupa-Pokam initially protests.

CHAMP RASHAD EVANS VS. LYOTO MACHIDA (for light-heavyweight title): Round 2 - Machida misses with an early body kick. Machida fakes a shot and then backs off. Machida with another big body kick. He instantly clinches, can't force the takedown and quickly retreats out of Evans' reach. Machida lands an inside leg kick. Machida lands two nice punches, and Evans counters with two of his own. Evans lands a nice body kick after a lull in action. Machida fakes a charge, and Evans circles away and resets. Machida throws a combination. The first punch dazes Evans and the second drops him. Machida Charges in throwing wild blows that connect. The frantic pace continues even as Evans fights back. The blows mount up and have Evans staggered. A few more shots and a final left knock him out for good and force the TKO stoppage. - 31491

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Noteworthy Rounds during UFC 100

By Diego Penn

C.B. DOLLAWAY (9-3) VS. TOM LAWLOR (6-1): Round 1: (Tom Lawlor is coming to the cage with "Who Let the Dogs Out?" playing. Seth Petruzelli is on a chain, bone in mouth, walking on all fours. Really; I can't possibly make this stuff up.) Dollaway opens the bout with a nice one-two combination. Lawlor swings, but Dollaway ducks under and shoots. While airborne, Lawlor slaps on a guillotine choke. Dollaway hits his back, and there's little movement seconds later. Lawlor yells at the ref that Dollaway is out cold, and Yves Lavigne jumps in to break up the bout with Dollaway clear out cold.

T.J. GRANT (14-3) VS. DONG HYUN KIM (12-0-1): Round 2: Kim connects a left hed kick. Grant quickly defends and regains hos composure before landing a right and charging in. With Kim pinned against the cage, Grant works for the single leg. Kim defends, reverses the position and puts Grant in the guillotine submission from top position. Three in a row? Nope. Grant escapes but is now on his back as Kim works from full guard. Grant goes high with his guard but eats a right and a few elbow strikes. Grant is looking frustrated on his back as Kim continues a dominant top games that includes some pretty nasty shots. Grant, though, ties up Kim and has him stretched out in an odd position, but Kim backs out and stands over his opponent. He missed when raining down a shot but quickly returns to full guard. Grant works for an arm, but Kim gives up an effort to free a leg and puts Grant back into guard before posturing up and just missing with a huge right hand from the standing position. A timeout is called when Grant connects on a kick to the face while Kim still has a knee on the mat. A point may have been deducted for the illegal blow. The fighters restart from the standing position as the round expires.

JON JONES (9-0) VS. JAKE O'BRIEN (11-3): Round 2: Jones connects with a body kick. O'Brien is unaffected and takes the center of the cage and lands a nice right. Jones keeps circling and won't be a stationary target. Jones snaps off a good inside leg kick but the following head kick is blocked. The pace slows a bit as the fighters trade the occasional punch. Jones fires off a couple combinations and leg kick and graces O'Brien with a spinning back elbow. O'Brien quickly recovers, but Jones turns on the burners and throws a series of kicks. O'Brien shoots, Jones stands over him and then slaps on a choke that forces the tapout in quick fashion.

STEPHAN BONNAR (14-6) VS. MARK COLEMAN (16-9): Round 1: No action early as Coleman watches Bonnar fake moving in. After 35 seconds, Bonnar throws the first punch and misses. Coleman shoots and quickly puts his opponent on his back. Bonnar grabs a leg and forces Coleman into a akward position by trapping an arm between his legs. Coleman is turned away from Bonnar, which allows him to work for a knee and ankle. Coleman looks to fold up Bonnar and drops a punch punch to his belly, and he then moves into north-south position from the top. Bonnar tries to roll free and eventually secures half guard. Simultaneous "Coleman!" and "Bonnar!" chants erupt. Bonnar gets back to his feet. Coleman hangs on to him and eats a quick burst of elbows to the head as Bonnar kneels over him. Bonnar continues the strikes as Coleman is on all fours with Bonnar pinned with his back against the cage. Herb Dean keeps a close eye on the action as Bonnar now looks to secure an arm. He again locks in arm between his legs and then tries to take Coleman's back. The awkward positioning is favoring Bonnar, who mixed in the occasional elbow to the side of the head. Bonnar works a kimura in the final seconds but is stopped by the bell.

STEPHAN BONNAR (14-6) VS. MARK COLEMAN (16-9): Round 3: Coleman looks a bit gassed and remains flatfooted as Bonnar throws punches to open the round. Bonnar bounces with head movement before he's backed up with a couple nice rights from Coleman. Coleman shoots again, but Bonnar sprawls and gets back to his feet. Coleman clings to him from a kneeling position but then joins his opponent standing. Coleman pins him against the cage and then secures another takedown. Coleman frees a leg and works from half guard while the fighters are tight up against the cage. Bonnar ties up his opponent's arms and initially avoids damage. Bonnar goes into the fetal position up close to Coleman's body, but he spread back up and drops a big right hand from the top. Coleman then works short punches to the body before standing over Bonnar, who tags him with a kick-slap to the face. Bonnar remains standing over him, too tired to do anything but collapse on top of him. Working from full guard, Coleman drops elbows and punches knowing he could likely take the decision with this round. Bonnar tries to escape, Coleman takes his back. Against the cage, though, Coleman doesn't have the room he needs to lock in both hooks. He holds Bonnar close to wait out the round. - 31491

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Interesting Rounds During UFC 100

By Diego Penn

MICHAEL BISPING (18-2) VS. DAN HENDERSON (25-7): Round 2: Henderson takes to the center of the cage, misses on an overhand right and takes a jab to the nose. Bisping follows with a body kick before the two misses with simultaneous power shots. Henderson uses the right to charge in, but Bisping answers with a quick knee from the clinch. Henderson's next overhand right finds its mark, though, but Bisping shakes it off. Bisping lands a nice left before sidestepping Henderson. Both fighters then miss on big looping right hands. Bisping works a combination but is out of reach to do much damage. Henderson charges in, blocks a knee to the body but can't avoid Bisping's right. After an inside leg kick, Henderson scores a massive overhand right that knocks Bisping out cold. Henderson winds up and drops a huge right to the face of his unconscious opponent before the referee can stop him.

CHAMP GEORGE ST-PIERRE (19-2) VS. THIAGO ALVES (22-5) - welterweight title fight: Round 3: Alves amps up his energy level and goes on the offensive. However, he walks into punches before sprawling free of a takedown attempt. The fighters return to the center of the cage and trade shots for the next minute. Nothing significant lands until each lands a nice body kick. St-Pierre snaps off two rights and then shoots and again puts Alves on his way back. St-Pierre frees a leg and looks to improve the position while softening Alves with punches. Alves again muscles his way back to his feet by simply overpowering the champ. St-Pierre trips him up with a leg kick. The fighters trade jabs and then an exchange of rapid-fire shots before retreating. Alves wipes the blood from his nose but is then knocked on his back by a left from St-Pierre. The Canadian pounces on his opponent and unload ground and pound as Alves recovers and defends. Alves ties up St-Pierre and avoids any additional damage before the round sounds. Another clear round for St-Pierre, 10-9, who's up three rounds to none.

CHAMP GEORGE ST-PIERRE (19-2) VS. THIAGO ALVES (22-5) - welterweight title fight: Round 4: A huge ovation gets the championship fourth round underway. Alves shakes off an inside leg kick and continues pushing forward. St-Pierre pops him with jabs and then shoots and again easily secures the double-leg takedown. With one leg free, St-Pierre looks to make it two. St-Pierre flattens out his opponent and holds him tight to his body. Alves backs out and gets to his feet at St-Pierre remains on his back. Alves swarms on top and throws punches to the head and body. A couple get through and connect flush. St-Pierre, though, again pulls him tight, but Alves postures up to rain down a punch and then a series of them. However, St-Pierre kicks his way free and gets back to the standing position. St-Pierre still looks extremely fresh, though Alves is far from tired. Alves telegraphs and misses an uppercut before St-Pierre again scores a takedown at will. St-Pierre moves to half guard, Alves rolls to his knees, and St-Pierre takes his back with 25 seconds to go. Alves fends off the rear-naked choke and waits out the round.

JON FITCH (22-3) VS. PAULO THIAGO (11-0): Round 2: Thiago blocks a head kick, but Fitch clinches and eventually trips him to the mat. Fitch lands in sidemount but has little room to maneuver against the cage. Thiago again slaps on a guillotine from his back, but he doesn't have the grip or position he needs. Thiago tries to work his way free, but Fitch takes his back and tries to sink in his hooks from the standing position. Thiago breaks free and now puts Fitch against the cage. Fitch, though, scores another takedown and takes top position. As Thiago rolls for better position, Fitch takes his back and again tries to lock in his hooks. Fitch secures them and works for the rear-naked choke, though he's a little too high initially. Thiago tries to back out of the hold as Fitch works short punches to the body. Fitch then tries to readjust as Thiago tries to escape from the position. Thiago gets to a kneeling position, but Fitch remains on his back as the round closes.

T.J. GRANT (14-3) VS. DONG HYUN KIM (12-0-1): Round 2: Kim connects a left hed kick. Grant quickly defends and regains hos composure before landing a right and charging in. With Kim pinned against the cage, Grant works for the single leg. Kim defends, reverses the position and puts Grant in the guillotine submission from top position. Three in a row? Nope. Grant escapes but is now on his back as Kim works from full guard. Grant goes high with his guard but eats a right and a few elbow strikes. Grant is looking frustrated on his back as Kim continues a dominant top games that includes some pretty nasty shots. Grant, though, ties up Kim and has him stretched out in an odd position, but Kim backs out and stands over his opponent. He missed when raining down a shot but quickly returns to full guard. Grant works for an arm, but Kim gives up an effort to free a leg and puts Grant back into guard before posturing up and just missing with a huge right hand from the standing position. A timeout is called when Grant connects on a kick to the face while Kim still has a knee on the mat. A point may have been deducted for the illegal blow. The fighters restart from the standing position as the round expires. - 31491

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UFC Fight Night 17 - Notable Rounds

By Diego Penn

STEVE BRUNO VS. MATTHEW RIDDLE: Round 2 - Riddle uses an overhand right to secure the clinch and delivers knees to the body before forcing Bruno the mat. He again frees one leg and delivers elbows from half guard. The position worked well in the first round, and he again has success with elbows. Bruno ties up one of Riddle's arms and has the youngster looking confused. However, Riddle gets to his knees and rains down a series of elbows to the face and side of Bruno's head. Bruno shows damage from the flurry but again works to tie up Riddle. After rolling to his knees, Bruno nearly escapes, but Riddle takes his back and forces the fight to the mat. Riddle gives up the position for half guard and continues popping Bruno with elbows and punches. One big blow lands with a thud, and Bruno assures the ref he's OK. Bruno tries to escape again but eats additional shots after leaving himself exposed. As Bruno gets to his feet, Riddle tags him with a knee to the body and locks in a guillotine. However, he eventually takes Bruno's back, locks in his hooks and then batters him with punches and hammerfists. With 10 seconds to go, Bruno wants to ride out the round, but Riddle punishes him for it with continued blows.

NICK CATONE VS. DEREK DOWNEY: Round 1 - Catone lands an early right, but Downey shoots for the single-leg takedown. Catone sprawls and spends the next half minute fending off the takedown. Downey presses Catone into the fence and delivers a knee to the body and instantly dips and again looks for the takedown. After switching to a single leg, he finally gets it and drags Catone to the mat. Catone, though, quickly reverses the position and puts Downey on his back. From north-south position, Catone works punches to the body, but Downey gets back to his feet, secures a leg and tries to take Catone to the mat. Catone defends well and knocks Downey off balance and puts him on the mat. Catone again works from north-south position and then attempts to take Downey's back. After a battle for position, Catone secures half guard and delivers a steady stream of elbows that appears to open a cut. From the ground, Catone works for a choke, but Downey gets to his feet. Catone pops him with a couple punches and then pushes forward to put Downey on his back with a bumrush takedown. Catone frees a leg and delivers elbows from half guard as the round comes to a close. As Downey gets back to his feet, he has a protruding half-baseball-sized swelling on the side of his head.

MATT GRICE VS. MATT VEACH: Round 1 - Veach with an early leg kick that connects, and once he tries to clinch, Grice hits him with a couple uppercuts. After a scramble, Veach gets the takedown and works from inside full guard. Veach delivers a steady stream of blows, but Grice works his way to feet while crawling up the cage with his back. Veach throws Grice to the mat and nearly locks in a choke, but Grice again gets back to his feet. The fighters clinch, and Grice connects on an uppercut and a subsequent blow that sends Veach staggering to the mat. Grice pours on the blows as Veach desperately tries to defend. The crowd stands and senses the finish, but Veach miracously holds on and ties up Grice. However, Grice soon secures mount. Veach reclaims guard, but Grice secures a guillotine when he tries to get back to his feet. Veach escapes, and we're back standing. Grice throws a glancing right that staggers Veach. But Veach throws a right that connects. The two fighters then stands toe and toe and swing wildly, each connecting with major power shots. Grice's legs buckle after abosrbing a huge right uppercut, and he falls to the mat. Veach follows with a series of punches to earn the come-from-behind TKO victory. Grice is upset about the stoppage and refuses to shake Veach's hand. While waiting for the decision, he continues to protest to the referee. Matt Veach def. Matt Grice via TKO (strikes) -- Round 1, 4:34.

LUIGIO FIORAVANTI VS. ANTHONY JOHNSON: Round 1 - Fioravanti swings first and misses wildly. After a lull in the action, Johnson lands a solid leg kick. After another lull, Johnson lands another. Both fighters look tentative in the earlty going. Johnson connects on a body kick and another leg kick, and Fioravanti gets through an overhand left. Johnson lands a nice leg kick and follows with a stiff jab. Johnson gets another leg kick. Fioravanti shoots for a single-leg takedown, but Johnson sprawls out of it. Fioravanti keeps him pinned against the fence and then tags Johnson with an accidental knee to the groin. The fight is stopped so Johnson can regain his composure. After a touch of gloves, we're back underway. Again, the both fighters try to fight from a distance, but both connect on a quick exchange. Back to the center of the cage, Johnson drops Fioravanti to a knee with a quick right. Fioravanti gets back to his feet, but he's wobbly, and Johnson goes in for the kill. A battering of knees, punches and kicks have Fioravanti on the run, and he then drops to the mat. Johnson unloads a quick barrage of punches until the referee is forced to halt the bout. Anthony Johnson def. Luigi Fioravanti via TKO (strikes) -- Round 1, 4:39.

MAC DANZIG VS. JOSH NEER:Round 2 - Neer gets the fight to the ground early and rains down a barrage of elbows from inside guard. The heavy blows land consistently. Danzig survives and nearly escapes, but Neer regains the position and continues the assault. Neer stands, and Danzig tries to escape again. However, Neer takes his back and then an arm, but Danzig pops free and takes the top position. The crowd roars at the turnaround. Danzig frees one leg, but Neer quickly pulls him back into guard. Danzig winds up and lands a big right, but Neer ties him up, and the referee warns the fighters to get busy. Danzig continues trying to work throw his opponent's guard, but Neer slaps on a triangle choke and secures his legs to make it tight. Neer then secures an arm, rolls over, and forces the tapout from the choke. Neer throws his mouth guard into the stands in celebration, and the crowd quickly turns on him and boos. Danzig immediately leaves the cage (but eventually returns to shake hands with Neer). Josh Neer def. Mac Danzig via submission (triangle choke) -- Round 2, 3:36.

As you can no doubt see, UFC Fight Night 17 was action packed with some of the biggest upcoming stars in the UFC. Some saw victory by submission and some chose to overwhelm their opponents with big shots. But they all have one thing in common: a bright future in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. - 31491

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Howing To Improve Your Street Fighting Techniques And Abilities

By Vincent Grammar

What happens if you are involved in a street fight and there is nobody else around to help you? It is crucial to understand the fact that you must be able to protect yourself and not depend on external factors to help you. You must take up street fighting strategies. If you learn street fighting maneuvers you will come to know that they are the most effective forms of self defense and do not need any lethal weapons. They can be learned by almost any individual of any size and sex. The street fighting skills are the most extreme and reasonable ways to support your self from serious attacks and opponent.

You don't need to go to martial arts school in order to learn street fighting skills. There are also plenty of information available on the Internet to learn. Some tips will mention things like you must have control of your surroundings and to concentrate all the time and not let your mind wander. This will let your enemy know that you are aware of their purpose and that you are ready for what's to come. You must always keep away from open spaces so that you can take routes to escape where they have more number of people.

When you study street fighting tactics you will come to know that the element of fear will impede your thinking and you could become confused. Hence when you are in a fight it is important that you gain self control and do not become scare which sounds easier than it can be done. Panic and fear are a peoples' worst oppositions. They hinder the vision and mind to think rationally. The main point is that you must have a rational direction before it occurs so you know what to do.

In the martial arts school, they tell you about the importance of kicks. Kicks are an essential technique in any type of martial art. Some of the kicking moves may not be as effective when it comes to street fighting though. If you try to kick the assaulter in the mid-section or the head, then most likely the assailant will catch hold of your leg and throw you on the ground. Thus when you learn street fighting strategies, you should know to try and kick the enemy on their knee joint. A kick directly on the front side of the knee will make your enemy squirm in pain. Yu will be damaging their knee by either breaking the cartilage or the knee cap. Another strong move is to kick the person in the inside of the knee with full strength. This will be enough for the assailant to fall on the ground and you can then freely run away from the scene.

Domestic violence occurs anywhere in the streets and it doesn't matter where you live. Anyone can be the next victim of sudden attacks. Our relatives can get assaulted anytime whether we are with them or not. Acts of violence can happen for motives to get money, due to jealously, or by any unfair means. Therefore it is important we have to learn street fighting tactics in order to have a better future. - 31491

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The Secret Behind Real Karate Fighting!

By Al Case

When you learn the truth of Karate kumite, there are certain truths about how to fight. One of the truths is that the mind shuts down during combat, and survival mode kicks in. Adrenalin junkies would have you believe this is good, but it is not, it is the worst thing that could happen.

As a species we don't have claws, or jaws, or quills, or smells, or any particular characteristic that would help us survive, except the mind. It is the mind that creates invention, it is the mind that adapts to survive. It is this thing called a mind that we must enhance if we are to reach our full potential as humans, and as humans on the fighting level.

One must control the distance in a fight, by controlling distance we have choice as to what weapon we choose to use. The way to do this is to tie a string from your belt to his, and practice moving so that the string stays taut without breaking. Now, move in this fashion, and within a short time your body will move with the other persons body because it likes the fact of harmony.

We must control the fact of the leg movements. The best leg positioning is when the legs are in a matching stance, which is to say his right leg is forward and so is yours, the second best position is when you are in an opposing stance, which is to say his right leg is forward, and your left leg is forward. The way to train yourself to always have matching stance is merely to walk with the string, and striving to always stay in a matching stance.

We must control the movement of the arms, again, in a matching or opposing sense. No string needed here, but you do have to be aware of distance, you have to match the movement of your partners arms as he closes distance. The way to do this is merely to control the stances and practice matching your arm motions to his.

Fourth, we must search for the techniques that work best for matching, and for opposing. Yes, you want matching, but whatever happens, you should be able to train yourself to handle it. The trick is to use a basic matrixing concept, and realize that whether matching or opposing, your arm will be either inside of his, or outside of his, and then find that technique that this position results in.

Lastly, we must put it all together. This would appear difficult, except that if you understand what I have said here, and worked on the individual exercises, then the whole thing comes together rather intuitively. The body, you see, even in the middle of combat, likes harmony.

Control distance, control positioning through the stance, control arms through inside or outside, this is simple stuff, but entirely overlooked by todays martial artists. But if you do understand what I have said here, then you will move to the head of the pack, for you are putting the mind, and awareness and the ability to think, into combat. Whether you study kenpo or tae kwon do, Aikido or Arnis, Uechi or Krav Maga, the truths in this article, the hint of matrix martial arts that I have given you, will make you a better fighter...an immensely better fighter! - 31491

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