Tai Chi

By Leslie Glanville

Tai Chi exercises are becoming more and more popular due to their relaxing, centering, and stress-relieving effects. Although well known as a form of meditation and Chinese martial art, Tai Chi can be used to support dancing techniques as well. Tai Chi requires a lot of control and effort, mentally and physically. It looks like a succession of slow dance moves. Tai Chi is popularly known to help compose the body and mind.

Chi Exercise

The Art of Breathing is an example of a Tai Chi exercise. 'Chi' is used rather than 'Qi' because the Chi spelling is more readily recognized. The art of breathing is meant to be done in a meditative manner, but not necessarily a trance-like state. The first step is to assume the 'Horseback Riding' stance. First, stand with your back straight and your chin level to the ground. Your feet should be spaced about a meter apart, and your legs bent slowly until they are at no more than a ninety degree angle. This will create strain on your leg muscles, but when you are meditating or closing your eyes will also provide you with the best balance equilibrium. Both arms should be held straight to the front of you while you gently exhale slowly and deeply. This process should remove every last bit of air that is residing in your lungs. Next you will slowly pull your hands towards your chest, turning your palms slightly inward as you do so that when the process is complete, your hands are near your chest and your palms are facing you. Gently inhale as deeply and slowly as possible.

This Tai Chi exercise has many good uses. Actually, when I studied Kung Fu, it was the first of those self practices that I was told to master. Before, I used it to condition myself before classes; now, I use it to relax or prepare myself for something, like going for an interview. This exercise is a really good cardiovascular practice, too. When you inhale deeply and slowly, 100% of your lungs get filled, and by slowly exhaling all the air in your lungs, you will also begin to exhale all those bad elements still lodged in your lungs.

Next, you should learn the grinding corn exercise.

The grinding corn exercise is one of the popular Tai Chi exercises practiced by monks for warm-up and for meditation. To do a grinding corn exercise, start by assuming a horseback riding stance. Keeping your stance low, reach out in the imaginary space in front of you and move your hands in a circular horizontal motion, as if a stone table were present and you are grinding corn pellets with bricks in your hand. Do the circular motions slowly and alternate the circles in your hand to create a rhythm.

You thighs will feel the strain with this exercise, but you will also find your core muscles working to keep yourself solid. Once you become adept at this exercise you can hold weights to make it more difficult and give yourself more of a workout. - 31491

About the Author:

Want to find out more about Tai Chi Exercises, then visit Leslie Glanville's site on how to learn about the benefits of Tai Chi for you.

Martial Arts Power Revealed!

By Al Case

Everybody wants power! They want to be strong, able to jump in the mixed martial arts ring and toss around an attacker like a rag doll. The problem is that nobody knows what power really is.

Everybody confuses this concept of power with strength, or big muscles, or other things. But power has nothing to do with muscles or strength. The truth of the matter is that Power has to do with stabilizing your body as a motor.

A motor is two poles between which there is tension. Whether it is a pull or a push, the tension between two terminals creates a motor. Push on another body and you have a motor, love somebody and you have a motor, play a game with somebody and you have a motor, and so on from the smallest to the largest objects in this universe.

In the world of physics as we know it on this planet, a motor, unless held in place, will move as result of the forces it is creating and using. A car motor has motor mounts, brackets, which hold the machine in place, lest it flip over and fall on the ground. A helicopter has a tail rotor to hold it in place and stop it from spinning around.

In the martial arts one must hold oneself in place to weather an attack, or to launch an attack. That is the purposes of stances, incidentally, not to make strong legs, but to hold the body in place, or to launch it. Once one learns how to use stances in this manner one is able to use energy much more efficiently.

Now boxing, or the mixed martial arts type of fisticuffs, does not use stances, and they waste energy, and do not build it. Thus, they must rely on the strength of individual motors such as biceps and triceps, and so on, which provide tension across the bones and enable them to move. At this point, unless there is an accident of collision, the only power provided is the weight of the arm, but when you hold the whole body in place you use the weight of the whole body, and this is efficiency.

The point here is that you must use a stance if you wish to enable the body to create true power, and this means you must sink your weight with the execution of technique. Whether you punch, or block, or do any basic motion, you must learn how to sink the weight when doing so. This will lock the motor of the body down, and actually cause the energy generator of the body to function far more efficiently, and to create usable energy in vast amounts.

I know everybody wants to hit people and win trophies, but MMA fighting doesn't create energy, it only causes the destruction of bodies. Thus, a practice of Karate, or Shaolin, or especially the wudan arts, results in massive power, and with enhancement to the body, and not damage. No offense to the big muscle fellows out there, but we are talking about true power here, the kind of power that lasts all day long, and does lead the student of traditional arts, such as karate or shaolin or wudan, to higher levels. - 31491

About the Author:

Al Case has studied martial arts for over more than 40 years. A writer for the magazines, with his own column in Inside Karate, he is the originator of Matrixing Technology. He is has written a book on developing the Most Powerful Punchin the world. You can find it, and a free ebook about Matrixing, at Monster Martial Arts.

How to Learn the Martial Arts Ten Times Faster!

By Al Case

It took me almost seven years to earn my black belt in traditional Karate, but it only took the fellow who taught me 2 1/2 years to get his black belt. I always wondered why this was so, but it wasn't until I began to take apart martial arts systems that I understood why. It turns out that there are several reasons why it takes people longer and longer to truly learn anything in the martial arts.

When I took apart the system I had been taught I found there were two systems within it. I had not only learned the traditional system of 10 forms that had originally been taught to the fellow who taught me, but I was learning an additional system of seven forms that my instructor had made up. I was also learning several other forms that had been thrown into the mix just because my instructor thought they were valuable.

This happens quite often throughout the martial arts. Ed Parker, of Kenpo fame, for instance, began teaching simple karate forms. When he ran out of material to teach he started putting vast amounts of kung fu into his curriculum.

Now the problem is not one of not enough material, there is endless material out there. The real problem is separating the material of the martial arts into logical slices. Each of the slices must represent a logical look at a style or system.

If we were talking dance, we would be separating flamenco from waltz from whatever. If we were talking music we would be separating pop from classical from so on. In the martial arts we must actually separate karate from gung fu from ninjitsu from tai chi...and so on.

When you separate the martial arts, you must understand the difference between basics and stylistic differences. You must understand that karate blocks, for instance, go out from the tan tien, and wudan type blocks are rotated off the turning torso, and silat blocks are slipping types of blocks, and so on. If you don't understand these differences the arts remain complex and are difficult to absorb.

If you don't understand these things then you are mixing different arts, and different ways of handling the body, and different ways of using energy, and so on. Thus, a peach becomes indistinguishable from a watermelon from a cantaloup, and so on. Thus, the arts become a mush which the mind finds difficult to absorb.

Understanding these differences, the arts become very easy to absorb, and the mind just absorbs and catalogues everything easy as pie. The martial arts, you see, are only illogical because we have made them so. Separate Wudan into Wudan, or karate into karate, or shaolin into shaolin, and the martial arts canbe learned in a matter of months, not years. - 31491

About the Author:

Al Case has studied martial arts for 4O+ years. He has written dozens of articles for the magazines, and founded Matrixing Technology. You can find out how to separate arts and make them pure by picking up his free ebook at Monster Martial Arts.

MMA Gear

By Katie Jorge

Being a mixed martial arts fighter takes more than ability. You also have to have all of the proper MMA gear both for training and for competition. The quantity of gear you buy will depend upon what gear is available at the gymnasium and whether you need to train at all at home. Most training gyms will have all of the larger gear you need, for example the grappling dummies and heavy pads. You'll have to get the smaller stuff, like your gloves, clothing, head gear and pads. The way in which you select the gear all depends on what you need and how comfortable they feel on you.

The protective MMA gear that you're going to need for training and competition are gloves, groin protectors and head and mouth guards. These all are mandatory for any fighter, with no regard for his ability level. Most of this gear is fairly self-explanatory when it comes to selecting them. You simply go with what fits and feels comfortable. The sole one that's different is the gloves. You are going to need separate gloves for coaching than you have got for fighting. The explanation for this is because the coaching gloves often are bigger in shape than the competition gloves. Having separate pairs will make for better fighting.

For coaching, you may want to consider using knee and elbow pads. This is optional MMA gear, but it's the easiest way to protect yourself from injury before you actually get into the ring. You don't desire to get hurt in practice because you thought you were too good to wear protecting pads. Another optional gear is handwraps. Many folks wear these in the place of gloves during training because they feel they're more comfy. Also, it gives them the break to basically feel their contestant, which many fighters like.

If you are not already web savvy, shopping online for MMA Clothing and Fight Gear can be an overpowering process. Fortunately though, it does not need to be. I have written this guide to assist in easing you thru the process of picking the right online MMA retailer to buy with the 1st time, so that your internet shopping experience is a good one.

Choose an online store with a big choice of product. If you are like me, you do not need to have to go shopping at 3 different online stores to find everything that you would like. I love to pick a major retailer ( or two maximum ) and stick with them throughout the buying process.

Let's face up to it for many of us price is something that we need to consider. When shopping online, it's extraordinarily useful to your wallet to be conscious of the ticket as it can ( and actually does ) alter considerably from site to site.

Not all corners of the internet are regarded as equal. When buying online, be sure to read about the retailer on their "about us" page and learn all you can. It could also be helpful to look up reviews in the leading search engines, and spend a while surfing gear & equipment forums. Spending even only one or two minutes to analyze can truly tell you a lot about a company, and whether you would like to spend your hard earned money with them or not.

in general though, all MMA shorts have a couple of things in common. Do your old gymnasium shorts wick away sweat and moisture? Are they cut to boost your mobility for grappling? Have they got split seams making your striking vis knees and kicks more effective? Are you a fan of getting your hands caught in pockets or a loose pair of shorts while grappling? If you answered "no" to at least one of these questions, then that should be enough reason to take a position in a pair. - 31491

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MMA Training Workouts

By Shawn Anderson

I encourage anyone who needs to lose fat, build lean muscle and get into "fighter shape" to start training with their own version of MMA exercise programmes. It's not surprising that MMA fighters all seem to have that lean, ripped, and athletic look, like Brad Pitt in Fight Club.

It's imperative that we learn from these world class sportsmen. If you'd like to seem like an MMA fighter who's in wonderful shape, you need to be in fantastic shape yourself. Sadly, we can't cut corners and the only real way to get a ripped MMA body is to put in hard work thru your own MMA-inspired exercise routines.

In my viewpoint, the ripped Hollywood look is the sole one to go for. Massive and cumbersome is going out of fashion. Generally, one can see from watching MMA sportsmen compete, that having a little less muscle mass is favorable to an impressive performance. These fighters have the perfect mix of power, explosiveness, endurance, and overall athletic ability.

If only strongman competitions were more main line then muscle building then perhaps more mixed martial artists would incorporate better strength and conditioning exercises into their MMA work-outs without the requirement of learning or knowing why.

One of the most typical mistakes MMA wrestlers make when the are new to the concept of adding strength and conditioning to their MMA work-outs is that they carry around the mindset of a bodybuilder. They are going to the gymnasium thinking they need to do all sorts of exercises for each muscle grouping and the only way to get a productive workout in is to get a good "pump."

But if you wanted a general concept of what sort of strength and conditioning you want to develop with your MMA workouts, then think of the sort of exercises strongmen do : picking up heavy and ungainly objects, carrying heavy weight for long distances, performing extremely strong and heavy lifts as many times as possible in a certain time period, to name a couple.

These kinds of exercises are way more functional and carry over very well to MMA fighters when it comes to the sort of strength and conditioning they need . The explanation being is that in a MMA fight your opponent, unlike a balanced barbell, is a continually shifting his awkward weight that you have to steadily push and pull from both balanced and unbalanced positions, for example the sort of resistance a heavy and ungainly object would give you.

If you want to be an MMA fighter, you'll have to train like one. This means you will have to learn the parts of an MMA workout. Although kung fu skills has been around for centuries, the game of mixed karate skills is still in its infancy. Mixed martial arts is growing big leaps with the increased acceptance of the final Fighting Championship ( UFC ) and the real life TV show, The final Fighter.

there are several sides to designing a good MMA workout for anyone looking to become a professional fighter, or for someone just looking to get in shape. A good workout includes coaching in some, or all, of the following areas, conditioning, striking, grappling, wrestling, or submission skills. These abilities can be both offensive and defensive in nature. - 31491

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Enlightenment, Zen, and the Martial Arts!

By Al Case

The martial arts have long been held up as a way to enlightenment. Indeed, this is the goal at the end of the road of The True Martial Art. This article is about why this is so, and to enable the reader to walk to the end of that road all the sooner.

Enlightenment is when light is emitted from an individual. With that light the enlightened being sees the world with different perception. His perceptions are heightened, and he has a viewpoint that rises above the norm.

If enlightenment happened because of motion, then all motion would result in enlightenment. Gymnastics, ballet, swimming, all would result in an enlightened individual, but they don't, so one must ask oneself, What is different about the Martial Arts that they result in enlightenment?

What is different is that there is fighting, and when one understands the essence of fighting, one becomes enlightened. What is the essence of fighting? One could sum up the subject by saying that when one finally understands he is fighting himself, he becomes enlightened, and a study of the martial arts does result in this realization.

The universe, you see, is a vast space filled with objects. Every object in the universe has a direction. It is only in the martial arts that one actually engages in the study of the directions of objects from the viewpoint of one who creates the direction.

A fist flies through space at you, and this causes you to go through a range of emotions. Eventually, you give up emotions so that you can better analyze the trajectory of the incoming fist. Thus, you rise above the fact of emotional reaction and become cause over the motion of the universe.

A person threatens you, he holds a knife and approaches you, and you must divine the direction before it manifests. You must look at the world the way it exists, and not through some fantasy, and thus you look at the world you created. Thus, you rise above being the flotsam and jetsam of a universe awash with random motion, and thus you take control of the motions of the universe.

There would be no motion in this universe, you see, were it not for you. That star shines for you, because of you, if it wasn't for you, there would be no purpose for that star to emit even the faintest of light. And through the tempering of form, the steeling of will, the martial artist engages in fighting, to give up fighting and become what he truly is, an enlightened being free to roam the universe as he wishes. - 31491

About the Author:

Al Case has analyzed martial arts for 4O++ years. A writer for the magazines, he had his own column in Inside Karate. He is the originator of the church of the martial arts, and you can find out about the path to enlightenment by ordering his free ebook at Monster Martial Arts.

Learn the Gracie Jiujitsu Principles

By Curtis Adams

Gracie Jiujitsu has been developed by the Gracie family, in particular through the work of Helio Gracie, over the past eighty years. Though several of the family members have since trademarked their different styles of this martial art, they all share a common history. Rorion Gracie, the son of Helio, had trademarked the style with the Gracie philosophy, which is probably the most well known of all the Gracie disciplines.

The first principle of Gracie Jiujitsu is about control. In a fight, this involves being the one who will dictate what happens during the fight. Part of this is in physically controlling your opponent and restricting his movements to what you want him to do; the other part is the self-control that you need to impose upon yourself so that you can make the best choices to win the fight. This is personal training at its best, and it is part of a healthy lifestyle. It is expected that you are able to exercise enough control to eat properly and take care of your health.

The next principle of Gracie Jiujitsu involves patience. This is particularly important for a fighter, since so much that occurs in a fight can depend on timing and whether enough patience has been used. Patience is often rewarded, as opportunities are more likely to appear. For those who rush, bad decisions are more likely to occur. This philosophy is instilled from the beginning and it is expected that if you can be patient on the mat, then you will display the same quality in your life outside of the dojo.

The final of Gracie Jiujitsu principles is efficiency. This is particularly important for a fight, since the foundation of this discipline is built on the assumption that you will be fighting someone stronger and bigger than yourself. Jiu jitsu schools will often promote the idea that you drain your opponent of his or her energy while conserving your own strength in order to finish the fight. This applies to daily living as well, with the idea that you are able to maximize your results through an efficient application of effort, whether it is in business or social situations.

These three principles are what separate Gracie Jiujitsu from other disciplines and from even other Brazilian jiu jitsu schools. As enticing as it would be to study under the Gracie system, you really need to embrace the philosophy as much off the mat as on it. An instructor would be looking for evidence that you live the way you approach your training, and an inability to adhere to the Gracie philosophy might limit how far your training will progress. - 31491

About the Author:

For those who have watched UFC and want to learn more about martial arts, especially Brazilian jiu jitsu, there is a lot of information to be found on the internet. Jiu jitsu is becoming very popular because of MMA fighting. It uses a lot of holds and ground moves that make it idea for practically any person.

You Can Achieve Great Balance With Trampolines And Gymnastics

By Dave Vower

Gymnastics is a wonderful sport for children because it can help them develop dexterity, balance and suppleness. It can also help develop skills such as self-discipline and concentration. Children usually start gymnastics at ages 3 or 4 and in a beginner class. Trampolines of all sizes are used in the sport. Trampolines and gymnastics go hand in hand.

Watching Olympic gymnastics perform on TV is fascinating. They do incredible stunts on trampolines, rings and uneven bars. The novice gymnast will learn the basics such as tucks, roll-overs and handstands. Certain muscles need to be strengthened in order to hold your own weight. Children aged 3 or 4 quickly learn exercises and their bodies become supple very quickly.

Using a small trampoline at first, you will learn tumbling. Soft, small trampolines are for beginners, and the slightly larger ones are used for the double mini. Even larger trampolines are used by the more advanced pupil for more complex maneuvers.

Coaches talk about students getting air-time on a trampoline. This means the more time they spend bouncing and learning control, the sooner they can learn other skills. Somersaults and other more difficult moves are for the more advanced student.

Because trampolines have a sprung surface, they are safer to land on than a floor. There is less chance of getting RSI (repetitive stress injuries) when landing on a trampoline. When practicing, you can do many repetitions in a quicker time on a trampoline.

To give your child a chance to practice gymnastics at home, you should purchase a 14 foot 'in-ground' trampoline if you space for it. You can also buy free standing trampolines in sizes of 10 feet and lower. The whole family can get fit on a trampoline. Even a mini trampoline is good for exercising. - 31491

About the Author:

Dave has been writing articles online for nearly 3 years now. Not only does this author specialize in health, fitness and relationships you can also check out his latest websites on Last Minute Weekend Breaks and Sunbeam Heating Pad.

How to Use Yoga to Master the True Martial Art

By Al Case

There are two paths in the martial arts. The directions are sport, and art. One of these leads to decay, the other leads to enlightenment.

If one does the martial arts as a sport, he engages in contest, and that actually defines the difference between sport and art. If one practices the martial arts as art, he is attempting to conquer himself. Subdue the self, or subdue another, the difference is easy to see.

If one is attempting to subdue another, he is holding the world responsible for his problems, fighting the world, not taking his own responsibility. Wether the accumulation of wealth, or just trying to beat somebody into a bloody pulp, the student is not using the art the way it was designed, as a mirror for the soul. It is the soul, the individual, the spirit, the I AM that is the point of the martial arts, not the smacking down of somebody else.

When one is doing the art as sport, he is making a strong body, and then risking that body to destruction. When one is doing the art as art, he is obsessed with finding out the truth about himself. He is engaged in defining what impulse is behind the muscle and quiver of fighting.

The True Martial Way can be defined by the degree of motion within the art. A young man studies the excessive motion of Karate and Shaolin and that type of art. As the student ages, he practices tai chi, slowing his motion down, trying to take responsibility for his every action.

Eventually, man becomes tired, still, and begins to think life. At this point he has become motionless, a person who watches motion, and this is where he finds the truth. In motionlessness, he sees the truth of himself.

When one does Yoga one is exercising, making the body strong, but not through the make up of combat. This does create a weakness, as the universe is motion, and we should duplicate that motion to understand it. That one weakness aside, yoga does allow one to go to the heart of the matter.

Putting the body through slow exercises, breathing, watching, we slowly become aware of who is doing the watching, who is making the motion. We find the I AM that is behind all the motion of the universe, and thus we transform into souls, individuals unique and creative and filled with passion. We could wait, and grow old without any discpline, or we could pursue violence through the martial arts until violence is exhausted, or, we could just accelerate the process with yoga, through posture and slow breathing, and find out who we really are. - 31491

About the Author:

Al Case has studied the martial arts for over forty+ years. He has written for the magazines,, including his own column, Case Histories. He is the developer of Matrixing Technology and Neutronics. You can get a free ebook at his website, Monster Martial Arts.

Trampolines And Gymnastics ' A Perfect Combination

By Dave Vower

The positive aspects of trampolines and gymnastics cannot be understated. They can be a fun hobby or a more serious pastime. The number of people interested in this activity has seen an increase over the last ten years. Not only is it a great way to stay fit, it is also a wonderful method to simply feel young and let your hair down.

Basically, a trampoline is like a spring board. They often are rectangular in shape and will have a tough elastic material stretched over a strong metallic frame. There should be protective pads along the edges and on the floor to help minimize the risk of injury.

Trampolines are once again appearing in gardens and yards up and down the country. They now are available in a greater array of sizes and shapes. You could choose a miniature option for a young toddler or take possession of a larger model that is ideal for families with more space. The biggest versions will also have a fence or netting around the edges to help prevent any unwanted falls or accidents.

You can also see trampolines and gymnastics regularly on TV. Since the year 2000, the Olympics and most major international athletics competitions feature the activity. It actually takes many years of practice to become highly a highly skilled performer. And of course you can also see professional gymnasts in most circuses; the feats and stunts they pull will leave you amazed.

It's also known that regularly using a trampoline can be a wonderful form of exercising. It will improve your cardio vascular system as well as improve the tone and strength of your legs and abdomen. Be sure to warm up for a few minutes as it is easy to damage a muscle when out of practice.

Whatever your age you will find that it is always good fun to jump on a trampoline. It's a great way to unwind and release tension. - 31491

About the Author:

Dave has been writing articles online for nearly 3 years now. Not only does this author specialize in health, fitness and relationships you can also check out his latest websites on Bosch Dishwasher Stainless and Sunbeam Electric Blanket.

The Secret of Matrix Martial Arts and Real Intelligence

By Al Case

It is a proven fact that Matrix Martial Arts raises intelligence. It is a proven fact that when one matrixes his art, be it shotokan or aikido or that rare form of wudan Tai chi chuan, the art becomes better, and the person becomes more intuitive, and his intelligence goes up. What is not so obvious is why this is so.

Intelligence is measured in todays institutions through various tests. What these tests do, however, is tell you how big your memory is. What these tests do is evaluate how adequate your memory is.

Thus, current testing is checking the state of memory, and it has nothing to do with the factors of true intelligence. Current testing does nothing more than verify that the memorization methods of modern schools is working. To come to grips with what this really means we must define what true intelligence is.

True intelligence is the speed at which your mind actually functions. There are other factors, but this is the one that tells the true tale. This doesn't tell you how big or good your memory is, but how fast you can get along with the environment.

In the martial arts the student is taught by having him or her memorize strings of random data. Or memorize random strings of data, however you want it. The hope is that if you get a big enough memory then you can pull a trick out of the hat, and hopefully it is the right trick.

When you matrix the martial arts you put the data in logical order, no more random data, or random strings of data. Thus, you use less memory, and the data is filed properly for quick and accurate extraction. Thus, you are not distracted by incorrect data, the missing data and the gaps and holes and wrong arrangements of data and so on, and intuition can kick in.

Intuition means that the data being extracted for use is being extracted at near instantaneous speed. Furthermore, and here is a blessing, the data is never wrong. Thus, the true speed of the martial arts, when intuition kicks in, is in effect, and thus the students intelligence is raised.

Now, it doesn't matter what form of wudan you study, or what system of karate, all that matters is that you take the time to rearrange the data by applying matrix martial arts to it. When you use matrixing as the learning mode, you see, it is nothing more than putting the book on the bookshelf. The trick here is that we are putting all the books on the bookshelf, in the whole library, in the right order, at the same time, and that is certainly measurable as an increase in intelligence. - 31491

About the Author:

Al Case has learned martial arts for 4O+ years. He began writing for the martial arts magazines in 1982. He is the founder of Matrixing technology, which you can find out about by getting his absolutely free ebook at Monster Martial Arts.

How to Punch Harder than Mike Tyson!

By Al Case

Wham and bam! Iron Mike Tyson, a few years ago, was knocking them down faster than they could stand up. More than half of his first nineteen fights ended in the first round, and always with the opposing fighter laying face down like a drunk that had been humped by a bulldozer!

No other fighter was doing what Iron Mike, who the media labeled as Kid Dynamite, was doing, and there were a lot of strong fighters out there. So there had to be something that Mike was doing that other fighters did not know about. There simply had to be a secret behind his fantastic, explosive filled, slobber knocking punches!

The secret can be detailed in two parts. The first part is that he was not as tall as the other fighters, therefore he was automatically ducking under the incoming fist, and rising up with his own. This meant that he had to use the push of his legs as part of his punch.

Because he was rising up, he learned how to push with his legs and use his hips so they assisted the angle of his punch. He just happened to be the exact height that enabled him to arc his punch at exactly the right angle, to pop that chin at exactly the right spot. Every fighter attacked him in similar fashion, he defended the same way, and he went on winning until opposing fighters analyzed him correctly and actually boxed him!

The other part of the secret has to do with his lifestyle. He was winning fights while Cus DAmato was training him, because Cus DAmato was keeping him in hand, caring about him as an individual, working with him as a person. When Cus died, however, everything changed for the man who came to be known as The Baddest Man on the Planet.

After Cus died Tyson came under the influence of Don King, who was considered quite corrupt. His marriage ended in divorce, and he eventually began taking prescribed psychiatric medications. The mental edge went away, and other fighters were no longer coming in in exactly the right manner to be taken apart by him.

So the secret of Mike Tysons fantastic, first round knock out punch had to do with taking advantage of his height to use his legs and come up under his opponent It also depended upon the discipline in his life, which was enforced through the friendship of a man who cared about him as a person. And he began losing when fighters figured him out and he no longer had a trainer who could help him solve the issue.

The lesson here is that when you train in the martial arts, be it boxing or whatever, you must assess your body truthfully, and learn how to avoid its weaknesses and exploit its strengths, not an easy thing to do, but rather requiring an honest and truthful approach to oneself. The second thing you must do is live your life the right way, staying away from people who say they love you, but who act otherwise, this is seen easily if you look at how they treat people in their past. Anybody who utilizes these two principles, being accurate in your assessment of your body and living a good lifestyle, has a chance to develop the hardest punch in the world. - 31491

About the Author:

Al Case has researched martial arts, and the science of striking, for over 40+ years. A writer for the mags, he is offering a free ebook on the martial arts. You can also visit Punch Em Out if you want a 100 page book which has the secrets of the hardest punch in the world!

How to Make the Transition from Shaolin to Wudan

By Al Case

Shaolin is one of the oldest martial arts on the planet. It was brought from India by a fellow named Bodhidharma, and has been credited with being inspirational to martial artists the world over. Interestingly, Shaolin eventually became an internal style of martial art atop Wudan Mountain.

I know there will be those who disagree with what I say here, but I hold to it, as I have watched students go through the evolution of hard to soft, and the evolution of art from Shaolin to Wudan mirrors what I have seen students go through. Indeed, as students peel layers off the art, so they peel off layers of unawaress, and attain the truly miraculous.

The beginning students learn to expend energy from the tan tan, to spread that energy throughout the body and make the body hard. Arms become like iron, stances become as if permanent fixtures to the planet. This, however, is all based on explosion, and outward expulsion of energy.

As a student explores the varieties of martial art he may encounter the concept of absorbing energy. The act of guiding a punch, instead of blocking it, brings awareness of the concept of drawing energy in, instead of just putting it out. This progression of art often starts with a hard Shaolin art, goes through a softer art like Wing Chun Kung Fu, and, eventually, ends up with Wudan Tai Chi Chuan.

The odd fact of the matter is that if the student stays within a hard art, he will evolve into the soft. The unfortunate fact of aging, of the body no longer being able to handle the explosive energy of hard arts, will bring the student into the softer arts. He will punch so that he doesn't experience whiplash in his neck, he will use his legs so he doesn't suffer hip problems, and he will naturally evolve his art from hard to soft.

As these progressions of age and art occur, students learn to be softer, using their minds and their bodies to use less effort, and yet retain the abilities they have gained from the hard arts. Instead of violently thrusting energy through their bodies, they use the energy slowly, and focus it. Thus, the blinders slowly come off, and awareness seeps in.

Instead of exploding energy brutally through their bodies, the students learn to guide and manipulate energy within their bodies. They learn to move energy easier and naturally as they become more aware. They learn that the body energy they were so proud of when they were young and robust was only a hint of things to come.

Finally, the transition is made in full, and the Shaolin adept becomes the Wudan sage. Instead of reacting with violence, the Wudan master observes his opponent, and moves with him, drawing in whole body energy and transforming it to his needs. Yet, though there is wisdom in the Wudan Gung Fu, there is no disdain, for the true sage knows the need for his early Shaolin, he knows the benefit of understanding energy on low levels if he is to transform it to high levels. - 31491

About the Author:

Al Case has taught the martial arts for 4O++ years, he began his Wudan training in 1974. You can see how soft he is by picking up a free ebook at Monster Martial Arts.

The past Behind The Chinese Customs

By Alan Lim

Besides its wealthy history, China is world well-known for its culture, particularly the Chinese traditional Dragon dance and the lion dance. The traditions of the east have over the years turn into a rage in the west; many folks enjoy watching these dances, knowing very little or nothing concerning their origin and importance. The Dragon it's a faith in China that the people of China are the forbearers of dragon. Dragon is in fact a mythical creature, believed to possess had options of different animals like fish, deer, lion, horse, snake and vulture.

The Legendary Dragon Dance:- The dragon dance is a crucial festive tradition in China. Initially this dance was performed to please the God of water and for rain throughout the drought years. Gradually it took a type of leisure and formed a important part of all festive occasions, especially throughout the spring festival and Lantern Carnival.

Dragons are normally contrived out of bamboo, wood, cloth and paper sometimes it's an enormous creation sometimes even ranging a lot of than 100 meters. Poles are connected to the belly of the dragon and during the show; performers hold these poles and lift the dragon, beginning the grand dance with the beats of roaring drums. The dragon mask and body used for the dance is coloured inexperienced, gold and red. If this dance is performed at nighttime, then it's preceded by carrying bunch of burning torches to unwind the show.

The Lion Dance:- Chinese contemplate the lion to be a symbol of power, pride, dignity and bravery, capable of fighting off evil spirits. In Chinese legend, lion is that the ninth son of the dragon and was considered because the foremost defender; still it's seen in front of imperial palaces and huge houses.

Besides the dragon dance, the lion dance performance also has a long history within the Chinese tradition, it absolutely was formerly used for worship and to hope for rain, the lion dance is sometimes performed with the dragon dance on auspicious occasions. A smart performance is believed to convey luck and happiness.

The charming lion dance will be seen at the time of the Chinese New Year or on any ancient festival. The lion dance is performed by Wushu - Kung Fu experts. There are typically two performers who bring life to the lion - the one managing the lion's head leads the dance and depicts the lion's emotions. The opposite plays the body and tail. They hide themselves under a cloth fur attached with the head. There is also a 3rd person - a man who allures the lion, and carries a silk flower ball or wears a mask of the happy Buddha with a banana-leaf fan in one hand. He any magnifies the amount of merriment of the Lion Dance by dodging from left to right, jumping all around to form a spirited entertainment, driving lion crazy.

The centuries previous traditions of the Chinese remains alive and surprisingly gaining popularity by the day. But, it's for us to stay alive the history of those age recent traditions, cultures and practices. - 31491

About the Author:

Star Collection Entertainment Sdn Bhd, the lion dance is a vigorous form of dance that is usually performed during Chinese festivals such as Chinese New Year. Our team established in year 1990. We are one of the World Class Lion Dance Competition Management Company

The Fascinating Development of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu

By Curtis Adams

A group of Japanese martial artists, the Kodokan, is the original source of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Kano Jigoro, one of the members of the Kodokan, sent out his followers to different parts of the world to spread the knowledge of his teachings. Mitsuyo Maeda was sent to Brazil and he began to share the art of what would become known as jiu-jitsu to the citizens there. Though the martial art was actually closer to judo, the name was not as important as the actions.

Among the individuals that Maeda associated with was a man with the last name Gracie. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is highly linked to the Gracie name and this is where it began. Carlos Gracie started being taught by Maeda and subsequently in 1921, transferred his knowledge to his brothers, including the youngest, Helio. Helio adapted the principles so that he, as a more compact man, could defeat much larger opponents. This became a key aspect of jiu-jitsu and it would be established many times in tournaments that size really doesn't matter in combat.

Up until this point, what the Gracies were studying was mainly known just as jiu-jitsu. In 1978 it became Brazilian jiu-jitsu when Helio's son left Brazil to make his and his family's mark on America. Rorion Gracie was determined to succeed. He was not accepted by any other martial arts schools, so he created his own school in his garage, offering free lessons and personal training to virtually everyone he met. After defeating several larger opponents in fights, word spread and soon the Gracies had more students than they could teach from their garage.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu exploded throughout the planet in the early 1990s, with the creation of the Ultimate Fighting Championship competitions. These were mixed martial arts fights that were primarily no-holds-barred matches that paired fighters of dissimilar disciplines. Royce Gracie leapt to prominence and victory by winning three of the first four competitions, mainly by beating opponents a lot larger than he and by way of submission holds on the ground. It became obvious that his martial art methods were much superior to those of other disciplines and Brazilian jiu jitsu institutions sprang up across North America.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu still continues to be one of the most effective forms of fighting, with Gracie jiu jitsu being recognized in its own right as a separate discipline. From Japan to Brazil and then to America and finally the world, the Gracies have had tremendous success in proving the excellence of their abilities and of their chosen discipline. The future only looks bright as jiu-jitsu continues to be extremely popular for martial artists and for those who watch the fights. - 31491

About the Author:

Brazilian jiu jitsu is incredibly fascinating to watch. Jiu jitsu schools and Brazilian jiu jitsu training programs are popping up everywhere because of the popularity of this martial art, which is often seen in Mixed Martial Arts arenas.

How You Know About The Lion Dance

By Gregg Hall

Are you interesting in knowing about the Lion Dance? This article can tell you all that you wish to know. Well, it's a very ancient part of Chinese culture, and the dance essentially mimics the movements of a lion, a person doing it in an exceedingly lion costume. The lions that are depicted in Chinese culture are Asiatic lions, which are found in India. In fact, the Lion Dance really originated in India, a country where the lion is considered a creature of guardianship.

Nowadays, the Lion Dance has many variations in alternative Asian cultures like Hong Kong, China, Macau, Taiwan, Vietnam, Singapore, Japan, Korea, Okinawa, Malaysia, etc. also Sydney - and also the dance varies from region to region, in the form of distinct designs and movements. For instance, in Japanese culture, the Lion Dance is practiced as Shishimai, a practice that meant dancing around symbols of different animals like deer.

The Chinese Lion Dance will be of two main sorts - Northern and Southern. The previous was used as a type of entertainment for the imperial court, and also the northern lion is red, orange and yellow, typically the female lion is depicted as having green fur. The lion additionally features a shaggy appearance, and features a golden head. The northern Lion Dance itself is very acrobatic in nature, and is usually performed for the purpose of entertainment. Dangerous stunts are typically performed by them.

The Lion Dance, on the opposite hand, is more symbolic in nature. The aim of its performance is typically to exorcise evil spirits, and to herald fortune and smart luck. The southern lion can have a wide selection of colors, and the animal itself has a distinctive head with big eyes, there's a mirror on the forehead, and on the middle of the pinnacle could be a single horn. Don't ever confuse the Lion Dance with the Chinese Dragon Dance, that is totally different. The latter is done with a team of ten or more individuals, whereas the Lion Dance sometimes is created of just 2 dancers. The Lion Dance is closely related to the follow of Kung Fu, and therefore the folks who dance it might be members of the native Kung Fu Club. Some rigorous coaching is needed so as to master the Lion Dance.

The northern Lion Dance has the dancers showing in pairs, and throughout their performance, the lions typically resemble Pekingese or Fu Dogs, the movements are realistic and life-like. They perform stunts like balancing on a large ball, or doing lifts. It's quite common for the northern lions to seem as a family, there are sometimes two giant adult lions, and a combine of small young lions. On the other hand, the homeland of the southern style of the Lion Dance is Guangdong, and therefore the southern Cantonese vogue can be further sub-divided into Hok Shan (Crane Mountain), Fat Shan (Buddha Mountain), Fat Hok (this is often a combination of the previous 2), Jow Ga, and also the Inexperienced Lion (which is very well-liked with the Taiwanese). - 31491

About the Author:

Star Collection Entertainment Sdn Bhd, which established in year 1990. the lion dance may be a vigorous kind of dance that is typically performed throughout Chinese festivals such as Chinese New Year.

Four Reasons to Teach the Martial Arts

By Al Case

People are always impressed when they find out that I am a martial arts instructor. Unfortunately, I do not really care about impressing people. This is a cruel trap, because if they are impressed enough I can teach them, but I don't really care to impress them.

I remember when I first began the martial arts, this was a long time ago, I was impressed by these quick moving ninjas in pajamas, but what kept me going was that they talked to me. I mean, they were so tough, and yet they took the time to sit down and laugh and joke with a young kid. I always remember this, from the early days, and try to emulate my instructors behavior.

Now, having said that, there are four specific reasons why I teach the martial arts. I am speaking from the viewpoint of instructor here, so you will probably find what I say a bit odd. Still, you might find my reasons enlightening and educational.

One, I teach for the power it gives me. The thing is, I am not speaking about power over people, I am speaking about the power I feel with the health of my body and the clarity of my thought. While comrades grow old and fat, use walkers and oxygen tanks, cannot even bend over to tie their shoes, I run up the stairs, eat what I want, and am as active today as I was forty years ago, when I was but 19.

Secondly, when I teach it empties me. Now this is really quite something, when I teach somebody, if I have been true in my instruction, then I am suddenly empty, and in that emptiness I learn things. It is almost like I have shoved a book off a table, so there is room for another book to be placed upon the table, except that we are talking about knowledge being shoved out of the mind here.

Three, I teach so that I can see myself from outside. I am not the attacker nor the defender, but I am both attacker and defender, outside of them, and this gives me a viewpoint that is almost totally unknown in western society. There simply is no practice, in any kind of teaching I have ever known, in western society, that imparts this viewpoint.

Four, I teach so that I can relate to the reality of the world. I see so many people who talk much and say little, or they can talk to people about their work, but not about the world around them. Teaching the martial arts forces a commitment to a deeper level of communication, an intuitive level of communication, a zen level of communication that is so much more natural to my beingness and existence.

So, there it is in a nutshell. Not all martial arts instructors have the reasons I have, but you can bet they have reasons similar in magnitude and scope. Always know that whether somebody teaches the beautiful and exquisite arcs and forms of shaolin kung fu, or the inspiring internal energy of wudan based arts, or the die hard , battlefield techniques of Krav Maga, or just the fun and sweat soaked sportsmanship like one would find in the mixed martial arts, there is a depth of personality that they are pursuing, and that it wouldn't hurt you to similarly pursue. - 31491

About the Author:

Al Case has taught martial arts for forty years. A writer for the magazines, he is the originator of Matrixing Technology, which makes the martial arts perfect. You can find out about Matrixing at Monster Martial Arts.

The Effect of Spectacular Science Fiction on Martial Arts

By Al Case

Many of the martial arts, like karate are fiction. Slam somebody on the nose with a palm and bone shards will spear into his brain and kill him, except there isn't any bone in the nose, its all cartilage. And all those old legends, a lot of them are good for washing the hog, if you have a willing hog.

But, there is a certain science in the martial arts that is true. This is the science of geometrical energy potentials. I discovered this field in a series of books called the Lensmen Series.

I suppose the first time it hit me was when E. E. Smith, the author, described spacemen fighting a wild battle on the hull of a space ship. The spacers were hooking their feet under hand grips so they would not fly off into space when they struck somebody. They were anchoring themselves so they could apply force, and not have that very same force act against them.

Soon I was totally immersed in a universe where weapons created incredible geometries of force. A death ray created a mattering splattering beam, and it could be deflected by a well built shield. And if a shield could deflect that beam, then another shield used like a disk could slice the first shield apart.

Soon I was imagining entire fleets of space ships creating their own particular brand of strategy. Armies of space ships would form globes around other armies, and cones of spaceships would swallow globes of entire armies. Each time a geometry was described, my mind struggled to imagine the wave of new concepts.

Then, shock of shocks, fleets of spaceships gave way to the exercising of mental powers. Those same rods and globes and cones and shields, made real in the extreme of space combat, became the stuff of minds battling minds. How do you slide your awareness through the grid of another mentality, especially when that mentality is utterly alien?

And, ultimately, done with the books, I began extending these outer space alien mind combat strategies to the martial arts. I sank my weight and planted my stance so I would not fly back from my own force. I described cones with my arms, and engulfed globular fists as they flew out of space at me.

When I tell people about what has inspired me in the martial arts they generally think I am a bit crazy, or they realize I am a genius. Reading sci fi so as to use weird concepts in the martial arts, who would have ever imagined? Yet, both fields are art, and should not art be brandishing creativity and expression and beams of force and mind to mind conflicts? - 31491

About the Author:

Al Case has examined martial arts for 40 years. A writer for the magazines, he is the inventor of Matrixing Technology. You can find out about Matrixing by getting his free ebook at Monster Martial Arts.

Fundamentals of a Successful Martial Arts Stretching Routine

By Donald Borah

Martial arts have grown in popularity over the years, and just as programs differ, the stretching requirements for them differ, also. Taekwondo, northern shaolin and savate all have many movements requiring extremely high kicks, and so flexibility stretching programs for them should emphasize stretching the legs, increasing the flexibility in hamstrings and hips; however, in the grappling arts the flexibility stretches would focus more on the core body and arms. A newcomer to martial arts should focus on overall flexibility, and develop more customized martial arts stretching program as advancement in the program is achieved.

A good martial arts stretching program should include several parts to maximum efforts, as well as maintain safety. Here are tips to help keep your program of flexibility stretches both effective and completely safe.

1. Stretching in the Morning.

Do your martial arts stretching as part of your morning routine, to further maximize your progress. Do your flexibility stretches for up to a half hour before you have breakfast each morning. Star with a warm up, use several dynamic stretches as part of the routine, and then cool down. Don't do isometric, PNF, or static stretches in the morning workout, for fear of straining your muscles in the morning; reserve such exercises for the regular stretching workout you have during the day. It may take some effort to work up to a morning stretching routing, it'll be well worth it in the end.

2. Warming Up

There are specific warm up procedures to martial arts stretching, as you have a proper beginning and specific warm up regimen. As you begin your warm up period, start calisthenics, so that your muscles get adequate blood flow and your body temperature rises. In the specific warm up, do dynamic flexibility stretches that start getting your body accustomed to the specific martial art you focus on. In order to properly exercise, especially during the morning, you have to warm up properly, because your body is usually tighter in the morning and requires more stretching. As you finish the specific warm up, start your real stretching routine, as it more specifically focuses on what areas need to be more flexible to properly perform the martial art.

3. The Cooling Down

It is imperative to take the time for a cool-down process as part of your morning martial arts stretching program. The cool down is similar to the warm-up in that it allows additional blood flow to the muscles which speeds recovery of the muscles.

4. Safety

A martial arts stretching program to increase flexibility is vital to keep you safe as you progress within martial arts, as well as to help you meet the necessary requirements of your sport or art. However, injuring your muscles, skeletal system or connective tissues can not only slow down your progress, it can also cause you to quit the program. Here are some tips to help keep you safe as you perform your flexibility stretches.

* Talk to a physician before you start a stretching or training routine of any kind. You'll not only be safer when you do it, you'll have the approval of your doctor, leaving you feeling more free to make progress.

* Stop if you feel pain during or after doing flexibility stretches. You should feel your muscles stretching, but the warmth you feel should not turn into pain. Even a small amount of pain can signal muscular or connective issue injury and puts you at greater risk of permanent damage to your body. Moderate or severe pain while stretching should be reported to your doctor.

* Bouncing, rhythmic and bobbing motions should be avoided when performing your martial arts stretching. These methods are called ballistic stretching, they carry a high risk of injury and that risk is not worthy an potential benefits from using them.

Increase the benefits of your stretching routine by using these advanced martial arts stretching methods. You will be surprised at how fast you increase your functional flexibility. - 31491

About the Author:

If you would like much more information on martial arts stretching methods, scientific routines and advanced flexibility stretches, visit www.MartialArtsStretching.com.

It Is Time For You To Start A Tai Chi Routine

By Spencer Yurtt

Are you wanting for a means to cut back the stress of daily life? If thus, then it's concerning time that you start Tai chi. This ancient art used gentle flowing movements which will improve general health and scale back tension and stress by connecting the mind and body. So if you're worked up together with your daily routine of work or studies, then learning how to try to to this program can be a terribly healthy habit.

Before You Start Before you start this healthy habit, it would prove helpful to understand its dynamics first. This sleek kind of exercise originated as a form of a self-defense art. Today, though, it's primarily used for stress reductions and health improvement. It is mainly centered on gentle stretching and sleek movements of the body. It practically permits you to make graceful movements or gentle positions that can tone not simply the body however also the mind. Therefore, there are far more than one hundred doable movements which will be tired Tai chi. You do not have to be told all of them. The necessary issue is to learn some and coordinate each one with your breathing to achieve tension unharness, physical relaxation and inner calm. You wish to concentrate when doing Tai chi. You are doing this by putting aside gift issues or distressing thoughts. This way, this manner of sleek exercise isn't simply for the physical self however conjointly for the mind and spirit.

Who Can Try Tai Chi Practically anyone can do Tai chi. You are doing not have to meet specific physical standards as this manner of exercise will be terribly mild and also the intensity will otherwise be adjusted. The quick-paced movements will be reserved for those that are already physically fit. If you do not work this description then you'll be able to start with the very slow and mild movements that are suitable for everyone regardless of age. Another advantage to the present kind of exercise is the actual fact that it does not require you to use any reasonably equipment. You only want to be in comfortable clothes thus you'll simply do the movements and postures without restrictions. It can additionally be done indoors or outdoors, by yourself or as part of a group. Previous people, those with special health conditions and pregnant girls should 1st consult their doctors before starting a replacement tai chi program.

What You Can Get Out of the Program There are various edges to a tai chi program. Primarily, it brings your body and mind in sync with every alternative so relieving you from stress. Since you focus on movement and calming respiration, a session will also offer you relaxation and tension release. The best issue concerning it's that you are doing not solely feel the consequences during or immediately once a session.

You're able to feel relaxed and relieved of tension long when you have done your routine. Alternative than stress and tension reduction, tai chi can also supplement your different health practices. It can facilitate cut back tension, depression and anxiety, improves flexibility, balance and muscular strength, improves the standard of sleep, lowers blood pressure as well as improve one's overall cardiovascular condition, increases the amount of endurance, energy and suppleness and improves a person's general feeling of well-being. - 31491

About the Author:

Spencer Yurtt has developed the taste for a clean barber-style shave. Learning about and trying to achieve the perfect shave is a goal. Spencer has a site with articles on Dovo straight razor, including a review on how to shave with a straight razor.