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. - 31497

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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. - 31497

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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. - 31497

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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. - 31497

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Strikeforce Signs Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza

By Ross Everett

The San Jose, CA based Strikeforce MMA promotion recently announced that they have signed Brazilian middleweight Ronaldo Jacare Souza to a multifight contract. He is expected to make his Strikeforce debut on the same October event as recently signed Fedor Emelianenko, which will be broadcast on the Showtime premium cable network. Though it didnt receive anywhere near the media attention of Emelianenkos rejection of the UFC for Strikeforce, MMA experts know full well that 'Jacare' is a top notch acquisition.

In a statement released by the promotion, Souza expressed his pleasure at the signing:

I am very excited that I will have the opportunity to fight in STRIKEFORCE amongst many of the worlds best middleweight fighters. STRIKEFORCE has an extremely deep roster of top middleweight fighters. I am looking forward to the challenge and to taking my career to the next level.

Souza is better known in Japan simply as Ronaldo Jacare. He got the nickname in his hometown of Manaus, Brazil"its Portuguese for a species of alligator that is common to the area.

He was a runner up in the 2008 DREAM Middleweight Grand Prix Tournament, losing in the finals to Gegard Mousasi. Jacare was in control of the fight until he got caught by a Mousasi upkick that knocked him unconscious. In his last fight, he faced American Jason Mayhem Miller in a rematch of their DREAM tournament bout. This fight ended in a no contest after Mayhem was cut by an inadvertent illegal blow.

Souza began training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at the age of 17 and fought MMA legend Randy The Natural Couture to a draw in a grappling contest in 2006. Shortly thereafter he began training at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas. He has since returned to training in his homeland but will reportedly train in the United States at least part time going forward.

MMA fans are already anticipating several excellent potential matchups for Jacare in Strikeforce, most notably an almost inevitable showdown with another of the worlds top middleweights, Jake Shields. Also of great interest would be a catchweight matchup between Souza and Shields Cesar Gracie Jiu Jitsu teammate, Nick Diaz. - 31497

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Five Things Totally Wrong with Freestyle!

By Al Case

The problem with freestyle is that it has changed into the simple act of fighting. Sounds contradictory, I know, but I began learning martial arts back in the middle of the last century, 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 mixed martial arts, or UFC, or learning ground and pound and all the other types of freestyle. Truth, I think some of this stuff would have been awfully useful back when I was first learning the arts. That said, consider the following objections that I have.

Controlled freestyle in the martial arts effectively died when people started putting on pads and gloves. Sure, we occasionally wore protective gear back then, but the purpose was to protect injuries that had already occurred. The breaking point, however, was when instructors realized how much money there was to be made in selling pads and gloves, they pandered to mothers fears, and this halted 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 degradation of the sense of timing and a loss of reality eating at the innards of martial artists, a loss of control was quick to follow. I remember seeing a fellow who had taken one or two lessons inkarate brought to a tournament and encouraged to fight, not to get a point, but to beat people up. He fought, and control went out the window. And control through timing and a sense of reality, is the truth of the 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? - 31497

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The Historical Roots Of MMA: Muhammad Ali Vs. Antonio Inoki

By Ross Everett

While mixed martial arts fighting has only recently become popular in the United States, contests between fighters of different martial arts disciplines have taken place in Japan for many years. They weren't called "mixed martial arts" until recently, but they were definitely an embryonic form of the now booming sport. Many of the most famous events of this type took place in Japan during the'70's involving pro wrestling legend Antonio Inoki.

Inoki would often face other martial artists in fights that are widely accepted to have been "worked" (having a predetermined outcome) in the same manner as professional wrestling matches. While Inoki faced a number of karate, judo and boxing champions his most famous match was certainly his fight against world heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali.

There's a great deal of uncertainty about many of the stories surrounding how the event came together and transpired, but a few facts are now known. Ali took the fight as it was a large and presumptively easy paycheck. The big money he was earning is what kept him from walking out when his camp started to disagree with Inoki's handlers over the rules and 'finish' fo the fight. Some suggest that it was supposed to be a fair fight going in, but Ali at the last minute insisted on rules more favorable to him. The more likely version of events is that Ali's handlers agreed to a predetermined finish, only to have Ali balk at the last moment.

By the time the fight began, Ali's handlers had obtained a ridiculously one sided set of rules that prohibited Inkoi from using a closed fist, striking Ali in the head at all, using any chokes or submissions or even trying to take the fight to the ground. Were it not for the huge amount of money he'd be leaving on the table, Inoki would have been justified in not fighting at all under these highly restrictive and one-sided conditions.

The painfully boring event that ensued was, despite many suggestions to the contrary, an actual fight. Inoki spent most of the match on the ground, unsuccessfully imploring Ali to join him and throwing kicks at his opponent's legs. Ali did even less throughout the match, throwing a few jabs and trying to protect his knees and legs. The fight was scored on a 5 point system, and ended up in a 74-74 draw. It's worth noting that Inoki had three points deducted for very dubious infractions: the first for throwing (and missing) with a drop kick, the second for throwing an elbow to Ali's head and the third for a swift kick to Ali's ribs. Had these deductions not occurred, Inoki would have won by decision. From a strict standpoint of scoring boxing, he probably deserved to win since he at least tried to execute a fight plan despite the restrictions he faced. For all practical purposes, however, a draw was the proper outcome. Both guys got paid and no one won, least of all the fans.

The fight was officiated by former pro wrestler "Judo" Gene Labell, a legendary tough guy considered at the time to be the 'baddest man on the planet'. He could have easily beaten up both men, possibly at the same time. That might have provided some much needed entertainment to liven up the tedious charade masquerading as a fight.

In the aftermath of the fight, Inoki's popularity was greater than ever--in a perverse way he was something of a hero due to his trying to fight despite the rules being stacked so soundly against him. He remained one of the country's most popular professional wrestlers and even enjoyed a career in Japan's parliament. Without missing a beat, he quickly resumed his series of fights against other martial artists who were apparently all more comfortable with the "worked" environment of pro wrestling. Among his "victims" was none other than Leon Spinks, presumably serving as some sort of vindication for his draw with Ali. The popularity of these matches led to a number of promotions that were essentially hybrids of martial arts and pro wrestling, and these led to the big Japanese MMA promotions of today. - 31497

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Satoshi Ishii And The UFC: A MMA Soap Opera

By Ross Everett

It may be a bit of a stretch to call Satoshi Ishii the Michael Phelps of Japan, but not by much. His victory in the heavyweight judo competition at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing was easily the defining moment of the games for his countrymen and was considered by most media outlets the #1 highlight of the year in all of sports. Though Japan does well at the Olympics for a country of its size and has won gold medals in a number of sports, its important to keep in mind that until the late'70s judo was the countrys most popular sport.

Ishii himself is also a marketing dream. Hes especially big by Japanese standards with 240 pounds packed on his bulky 511 frame. Not surprisingly, hes tough as nails and a terror on the mat but away from the gym he comes off like an awkwardly cheerful overgrown boy. He definitely seems younger than his 22 years, but gives off the vibe of a nice neighbor boy who youd gladly pay to mow your lawn.

With the ability to offer him the most money and exposure, it seemed almost a fait accompli that Ishii would sign with DREAM and K-1 parent group FEG. Obviously its a good idea to keep your options open in negotiations, so he also reportedly talked to Sengoku parent World Victory Road and Antonio Inokis Inoki Genome Federation pro wrestling group.

Ishii then shocked the Japanese fight sport world by categorically rejecting FEGs offer, saying that it was his lifelong dream to fight in the UFC. While this rationale might sound plausible to a US based fan, its akin to a top college baseball player from a SEC school turning down a big offer from the Atlanta Braves saying that its his lifelong dream to play for the Yomiuri Giants in Japan Central League. It frequently comes a shock to US MMA fans when immersed in Japans culture for the first time just how low the UFC ranks in the countrys fight sport pantheon. In MMA, their profile is lower than DREAM and Sengoku, but even smaller groups like Shooto and DEEP. Overall, the interest in and prestige of the UFC is well below not only boxing but even Japanese pro wrestling (puroresu). The UFC is making some progress, and big fights like GSP/Penn and Lesnar/Couture now get higher profile coverage (Lesnar/Couture owed most of its interest in the Japanese press to Brocks run as IWGP pro wrestling champ) but by no means is the #1 US MMA promotion considered on par with any of the major Japanese fighting groups.

Ishii then travelled to Las Vegas for UFC 92, with the Japanese media in tow covering his every move. There were countless photo opportunities with Dana White, who spoke of Ishii in glowing terms, along with top UFC stars. Upon his return to Japan, he was repeatedly photographed wearing UFC t-shirts while speaking enthusiastically about Dana White, Lorenzo Fertitta and everyone else involved with the promotion. He appeared at the Sengoku card in January addressing the audience from the ring and wearing his ubiquitous UFC shirt; his message was that he was going to fight in America for awhile but would eventually return to Japan.

At age 22, Ishii's got plenty of time to develop as a fighter. His biggest downside risk from signing with Zuffa is financial since hed be lucky to get a fraction of what FEG is willing to pay him. The competitive logic of learning his craft slowly notwithstanding, theres a huge risk in automatically assuming that he can fight for the UFC for a few years and then cash a big check when he returns to Japan as the potential of injury and changing market conditions could seriously impact his market value. On the other hand, it could be a risk hes willing to take given that hes got his celebrity both with the mainstream public and in the judo community to fall back on. Still, its a logical assumption that the goal of all professional fighters is to maximize their income while facing the best competition possible. For Ishii, a move to the UFC defies both components of that axiom.

Theres another very realistic scenario that it was all a negotiating ploy by Ishii. The UFC was likely willing to play along, figuring that their investment of a few plane tickets and hotel suites would be worth the resulting PR surge in Japan.

With the recent revelation that Ishii has broken off UFC negotiations to entertain offers from other parties thats starting to look like the plausible explanation for the once hot and heavy courtship between Ishii and Zuffa. Ishii and the UFC both realized all along that his MMA future was in Japan, but there was no harm in exploring the relationship.

As a postscript to the Ishiis relationship with the UFC, it apparently opened the doors for his move to the US for training. That alone is a positive for his future development as a fighter, as hell be training with a whos who of professional fighting. That alone is a career move thats difficult to second guess. - 31497

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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 clear things up right from the start, is the analysis and handling of flow and force. Every every particle in this universe, every object, has a direction, and everything in the universe unlimited potentials for collision. Thus, the study of Matrixing becomes the single most important thing one can learn if one is going to study Shaolin kung fu.

Now, to set this article up in the proper manner, let me say that the martial arts are nothing more than random strings of data. This is like somebody memorizing a dozen pieces on the clarinet, and thinking he is the next Pete Fountain. Obviously, one has to do more than memorize a few pieces, one must find the structure of his art, and how to arrange that art before he can lay claim to being a master artist.

So, let us consider this thing called Shaolin. Shaolin has a few thousand years of history, and every master and his sister has made their contributions, and thus the logic of the art has become mixed and impenetrable. There is a vast variety of these strings of random data, you see, and there single arrangement of principles with which to make sense out of 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 that insect called the Mantis, speaking of antenna arms, and circling motions that manipulate an opponent to his discomfort and destruction. But, if you look at it, it is almost like Hung Gar or Choy Li Fut and Wing Chun have been added together. Thus, the principles slosh and interchange and interbreed into fresh bastards, and the True Art is obscured in a dense fog of amazing ability and astounding art.

This all said, Matrixing could easily make sense of Shaolin, and it does not matter whether the style is Hung Gar or Choy Li Fut or Wing Chun and come to the truth of the true art. But I chose Karate as the best art with which to teach Matrixing, and to expose the world to the concept of logic through analysis and handling of force and direction. Simply, it was a shorter history to make sense of, the mountain of data wasn't so tall, and karate was easier to define.

This turned out to be a blessing, however, for if you learn how to matrix karate, you can use that matrixing as a template for Shaolin. All you have to do is plug the basics of Shaolin into the Matrix Karate logic, and you have the true art. Too heavy a fog, too much mountain, and yet it can all be resolved into an easy to learn packages of True Art, and thus open the door to the whole of The True Art. - 31497

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Five Things I wish People Would Have Told Me About the Martial Arts!

By Al Case

Okay, I've been doing the martial arts since'67. I've lived through judo in the fifties, karate in the sixties, kung fu in the seventies, and Arnis and Ninjitsu and MMA, 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 when I first started out.

The point here is that classes were where you worked out, and not where you talked. However, and it was years before I realized it, the reason a lot of people didn't talk was because they didn't know anything. So are you ready for things you should know before you start the martial arts.

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 the martial arts ten times easier if somebody had explained that all the parts had to work together. This concept is called harmony, and when the body parts all work together then intention can flow through the body and make it ten times faster and stronger. How much does each part weigh, how far does each body part have to move to stay with the whole body, what is the ratio of muscle to body part, how much effort is required for each body part.

Speaking of harmony, if somebody had explained that it was not just harmony within your body, but harmony that was outside your body, then I would have had a ten times easier life. Heck, getting along with your fellow man takes all the tussle out of life. And the truth of love your enemy wold have made me a real martial artist of quality and magnitude.

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 were so great, but, at last I know them. Even more important, you know them, so you don't have to be slow or stupid or lazy or things like that! Unless, of course, you want to pretend that I didn't say anything. - 31497

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Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Right For You?

By Curtis Adams

If you decide to get involved in Brazilian jiu jitsu training, you will not be alone. There are a large number of Brazilian jiu-jitsu academies that have opened across North America in order to supply the demand for training in this discipline. Mixed martial arts tournaments have been the perfect platform for showing how Brazilian jiu jitsu can often defeat fighters of different disciplines. Here is what you can expect in a basic class.

Brazilian jiu jitsu training, not unlike advanced training and most types of ordered physical activities, will practically always begin with some type of a warm-up. If you're new to jiu jitsu, then the instructor will almost certainly focus on a easier warm-up session. A lighter session will normally involve some fundamental exercises including push-ups and sit-ups, and perhaps laps around the gymnasium. Stretching also takes place when your body has warmed up a bit. A heavier warm-up would be lengthier and really created to break a sweat and help you with training for stamina.

Following the warm-up, the next part of Brazilian jiu jitsu training usually focuses on methods. Certain moves will be selected by the trainer and broken into sections so that students can perfect each stage. Mistakes are ironed out at this point, and the trainer will attempt to spend time with each student to ensure things are being done correctly. More knowledgeable students are often paired with novice ones, so that the former can help the latter. This is especially important in larger classes where the trainer cannot offer everybody individual training all together.

At the end of the lesson, there is usually time set aside for the application of Brazilian jiu jitsu training that was earlier taught, through one-on-one matches. Students are paired up and within a time limit are given the chance to try out the martial art techniques they were shown earlier in class, or in previous lessons. This sparring is a good way for students to see just how useful the techniques they are learning can be, and how to more quickly execute moves when up against an unyielding opponent.

Brazilian jiu jitsu training is not for the casual participant due to the amount of work involved and the high expectations that instructors tend to set. But if you are dedicated and make the most out of each session by warming up properly, concentrating on mastering the techniques taught, and making the most out of sparring sessions, then you will have a positive experience. This is personal training at its highest and you will find yourself with greater physical and mental strength as a result. - 31497

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Notable Rounds of 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.

JOHN HOWARD VS. CHRIS WILSON: Round 2 - The fighters fire leg kicks at the same time, but Howard's lands thunderously and knocks Wilson off balance. Howard follows with some big punches, ties up his opponent, and sends Wilson to the mat. Wilson quickly escapes, and the fighters again trade in the center of the cage. Wilson lands a nice body shot, but Howard closes the distances, scoops up Wilson and slams him to the mat. Howard gets one leg free and works for side control, but Wilson gets to his feet, the fighters stay clinches, and Wilson scores a trip takedown. Howard quickly escapes, and we're back standing. After a clinch, Howard lands a right- left combination and then shots to the body. Wilson clinches and looks for knees to the body, but Howard keeps his stances and they seperate. Howard just misses two looping shots, and Wilson uses the opportunity to throws him to the mat. Working from inside guard, Wilson throws elbows to the body and left punches to the head. The pace slows, and the ref issues a warning to pick up the pace. Wilson looks for a leg but gives up his position just as the round ends.

MANNY GAMBURYAN VS. THIAGO TAVARES: Round 2 - Gamburyan lunges forward with a left and then connects with a left and a leg kick. Tavares shakes it off and remains in his offensive stance. Gamburyan backs him up with some wild overhand rights, but Tavares then shoots for the takedown. Gamburyan has his back to the fence and tries to shake it off, and then he reverses the position and take the top position. Working from guard, Gamburyan can initially do little as Tavares ties him up.Gamnburyan gets through a few punches before he grabs a look and looks for a submission. He quickly gives it up and returns to Tavares' guard. After a few shoulder presses, Gamburyan delivers two big right elbows just as referee Josh Rosenthal steps in to restart them standing. Gamburyan strikes first with a low kick, but he's countered with a combination from Tavares. Tavares just misses with a right cross and he dips to take Gamburyan to the mat. The Armenian puts his back against the fence and tries to defend against the takedown. He's able to wait out the round in the position.

MANNY GAMBURYAN VS. THIAGO TAVARES: Round 3 - Tavares shoots early and secures a leg, but Gamburyan escapes. After throwing a leg kick, Gamburyan now shoots, but he also has no luck. Tavares uses a right to set up a takedown attempt, but Gamburyan shrugs it off. Tavares connects on a right and then counters with another moments later. Gamburyan jabs as Tavares continues to keep his opponent's back against the fence. Gamburyan connects on a few kicks, and the fight has new life. Gamburyan connect on an overhand left and a follow-up right, but Tavares continues to be the aggressor and stalk Gamburyan around the perimeter of the cage. Tavares goes high with a head kick, which is deflected, and then he connects on a right and a knee to the face as Gamburyan misses on his takedown attempt. Gamburyan again shoots and puts his opponent up against the cage, but Tavares escapes. With 30 seconds to go, the fighters trade jabs as the round ends unceremoniously. Thiago Tavares def. Manny Gamburyan via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).

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.

DONG HYUN KIM VS. KARO PARISYAN: Round 1 - Parisyan strikes fiirst, but Kim takes him to the mat and puts him on his back. As Parisyan looks to roll for better position, Kim pops him with a straight punch to the face. Kim then takes his opponent's back as Parisyan gets back to his feet and locks in a body triangle. Kim throws some short punches from behind while looking to sink in a rear-naked choke. Parisyan, standing with his opponent clinging to his back, goes to the mat, but Kim keeps the dominant position. After absorbing a series of hammerfists, Parisyan again returns to his feet, but Kim remains on his back. Parisyan tries to slam his way free by slamming into the mat. He breaks free but is corralled with an armbar. Parisyan escapes but is locked in a triangle choke. He again escapes trouble and works from inside Kim's guard. Parisyan throws some punches to the body, but Kim gets back to his feet and again takes his opponent's back. He struggles to get in his hooks, though, and Parisyan gets back to his feet and clinches face to face with Kim. Parisyan tries a trip takedown with no luck, and the fighters trade a couple short punches before the round ends.

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.

B.J. PENN VS. GEORGES ST. PIERRE: Round 1 - No touch of the gloves. After an early clinch, St. Pierre pins Penn against the cage and works knees to the body. Penn gets off the fence and delivers his own. Still clinched, St. Pierre dips for a leg, and then two, but Penn masterfully avoids the takedown. Penn grabs a Muay Thai clinch as St. Pierre again goes lowfor a takedown attempt. Penn balances out of it and hobbles around on one leg as every kind of chant eachoes through the arena. St. Pierre breaks the hold with an overhand punch that partially connected. He then backs up penn with a combination and partially connects on a right. Back to the center of the cage. St. Pierre again looks for the single-leg takedown, but Penn again balances perfectly to avoid it. Pinned against the fence, Penn eats a short uppercut but lands a left on the seperation. Back to the center of the cage before St. Pierre lands a left and then a right. Penn shakes it off. The fighters again clinch, and St. Pierre pushes Penn into the fence. Penn misses a big right hand and then absorbs a low leg kick from St. Pierre. The round's final clinch allows St. Pierre to sneak in a short uppercut.

B.J. PENN VS. GEORGES ST. PIERRE: Round 2 - St. Pierre works the left jab and catches Penn with it when he rushed in. Penn retreats to regroup and eats another punch when he again pushes forward. St. Pierre shoves Penn into the cage and is met with an elbow, and when St. Pierre dips, Penn batters him with some quick rabbit punches. St. Pierre, though, finally gets the takdown and works from inside Penn's guard. Penn goes high with his legs but eats an elbow to the kisser and some shots to the body. Penn shows no ill effects from it but is blasted with a right when St. Pierre stands over him and rains down a punch. St. Pierre takes side control and delivers a steady dose of punches, and the crowd goes crazy. St. Pierre maintains the dominant position and connects with punches to both sides of Penn's head. St. Pierre tries to secure the crucifix position, but Penn escapes. Back to full guard, St. Pierre delivers elbows to the head and body. Penn tries to again high with his guard, but St. Pierre stands out of it and rains down two big punches and reclaims side control. Penn wraps him back up in full guard but eats two quick forearm strikes to the mouth. A third one is followed by a right hand, but Penn's face is starting to show some damage. St. Pierre closes out the round with more ground and pound to take a two-rounds-to-none lead. - 31497

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Anderson Silva Smashe Forrest Griffin At UFC 101

By Ross Everett

UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva had lost a lot of his luster coming into Saturday nights UFC 101 matchup with former light heavyweight champ Forrest Griffin. He was undefeated in his previous nine UFC contests, but his last three victories had been far from impressive. Even Dana White criticized his recent effort and finally conceded that St. Pierre might, indeed, be the best all around fighter in the game.

There was none of that on display at UFC 101. Silva was simply dominant as he overwhelmed the naturally larger Griffin, knocking his opponent down three times before finishing the fight with a spectacular"yet almost effortless"straight right hand.

The live crowd in Philadelphia clearly backed the likable Griffin and gave him a huge ovation as he entered the cage to Shipping Up To Boston by the Dropkick Murphys. Silva, meanwhile, received a smattering of boos as he confidently strode to the ring to the sound of Aint No Sunshine by rapper DMX.

He displayed none of that courtesy toward Griffin once the fight began and was simply the wrecking machine that UFC fans had grown accustomed before his recent run of lackluster performances. Forrest came right at Silva, assuming that his natural size advantage would equate to a strength advantage as well.

The resolute Griffin quickly bounced to his feet, this time flashing a high kick which Silva easily countered for another knockdown. This one clearly hurt Griffin, though he once again made it back to his feet quickly and landed a combination of his own. This was his best"and last"offense of the fight. Silva quickly floored Griffin with a left hand that left little doubt to the eventual outcome of the contest. The double tough Griffin made it to his feet again, and tried to land a leg kick"which Patrick Cote had used with some success in their fight.

Silva, backing up, landed a perfect and almost effortless straight right that sent Griffin down for good. The referee didnt even bother to count as he waved his arms over the prone fighter as Silva celebrated his win. Griffin quickly exited the cage and, reportedly, the arena. Postfight reports suggested that he wanted to get immediate medical attention for a dislocated jaw suffered on the penultimate knockdown.

Silva's message in his postfight interview was simple: I want to fight against the best. Whoever the best is at the time, I want to fight them. Though Silva didnt really affirm that hed be campaigning more at the heavier weight, that was the implicit message of his comment. - 31497

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MMA Flashback: Shinya Aoki Tops JZ Calvan

By Ross Everett

After a controversial no contest in their first matchup, there was no doubt as to the winner of the DREAM 2 rematch between Shina Aoki and JZ Calvan. Aoki controlled the fight from the opening bell and used a wide repertoire of submission attempts to keep his opponent off balance and on the defensive.

Aoki scored early with a takedown and controlled Calvan on the ground, working a heel lock attempt before taking his opponents back and attempting a rear naked choke. In the second, Aoki put on a submission clinic and demonstrated his ungodly flexibility as he spun from an armbar to a triangle choke and back again. Calvan was able to counter or escape, but looked completely out of sync as he generated almost no offense whatsoever over the 15 minutes.

Aoki was very emotional in his postfight speech to the crowd, while JZC just looked disgusted with himself for losing such a one sided contest.

With the victory Aoki advances to the semifinals of the lightweight GP tournament. Thats the plan at least, as Aoki made some statements in the Japanese press leading up to the fight that win or lose there would be no way hed be ready for the next round with only half the preparation time as the rest of the field. Hopefully the impressive victory and the enthusiastic response from the holiday week Tokyo crowd will change his mind as hes now the man to beat even with the short prep time.

The rest of the card was devoted to the opening round of the middleweight GP tournament. Taiei Kin defeated Minowa-man Ikuhisa Minowa in a very closely contested and entertaining fight. Despite Kin taking a 3-0 unanimous decision (DREAM judges, like their PRIDE predecessors, judge the fight in its entirety) the first round could have gone either way. Minowa was clearly tired in the 2nd, and that likely sealed the deal for Kin.

Korean judoka Yoon Dong-Sik also advanced with a unanimous decision victory over Shungo Oyama. Most of the damage in this fight came from Yoons ground and pound from full mount, and he controlled the tempo from the outset. Two one sided contests followed, with Zeleg Galesic submitting Magomed Sultanakhmadov via arm bar in a minute and a half of the first round. That was followed by the MMA debut of former Pac 10 wrestling standout Ian Murphy, who had a worst case scenario draw against BJJ specialist Ronaldo Jacare. From the opening bell it was clear that Murphy was in over his head, and the result was as one sided a contest as youll ever seen on a major MMA show. After withstanding a beating and several arm bar attempts Murphy finally tapped to a rear naked choke. - 31497

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The Secret of the Three Essentials of 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 has to do with pure, raw strength. Muscle mags are filled with advice on how to be strong, and everybody obsesses on strength. Oddly, strength is the least important of the three essential techniques I am speaking of.

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 tailors it to the technique. As knowledge of technique rises, so should the escalation of speed. In my over 40 years of martial arts I have found only one technique which develops speed in the proper manner.

The Speed Drill is based on a simple slap and grab motion of the hands. It makes entering all techniques as easy as swatting a fly. And every technique can be immaculately set up using this slap and grab drill.

So practice the strength of weight lifting, and build the technique of tai chi chuan. Work the iron arms of kung fu and focus your concentration into a forever line with hsing i. But if you want sheer, raw, powerful speed...The Speed Drill is the tool for you. - 31497

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The Secret of Making Real Internal Energy!

By Al Case

One of the biggest mysteries of the martial arts is internal energy. Wudan arts, like Tai Chi Chuan and Pa Kua Chang and Hsing i claim it. Supposedly it takes lifetimes to build, but when you get it you can defeat attackers with just a sigh and a brush 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.

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

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 make the internal energy flow. Get a pipe and fill it halfway with sand. Move that pipe in such a way that when you stop it all the sand smacks into the side of the pipe in one mass.

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.

One thing that helps is if you move slowly, creating an awareness of the motion of energy inside your body. And, to be truthful, the internal Wudan martial arts have arranged their forms so that this movement of chi is easier to detect and make grow. But you can feel it in Karate, or tae kwon do, or any combative method you happen to study, if you have patience and are willing to become aware.

The real key is that this method, and, to be truthful, all methods, rely on awareness. It is an idea that moves awareness, and the path of this awareness can be called Chi, or Ki, or Prana, or pneuma, or intention. Now, the real question here is whether you can take the time to invest your movements with chi, or intention, or whatever you want to call it, do you have the patience and the awareness to make something significant out of your martial art. - 31497

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Cheap Running Shoes - The Way To Run

By Christopher Eyres

Asic running shoe is shoes particularly built to support your foot. This shoe not just protects your foot from battering but also optimizes a sportsmen gait in a particular way so that he or she will be able to run quicker and for a longer time without being worried about any injury. This running shoe is made from higher, middle and outer-sole.

The outer-sole at the outer layer of the shoe is a sturdy slab rubber that provides traction all thru the gait cycle. The upper-sole is made from mesh, leather and manmade fabric and protects your foot. While the mid-sole rests above the outer-sole providing stability and better cushion.

Every run is exceptional for an athlete and hence the Asic running shoes are designed for particular kind of runners. Whenever selecting a running shoe you have to take into consideration the frequency of your performance level and training. A particular shoe should typically fit your foot comfortably. It must not even be so tight that your toes are pressed against the front portion of your shoe. If you are running a great deal then it may be a perfect idea to look for a specific shoe that can feature Cushioning System in the forefoot and heels from Gel.

You must also be sure of your gait. Maximum support, cushioning and structured cushioning are the three main important categories which can perfectly describe a running shoe. These three categories can improve your overall gait and provides well-organized stride. How your advance plays a great role in the ability of the Asic running shoe to improve your experience of running. Advancing is normal and natural motion which helps you to calm the shock.

Few of the runners generally find their foot not rolling all of the way making the foot to work firmly to push-off suitably. This is named to be as supination or underpronation. On the other hand, a foot which rolls inward quiet regularly is being known as overpronation.

So, the runners who supinate or underpronate get relaxed with Asic shoes that have perfect cushioning. Likewise , runners who overpronate can do better with shoes that provide maximum support. Those having neutral walk like going with the shoe that provides structural cushioning.

Asic running shoes take pride in catering all the athletes of every level. After all, these shoes are being established for more than 50 years. Their main aim is clear and it is to assist athletes reach their goal and to provide this by manufacturing several new products. Therefore, this makes it quite easy for athletes to select running shoes that can meet their requirements and accomplish their goals.

Asic has done masses of research into the technicalities of the shoes and its common way of movement. For example, Asic has discovered a substantial dissimilarity in the way of physical movement of both the female and male runners. They feel that ladies runners have a different sort of ligament wounds and strains. The results of this kind of research has made them to provide effective info in the Asic jogging shoes which offer fantastic fitness to all the sort of runners. - 31497

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