How I Used Karate to Remove Myself from My Body!

By Al Case

Control the horizontal and the vertical, burn a mystic for Christ, we are about to get out of our bodies. Oooo, floating motes of intelligence, able to waft invisible into bedrooms and bank vaults everywhere! And it is all going to happen through an ordinary martial arts drill, common in systems of Karate and Kung Fu, and especially wudan arts.

If you can lower the volume of the spooky music for a moment, I'll explain. The out of body experience I am talking about is possible through Horse meditation, what we used to call Kima Chasie. In this article I am going to tell you exactly how to do that exercise, and what is going to happen

Back in the early seventies I was working on my black belt, and I was frustrated with this horse meditation thing. We would stand in the horse stance, one hand in a high block, the other hand in a horizontal, hooked back beak hand. We would concentrate out awareness on our clenched fingertips until our legs shook and sweat burst forth upon our innocent foreheads.

Yet, I knew the two minutes we spent in the drill were insufficient. I had heard the stories of guys who would stand in the stance for two hours, and how they became endowed with immortal powers. And, not to reveal my adolescent dreams, I wanted to be like superman.

The way to be like superman, to be honest, is just to go ahead and do it. So I began doing Horse Meditation in a more concentrated fashion. I would hold the horse stance until the ache became too great, and then break, and know that I had not succeeded.

I decided that I had had enough, I was going to do the big breakthrough. I was going to become the most immortal martial artist in the world...uh, other than Bruce Lee. I mean, I would be more than a God, but...Bruce is Bruce, you know?

So I took the horse stance, and when the pain started, I told myself one thing...it isn't going to kill me. Sweat, shakes, dire thoughts of having my legs disfigured for all time. But, having made the decision that I was going to make it or die...POP...I was out.

I floated above my head, disembodied, the world brilliant and forever, the source of immortality revealed. I had succeeded in using the martial arts, call it karate or kung fu or whatever, in realizing that I was a spirit, and that I was immortal, and that bodies were temporary things that you put on or take off as simply as one puts on a coat, or takes it off, or pants, they go on or off, too, and shoes, and socks, and...I was myself. Then, after a few minutes that seemed like an eternity, I decided to get back into my body, so I did, and I lost control, my stance fell forward, and I couldn't figure out how to move my body quickly enough, and I fell right, smack dab, square...on my face. - 31497

About the Author:

Al has 4O years in the arts, and is a writer for the magazines. You might not get out of your body, but you can get a free ebook if you pop on over to Monster Martial Arts.

Precisely Why Your Major Style Might Be Prohibiting Your Current MMA Vocation Back

By Scott Buendia

My pal Kyle Bruce noticed something weird when we discussed a common friend's competition. "I witnessed a handful of his fights, when he gets stressed; he shoots each and every time."

It made me ponder something. If you get in trouble, you cannot help but constantly return to your key martial art (which that means a wrestler will try for a double leg takedown, a Thai kick boxer will kick, and also a Jiu-jitsu chap will draw guard.

Our associate in question was in reality winning the struggle up until he attempted a double leg takedown. He was unbeatable on his feet, and had just grabbed the Plumb position and was kneeing the other fighter to submission. He out of the blue got concerned and slipped for his takedown and got caught in submission.

So what is your main art? You will likely turn to it in times of need (i.e. your scared or you have been distressed). That is why you see such large numbers of MMA fighters keep wishing to pull a takedown from thin air while getting punched to submission. It is behavioral instinct, and it's not always undesirable, it just is dependent upon the instant.

So prior to deciding to enter any competition, you'll want to be aware what your primary art is, and what you may perhaps go back to in case of emergency. You must keep in mind all of the possibilities in a fight and mostly make sure you understand yourself to help you keep yourself out of problems, if you try for the double while you're getting beat up and the other fighter has jammed your takedown all night... That is probably not the ideal opportunity, but at least you are able to train another back up approach rather than, "oh geez, I'm getting pummeled, I better try the single leg takedown."

So, understand your identity, what your main martial art is, and make a great back up plan of action to help preserve you inside the bad instances. That way, you are not trapped using a bad strategy. - 31497

About the Author:

Scott Buendia is a professional trainer of Jeet Kune do, Filipino martial arts, and MMA under Paul Vunak, and Frank Shamrock.

Boxing Pads -- What You Need to Know

By David Whitefield

If you want to obtain boxing pads, it's achievable on the web! Continue reading to learn how you can do it!

It's a good idea for you to get boxing pads if you train in some sort of martial art. Through proper training with boxing pads and a good partner, you can work on your timing, speed, and distancing.

There are really different types of boxing pads to use, depending on the type of martial art you participate in. The most common type of boxing pads is called focus mitts. Focus mitts are required if you participate in a sport with boxing strikes such as boxing or kickboxing. Focus mitts are used only for fist strikes and help you get speed, timing, and distancing down correctly.

When it comes to doing legwork, you can use Thai pads. These pads can help you work on striking, punching, elbows, and knees. You can basically use them for anything. Disciplines like Muay Thai, MMA, and Kickboxing incorporate heavy usage of Thai pads in their training regimens.

For leg strikes, you will want to use leg kick pads. These are really big pads that are designed for use with all manner of kicks. Martial arts that specialize in kicks will likely require this type of boxing pad.

It's important that you always buy higher quality boxing pads if possible. Remember that boxing pads are constantly being used and abused. Low quality boxing pads simply won't last. It's worth paying a bit more for quality boxing pads that will last for years rather than saving a few dollars on your purchase to get a cheap pair, then having to replace them in a year or so with another pair.

Boxing pads can be expensive, but you can certainly save money if you opt to buy them online. There are plenty of online websites that sell boxing pads for cheap. - 31497

About the Author:

You'll be able to get boxing gloves and pads by searching around on the internet. You only need to explore all the possibilities on-line to see what you can find. If you're also looking to get waring pro bfs50b professional buffet server and warming tray, you should have no problem also obtaining these on the web!

I Used Kung Fu to have the Strongest Mind in the Whole Wide World

By Al Case

Try that on for size! The Strongest Mind ever to exist in the Whole Wide World, maybe the whole galaxy! Able to woo any dame and trounce any bad guy, and...sounds a bit too good to be true, doesn't it?

Oddly, the thing that I did worked, but not in the way I had anticipated. So let me tell you method I utilized, for free, and see how you do. Are you ready to have the Strongest Mind in the World, maybe in the universe?

I once came across the concept that a man who can concentrate on one thing for three minutes can rule the world. The point was that to stay mentally concentrated on one thing, to put it simply, blows up the brain power. Having read this, and wanting to have the most fully functional brain allowed by the powers that be, I decided to do it.

I was doing doing Karate at the time, and exploring martial forms such as Sticky Hands from Wing Chun Gung Fu, and various other martial styles, and I really thought that I had the mental willpower to pull anything off. I did my kata, I could remain calm during freestyle, and I had the discipline. Now all I had to do was apply that discipline to pursuing Nirvana, seeking enlightenment, or whatever you want to call it.

I decided to use a simple, little rock to shape the ultimate concentration and the resulting explosion of pure mentality which, I hoped, wouldn't shatter the universe too badly. A rock, after all, was what the earth was, and the shape of the thing was round, like the whole darned universe, and it seemed so neat and appropriate. So I went into a nearby field and chose a well shaped rock, and prepared to turn on my enlightenment.

I sat down next to a tree, placed the rock in front of me, and focused on it. I tried not to think, I tried to just focus on the rock, and to ignore all those silly little surface thoughts, like what was for lunch and what the latest movie was, or what I was going to do that weekend. I was, after all, going to shatter down the doors to heaven, so what use did I have for the following weekend, right?

After three minutes I got to my feet, tossed the rock aside, and started walking away, totally disgusted with how boring the whole thing was. I mean, to think that I was going to become an enlightened being just by being able to think at a rock, how stupid, how boring! Suddenly, my body was jerked to a halt as a sudden thought overwhelmed me.

It wasn't the stupid, little rock that was so darned boring, it was me that was boring. All that boredom was coming out of me, and I realized something...I would never be bored again. And I suddenly knew that I had achieved some form of enlightenment, the thing had worked, but not at all how I thought it would. - 31497

About the Author:

Want to have the Best Karate? Pick up a free ebook written by Al at Monster Karates.

Useful Tips When Dressing For Employment Interview

By Connor Sullivan

Jenny had one more item to complete on her to do list for the day. She had to make sure to pick up the Tae Kwon Do uniforms she had ordered last week. Getting the right martial arts uniform was very important to her as she was looking forward to participating in her first competition in the very near future. She had decided to purchase some new outfits for the competition hoping it would give her a boost of self confidence and make her feel like a true competitor. Jenny had always believed that what she wore was a big part of who she was and who others saw her to be. Jenny was one who subscribed to the old adage that it is the clothes that make the man, or woman as the case may be. Choosing the right outfit for a specific occasion need not be difficult. Sometimes, as in the case of the competition Jenny was involved in, the outfit requirements are predetermined. It simply, becomes a matter of fit and feel. For other situations, it is important to exercise discretion in regard to what you choose to wear. For example, a number of individuals have difficulty knowing how to dress for a job interview. Without bringing up job specifics, what one is wearing when meeting someone new is often part of the initial impression. Dressing for success is just one important way to show that you are someone who is conscientious. Really, there are just a handful of key rules to follow when trying to dress for a successful interview.

1. Keep modesty as a key priority. Wearing clothing that is suggestive, be it low cut or too tight is not a good tactic. The attention you will get will not be the kind of attention you are hoping to receive. Immodesty is a distraction and may very well be an embarrassment to the other party. Why should you jeopardize potential employment for something so avoidable?

2. Do not choose overbearing colors or patterns. Loud clothing can take away the focus from the individual to what is being worn. Very bright patterns can be distracting or off putting. It is great to exercise individuality in matters of dress and style, but when interviewing for most jobs, a toned down appearance will benefit the process. You want to be remembered for your skills not as the girl or guy in the Hawaiian shirt..

3. Choose an outfit that is clean and pressed. Employers do not necessarily make a mental note that your clothing is clean and pressed but they will most certainly notice if it is not!

4. Dress in a way that is fitting to the occasion. Some job interviews call for business attire while other situations require no specific formality. Be aware of an environment prior to interviewing so that you are dressed appropriately.

5. Tasteful attire can be found in all price ranges. Dressing for success requires a little premeditation but it need not be expensive. Tasteful outfits can be created on even the most minimal budget. Employers are unlikely to notice whether or not an interview is wearing name brand clothing or expensive accessories. - 31497

About the Author:

Connor R. Sullivan purchased Tae Kwon Do uniforms online for his daughter. He ordered a martial arts uniform online for himself and his daughter.

List of Good Activities for Children with Hyperactivity

By Connor Sullivan

David was the type of student who was known for having a great deal of energy. On many occasions, his high energy level made it difficult for him to focus on things that required him to sit still or to be calm. He was only in first grade but was already experiencing struggles at school. His teacher suggested that this was related to his having an abundance of energy. David was lucky to have parents who were willing to find ways for him to release his energy. They consulted with his teachers and with a child psychologist who evaluated the energy level of David. Suggestions for controlling high energy were made by both teachers and the psychologist. Some of the suggestions involved reordering home life to include meaningful work for David, as well as age appropriate mental and physical tasks to keep him busy. His parents began utilizing a behavioral chart where they kept track of all the ways David helped and followed directions throughout the week. One of the biggest changes they made was to enroll David in a structured activity which would help him learn to control and release some of his energy. Mom and Dad took David to shop for karate uniforms as this was the activity they all three chose for him. Finding the right karate gi jacket and pants was easy and fun. Soon David enjoyed finding success through participating in this martial art. If you have a child who exhibits traits of those who have a high energy level the following activities are often recommended as good choices for energy release.

1. Tae Kwon Do is a really great activity for the child who struggles with high energy levels or focus issues. The art of Tae Kwon Do teaches body control and discipline and it is an excellent activity for a child trying to learn to control both mind and body.

2. Swimming is a very popular choice for children who are looking to get rid of some extra energy. The sport of swimming works the muscles hard but in a very safe and low impact environment. Children do not have to worry about injury to joints, muscles, or bones and learning to swim safely as a child is extremely beneficial later in life. Many children also experience a calming sensation from being immersed in water.

3. Involvement in gymnastics can assist a high energy young person in getting the exercise he or she needs. Participation in gymnastics teaches kids how to control body movements and offers a disciplined and structured environment.

4. Long distance running is a great choice for children looking to find a physical activity that is challenging. Distance running, although not necessarily for the young child, teaches endurance, perseverance, and patience.

5. Participation in dance class can be a perfect choice of activity for the child with a high energy level. Particularly for the child who is not interested in sporting activities, music and movement offer a wonderful outlet for energy. The impact of music is also often very profound for a child looking for outlets for a high energy level. - 31497

About the Author:

Connor R. Sullivan purchased a couple of karate gi uniforms online for himself and his daughter. He ordered several karate uniforms online to donate to the local martial arts center.

What Led to the Development of Classical Karate!

By Al Case

The very first move of Karate, as taken from the first Heian or Pinan form, is a step to the side with a low block. But Karate was not designed for blocking. Yes, there are blocks in the art, and it can be adapted to blocking and striking modes, but it was not designed for blocking except by the way.

Karate was designed to guard the king of Okinawa. The Imperial bodyguards were trained to use their art in a room filled with warriors from different countries. Soldiers with different weapons and ways of fighting, while the Okinawans had to remain unarmed.

Thus, would you block a samurai sword? Would you try to deflect a bullet? Because these were the real weapons that the bodyguards had to face.

Consider also that the first order given samurai, if they were to attempt to kidnap the king of Okinawa, would be to handle the bodyguards. This means that samurai would move forward and grip the wrists of the bodyguards, perhaps preparatory to tying the hands, or merely moving the bodyguards from the throne room, or otherwise controlling them. And this means that the first defense of the bodyguards, as described by the first technique in most style of karate, would be to step in, dropping the weight and arm, thus escaping from the technique and head butting the men who tried to so restrain them.

That's right, an evasion for a wrist hold, then a violent step forward to close with and punch and shove the samurai, or whoever the warriors were. This would disrupt the attackers. This would allow the king to be removed from the throne room.

Now, take a close look at the kata. This is the only application that really seems to work. This is the start of the art that the Okinawans created had in mind.

If the samurai drew a sword, the bodyguard had to close with the samurai. This is the reason for the big steps in the form, to enable the bodyguards to get so close the samurai couldn't draw their swords. This explains the moves of forms that have been adapted to block and counter moves that, really, don't make sense in such a situation.

If a samurai attempted to close with a bodyguard and restrain him, the bodyguard had to break the grip, head butt, then push forward. This is the truth behind the first technique of karate, and this is the start of how the art was designed to work. Thinking about the movements in this manner reveals an art that is true beyond belief, but only if you can put aside the way you were taught and believe in the true art known as karate. - 31497

About the Author:

Al Case started his study of karate 4O+ years ago. He has been a writer and columnist for the magazines. He uses the science of Matrixing to uncover the Truth about the Martial Arts. Get his free ebook about Matrixing Technology at Monster Martial Arts.