I can hear my father now. “Never throw the first punch.” This mantra has been drilled in your brain since you were a wee toddler. I can remember sitting in the principal’s office after one of my weekly playground scraps waiting for the question, “Who threw the first punch?” It is the quintessential deciding factor of guilt in use of force. The idea of waiting until you are physically attacked before you can defend yourself is the guideline by which all use of force and self defense cases are judged. Even in martial arts you are taught the martial arts are for defense only. This combined with “never throw the first punch” have put you at a dangerous disadvantage.

When I was working in my teens and older I noticed something incredible, the guy who threw the “first punch” usually won the fight. On the playground or in the neighborhood you can get away with not throwing the first punch simply because your attacker’s intent is not to seriously injure; rape or kill you. On the playground of on the block, the fights are usually to prove a point among people you see on a regular basis. In the outside world among grown men and women this is extremely dangerous.

In the outside world, the recipient of the first punch is usually the recipient of the second punch, the third punch, the first kick and the final stomp. Attackers or brutal and relentless and don’t think much of the consequences of their actions. My early training in martial arts NEVER prepared me for this reality.

I was trained to wait to be physically attacked; to wait for the grab, the punch or the stab. What I saw and what I experienced in my late teens and early twenties told me that it was too late to wait for that. The smart street fighters knew where to stand and when to attack. Most time, the fight was over before it started. Either someone was out cold or people were pulling the guy off before he kicked his skull in.

Never throw the first punch is some of the worst advice I ever received.

Now, I’m not a violent person. I am not one to start trouble (ending it is a different story). But the “never throw the first punch” or “martial arts are for self defense” are concepts that pertain to intentions and lifestyle not tactics. These ideas suggest that you don’t look for trouble, don’t seek to hurt or injure others and live a peaceful life. Your training IS FOR DEFENSE ONLY. You are not robbing old ladies and stealing candy from babies. You are living a law abiding life. You work, pay taxes and enjoy time with family and friends and you have the right to protect your life style and loved ones from harm.

So how can you do both, throw the first punch and live the lifestyle you want to live? In module 1 of the Self Defense Training System we show you how to establish distance and determine what your targets intentions are instantly, without question. This allows you to reveal your attackers true motives and let you get the upper hand and allow you to stop the fight before it starts. What you learn in 5 minutes took me 2 years to figure out. Hopefully you won’t have to accumulate so many knocks to the head.

martial arts,
self defense

Bushido Wakizashi

Brand: CAS Hanwei    List Price : $869.00    Sale Price : $585.95    Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Bushido Wakizashi Feature

• Hand forged and folded steel blades
• Top-of-the-Line quality
• Traditional Construction
• Made by Hanwei
• Specs will vary slightly from piece to piece

Bushido Wakizashi Overviews

Bushido, or “Way of the Warrior”, defines the code of conduct an honorable Samurai must follow. Much more than the western ideal of chivalry Bushido is a way of life; in both ancient and modern times. The koshirae of our Bushido set features various samurai battle scenes. The blades of each are hand-forged and folded from K120C powder steel. The saya are deeply lacquered in gold with inlaid brass cherry blossom (sakura) flowers. High quality ray skin (same) is used on the tsuka of the katana and wakizashi, while the tsuka of the tanto is a gold-plated brass with decoration in relief. The tsuba of the katana and wakizashi is of blackened and bronzed iron, with detailing in gold and silver and a battle scene decoration. The tsuka-ito on the katana and wakizashi and the sageo on all three pieces are woven from premium Japanese cotton. The fuchi and kashira are of blackened bronze with brass detailing, and the kojiri, koiguchi and kurikata are of polished buffalo horn. The habaki is a one-piece brass construction. The katana and wakizashi blades are un-grooved, while the tanto blade is grooved (bo-hi) on both sides. The katana and wakizashi have medium-length (chu) kissaki.

Made by Hanwei.

Key Features:
• Hand forged and folded steel blades
• Top-of-the-Line quality
• Traditional Construction

Specifications:
• Blade length:  18 1/2″
• Handle length:   5 1/2″
• Overall length:  25″
• Weight:  1 lb. 10 oz.
• Point of Balance:  4″
• Width at Guard:  .25″
• Width at Tip:  .19″
• Thickness at Guard:  .25″
• Thickness at Tip:  .19″
• Sori:  1/2″
• Weight in box: 2 lbs. 11 oz.
• Box height:  30″
• Box width:  5 1/2″

*** Product Information and Prices Stored:Sep 05, 2010 04:22:50

Night Hunter Fantasy Dagger Claw

Brand: Fantasy Master    Customer Rating :    List Price : $46.00    Sale Price : $29.81    Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Night Hunter Fantasy Dagger Claw Feature

• 4 Full Tang Stainless Steel Fantasy Blades
• Additional Small Detachable Knife at Tail
• 10 Detachable Mirror Polished Spikes
• Custom Decorative Display Plaque Included
• 15 3/4 Inch Overall Length

Night Hunter Fantasy Dagger Claw Overviews

Arm blades are quickly becoming the rage amongst collectors of knives, collectors of the unique, and just about everyone. The Night Hunter Fantasy Claw Dagger is one that is sure to be the centerpiece of such a collection! 2 Stainless Steel blades are located both in the front and the back, making 4 menacing blades in all. Along the sides are 10 additional, detachable mirror polished spikes. The tail is also detachable as it is a small knife. Comes with a custom decorative display plaque. Measures 15 3/4 inches overall.

Night Hunter Fantasy Dagger Claw RelateItems

• Skull Mayhem Fantasy Claw Dagger
• Zombie Gear Demon Bones Tri-Bladed Fantasy Hand Claw

Night Hunter Fantasy Dagger Claw CustomerReview

I like collecting odd weapons, I have maces, swords, claws such as this one and many others. I have to say, this is one of my favorites. The blades on the front and back come sharpened, the Spikes on the sides that are made to look like ribs are actually removable and are used as projectiles, and the back of the claw where your elbow would be houses another small throwing knife. The only complaint I have is that the spikes need some sort of cloth tied to it to stabilize it in flight to make it a suitable weapon. Another thing needed is a way to secure the back of the claw to your forearm. But all in all, a great collectable. It has at least one very satisfied owner.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored:Sep 04, 2010 04:00:38

The most common place to buy martial arts or self defense equipment is in the local dojo. Most dojos, training centers, etc., have a small store where you can buy or order the martial arts or self defense equipment you need for your practice.

Buying your martial arts or self defense equipment at your local dojo has a lot of advantages. You will get expert advise from your teacher. He knows your needs and what type of martial arts or self defense equipment you are going to need for his classes. He will also be the best person to advise you on the quality of the different brands due to his years of experience with many different suppliers.

The negative part of buying martial arts or self defense equipment at your local dojo is the price. Buying only a minor wholesaler, the discount margins are very small and this will reflect itself in the prices your teacher has to charge for the martial arts and self defense equipment he or she sells.

The second possibility is buy your martial arts and self defense equipment at a local specialized store. The advantage is a lower price than in your local dojo or gym, you can touch, feel and try on the equipment before you buy to see if you like it and if the size fits you. You can get some advise from the salesperson about the different brands of martial arts and self defense equipment they sell.

The downside is the fact that most salespersons in those shops are non practitioners of the martial arts or self defense so they have no practical experience with the equipment they sell. This may lead to mistakes that will cost you money.

The third way to buy your martial arts or self defense equipment is to shop for it online. There are many suppliers to be found online that will ship the goods to your doorstep. To find them just type: martial arts or self defense equipment in google or any other search engine and you will get thousands of listings for this term.

The advantages are obvious: no need to leave your home, low prices and shipping to your doorstep but the inconveniences are also very obvious: You can not feel, try or touch the equipment before finishing the payment and receiving the shipment of your martial arts or self defense equipment. You won’t be able to get advise from a real person, face to face. Some suppliers will be happy to assist you in your selection of martial arts or self defense equipment by email or phone. If you have to return an order for whatever reason you will have to take care of the shipping and packing and refunds can take time to be paid.

So before starting to shop for your martial arts or self defense equipment take a look at the above and consider what is the best way for you. Some people will be limited to one or two possibilities and others can only buy their martial arts or self defense equipment online but wherever you go to buy yours, consider the warranty and the refund policies of all 3, the local dojo, the specialized shop and the online supplier.

This can save you a lot of headaches. Things do break and sometimes it just isn’t manufactured as it should be so warranty and refund policies will help you determine the professionalism of the seller and save you time and headaches.

Peter Vermeeren is a traditional martial arts teacher for over 30 year. His websites can be found here: Martial Media Productions and Kamikaze | martial arts | fitness | self defense

Senior Instructor Patch

Brand: Sang Moo Sa    Availability : Usually ships in 3-4 business days

Senior Instructor Patch Feature

• Senior Instructor Patch
• Washable
• Durable
• Easy to sew

*** Product Information and Prices Stored:Sep 02, 2010 03:23:33

Were you considering about acquiring few straggle boxer shorts for your Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)? Does your personal combination of MMA include: Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling? Besides, are you in a dilemma wondering as to which would accommodate you more adept the split seams or the closed seams? Go through the following before coming to a decision!

In case, it is a Mixed Martial Arts combo that includes Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling that you practice, it is most effective that you opt for Closed and No split shorts! Since you won’t be executing whatsoever high kicks, besides you will be in constant reach with your adversary, where there is a bit much chance of getting the shorts arrested under your challenger, go for Closed MMA Shorts! Nonetheless, without any split, and all the same to get the maximized total freedom of motility, pick out the briefer shorts which don’t come down onto the thigh the least bit.

In person, a few people favor the ones having no slits but even so come with expansion panels, similar to the variety Clinch gear produces. In them, you have virtually every last the mobility of the split shorts (as 99% of it unless you are doing head kicks with somebody a good deal taller than you); in addition, they don’t have the split that can be grabbed in places.

Many MMA pros also opine that Clinch gear makes the most well fixed fight back shorts of all time to be gotten into. They are bar tacked in strategically places for bestowed enduringness; feature High-density Super Stretch nylon-based expansion panels on the sides and crotch that provides level best tractability; also boasts Triple-needle flat fell (lap seam) stitching on center back, inseam, and sidelong panels for lasting wear!

However, in the end it is up to your own penchant. Many pros have both types. Those who are more frequently a high kicker choose the split shorts. All the same, please note that your antagonist could catch split shorts largely whilst you are grappling. So, while you do just MMA, wear the splits that yield a lot of flexibility; besides, they look stylish if you’re a kicker. You have a bit additional motility in the shorts with split lines. The downside to them is the “flapping” could be caught underneath your opponent.

Moreover, while practicing jiu-jitsu grappling, bear the no split brand!

Both types bear their disadvantages and vantages, so it’s actually just a matter of personal preference and comfort. To learn more about:

mma fight shorts and martial arts equipment and gear visit http://www.mixedmartialartsequipments.com

Trademark 2 Sword Desktop Display Stand

Brand: Trademark Global    Model : 20-WS2    Customer Rating :    List Price : $19.99    Sale Price : $7.58    Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days

Trademark 2 Sword Desktop Display Stand Feature

• The size is 16″ x 12″
• Great for 2 Pc Sets!

Trademark 2 Sword Desktop Display Stand Overviews

This wood rack is painted black and holds up to 2 swords. It is great for 2 piece katana sets as well as single sword displays.

Trademark 2 Sword Desktop Display Stand RelateItems

• 40″ Red Kendo Wooden Bokken Practice Samurai Sword Katana

Trademark 2 Sword Desktop Display Stand CustomerReview

Worth every penny, you just may want to glue it together on final assembly as the dowels don’t fit snuggly, just properly. All in all, buy it.

*** Product Information and Prices Stored:Aug 31, 2010 02:44:05

Most individuals’ first experiences with martial arts were watching Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris on the big screen mystifying us with flashy punches and kicks and many times taking out multiple assailants at the same time. While its hard for anyone to doubt the entertainment value of these films, they did start to build a false belief in what an effective martial art can realistically achieve. Kung fu, Karate and Taekwondo clubs were filled from coast to coast and the general consensus was that these arts offered the most effective self defense.

As this was going on in America, Brazil was holding open competitions that pitted different styles against each other in order to truly find which single martial art was the most effective. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu reigned supreme for decades, winning competition after competition. The rest of the world didn’t take notice of this art until the early 1990s when a descendant of the creator of BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-jitsu) won a no holds barred tournament in America known as the UFC. Many people were blown away with how easily a small man could defeat a larger, stronger man. The world started to wonder where this “new” martial art had come from! What most people didn’t understand is it wasn’t that new of a martial art, it actually was invented in the early 1920s by Carlos Gracie.

In the 1920s a Japanese martial artists by the name of Esai Maeda migrated to Brazil and taught Carlos Gracie a martial art known as Jiu-jitsu which translates into the gentle art. Carlos in return, taught his four younger brothers the art and they opened their first school in 1925. Helio Gracie, who is the youngest of all the Gracies only weighed 135lbs and had trouble using the techniques on bigger opponents. He then figured out a way to fine tune the techniques and use leverage instead of strength. Ultimately Helio altered so many of the techniques that it became a martial art of its own which they now labeled Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.

What makes BJJ so effective is the fact that even the smallest man or women for that matter can effectively defend themselves from a larger, more aggressive assailant. BJJ is a ground oriented martial arts meaning the objective of the art is to take an attacker to the ground and apply either a choke or a joint manipulation. The belief behind this is that most attackers will be like a fish out of water when taken to the ground. The true effectiveness of the art is the fact that you use your opponents own strength and aggression against them. Unlike other martial arts, students partake in live training or sparring at the end of each class which helps equip them for real life situations. The fact that every class is made to feel like a real life scenario is truly what makes BJJ the single most effective martial art for self defense. It may not be as pretty as some other martial arts but it certainly is more effective.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Martial Arts [http://martial-arts-guides.com/]