Martial Arts

Punching BOB - Body Opponent Bag by Igor B.

noreply@blogger.com (AWSGroup) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 13:10:00 +0000

Ever heard of BOB? If you haven't heard of BOB, I can tell you that he is one of the hardest and most robust individual you will ever face. He gets beat up on a daily basis and never complains, strikes back or wines to go easier on him. Fear not, because he is obviously not a real person, so you can stop feeling bad for the poor chap.

BOB is short for Body Opponent Bag. Most of you have seen one at least once in your life. It is a plastic/rubber dummy positioned on top of a free standing plastic structure. It is actually labelled as a standing punching bag, but it is much more than that. The BOB gives you a realistic feeling and you can practise various techniques you could never practice with an ordinary punching bag. Various kicks to the head, especially the back of the head and temple (knockout points) are extremely hard to hit whilst in the ring for example. Training these techniques on the punching bag is never precise and you get the false feeling of your competence to take the "perfected" technique to a match in the ring. Training with the BOB can increase your accuracy tremendously.

The BOB is usually setup of the torso and head, without any arms or legs (there are variations of this as well). Both the six-pack and the head are very graphic and lifelike making it easier for you to go "into the zone" when practicing your punching and kicking techniques.

The material is usually rubber so that it gives and extra lifelike feeling to it. The BOB is not as hard as a heavy bag or a makiwara, but gives the impression of hitting a real life human. This comes in handy when no sparring partner is available. You can usually raise or lower the BOB anywhere from 5 feet up to 7 feet in some models. This is great if for example you have a fight coming up and have to prepare for a taller individual. It is also good for small people in general which are usually being picked on by larger individuals. Some BOBs are actually made with a really soft face so practicing full force with a bare hand is no problem and will not cause injury. So if you are thinking of getting a BOB do look into this. They are not all that cheap and could set you back over 200$ so don't go head first into a wall and buy the first one you can get your hands on. They are not sold in general sporting goods stores so ask around in some more specialized ones.

Keep in mind never to hold back when hitting a BOB. He will never brake and always return to its original form, even after years of abuse. He will not feel a thing and will not shed a tear, for all you sentimental types out there. The harder you hit, the more vicious his mean mug will get.

IF you cannot afford a BOB do consider getting a punching bag anyway and in order to get your punching bag hung and mounted properly you do need a steady punching bag stand. If you however figure out that a hanging bag just wont do, you should consider getting a free standing punch bag.

Train hard and stay safe.

Sincerely, Igor B.

Mixed Martial Arts Baltimore: Training for More Than Competitive Fighting by Julius Park

noreply@blogger.com (AWSGroup) — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:09:00 +0000

Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, combines different fighting techniques from multiple sources into a single focused approach to fighting and self defense. The techniques used include a mix of both martial arts traditions and non-traditions that are combined for fighting in competitions. By competing in Mixed Martial Arts competitions, martial artists from many different backgrounds can compete against each other, following rules that allow various striking and grappling techniques from both standing and ground positions. Competitive history of MMA fighting can be traced back to numerous events in Europe, Japan and the Pacific Rim through out the early 1900s. In more recent history, the modern era of Mixed Martial Arts, competition started with the founding of the Ultimate Fighting Championship or UFC in the early 1990s. The huge growth in popularity of the UFC and MMA resulted in numerous training centers either opening new or switching their programs over to use Mixed Martial Arts for self defense as well as high intensity workouts. Training in Mixed Martial Arts has hit the mainstream and is now practiced by a wide range of individuals at nearly any age. Most 'traditional' mixed martial arts have a specific focus and these arts could be trained to improve in that area. The most popular disciplines for each type include Stand-Up forms (like kick boxing and full contact karate), Clinch form (like Greco-Roman wrestling, Same, and Judo) for clinching or throwing, and Ground form (like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Sambo) which improve ground control and submission holds. These focus areas were initially practiced individually by competitive fighters. As the sport has become more mainstream and more widely taught the techniques have combined into a single Mixed Martial Arts program. The key to a successful result of mixed martial arts training is to find the right trainer and maintain a consistent workout schedule.

An example of such a training center with the right trainers is the Baltimore MD based Crazy 88 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu center. Mixed Martial Arts Baltimore is the Crazy 88 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training center. Crazy 88 BJJ is the Team Lloyd Irvin Training Center that teaches BJJ to anyone. While the center has members that compete at national levels around the United States they also have many members who train just for the high quality workout that BJJ can be. For Mixed Martial Arts in Baltimore, Crazy 88 offers the facility and trainers to enable any student to develop their skills regardless of starting level, and also to keep in shape. Often, beginners to the BJJ training methods are intimidated by the usual training approaches. The usual approach typically involves throwing new people into advanced courses to get beat up and learn the painful way. Crazy 88 BJJ the center for Mixed Martial Arts Baltimore has specifically designed workout schedules and trainers that work with beginning students of all ages. In fact, almost 50% of their training center's courses are "White Belt" courses, designed specifically for beginners.

While traditional Mixed Martial Arts programs have focused on training for competition, the popularity of the UFC and other type events have moved MMA and more specifically BJJ training into a mainstream fitness approach for many people. BJJ has proven to be an excellent workout routine for students of all ages and all skill levels if you have the appropriate facility, the right trainers, a flexible program, and stay consistent in the workouts.

UFC 111 Handicapping Free Sports Pick - Mir vs Carwin by Stan Leung

noreply@blogger.com (AWSGroup) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 13:09:00 +0000

Frank Mir now faces Shane Carwin for the UFC title. The winner of this battle will either face Cain Velesquez for the trophy or Brock Lesnar If you like UFC wagering this is the fight to bet on. A person would have assumed the MMA sportsbook odds would be farther different, but the truth is, Frank Mir is acquiring very positive lines starting up at -160.

Frank has been training with, in Muay Thai. He has been capable to educate Frank to be more specialized with his punching which has greatly improved his power, proof of which was evident when Mir dismantled Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira and a UFC 107: Penn vs. Sanchez against Kongo where he was able to set up some really effective punches. At the moment within the heavyweight division, Frank Mir has the very best 1-2 punch combo with his jab cross or jab upper getting really notable. When dealing with Shane Carwin, most likely Mir will be utilising the jab cross to stun Shane Carwin to get the take down .

Carwin has better wrestling but it is less likely he will be able to use them in this battle. In his college days Carwin was twice the Div 2 wrestling champ, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) II Wrestling Heavyweight National Champion in 1999. Not to mention he was also a 2-time All-American in football for Western State. Currently he attempts to keep his skills at par as a volunteer coach for the University of Northern Colorado. Given his depth on the mats Mir will try to nullify Shane's fight plan by keeping this fight standing up. He will try to away from the wreslting clinch and strike from the outside which is not his game plan. Shane Carwin favors the right hand but is not going to be able to land it since he will try to keep his distance the entire battle.

With a purple belt in BJJ under Nate Marquardt, Shane has lately chose to re-do his exercise from the ground up . On pure strength and power alone he should be a blue belt but in comparison to someone like Mir, he is out matched. Frank is presently one of the best groun dfighters in the MMA and only after five years of training, he obtained his black belt in BJJ from Ricardo Pires, a 4th degree black belt Despite his background on the wrestling mats, it is unexpected Shane Carwin will have a likelihood on grappling. Fran Mir is very effective on the bottom and desires to attack the legs and ankles. He favours multiple submission moves and Carwin just doesn't have the required capabilities to maneuver out of Frank's attacks.

Shane Carwin a large and successful martial artist who can be UFC champion one day, having said that, at the moment he must fight Frank Mir, who is a focused and focused fighter. Mir has worked hard to get himself back to the top of the UFC. Gone are the days when his work ethic and training practices were questioned and he has since concentrated himself to being the greatest UFC martial artist he can be in getting ready for a possible re-match with Lesnar. Though Carwin is in greater form, he has yet to be in a battle outside of the very first round. As a very muscular fighter, Carwin's physique requirements more oxygen or else fatigue sets in rapidly.

When it comes to sports betting Mir -160 is a steal. Reasonably, I would have thought the lines would have been -180 or -190 in favour of Mir. The key to this fight is Mir's increasing stand-up power and technique. He will use quick striking combos to set up the takedowns and once on top, he will out-match Carwin in a position he does not want to be in-Mir will be in a position to take his back and apply the rear naked choke.

For more MMA handicapping preview go to fighting-mma.com

Legalize MMA in Ontario by Billy Mac

noreply@blogger.com (AWSGroup) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:06:00 +0000

With the popularity of mixed martial arts growing and showing no sign of slowing down it is time for Ontario to join the other provinces and states in legalizing this great sport. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty says that he has more important things to do and that legalizing MMA is not a priority. Well, I understand that the economy is still hurting and he is trying to fix it but I don't think he realizes just how much income MMA can generate for Ontario. When the UFC came to Montreal last year 40% of the tickets were purchased from Ontario residents. Imagine if they held events in Toronto and other MMA promotions were able to come to Ontario. This would generate large amounts of income and increase employment opportunities. The Ontario government needs to act on this as quickly as possible and take full advantage while they can. The large companies like the UFC are spreading world wide and if Ontario waits too long, they might find themselves without an annual spot in UFC rotation.

On behalf of MMA fans in Ontario and surrounding area please go to the following link and help sign a petition to bring MMA to Ontario. http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/ontariomma

Kung Fu Explained - Free Information by George S.

noreply@blogger.com (AWSGroup) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 13:05:00 +0000

The martial art of Kung Fu is an exchange of culture, a kind of exercise as a means to defend themselves. The art is very popular around the world, also known as Gung Fu, Wu Shu, and even Kuo Shu known. It shares some similarities with the karate, as with both hands and feet techniques. Kung Fu is one of the most popular forms of martial arts - and also one of the oldest.

In Kung Fu there are different types and variations, although the most popular are those that have their roots in the famous Shaolin Temple. What most people Arent knows, however, that the Kung Fu in China the year before the first Shaolin Temple was, too.

The majority of martial arts enthusiasts think of self-defense, as the ultimate goal of all martial arts including Kung Fu. While self-defense deal with Kung Fu, martial arts much more than just fighting and defense - is an art that develops the mind, body and soul.

Kung Fu does not teach students to dominate the others because it teaches students to learn to look within and to have full and absolute control of their emotions. Kung Fu is an art of harmony, that students learn to keep peace and avoid confrontation. When a situation threatens bodily harm to the student, it should be over - always the warrior and to defend themselves.

Like other martial arts, Kung Fun teaches the balance that is responsible for implementing techniques and the proper movement of critical importance. The basic idea behind is that the remaining balance that the Chinese believe keeps the balance between heaven and earth. This concept of balance can be achieved by students if they completely focus their thoughts and empty their minds free from all forms of entertainment.

Kung Fu is a martial art that can be learned by anyone. Strong will, like any other martial art. It has a rich heritage and a proud heritage. Kung Fu is indeed a deadly martial art, if misused. There are variations of Kung Fu and five famous animals - including tigers, Dragon, Eagle Claw, Crane, and the snake.

Adapted from the animals in which the name from the five animals style of one of the most impressive in the field of martial arts. Tiger Claw is by far the most dangerous of the five animals of education and the dreaded tiger. This style teaches the students the power in his hands, so that when strikes, the tears of the flesh. Tiger Claw is very deadly, but it is very difficult to teach teachers to see that this style is now days.

Unlike other martial arts, there's really no contest Kung Fu. Stylists can compete with other bids, even genuinely Arent all of which are for the Kung Fu. It is an ancient martial art, which will be used only if no other option but to defend themselves. During the rise, the stylist is trying everything it can to avoid them, or confrontations.

Kung Fu aims to teach lessons of respect, justice, others to the harmony of mind and control of himself, no matter what happens. These characteristics and, when read together, so that students can succeed in a harsh society with a lot. Kung Fu is in progress for all students well - after the right path to mental and physical strength.

How to Break Boards with Your Head Really Good! by Al Case

noreply@blogger.com (AWSGroup) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:04:00 +0000

Okay, we need a cautionary, like check with a doctor before you do this. Or maybe a sicko-analyst. Or maybe just make sure you've got your cranium backed up on hard drive.

Back in 1968, I had just start Kenpo Karate, one of the Ed Parker offshoot branches, and the head instructor decided to put on a breaking seminar. I don't know what he was thinking, I don't think he had a side business selling insurance. At any rate, the potential for mayhem was lurking.

We entered the dojo and stacks of pine boards were waiting for us. As a group we were taught the theory of focusing, of punching through, and so on, and we were all excited. Then we started breaking the boards, one at a time, as the head instructor watched.

One of the attendees, a nice guy by the name of Jeff, asked if it was possible to break a board using just the head. The head instructor's answer was in the affirmative, but he cautioned that it shouldn't be attempted until one had trained extensively. We then went into another room to break boards, and no one noticed that Jeff had not come with us.

We were heavily engaged in a group discussion, and suddenly there a tremendous cracking sound came from the room we had just left. It was such a sickly sound that we all turned and stared at the entrance to the other room. The other room, where the sound came from, where Jeff was.

Suddenly, Jeff appeared at the door, he was standing a bit crooked, and the look in his eyes was like little birdies whistling. We all held our breaths as Jeff crossed the room, walking crooked, the birdies whizzing around his head in a neat, little circling pattern. Jeff settled, well, sort of collapsed, into a seated zen position, and the head instructor, with an eye on Jeff, continued his speechifying.

Now, if you're going to break a board with your head, and I don't care if you study shotokan or kenpo or praying mantis or whatever, work up to it. Start with thin planks, even an eighth of an inch, then work your way upward through a quarter, through 3/8s, and so on. Heck, the potential for injury is so great that you should wear some kind of protective helmet the first few times.

Oh, and at the end of that seminar that I was at? Jeff came up to the head instructor after it was all over and asked, is it possible to break a board with your head. Maybe he should have worked on having the hardest punch instead of just a hard head!

Tae Kwon Do Jupiter produces champions by Gautam Punjabi

noreply@blogger.com (AWSGroup) — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 13:03:00 +0000

Tae Kwon Do is a Korean marital art that combines in it body building, combat training, philosophy, and various defense tactics. The training provided at Tae Kwon Do Jupiter training center emphasizes all aspects of the art. Children are trained in the art from very tender ages so that they easily adjust to the rigorous demands of the art.

Rich martial art traditions are the royal legacy of the Eastern countries to humanity. Some of the art forms have been lost in its pure form in between, due to wars and changing political affiliations. Still many of them have been preserved and Tae Kwon Do is a legacy that Korea has bequeathed to the world. And the tradition is kept alive for mass use at the training center of Tae Kwon Do Jupiter for the present generation to learn, enjoy, and compete.

Since Tae Kwon Do is a martial art in which children can be inducted from a very young age, Tae Kwon Do Jupiter training center offers classes to children from tender ages. And training groups are strictly differentiated on the basis of age. Separate classes are conducted for children between the ages of 4 to 5, and 6 to 8, and 9 to 11. Besides that, there are separate classes for teens and adults. The differentiation is done on the basis of age so that smaller children do not feel intimidated when they see that they have to practice side by side with bigger sized kids.

And within the same age group, classes conducted at Tae Kwon Do Jupiter further divides students based on their belt level and each group is trained separately. Beginner, which is the first level, will be handled by one instructor, and there will be likewise separate instructors for the other stages, namely, the intermediate, the advanced, and the black belt. Abundance of instructors is a specialty of this Tae Kwon Do Jupiter training center so that each student is fully attended to.

Sparring is the form in which Tae Kwon Do performers compete during practice and for matches, and this has an educational role as well. The competing in matches and tournaments is known as point sparring while that done for Olympics is known as Olympics style sparring and has been an Olympics games event since 2000. The Tae Kwon Do Jupiter training center has been expertly coaching students in both point sparring and Olympics sparring and has been churning out champions day in and day out.

Korean sword training of Kum-do, or way of the sword, is all about the special Korean way of using a sword without swinging it too much. It is different from the more prevalent type of sword usage in that the battle is over when a heavy blow with the sword is inflicted. This means that the match is lost if you give an opening to the opponent to strike. Tae Kwon Do Jupiter training center gives excellent Korean sword training which is a sharp hand-mind coordination discipline where the fight is as much about training the mind for not giving a chance to the opponent as it is about using a sword the right way.

The spiritual and physical art of Tae Kwon Do which has been perfected through centuries of use in Korea is being offered in the purest form in the training center of Tae Kwon Do Jupiter.

Martial arts Jupiter center consolidates Tae Kwon Do traditions by Gautam Punjabi

noreply@blogger.com (AWSGroup) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:03:00 +0000

With all the advancements that man is making in the world, the value of the time tested wisdoms of our ancestors can never diminish and martial arts is a prime example of it. Martial arts, especially the Korean martial art of Tae Kwon Do is a discipline that enriches its practitioner physically and spiritually, and the students trained at the martial arts Jupiter center are examples of how much this system is benefiting its trainees.

Many of the better known martial arts of today like Judo, Kendo, Karate, and Tae Kwon Do have originated in the East, but it is being extremely well preserved in many martial art training centers of the west and martial arts Jupiter training centers are among those that do this job excellently. Students trained in these centers have consistently won medals in Florida state level championships, Disney World martial arts festivals, USAT MAC Nationals, etc. Gold medals have been won in sparring and form on several occasions, and gold silver and bronze medals have also been won in different aspects of the art like form, weapon, breaking, sparring etc.

Martial arts Jupiter training centers have been continuing the job of consolidating the ancient art of Tae Kwon Do. Though the discipline was extensively used in combat in a much earlier Korea, codifying it and streamlining it in the present day form had started in the Korea of the 1960s. Its revival got a further push with the formation of World Tae Kwon Do Federation in 1973 and its first world championship tournament in the same year in Seoul in which 18 countries participated. Though martial arts Jupiter centers of Florida were established much later, it is continuing to help in the strengthening and consolidation of this high discipline martial art.

In 1986, the first world cup competition in Tae Kwon Do took place in Seoul in South Korea, and in 1988 this martial art form made its entry into the Olympic games as a demonstration sports. It took another 12 years for it to get full-fledged entry into this most competitive sports event of the world but in the 2000 Olympic games, which took place in Sidney in Australia, Tae Kwon Do finally became a competitive event. Ever since the martial art of Tae Kwon Do became an Olympic games item, martial arts Jupiter centers have been training its students in Olympic style sparring. Many of its students have won gold and silver medals in Junior Olympics in sparring and form.

While to any person watching the art of Tae Kwon Do it is basically a form of fighting with legs and arms and involves a lot of kicking, for the students of this martial art form it is a code of conduct that controls much of their day to day to interactions and defines a cultural system for them. The training given at martial arts Jupiter centers fully take care of this aspect of Tae Kwon Do training.

The five main tenets of Tae Kwon Do are courtesy or Ye Ui, integrity or Yom Chi, perseverance or In Nae, self-control or Guk Gi, and indomitable spirit or Baekjool Boolgool. Following these tenets is highly integral to the practicing of Tae Kwon Do because it is a martial art form aimed not just at producing excellent sportsmen but is aimed at making its practitioners enlightened human beings who will enrich the society in endless ways. This tradition is fully enforced at martial arts Jupiter centers.

What is MMA Pound for Pound? by Imrose

noreply@blogger.com (AWSGroup) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:02:00 +0000

MMA stands for Mixed Martial Arts - this is by far one of the favorite events for many people who are crazy behind sports like Kickboxing. MMA pound for pound is one of the varieties of the sport. They have many other categories like light weight, heavyweight and so on. The origin of the modern MMA goes back to the early 1990's when I t was introduced in countries like USA with the finding of what came to be popularly known as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).It was much before started in Japan and Brazil too with different names though. The general attire for the Men's game is only shorts so that the opponent does not get to grip the clothes during the fight.

MMA Pound for Pound involves various amounts of martial arts like Karate, Kickboxing. The best part of MMA is the fact that this is completely unarmed and the only weapons that the fighter has is his strength. In fact the term Pound to Pound actually refers to the weight of the two that gets compared. For people who find it a bit boring to follow just one style of martial arts like the karate or Kung-fu, MMA Pound for Pound invokes interest as the viewer gets to see a combination of the different styles that the fighters use. The origin goes back to a thread of games that were played with variations from a true boxing or a true wrestling game with unidentified rules which led o the idea behind the formation of the UFC with multiple martial arts being used in the same game.

Today various rules of the game have been changed and altered to suit the modern day requirements and safety measures. These were primarily done to encourage more people to play the sport and the necessity of the eradication from people's minds that MMA Pound for Pound is a barbaric event and leads to death as there are no rules and regulations. Today we have the rules so strict that small violations can lead to warnings and then Disqualification from the game. With the addition of rules came the weight classifications as well as they were becoming an advantage for the heavy during submission acts. This got in the classification of almost 9 different classifications based on weight like the flyweight, bantamweight, featherweight, welterweight, lightweight, middle weight, light heavy weight and heavy weight.

Aikido Movements - Information Online by George S.

noreply@blogger.com (AWSGroup) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:01:00 +0000

It only takes a split second whether someone is a winner or loser in a fight. The person may try to see it later to remind me, what mistakes were made in order to better fighter in the future.

These things are also competing for the best for the students with the various aikido moves are known at all times.

For example, forces in Ai Hanmi Iriminage someone grabs the neck of the attacker and the opponent to the ground.

In Ai Hanmi Kokyuho This is similar to the difference by the arms a little more for maximum effect.

If the attacker with a knife, a good idea, mentioned by Aikido Katate Ryotemochi in which the individual uses both hands to disarm the weapon by the assailant and block before the person on the ground.

If the individual can behind the attacker, perhaps doing Ushiro Ryokatatori a good idea. In this way, students can take up to the shoulders of the person. If the person is cut too hard, perhaps applying Ushiro Kubishime temporarily the air supply, is unconscious until the attacker is the best thing to do.

Not all the aikido moves are taught to help block and fall to the person on the ground. There are also movements such as Kata Menucha hand, which makes a cut in the forehead. The DONT want a concussion can lead Mune Tsuki, which is a blow to the chest to try to.

A good step for the second stage is the Aiki Otoshi better known in English simply as a leg scan. This will surely keep the person especially if the attacker believes that all students can do, to use weapons to defend.

Once the attacker has been subdued, it is safer to keep the attacker locked in a cellar for Sankyo. This technique is used by the police, which is very useful if the police used on the road to the site.

There are over 10 different moves in Aikido. The person must be able to distinguish one from another, especially if the conditions are all in Japanese. This is an individual decision to use during the fighting.

The first step in learning this martial art is to join a dojo. A person can find the directory search to the nearest house, and choose to join if the prices are affordable.

The student will be taught the rules, how to wear the uniform, then moves through each stroke. Individuals should not expect, not even the first day but eventually better in the coming days.

The person should not forget that Aikido can be used in contrast to other martial arts for defensive purposes only. Normally, when the accused in the attack is not that this person is well past that people should not hunt, but ask for help.

Only the practice of fighting with a partner, or even do the same in the competition, the body and mind can be conditioned to engage an attacker in combat.

Layman's Dojo - Japanese Edition (Katana) II by Ryan Ford

noreply@blogger.com (AWSGroup) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:42:00 +0000

Laymans Dojo Article II (Japanese)

We have so far covered the basics of a Japanese sword, getting to know the parts and what type of metal to look for in reference to your use of the weapon. Now we will delve further and take a look at the next step. Where do you find a weapon best suited for you and your needs. I will split this up into two parts, one for collectors and one for warriors or those who plan to train with their weapon.

Collectors:

Allright guys, here we go. There is a rather large variety of locations to scope out for some really top-notch, beautiful weaponry. Starting with the first and most obvious: the internet.

We are using it right now. Pretty easy, fast, and unparalleled in its range and versatility, the internet is a goldmine when looking for good weapons. You can find weapons on multiple sites. I usually do not reccomend Ebay. There is always a chance that you will end up with something less than what you want, and it all turns into a large hassle. However, if the user is reliable (Check their status and the comments other buyers have posted concerning them extensively) then you may have a green light. But mostly I prefer sites that feature weaponry exclusively. Just toss out a google search for swords and you will most likely come up with a few sites. Using the previous article, you know that Stainless is the steel for you, so keep an eye out for the material used in forging (Go 440-C if possible!).

The good thing about collecting: your price range is very flexible. If you have lots of money to pour into your collection, you can really go for gold and rock out some fine pieces. But on the flipside, if you are a collector just starting out, or one working on a budget you can really still find some fine pieces. Just have to dig deeper. Always keep an eye on swords that the maker is willing to give its history. When it was forged, where, how; the whole nine yards. These will more often prove to be a treasure amongst your collection rather than a piece you end up throwing in the miscellaneous pile.

Also, keep your eye out for Renaissance Fairs and functions. This is an amazing place that offers hands on buying and direct discussion with the artist that made the weapons.

Fighters and Martial Artists:

Now for you guys I have this to say: Be prepared to spend some money. You can use the same guidelines of where to buy as stated above in the Collector section, but you have to keep in mind that Stainless Steel is NOT for you. The metal is too brittle for the day to day wear and tear. You will need to scope out for Carbon or Damascus steels which are a much more valuable metal. If you are working on a budget I would recommend looking up Bokken, or wooden Katana. These are durable, afford a relatively good feel when compared with a real sword and are inexpensive. Come back to looking for a real battle-ready sword when you can afford it, and for now practice with a bokken until that time comes. These are a pretty acceptable substitute (Not to mention safer!). Now, when buying a sword geared for training or battle, keep an eye on the swords tang. It MUST be full tang. Anything less is going to fall apart on you! With the steel and tang in mind, you should be armed with the knowledge to get a decent weapon. Price ranges will vary from two hundred to thousands of dollars. Nothing wrong with a cheaper one. Get what you can afford, be proud of it and care for it diligently. This weapon is an extension of yourself, so find something you can bond with as a Martial Artist.

Fighting Multiple Opponents by Dean Walsh

noreply@blogger.com (AWSGroup) — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:47:00 +0000

It is all well and good learning specific martial arts and self defense techniques, such as blocks, strikes and restraining techniques, but you also need to learn how to deal with different kinds of situation. A large proportion of street fights are not fair one-on-one fights, but often involve groups of people. If you want to have confidence that you are capable of defending yourself against any violent confrontation that you might find yourself in then it is absolutely essential that you know a bit about fighting multiple opponents.

Just knowing the individual techniques is not enough, as some techniques are very effective in a one-on-one encounter, but are completely innapropriate for fighting against multiple opponents. It is also true that even using the same individual techniques, a different strategy is neccessary.

There are a few simple principles that can greatly increase your chances against more than one attacker, but before I describe them it is worth emphasizing the fact that no matter how skilled you are at martial arts fighting more than one person will always be highly dangerous, and you should do everything you possibly can to avoid violence being necessary in the first place.

First off, here is the most important thing not to do: grappling, such as joint locks or other restraining techniques or submission holds are almost always the wrong thing to do. The reason for this is because you are yourself stuck in one place, usually with both hands in use so that it is hard to defend yourself. etting caugght up like this with one person makes it very easy for someone else to come along and take you down.

Above all else you should try to keep moving at all times. Movement will always be important in any fight, but it is even more vital in this kind of situation. What you are trying to do with this movement is to make sure that you only have to take on your attackers one at a time. The perfect position is to have all your opponents lined up in front of you, and although this precise position is unlikely with more than 2 people (with 2 its actually not too hard) you should try to get as close to this as you can. What you must avoid at all costs is having them all in a circle surrounding you. By moving around all the time you also give yourself a better chance of finding an avenue for escape. Always try to 'hit and run', striking as hard as you can once or twice and then backing off and getting yourself back into as much space as you can and in the best position you can immediately.

The second most important thing is not to go down to the ground. If you go down then you are entirely at their mercy, and your attackers can simply surround you and all give you a kicking or worse. Of course you never want to get knocked down in a fight, but against mulitiple opponents you must be especially careful, and their are things you can do to help. Kicking, for example, can be very effective as an attack, but it is a high risk attack when it comes to throws and takedowns - as soon as you lift one leg off the ground you have a much less stable stance - and so it is best to avoid when fighting against multiple opponents. If you do go down then curl yourself into a ball and try to protect your head.

These things are all simple to implement, and although they obviously won't guarantee your safety, they will give you a substantially better chance of coming away from the fight without getting seriously hurt.

Mixed Martial Arts Conditioning Exercises based on Muay Thai

noreply@blogger.com (AWSGroup) — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 19:17:00 +0000

There are infinite ways to train for an MMA fight. Clean Kill, the group that brings you mma fights like Call to Arms I, offers you suggestions on how to switch up your training schedule for maximum results using the ancient practice of Muay Thai.

Muay Thai, the national sport of Thailand, is known in the Western fighting world as one of the "sprawl-and-brawl" disciplines of martial arts, focusing on striking the opponent more than grappling, clinching, or submission holds. Drenched in a long history as a royal art form of many traditions, this martial art also greatly accentuates the goals of conditioning and fitness in a fighter. Using Muay Thai techniques can greatly improve stamina for MMA fighters that practice in any area of martial arts.

Thai Pads: Training with Thai pads is a staple to any Muay Thai conditioning schedule. Proper work with these pads will help improve speed, power, timing, and conditioning. The key to getting a good workout is having a good trainer or training partner who knows how to hold the pads. Switching between the large foam pads and focus mitts help vary the workout between power and strength to speed and precision.

Shins: Shin conditioning is very specific to Muay Thai training. It is recommended to condition the shins by kicking a Thai pad or heavy bag for at least 100 times per day, but preferably closer to 500, depending on how vigorous of an exercise you're looking for. Kick lightly at first to warm up, and then start kicking at full strength around the 30th kick. If your shins become sore, rest and massage them to avoid injury. A useful trick is to place your shin in between your middle knuckles and rub along the length of your shin several times to restore blood flow.

Mental Training: Muay Thai fighters believe that mental toughness is just as important in the ring as physical condition or skills. Meditation and praying are staples of Buddhism and Thai culture, so it should come as no surprise that this transfers over to Muay Thai boxing. This mental training concerns both visualization and positive thinking. While not physically training, a Muay Thai boxer is constantly visualizing their fighting moves in their head like a movie. This will help with reflexes and natural reactions because you're practicing scenarios in your head all day and night. Positive thinking involves eating, breathing, and sleeping success and winning 24 hours a day. Negative thoughts must be neutralized by positive ones and a champion's mindset put in place.

Muay Thai fighting is a very popular sport worldwide and has infinite room for advancement of skills. Learning the fighting techniques, conditioning drills, and traditional formalities can all help in any area of martial arts. So next time you're training at the gym, don't forget your Thai Pads, shin exercises, and to mentally train as well. Happy training!. by abaddon