7 Tips For Selecting A Martial Arts Style
By Javier Lozano, Jr.
With hundreds of different styles available, it's difficult to
make a decision on what to learn. The simple answer is to stay
close to home and find an instructor you love. A close location
and a good instructor will keep you interested and inspired more
than the style will. With that said, here are some tips to help
you out.
1. There’s no style that is the “best”.
2. Find a school nearby with classes to fit your purpose - you
may be limited to what’s nearby and to what you can fit into
your schedule.
3. Experiencemartialarts.com lists the most common styles,
however there are hundreds (if not thousands) of styles that
use combinations of these common styles. Just because a school
advertises a style that isn’t listed here doesn’t mean it isn’t
a good style. Keep an open mind and form your own opinion about
each style.
4. Sport, Self-Defense or Fitness - All styles have all 3 of
these components, just be sure to look for a class that either
focuses on your purpose or gives a general overview of all 3
depending on your goals.
5. Visit schools to see if you enjoy the atmosphere and
instructor along with the style. Even though two schools both
teach Karate, the way in which they teach it and the sub-styles
of Karate may be completely different. Also, pay close attention
to the instructors and use your "gut feel" when evaluating them.
Are they someone you can get along with? Are they someone who
you will respect and listen to?
6. Know your physical abilities and limits. As you are visiting
schools, be sure to check with the instructor about any
limitations you may have before signing up. You’ll also get a
really good feel for what you’re in for by observing a class or
two. Most schools offer one class for free.
7. If you have friends already practicing a style, think
strongly about learning the same style. Having others to
practice with and to encourage you helps a great deal in the
long run and makes it even more fun.
As we said before, your instructor will make all the difference
in the world. A good instructor is like a good teacher in that
they can take the most daunting and boring tasks and make them
exciting! Once you're excited about martial arts, you'll find
that training 3 days a week isn't work...it's something you
truly enjoy doing.
About the Author: Javier Lozano, Jr. was a world champion
Karate point fighter as ranked by NASKA and is training for his
3rd Dan in Wado-Ryu Karate. He is a writer for
http://ExperienceMartialArts.com, a website dedicated to
helping people learn about martial arts, select a style and
find a suitable school nearby.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Showing posts with label martial arts supplies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label martial arts supplies. Show all posts
Sunday, July 1, 2007
The Bo And Other Long Wooden Staff Martial Arts Weapons
The Bo And Other Long Wooden Staff Martial Arts Weapons
By Clint Leung
Besides rocks, one of the most basic of all weapons throughout
mankind's history across most cultures has been the long wooden
stick. This makes sense since sticks were always readily
available in the forests or could be easily made. The Asian
martial arts took the long wooden staff into an art form as
many martial art styles include the long staff in their
systems. Some styles even have traditional weapons forms or
katas featuring the long staff. Some systems of martial arts
train with weapons such as the staff through practical
techniques only without the use of set forms.
Unlike many martial art weapons such as swords, knives, kamas
and sais which are short range, staffs are long range weapons
with superior reach. This enables the user to attack and defend
from a distance which can be frustrating from the point of view
of an opponent who has a short range weapon. Long range weapons
are also useful in keeping multiple opponents out of reach too.
Of course, long weapons such as the staff cannot be easily
concealed like short range weapons so they can be cumbersome to
carry around.
One of the most popular martial arts weapons from the Japanese
karate styles is the bo. Even today, the bo is usually the
first weapon taught at karate schools and is the most common
weapon seen at tournaments. The bo staff comes in different
variations. There are heavy bo staffs which resemble thick
poles which are considered more traditional and there are
lighter versions which are tapered at both ends. There are also
multi-sided bo staffs such as octagonal but these are much less
common than the usual round, circular versions.
Although there are one handed swings, most bo techniques
involve both hands holding the weapon. Various strikes and
blocks can be performed with either end of the bo as well as
the sides and middle. Bo users take advantage of the entire
weapon as techniques can be executed with any part of the bo.
For the majority of techniques involving the bo, the user holds
the staff near the middle with both ends protruding out equally.
Traditionally, the lead hand (furthest away from the body) has
been the right hand.
Contemporary weapons forms competitions have caused the bo to
evolve where competitors now use extremely lightweight bo's and
some even have reflective finishes giving a more flashy visual
appearance when the user is performing a bo form. Unlike
traditional bo forms, contemporary creative open forms with the
bo involve more complex spins and even tosses. Some martial
artists do not consider some of the modern bo forms observed in
the competition circuits to be true weapons forms as some
competitors emphasize too much baton-like twirling action
rather than actual combative techniques. It could very well be
a matter of personal taste. This is why in most of the large
open martial arts tournaments, weapons divisions are split into
traditional and creative.
Chinese kung fu styles also utilize the long staff although
there are some differences in techniques when compared to
Japanese karate styles. Instead of holding the weapon in the
middle most of the time like a bo is held, Chinese staffs are
usually held near one end which has the effect of elongating
the weapon even more. Taditionally, the lead hand is the left
hand with the right holding the bottom end of the staff.
However, there are techniques which involve switching sides as
well as using the bottom end to strike too. In addition to
strikes executed while holding the weapon with both hands,
there are more single handed techniques with Chinese staffs
than with Japanese bo staffs. Like their empty hand kung fu
forms, Chinese staff forms have more circular, swinging
techniques than in Japanese karate styles.
Contemporary wushu forms use a much lighter weapon than in
traditional kung fu staff forms. Wushu stylists also use staffs
or cudgels that are made of a unique white wax wood from trees
that are grown only in China. Staffs made of this type of wood
are not made with precision like Japanese bo's. The wushu
staffs are naturally tapered with a thicker bottom and thinner
top. The white wax wood is extremely resilient as users of this
type of Chinese staff perform techniques which involve smashing
the entire weapon on the floor at full force.
Korean kuk sul won also has the long staff in their system and
the techniques used are like a blend of Chinese and Japanese
moves. Although all martial arts styles that utilize weaponry
have more complex and possibly more impressive looking weapons,
the long staff has remained to be a favorite for many martial
artists.
About the Author: Clint Leung is a lifelong martial artist with
over 32 years of training experience in kung fu, tae kwon do,
karate, kickboxing and martial arts weaponry. He has won
Canadian and world championship titles (NASKA, NBL and WSKF).
He is also owner of Free Spirit Activewear
(http://www.FreeSpiritActivewear.com) , an online retailer and
designer of premium martial arts activewear. Free Spirit
Activewear has martial arts info articles.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Clint Leung
Besides rocks, one of the most basic of all weapons throughout
mankind's history across most cultures has been the long wooden
stick. This makes sense since sticks were always readily
available in the forests or could be easily made. The Asian
martial arts took the long wooden staff into an art form as
many martial art styles include the long staff in their
systems. Some styles even have traditional weapons forms or
katas featuring the long staff. Some systems of martial arts
train with weapons such as the staff through practical
techniques only without the use of set forms.
Unlike many martial art weapons such as swords, knives, kamas
and sais which are short range, staffs are long range weapons
with superior reach. This enables the user to attack and defend
from a distance which can be frustrating from the point of view
of an opponent who has a short range weapon. Long range weapons
are also useful in keeping multiple opponents out of reach too.
Of course, long weapons such as the staff cannot be easily
concealed like short range weapons so they can be cumbersome to
carry around.
One of the most popular martial arts weapons from the Japanese
karate styles is the bo. Even today, the bo is usually the
first weapon taught at karate schools and is the most common
weapon seen at tournaments. The bo staff comes in different
variations. There are heavy bo staffs which resemble thick
poles which are considered more traditional and there are
lighter versions which are tapered at both ends. There are also
multi-sided bo staffs such as octagonal but these are much less
common than the usual round, circular versions.
Although there are one handed swings, most bo techniques
involve both hands holding the weapon. Various strikes and
blocks can be performed with either end of the bo as well as
the sides and middle. Bo users take advantage of the entire
weapon as techniques can be executed with any part of the bo.
For the majority of techniques involving the bo, the user holds
the staff near the middle with both ends protruding out equally.
Traditionally, the lead hand (furthest away from the body) has
been the right hand.
Contemporary weapons forms competitions have caused the bo to
evolve where competitors now use extremely lightweight bo's and
some even have reflective finishes giving a more flashy visual
appearance when the user is performing a bo form. Unlike
traditional bo forms, contemporary creative open forms with the
bo involve more complex spins and even tosses. Some martial
artists do not consider some of the modern bo forms observed in
the competition circuits to be true weapons forms as some
competitors emphasize too much baton-like twirling action
rather than actual combative techniques. It could very well be
a matter of personal taste. This is why in most of the large
open martial arts tournaments, weapons divisions are split into
traditional and creative.
Chinese kung fu styles also utilize the long staff although
there are some differences in techniques when compared to
Japanese karate styles. Instead of holding the weapon in the
middle most of the time like a bo is held, Chinese staffs are
usually held near one end which has the effect of elongating
the weapon even more. Taditionally, the lead hand is the left
hand with the right holding the bottom end of the staff.
However, there are techniques which involve switching sides as
well as using the bottom end to strike too. In addition to
strikes executed while holding the weapon with both hands,
there are more single handed techniques with Chinese staffs
than with Japanese bo staffs. Like their empty hand kung fu
forms, Chinese staff forms have more circular, swinging
techniques than in Japanese karate styles.
Contemporary wushu forms use a much lighter weapon than in
traditional kung fu staff forms. Wushu stylists also use staffs
or cudgels that are made of a unique white wax wood from trees
that are grown only in China. Staffs made of this type of wood
are not made with precision like Japanese bo's. The wushu
staffs are naturally tapered with a thicker bottom and thinner
top. The white wax wood is extremely resilient as users of this
type of Chinese staff perform techniques which involve smashing
the entire weapon on the floor at full force.
Korean kuk sul won also has the long staff in their system and
the techniques used are like a blend of Chinese and Japanese
moves. Although all martial arts styles that utilize weaponry
have more complex and possibly more impressive looking weapons,
the long staff has remained to be a favorite for many martial
artists.
About the Author: Clint Leung is a lifelong martial artist with
over 32 years of training experience in kung fu, tae kwon do,
karate, kickboxing and martial arts weaponry. He has won
Canadian and world championship titles (NASKA, NBL and WSKF).
He is also owner of Free Spirit Activewear
(http://www.FreeSpiritActivewear.com) , an online retailer and
designer of premium martial arts activewear. Free Spirit
Activewear has martial arts info articles.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Is Martial Arts Effective For The Streets?
Is Martial Arts Effective For The Streets?
By Norm Bettencourt
The topic of how effective traditional martial arts is in
today’s world as a way of protecting oneself is still a very
sensitive issue to a lot of martial artists. What is even more
sensitive is the issue of how realistic and street effective is
the newer styles that have come out since UFC/PRIDE have come
into the picture. I am a Registered Black Belt & have nothing
against the martial arts and have also studied styles such as
Pankration. I know that the techniques I have learned in the
dojo should stay in the dojo because they will only work there,
that also goes with styles such as the “modern day or reality
based systems” they are for sport only.
I work as a bouncer/bodyguard & also teach tactical self
defense. Many of my students are black belts or have trained
under reality based systems & have learned the hard way that
what they learned in the ring or dojo is not street effective.
Their common question is why didn’t their system work? Part of
the reason is that if a rule or law is applied to a system it
will subconsciously hinder you when your adrenaline takes over
in combat. There are no rules in the streets your mind should
not have to sensor or think can I do this to beat this person?
We respond exactly the same way that we train.
There is no time to switch gears from sport to tactical. If you
are training and your coach or sensei says can’t hit their or no
contact to the eyes your mind will remember that and store it
for future reference. Your self defense system should take into
account your environment as well. Can you kick your attacker in
the small space your in? Can you balance yourself while
performing a technique on the icy sidewalk? If you grapple with
him what if he has friends coming around, what do you do then?
Street fighting or tactical self-defense should be in the
simplest form of fighting. You don’t have time to play a chess
game, like you would see in a UFC match. Time is not on your
side in a street confrontation nor are rules or morals. What we
can learn from the UFC or mixed martial arts events when it
comes to reality fighting is if it has rules of what not to do,
do those things in a street fight because its got to be
effective.
About the Author: Norm Bettencourt is the creator of TACT Self
Defense which specializes in combat management tactics for
mind, body & spirit. Visit http://www.tactselfdefense.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
By Norm Bettencourt
The topic of how effective traditional martial arts is in
today’s world as a way of protecting oneself is still a very
sensitive issue to a lot of martial artists. What is even more
sensitive is the issue of how realistic and street effective is
the newer styles that have come out since UFC/PRIDE have come
into the picture. I am a Registered Black Belt & have nothing
against the martial arts and have also studied styles such as
Pankration. I know that the techniques I have learned in the
dojo should stay in the dojo because they will only work there,
that also goes with styles such as the “modern day or reality
based systems” they are for sport only.
I work as a bouncer/bodyguard & also teach tactical self
defense. Many of my students are black belts or have trained
under reality based systems & have learned the hard way that
what they learned in the ring or dojo is not street effective.
Their common question is why didn’t their system work? Part of
the reason is that if a rule or law is applied to a system it
will subconsciously hinder you when your adrenaline takes over
in combat. There are no rules in the streets your mind should
not have to sensor or think can I do this to beat this person?
We respond exactly the same way that we train.
There is no time to switch gears from sport to tactical. If you
are training and your coach or sensei says can’t hit their or no
contact to the eyes your mind will remember that and store it
for future reference. Your self defense system should take into
account your environment as well. Can you kick your attacker in
the small space your in? Can you balance yourself while
performing a technique on the icy sidewalk? If you grapple with
him what if he has friends coming around, what do you do then?
Street fighting or tactical self-defense should be in the
simplest form of fighting. You don’t have time to play a chess
game, like you would see in a UFC match. Time is not on your
side in a street confrontation nor are rules or morals. What we
can learn from the UFC or mixed martial arts events when it
comes to reality fighting is if it has rules of what not to do,
do those things in a street fight because its got to be
effective.
About the Author: Norm Bettencourt is the creator of TACT Self
Defense which specializes in combat management tactics for
mind, body & spirit. Visit http://www.tactselfdefense.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Friday, June 29, 2007
Training With Martial Arts Weapons - Karate Kung Fu Weaponry
The Information on this site is intended to assist the reader in finding martial arts equipment, karate equipment and supplies.
Training With Martial Arts Weapons - Karate Kung Fu Weaponry
By Clint Leung
There are opportunities in martial arts training to learn to
use various martial arts weapons. Many martial arts schools,
especially those that teach Japanese karate and Chinese kung fu
styles have weaponry as part of their overall curriculum.
Popular weapons from karate systems include the bo staff, kama,
sai, sword, nunchaku and tonfa. Chinese kung fu styles have
broadsword, 3 section staff, kwan do, whip chain, butterfly
knives as well as their own versions of staff. Of course, there
are many other types of weapons in martial arts but the above
are the more common ones taught. Some of the more exotic
weapons include the fan, rope dart and the hook swords. Martial
arts weapons can be divided into short and long range. An
example of a short range weapon would be a pair of sai. The bo
staff would be a long range weapon because of the longer reach.
Weapons can also be divided into bladed and non-bladed. Kamas
and swords of course would be bladed weapons where staffs and
nunchakus would be non-bladed. In most training situations with
bladed weapons, the blades are not live. That is, the blades of
swords and kamas are blunt rather than sharp. This adds to the
safety aspect of martial arts weapons training. Weapons can
also come in different weights from heavy traditional models
down to ultra light weight versions for forms competition.
Martial arts weapons are considered as extensions of a martial
artist’s own body. For example, strikes with a weapon are
really extended hand strikes. Blocks with weapons are modeled
after traditional martial art blocking techniques. Therefore,
it is important for martial arts students to be relatively
proficient with martial arts techniques using their own bodies
first before learning to use any martial arts weapon. This will
help the students understand the applications behind each
weapons technique much better. In most Japanese karate schools,
weapons training won’t be offered until students reach an
intermediate level such as green or blue belt. There are
martial arts that are strictly weapons oriented. An example is
Japanese kendo which is modeled after samarai sword fighting.
Philipino arnis is stick fighting which was developed in the
South Pacific islands.
There are many benefits in training with martial arts weapons.
Because most weapons have some weight to them, their use will
help develop muscle tone and strength. Performing forms or
katas with weapons will also develop coordination. In today’s
world, martial arts weapons may not be as practical as the days
of the past when it was acceptable to carry weapons wherever one
traveled. However, with some understanding of weapons
techniques, a martial artist today can turn almost any
household item such as an umbrella, cane or even a set of keys
into weapons of self defense if required. Another important
point that shouldn’t be ignored is that most practitioners will
claim that training with martial arts weapons is a lot of fun.
However, not all martial arts clubs and studios will teach
weapons. Many tae kwon do schools for example do not include
weapons in their overall training. This is not to say that
Korean martial arts do not have weapons. The Korean martial art
kuk sool won features the staff, sword and cane. So if a martial
arts student wishes to learn the use of weapons, a school that
includes them in their training should be sought after. Another
alternative for students who are otherwise happy with their
martial arts club that doesn’t have weapons training is to get
supplementary private instruction from instructors who can
provide it.
Weapons training can open up a whole new dimension to overall
martial arts training. Even advanced tai chi practitioners use
swords in some of their forms. It doesn’t matter if sometimes
the swords are made entirely of wood either since the actual
weapons techniques will still be used in the forms. For many
martial arts competitors, weapons forms are their favorite
divisions to compete in. From a spectator point of view,
weapons forms can be very exciting to watch especially when
weapons such as whip chains or kamas with strings are used
since their presentations are so dynamic and even somewhat
dangerous to the user. Such weapons have caused injuries to
users when certain techniques were sloppy or mistimed. But like
other aspects of martial arts, proficiency with a martial art
weapon after much hard training can bring a high sense of
satisfaction to a martial artist.
About the Author: Clint Leung is a lifelong martial artist with
over 32 years of training experience in kung fu, tae kwon do,
karate, kickboxing and martial arts weaponry. He has won
Canadian and world championship titles (NASKA, NBL and WSKF).
He is also owner of Free Spirit Activewear
(http://www.FreeSpiritActivewear.com) , an online retailer and
designer of premium martial arts activewear. Free Spirit
Activewear has martial arts info articles.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Training With Martial Arts Weapons - Karate Kung Fu Weaponry
By Clint Leung
There are opportunities in martial arts training to learn to
use various martial arts weapons. Many martial arts schools,
especially those that teach Japanese karate and Chinese kung fu
styles have weaponry as part of their overall curriculum.
Popular weapons from karate systems include the bo staff, kama,
sai, sword, nunchaku and tonfa. Chinese kung fu styles have
broadsword, 3 section staff, kwan do, whip chain, butterfly
knives as well as their own versions of staff. Of course, there
are many other types of weapons in martial arts but the above
are the more common ones taught. Some of the more exotic
weapons include the fan, rope dart and the hook swords. Martial
arts weapons can be divided into short and long range. An
example of a short range weapon would be a pair of sai. The bo
staff would be a long range weapon because of the longer reach.
Weapons can also be divided into bladed and non-bladed. Kamas
and swords of course would be bladed weapons where staffs and
nunchakus would be non-bladed. In most training situations with
bladed weapons, the blades are not live. That is, the blades of
swords and kamas are blunt rather than sharp. This adds to the
safety aspect of martial arts weapons training. Weapons can
also come in different weights from heavy traditional models
down to ultra light weight versions for forms competition.
Martial arts weapons are considered as extensions of a martial
artist’s own body. For example, strikes with a weapon are
really extended hand strikes. Blocks with weapons are modeled
after traditional martial art blocking techniques. Therefore,
it is important for martial arts students to be relatively
proficient with martial arts techniques using their own bodies
first before learning to use any martial arts weapon. This will
help the students understand the applications behind each
weapons technique much better. In most Japanese karate schools,
weapons training won’t be offered until students reach an
intermediate level such as green or blue belt. There are
martial arts that are strictly weapons oriented. An example is
Japanese kendo which is modeled after samarai sword fighting.
Philipino arnis is stick fighting which was developed in the
South Pacific islands.
There are many benefits in training with martial arts weapons.
Because most weapons have some weight to them, their use will
help develop muscle tone and strength. Performing forms or
katas with weapons will also develop coordination. In today’s
world, martial arts weapons may not be as practical as the days
of the past when it was acceptable to carry weapons wherever one
traveled. However, with some understanding of weapons
techniques, a martial artist today can turn almost any
household item such as an umbrella, cane or even a set of keys
into weapons of self defense if required. Another important
point that shouldn’t be ignored is that most practitioners will
claim that training with martial arts weapons is a lot of fun.
However, not all martial arts clubs and studios will teach
weapons. Many tae kwon do schools for example do not include
weapons in their overall training. This is not to say that
Korean martial arts do not have weapons. The Korean martial art
kuk sool won features the staff, sword and cane. So if a martial
arts student wishes to learn the use of weapons, a school that
includes them in their training should be sought after. Another
alternative for students who are otherwise happy with their
martial arts club that doesn’t have weapons training is to get
supplementary private instruction from instructors who can
provide it.
Weapons training can open up a whole new dimension to overall
martial arts training. Even advanced tai chi practitioners use
swords in some of their forms. It doesn’t matter if sometimes
the swords are made entirely of wood either since the actual
weapons techniques will still be used in the forms. For many
martial arts competitors, weapons forms are their favorite
divisions to compete in. From a spectator point of view,
weapons forms can be very exciting to watch especially when
weapons such as whip chains or kamas with strings are used
since their presentations are so dynamic and even somewhat
dangerous to the user. Such weapons have caused injuries to
users when certain techniques were sloppy or mistimed. But like
other aspects of martial arts, proficiency with a martial art
weapon after much hard training can bring a high sense of
satisfaction to a martial artist.
About the Author: Clint Leung is a lifelong martial artist with
over 32 years of training experience in kung fu, tae kwon do,
karate, kickboxing and martial arts weaponry. He has won
Canadian and world championship titles (NASKA, NBL and WSKF).
He is also owner of Free Spirit Activewear
(http://www.FreeSpiritActivewear.com) , an online retailer and
designer of premium martial arts activewear. Free Spirit
Activewear has martial arts info articles.
Source: http://www.isnare.com
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