A lot of people nowadays are getting into the martial arts and choosing a school without even knowing which style of martial arts the school teaches. Some schools are not totally clear on what their style is as many are practicing and teaching a hybrid mix of multiple arts. Is this a problem? Should you know which style you practice? Are clearly lineated styles even important? The easy answer to all of these questions is yes and no. Unfortunately there are hidden costs involved in choosing the wrong style of martial arts.

Here’s why:

· Choosing a style based on popularity rather than something that fits your personal strengths

Just because a style is the most popular thing going doesn’t mean that it is right for you. Taekwondo has held the interest of many a young person due to its dynamic and spectacular kicks. If you are athletic and flexible then this might be the art for you but if you have bad knees and worse hamstrings, then think twice.

Not too long ago, Tae Bo was the big thing. At first glance some people thought this was a martial art, especially as the founder Billy Blanks was a former karate champion. However, some of them were disappointed to find out that Tae Bo was a new style aerobic workout using martial arts techniques that has little to no self-defense value.

More recently Mixed Martial Arts has become hugely popular and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is attracting record numbers on its Pay-Per-View events. Consequently, many young people are hoping to ride the next wave of popular martial arts. However if you want to keep your good looks, straight nose and nicely-shaped ears you might want to reconsider.

The bottom line is that you should try to find a martial art that matches your strengths and not your weaknesses.

· Picking a martial art that has conflicting values with your core beliefs

The majority of martial arts have a certain amount of traditional “baggage” that comes with them. This “baggage” can sometimes include some rather esoteric practices and mystical thinking that you may or may not be comfortable with. Most people are able to accept these practices at face value and in many cases the various martial arts schools water down some of the stranger customs and forms of etiquette in the interest of blending in with our popular culture.

Some people however feel that their own personal religious preferences and ideals are being compromised and therefore can feel more than a little uncomfortable. If this description fits you then you might want to check out your chosen style’s practices and customs before you make your final decision. This factor is usually not an issue but it doesn’t hurt to check out this aspect of your martial art before making a commitment.

· Enrolling in a martial arts school based on price rather than quality

This factor can work for you and against you. There is no regulation in the martial arts industry that defines what standards a good school should uphold. Also there are a wide range of martial artists who are full-time commercial school owners and some who are part-time hobbyists.

Most people’s perception is that the more expensive the school the better the martial art. Sometimes this is true but sometimes the local community center has a great martial artist offering a great service. Expensive schools usually offer excellent training facilities and great customer service together with well-structured programs.

Cheaper schools or classes generally offer lesser facilities and sometimes inferior instruction, but very often there are some hidden gems to be discovered. Don’t overlook these people just because of price. Conversely don’t overlook the big schools because they are “too expensive”. Make your decision based on quality and not price.

· Opening the Yellow Pages and choosing a karate school just because the ad looked good

Looks can be deceiving and just because an ad in the Yellow Pages looks good doesn’t mean that the karate school is the right one for you. It just means that they are better at marketing and design than some of the other schools listed in the same pages. Check into a few of the schools by calling them and visiting them and then make your decision. It might end up that you still go to the school with the cool ad and that’s fine, but at least you looked around a little first.

So what is the moral of the story? Do your research first, before you begin your martial arts practice! A little extra time spent up front will more than likely pay dividends later. The martial arts often turns into a lifetime endeavor. You probably won’t be too happy if you spend some significant time practicing a certain style of martial arts only to find out that there is nowhere else to go unless you change your style.

I speak from personal experience here so please listen to what I’m saying. I spent the first ten years of my martial arts practice studying a style of karate that had been invented by my instructor. I was lucky because this particular instructor was actually very good at the martial arts and had developed his style based on what he felt was the best from some of the mainstream karate styles.

Consequently, when he decided to end his study of the martial arts due to family commitments, the transition into my current style of Shotokan Karate was not too difficult due to the similarities with my first style of karate. Fortunately I have few regrets based on the life lessons I received from my first instructor. Some of you may be less fortunate and will have to change altogether.

For a comprehensive guide on how to choose the right style and the right school for you just download my FREE Report, “Karate for Newcomers: How to Find Out Everything You Need to Know to Start Your Karate Practice”. You will find it at http://www.freekarateinformation.com.

Good luck and best wishes on your journey in karate.

About the Author

Paul A. Walker, is a 4th degree black belt karate instructor with over 25 years of experience in the martial arts. In June 2003 he attained his 4th degree black belt, after studying with the legendary Karate Master, Hirokazu Kanazawa at his Headquarters Dojo in Tokyo for three years. Additional free information on karate for people who are investigating, just beginning, are advanced practitioners, or who are instructors, is available at Paul’s website at
http://www.freekarateinformation.com

Many Kung Fu students have knee problems later in life. This is not because the Kung Fu is poorly designed, or that Kung Fu should not be trained. This is because many Kung Fu students jump around too much, put too much stress on their knees, and do not use flowing footwork. Using flowing footwork allows a Kung Fu student to move around quickly, but minimize the stress put on their knees.

Training in martial arts and self-defense is important because it allows someone to defend themselves against an attacker. Martial arts are a matter of self-preservation and self-protection. But to be able to defend yourself in a stressful real life self-defense situation you have to train for many hours. Simply knowing the moves will not help in a real self-defense situation because you will be very stressed out and very excited. It is very easy to forget the things you learned in such situations. This is why martial arts students train for so many hours and repeat each move and motion so many times. The goal is for the movements to be committed to muscle memory so that the student can do the moves without having to think about them.

The downside of all of this training is that it can take a toll on a body. This is especially true if the moves are practiced wrong or performed without proper preparation. Kung Fu puts a lot of emphasis on stretching for a reason. While stretching may not be as fun or interesting as lifting weights or practicing strikes it is an important part of training. Many Kung Fu students do not stretch enough and this takes a toll on their body when they train movements over and over for hours.

Kung Fu also places a lot of importance on footwork. Fast footwork is very important to performing moves and defending against attacks. But Kung Fu is not about jumping around or trying to show off. Kung Fu requires flowing footwork that allows for speed and change of direction to be accomplished without putting too much stress on the knees. Your body should give to each step and react like a spring, not a stuff board. This does not just help protect your knees during hours of training, but actually helps you move faster and change direction sooner.

It is possible to learn Kung Fu by yourself, but getting a teacher can be a great way to make sure you are doing the movements correctly and that you will not end up hurting your joints in the long run. Sometimes it takes another set of trained eyes to watch what you are doing and tell if you are doing the correct movements or not. It is a shame when a martial arts student, who is seeking to defend their body and health, ends up hurting their body by training in self-defense incorrectly.

About the Author

Want to find out about eye bag removal and eye jumping? Get tips from the Eye Check Up website.

BJJ in My Eyes November 2009 – Achieving a BJJ Black Belt, and the Responsibilities You Must Accept with it!! Part 3

The last two months have given me an opportunity to not just reflect and write about Black belt responsibilities, but the whole responsibility that testsyour humility, your mental restructuring, your daily attitude, your mentality as an athlete and martial artist, your grace with other students, emotional maturity, and overall the whole responsibility while pursuing the trail of the goal to BJJ Black belt.

Responsibility 

This does not come with a Black belt.  This is a self charged responsibility.  This originates at white belt, and evolves at the blue and purple belt levels.  The brown belt is the maturation process of research, and to understand and accept your leadership roles that are growing.  Or should be growing.

I have got to catch up a lot with some of my coaches Masters John, Rigan and Carlos Machado lately, and have also absorbed their perspective and philosophy on many views of BJJ. 

The weekend of December 12, 2009 I had my quarterly in house seminar scheduled.  My quarterly seminars have attendees from my academy and association academies across Texas.  My coach and mentor Master Carlos Machado had taught three months ago at my academy.  He and I had talked to discuss plans for 2010, and he planned to visit me in December, so I thought it would be a great treat to host him again.  I was given a great surprise when one of my other coaches Master Rigan Machado happened to be visiting Carlos and a last minute surprise I found that he wanted to come visit me as well in Austin along with Carlos.

I note that Master Carlos Machado on facebook when he commented on this past weekend’s seminar, he discusses an issue vital to me—community and principles:

Carlos Machado: ” Dear Vandry BJJ Friends, Students, and most importantly, disciples of a true community in the martial arts Machado Lineage. I want to thank each and everyone of you for your continuous support to your instructor, to my family, and to the principles of what we strive for. Dedication, loyalty, and respect. This is a long term relationship that will last for generations to come.  And I am proud to say you are part of it!”

Carlos Machado

www.machadojiujitsu.com

Master Rigan Machado followed up with a very nice post as well:

Rigan Machado: “Brother Vandry! Thank you for the opportunity to meet so many nice people among the students who are part of your academy! Carlos has made you a great martial artist, but your talent has brought you to a level that few people might experience. You inspire others as you pass the teachings we learned so closely from our relatives. It is a history that continues to this day, not only of building, but preserving a legacy that will reach far into the future. We are all making it happen right now! Now, go train some more!! Do some of the X guard drills you learned when you visited me in California, some years back! Make sure you thank the BJJ doctor Jeff, Richard and Marshall. They took good care of me, but I will still make them do the push ups if they mess up on the drills! Take care, my brother!!”

Rigan Machadour relatives. It is a history that continues to this day, not only of building, but preserving a legacy that will reach far into the future. We are all making it happen right now! Now, go train some more!! Do some of the X guard drills you learned when you visited me in California, some years back! Make sure you thank the BJJ doctor Jeff, Richard and Marshall. They took good care of me, but I will still make them do the push ups if they mess up on the drills! Take care, my brother!!
Rigan Machado

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=851669&op=1&o=all&view=all&subj=139542035526&aid=-1&oid=139542035526&id=1412131529#/william.vandry?ref=profile

We have discussed many personality types and mentalities and along those lines the goals of certain practitioners, and more importantly, goals that I myself believe in.

I think this is one of those rare articles that I am making a topic that we never really hear about.  I think I am going to delve a little into the discussion of the dark side, or the unfortunate types that seek to achieve belt ranking, business, fame, and finances in BJJ.

I was talking to Professor John Machado on the phone recently.  He told me about energy.  He began to illustrate philosophically about the way energy is used and how it comes and goes.  At times, we have a selfish motivation or we do something based on the wrong energy principles, and then we ususally are taken out of our good energy paths.  This sounds a little mystical, but it actually makes total sense.  For instance, if a burglar breaks into a bank and gets caught, usually they don’t actually admit the crime. 

Hmmm.

Regarding the responsibilities of a BJJ Black belt, we develop growth, experience, maturity and so on.  Most of the time in other traditional martial arts, a black belt is not an end to all.  At times a black belt for instance in TKD or Karate are senior students that keep developing.  In BJJ, at times over the last 10-15 years, there has always been an unfair portrayal when a student achieves blue or purple belt level.  When I received my blue belt, I was one of ten total in Texas.  I have been affiliated with Professor Carlos Machado and maintain a personal, business and family relationship with he and his brothers since 1996, and I have been his first and longest running affiliate.  I remember when he asked me to be an affiliate, I really thought I was not qualified, and he prompted me to teach a class to help spread the Machado style BJJ in Texas.  I remember I would go with Carlos to assist him in seminars at different places, and he took me with him to Las Vegas in 1996 to a Chuck Norris UFAF (United Fighting Arts Federation) convention.  I learned so much from assisting him, and how he would teach, mentor and develop new ideas.  I was still very, very inexperienced, and when I became a purple belt, I was Carlos’ first in Texas.  I noticed that my purple belt awed anyone who trained in my classes.  Even Blue belts awe some people training. When I moved to Austin, Texas in 1999, it was the same reaction.  To me, this showed that at times belts are misunderstood for what people project them to be.  A purple belt has good foundation and intermediate-advanced skills, but a purple belt is still a student.  I have Brown belts for example that can wrestle very tough, but detail, teaching, and developing skills to mentor other students still need polishing.  I personally never felt that people should regard anyone with an idol worship mentality.  I believe when we achieve our Black belts in BJJ, we have a choice of our pathway and destiny.  And responsibility.  It always starts at the white belt.

When we achieve a BJJ Black belt, we not only should have attained knowledge of teaching techniques, good sparring ability and development of ideas, but we should also understand that our conduct is an everyday microscope.  If you are a Black belt, and you injure a student intentionally, let’s say you heel hook a new white belt or neck crank him, then in my opinion you have shown nothing but anger and an internal strife you will never overcome.  Most of these bullying mentalities are immature, and are not impressive, and most of the time these types never grow out of it.  This is different from just wild students.  New students have a type of wildness that they cant help.  They have to be mentored to develop flow, patience, and general control.

I have been given a gift from God to problem solve.  In BJJ, I remember training with Master Rigan Machado in 2001 in California to prepare for the Pan Am world championship.  He told me:  “Sometimes, the best way to learn to become a better Jiu-jitsu practitioner is to get your @$$ kicked.”  We all laughed, but it was a serious and very philosophical statement.  It has to do with the humility complex.  If we never learn humility, if we do not learn our flaws, our naïve morality and holes to our game, then we have yet to learn an unexplored area of our BJJ career.

I remember Rigan did a drill with me one time to test my defense in California.  It was a drill where he took three of his top guys and started round one with them pinning me on the side mount, round two they started with them mounting me and three mounting my back.  It was a great learning curve for me, the intent was for me to escape and come back to fight back when behind in points.  To this day sometimes when sparring in my class I take some of my top students and let them start in mount or side mount or back.  From there I practice escapes, angles, defense, but more importantly it helps you to work frustrating angles that you need to mentally confront.  At times some of my students think I have a bored contempt look when I am playing defense.  Some think I am ‘playing around’.  I am not.  I have explained many times to my students that I am totally aware of a threatening position, how to problem solve what type of submissions I am vulnerable to and how to prevent, avoid or disable.  This problem solving technique conquered some mental barriers when I was a white and blue belt on bad positions.

I caught on facebook in October a post my mentor Master Carlos Machado wrote on me:

Carlos Machado: “I enjoy seeing my student such as Mr. Vandry really grasp the concepts of being a better human being, instructor and mentor. Not many people have that luxury!”

He followed up with a very important post on following my coach’s footsteps:

Carlos Machado:

“Yes. Mr. Vandry has followed in my footsteps and to this day has never faltered in his faith in the Machado’s philosophy! He has proven to be one of my most loyal and true friends. Viva Vandry BJJ!!!!!”

When I read Master Machado’s statement, it is true, the luxury is mine.  Training, learning and developing almost 15 years of my relationship with Carlos, Roger, Rigan, Jean-Jacques and John Machado, what taught me and keeps educating me in this area is the constant knowledge of teaching and relations with students.

I note that I have never heard or read Master Rickson Gracie really trash talk.  I have followed his response when people questioned his fighting record or ability.  I used to listen to his philosophy from the documentary “Choke”.  I would absorb each and every word he said, and apply them to my personal philosophy.  A few quotes from Rickson give great insight to a martial arts philosophy:

“True strength is not always shown through victory. Stand up, try again and display strength of heart.”

–Rickson Gracie

“Forgiveness is its own reward.”

–Rickson Gracie

“My code of life and my personal bushido is honour, respect, loyalty, courage and surrender.”

–Rickson Gracie

“Look around and find something for which to be grateful.”

–Rickson Gracie

“Can I overcome pressure? Yes. This is always my first thought.”

–Rickson Gracie

This legend was not simply a fighter.  Rickson Gracie was and is a philosopher, warrior, martial artist and a man of honor.  He tested himself many times, and that issue is important, and opened up the doors for many of us in BJJ.

In my opinion, the more we have had people introduced into the martial arts, we get different types, and we have different types of goals as mentioned above.  I am a martial artist, and I have been into the martial arts since 6th grade.  I was always a fan of Bruce Lee movies, and if I found any martial arts magazine, I would read it, reread it over and over.  In the MMA and BJJ industry, it seems that we have a lot to improve upon.  At my academy, and my affiliates in Texas, the rule is to respect for each other.  I once heard actor and politician Jesse ‘The Body’ Ventura in an interview when he talked about his Pro wrestling days.  I remember him saying that in pro wrestling, the safety of his opponent was more of a concern than his own.

Ventura also commented on UFC fighter Brock Lesnar and his antics:

http://mma.fanhouse.com/2009/07/16/ufc-100-video-brock-lesnars-antics-make-jesse-ventura-ashamed/

In all the talk about whether Brock Lesnars pro wrestling-style antics at UFC 100 reflected badly on mixed martial arts, no one thought about whether Lesnar’s antics reflected badly on pro wrestling — at least until former Minnesota Governor and WWF star Jesse “The Body” Ventura appeared on Larry King Live.

“I think it’s terrific because I’ve been to them and I think it’s very professionally done, barring what Brock Lesnar did,” Ventura said of the UFC. “I was ashamed of his behavior at the end of the fight. These guys are honorable, they’re respectful, these guys volunteer to do it, the referees are very good.”

Martial arts student vs. disrespectful arrogance

I myself have always tried to maintain a respectful, safe and educational facility when training BJJ at my academy, and in my teaching career of 14 years.  The worst thing is to get a student who tries to head hunt or want to roll with higher belts or just ‘ask to roll’. 

To me, it is such a disrespectful attitude when people do that.  I have a rule that lower belts must respect higher belts and never approach them demanding to spar.  Higher belts always ask higher and lower belts to train.  To have such a poor attitude totally questions the meaning of training not just in BJJ, but everything in life.  If Rigan, John, Jean Jacques, Roger or Carlos Machado are teaching a clinic, it would be so disrespectful for anyone to ‘ask them to roll’ or spar.  These are men that have competed and won multiple world championships, competed in Judo, Sambo, wrestling and Abu Dhabi world grappling championships.  They have nothing to prove to anyone.   I think in our fundamental classes, training should be very controlled so the intro student develops comfort, not stress or feel he is in a gunfight each class.  In our advanced classes, our upper level belted students train with different partners all the time, work bad positions, new ideas and problem solve while developing their skills. 

Granted, there are some schools come and go, and not everyone is a great teacher or even a good organizer for teaching, but if someone has attained a brown or black belt, that is the first question.  The second question is to research and confirm what they say with whoever they are associated under or have achieved rank with.  My associations in Texas all have my endorsement, and all of them maintain training under me to develop new strategies.  I have had some people claim to be associated under me in areas of Texas and I would correct that in one day.  To develop association or student-instructor relations, you have to cultivate that, you have to develop that and appreciate that.  If anyone conflicts with any of my affiliate schools, I definitely will make it clear who is on what side of the line.

I have been in this industry for 14 years.  I was the first Machado affiliate in Texas, and have been through all the Wild West days, and have seen too much drama that does not pertain to our philosophy.  There are so many great things about this industry too, and I hope to champion the cause of education to the public eye in the sense that we are not bullies, or arrogant people that simply challenge others.  We should be martial artists first.  We should practice the philosophy from the Great Carlos Gracie (Machado brothers uncle and husband to their Aunt Lair). 

Carlos Gracie did challenge matches.  He and his brothers fought in them, but his intent was to prove their style of Jiu-jitsu.  I remember when I was a white belt, I listened to my instructor Master Carlos Machado speak about Carlos Gracie.  He told me when he and his brothers came to the USA, Carlos Gracie told him to be humble, don’t get into the fighting, arguing or challenging mentality.  He told me Carlos Gracie told him they (Carlos Gracie and his brothers) had to do that then to prove the style of BJJ, but they (The Machados) need to teach philosophy and humility.

I never forgot that.  I always kept that to myself.  Anyone can train and learn from the martial arts, but martial arts cannot teach everyone.  What I mean by that is even with the information, philosophy and education; it means nothing to some people. 

The Black eye of students

In my fourteen years of teaching, I have learned from mistakes, I have had students come and go, but the great ones have been there or still are training under me, or in contact if they live in another state or city.  At times temper and attitude can only be tolerated so far, and we as instructors have a duty and responsibility to deflect these personality problems in our academies.  I have expelled five total students in my fourteen years.  Usually if there are problems with a student, a private discussion is needed, mentoring, guidance communication and so on ensues.  At times, unfortunately none of this works.  And unfortunately, students like that are detrimental to your academy. 

Since I started in October 1995, I have seen Texas and the USA grow in BJJ and many come and go in this industry.  I have seen very well intended people train for a very long time.  I have also seen anything from those seeking a worship club to those 40-year-old adolescents trying to start a new career.

I have seen posts on forums where people are looking to hire instructors to teach at a location they lease.  If you are a certified trainer or promoter, that may be justified.  When people simply attempt to seize an opportunity, they are normally an organization with the wrong intent.

I have seen posts of people asking advice on how to start a BJJ or MMA school, or even wanting to be an MMA promoter.

Ouch.

When I started teaching, its ironic.  I never thought of this as a way for me to ‘make a living’, ‘make a career’ or anything to do with finances.  Of course I teach full time and this is my living I make now, but when I first was approached by my instructor Carlos Machado to open an association, I didn’t think I was qualified.  I didn’t feel I should even teach.  I thought you should have only been a Black belt.  And I will always remember like it was yesterday what Carlos Machado told me.

He stated: “We need to spread Jiu-jitsu in Texas.  We need to show people our philosophy and humble approach to teach the public more of our philosophy.”

Funny, to this day I never thought of how much money I wanted to make, or what fame and fortune I would achieve by using the art, not by expanding its philosophy.  I never started mentally counting how much I would make off how many students, and such.

This is first and foremost the wrong idea of this and all business industries.  Anyone can desire to be a BMW dealer, but you better know how he or she works first.

Work Ethic in the martial arts

One thing I learned at an early age in life is work ethic.  Some people will never understand what that means. I bagged groceries when I was 13, did lawns as a teenager, and when I graduated from high school, I did mop and tar roofing and bounced in a nightclub at night while juggling my first year of college.

The second year I walked on to another college in Kansas for a partial football scholarship to pay for my school.  Those were good goals of desire in those days, but I had and still have desire, I had and still have motivation.  I note that the motivation was not ‘money’; it was accomplishing a better life, and a profession, and making a difference hopefully for the better for others.

I went from working real estate in the daytime and working in nightclubs at night to eventually investing in Real estate and owning a nightclub and a BJJ academy.  I also learned that when you achieve success, you should give back a little to your community to help others.

I understand the concept of hard work.  I understand the concept of goal setting.  And along the way there are trips and stumbling.  I had a terrible head trauma years ago that set me back and threatened my life.  I know what its like to start over.  I know what its like to appreciate value in life.  Even small things.

I have had many students of mine tell me they were solicited or offered discounts, free training, etc., to go somewhere else but chose not to.  I don’t really care to practice that type of solicitation at all.  I usually receive about every month or two students from other martial arts schools in my area.  I noticed that when people ask to join my class, I usually tell them to talk to their instructor first, and if they want to train with me then make it clear to them.  I personally see nothing flattering about students that break off other schools to come to mine.  Those usually keep doing that no matter where they go.  I never believed in the flying two flags philosophy.  Many of these types of students simply wanted to train at two places to get different mat time with different people.  No thanks.  I have some of the absolute best students I could ever have asked for, and more importantly, they are loyal, well studied and help each other to grow in all directions.  This is what I teach.  This is what I have learned in my 14 years.

I earn my own bones in life, and I have told my affiliate schools (Buda, Luling, Seguin, Brownsville, Harlingen and Weslaco) the same thing, and they all practice this philosophy.  They are wonderful Diplomats to our art and more importantly the philosophies bestowed upon me via my instructors that were given to them.

I have sat with all of my association representatives many times over the years and talked, had dinner or lunch, discussed business, personal lives, laughed together and just the whole issue of knowing your people.  They have trained, competed, taken private lessons from me, followed my philosophy, and more so, I WANT them to succeed.  If I am able to help them with business, promo, contracts, classes, teaching tips, etc., I do so on a moment’s notice.  I want them to grow to spread the lineage, and our message of what BJJ means.  I would not trade one million or ten million dollars for the relationship I have with my associations.

Master Rigan Machado talked a lot about different issues involving philosophy, teaching, student-instructor relations and their importance, and other things.  Rigan told me a very good point on teaching and the issues of students, in the BJJ business. Rigan stated that students come, students go, money comes, money goes, but your true friends and family you always have to keep them close, always.

To my surprise, Rigan actually came with Carlos to Austin at my quarterly seminar to teach with Carlos on December 12.  after a busy, taxing weekend, Sunday afternoon I talked to Rigan and Carlos in my living room.  I asked Rigan a question: 

“Rigan, what made you come to Texas in December?”

Rigan answered by stating:  “I wanted to see you and Carlos.  I wanted to spend time, and meet your students.”

Wow.  Just like that.  What a guy.  Simple answer.  That’s Rigan Machado.

My thanks to you Rigan, and to Carlos Machado for a fantastic weekend!!  2009 is a great year, and our attendance, loyal students, recent Black belts, and visits from Carlos and Rigan Machado capped a great learning, growing and developing of a great community!!!!

Awesome year!!  Merry Christmas and New years to all!  I look forward to 2010!

Professor William Vandry

www.austinbjj.com

About the Author

Obesity, or being over weight, is a condition in which having too much fat in the body may pave the way for other diseases. Obese people have a high risk getting various diseases like heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. Obesity is nowadays a serious public health problem. The United States has the highest rate of obesity in the world. According to the latest statistics, 32.2% of people who were above the age of 20 years were over weight. The number of obese people is increasing at a steady rate and showing no signs of stability. There are many causes of obesity like lack of activity, lower relative cost of food, increased food production and changes in lifestyle.

Doctors say that losing body weight will help two out of every three people in the United States. Losing body weight can put many diseases away. Obese people always have greater risks of getting a heart attack. Being over weight increases the amount of cholesterol in the blood. This cholesterol gets deposited in the blood vessels and narrows them, so that blood does not flow to the heart properly. Due to lack of blood, the heart is deprived of oxygen and eventually fails to function. This causes heart attack. Taking the negative effects that being over weight can cause, it is very advised to take measures to decrease body weight.

Exercising for about 20 minutes a day helps to burn out the excess fat in the body. Exercise can involves light jogging, running or aerobics. During exercise, the cells of the body utilize the fat for producing energy and so the fat gets depleted resulting in body weight loss. Controlling the diet is also very much important. Junk food should be avoided at all costs as these contain a large amount of fats. Changing lifestyle is the best solution to obesity.

Martial arts have been known to be very effective in reducing body weight. Martial arts involve a variety of techniques to overpower an opponent and learning these techniques involves a lot of physical exercise to the body. Joining a local martial arts club may be very effective. It is very a necessity to be physically fit to learn martial arts. Physical fitness will be acquired during training. Regular training in martial arts like judo, karate and jujitsu will improve agility and make one perfect. They are also known to improve confidence and will power. Confidence and will power are very much necessary during the weight loss program. So martial can be an effective means of losing body weight.

About the Author

For more information go to www.ocjj.com

Hwa Rang Do is a Korean Martial Art. Korean combat skills originated over 5, 000 years ago with the formation of the Kochosun Kingdom. Later over 2,000 years ago (57 BC) the Kingdom of Silla formed and they created their own warrior system. In the fourteenth century Silla was conquered by a new Korean Kingdom and the practitioners took refuge in remote mountain temples. Hwa Rang Do- or Um-Yang Kwon (secret combat skills) was preserved from generation to generation (58) of chosen Buddhist monks. It is known as “The Way of the Flowering Knight”.

In 1940 two brothers, Joo Bang Lee and Joo Sang Lee became the only students of the Buddhist monk Suahn Dosa while in the Ham Nam province of North Korea. In 1948, during the communist takeover, they escaped to Ohdae Mountain in South Korea. In 1960 the Lee brothers, with permission from Sauhm Dosa and the Korean government, opened their first school, teaching these skills in public for the first time in 600 years. They created the syllabus from scratch based on their memory.

Joo Sang Lee took the art to the United States. Before Suahm Dosa died in 1968 he passed on the 58th generation grandmaster title to Joo Bang Lee, the younger brother because he was still in Korea.

Dr. Joo Bang Lee registered the Hwa Rang Do name with the government of Korea and founded the Korean Hwa Rang Do Association. He then moved to the U.S. and opened the World Hwa Rang Do Association and the Hwa Rang Do Headquarters in Downey, CA.

In 1990 Dr. Joo Bang Lee created Tae Soo Do because Hwa Rang Do is very complicated and difficult for most present day students. Tae Soo Do was created as an undergraduate program. It takes an average two to three years to earn a black belt in Tae Soo Do. The Tae Soo Do black belt can graduate into an advanced program of Hwa Rang Do where to takes an average of three more years to achieve the black sash.

About the Author

Su Ericksen is a first degree TaeKwonDo black belt and has taught self defense workshops. She lives in the Midwest with her family and works at a large medical center in the cardiology clinic.
To read more on Hwa Rang Do visit: Hwa Rang Do
Please visit her website:Self Defense-4-Women.com
You may contact her through her website.

Martial arts generally mean the art of defending yourself physically from the opponents who are trying to hurt you in some way.

There are certain techniques which are quite tough to learn and need continuous practice to master them. Though this is basically meant for self-defense but there are certain links that it shares with the religious beliefs and rituals of Hinduism, Confucianism or Buddhism.

This is assumed that the origination of the martial arts occurred in Asia but the practices gained popularity in the European countries and they were further modified into some special actions and postures. Martial art is also practiced in various parts of Africa and America with slight difference in the techniques.

Forms of Martial Arts

There are quite a number of forms which are included in the category of martial arts. The main movements are categorized into three sections which are wrestling, weaponry and striking. The section grappling or wrestling can again be divided into few sub-forms like throwing, pinning methods and joint locking. Classical wrestling and Judo are the two forms of pinning methods. Joint locking can be categorized into Aikido, Hapkido, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

The throwing is all about Judo, Jujutsu, Shuai jiao, Glima and Sambo. The next section is grappling or wrestling. The striking method can be divided into three parts like Kicking, punching and other hits. Punching includes Wing Chung and boxing. Kicking has three forms which are Capoeira, Taekwondo and Savate. There are other strikes are Muay Thai, Shaolin KungFu and Karate.

The last form of the martial art is weaponry which is sub-divided into two forms like modern and traditional weaponry. Modern weaponry includes Eskrima, Jukendo, Jogo do Pau, and traditional weaponry is all about Gatka, Fencing, Silambam and Kendo. The other forms of martial arts are bone-setting, acupressure and acupuncture.

Training for Martial Arts

Shaping and strengthening the muscle training is an important part of martial arts training. There are various equipments available in the stores which will allow you to tone the muscles easily. Stretching and thigh kicking are two vital techniques that you need to perform regularly in order to master this act. The split leg equipment will be really helpful in this.

They will also tone the arm muscles and burn the fat in the abdominal area. Punching bags also play a crucial role in the training of martial arts. These are all heavy bags which are generally hung from the ceilings. The bags can be filled with either sand or water and the practice should be regular to increase the stamina. Kicking bags and shoes are also important accessories. These are the basic facts about martial arts which the learners should know to improve themselves.

About the Author

April Kerr owns website Martial Arts Supply Shop which has details of where to buy karate gloves and cheap sparring gear.

Judo is a modern Japanese martial art and Olympic sport. The Japanese word Judo is translated as “gentle way.” Its most memorable feature is its competitive component. The object is to throw one’s opponent to the ground, immobilize, or subdue one’s opponent with a grappling maneuver. Or one can also force a contestant to submit by joint locking the elbow or by choking.

Strikes and thrusts as well as weapons defenses are part of judo, but only in pre-arranged forms which are called Katas. Katas not permitted in judo competition or free practice. This martial art originated in Japan in the late nineteenth century. Eventually, the philosophy and successive pedagogy developed for judo became the model for just about all modern Eastern martial arts that developed from “traditional” colleges.

The spread of Judo throughout the world has led on to the development of a number of offshoots like Sambo and Brazilian Ju-Jitsu. The history of judo is inseparable from that of its founder, the Japanese teacher Jigoro Kano. Kano was born into a wealthy Japanese family.

Small and weak as a boy, he was sometimes picked on by bullies. He initially began studying the art of Ju-Jitsu at the age of seventeen, but only met with minimal success. This was in part due to difficulties in finding a teacher who would take him on as a student. When he went to school to analyze literature at the age of 18, he continued his self-defense skills studies, ultimately gaining a referral to Fukuda Hachinosuke, a master of the Tenjin Shin’yō-ryū.

Fukuda Hachinosuke is alleged to have stressed strategy over formal exercise, sowing the seeds of Kano’s stress of free practice in Judo training. Whilst Judo includes a number of rolls, falls, throws, hold downs, chokes, joint-locks, and strikes, the first focus is on throwing and groundwork.

Throws are divided in 2 types, standing strategies and sacrifice methodologies. Standing tactics are further divided into hand strategies, hip methods, and foot and leg systems. Sacrifice techniques are split into those in which the thrower falls immediately backwards, and those in which he falls onto his side.

The ground fighting systems are split into attacks against the joints or joint locks, strangleholds or chokeholds and holding or pinning methodologies. A sort of sparring is practiced in judo, known as randori meaning “free practice”. In randori, 2 adversaries may attack one another with any judo throw or grappling system. Striking methods like kicking and smacking, with knife and sword systems are kept in the kata training.

This form of instruction is generally reserved for higher ranking practitioners, but are banned in contest, and often prohibited in randori for reasons of safety. Also for reasons of safety, chokeholds, joint locking, and the sacrifice systems are subject to age or rank limitations.

In the US many facilities require that one must be thirteen or older to use choke holds, and sixteen or older to use arm locks. Judo remains a popular martial art with heavy influence on various other forms. Judo is a modern Japanese martial art and sport. The Japanese word Judo can be translated as “gentle way.” Its most memorable feature is its competitive component. The object is to throw one’s opponent to the ground, immobilize, or subdue one’s opponent with a grappling maneuver. Or one can force an opponent to submit by imposing a joint lock on the elbow or by executing a choke.

Strikes and thrusts as well as weapons defenses are part of judo, but only in pre-arranged forms which are called Katas. Katas not permitted in judo competition or free practice. This martial art originated in Japan in the late nineteenth century. Eventually, the philosophy and successive pedagogy developed for judo became the model for just about all modern Eastern martial arts that developed from “traditional” colleges.

The spread of Judo throughout the world has led on to the development of a number of offshoots like Sambo and Brazilian Ju-Jitsu. The history of judo is inseparable from that of its founder, the Japanese teacher Jigoro Kano. Kano was born into a prosperous Japanese family.

Small and weak as a boy, he was sometimes picked on by bullies. He initially began studying the art of Ju-Jitsu at the age of seventeen, but only met with minimal success. This was in part due to difficulties in finding a teacher who would take him on as a student. When he went to school to analyze literature at the age of 18, he continued his self-defense skills studies, ultimately gaining a referral to Fukuda Hachinosuke, a master of the Tenjin Shin’y?-ry?.

Fukuda Hachinosuke is alleged to have stressed strategy over formal exercise, sowing the seeds of Kano’s stress of free practice in Judo training. Whilst Judo includes a number of rolls, falls, throws, hold downs, chokes, joint-locks, and strikes, the first focus is on throwing and groundwork.

Throws are divided in 2 types, standing strategies and sacrifice methodologies. Standing tactics are further divided into hand strategies, hip methods, and foot and leg systems. Sacrifice techniques are split into those in which the thrower falls immediately backwards, and those in which he falls onto his side.

The ground fighting systems are split into attacks against the joints or joint locks, strangleholds or chokeholds and holding or pinning methodologies. A sort of sparring is practiced in judo, known as randori meaning “free practice”. In randori, 2 adversaries may attack one another with any judo throw or grappling system. Striking methods like kicking and smacking, with knife and sword systems are kept in the kata training.

This form of instruction is generally reserved for higher ranking practitioners, but are banned in contest, and often prohibited in randori for reasons of safety. Also for reasons of safety, chokeholds, joint locking, and the sacrifice systems are subject to age or rank limitations.

In the US many facilities require that one must be thirteen or older to use choke holds, and sixteen or older to use arm locks. Judo remains a popular martial art with heavy influence on various other forms.

About the Author

Jacob Lumbroso is a black belt in Hapkido. Extreme Brazilian Ju-Jitsu offers Judo training DVDs, Judo uniforms, and equipment.

Children need an outlet through which they can participate in a physical sport like martial arts. Left to their own devices, they’ll simply grab the remote, turn on the television, and waste hours watching inane shows. The irony is that once they’re involved in karate, taekwondo, kung fu, Shotokan, or any other discipline, they usually enjoy themselves. The key is providing them with the opportunity.

In this article, I’ll describe the benefits of enrolling kids into martial arts classes and the role those classes play in developing a number of valuable traits. I’ll also provide a few tips on choosing a style and finding an appropriate school.

A Physical Outlet

The most obvious benefit is physical fitness. A lot of kids have a tendency to be lazy if they’re not driven or motivated to do something. Plus, children often eat a lot of junk food. If they don’t have an outlet to perform physically, they can gain weight and become lethargic. Martial arts provides the outlet. It keeps them active, immerses them in a competitive environment, and builds their coordination and fitness in the process.

There’s an ancillary benefit. Research has shown kids who are physically active are also mentally active and prone to think creatively. While karate, kung fu, and other styles provide children with a physical workout, it also encourages them to think more clearly.

Not Just For Fighting

Parents – and sometimes kids – often mistake the martial arts for fighting and combat techniques. While the arts are useful for self-defense, the main value they provide has little to do with fighting. Most instructors agree that martial arts are most useful for developing physical fitness, coordination, self-esteem, and mental discipline. Some of the more obscure styles such as muay thai and pekiti tirsia are designed for combat and are unsuitable for most children. But, most of the traditional styles (for example, Wado-Ryu) are based upon respect and emotional self-control.

Grace And Respect

Children learn to adopt, or neglect, the value of grace and respect at an early age. By the time they’re in grade school, you’ll start to notice the way they treat their peers and authority figures. This is a key benefit of martial arts. Many of the old-style techniques are based upon a deep respect for others. For example, if you observe a Shotokan sparring match, you’ll see both participants kneeling and bowing in front of each other. It’s a sign of grace and respect. After a few years of taekwondo or karate, children learn to express both in the way they treat other people.

Choosing A Style And School

First, don’t force a child to learn a specific style. Choose a few and let him decide for himself. If possible, visit 2 or 3 local schools to observe the environment and interview the owner. That way, you can get an idea regarding his teaching style. It’s a good idea to involve your child in these interviews because he’s likely to take things at face value. If he’s uncomfortable with the instructor, find another.

Just For Kids

Martial arts classes for adults are much different than those designed for children. Both types of classes focus on developing physical and mental fitness, but kids also need an emphasis on building discipline, control, and self-confidence. In the end, it’s not about achieving a black belt in a certain style or winning competitions (at least, in the beginning). It’s about providing a physical outlet through which young people can learn a number of valuable traits that will last a lifetime.

About the Author

The Dojo of Karate combines the ancient art of Wado-Ryu Karate with modern teaching methods in a convenient
Broomfield martial arts school
.

Martial arts are great for all ages but many people do not consider taking their children along to local classes. Mainly considered as an adult activity, kids often miss out on the opportunity to learn Martial Arts and learn the vital skills that they teach. So just what exactly can Martial Arts do for your kids then?

Martial Arts and the Skills it teaches

There are a variety of different martial arts and each one offers its own advantages. Overall though there are some advantages which all of the various Martial Arts practices give to children. These advantages include:

• Higher Self Confidence

As Martial Arts teach you to look after yourself and to protect yourself, it can give kids a higher self confidence. This is great especially for kids who are quite shy. It introduces them to others and it allows them to become stronger and to feel stronger mentally. So, if you do have a child who has low self esteem, one of the best things that you can do is enrol them in a Martial Arts class.

• Keeps Them Fit

All Martial Arts involve some kind of physical activity and that can help to keep kids fit. Many kids these days simply prefer to sit around and watch television; however with Martial Arts it gives them something to do. It is fun and they will actually like doing it so what more could you ask for?

• It Keeps Them Out of Trouble

As the activities give kids something to focus on, they learn to become more aware, more grown up and they will also keep themselves out of trouble. All Martial Arts tend to focus on the mind and body and the ethics behind them are really good for kids to learn. If your child has something to focus on they are less likely to get into trouble.

Overall there are many reasons why kids belong in Martial Arts classes. They meet new people, they have something to focus on to keep them out of trouble and they also learn how to protect themselves. It is all about giving power and a sense of belief to the kids and teaching them that you do not always have to react with violence when something attacks you, but you can use physical contact to restrain the opponent and protect yourself.

Kids certainly seem to love all forms of Martial Arts and there are more advantages than disadvantages of signing them up for a class. So, if you have never thought about enrolling your child into a class near you, you may want to reconsider.

About the Author

Bjjtapes.com is a producer of martial arts videos. Please go to www.bjjtapes.com.

The most common mistake that parents make when enrolling their kids into martial arts classes is choosing the wrong instructor. You can select an inappropriate style for your child (for example, karate versus aikido) and make a change later. But, the wrong trainer can stifle the excitement a young person feels for learning the martial arts. What’s worse, a bad teacher can unwittingly discourage their participation. It is not enough that a teacher has a black belt; proficiency in the various styles does not suggest competence in training children.

In this article, we’ll discuss four factors that every parent should consider before choosing a martial arts instructor for their kids. Each factor requires asking questions and observing classes. You’ll need to uncover the trainer’s philosophy as well as their style of training and the regimen they follow. You should also consider your child’s comfort level with the trainer and their approach to safety issues.

Philosophy

Every dojo has a guiding philosophy and they vary by facility. Some academies emphasize self-defense and may teach an aggressive response to hostile situations. Other schools stress personal growth, physical and mental discipline, and cultivating respect for others. The school that you choose for your children should encourage principles that are consistent with the values you want them to learn. While most teachers will conduct their classes under the dojo’s philosophy, you should ask in order to be certain.

Training Style

Every martial arts instructor will have their own style of training kids. Some styles may be inappropriate. For example, a trainer might be verbally abusive if a child makes mistakes or otherwise fails to perform. Some instructors will merely explain moves rather than demonstrating them. Still others will overcompensate for their students’ age and speak in a manner that is more appropriate for smaller children.

The problem is that a child’s appetite to learn the martial arts must be nurtured in the right way. If an instructor’s training style fails to do so, that child can often become discouraged. Eventually, they’ll lose interest.

Level Of Comfort

Allowing your son or daughter to meet the teacher before enrolling them into martial arts classes is critical. The dojo’s trainer might be proficient and use an encouraging training style, but your child can still feel uncomfortable in his company. Eventually, that lack of comfort will affect how much they get out of the classes. Visit the dojo with your son or daughter and encourage them to ask the instructor questions about the training. That exposure will help them gain familiarity with the teacher.

Safety

Of course, ensuring your child’s safety is the most important factor when choosing a martial arts instructor. You might be surprised by the differences between trainers. Some teach children to break wooden boards with their limbs. Keep in mind that young people’s bones are still growing; board-breaking might pose a problem. Other teachers routinely encourage their students to “shake it off” in the event they’re injured. While that might be appropriate in circumstances where a child simply wants attention, the teacher must be able to identify when a real emergency exists.

You’ll need to observe a few classes in order to truly understand a teacher’s approach to safety issues. Take note of how they treat children who claim to be injured. They should use a balanced approach that is neither too dismissive nor overly protective.

Long-Term Instruction

Philosophy, training style, level of comfort, and approach to safety… each factor is critical to ensuring that your child gets as much out of his or her martial arts classes as possible. These factors play an enormous role in kids’ physical and mental development during training. The teacher who provides the right balance often establishes a bond with students that becomes an integral component of their progress.

One of the challenges of finding a great instructor is knowing that they’ll teach at the dojo long-term. Smaller academies typically offer trainers who have been there for years; some are even owners. Larger schools may experience higher turnover. Keep that in mind while you’re visiting different studios with your child.

Kids martial arts classes often serve as the springboard for a lifelong pursuit. The instructor that you choose in the beginning can play an important part in encouraging that pursuit.

About the Author

The Dojo of Karate combines the ancient art of Wado-Ryu Karate with modern teaching methods in a convenient
Denver dojo
. More information can be found at http://www.thedojoofkarate.com