How to Do a Hook Sweep For Use in Karate Kumite , Friday, September 4, 2009 at 2:31 AM, in

The first time I got swept as a result of a hook sweep, I wondered "What the heck was that?"
It seemed that the rug had been pulled from under me and I had no option but to break my fall. Of course my opponent immediately took advantage and nailed me with a punch to the chest as I hit the deck. As I lay there I remember thinking "I've got to learn how to do that, fast!"
So what is a hook sweep exactly?
A hook sweep isn't a regular leg sweep where you make contact with the sole of your foot just behind your opponent's ankle. Nor is it a high sweep where you take your opponent's legs out around the knees. Instead, think of your leg as a fishing hook, where you tilt your foot up at the ankle and bend your toes back towards your shin to form the hook.
The idea is to hook your opponent's front leg at the ankle and pull up and away from them by lifting your knee high to your chest. It's a great karate kumite technique.
Picture your opponent with their LEFT leg forward and you with your RIGHT leg forward. Now slide forward to the outside of their front foot, pivot your body and slip your front foot behind their ankle so your instep/shin is making contact with the back of their calf/ankle. Now that the hook is in place, just lift your knee to your chest as you pull their leg away from them.




Ideally for this sweep to work best, your opponent should have most of their weight on their FRONT foot. It also works best against defensive fighters as setting up the technique usually involves YOU being the INITIATOR. It is possible however to use it against attackers immediately after your counter punch, which should take them by surprise!
The perfect time to do it as a SINGLE TECHNIQUE is when facing a weak opponent who simply doesn't move. Just move across the gap and scoop your opponent's front leg as described above and as they fall down be sure to finish with a well placed technique.
Against advanced fighters you'll have to use your hook sweep as part of an attacking combination where you distract with something else and then finish with the hook sweep.
Stuck for ideas? It's easy to come up with combinations...
Just SUBSTITUTE the hook sweep in place of a kick in your favorite combos. Before you know it you'll have 3 or 4 good ones to use in your next karate kumite session!
Because the hook sweep isn't a traditional sweep it's the reason it works so well. It's a great technique and once you learn how to do it, you'll score more points than you ever imagined. Ever since I got swept that first time I knew I had to master this technique for myself, and now it's one of my favorites and I'm sure will be one of yours too.

Jason Stanley is an international competitor and instructor holding the rank of yondan (4th dan). He has competed in karate kumite for more than 20 years. Sensei Stanley is also the author of Fighting Secrets Revealed and the KarateTips Newsletter that shares loads of useful training tips, ideas and concepts.
Read More : Bruce Lee Speed Training

Bruce Lee Speed Training , at 2:27 AM, in

Bruce Lee is known for his ability to punch and kick with a lot of speed. What did Lee do in his training to increase the speed of his punches and kicks? He felt it very important to have fast hands and to be able to punch without telegraphing your intentions.
Being able to punch or kick before your opponent can react gives you an edge in a fight and Bruce Lee sought to be the fastest, as in all his training he pursued it seriously.
There are some techniques Lee used and suggested to help improve speed.
One of the key things he believed was not the punch or kicks itself but your state of mind. He said it is important to stay relaxed, do not tense up or worry. Being relaxed would allow you to transfer your energy into your actions much faster. Being tensed or worried would block your ability to be fast.
Some of the techniques Lee used were simple but effective. To help increase speed you need to improve the fast twitch muscles. Improving your strength would be a start and doing specific drills will help you produce more speed.

As found in Bruce lee's writings, he suggested using paper to punch into. You could hang it at shoulder level a punch it like a target. You could punch through it or focus on just hitting the surface of it.
Lee suggested using a candle to practice your back hand. You could execute the back hand at the flame and try to extinguish it with your speed. Evidently he also played the slapping game where you hold your hand out and tried to pull it away before your opponent could slap it. This will help sharpen your reflexes and leave you with a sore hand.

Discover the methods used by Bruce Lee to develop his philosophy and his unique strength at Bruce Lee Training. Tim Archbold's lifelong interests are fitness training and health.
Read More : Martial-Arts Novels and Ninja Techniques

Martial-Arts Novels and Ninja Techniques , at 2:23 AM, in

I Used to Read Martial-Arts Novels, Too
When I was a teen, I used to read any martial-arts fiction that I could get my hands on. Kung fu comics with the evil Fu Man Chu -- Kung Fu Mace Books -- anything with a martial-arts hero.
I especially craved any books dealing with the ninja....
As such, my mind was filled with dipping shuriken in egg white, in order to poison my enemy.
And I also read about my protagonists throwing ball bearings and catching the enemy in the back of the neck, in order to knock him out.

Note: Some people label anything thrown as a shuriken. These ball bearings can't be called shuriken, since they aren't specifically or metaphorically "swords hidden in the hand."

Blow Guns and Shuriken in a Martial-Arts Class?
So, you can imagine how I felt when I walked into martial arts class one night and everyone was practicing with blowguns -- yes, honest-to-goodness blowguns.I was jazzed. What fun. I had a great time "playing" with these slightly impractical weapons.




More Realistic Martial Arts
Now, it's time to get real....
I realize that when I write, there are several different "audiences" digesting these articles:

• Some are practical martial artists. They sincerely want to defend themselves, if the need arises, but they realize that most of the time, society functions without constantly "dumping on them" and forcing them to use their martial arts.
• Other people reading online articles do so to feed their fantasies, so to speak. These are the guys who are planning on carrying an arsenal with them wherever they go -- shuriken, knives, powder to blind the enemy, and other concealed "mishegas." These folks imagine threats around every corner. And these are the guys who are the self-appointed protagonists of the world.
• Finally, there are those who have a healthy respect for practical application, and really do need to use their martial skills regularly. These are our law enforcement officials, juvenile detention officers, and kindergarten teachers (just kidding).

Note: I am willing to bet that you'd see distinct differences in the kinds of weapons that each group would choose to carry. You could probably discover similarities of choice of weapon within each group, but when comparing and contrasting across factions, the "flavor" of weapon would vary.

Martial Arts -- Facts Versus Fantasy
I want you to take a more realistic view of self defense, not for my sake, but for yours. If the devices mentioned in this article seem like your cup of "hot chocolate," then we need to do a little debriefing:

• It would be pretty difficult, if not down right impossible, to hit the back of someone's neck with a marble-sized ball bearing and cause a loss of consciousness. Not very practical, wouldn't you agree? (And the legal consequences, if you did succeed ...)
• Using a throwing star to distract a guard like the ninjas of the past? Are you serious? The most obvious absurdity of all of this is that if "I" were the guard and someone nicked my arm with a shuriken whizzing by, my first thought would be "someone is trying to distract me with a shuriken!" And I'd focus in on where ... you get the idea.
• Also, if you had a bunch of razor-sharp throwing stars in your pocket, you might inadvertently cut yourself.
• The legal ramifications of all of this ... from concealed weapons to excessive use of force. Mind boggling and more than a little bit scary.

Yes, I do believe it's good to train with as many weapons as possible. The coordination benefits alone are a big plus. And you never know, you might, one day, have to use a weapon in a real self-defense emergency.Still, there is a big difference between familiarity with a throwing star and carrying a bunch of them with you wherever you go.

Keith Pascal is the author of the ebook, 10 Days to Better... Knife Fighting.
Pascal is also the editor of several martial arts ezines, including: Practical Punching. (Free devastating punch ebook when you join.)
Pascal has taught martial arts for over 25 years. He left his job as a high school teacher in 2000, to become a full-time writer. Read More :Bruce Lee Quotes - Wrong Again

Bruce Lee Quotes - Wrong Again , at 2:19 AM, in

Bruce Lee Quoted Out of Context
A lot of martial artists quote Bruce Lee. Some don't even realize that they are doing so.
Other martial artists use Bruce-Lee quotes incorrectly.
Most of the time that these sayings are taken out of context is when martial artists use the words to defend their particular style. Often the quote is the need to express either an "anything can be considered JKD" attitude or that "there are a very limited number of martial arts moves, so what I am doing is OK."
For these martial artists, a punch comes in, and they take it with a hard block across the body and either a counter punch or a kick counter. These guys lack all of the nuances that make martial arts what it is. Not what Bruce Lee had in mind, at all.
Bruce Lee on Limiting Movements
When martial artists quote about the limiting number of ways the body can move, this is usually their excuse for why they do the same ol' same ol' in martial arts. They continue blocking and then punching, often on wide angles, because they vaguely remember a Bruce Lee quote from The Lost Interview saying something about a limited way the arms and feet can move limiting the kinds of martial responses possible.

Note: If you watch the lost interview on Youtube, it's the part where Bruce says, "Unless man has three arms or three legs ..."

To me, using the quote to defend doing exactly the same techniques in the same way with the same timing and distance is akin to saying that chess is an easy game, because there are only 4-5 different ways that pieces can move on the board. (Obviously, chess is an extremely complex mental exercise.)
On the one hand, you only have two hands, two feet, three elbows (just making sure you are paying attention), and so on. There are only a limited number of ways that the limbs can attack.
Martial Arts Like a Game of Chess

But when you factor in angles and timing, you have just added thousands of possibilities. Order of technique offers even more choices.
Considering the 5 Ways of Attack gives you a few thousand more strategic options. Not to mention distance.
And when you consider choices of response to these techniques, now you are getting every bit as complex as a game of chess.
One of the reasons that you read my articles each week is because you understand that martial arts is not just a "block-then-punch" response. No, neither is it a "block-then-kick" game either.
There is so much more. (And at the same time, it's ... just that simple ... and sometimes "more" direct.

Keith Pascal is the author of the new ebook, How to End the Fight With One Hit: better street fighting.
Pascal is also the editor of several martial arts ezines, including: Still Absorbing: Bruce Lee.
Pascal has taught martial arts for over 25 years. He left his job as a high school teacher in 2000, to become a full-time writer. Read More :Who Else Want to Know About Versatile and Effective Judo Techniques

Who Else Want to Know About Versatile and Effective Judo Techniques , at 2:15 AM, in

Judo techniques can be divided into one of three categories. These categories are: nage-waza, katame-waza, and atemi-waza. The striking Judo techniques of judo, atemi-waza, are not legal maneuvers in judo competition. Atemi-waza, are performed generally in kata, which is the practice forms of Judo techniques.
Nage-Waza
Nage-waza can be divided into 2 sub-categories, tachi-waza and sutemi-waza.
The Judo techniques of tachi-waza are performed while standing and can be devided into one of three categories: te-waza, koshi-waza, and ashi-waza. The basic part of his body that tori (the thrower) usesapplies to throw uke (the one being thrown) check what heading a particular tachi-waza technique will fall under.
The techniques of sutemi-waza involveneed tori dropping to the mat and using his downward momentum to help throw uke.
There are two types of sutemi-waza: ma-sutemi-waza and yoko-sutemi-waza. The former involves tori falling to his back to perform the throw. In the latter, tori falls to his side in order to throw uke.




Katame-Waza
It techniques of katame-waza are usually employed when both competitors have come down to the mat but there are a few katame-waza Judo techniques that can be applied while standing. Katame-waza includes three common types of Judo techniques: osae-komi-waza, shime-waza (choke/stangle holds), and kansetsu-waza.
Atemi-Waza
The striking that are never practiced outside of kata as forceful or imperfect technique could lead to serious injuries or death. Atemi-waza are classified as either ude-waza (arm strikes) or ashi-ate (leg strikes).
Randori (sparring)
Judo highlights is a free-style sparring, known as one of its main forms of training randori. In Part of the tournament, time is passed on sparring to standing up, called tachi-waza, and the other on the ground, called ne-waza. Sparring, even subject to safety standards, is even much more effective that practically only the practice of techniques of Judo by its account, that is what they were used for jujutsuka. Using full strength build up the muscles and cardio-vascular system on the physical side of things, and it develops strategy and response time on the mental side of things, and helps the practitioner learns to use the Judo techniques hold out an opponent. "It is widely popular said that judoka is "better training for the judo is judo."
Kata (The Practice of Forms)
Kata (practice forms) are predetermined movements which are used for instruction in methods of defense and attack. It also Includes the Judo techniques of Kata like, nage-waza, and katame-waza Atemi-waza. Atemi-waza are practiced in kata because both Tori and uke know who can do maneuvers and react appropriately.

Rhadi Bullard Ferguson is an internationally renowned Strength & Conditioning Coach and Consultant and a former member of the 2004 US Judo Olympic Team. Rhadi has always excelled academically and athletically and has added to his Olympian Credential that of the earning of his Masters Degree and Doctorate Degree in the field of Education. Read More : A Hard Self Defense Day

A Hard Self Defense Day , at 2:12 AM, in

Real self defense training can help keep a person safe, and help them survive a violent encounter, but things aren't always that clean cut. The fact is if you're in a bad situation your training won't be an instant fix. Will it help sure, but it isn't a guarantee and no instructor can make that claim. In the end it is up to you and your will to survive, because sometimes you aren't the one who is supposed to win the fight. The good guys don't always win, but if you want to you need to train and than fight like hell.
Not long ago on cable there was a reality show where a group of young women went to receive self defense training. The instructor showed them a number of practical solid techniques and the women all enjoyed the training and left the studio laughing and confident that they could protect themselves against any threat. Problem was when they went home and asked their athletic father to pretend to attack them, but when they fought back they found their techniques were useless. Now you could say they only trained for a few hours or that the techniques simply didn't work, but the fact is that they didn't play to win.




One of the reasons it is hard to train with a partner in self defense is that if you go at it hard you can and will seriously injure your training partner. If you are attacked by someone larger and stronger than you though you need to go all out, and you can't worry about hurting them. In situations where size and strength are disproportionate it won't be easy, but you can win if you keep fighting and you know what to do. If a 5'2" 110lbs woman encounters a 6'4" 250lbs man the fight won't be easy, but the woman can win if she's willing to keep fighting until he's disabled or she's able to escape.
Now we've all seen martial arts films where tiny women throws a monster size guys or one man faces a dozen attackers and wins. Well, in a real fight things don't work that way, because large men aren't easy to lift and when you start getting hit by more than one attacker your chances of survival only go down. If you can hit an attacker where it hurts or if you do enough damage so you can run away you might survive. Also you have to be willing to risk being hurt, so you can accomplish more. There is a big different between getting hurt beating them back and getting hurt while they beat you to death.
There are no absolute, but with training you keep improving your odds. When a bear size guy picks you up off the ground and tries to drag you off the situation is pretty bad, but your only doomed if you don't fight back. Can't get your hands free use your elbows, and if you can't do that use your head. Once you train your body to do a complete skill set you'll be able to deal with whatever they throw at you, and persevere when things start getting rough. Prisons are filled with men that are over 6' tall and lift weights all the time, and eventually they will get out, but if you know how to fight back their size and strength will have to overcome your training and will to fight. Don't go quietly and don't ever stop fighting.Read More : How to Punch Harder - The Knockout Secret

How to Punch Harder - The Knockout Secret , at 2:08 AM, in

As someone who trains MMA, I have always wanted to put more power behind my punches. Just like the average person, I figured if I got bigger and stronger I would automatically gain strength in my punches. Now, that was not 100% wrong but there is a lot more to it then just getting bigger and stronger. In fact, you don't necessarily have to get bigger to punch harder. There are actually workouts that target a certain muscle which will help you do so.
Lifting weights does have some part in adding power to your punch. Getting stronger is obviously going to help. That is, with the exception that you are not sacrificing speed and technique along with that well needed snap. You have probably heard the expression "speed is power "and automatically assume that the faster you punch the harder it will hit. That assumption could be true if you kept the technique and the snap which is not usually the case. So, one thing to focus on is gaining strength. All fighters should strength train and gain power while practicing proper technique and not sacrificing speed. This alone will help you punch harder but is not what is going to give you that knockout power we all want.
Bulking up is another step you can take when it comes to packing more power behind those punches. Problem with that is, most fighters have a certain weight class they have to perform at. Gaining mass could bump you up to a bigger weight class and most fighters would prefer to just be more powerful in there usual weight class.




This is very understandable, and not completely necessary. One thing that could be considered is burning fat off and replacing that weight with muscle. Making you stronger, bigger, and still at the same weight you are comfortable with.
Most importantly, where does the power of your punch come from? Oddly enough, the answer is simple. The power in your punches comes from the lower body, specifically the gluteus maximus. Yes, you can punch harder if you strengthen the muscles in your butt. That as well as your legs, the stronger your legs then the stronger you can make the gluteus maximus. So... in a nutshell, work those leg muscles and focus on those exercises that target the butt. Look at Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, he is one of the hardest punchers in the UFC and he himself will tell you, its all in the glutes.
Here is a list of some exercises that target the gluteus maximus.
-Squats
-Leg lifts
-Lunges
-Kickbacks
-Leg extensions
These are just a few workouts to help you punch harder. So lets recap, first of all, you want to get stronger by weight training and remember not to sacrifice technique or speed. Second, bulk up by replacing that unwanted and unneeded fat and replacing it with lean muscle mass. Last, most importantly, you must work those legs and make those glutes nice and strong. Where does the power behind the punch come from? That's rights! The gluteus maximus. Remember, the leg muscles are the ones you will use to increase the muscles in the glutes

Alain Gonzalez
http://www.musclemonsters.com
Read More : Boxing Gym - Exercises You Never Have to Do Again

Boxing Gym - Exercises You Never Have to Do Again , at 2:03 AM, in

Do I have to do all the varied activities I see the other fighters are doing to train? Maybe not, since there are some things traditionally done in the boxing gym that are old exercises you never have to do again. Here are just a few activities you can skip to engage in other actions that will actually improve your fight.
Speed Bag
The speed bag is a false representation of any boxing skill. Rapidly hitting this bag will do nothing to improve your hand-eye coordination. Bag work is best utilized for expending energy after sparing by learning to continue competing through fatigue. In the boxing gym, this is one of the exercises you never have to do again.
Long Distance Running
Running over two miles does nothing to help a fighter. What on earth does slow, long distance running have to do with a quick, explosive and fast paced power surge that goes on in a ring? Obviously nothing, so save time and your precious energy and give it up now.




Shadow Boxing with Weights
If you use weighted gloves or dumbbells while shadow boxing, you open yourself to torn ligaments and other sidelining injuries. This is an old-fashioned way of boxing conditioning that can only harm your performance. Using out dated methods that can bring unnecessary injuries is never a smart move when you goal is to reach your best boxing level.
I don't think you want to spend time in the boxing gym with exercises that you never have to do again because they are ineffective, and may even defeat your goal. Take the time to get exposure to the latest, proven training methods. If your trainer does not know recent scientific discoveries, find one that does. To great boxing!

Artie Artwell is different. Artie uses his education to employ the newest scientific principles of nutrition, exercise physiology, resistance training. His years of experience create an effective, high intensity, complete personalized training program to accomplish the goals and aspirations of boxers. If you want the latest and best in modern boxing and fitness training call Artie Artwell at (401) 354-5728 or visit http://www.boxinggyms.com/fitnessboxingmiami.htm
Read More : MMA Strength and Conditioning Routines - Mix Up Workouts Or Stick to a Set Schedule?

MMA Strength and Conditioning Routines - Mix Up Workouts Or Stick to a Set Schedule?

It is important to not underestimate the importance of calculated, charted, routine workouts. It's easy to become distracted by the fancy and innovative methods we see on TV but many of the greatest champions have been created through the fire of affliction in repetitive routine. Just know, their routines were intelligently calculated. They were not random ideas they viewed on TV. Each routine should serve an ultimate purpose whether that be a sub-category of strength, endurance, or muscle symmetry & coordination. Read More :

 

 

Common Kick-Boxing Mistakes

Just when I think that I am an old martial artist has-been, I see things that say otherwise. Like the young guys, with all of the fancy gym wear, who thrown these ridiculously slow roundhouse kicks at the heavy punching bag. Before you get your head handed to you in a match or scuffle please:
1. Keep your hands up. A good boxer or puncher can step inside of your kick and knock you o-u-t out, when you drop your hands. Read More : 

 

Achieving Great Health Through the Martial Arts

As much as we may try to avoid by focusing on diet or pills, the reality is that for most people, exercise remains key to losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The difficulty lies in the fact that many people find traditional exercise routines rather boring and tedious. Running on a tread mill is great, but doing so for thirty minutes or an hour is a lot harder to do even if you're listing to music or a good enough to be able to read while jogging. Read More

 

Different Styles of Boxing Gloves

If you are considering taking up boxing, you are going to need to invest in a good pair of gloves. The type of gloves you will need depends on various factors. You will also need to consider the type of boxing you will be learning; for instance, kick boxing requires different gloves than traditional boxing. You can also find gloves for martial arts as well.
If you are looking to get into traditional boxing, you are going to want to find a pair of gloves which fit snugly on your hands. Read More :

 

Getting Started in Boxing

Boxing is a great way to relieve stress and get into shape. If you are thinking about taking up boxing, you are going to need to invest in some basic equipment to get you started.
The first piece of equipment you will need to purchase is a punching bag. Punching bags are great for taking out your stress and they can give you a great workout.  Read More

 

MMA Strength and Conditioning Routines - Mix Up Workouts Or Stick to a Set Schedule? , at 4:03 AM, in

It is important to not underestimate the importance of calculated, charted, routine workouts. It's easy to become distracted by the fancy and innovative methods we see on TV but many of the greatest champions have been created through the fire of affliction in repetitive routine. Just know, their routines were intelligently calculated. They were not random ideas they viewed on TV. Each routine should serve an ultimate purpose whether that be a sub-category of strength, endurance, or muscle symmetry & coordination.
In MMA it is especially easy to get overly distracted by the fun and excitement of fancy workouts while overlooking calculated monthly routines. Routines should be your base, your fundamentals, your core strength. Once they are mastered, you can rely on them when your body needs them.
The advantage of not having a routine may be excitement but i think routines are very necessary for maximum fitness potential in any sport. With MMA's visual marketing it has become overemphasized that charted, calculated, scientific workouts and movements are key.







To maximize MMA Fitness
-Learn all major categories of strength
-Learn all major categories of endurance
-Find a fitness expert that can give you a system to utilize daily
-Then mix up your options but always come back to the basics when needed.
It's all about science, its all about charting & it's all about devotion. The combination of hard work coupled with intelligent work is what molds many of the lead champions today. Study them close and you will discover that the fancy exercise methods were just what caught the camera time.

To research a good program that is created with the science of the body in mind combined with the special needs of MMA visit http://www.extremeforce4mma.info.
You can also visit MMA Strength and Conditioning Routines for great information regarding the power of routine with champions. There is also some information you can access for fitness specialties here.
Hopefully you found this info interesting and helpful. Good luck with all your MMA conditioning endeavors!
Read More : Common Kick-Boxing Mistakes

Common Kick-Boxing Mistakes , at 3:41 AM, in

Just when I think that I am an old martial artist has-been, I see things that say otherwise. Like the young guys, with all of the fancy gym wear, who thrown these ridiculously slow roundhouse kicks at the heavy punching bag. Before you get your head handed to you in a match or scuffle please:
1. Keep your hands up. A good boxer or puncher can step inside of your kick and knock you o-u-t out, when you drop your hands.
2. Kick a lighter bag around 40 pounds. Something with give. I was constantly going to a chiropractor when training heavy and, 30 years later, I still get hip problems.
3. Work the bag, do not let the bag work you. Kick and punch to develop your hitting power. Do not just keep hitting the heavy bag until exhaustion. You will just get sloppy.
4. If your coach is not watching you, try not to train to exhaustion. When you get too tired. You get sloppy. Sloppy practice makes sloppy technique. While you have to be able to train while under stress or fatigue, make sure that you are not making sloppy mistakes. I used to train wrong for weeks and then have to untrain myself. Better to train less properly than too much improperly.
5. Avoid over-training. You will know when you cannot sleep well, have a poor appetite and an accelerated heart rate. Underweight, skinny guys take note.
6. Train patiently. The whole idea of martial arts is to develop the person. When you train intelligently, consistently and patiently, you will make more progress. The guy who is in a big hurry to just "bust heads" always takes longer.




7. Practise some humility. The genuine martial artists do not strut around town with "cage fighter" t-shirts and attitudes to boot. The skinny guy will just attract the attention of bullies and the blow-hard will get taken down a notch or two. I have met world-class martial artists who do not flaunt their abilities. (One 19 year old insisted that he had won 48 bare knuckle matches. He also failed a simple fitness test, so it makes you wonder.)
8. Nail down one technique at a time. Some methods, like Hapkido, practice dozens of kicks and hand strikes every session. This works after a couple of years. I found that becoming proficient at a couple of punches put me ahead of most other beginners. One good technique beats a dozen sloppy ones.
9. If you are going to train, TRAIN. I get tired of the guy claiming to train 3 hours a day, when he mostly hangs around the gym flapping his gums. Have fun, socialize, but get some serious training in.
10. Jogging is not road work. Road work, as described by champion grappler, Matt Furey, is running while imagining that you are fighting. If kick-boxing, practice punches while running. If too many people are around, practice footwork and wind sprints. Kick-boxing matches are not at the jogging intensity.
11. Most of all, enjoy your training. If you do not like the workouts, try something else. Just remember that professionalism does not come easy.

Doug Setter holds a Bachelor's of Food and Nutrition. He has served as a paratrooper and U.N. Peacekeeper, has completed 5 full marathons and climbed Mt. Rainier. He held a welterweight kick-boxing title at age 40. He consults clients in alcohol reduction, stomach-flattening, kick-boxing and nutrition. He is the author of Stomach Flattening, Reduce Your Alcohol Craving and One Less Victim. Visit his website: http://www.2ndwindbodyscience.com
Read More : Achieving Great Health Through the Martial Arts

Achieving Great Health Through the Martial Arts , at 3:37 AM, in

As much as we may try to avoid by focusing on diet or pills, the reality is that for most people, exercise remains key to losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The difficulty lies in the fact that many people find traditional exercise routines rather boring and tedious. Running on a tread mill is great, but doing so for thirty minutes or an hour is a lot harder to do even if you're listing to music or a good enough to be able to read while jogging.
More importantly another challenge many Americans face is the lack of mobility. We simply to walk, stretch, or get around as much as our parents did. Whether its DVD's, cable, or the internet, our lifestyles have changed this is adding to premature aging in some respects.
One solution to the need for exercise is the martial arts. The right martial art can address the lack of exercise and can also provide strength training and stretching we desperately need to avoid needless strains. The key is finding the right art which will keep you interested and motivated.
While this will often vary on the school and the instructor, aerobically intensive arts like Tae Kwon Do, Jujitsu in its various forms (e.g. Aiki, Brazilian, etc.), Hapkido, and Muay Thai are excellent to consider. In the case of Tae Kwon Do, the emphasis on forms may prove somewhat boring. Most Tae Kwon Do schools incorporate some form of sparring. Sparring for an hour can be extremely intensive but is quite exhilarating while achieving the end goals of exercise and training.




If stretching is a greater concern than weight, that an art like Tai Chi and even possibly Aikido should be considered. Most people have see older individuals practicing Tai Chi for its meditative and stretching benefits, though most forget it was in fact an actual combat martial art. Aikido is another possibility though there is somewhat more movement and possible strain involved since it includes throws, locks, and wrist twists.
Boxing is certainly an option and kick boxing of courses combines upper and well as core and leg training and exercise. The stress relief brought about by practicing the martial arts should not be forgotten as well. As more and more people work in office environments in front of a computer a venue for releasing pent up energy and frustration is certainly a smart thing to do. As one instructor noted, it's much better to break wooden boards in the dojo than to do so at work!

Jacob Lumbroso is a world traveler and an enthusiast for foreign languages, history, and foreign cultures. He writes articles on history and languages and has a website providing information on Cheap Electric Guitars and on Vintage Electric Guitars Read More :Different Styles of Boxing Gloves

Different Styles of Boxing Gloves , at 3:32 AM, in

If you are considering taking up boxing, you are going to need to invest in a good pair of gloves. The type of gloves you will need depends on various factors. You will also need to consider the type of boxing you will be learning; for instance, kick boxing requires different gloves than traditional boxing. You can also find gloves for martial arts as well.
If you are looking to get into traditional boxing, you are going to want to find a pair of gloves which fit snugly on your hands. You don't want them to be too tight or too loose. As long as you aren't planning on getting into competitions anytime soon, a lightweight glove is your best bet. Lighter gloves make it easier to make a fist and throw better punches.
For kickboxing, you can probably use the same style of gloves as traditional boxing unless you are looking to join a cardio kickboxing class. Cardio kickboxing classes are more for getting a good physical workout and you will probably want heavier Boxing Gloves. Making a fist is not as important in cardio kickboxing so it is okay if the gloves aren't as easy to bend.

When shopping for gloves for any use, be sure to try them on before you buy them. Even if you already have a pair of gloves, you still want to try them on, especially if it is a different brand. Sizes will generally run consistent for a particular manufacturer but it is always a wise idea to try them on to ensure proper fit. This can help you avoid an injury to your hands down the road.

John K Vincent is an expert website analyst and professional blogger.Read More :Getting Started in Boxing

Getting Started in Boxing , at 3:28 AM, in

Boxing is a great way to relieve stress and get into shape. If you are thinking about taking up boxing, you are going to need to invest in some basic equipment to get you started.
The first piece of equipment you will need to purchase is a punching bag. Punching bags are great for taking out your stress and they can give you a great workout. When you look at different bags, consider the weight of each. You will need a strong support to hold the weight of the bag.
Speed bags are another great investment. Learning to use speed bags will improve your reflexes as well as your boxing skills. You can find some great deals on speed bags online or you may even be able to find a used one at a good price. You may also be able to find a good bargain at a rummage sale or consignment shop.
Boxing Gloves are a necessity for anyone looking to get into boxing. Gloves come in different weights, sizes, and styles for different uses. Some are made for sparring while others are made for ring action.

If you are not sure what type of gloves you will need, talk to a professional trainer for the best recommendation.
If you don't have the money to purchase these items or don't have the room to set things up, you could always join a local gym offering boxing lessons. Joining a gym will give you the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of boxing. You will also be able to find a sparring partner or even enter some amateur events.

John K Vincent is an expert website analyst and professional blogger Read More :Krav Maga