Content, Are We? – Martial-Arts
Content, Are We?
I asked a simple question at the last seminar:"How much has everyone improved in the year since we last got together?"I've practiced the same basics everyday for decades.Everyday Rain or shine. Summer, winter, spring and fall. Over and over and over.............................................And I'm never satisfied. I'm not fast enough, I don't hit hard enough, my basic "technique" is NOT at all satisfactory.I don't train a lot of "techniques". But, I train those "techniques" a lot.Basic fundamental stuff. That's all I can handle.Over and over and over and over and over................................Know why?Because I'm NEVER satisfied. I'm not fast enough, I don't hit hard enough, my basic "technique" is NOT at all satisfactory.Nope! I'm NEVER happy.It might be nice to "do" more advanced, complex, and exotic stuff.But personally I can't justify it. I see far too much room for improvement in just the most basic fundamental stuff.Because I'm never satisfied. I'm not fast enough, I don't hit hard enough, my basic "technique" is NOT at all satisfactory.I guess the problem is that I don't have a clue as to when these basics become "good" enough. Seems to me I could spend the rest of my life constantly working at improving just a handful of solid basics and still NEVER be satisfied. Never be fast enough, never hit hard enough.Damn. Consigned to an existence of fundamental basics. Well, I guess I'm just one of the unlucky few.Copyright 2003 http://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com
How to Select Your Martial Arts and Self Defense Equipment – Martial-Arts
How to Select Your Martial Arts and Self Defense Equipment
The most common place to buy martial arts or self defense equipment is in the local dojo. Most dojos, training centers, etc., have a small store where you can buy or order the martial arts or self defense equipment you need for your practice.Buying your martial arts or self defense equipment at your local dojo has a lot of advantages. You will get expert advise from your teacher. He knows your needs and what type of martial arts or self defense equipment you are going to need for his classes. He will also be the best person to advise you on the quality of the different brands due to his years of experience with many different suppliers.The negative part of buying martial arts or self defense equipment at your local dojo is the price. Buying only a minor wholesaler, the discount margins are very small and this will reflect itself in the prices your teacher has to charge for the martial arts and self defense equipment he or she sells.The second possibility is buy your martial arts and self defense equipment at a local specialized store. The advantage is a lower price than in your local dojo or gym, you can touch, feel and try on the equipment before you buy to see if you like it and if the size fits you. You can get some advise from the salesperson about the different brands of martial arts and self defense equipment they sell.The downside is the fact that most salespersons in those shops are non practitioners of the martial arts or self defense so they have no practical experience with the equipment they sell. This may lead to mistakes that will cost you money.The third way to buy your martial arts or self defense equipment is to shop for it online. There are many suppliers to be found online that will ship the goods to your doorstep. To find them just type: martial arts or self defense equipment in google or any other search engine and you will get thousands of listings for this term.The advantages are obvious: no need to leave your home, low prices and shipping to your doorstep but the inconveniences are also very obvious: You can not feel, try or touch the equipment before finishing the payment and receiving the shipment of your martial arts or self defense equipment. You won't be able to get advise from a real person, face to face. Some suppliers will be happy to assist you in your selection of martial arts or self defense equipment by email or phone. If you have to return an order for whatever reason you will have to take care of the shipping and packing and refunds can take time to be paid.So before starting to shop for your martial arts or self defense equipment take a look at the above and consider what is the best way for you. Some people will be limited to one or two possibilities and others can only buy their martial arts or self defense equipment online but wherever you go to buy yours, consider the warranty and the refund policies of all 3, the local dojo, the specialized shop and the online supplier.This can save you a lot of headaches. Things do break and sometimes it just isn't manufactured as it should be so warranty and refund policies will help you determine the professionalism of the seller and save you time and headaches.Peter Vermeeren is a traditional martial arts teacher for over 30 year. His websites can be found here: Martial Media Productions and Kamikaze | martial arts | fitness | self defense
Tai-Chi for the Masses–and Others – Martial-Arts
Tai-Chi for the Masses--and Others
Kuang Ping was the T'ai-chi set favored by Yang Lu-Chan, the man who brought forward the "Yang" style in the mid-1800's, now so popular throughout the world. Kuang Ping is what the man trained with himself. The popular "Yang" set was/is something for the masses--not for the aficinado, the athlete, the martial artist.I learned Kuang Ping from Kuo Lien Ying (that's him above, taken in the late 1960's), third generation student of Yang Lu Chan. I was already an accomplished runner and martial artist when I started training (1970), so it was difficult to please me in the arena of athletics--but 75 yr-old Kuo was definitely impressive! Eventually I studied five T'ai-chi sets, but his was/is definitely the most dynamic and challenging.I teach two sets currently: a short Yang style (for beginners and the unfit) and Kuang Ping. They are both available on tape.T'AI-CHI CH'UAN: A Few WordsThis soft or "internal" art is, in all aspects, a psycho-physical exercise, a boxing system, and a meditation method. Most of the tens of millions of practitioners are into it for health and meditation, so they move very slowly during the training. But what most people don't realize is that since the art is founded on using the principles of change, you can-and should-move the body and mind according to the need of the moment.This wondrous exercise can be used by anyone, male and female, old and young. A five year-old child and a person of 90 years or more are both able to practice T'ai-chi Ch'uan. The complete form can be learned within three months; pretty good acquaintance can be obtained with a year's practice; and a student training perseveringly for about five years can have significant integration of mind and body, intuition and knowledge. There are delicate details of T'ai-chi, keys to its marvels which are understood only with faithful practice. Traditionally, a person is required to train seven years before qualifying as a teacher.Of the more than 100 million people who practice T'ai-chi regularly, most train outdoors, even in severe weather conditions of northern China. The reason is simple and can be understood only when you accept the elements and embrace the opportunity to integrate with nature. Year-round, outdoor training is good for the spirit, heart, mind and body.Instructor Certification:T'ai-chi Ch'uanFirst ? Third years: White Sash
Introduction to internal arts studies
Yi Bai Ching Kung
Zhan Zhuang
Basic Health Maintenance
Tui-Na
Tao Yin
T'ai-chi Chi-Kung
Stance and kicking drills
Tui Shou
Postures training for Yang or Guang Ping T'ai-Chi Ch'uanFourth Year: Blue Sash
18 Therapies Chi-Kung
T'ai-chi Chi-Kung
Breathing patterns in T'ai-chi Ch'uan
T'ai-chi Kun/Dragon's Head Staff #1Fifth Year: Green Sash
T'ai-chi KunDragon's Head Staff #2
T'ai-chi Chi-Kung
Continued physical and respiration studies in T'ai-chi Ch'uanSixth Year: Gold Sash
Five Animal Frolics
T'ai-chi Chien/Rapier #1
T'ai-chi Chi-Kung
Cont'd studies in T'ai-chi Ch'uanSeventh Year: Black Sash
T'ai-chi Tao/Saber #1
T'ai-chi Chi-Kung
Original thesis researching T'ai-Chi Ch'uanView this article in its entirety:
http://kempochuanfa.comSifu Orem holds the following ranks:-Certified Instructor, Guang Ping Yang T'ai-Chi Assn.;-Black Sash/Instructor, from Gung-Fu Wu-Shu Institute;-6th Degree Black Sash in Chinese Boxing, from the International Chinese Boxing Federation;-8th Degree Black Belt in Zen Kempo-jitsu, from the World Nibuikai Budo Federation.He was also voted into the World Martial Arts Masters Society (head-quartered in Germany), as the ranking member of the Society.Sifu Orem is the author of several manuals focused on the practicum and methodology of effective training, including the acclaimed SENG PING TAO: PATH OF THE WARRIOR MONK and ESOTERIC MARTIAL ARTS OF ZEN: TRAINING METHODS FROM THE PATRIARCH. He has also created and produced 50 training videos with such diverse topics as Kempo Ki/Chi Development, Northern Shaolin for the Mature Athlete, T'ai-chi and Pregnancy, a children's Kung Fu series, plus many northern and southern Shaolin hand and weapon forms. He was a featured writer with the on-line martial arts magazine DRAGON'S LIST (dragonslist.com).