Journey

Developing great skill takes time and commitment. It is very rewarding when we have gain that skill but sometime the journey can be difficult. But it is the journey where we learn some much about ourselves and that is what martial arts is really about.

Wow !!

Isn't it awesome when we see what the study of martial arts can do for some one's self confidence. Just take a look at the video of the week and you'll get my point. This student of taekwondo, in my book, is a true hero and a great example of what it means to be a martial artist.

Size Matters

The truth is size does matter. A smaller opponent defending themselves against a larger opponent is usually at a weight, height and strength disadvantage. The key is to develop techniques for as many scenarios as possible. Making sure all your skills are the best they can be is the key (speed, power and accuracy etc.). Remember the most important weapon you have is your mind, so develop it wisely. Give it a try!

True Martial Arts

Learning to control one's body to perform a martial art skill can be very difficult but, what can be even more challenging is living out the martial arts way (peace,love,discipline,etc.). Understanding these principles is what martial arts are truly about. Our goal as martial artists should be to use the martial art to expose the true enemies in life which are hate, rebellion, and disrespect etc. Combating these forces really makes the world a better place. Give it a try!!

Make It Real

Training in the martial arts can mean the difference between life and death for some of us one day. That's why it is important to give all that you have on the training floor. Although most of us will never experience anything like this it is important to train with those thoughts, in mind in case we are ever called to the test. The safety of your partner is always first but try your best to perform the skill as you would if attack by someone. Give it a try!!

Mental Training

Mental training is probably one of the most neglected training techniques of any martial artist. The benefits of mental training can go a long way. Not only can it improve your overall concentration but, it can also help you improve on any technique you find to difficult to perform. Give it a try, think about a technique that your having trouble with. What you will notice is that you also have trouble performing it in your mind correctly. When you are able to perform the technique in your mind properly you will also notice that you are able to perform it with your body properly.Give it a try!!

Justice for Kung Fu Guy - Bobby Joe Blythe Flims

This video shows a mentally challenge man being beaten by a so called black belt. I can not believe that this sort of behavior and attitude is condone in the martial arts community. It is an actually cold case investigation going on as we speak. The man was possibly murdered. You can find out more at www.justice4kungfuguy.com.

Relax

When throwing a kick or a punch we should relax the body as much as possible until the point of impact. This allows for maximum speed which equals more power. It's also a great way to confuse your opponent because by relaxing the body before impact the technique becomes spontaneous to them. Give it a try!

Who's the Best

The age old question is which martial art is better than the rest. Do you remember the beginning days of the UFC when they sought to answer this question. Judo vs Taekwondo or Kung Fu vs Karate just to name a few. The sad truth is none are better than the other, we don't train in martial arts anymore with the primary goal to learn to fight. Some might have more technique (falling, grappling, ground fighting, kicking , etc) than others but, they all can help you save your life or the life of another in some way. "Bang, bang you dead" is the moral of the story now.

Clear Your Mind

Having a clear mind can go a long way. When you step into the dojang to train don't bring the stress of the day with you instead take a deep breath and clear your mind of all troubles. Concentrate on your training, this will help you get the most out of it. You will find that you train harder and smarter because not only are you training your body but your mind as well.

Kick, Punch and Stop

I often hear non martial artists say when watching a demonstration of an art or practice scenario. Who's going to grab you like that or I would not just stand there and let them do that technique on me. The truth is the martial artists is merely practicing, it can be compared to a boxer shadow boxing or a boxing sparring match. If the martial artist's partner were to continue his or her attack beyond the planned scenario then it would no longer be practice but fighting or sparring. The planned scenario allows the martial artist to perfect his or her technique concepts in a safe manner. As time and training increase the scenario can become more real.

Strong Mind

"It is not enough to be a strong and smart martial artist, because there are many people in the world who promote martials arts with much aggression and brutality. A true martial artist knows how to control one's emotions, thought, and ultimately, the surroundings and circumstances. Your ability to control whatever you are facing your emotions, opponent, situations, etc - is what allows you to step further into a mastery of martial arts training." Grand Master In Hyuk Suh

Sparring

When we spar we tend to move linear especially if we are new to martial arts. Often we attack with one technique a roundhouse kick to the body or a back fist to the top of the head. The key through is to move in a circular patten and throw three or more technique combinations. For example maybe a roundhouse kick to the body followed by a roundhouse kick to the face and a straight punch to the body. We should make these movements seem as one movement altogether. Put three to four three technique combinations together and practice them until they become second nature. It is up to our opponent to stop our advance. Sometimes the best defense is a great offense.

Balance 2

Some other ways we can improve our balance is by preforming hand techniques with both hands at the same time while stand on one leg. Practicing our form with our eyes closed is a great way to improve balance also. Preforming kicking techniques with one leg over and over without letting the kicking leg touch the floor in between kicks works as well. Not only will this improve balance but strength and coordination as well, in the kicking leg and the standing one. Give it a try!!

Balance

Having good balance can mean the difference between a flawless technique and a sloppy one. One of the way we can develop good balance is by proper stance training. Sinking down in your stance really gives way to strength gains in our leg muscles. This enables better muscles control which equals better balance. So give it a try and remember body low!!

Hard Work & Discipline

There's no substitute for hard work and discipline. These too elements make it possible to live the martial arts way. It's sad that we see organizations offering to give uncertified black bets of all ranks to unqualified persons. It doesn't help that martial arts is an unregulated industry either. Remember a black belt is only worth the hard work and discipline you put in to it.This is why we bow to the Masters before us acknowledging their hard work. Because of their hard work we are able to learn our art in it's purest form with only mild modifications as everyone modifies the art a little to suite their own body type. So push yourself every chance you get and remember there are no substitutes for hard work and discipline.

Results

Well guys I had a lot of fun partiapating in the tornument this weekend. There were five division for my rank class I entered two of them, forms and techniques. I won 3rd in forms and 4th in techniques. Most of all I had fun showcasing my skills and meeting new friends. Next years I'm bring home the gold!!

Big Day

Tomorrow is the big day.I am participating in the World Kuk Sool Won TM. tournament. I will be competing in forms and techniques. Wish me good luck everyone. I will be sure to blog my results. Tomorrow will be the test to see if I have trained hard. I will certainly do my best sir or ma'am.

The art of self defense is about defending oneself or others. Fighting however can be an addiction or sport. When we fight we seek to win, to beat the other person. When we defend we are saving a life. That life could be our own or someone else. Even if we fall or loose in that fight we never really lose because we always keep our honor.

Be Like Water

Patience and Perseverance. Two things no martial artist should be without. Patience helps us not to be so hard on ourselves. With it we understand that it's okay if we haven't mastered a particular technique. Perseverance tells us that if we continue to try will eventually get it.

I created this site so that martial artists of all ranks and styles could come together and learn from one another. So feel free to post comments and ask questions. A little bit about my martial arts career, I am a practitioner of Kuk Sool Won TM. I am a black brown belt which means I am currently testing for my black belt. I have been married to my lovely wife for three years and we have a two year old son and one on the way.