Amazing Kick

This was an amazing kick. I have a friend who is a MMA stylist and I asked him why don't you see this kick in MMA fights. His response to me was that it doesn't work, and it definitely won't knock someone out. As a TMArtist I always get the... feeling that MMArtist think that they're the real thing and we TMArtist are all phony,who practice techniques that will never work in a real fight. I am in no way taking anything away from MMArtist because they train to fight and most TMArtist train to defend themselves. But it goes to show that if you train these techniques properly for a fighting situation they can and will work. By the way it was a TMArtist that taught him this skill, Steven Segal. In my book this is a knock out for TMA.

K2 Herbal Incense

Hi guys I know it been a long time since I have written a post here on my blog. But when I ran across this article on legal post and it's dangers I thought I would get it out to my frinds in the martial art blog community. Article below:

MINEOLA, NY (WABC) -- K2 or "spice" is a synthetic herb and it's being sold legally in smoke shops adn on the web(papacense) as incense, but it's being marketed to teens as a way of getting high.

Jeff Reynolds is with the Long Island council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, and says this herb is bad news.

"The scariest kids have no idea what comes around with a major drug crisis," said Reynolds.

Nassau County District Attorney, Kathleen Rice believes K2 herbal blend is just another gateway drug so she's proposing a statewide ban of the herbs that would make them illegal to buy or sell.

Theresa Corrigan, Nassau County's Bureau Chief of Street Narcotics, says the message to parents is that this drug is up and coming, "We know it to be dangerous. When smoked, we know it is giving a marijuana like high and it's dangerous as dangerous can be."

Right now teens are buying the drugs online and even giving reviews of it on Youtube.

Parents say kids are exploratory, but it's a problem because smoking and drinking starts too early.

Kansas is the first state to ban K2 herbal, making it a felony to sell and misdemeanor to buy it.

The District Attorney's proposal would carry the same penalties

Hyung

'Hyung' means style, pattern or form. More specifically, in the martial arts a hyung is an organized movement which includes a series of defensive and offensive moves.

A martial art form is a form that uses band strikes and the principle of kicking combined with the internal power that is generated by practicing ''DAN JUN KI BUB" (the Principle of Lower Abdomen Energy) . Also one must be able to move the body quickly with agility and train externally in order to complete the external power.

By practicing in this way, one may have what is considered to be a complete form, meaning a form that combines both the Nei Gong (internal energy) and the Wei Gong (external energy).

The hyung is self training. When performing a hyung the student turns inward to himself to practice self discipline, timing, speed, power, balance, poise, and co-ordination The hyung is the perfect way to practice techniques. With only one-self to consider. the student can focus on the performance of the techniques in the hyung rather than blocking a real blow or the position of the opponent.

RESPECT AND OBEDIENCE

In every Martial Art there is knowledge that can be harmful to human life. To assume the responsibility of placing a dangerous weapon in the hands of a stranger - literally to make a lethal weapon of the body - is a sobering experience. One of the most crucial tests of character is whether we are humble enough to subordinate ourselves to the rules of the Do Jang and respect the gravity of our new powers. The martial arts are not a store bought item that we are entitled to just because we pay for the lessons. The responsibility is too great, the implication is larger than than us.

The function of obedience in martial arts is not subservience. Rather obedience allows us to learn the knowledge that a teacher has to offer. Because the teacher has greater knowledge and experience, his words and actions may sometimes be incomprehensible to the less knowledgeable. We must practice obedience to our instructor or master as the means of eventually bridging the gap between our knowledge and that of our master's. Obedience becomes the key to successful learning and smooth progress.

To be a great leader, we must first be able to be a great follower. If we cannot follow the teachers instructions. How can we ever learn enough to become a leader. Leaders are made not born.

Kuk Sool Won™

I've been receiving a lot of emails asking me what is Kuk Sool Won™. Although I'm by no means an expert on the subject. I can shed a little light on the matter.

In Hyuk Suh is the founder, Grandmaster and President of the World Kuk Sool Association®. He has studied martial arts for more than 50 years.It was in the late 1950's that In-hyuk Suh begun the monumental task of organize and formulate the many scattered martial art techniques of Korea into a single system, which he named Kuk Sool. Officially founded as Kuk Sool Won™(National Martial Arts Association) in 1961.Kuk Sool Won™ is a systematic study of all of the traditional fighting arts, which together comprise the martial arts history of Korea. As such, Kuk Sool Won™ is extremely well organized and seeks to integrate and explore all aspects of the traditional Korean martial arts.Kuk Sool has countless techniques derived from the three branches of traditional Korean martial arts Tribal, Buddhist, and Royal Court and is structured to take a practitioner in a logical progression from the beginning all the way up to Master level.

As a martial arts system, Kuk Sool Won™ covers the entire spectrum of established Asian fighting arts and body conditioning techniques, as well as mental development and traditional weapons training. The following list includes some, but by no means all, of the elements of Kuk Sool Won™.

HAND TECHNIQUES
LEG TECHNIQUES
THROWING and GRAPPLING
JOINT-LOCKING TECHNIQUES
FALLING TECHNIQUES and ACROBATICS
BODY CONDITIONING
ANIMAL-STYLE TECHNIQUES
TRADITIONAL KOREAN WEAPONS
MARTIAL ART HEALING METHODS
MEDITATION and BREATHING TECHNIQUES

As you can see, Kuk Sool Won™ covers an extensive variety of martial art techniques. Below you will find videos of Master's Alex and Sung Jin Suh demonstrating some of the things we learn in Kuk Sool. For more information visit the Kuk Sool Won website by clicking the link. You can find information about schools in your area also.

What To Do If Your Gun Jams

If you've been around martial arts for the past 15 years or at least a fan of MMA, then you've heard the phrase that at least half if not most the technique learned in a traditional martial arts system will never work in a real fight. Being a traditional martial artist myself, it's hurts when I hear these words. It makes you face yourself in the mirror and ask the hard questions. Will this work? Is this even practical? Can I really stop a guy's punch in mid-air or is this technique something out of a Bruce Lee movie?


I understand your frustration, but here's were MMA has got it all wrong. You know that old saying that if you tell a lie long enough and often enough eventually people begin to believe it's the truth. Remember first and foremost that martial arts was at one time and still is today in one way or another synonymous with warfare or military fighting. So techniques and hyungs were designed to train soldiers not cage fighters. Hand to hand combat is usually a soldier's last line of defense. Kicking and punching is a basic skill, as virtually everyone can do in some form or fashion. So in many martial arts circles it is considered a low level skill or a peasant skill. Named so since most peasants didn't carry weapons.

Now weapons on the other hand can take some real skill to master and they can even the playing field. Maybe I'm not as strong as you are but I can shoot you with this bow and arrow from thirty feet away. And guess what I never risked your knock out punch. So with all this am I saying that if you train two days a week that you are ready for war? Of course not, not only would you have to increase your training,you would also have to learn today's war games to be successful in warfare today. What I am saying is that you're not training to fight in a cage where their are rules and however loose those rules are they are there. You're not even being trained to fight but, to defend yourself and that my friend is war. They are no rules and there's no guarantee you will survive. Your opponent is not thinking "I should not commit to my attack" for fear you will over power him. He wants to kill or hurt you severely. So just like a soldier your kicking and punching should be your last line of defense. Save it just in case your gun jams. As the Grandmaster of the WKSA says, "MARTIAL ARTS NOT FOR FIGHTING ANYMORE, BANG BANG YOU DEAD".

The Tale of Two Cities

Have you ever had the feeling that you have a split personality? If this rings a bell you're not alone, I know I have. On one hand I really wanted to be the best me I could be, but there's this other guy who wants to be lazy and take the easy way out. And I've noticed these guys seem to want to duke everything out. Martial arts training included. Well I have news for you, your not crazy, at least I hope not. You are two people figuratively speaking of course, and it's up to you to decide who will be in control. The guy who wants to be the best or the loser who wants to be, well, a loser. Here's a little secret I've learn along the the way to make sure the right person is in control(at lest most of the time). PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. Did you get that? If not I say it again PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT. You see every time you and I make the right choice or the wrong choice it makes it easier the next time either way. Sort of like muscle memory. I hope this piece of advice helps you as much as it has helped me.

Did we lose our manners?

Yes sir, no ma'am , Mr,and Mrs seem like a thing of the past now. Think about it when was the last time you referred to an older person by Mr or Mrs. People want to be called by their first name these days. If you make the mistake a referring to them in the proper way it is actually an insult now. You can even find this attitude in some martial arts circles. The art of RESPECT is just as vital to a martial artist as the art of kicking and punching. So what are some ways for you to practice this art, I thought you would never ask. Well for starters you could:

Greet your instructor as soon as you walk in the door
Refer to all Dans or Degrees by their proper title
Say yes sir and yes ma'am
NO UNAUTHORIZED TEACHING OF ANY KIND

Disrespect has no place in the martial arts community.

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!

Well it's a new year and hopefully a new you. I hope that the previous year was a blessing to you as I know it was for me. My plan this year is to become a better martial artist in every sense of the word mentally, physically, and spiritually. I hope also to make this blog more useful to it's readers by providing better content. If anyone has any suggestions please feel free to email me at poeboys@yahoo.com.

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.