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Damian Ross - EzineArticles.com Expert Author
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- Fight Like NCIS
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] One of the most popular police dramas on TV to is NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service which is often referred to by is acronym NCIS. Each week millions of viewers tune in to watch Mark Harmon and the rest of the cast take on criminals, terrorists, and traitors in Washington D.C. and around the globe.
- Mossad and Their Martial Arts
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Sun-Tzu wrote "military affairs are country's vital political concerns," and in order to do that you need to have good intelligence gathering agencies, and if you possess less resources than your enemies the more vital information is to your cause. The nation of Israel has that very problem, and with enemies that are willing to fight for centuries every strike has to count. Like many nations today Israel has to deal with conventional military threats and fanatics in their mists and from outside their country. In any conflict training is important and Mossad values it and continuously improves it to deal with new enemies.
- Martial Arts in Extreme Conditions
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] The government is out of commission, there are no emergency service personnel responding, and some are behaving worse than animals. That was the situation back in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina slammed into Louisiana and reeked havoc with the southern half of the state.
- Correcting the Corrections Department
[Business:Careers-Employment] The United States of America has more people in prison than other industrialized nation in the world, and though this has been said many times there are few answers on how to deal with this issue. Some argue that the prison system turns small time criminals into street demons who come out stronger, harder, and better connected.
- Chinese Martial Arts and the Sword
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Smashing through shields, smashing apart armor and slashing through fleshing and bone there was a time when the sword was king of the battlefield. It denoted strength and power, and in many cultures it was a symbol of leadership and nobility. China's warriors called their broadswords and bladed weapons Dao, and they became part of the four major weapons groups in Chinese martial arts.
- The Chinese Martial Art of San Shou
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] The nation of China is one of the world's oldest civilizations and it's history is as diverse as it is long. There are hundreds of dialects, traditions, and beliefs that a population in an excess of over a billion share
- A Hard Self Defense Day
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] 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.
- Are You Able to Learn Martial Arts From a Video
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Can you really learn martial arts from a self defense video? Can you learn anything form a video for that matter.
- How to Defend Against a Weapon Attack
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] In low light conditions, how do you know if it's a stab or a punch? Some times it's too late. So you must always assume he's armed!
- Never Throw the First Punch
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] I can hear my father now. "Never throw the first punch." This mantra has been drilled in your brain since you were a wee toddler. I can remember sitting in the principal's office after one of my weekly playground scraps waiting for the question...
- Street Smarts 101
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Do you know when you are about to be set up? Good street fighters and criminals can easily disarm you with a simple seemingly innocent question. They will appear to be in need only to lure you into their trap.
- How the Spartans Conquered Fear (Part 2)
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] The Spartans are probably one of the most revered fighting forces in the world. A society built around combat, and building the perfect warrior. Before the Samurai and before the Shaolin monks.
- The Eight Laws of Self Defense - What You Must Assume Every Time
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] 1. Your assailant is armed. Even though you may not see a weapon, doesn't mean one doesn't exist. In low light conditions that punch may be a stab, how can you tell the difference?
- Fireground Self Defense
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] If you're a firefighter or any other type of emergency service personnel you know how important scene safety is when you arrive for an emergency medical call, but what do you do when there aren't any police officers to help you? While you might be there to save lives and property to some people you're just another representative of government and that makes you a target.
- But I Don't Want to Fight
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] The great writer and adventurer Ernest Hemingway once wrote, "the world is a fine place and worth the fighting for." The quote which is from For Whom the Bell Tolls by the way is how most people seem to see the world, but there are always acceptations.
- Serial Killers - How to Stop Being Their Prey
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Many criminals have sick and twisted motives for their crimes, but serial killers stand above the rest in infamy because they hunt other human beings for the pleasure it brings them. According criminalists serial killers who murder three or more people differ from single homicide killers because they kill mostly women and strangers.
- Self Defense Isn't Just About You
[News-and-Society:Crime] Many people think that self defense is all about protecting yourself and your property, but there are many other reasons. When it comes down to it we don't go through this world alone, and human beings need others to love and support them.
- Why I Don't Have a Retirement Plan - The Secret to Remaining Useful in Modern Society
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] I could care less about retirement. I know my financial friends are going crazy right now, but let me explain. What do you think of when you picture retirement, white shoes and belts, eating dinner at 3 in the afternoon?
- What Does "The Death of a Sales Man" Have to Do With the Martial Arts Business?
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] When I was young I read "The Death of a Salesman", the Classic story of chasing the American dream of wealth and success. This story hit home at an early age. One of the major messages is that you should pursue something you really care about.
- Honor is Not a Tactic
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Martial artists and citizens often confuse honor with tactics. Many times in the martial arts world we try to translate a sense of honor into combat.
- They Can Take Away Your Right to Bear Arms, But Not Your Right to Bare Hands!
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] In an effort to combat the recent administration's attempts to further restrict gun ownership in the United States, gun owners are hoarding stock piles of ammunition and weapons. Personally, you can have all the guns you in the world; it still will no make a difference.
- Do You Have to Be a Street Fighter to Teach Self Defense?
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Do you have to be an Economist to teach Economics? Do you need to write a novel to teach English? Do you need to be the President to comment on the kind job he is doing? You do not have to have a job in that field to have an opinion.
- How to Use Craigslist Without Getting Murdered
[Communications:Broadband-Internet] You can't be sure. The free and open exchange of well meaning people has allowed the social misfits and predators access to well meaning people just trying to get rid of some of that clutter.
- Crime is the Gamble
[News-and-Society:Crime] In just two short weeks the Sands Casino Hotel will open in Bethlehem, PA. Bethlehem holds a special place in my heart, it is the home of my alma mater Lehigh University. While experts have produced a study that states there will be no significant change in crime associated with the Casino, history tells a different story.
- Fitness - A Simple Solution For All Ages
[Health-and-Fitness:Exercise] My pediatrician is from the "old school" direct from Moscow. The reason we chose here is because of her holistic approach. Our kids have been on antibiotics twice in their 10 years of life (one is 4 and the other is 6).
- The Toughest Police Beat in the World - How Martial Arts Were Adapted For the Real World
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Today it is hard to say what area is the toughest for force a police office to patrol, but in Shanghai China during early years of the twentieth century things were about as bad they could get. A handful of dedicated police officers were tasked with keeping law and order in a city where murder was so common that it didn't even make the front page.
- Which Martial Art is the Best For Law Enforcement?
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Up until 30 years ago, JUDO was the martial art. Then with the introduction of the more mysterious martial arts with more of a "killing" edge to them this coupled with the focus of the USJF/USJI (the leading Judo organizations in the US and the world) focus on Olympic competition and the simple fact that training in judo is painful and to this day, very difficult to get a black belt rank in it, especially if you are in a competitive area. I could probably write another 5 pages on this, but I will stay on point.
- Reality Self Defense Vs Martial Sports
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] The biggest lie in the martial arts is that once you get your black belt you will be able to defend yourself. You will dispatch much larger, scarier enemies without hurting yourself or your assailant. This romantic notion that once you have achieved the rank of black belt you will be able to walk without fear has been perpetrated by instructors and school owners ever since people realized that you could make a buck at teaching it.
- The Importance of Training and Teaching While Injured
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] There's an old rule when it comes to self defense. If you can leave your house, you better be ready to fight. If you're serious about your self defense you should ALWAYS train regularly. Training when your injured is even MORE important than training when your healthy.
- Wushu Chinese Self Defense Or Performance Martial Art?
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Wushu is the official martial art taught in the People's Republic of China. Wu Shu ("War Arts") is practiced by millions in China, and is included as part of the training for all police and military personnel. Though it is a form of Kung Fu which has been taught in China for centuries it is a rigid system, and has no attachment to any of the mystical beliefs of the past.
- Judo Rules Revealed - Is That Legal? - Part 2
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] In last month's article, I discussed the less serious infringements (Shido). This article will address the more serious infringements known as Hansoku-make (grave infringements group). A grave infringement receives a penalty of direct Hansoku-make...
- Traditional Karate Training
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] About four years ago we start using the Bogu during our kumite (sparring practice). This method was developed in Okinawa and then found its way into mainland Japan and eventually to the U.S. where only a few clubs still do this. And even in those clubs, only a few members do it. I know there is other equipment out there that looks similar and I have used most of what's available
- What Decision Would You Make?
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] In this article I want to discuss a man named Colin Ferguson, and what happened back in December of 1992. Colin Ferguson, on December 7th, 1992 got on the Long Island Railroad and began shooting.
- Self Defense Myth Busting
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Myth 1: 90% of fights go to the ground (This is the "statistic" heard from every ground fighter and grappler. The truth is it is untrue.) The "fact" comes from The Use Of Force Study of the LAPD.
- Fight Like a Spartan - 7 Techniques is All You Need
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] In last episode of Deadliest Warrior on the History Channel "Spartan vs. Ninja". The Spartan weapons expert, a former Green Beret said that one of the advantages of the Spartan was that he really only had 4 weapons.
- Filipino Martial Arts
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] The three major branches of Filipino martial arts are Arnis typically from the northern Luzon regions, Eskrima from the central Visayas regions, and Kali from the southern Mindanao regions. Within these branches dwell a long line of masters, families, systems and history.
- The 10 Secret Truths That Every Martial Artist Doesn't Know About Self Defense
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] You must be able to defend yourself even if you're incapacitated, injured or older. Chances are you will be attacked when you are distracted or disabled. Criminals, like predators, choose easy targets of opportunity.
- How to Tell If You're Being Set Up in 2 Seconds Or Less
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] In order for anyone to impose their will on you they have to get close to you. There are only 3 possible ways they can accomplish this:
- Self Defense is All a Matter of Perspective
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Most people get taken back by the notion of doing some of the really brutal and effective techniques. While yes, you do learn to dispatch someone with tremendous efficiency, you tend to focus on the act of doing someone serious injury or worse.
- Is Self Defense the Punch Line of the Martial Arts?
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] First of all, it's extremely difficult to talk about the reality of self-defense without sounding like a complete whack-job. So, before we get into it you have to accept two simple facts. First, violent crime happens every day and second, violence happens to a wide variety of people regardless of race, income level or education.
- Krav Maga - From Mean Street Self Defense to Strip Mall Martial Art
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] In the beginning most martial arts styles start out of necessity of as a form of self defense that is simple and effective. However, over time things change and the original idea is becomes corrupted.
- Burglary Prevention
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] In Self Defense and Close Combat we focus on dealing with violence. While most people will probably go through life without incident, there is still the real possibility of walking down the wrong street or into the wrong parking lot.
- All Roads Lead to Self Defense
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Even the toughest SOB today isn't the toughest guy tomorrow. Eventually, if you look long and hard enough, you'll find someone who will punch your ticket.
- Why You Should Always Trust a Wrestler (Or at Least Give Him the Benefit of the Doubt)
[Recreation-and-Sports:Wrestling] Yesterday I went to the annual wrestling awards banquet at my alma mater, Ridgewood High School. Every year my family has the distinction of honoring a Ridgewood wrestler with the Philip A Ross, Jr. award.
- How to Conquer Your Fear
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] I just received an email from a woman who is being stalked by a soon-to-be parolee. He has a history of violence and she already has a restraining order against him. I did advise her to remind the police of her situation if she didn't already.
- Will Mixed Martial Arts Really Save Your Life in the Street?
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Which brings us back to the age old question, which style of martial art is best? In response I would ask you I would ask you, what are you looking for in a martial art?
- My Mommy Made Me Do It! Should I Push My Child Into the Martial Arts?
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] 31 years ago I first stepped on to a mat. And out of those 31 years there were only a few (3) that I wasn't on one. I remember, plain as day, my first practice. It was in gym 3 at Ridgewood High School. It was painted "Institutional Green", only to be replaced years later by the ever popular "Institutional Beige".
- Train For Tomorrow - Why Self Defense is Like "Money in the Bank"
[News-and-Society:Crime] You are not getting any younger. Each day that passes is another day of deterioration. You get slower, recover slower and become less resilient. You're not special, it happens to all of us.
- How to Defend Against 10 Bikers With Knives, Bats Chains and Guns?
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] While visiting a friend at college we went for a typical night out. Well, one thing lead to another, as these things often do: who touched whose girlfriend, or who spilt whose beer, it really didn't matter. Before I knew it I saw my buddy got sucker punched and he was out on his feet.
- The Problem With Martial Arts and Self Defense Today - Would You Use a Wrench to Hammer a Nail?
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Then why would you use kick boxing techniques in a street fight? Sure you would eventually drive the nail with the wrench but it will take a lot longer and a lot more effort than using the correct tool for the job.
- Why Martial Artists and Coaches Make the Best Instructors
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] I always hear the argument...you don't need a black belt to defense yourself (I know, I said it). This is absolutely 100% true. Self Defense is NOT a martial art. But teaching self defense IS.
- Children and the Martial Arts - The Art of Trying New Things
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] My 5 year old daughter hates soccer. I've never seen her so completely stressed over anything like this before. She was apprehensive and fought us a little with swimming, but eventually got the hand of it. Even with Judo she didn't feel like going sometimes. But once she got there, she was fine.
- Is Vale Tudo The Original "Mixed Martial Arts"?
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Described by some as "human cock-fighting," Vale Tudo is Portuguese for anything goes, and in these competitions they mean it. So violent that it is only available over the Internet in the United States Vale Tudo might be unarmed combat, but it is as bloody as a sport can get while still being called a game.
- Judo Rules Revealed - Is That Legal? - Part 1
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Inevitably during our randori sessions, the question is asked, "Is that judo legal?" After watching the referees at the New York Open, it became apparent that the rules for competition judo are applied strictly. The referees were quick to penalize a competitor for actions that occur routinely during our randori sessions. So, what is legal in judo? This article will discuss the less serious infringements, known as shido. Next month's article will discuss the more serious Hansoku- make infringement.
- "I Never Had a Bad Day of Practice" - How to Make the Most Out Of Your Martial Arts and Self Defense
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] I always look for answers and guidance. One of the driving questions as to why we do this is one I always shrugged off as "Because it's there". This article is inspired by Will Becher (who gave me the title without knowing it) and Roger Jones (who's last Email set my thoughts in motion) and lastly a movie from the 80's called "The Art of Killing". Which, despite its title, is an excellent documentary on modern Japanese Budo; Specifically Kendo, Karatedo, Aikido and Judo.
- The State of the Martial Arts Industry - Mixed Martial Arts Goes Big Time
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Many pundits say that the Lessner-Couture fight marked the beginning of a new era of Mixed Martial Arts. I happen to agree. MMA journalist, Joe Rizzo of the internet talk show "The Rear Naked Choke" expressed this sentiment in a recent pod cast and I couldn't agree more. I'll go one step further and PREDICT the next evolution of the sport of MMA and the Martial Arts industry.
- How to Increase Your Chances of Survival by 300% in 10 Hours Or Less
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Predators, criminals, will strike when you least expect it. Like any animal, they will take advantage and exploit your weakness. You see examples of this every day thousands of people like you are the victim of a violent crime that will leave your loved ones angry and frustrated. And if you're lucky enough to survive the assault, you will do what you can to pick up the pieces and move on.
- Religious Roots - The Birth of Wing Chun
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] The Shaolin monks of China are known throughout the world for the martial arts prowess and have become the stuff of legend. The monks training started out as just simple morning exercises, but their training evolved into several different styles of martial arts so that members of the holy order could use them to defend themselves in combat.
- Is Muay Thai Kickboxing a Good Street Fighting Martial Art?
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Muay Thai or Thai kick boxing has seen a surge in popularity in recent years thanks to Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) where many of the competitors employ this brutal and sometimes deadly art. In fact the Gracies were inspired to promote mixed martial arts matches after a trip to Thailand where they saw competitions similar to those in their native Brazil. Muay Thai has been the national sport of Thailand long before the UFC though, and steeped in ritual.
- The Not So Old Origins of Tae Kwon Do
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Proponents of Tae Kwon Do (also Taekwondo, Taekwon-Do, or Tae Kwon-Do) date its origin to the Silla dynasty in Korea. In these times a martial art form was used for combat conditioning by its warriors so they were better able to fight with enemies at home and abroad but the form we recognize around the world today really came into being after the Korean War. It finally came to the United States in the same way as Karate did, through American servicemen who served in the region.
- Charlie Nelson and His Little Red Book of Self Defense Authentic World War II Close Combat Heritage
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Today it seems like there's a martial arts school on every block and many of them are of dubious quality. Most of the students are children, and they're taught some form of combat sport. Some schools offer self defense training or promise a good workout, but few teach real combat martial arts. There was a time though when people did learn the practical skills they needed to survive a real street fight.
- Why You Need to Know How to Fight, It's Not a Choice, It's a Responsibility
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Most people try to live their lives without violence or having to fight someone. This is a noble pursuit and if you're able to avoid violence you should always try to do so, but that doesn't mean to abandon the idea of learning to protect yourself. In fact, failure to do so will put you and your loved ones at risk.
- Was Bruce Lee the First Mixed Martial Artist?
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Despite being dead for over thirty years the name Bruce Lee remains synonymous with perfection in martial arts. While the great martial artist may have gotten it "right," is his message lost by those who succeeded him?
- Proactive Vs Reactive Self Defense Training
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Self defense can be broken down into two categories: Proactive and Reactive. The difference between the two is based on the amount of time and distance you have to react. Proactive self defense is when you see the threat and you have the time to establish distance, put a strategy together and proceed accordingly. If you're being fronted or you're in a situation where you can identify the threat, you will have the time to prepare and position yourself for your initial offensive assault.
- Ninjutsu, Equal Opportunity Employer - Story of Kunoichi, Female Ninjas
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] You choke on the blood that is coming out of your mouth as you double over in pain, and grope for your sword. Your attacker was not another samurai and no intruder could have made it passed your castle walls, but as you breathe your last breath you realize the female companion you brought home that night was more than she seemed.
- Did James Bond Know REAL Hand to Hand Combat?
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Whenever an action film becomes a big hit there is always a rush to emulate the heroes of the film. Whether it is buying film merchandise or real life items like cars, firearms, and clothes people get into a film whole heartedly. Martial arts films are no different as people run out to the local dojo to train in the art that helped the hero save the day. Most honest martial arts instructors will explain that it takes years to learn a martial art, and that those films are seldom a good example of how any martial art really works. Film makers are seldom satisfied with reality and feel a need to improve upon even the most impressive real life situations. The exception though is when knowledgeable people are involved with a project and its creation and reality become part of the fantasy.
- Goju Karate - The "Martial Art Gateway" From China to Japan
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Goju ryu karate is a style of Okinawan karate that combines both hard and soft Chinese martial arts styles, in fact in the Japanese language "Go" means hard; "ju" means soft and when put together it literally means hard-soft karate. The style uses a number of hard hitting strikes with the hands and feet, but also has softer techniques like blocking, joint locks, grappling, and throws and takedowns like those found in Judo. Like other styles of karate correct breathing is stressed along with body strengthening and conditioning. Goju-ryu use both circular and linear movements, and has many different katas. While the katas aren't useful in an actual street fight they allow an instructor pass down techniques and concepts as well as giving him or her a tool to evaluate the student's progress.
- Col Rex Applegate and the Ultimate Book on Defensive Tactics Kill Or Get Killed
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] There are a lot of books out there about close combat, a few are even worth reading, but the quintessential close quarters combat and defensive tactics book is Kill or Get Killed. If you want to get an inside look at the skills that will help you survive real combat you need to read Kill or Get Killed. In the pages of this classic work is everything you need to know about close combat and self defense as well as how to handle riots and firefights.
- Martial Arts and the American Spirit - The 1964 Judo Team
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] In United States during the 1960's the civil rights debate raged on around the country, but a handful of men put aside their petty differences and banned together to chase a dream. Under Olympic rules, the host country can add a sport to the games so in 1964 when Japan was selected to host the games, Judo was added to the events. Though this was the first year Judo was an Olympic event the United States still fielded an experienced team made up of Americans from a variety of ethnic, religious and economical backgrounds.
- Capoeira - Deadly Martial Art Or Performing Art?
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] The crowd is on their feet chanting loudly as music blares. They encircling the two performers who are striking back and forth with kicks and they swirl around and jump before the crowd who dance along with the music. The two dancers are performing Capoeira the Afro-Brazilian dance-martial art created in Brazil by African slaves and Indians centuries ago. Capoeira looks more like gymnastics or samba then martial arts styles like boxing and judo.
- Sambo, the Martial Art Behind the Iron Curtain
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] The word Sambo is actually an acronym for "SAMozashchita Bez Oruzhiya" or "Self-defense without weapons." It was developed by the Red Army in the early half of the twentieth century. It was created so that the military would have one standard hand to hand combat fighting system. Unlike Japan where Judo was practiced throughout the country, Russia had no common martial arts system and soldiers trained in whatever fighting style was common in their area.
- How to Practice Grappling by Yourself
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Before I begin, if you don't know me I have been on a wrestling mat or a judo tatami (mat) since 1975. I won my first National Championship at the age of 12 and I won my last won last year at the age of 39. I also just got inducted into my High School Hall of Fame for Wrestling and Football. I am no stranger to the art of grappling and the like. I will continue by saying that at least 4 times a week I am still on the mat.
- How Would Today's Martial Artist Stack Up in a True Warrior Society?
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Not long ago the public was reintroduced to the Spartans and their warrior culture thanks to the film 300 based off of Frank Miller's graphic novel of the same name. This latest retelling of events that happen in Greece in 480 BC shouldn't be considered historically accurate; it was never intended to be that way. None the less, the real Spartans even without their "Hollywood Personas" still remain impressive to this day. They were truly a martial society. They understood that in order to remain free you must always be ready to fight. Love of country and each other along with disciplined training made them an unstoppable force. They claimed to be descended from Hercules, but they didn't just talk the talk they walked the walk. Ancient Sparta had no need for walls; it relied on its fighting men alone to protect her.
- I'm Getting Too Old For This - Are You Too Old to Study Martial Arts?
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Who hasn't said this at one time or another? On vacation last week I overheard a friend saying just those words as she talked about her failed attempt at "skim boarding". Thinking that the fact that she was pushing 40 had everything to do with why she wound up in a pile of limbs and sand after a brief but agonizing moment on top of her son's board.
- Even Einstein Had a Teacher
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Our Judo room is getting pretty good; I mean we have some real monsters in there. Having a brick and mortar facility, you never know who's going to come in off the street and decide to roll around with you. That's why I think I'll always teach; it keeps you honest.
- Jack Dempsey, Boxing Legend, Hero - Martial Arts Instructor?
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] In 1917 nobody thought that Jack Dempsey would win the title, but with a 77 inch reach and his unorthodox stance he would destroy heavy weight champion Jess Willard. In the first round alone he would knock Willard down seven times, and by the third Willard was too badly hurt to continue. Over his professional career he would amass some 60 wins (51 by knockout) and of those 51 knock outs, 26 happened in the first round He only had 7 losses, 8 draws and 5 no decisions over his career. While that was impressive, Dempsey understood that boxing was only a combat sport and real fighting required you to abandon any sense of fair play. He proved time and time again in the ring that he was a great athlete, but in World War II he would show the Navy what real fighting was all about.
- Remembering Carl Cestari - The True Meaning of the Word Kokoro
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] The word "kokoro" is literally defined as "heart" but, as with many Japanese words, can be translated as "heart of things" or "feeling". When I contemplate what kokoro means to me, there is one person that has embodied the essence of that word-Shinan Carl Cestari. I first met Shinan approximately five years ago. He was a thin man in a long sleeve shirt with a wispy beard. He was not a physical imposing man. He spoke with intensity about martial arts, training methods and people that he had met through out his life. At that time, I did not realize what he was all about. I now know more about him and what he was trying to impress upon his students.
- What Makes For Good Self Defense?
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] The first answer is whatever works. Whatever is effective is good self defense. Whatever gives you the greatest chance of survival is good self defense. That being said, there are a few factors that need to be considered.
- Keep Him on the Run - How to Blast Through Any Assailant's Defense
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Like in all combat sports, the last thing you want to do is be on the defensive and unlike MMA or Boxing, in the world of self defense the stakes are much higher. Once you target covers up, it's game over for him.
- "What's the Secret Technique?" The Truth About Technique in Martial Arts and Self Defense
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] The other day I was watching the NCAA Wresting Championships and I started noticing more similarities to Judo than differences. I was also reminded about some things that I have heard from Sensei and Shinan Carl Cestari. Basically, there is nothing really new in Hand-to-Hand Combat or Martial Arts.
- Martial Arts' Greatest Lesson
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Success at home, work or on the mat is what drives all of us. Sooner or later, you're going to want something more. It's in our very nature to succeed. It is a primary survival instinct. The benefits of success are obvious. Sense of accomplishment, self worth and self-actualization are a few. Other, less obvious by-products are confidence and attitude.
- Can Martial Arts and Self Defense Training Prepare Our Children For a School Shooting?
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] The subject hits home to everyone. At one point our biggest safety issue in school was bullying. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. Over the past few years, school shootings have been increasing in frequency and in violence. Imagine, there you are, going through your every day routine, thinking about your next class, upcoming test or joking with your friends and then all of the sudden you are in the middle of a war zone...
- Which is More Important For Self Defense, Firearms Or Martial Arts Training?
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] The plain simple truth is that martial arts have their limitations, and anyone who tells you differently is a fool. Remember, if fighting with empty hands was all it was cracked up to be, we wouldn't have the need for any weapons. On the other hand, just because you carry a weapon doesn't mean you'll ever have the opportunity to use it. Many people, especially in law enforcement, think that because they have firearms training they will have no need for hand to hand tactics, but this couldn't be farther from the truth.
- "The Deadliest Man Alive" - The Truth Behind the Legend of Count Dante
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Any comic book fan of the 1960's will know about "Count Dante, The Deadliest Man Alive." His menacing grimace and "tiger stance" graced the back cover of all major comic books portraying him as another character in the comic itself.
- The Black Belt Myth
[Recreation-and-Sports:Martial-Arts] Every once in a while I get an email from some misguided and offended martial artist with his or her knickers in a twist telling me where I go wrong by saying "Martial Arts will Fail You Every time". But facts are facts.
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