Standing Punching Bags: If you plan on kickboxing, definitely purchase a standing punching bag since standing bags start much lower to the ground and are often height adjustable. The base is normally filled with water or sand. Sand will give you a more sturdy base and will rock less when hit. Some say stable is better but a little rocking is more realistic since your opponent moves with your punch. To incorporate the fluidity into...more
The most important thing to consider when buying boxing shoes is comfort. Think of the footwork and jumping around that they will need to put up with. If past shoes have hurt your feet, figure out why- Were they lacking padding or were they too rigid? Everyones a little bit different in what they prefer so do your research but in the end, go with your instinct. Dont second guess yourself. So what should you research? Aside from comfort, you...more
There is nothing worse in personal combat or warfare than an enemy who doesn't show themselves in battle. They strike and disappear, attack from a distance, and they leave unwelcome surprises as you try to seek them out. These attacks don't just cause casualties, but lower morale in the field at home and buy your enemy another day. In the case of Iraq improvised explosive device (IED) account for 70% of American deaths and injuries and 40% of the deaths for all coalition forces in the region. The Islamic fascists in the region know they can't win, but if they can make the situation miserable enough they hope to drive out America. While you might not be able to use your martial arts training on someone planting a bomb you can still use it to stop one.After speaking to a number of military sources and civilian contractor most said the situation was improving in Iraq, but there is still plenty of work and fighting to be done. For those of us who don't have the same insight into the situation the fact that the news media barely mentions the war means America is doing pretty well. President Obama to his credit is trying to get a handle on the situation, and though he has a...more
The common attitude towards the martial arts is that they are a rite of passage. Rite of passage is a common concept amongst societies. But, modern society doesn't really need rite of passage, rather, it needs a logical approach to make the martial arts easier to learn and more effective.This, of course, means that the bully boy attitude of many...more
The absolute truth of the martial art known as Tai Chi Chuan is easily seen in a symbol that nobody understands. If you read to the end of my words here you will understand that symbol, and it will enlighten your practice of the martial arts. I am speaking of that symbol of the grand terminus which we call yin yang.The Yin Yang symbol is two fishes...more
The punching bag is one of the best strength buildings tools out there. This workout is not just for hardcore boxers but for anyone who wants a good anaerobic workout. Many have turned to boxing and working the bag over weight training because its not as monotonous and because if done properly, results in less pressure on joints. One of the most important things to remember is to warm up to avoid injury. I prefer a minute of jumping jacks followed by general calf/quad/arm stretching. Please, please, please, do not skip this step. It is better to take an extra 5 minutes a day warming up than an hour sitting at home missing your workouts wishing you werent injured. When working for strength, the way in which your hand contacts the bag is very important. Ensure that the flat part of your middle and pointer fingers make contact with the bag (not your knuckles) and that your wrist stays straight. A very common mistake is hitting the bag with your knuckles and not aiming for your middle and pointer fingers. If you strike a bag hard enough and make contact with your middle and ring knuckles, you are very likely to fracture or break your hand. The key to strong punches isnt arm...more
The Truth About Martial Arts and Self-DefenseI understand that this series of articles is not going to appeal to very many martial arts school owners. However, I feel that we are all best served by the truth. But I also realize that...more
The method I am about to tell you is supposed to have been created by the Little Dragon, Bruce Lee, though I don't know whether it was ever included in his Jeet Kune Do teachings. It was supposedly taught by Bruce to Karate fighter Joe Lewis, who...more
I don't care if you study Uechi ryu or shotokan or kenpo, or whatever, you're going to need a powerful fist. I don't care if it is boxing or Krav maga or tae kwon do, you're going to need a fist that knocks them down the first time! Even if you're in...more
The concepts and skills taught in Eskrima are traditionally simple. Flashy techniques, with little practical battlefield use receive no attention. It is the basics, well trained and understood, that get you successfully through a fight. Experts in...more
Boxing is a Natural Fighting Technique that has been Stylized and Refined in Different WaysPunching with your fists and kicking with your feet come naturally when untrained fighters fight with each other. Add a few other tactics such as elbowing,...more
Like Jujutsu, Jiu Jitsu Also Focuses on Leverage and Balance Rather Than Brute ForceThe ancient Japanese martial art of jujutsu was developed to fight bare handed against armed and armored opponents during Samurai days. This technique depended on...more