martial artists

Kiai Jitsu Sound Healing

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 22:16:15 GMT

Kiai Jitsu Sound Healing

Saturday, Sunday, November 8,9, 12am-6pm, $77 per day

In this workshop Master Park will present simple techniques of using sound to unblock elemental energies, purge negative energy, release emotional blockages, balance, direct and regulate different functional systems. It includes movement, massage and self-massage, visualization techniques, stances, breathing exercises and specific sounds that are whispered, chanted or sung. In result one can experience simple and powerful ways of maintaining good health and building up energetic strength and capacity.

more info: www.placeofclarity.com

hmm

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 23:49:33 GMT

Reading some notes on dangerous or harmful exercises at the weekend, i came across the following statement (actually, my wife pointed it out) :

"Repeatedly rising on the toes and heels may weaken the long arches of the feet. "

I've never heard this before. There wasn't any other explanation given, so i'm not sure exactly what they mean by rising on the toes and heels, but rising on the balls of the feet (ie tip toe) is definitely something that features in warmups and exercises i use. I couldn't find anything more about it on the web this morning, other than a copy of the same notes.

Does anybody here know anything more about this point?

Advice on knees

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 16:36:57 GMT

xposted to girlfighters, apologies :)

Greetings all :)

I just started Kali, which I've wanted to do for ages, but have been considering another empty hand style as well (I know Kali trains empty hand too). I was looking at TKD, hapkido, JKD, or ninjutsu, but am a bit wary because I very nearly blew a knee this year and don't want to risk actually ripping it up since the recovery process has been long. For that reason I'm assuming TKD wouldn't be my best option, but how would the other three styles compare? i.e. - which would have the least risk of injury to knees?

On a slightly different note... I'm not TOO big on grappling/throws, though I know they're a component of all three, so how do the three MMAs compare in that regard?

Hmm, this might be a bit of a conundrum, come to think of it, but let's see...

Thanks :)

New Chucks! Yay!

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:35:53 GMT

I just ordered some nunchaku and I'am super happy. It's my first pair on non-safety chucks.
They're demostration/competition chucks from Matt Emig Products.
I'll admit, when they came in the mail they seem a little small I'll admit. I'm used to bigger chucks that I've borrowed. Boy are these fast and cool. They are incredibly light weight and durable for the kinds of mess ups I've been making. lol
I would post a picture if I had a camera I love them so much. I picked the purple color cause it's one of my favorite colors and I hoped not alot of people go for that color.
I recommend them to anybody who doesn't have their own pair yet.

Blind judo requirements and qualification

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 20:39:01 GMT

Hello,
I was wondering if anyone knows rules and qualification standards for blind judo. A friend saw a match on YT, and suggested that I should start using my disability to my advantage (I'm legally blind, with a bit under 20/600 on my good eye, but for correction I use graded contacts so I can still practice judo), but I know nothing of it and I don't even know if I qualify for it (as my defect, unreversible as it is, can be temporarily solved with contacts and glasses). I haven't asked my sensei, because he's away in Beijing (coincidentally coaching another blind judoka), and nobody I've asked knows.

I live in Mexico but I know the standards for qualification are universal, so I supposed asking here was a good start.

I got this email, thought some of y'all might be interested:

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:31:04 GMT

Dear Martial Artist,

The US Kempo Team (www.uskempoteam.org) is seeking prospective members for the 2009 World Kempo Championship Tournament in Nice, France, April of 2009 and other invitational events in Europe, Africa, and Russia in the next 18 - 24 months.

We are seeking Full-contact and Semi-contact fighters, Gi - Grapplers, Kata and Weapon Kata players, 3 Person Synchronized Kata and Weapon Kata Teams, as well as Empty-hand and Weapon Self-defense Teams and Full-contact Weapon Fighters.

If you are a Kempo/Kenpo player, whether it be Japanese, Chinese, Okinawan, American, Hawaiian, or Korean, Kajukenbo, EPAK, Shorinji, So Rim Sa, or practice a Kempo/Kenpo derivative or other version of Kempo/Kenpo, you are welcome to apply.

We are striving to form a US Kempo Team of over 50 members.

Please visit the sight below and consider the invitation.

http://www.uskempoteam.org

Please click on the tab labeled "Open invitation to join US Kempo Team" on the top of the page.

If you do not practice Kempo/Kenpo and this invitation does not apply to you, please forward it and/or give the contact email and phone number to someone you feel may be able to use the information

If you feel you have received this email in error and then please reply back to this email and request your name and email be removed from my contact list.

Thank you for your time and I hope to hear from you soon.

Respectfully,

Robert E. Zingg
The United States Kempo Team
111 W 2nd Ave, Suite B
Ranson, West Virginia, 25438
304-725-3639

UT Bujinkan Classes Starting Back Up Next Tuesday

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 22:45:22 GMT

Bujinkan Ninjutsu Club at University of Texas will be starting classes back up this coming Tuesday, 26AUG08 from 7:30 to 9:30 PM at Patterson Park.

For more details see www.roundrockbujinkan.com/utexas

Fuji gi

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 07:06:29 GMT

Are they any good ?

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:57:45 GMT

Live feed from Beijing 2008 TKD prelims here

Not sure if anyone outside Canada will be able to view ...

Shin contusion?

Sat, 16 Aug 2008 16:43:02 GMT

My boyfriend's been laid up all week by a shin contusion. The history is that, around July 10 he first injured his shin sparring. It swelled and hurt, after a week he called out and rested it for two days, then it healed up after that. Then last week (saturday) he was sparring and AGAIN injured it :P This time he barely felt anything at the time of injury, but then it started swelling and hurting. So he decided to immediately take off work and rest it.

He's been to an urgent care place Monday to have it checked out, no broken bones but they said he had a contusion and to rest it. So he's been off his feet all week, but if anything it seems to hurt a lot worse than the last time, and at this point (one week later) he finds it very painful to walk, or even to just be vertical (not have it elevated). I've had my share of shin clashes, but I've always just ignored them (except to protect the leg while sparring). This one does seem worse (more bruising and swelling) but, to my untrained eye, does not look too terrible.

He is making an appointment with a specialist, but that's going to have to wait till Monday. What I'm wondering if anyone here has felt anything like this before, and what they did about it. Thanks!!!

Bushido Festival Event Planning Query/Survey

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 17:06:45 GMT

Hello,

My name is John Hidalgo and I am in the preliminary stages of planning a new event which will focus on Japanese martial arts and culture. I am writing various people (martial arts schools, martial artists, Japanese culture related businesses and organizations, etc; mostly in the Austin area) who might either be interested in participating or who might be able to provide input that will help shape the event. Below is an overview of the event and questions related to the various aspects of the event. If you would be willing to provide any input it would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to be removed from any further communications about this event, please let me know and I will do so. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Respectfully,
John Hidalgo

Overview
The event will effectively be a Bushido festival. Though, the focus will be primarily Japanese martial arts, it will also encompass Japanese visual and performing arts, religion and culture.

Charitable Cause
One of the things that is being considered is to have the event benefit a charity. If that direction is taken the first choice would be the Tsubaki Grand Shrine of America (www.tsubakishrine.com). The Tsubaki Shrine is the only full time active Shinto shrine in North America. If that is not workable we would be open ot other chartiable causes.

Timeframe
Spring 2010

Venue
Currently under consideration is the Austin Convention Convention Center and the AT&T Conference Center. In the future, other venues may also be considered.

Format
This will be a convention type event and may include demonstrations, classes, movie screenings, and vendor area.

Questions
1) From an event that bills itself as a Bushido festival, what sort of things would you expect to see and do?

2) If there was a vendor area, what sort of vendors would you want to see?

3) If there was a movie screening area, what movies do you think would be appropriate? What movies would you like to see?

4) What demonstrations or classes (martial arts or otherwise) would you like to see? How long do you think these demonstrations and classes should be? Is there anyone in particular you would want to see giving those presentations?

5) For an event that includes demonstrations, classes, a movie area and a vendors area, what would you be be willing to pay.

6) If you were to be a vendor, what would you be willing to pay for a 10' x 10' space?

7) If you were to place an ad in the event program or have banner advertizing at the event, what would you be willing to spend on these things?

8) If you were to provide a class or demonstration at the event, what, if anything, would you expect in return?

9) would you be interested in participating in such an event and, if so, in what capacity?

10) Do you have any other ideas, questions or concerns about this event?

Daito-Ryu Blog

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 05:38:08 GMT

If someone interested I've open a daito_ryu blog. I personally just have started practicing it in Israel so if you have some info share you are kindly welcome.

Safe martial arts

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 01:26:29 GMT

What are some of the safer martial arts out there? I just want something practical and efficient, that'll get me into shape. I don't want to have to learn flips or anything gymnastic-esque. I would also prefer not to have to do unprotected sparring. It's just that I've already had so many health problems and injuries, that I just don't want to have to deal with anything further. I've broken a wrist while sparring once, but that sorta thing is an acceptable risk. I'd just rather not get a concussion is all. Any recommendations? I'm interested in ninjutsu, though don't know if I think it's safe enough for me. What sort've dangers might be involved in ninjutsu? Are some significantly more dangerous than others, or especially notable for being dangerous (or not)?

Togakure Ryū Ninpo Taijutsu Seminar with Shihan Shawn Gray

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 18:17:01 GMT

Present

戸隠流忍法体術セミナールと師範ショングレイ

Togakure Ryū Ninpo Taijutsu Seminar with Shihan Shawn Gray

Saturday and Sunday, August 23rd and 24th, 2008

Overview:
The theme of the seminar will be homework from the Togakure-ryu training that Shawn Gray has been doing with Sensei in Japan this year. We will be working from the kata as they are written, and then move on to explore the feeling of each in a more artistic manner. Tools that will possibly be used are ken, bo, knife, shuko, shaken/shuriken, and kyoketsu-shoge.

Instructor:
Shawn left behind 10 years of Karate and 3 years of Kendo to begin training in the Bujinkan Dojo in Vancouver, Canada after returning from a 1-year stay in Japan in 1990. After a training trip to Japan in 1995, he decided to move back to live and has been studying in Japan as a regular student of Shiraishi Sensei and Hatsumi Sensei since the beginning of 1997. He has also trained with other Japanese Shihan such as Senseis Seno, Noguchi, Oguri, Nagato, Someya, Nakadai, Nagase, etc. and admires each of them for their own unique abilities.

Date:
Saturday and Sunday, August 23rd and 24th, 2008

Time:
Saturday, 10:00 to 6:00 PM
Sunday, 10:00 to 4:00 PM

Attire:
Standard Bujinkan Uniform (gi, tabi, obi) or loose, comfortable clothing.

Equipment:
Bokken, bo, hanbo, knife, shuko, shaken/shuriken, and kyoketsu-shoge

Fee:
$85

Contact:
Brian Gore
(512) 524-7227
shinkengata@gmail.com

Location:
Acrotex Gymnastics in Round Rock
708 Round Rock West Drive
Round Rock, TX 78681
(512) 244-5437

www.acrotex.com

A Dilemma

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 12:49:05 GMT

In my university, there ae lots of martial arts that we can take for Physical Education. These martial arts can only be taken once within the first two years (one for two semesters in one year, with no repeats) of my college stay. So far, I've taken Tae Kwon Do, Judo, and Wushu Northern Staff Style. Now, the only ones left are Fencing, Muay Thai, Tai Chi and Kali (a.k.a. Arnis or Escrima). I'm more intereseted with the latter two

Unfortunately, I need to choose only one for my last P.E. in my second year.

I like Tai Chi mostly beacuse it does not put a lot of strain on me physically, considering my low stamina and endurance. It's also supposed to be good for my health. And I love practicing forms than spar)

Kali is good because it supposed to no-nonsense and practical to the core. It's also a bit more down-and-dirty (which I kinda like) and emphasizes weapons use at the very beginning. And because I'm a Filipino myslef, shouldn't I practice our native martial art, mastered by only a few of my countrymen?

I was hoping to get your opinion, fellow martial artists. Please help me choose one or the other. Your opinions will help make my decision easier.

Thank you.

focus mitts/bag gloves/sparring gloves, need recommendations

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 21:39:44 GMT

looking for what I should look for when shopping for gear. there doesnt seem to be many reviews online.
i would like to get non-leather gear but any points to look out for are appreciated.

i am all about saving some cash so do you use any cheap gear that you find to be decent?

i practice boxing and other various forms (thai, mma style, bjj)

im looking at these

http://www.kaboodle.com/reviews/proforce-thunder-curved-vinyl-focus-mitt
http://www.cjmas.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2066
http://www.sportsauthority.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2826451&cp=3077568.3077625.2669280&parentPage=family

Cool Idea for Kali!!

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 16:35:07 GMT

I've got this neat idea that I think should be brainstormed a little. I have been practicing Kali at home and have ran into some trouble. I've got the basic strikes down, but I can't do it at a particular pace. My pacing sucks. What is a guy to do?
So I tried this, I used a metronome.
I allowed the continous beat spur my rhythm. And it worked incredibly well. So much so that I ran into my room to post this.
Give it a try and drop me a line. =;)

P.S. I have no idea if this actually practiced or not. I'am oblivious of even common techniques being inexperienced as I'am. Just so ya'll know.

Dragon Associates Inc

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 10:26:32 GMT

I wanted to order some staff from the above online store and got the following very interesting response to my inquiry:

Dear customer,

we regret to have to inform you, that Jew to many problems we have experienced in the past, we no longer ship goods to Israel.

Thank you in any case for your interest,

If anybody would tell me prior to that incident that one can actually encounter Anti-Semitic morons nowadays in US I would call him crazy.

Awesome Report from The Instructor College!

Sat, 02 Aug 2008 22:50:22 GMT

Hey guys, I just got back from my instructor seminar. I must say that I'am very pleased with how it turned out.
We learned so many awesome things that I'm a total overload. I'm gonna sort it out on this page to help me remember as well as tell ya'll off on what you missed.
Mr. Young taught an amazing self-defense course for us and we watched him teach young children in kidsafe 08'.
Mr. Reed came to us after spending time in Korea and gave us a somewhat beginner lesson in swords and bo.
And Mr. Hale taught us finer points for different teaching methods. Of course, my school's very own Mr. Arnold ran us through etiquette and how to be presentable for the school.
I do recommend this seminar to anyone who are interested. There will be another one in October, anyone in Texas should check it out.

An interesting experience

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 13:50:52 GMT

I've just returned home from two weeks in Florida, and the days I spent at the beach, I developed a very interesting exercise. I practiced push hands with the ocean. It was particularly interesting because the push and pull were generalized forces, rather than just being focused on the hands and arms. Needless to say, the first few attempts, I got knocked off my feet, but about the fifth try, I got the motion down and used the body mechanics to kind of channel the forces around me. It was a lot more exaggerated than normal push hands with another person, but it was really helpful for the purposes of rooting and sensitivity to the direction of force. It became even more fun when I started improvising a form in response to the tide.

Looking for Chi Sau partners.

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 01:16:47 GMT

Anyone practicing, or with an interest in, Wing Chun have any interest in getting together to practice chi sau, or learn how, in the Greater Los Angeles area?

the semi-mythical airplane bathroom form

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 20:45:47 GMT

So many years ago, when he was a pukelon student, a dear friend (currently roommate and sparring partner) heard that one of the senior students in his school had developed a form specifically for airplane bathrooms. Some years later I mentioned this to a group of my Chen students during warm ups, and was surprised by their interest and enthusiasm. "That would be awesome - about the time your butt goes to sleep you can excuse yourself the the bathroom and run through a form or two!" said one. (Or something close to that.) Then, in the next year, I started traveling more frequently myself, and became more keenly aware why one might want such a form. Anyhow, over the past few years this gets brought up again and again, and I'm becoming convinced that if I can't find such a form, I'll have to make one up for myself.

Mind you, a Chen form proper that could be done in an airplane bathroom? This seems unlikely to me. Though I've been starting to play around with kind of a melding of Shaolin Dragon and Chen*, using more closed stances and a lot of jiu and kao movements. One of the beginning Wing Chun forms has also been mentioned as a good candidate for airplane bathrooms.

Any other candidates? Thoughts? Completely silly notions?

* This might just be me, but the two seem awfully conceptually similar to me, to the extent that they have largely fused in my sparring, and there has been significant cross pollination in my forms work. Or maybe they're just my favoritests.

Am I Out of Line?

Sat, 26 Jul 2008 15:10:02 GMT

Okay, so I train over at my school alot. Of course, as you progress there will others coming behind you.
So how do you handle it when they call you "sir"? I think it's an honor to be called that in a TKD school. But that title goes to the teachers, and I'm just another student. I have asked them not to call me "sir" and say that is something I haven't earned yet.
How do I respond to that? I'm just young and stupid I guess.

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:50:44 GMT

Any recommendations of a good on-line shop to buy Karate (preferably Kyokushin) dogi ?

Togakure Ryū Ninpo Taijutsu Seminar with Shihan Shawn Gray

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 21:02:45 GMT

Present

戸隠流忍法体術セミナールと師範ショングレイ

Togakure Ryū Ninpo Taijutsu Seminar with Shihan Shawn Gray

Saturday and Sunday, August 23rd and 24th, 2008