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Attacking the Attacker - By Phillip Poe (Published 6/15/09)
If we ever become the victim of a violent attack, it is crucial that we understand how to attack the attacker. It is my advice to avoid, walk away or de-escalate whenever possible. However, when an attack is imminent, we must know how to shut our attacker's body down. This is accomplished by attacking his vulnerable targets with confidence and commitment.

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Beginning Karate - By Fred P Nichols (Published 3/2/10)
What to expect when beginning Karate? Karate, one of the more popular martial art, is practiced by hundreds of thousands of people through out the world, making it one of the easiest martial art to find a school for. Karate schools are located in just about every major city worldwide.

The Benefits of Kata Practice - By Bart Scovill
Where does Kata stand as a tool for training in the modern martial arts world? Right where it always has, in the heart of our training.

Bo Staff Buying Guide - By Andrew Castillino (Published 1/4/08)
How long a bo would be best for me? How wide a bo staff would be best for me? Which bo staff is right for me?

A Brief History of Wado Ryu Karate-Do - Part I of III - By Owen Johnston (Published 2/25/08)
Hironori Ohtsuka founded Wado-Ryu, the 1st Japanese form of Karate in 1938. It was the result of many years of training in various forms of Japanese Jiu Jitsu and Okinawan Karate, as well as Aikido, developed into a single fluid, powerful, yet peaceful martial art. Wado-Ryu Karate is the Way of Peace and Harmony, and is practiced as a way of life by millions of people worldwide.

A Brief History of Wado Ryu Karate-Do - Part II of III - By Owen Johnston (Published 8/1/09)
It was upon learning Aikido that Ohtsuka-sensei began to form a new budo, a Way of Harmony. He would eventually blend the basics of Funakoshi's karate, the practicality of Shindo Yoshin Ryu Jiu Jitsu, and the spirituality of Aikido, as well as the natural, evasive movements of the latter two. Much like the Jiu Jitsu influence on Ohtsuka-meijin's budo, Aikido had more influence on the principles from which techniques are derived, rather than the specific techniques themselves. Also, it would appear that Shito ryu Karate and Shindo Yoshin Ryu Jiu Jitsu had a much heavier influence on Wado than Aikido.

A Brief History of Wado Ryu Karate-Do - Part III of III - By Owen Johnston (Published 8/1/09)
Ohtsuka gradually incorporated knowledge from Jiu Jitsu, Aikido, and the other karate sensei he trained with, into the classes Funakoshi-sensei had put him in charge of. This included free fighting, and weaving his newfound principles into the kata. While many students agreed with the changes being made, Funakoshi-sensei viewed them as contrary to his teachings.

Bunkai - How Kata Can Be Practical - Kata Interpretation and Application - By Andrew Curtiss (Published 2/12/09)
Through the interpretation of the bio mechanical movements expressed in traditional Martial Arts Kata; one is able to better understand the practical application of Kata for Self Protection. The method, or technique used to interpret and apply these hidden movements is called Bunkai.

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Capoeira: A Short Summary of History and Technique - By J.J. Richards (Published 3/18/08)
The martial art of Capoeira was originally created over 400 years ago in Brazil by the African slaves. Unlike other martial arts, capoeira mixes music, dance, acrobatics, and mischievous play into an artform of beauty and finesse. Once recognized, Capoeira showed the world that it is an effective fighting artform. The style is more than a martial art, but also a social event that is rich in tradition and history.

Choosing The Right Accounting System For Your Martial Arts Business - By Lee Mainprize (Published 2/12/09)
As a school owner it is essential that you know exactly how your business is performing on a month by month business. Rather than ignoring this valuable information the successful school owner would know exactly how much income had been generated last month, how this income had been generated, how much expenses were paid and exactly how much should be provided for certain events.

Conditioning For Martial Arts - By Kyle Hargreaves (Published 2/12/09)
I have been training as a martial artist for as long as I can remember. I have been extremely fortunate in my martial journey have worked with, and continue to work with, some technically excellent instructors and fantastic mat men. However, it has been my experience in working with a number of instructors in the past, that current ideas for warm up drills and conditioning exercises, haven't really moved on from just push ups and sit ups.

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The Difference Between Karate and Tae Kwon Do - By Clint Leung (Published 3/6/08)
Describing differences and similarities between karate and tae kwon do, the two most popular martial arts in North America.

Discover Your Animal - By Bart Scovill (Published 1/18/08)
For Centuries Eastern martial artists have used the study of animals in their arts.  How is this relevant to the modern martial artist?  And, more importantly, what animal are you?

Distance Learning and the Martial Arts - By Calasanz Martinez (Published 2/12/09)
Advances in technology have taken martial arts to a whole new level. The Internet and DVD's allow you to train with the most accomplished martial artists in the privacy of your own living room.

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"Empty Your Cup" - By Bart Scovill (Published 01/26/07)
Bruce Lee's concept of "emptying your cup" is the key to sustained growth and long term improvement in the martial arts.  Just as a teacup can not hold more tea when it's already full, a mind stuffed with its own ideas can not take in new ones.

Escrima - The Filipino Martial Art - By George Royal (Published 1/16/08)
Escrima is a popular Filipino martial art dating back to the 1500s, during the colonization of the Philippine Islands by the Spanish. Escrima is a very simplified but practical form of combat technique originally designed as a self-defense tool. Escrima is also known by many other names such as Eskrima, Arnis, Arnis de Mano, Kali and FMA (Filipino Martial Art). Because of its effectiveness, Escrima is also taught extensively in many Special Forces including the Navy Seals and Army Special Forces.

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Faith In Our Training - By Bart Scovill
As Martial Artists, we must have faith in our chosen path. But that faith can not be blind. What we don't know, can hurt us.

Flexibility and Strength in Martial Arts - By Peter Nisbet (Published 03/10/07)
The ability to relax and release power at exactly the right moment is what differentiates an average exponent of martial arts from a great one. Strength is required to utilize flexibility to its best advantage, and the combination of both combines with timing and relaxation to produce maximum power to maximum effect.

The Foundation of Martial Arts: Yoga - By Paul Jerard
Why does “climb the mountain” stance look so much like Warrior I posture? Is it coincidence, luck, or a common link? Why does Kundalini have movements that resemble punching, kicking, and martial arts foot work? Are Kung Fu forms an extension of Vinyasa? Each has been referred to as meditation in motion.

Founding Principles of Aikido - By John Nieto (Published 1/24/08)
Aikido means "The Way of Harmony with the Spirit" and is considered a non-violent form of martial art. However, don't be fooled. Aikido when used correctly is very powerful.

4 Crucial Points in Self Defense - By Stephen Spivey (Published 7/10/09)
It is very simple: competence breeds confidence, so it makes sense that the more confident you are in defending yourself, the less you will be affected by stress and anxiety. The need for intelligent self-defense training is imperative as the risk of encountering a violent situation becomes increasingly real.

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History Of The Samurai And Bodyguard Training That Became Jujutsu - By Yoshi Kundagawa (Published 4/11/08)
Jujutsu allows the student to keep control over the fight and impose his strategy upon the opponent no matter what they try to do.

How to Fight Someone Taller Than You - By Harv Simpson (Published 10/2/09)
If you're going up against a bigger opponent, it can be unnerving. They've got longer arms and longer legs. It's harder to aim for vital points in the face and neck area. They can keep you at a distance, yet still within their striking distance. So how to fight someone taller than you is a pretty tough question to answer.

Hurricanes and Martial Arts Training - By Lance Winslow
If you are looking for a good sport and you are worried about stoppages in your workout due to hurricanes or extreme weather perhaps martial arts might be for you. With martial arts training you can do it even in the even in a hurricane and even if you decide not to evacuate and stay.

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Increasing the Power of Your Roundhouse Kick - By J. Richard Kirkham
I've had martial artists and other fighters hire me to analyze their punches and kicks and I've even received a video to analyze a frisbee throw due to my background in kinesis, movement education, exercise phys and martial arts. One of the most misunderstood kicks I analyze is the roundhouse kick.

An Introduction to Internal Martial Arts - By Dean Walsh (Published 3/14/08)
Internal martial arts use the mastery of chi energy to defeat an opponent. This article provides an introduction to internal martial arts like Tai Chi and Bagua Zhang.

Introduction to Samurai Swords - By Jon Caston (Published 10/19/09)
Swords have been the weapons of war for the ancient people and they were really the backbone of wars throughout history. Skilled craftsman knew the art of making swords, with well cut and shaped metals so that they could be used as defense weapons.

Is Karate Training Violent? - By Luciano Paparella
This article discusses the pre-conceived notion that karate training is violent and attempts to dive into the definition and perception of violence.

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Japanese and Western Dojos: Comparisons Made By a Westerner Who Lived in Japan With a Karate Master - By Dr. Jason Armstrong (Published 8/1/09)
What is it like to test for a belt in Japan as a Westerner? Or to live with a Master? This article will try to provide brief insights by reflecting on my time Japan between 1995 and 2002. I will also reflect on short-term visits to Japan made by my Californian students to test for Dan ranks. I was fortunate enough to have spent part of my time in and around Japan as an "uchi-deshi" – a live in student of a master. On arriving in Japan my comparisons of East vs. West martial arts came from a somewhat experienced viewpoint since I had already been training in Japanese martial arts for more than 10 years, competed at an international level, and had my own dojo operating in California.

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"Karate is My Secret" - By Bart Scovill (Published 01/17/07)
"Karate is my secret" is an idea that we constantly repeat and reinforce in Shuri-Ryu Karatedo. It is largely believed to refer to the teaching of karate and that karate techniques should be kept secret. However, I believe it can more accurately be rephrased as "my karate training is my secret."

"Karate Ni Sente Nashi" (There is no First Attack in Karate) - By Bart Scovill
Karate is a martial art that teaches non-aggression. Perhaps this is for more than just philosophical reasons.

Kata Is Like A Textbook - By Buzz Campion (Published 7/8/08)
Judging by some articles practitioners of the martial arts are beginning to seriously look at their arts and asking the question - is what I am being taught really self-defence or just an oriental art form? What's more, they're asking why you do this and that technique. Rather than just following blindly from one technique to another because someone tells them its so.

A Kickboxer Discovers Tai Chi - By Yoshi Kundagawa (Published 03/10/07)
I got bored of the same routine at the gym, and accidentally found a Tai Chi class. My ego told me it was dumb and for old people... but I went anyhow. I have fallen in love with this soft martial art!

Kusanku Kata - Is It Really for Fighting at Night? - By Eric Moss (Published 11/20/07)
Kusanku kata has traditionally been called the "night fighting kata." Recently however, this assumption has been challenged by several prominent martial artists. They maintain that the "night fighting" designation is basically a myth, perpetuated by misinterpretation of the name or techniques. There are several good arguments to support this position, but it is obvious that Kusanku kata does contain techniques well-adapted to fighting at night.

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Learn Savate Style Self Defense - By jimmycox(Published 4/16/08)
Like many of the other arts of unarmed combat, the origin of Savate is lost in past ages.

Learning Martial Arts From DVDs and Books - Guidelines For Using Training Resources - By Dr. Geoff Aitken, Ph.D. (Published 6/23/09)
We live in great times, particularly if we are "informationaholics". The proliferation of knowledge and its' accessibility has grown exponentially with the increase in disposable income, ease of travel, the development of the internet and the breaking down of the old establishment style of publishing through very conservative corporations.

Learning Mixed Martial Arts - Combat Phases - By Eric Pratt (Published 8/7/08)
Mixed martial arts, often referred to as MMA, is currently a growing phenomenon in the United States, though the sport has been popular in many other countries for decades. While there are many obscure disciplines and sub-styles, this article will outline the three broad combat situations that fighters find themselves in when competing in mixed martial arts.

Lines of Attack - By Rathryn Ramos (Published 04/2/07)
Lines of attack are readily apparent when in combination with a sword or other weapon, but technically the same principle applies to unarmed attacks, as the weapon is basically merely an extension of the arm and thus of the damage, a lot of people seem to forget this however.

Lines of Attack, Part 2 - By Rathryn Ramos (Published 05/10/07)
In basic human behaviour we acknowledge the existence of 4 basic radii of interaction. The closer people get, the more uncomfortable we feel, unless we know the person(s) in question really well.

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Makiwara Training - By Carl Cestari
Shigeru Kimura Sensei 9th Dan Tani-Ha Shitoryu Shukokai had a punch that was like getting hit with a cannonball. Kimura Sensei had won the All Japan Karate Championship two years in a row. His technique was lightening fast, crisp, and decisive. There was a problem however. Tani Sensei, top student of Mabuni Kenwa and founder of Tani-Ha Shukokai was a firm believer in the age old concept of IKKEN HISSATSU or "One Fist - Certain Death".

A Martial Artist's Mind - By Malele Nzeza (Published 2/1/08)
One day, at a karate class, one of my fellow karate-ka said that our mind was our greatest weapon. I found myself thinking, "if this is true, why does our mind let fear, anger, frustration, and anxiety clog our judgments?" The mind is like a double-edged sword. It can be our greatest ally, but it can also be our worst enemy.

Martial Arts Book Review: The Ancient Martial Art of Hwarang Do; Volume Three by Joo Bang Lee - By Shawn Kovacich (Published 1/11/08)
One of the things that I particularly liked about this book, and the others in the series, is the fact that there are no "sport" techniques in these books. All of the techniques shown are meant to be used in actual combat and self-defense situations. When you look at the art of Hwarang Do, you could make the comparison that this art form includes not only the strikes and kicks of Tae Kwon Do, but also the throwing and grappling techniques of Judo and the joint techniques of Aikido. Hwarang Do is truly a well-rounded and complete martial art.

Martial Arts Business Success Working With Your Partner - By Lee Mainprize (Published 2/12/09)
The business world is full of self-made prophecies that are seldom adhered too. 'Don't work with family' - that's one of them. 'Be weary of mixing business with pleasure'; that's another one. Married East Midlands couple Sean and Julie Hutton are guilty on both counts, but they really don't seem to care. "We love working with each other," they say, with a natural confidence that exudes not only pride in their work, but also great success.

Martial Arts for Children - How Young is Too Young? - By Lloyd Fridenburg (Published 06/7/07)
Martial arts training is one of the best activities that you can offer your child, but parents often wrestle about how old a child should be to participate in martial arts training. There is no right or wrong answer but there are guidelines you should consider.

The Myth of The Ultimate Martial Arts Drill - By J. Richard Kirkham
There seems to be a prevalent myth that a common martial arts drill is some kind of ultimate drill. That if you become adept at this drill, you'll be able to defend yourself in any type of attack in the street. Martial arts instructors have developed drills to improve this drill and others have made it an integral part of a sport.

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Nunchaku Sparring - By Fabiola Castillo (Published 1/11/08)
The last 10 years or so, there has been a new martial art that has made a lasting impression on the European community. It is called nunchaku-do or loosely translated "the way of the nunchaku."

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Overcoming Fear in a Self-Defense Situation - By J. Richard Kirkham
How do you overcome fear in a self-defense situation? Basically you don't, you learn to use the fear instead. Making it a tool that you shape not allowing fear to control you.

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Proactive Vs Reactive Self Defense Training - By Damian Ross (Published 12/20/08)
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.

Pyramid of Threats: Realistic Self-Defense Goals - By Bart Scovill (Published 07/10/07)
There are many different reasons to begin training in the martial arts. But whatever your reason, self-defense was probably at least part of it. And if this is the case, it's probably a good idea to consider what you can hope to accomplish through your training.

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Qigong Concepts And Principles - By Anna Song Lee (Published 6/11/08)
Qigong is an ancient Chinese health practice which started thousands of years ago. After years of being hidden, Qigong became available to the general public in China beginning in late 1970s and spread widely during the 1980s and 90s. Since then, Qigong has become gradually known in the west.

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Randomize Your Training - By Bart Scovill (Published 09/20/07)
Ever walk into the dojo and spend half your training time trying to decide what to do, or you have a workout plan that you just don't feel like following. Here's a suggestion to help you deal with these situations. Randomize your training. That's right, let fate decide what you should do.

Referrals Are A Great Source of Marketing Martial Arts - By Lee Mainprize (Published 11/7/08)
Referrals should be your biggest source of marketing your martial arts school other than leads you generate yourself. Referrals come from not just satisfied customers but raving fans, remember the last time you went to see a great movie, how many people did you tell to go and see that movie Right! Lots and lots. The same thing should happen with your students, the following factors will encourage your students to refer.

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Sambo, The Unique And Effective Russian Fighting Art - By Yoshi Kundagawa (Published 4/2/08)
Russian martial arts differ from those of the east in that they are not so much based on techniques but are based on training concepts. In Eastern martial arts, the instruction is through rehearsing moves and techniques where as in Sambo and other Russian forms, they are taught to use improvisation but within a certain structure.

Secrets of Qigong Meditation - By Kevin Schoeninger (Published 10/14/08)
In qigong meditation, we learn to use powers of mind and spirit to feel, gather, store, cultivate, refine, and circulate universal qi. The primary principle of qigong practice is this: Where qi flows smoothly there is health, happiness, and well-being. Where qi flow is impeded, there is disease, distress, and conflict.

Selecting the Right Nunchaku - Nunchaku Buying Tips - By Ilse Hagen (Published 8/1/09)
If you are a fan of martial arts movies then you probably know what nunchaku are. If you're not, then they are those pairs of sticks that martial artists swing around and hurt their opponents with. Nunchaku are also known as nunchucks. Known as one of the kobudo weapons, nanchucks are made up of two foot-long sticks that are in the shape of a cylinder.

A Self Defense Priority - Make Sure Your System Has This Key Component - By Stephen Spivey (Published 11/14/09)
There are many key components that make up a good reality based self defense system. In this article we will discuss a crucial component that is often overlooked - System continuity.

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The Test - By Carl Cestari (Published 7/18/09)
It really does NOT matter one iota what style, system, method, or technique you MAY wish to apply to your personal survival training. What DOES matter is, if "whatever" it is that you choose passes the above TEST.

That Pressure Point Stuff Doesn't Work! - By Larry Bethers (Published 1/22/10)
That was a comment made by one of my previous instructors. He then proceeded to show us where to strike. Being somewhat kind and not wanting to cause problems in class I kept my mouth shut as he pointed out about five areas to strike. I'll be darned if he didn't point out five pressure point locations that relate to Chinese Medicine Theory. Any one or combination thereof would cause a standing knockout at the least and possible death if struck with sufficient force.

The Top 10 Reasons to Start Karate - By Paul A. Walker (Published 2/20/08)
This article is intended for you if you are investigating or just getting started in karate practice. It lists the top 10 reasons for starting or continuing, and give a brief explanation of each one. These 10 reasons are the results of our own surveys and are listed by order of the most popular reasons.

The Truth about Martial Arts Demonstrations - By Malele Nzeza (Published 12/27/07)
Most martial arts demonstrations are not demonstrations, they are exhibitions. They usually consist of well scripted fighting scenarios in which the artists perform amazing self-defense techniques that would make a Hollywood director jump with excitement. The techniques are executed flawlessly and the timing is always perfect. In short, no room is left for mistakes.

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Using Your Brain For a Change - The Inner Game of Martial Arts - By Barry Hart (Published 2/26/10)
The game played inside your head can dramatically affect your performance during gradings or in the ring. Good mental prep can't replace physical training, but it brings out your potential.

Using Trial Passes To Promote Your Martial Arts School - By Lee Mainprize (Published 2/12/09)
Every month give all your students between 2-5 trial passes to give to their friends, ask students for their support rather than demanding it! Most will not you use them but if just two percent give the passes and you give out 200 passes, that's 4 leads without little effort and cost.

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Vital Targets - Why Pressure Points Just Don't Work in a Real Fight - By Andrew Curtiss (Published 7/18/09)
As a youth I spent my teens and part of my twenties searching for the "magical" pressure points of the martial arts, and then figuring out why they didn't work in a real fight. What I found in the end was that these magical "Death Touches" simply do not work. This article is about the truth of vital points; what works and what does not.

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Wushu Chinese Self Defense Or Performance Martial Art? - By Damian Ross (Published 7/10/09)
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.

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Your Perfect Kick - What Happens When Perfect Isn't Enough - By Shawn Kovacich
What do you do when your perfectly thrown kick strikes your opponent perfectly on the correct vulnerable or vital point, yet doesn’t stop or even faze him? This is a question that I hope you are asking yourself long before the actual situation ever arises.

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Zen and the Martial Arts - By Joseph D Parker (Published 7/10/09)
If you want to accelerate your personal growth and development in training, it is absolutely essential that you understand what it means to "express yourself" through the martial arts as soon as possible. Self-expression in the martial arts is the point where your mind and body act in unison to affect one action - one motion. Performance is automatic, without thought, flawless. It is what others in the sports world call, "being in the Zone."

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