Articles By Topic

This page lists martial arts' articles by Topic.  See synopsis below. Topics:

Training

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Back to Top

History

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.

Back to Top

Styles & Arts

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 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.

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.

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."

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.

Back to Top

Advice

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?

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 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.

Back to Top

Philosophy

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.

"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.

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.

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.

"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.

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.

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.

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.

Back to Top