Seems like the film 'United 93' receives fantastic reviews from the movie audiences alike. What could have been too much or too early, seems to be a great testimonial to the sacrifices aboard that plane.
I would like here to point the bravery of judoka Jeremy Glick. The film allegedly theorizes that he lead the charge on the hijackers.
True or not, he participated in the counter attack, and he will remain a true hero in my book.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
The student you don't want to be (2)
Here are some more people that don't like making it too easy for themselves, their fellow students, or their teachers...
Again, we're talking general traits here - luckily there are very few who are 100% like this.
The first we looked at was 'The Collector' (March 11, 2006).
Here we'll take e brief look at 'The Scientist'.
2. The Scientist:
Here we have someone who likes to study every possible angle of any given exercise.
Actually doing every possible angle of any given exercise is also a possibility, though much more unlikely.
The Scientist can study, contemplate, consider, read about, search for, watch and lecture about the position of the index finger on your left hand in a given form for hours on end.
The scientist knows not only the position of said index finger in all kata/forms in every martial arts style ever presented since the dawn of time - he is quick to point out that you (the unruly improviser) held said finger a quarter of an inch more to the left in class two weeks ago.
If you wish to succeed in any martial art you do not want to be a Scientist! That is, unless you keep most of the research to yourself, and actually knows when to be quiet and work out.
Never forget the three stages of martial arts study: 1. Plan, 2. Execute, 3. Evaluate - then repeat ad infinitum!
Again, we're talking general traits here - luckily there are very few who are 100% like this.
The first we looked at was 'The Collector' (March 11, 2006).
Here we'll take e brief look at 'The Scientist'.
2. The Scientist:
Here we have someone who likes to study every possible angle of any given exercise.
Actually doing every possible angle of any given exercise is also a possibility, though much more unlikely.
The Scientist can study, contemplate, consider, read about, search for, watch and lecture about the position of the index finger on your left hand in a given form for hours on end.
The scientist knows not only the position of said index finger in all kata/forms in every martial arts style ever presented since the dawn of time - he is quick to point out that you (the unruly improviser) held said finger a quarter of an inch more to the left in class two weeks ago.
If you wish to succeed in any martial art you do not want to be a Scientist! That is, unless you keep most of the research to yourself, and actually knows when to be quiet and work out.
Never forget the three stages of martial arts study: 1. Plan, 2. Execute, 3. Evaluate - then repeat ad infinitum!
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Prey-to-play
I really do wonder what kind of video games this guy was watching.
And I also would like to know if people sincerely believe the excuses they give for their own actions.
Source:
"My parents didn't give me money or gifts."
The man attacked his Queens victims after sneaking into their homes to steal money - so he could buy video games, authorities said yesterday.
The 27-year-old man - dubbed the ponytailed rapist by cops - said he crept into his victims' apartments at night to show how stealthy he could be.
"I was really into my martial arts," he said. "I constantly tried to make myself more stealth-like."
Source
And I also would like to know if people sincerely believe the excuses they give for their own actions.
Source:
"My parents didn't give me money or gifts."
The man attacked his Queens victims after sneaking into their homes to steal money - so he could buy video games, authorities said yesterday.
The 27-year-old man - dubbed the ponytailed rapist by cops - said he crept into his victims' apartments at night to show how stealthy he could be.
"I was really into my martial arts," he said. "I constantly tried to make myself more stealth-like."
Source
Taekwondo guru
A female Aussie teenager, taekwondo guru :-)
No sh.. Shirley!
I bit of a mix up perhaps, just a tiny one...?
Are journalists really allowed to be this ignorant?
Story:
Taekwondo guru Caitlyn Lytzki has made the Australian team for the world junior taekwondo championships in Geelong.
The teen black belt is the only homegrown hope for the world-class championships to be held in September.
Source
No sh.. Shirley!
I bit of a mix up perhaps, just a tiny one...?
Are journalists really allowed to be this ignorant?
Story:
Taekwondo guru Caitlyn Lytzki has made the Australian team for the world junior taekwondo championships in Geelong.
The teen black belt is the only homegrown hope for the world-class championships to be held in September.
Source
Friday, April 28, 2006
More karate-don't
A 43-year-old karate instructor was arrested Monday and charged with possession of child pornography.
Noblesville Maj. Curt Kinman said the man was an instructor with American Black Belt Karate Academy and operated the facility as of Friday.
Source
Noblesville Maj. Curt Kinman said the man was an instructor with American Black Belt Karate Academy and operated the facility as of Friday.
Source
karate-don't
South Africa: The case of a 68-year-old karate coach who allegedly indecently assaulted at least six minors was postponed in the Stilbaai Magistrate's court on Friday, police said.
The coach was arrested on Tuesday on his farm in Stilbaai in the Western Cape, where police also seized two unlicensed firearms and ammunition, a licensed firearm, a dismantled firearm, and computer equipment.
Source
The coach was arrested on Tuesday on his farm in Stilbaai in the Western Cape, where police also seized two unlicensed firearms and ammunition, a licensed firearm, a dismantled firearm, and computer equipment.
Source
Mixed (martial arts) bag
"Some dope to go with that sword, madam?"
Hope these guys didn't do any martial arts!
Story:
A man operated a stand at the Pocono Bazaar flea market in Marshalls Creek, selling Samurai swords, knives and martial arts equipment.
He also sold various drug-related items, including pipes and bongs used for smoking marijuana and other drugs, along with scales, baggies and other items used to repackage and sell illegal drugs, police said.
Source
Hope these guys didn't do any martial arts!
Story:
A man operated a stand at the Pocono Bazaar flea market in Marshalls Creek, selling Samurai swords, knives and martial arts equipment.
He also sold various drug-related items, including pipes and bongs used for smoking marijuana and other drugs, along with scales, baggies and other items used to repackage and sell illegal drugs, police said.
Source
Midlife Beginner
Never, ever too late. Not only to do martial art, but to be good at it!
Let's go, boys and girls - go, go, go!
Story:
Elmeria Davis, 57, a divorced mother of three, grandmother to seven, and great-grandma to six, started taking martial-arts classes six years ago. She is a second-degree black belt preparing to test for her third degree in taekwondo. She entered her first competition the year her first great-grandchild was born.
"When my sister and mother died, I was grieving. I was hurt. I got a flier in the mail offering a month of free lessons. I was hooked."
Source
Let's go, boys and girls - go, go, go!
Story:
Elmeria Davis, 57, a divorced mother of three, grandmother to seven, and great-grandma to six, started taking martial-arts classes six years ago. She is a second-degree black belt preparing to test for her third degree in taekwondo. She entered her first competition the year her first great-grandchild was born.
"When my sister and mother died, I was grieving. I was hurt. I got a flier in the mail offering a month of free lessons. I was hooked."
Source
Modern Ways of Shaolin
So much for that illusion...
Source:
Most monks above the age of 18 on the Shaolin Temple's martial arts team use mobile phone and surf the Internet daily, their chief coach has said.
Head coach Shi Yanlu revealed the modern life enjoyed by monks in an interview with the Xiaoxiang Morning Post.
Source
Source:
Most monks above the age of 18 on the Shaolin Temple's martial arts team use mobile phone and surf the Internet daily, their chief coach has said.
Head coach Shi Yanlu revealed the modern life enjoyed by monks in an interview with the Xiaoxiang Morning Post.
Source
Interview With Perry W Kelly
You're invited to read the latest interview with renowned author, lawyer, educator and martial artist Perry William Kelly.
He talks about his latest book on legendary kickboxer Jean-Yves Theriault, his own training and more at:
Your Martial Arts Resources
He talks about his latest book on legendary kickboxer Jean-Yves Theriault, his own training and more at:
Your Martial Arts Resources
Commanding nut case
I thought I'd heard and seen it all.
Luckily I was wrong!
And I'll readily admit it: I'm breaking one of my own rules here - never to speak negative about any form of martial art. Hope you all can forgive me - you see, I consider this to be bad comedy, and not anywhere close to martial art.
The way I see it is that you have great comedy, good comedy and ok comedy. Then you have comedy that is good because it is so totally bad. Then, you get to comedy that is past this point - it is so bad that it is plain and simply B.A.D. And then, way down the point of not funny, you have stuff like this...
Here's a (probably) mad, far out close cousin of Ashida Kim (the 'I remain' guy, as in 'I remain totally lost'); or maybe it's the same guy?
Best/worst part: Some people actually buy into (aka. actually pay for) this stuff/fluff.
American ninja? Nightbreed system? Training with your feet in boxes?
If you ever wonder why some still look at you like you're from another solar system, when you tell them you're doing martial arts - here's the answer.
Story:
Down this gloomy stretch of road in North Royalton, where auto-body shops flank both sides of the road like competing fast-food chains, the best fighters in the world train to be killers.
The only identifier is a small logo -- the sign for an eclipse, framed by cross-hairs -- on a gray metal door on the side of the Right Wrench Auto Service. Upstairs is Nightbreed Tactical Combat Academy.
In this dingy room, one man has single-handedly created the most advanced fighting system in the world, aptly named "Combat Skills." There's no need here for any fancy chang-fu talk.
Source
Luckily I was wrong!
And I'll readily admit it: I'm breaking one of my own rules here - never to speak negative about any form of martial art. Hope you all can forgive me - you see, I consider this to be bad comedy, and not anywhere close to martial art.
The way I see it is that you have great comedy, good comedy and ok comedy. Then you have comedy that is good because it is so totally bad. Then, you get to comedy that is past this point - it is so bad that it is plain and simply B.A.D. And then, way down the point of not funny, you have stuff like this...
Here's a (probably) mad, far out close cousin of Ashida Kim (the 'I remain' guy, as in 'I remain totally lost'); or maybe it's the same guy?
Best/worst part: Some people actually buy into (aka. actually pay for) this stuff/fluff.
American ninja? Nightbreed system? Training with your feet in boxes?
If you ever wonder why some still look at you like you're from another solar system, when you tell them you're doing martial arts - here's the answer.
Story:
Down this gloomy stretch of road in North Royalton, where auto-body shops flank both sides of the road like competing fast-food chains, the best fighters in the world train to be killers.
The only identifier is a small logo -- the sign for an eclipse, framed by cross-hairs -- on a gray metal door on the side of the Right Wrench Auto Service. Upstairs is Nightbreed Tactical Combat Academy.
In this dingy room, one man has single-handedly created the most advanced fighting system in the world, aptly named "Combat Skills." There's no need here for any fancy chang-fu talk.
Source
Gentle persuasion and encouragement
And then a lot of hard work.
Story:
At 13 he was 6ft 2in tall, weighed 17 stones – and took up kick boxing. There was no doubt that he could pack a mean punch, the trouble was he could not always control which direction it would travel.
Ross, now 18, was born with dyspraxia, an inability to coordinate movement. Although there are no obvious physical signs, to other people he would at times appear clumsy and awkward.
Years of consulting the experts did little to improve Ross's condition, for which there is no known cause or cure.
Rather it was gentle persuasion from his mum Maureen to give martial arts a go that was to change his life.
Source
Story:
At 13 he was 6ft 2in tall, weighed 17 stones – and took up kick boxing. There was no doubt that he could pack a mean punch, the trouble was he could not always control which direction it would travel.
Ross, now 18, was born with dyspraxia, an inability to coordinate movement. Although there are no obvious physical signs, to other people he would at times appear clumsy and awkward.
Years of consulting the experts did little to improve Ross's condition, for which there is no known cause or cure.
Rather it was gentle persuasion from his mum Maureen to give martial arts a go that was to change his life.
Source
In knots is in knots
Silly me, I kind of believed - along with a couple of million other people - that Jigoro Kano invented the belt system as we know it. Last time anyone checked he was considered to be as Japanese as they possibly come...
What's next, that Wing Chun really is a native Norwegian Viking form of belly dancing?
Story:
"In Korea, they only had white belts,” said Gerber, seven-year owner of Iron Horse Martial Arts.
"It was the wear and tear that changed the colors. So, when they started teaching Americans, they had to come up with a ranking system."
Source
What's next, that Wing Chun really is a native Norwegian Viking form of belly dancing?
Story:
"In Korea, they only had white belts,” said Gerber, seven-year owner of Iron Horse Martial Arts.
"It was the wear and tear that changed the colors. So, when they started teaching Americans, they had to come up with a ranking system."
Source
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Bad publisity
And of course really bad for the young girl.
Story:
College Station police Wednesday arrested a 32-year-old martial arts instructor and charged him with having sex with a teen student, authorities said.
Court documents accuse the man of having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old girl in October last year. The teen was his student at The Academy of Modern Martial Arts. Authorities said the sex acts took place at the studio and at his College Station home.
Source
Story:
College Station police Wednesday arrested a 32-year-old martial arts instructor and charged him with having sex with a teen student, authorities said.
Court documents accuse the man of having a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old girl in October last year. The teen was his student at The Academy of Modern Martial Arts. Authorities said the sex acts took place at the studio and at his College Station home.
Source
Active in Wheelchair With Karate
Sharyna Miley was nervous as she tested for her second belt in karate, orange.
She went through punches, blocks and jabs. Unlike the rest of her testing class, she did not kick.
Miley, a 57-year-old Olathe resident, uses a power wheelchair due to multiple sclerosis.
Source
She went through punches, blocks and jabs. Unlike the rest of her testing class, she did not kick.
Miley, a 57-year-old Olathe resident, uses a power wheelchair due to multiple sclerosis.
Source
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Martial Artist and Prime Minister?
Manasseh Sogavare, the martial arts expert likely to become the next leader of the Solomon Islands, comes from a quiet outpost where crocodiles are worshipped, waterfalls line the majestic Sui River and dolphins play in picturesque Choiseul Bay.
Source
Source
Be Able to Kill Your Students
The teachings of Grand Master Masaaki Hatsumi echo through my head as he entreats me to attack a blackbelted disciple with a practice sword. "Always be able to kill your students," he says.
Chilling words from a shockingly fit 76-year-old man who bills himself as the world's last ninja and stocks his training chamber with weapons such as throwing stars and nunchucks. Especially to a neophyte whose closest brush with martial arts was watching Bruce Lee matinees as a kid.
Source
Chilling words from a shockingly fit 76-year-old man who bills himself as the world's last ninja and stocks his training chamber with weapons such as throwing stars and nunchucks. Especially to a neophyte whose closest brush with martial arts was watching Bruce Lee matinees as a kid.
Source
Risk Compensation
Here's a really interesting article on risk compensation.
Story:
Let's suppose your child wants to take a martial arts class. Being a conscientious parent, you check out the local dojos and find two good places. Both are suitable and well equipped. Both practice fighting with contact – but there's one major difference. One dojo insists on a full range of protective padding – hands, feet, chest protectors, shin guards – the whole works. The other takes a much lighter approach - hands and feet, and sometimes not even those.
To the conscientious parent, the first place is going to look much safer, right? But when you look at the injury rates of the two dojos, you notice something odd: They're about the same. What could be going on here?
What's happening is a process known as risk compensation. It's a tendency in humans to increase risky behavior proportionately as safeguards are introduced, and it's very common. So common, in fact, as to render predictions of how well any given piece of safety equipment will work almost useless.
Source
Story:
Let's suppose your child wants to take a martial arts class. Being a conscientious parent, you check out the local dojos and find two good places. Both are suitable and well equipped. Both practice fighting with contact – but there's one major difference. One dojo insists on a full range of protective padding – hands, feet, chest protectors, shin guards – the whole works. The other takes a much lighter approach - hands and feet, and sometimes not even those.
To the conscientious parent, the first place is going to look much safer, right? But when you look at the injury rates of the two dojos, you notice something odd: They're about the same. What could be going on here?
What's happening is a process known as risk compensation. It's a tendency in humans to increase risky behavior proportionately as safeguards are introduced, and it's very common. So common, in fact, as to render predictions of how well any given piece of safety equipment will work almost useless.
Source
Sleeping on the job
This kid is off to a bad start :-)
Infants these days...
Story:
Filming on Jackie Chan's new action comedy Rob-B-Hood was delayed further when the baby they hired to be 'kidnapped' kept falling asleep.
Annoyed Chan, who recently had to take time out of filming when he suffered a chest injury, now reveals an uncooperative infant has put cast and crew even further behind schedule. He says, "When it was time to film the first shot ... the baby fell asleep."
Source
Infants these days...
Story:
Filming on Jackie Chan's new action comedy Rob-B-Hood was delayed further when the baby they hired to be 'kidnapped' kept falling asleep.
Annoyed Chan, who recently had to take time out of filming when he suffered a chest injury, now reveals an uncooperative infant has put cast and crew even further behind schedule. He says, "When it was time to film the first shot ... the baby fell asleep."
Source
Mentors through martial arts
Once a gang member himself, an information manager with Detachment 2 of the 17th Test Squadron now uses kicks and punches to keep teenagers out of trouble.
To his co-workers at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Colo., he is Staff Sgt. Dave Armstrong. To his students at the Hillside Community Center in Colorado Springs, he is Sensei Dave.
Source
To his co-workers at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Colo., he is Staff Sgt. Dave Armstrong. To his students at the Hillside Community Center in Colorado Springs, he is Sensei Dave.
Source
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
What’s ‘Christian’ got to do with it?
Quite frankly, I've asked myself that question too. Not that there's anything wrong with Christian, or Muslim, or Hindi, or Catholic, or any other "form" of martial arts.
Story:
You know what I find sad? My son's tae kwon do team has been doing amazing things for about eight years and we have literally begged and pleaded for some coverage but never get it. Then I go online and there is a picture from the "Christian" tae kwon do making The Forum. What, since they put the word "Christian" in front of TKD, is it that makes them so much better?
Being in tae kwon do has taught my son respect, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit, courtesy and integrity.
Source
Story:
You know what I find sad? My son's tae kwon do team has been doing amazing things for about eight years and we have literally begged and pleaded for some coverage but never get it. Then I go online and there is a picture from the "Christian" tae kwon do making The Forum. What, since they put the word "Christian" in front of TKD, is it that makes them so much better?
Being in tae kwon do has taught my son respect, perseverance, self-control, indomitable spirit, courtesy and integrity.
Source
Ask a ninja
Here's a chance to finally get some real answers to many profound questions :-)In this clip our friend in black answers "What is ninja's relationship with Physics?".
"My relationship with Physics is my business, eh! I need to hang up here longer than the 'theory' of gravity wants me to - I just do it!"
Great stuff! You can watch and download this clip here
More funny martial arts clips:
Your Martial Arts Resources
Another weirdo
Vancouver: In the videos, Mr. Terezakis is usually seen wearing a leather jacket, white T-shirt, wraparound sunglasses and a large cross around his neck. The burly former martial arts instructor and construction worker insisted he was playing a larger-than-life character, not filming actual beatings.
He cited the movie Jackass as inspiration for his videos, which he hoped to distribute in some manner under the title 'Bible Thumpers'.
Some of the alleged victims testified on behalf of Mr. Terezakis and said they were not actually assaulted, but participated in the movies in exchange for money to buy drugs.
Source
He cited the movie Jackass as inspiration for his videos, which he hoped to distribute in some manner under the title 'Bible Thumpers'.
Some of the alleged victims testified on behalf of Mr. Terezakis and said they were not actually assaulted, but participated in the movies in exchange for money to buy drugs.
Source
Notorious past
A former police officer who spent seven years in federal prison for the 1994 choking death of Anthony Baez, 29, is now helping teach martial arts as the CEO of Genesis Diversified Services- boasting he fought crime with his "bare hands."
"He shouldn't be out here giving classes," raged Baez's mother, Iris. "He should be locked up in a cell somewhere. If he didn't know what he was doing when he murdered my son than how could he teach anybody else?"
Source
"He shouldn't be out here giving classes," raged Baez's mother, Iris. "He should be locked up in a cell somewhere. If he didn't know what he was doing when he murdered my son than how could he teach anybody else?"
Source
Monday, April 24, 2006
The Iceman
Here's a new book by Perry William Kelly that I'm really looking forward to read!Called 'Iceman' (ISBN 0-921165-73-0) it reflects on the life and career of the legendary, Canadian kickboxer, Jean-Yves Theriault (23 times World Champion).
Not only is Mr Theriault a fighter with a track record like no one else - being on top of his game for 19 years straight (!) - he is also one of the nicest people that you could ever hope to meet.
Like the author himself says: "Theriault was not a trash talker who boasted about how 'bad' he was. He simply went into the ring and did his job, which was knocking people out."
Being described as a rags to riches story, this book should be of interest to anyone who wishes to have a look into the heart (and gigantic dedication) of a true fighter in every sense of the word.
It also attests to the fact that you can be as hard as they come inside the ring - and a gentleman and down-to-earth role model when you step outside the ring.
Martial Arts action film star Don “The Dragon” Wilson calls this book, “A roundhouse kick to the heart and a must read for any martial arts fan who wants the inside scoop on what it takes to become a world champion”.
What are you waiting for?
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Octogenarian teaches tai chi
85-year-old Helen R. Thomas is such a believer in the benefits of tai chi that she's improvising a new sitting form of tai chi for people using wheelchairs and canes.
"One woman, who has severe Parkinson's disease could barely move her hands, when we started," says Thomas. "Now she can open them and close them. That's a victory for her."
Eight years ago, Thomas feared she might become a cripple from the arthritis in her back and knees. She did not relish surgery, turning in desperation to tai chi, which she now credits with healing the pain and stiffness in her joints.
Source
"One woman, who has severe Parkinson's disease could barely move her hands, when we started," says Thomas. "Now she can open them and close them. That's a victory for her."
Eight years ago, Thomas feared she might become a cripple from the arthritis in her back and knees. She did not relish surgery, turning in desperation to tai chi, which she now credits with healing the pain and stiffness in her joints.
Source
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Multiple sclerosis
It wasn't long after Emily Boulden started taking her son to tae kwon do lessons that she too became hooked.
A dancer in her youth, she loved the grace and artistry of the martial art. So at 38, she joined Flying Dragon Taekwon-Do in Smyrna.
Now 46, Boulden is a second-degree black belt devoted to the sport. But she never could have imagined how integral the discipline would become to her life after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Source
A dancer in her youth, she loved the grace and artistry of the martial art. So at 38, she joined Flying Dragon Taekwon-Do in Smyrna.
Now 46, Boulden is a second-degree black belt devoted to the sport. But she never could have imagined how integral the discipline would become to her life after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
Source
Boy, you're deadly!
Why did I spend 30 years when all it takes is three months to become a lethal weapon? Guess my training sucks, eh?
Story:
(Actor) Ben Foster received martial arts training for the film 'Alpha Dog' and spent three months mastering the basics.
He adds, "The person that my character was loosely based on was a national tae kwon do champion, so I got martial arts training for three months. You hold yourself differently when you know you can destroy someone."
Source
Story:
(Actor) Ben Foster received martial arts training for the film 'Alpha Dog' and spent three months mastering the basics.
He adds, "The person that my character was loosely based on was a national tae kwon do champion, so I got martial arts training for three months. You hold yourself differently when you know you can destroy someone."
Source
More bad men
Shame, shame, shame...
Story:
Two men have been found guilty of physically and sexually abusing troubled children they were meant to be looking after.
The pair originally faced 85 charges dating back 30 years.
The witnesses included one man who is now serving life for murder and others who are also in jail.
Another, who went on to acquire a criminal record for violence and firearms offences, claimed he had returned to the school near Stevenston with a gun intending to shoot George for what he had done.
The trial heard evidence of "rag-dolling" assaults on unruly pupils by pushing and shaking them and how martial arts enthusiast George liked to practice Kung Fu on them.
Source
Story:
Two men have been found guilty of physically and sexually abusing troubled children they were meant to be looking after.
The pair originally faced 85 charges dating back 30 years.
The witnesses included one man who is now serving life for murder and others who are also in jail.
Another, who went on to acquire a criminal record for violence and firearms offences, claimed he had returned to the school near Stevenston with a gun intending to shoot George for what he had done.
The trial heard evidence of "rag-dolling" assaults on unruly pupils by pushing and shaking them and how martial arts enthusiast George liked to practice Kung Fu on them.
Source
Doc sticks it to rivals
This is a doctor I could relate to :-)
Story:
She's more accustomed to mending bones than breaking them but look out if Dr Andrea Wheatley has a rattan stick in her hands.
The Adelaide osteopath has recently caned four men into submission in six fights at the NSW Stick Fighting Championships.
A 2nd dan black belt exponent of Filipino stick fighting, Wheatley arrived in Wollongong this month intending to fight only women.
However, her opponents withdrew for a variety of reasons so she entered the men's 75kg division and only lost the gold medal to a sixth-dan master Craig Hayward.
A non-threatening 172cm and 58kg, the quietly-spoken doctor won the double stick division and silver in the single stick. "
Source
Story:
She's more accustomed to mending bones than breaking them but look out if Dr Andrea Wheatley has a rattan stick in her hands.
The Adelaide osteopath has recently caned four men into submission in six fights at the NSW Stick Fighting Championships.
A 2nd dan black belt exponent of Filipino stick fighting, Wheatley arrived in Wollongong this month intending to fight only women.
However, her opponents withdrew for a variety of reasons so she entered the men's 75kg division and only lost the gold medal to a sixth-dan master Craig Hayward.
A non-threatening 172cm and 58kg, the quietly-spoken doctor won the double stick division and silver in the single stick. "
Source
Web pages that suck
Does your martial arts school or organization have a web site? I hope so. Today, more and more people are using the Web to search for all kinds of services - training included.
And believe me - people judge quality based on appearance. They don't know you or your school/organization yet, so they have to base their impression on what they see and hear.
And why am I mentioning this here?
Simply because webpagesthatsuck.com has chosen a martial arts website as 'The Worst Web Page In The World for April 18, 2006'.
Luckily it's not one of mine, because I would probably have died of shame.
Webpagesthatsuck.com goes on to state: "Martial arts schools are YAITS -- Yet Another Industry That Sucks at web design. I personally dislike the blue links on the black background."
Shame on us! Building a really great, top-of-the-line website takes skill and hard work. For professional results you would need a pro 9 times out of 10.
On the other hand - avoiding the basic pitfalls (read: disasters) is very easy. So why build something that sucks?
Beats me...
And believe me - people judge quality based on appearance. They don't know you or your school/organization yet, so they have to base their impression on what they see and hear.
And why am I mentioning this here?
Simply because webpagesthatsuck.com has chosen a martial arts website as 'The Worst Web Page In The World for April 18, 2006'.
Luckily it's not one of mine, because I would probably have died of shame.
Webpagesthatsuck.com goes on to state: "Martial arts schools are YAITS -- Yet Another Industry That Sucks at web design. I personally dislike the blue links on the black background."
Shame on us! Building a really great, top-of-the-line website takes skill and hard work. For professional results you would need a pro 9 times out of 10.
On the other hand - avoiding the basic pitfalls (read: disasters) is very easy. So why build something that sucks?
Beats me...
A real fighter
Susan Feller (53), who was diagnosed with polymyocitis a couple of years ago, is a student and part-time instructor at Brice’s Tae-kwondo USA Family Center in Evansville.
She's one of 73 women the American Tae Kwon Do Association says are third-degree black belts. In June, she hopes to rise to fourth degree during testing in Little Rock, Ark.
"You can't give up, no matter what," Feller said. "Even if I have a bad headache, I come in here (the academy) to be with the kids. There's always one who makes me laugh."
Source
She's one of 73 women the American Tae Kwon Do Association says are third-degree black belts. In June, she hopes to rise to fourth degree during testing in Little Rock, Ark.
"You can't give up, no matter what," Feller said. "Even if I have a bad headache, I come in here (the academy) to be with the kids. There's always one who makes me laugh."
Source
"Kata-attorney"
He's been Marion County's prosecuting attorney for over a year now, and there have been many intense and stressful situations.
High profile court cases and long demanding hours can often leave the 48 year old feeling tired and worn out, but Wilson says there's a place called "East Side Karate" where he can go and forget about his responsibilities.
The prosecuting attorney says martial arts has been a life long hobby, but it was only until recently he became involved again.
Wilson says the classes he helps teach gives kids an opportunity to be physically fit but also helps them boost their self esteem and become more successful outside of the gym.
Source
High profile court cases and long demanding hours can often leave the 48 year old feeling tired and worn out, but Wilson says there's a place called "East Side Karate" where he can go and forget about his responsibilities.
The prosecuting attorney says martial arts has been a life long hobby, but it was only until recently he became involved again.
Wilson says the classes he helps teach gives kids an opportunity to be physically fit but also helps them boost their self esteem and become more successful outside of the gym.
Source
Pastor nails it
Ken (69), who is a pastor at a church in south London, says he has been lying on a bed of nails since he was 14 and claims his training in martial arts helps him overcome any pain.
He added: "It's mind over matter really. I keep a bed of nails at my home in Wales and I practise whenever I can. The martial arts keep me in shape too.
The pensioner wants to give something back to the Mayday hospital after doctors saved his life when he was treated for a lung infection last month.
Source
More martial arts related stories and updates:
Your Martial Arts Resources
He added: "It's mind over matter really. I keep a bed of nails at my home in Wales and I practise whenever I can. The martial arts keep me in shape too.
The pensioner wants to give something back to the Mayday hospital after doctors saved his life when he was treated for a lung infection last month.
Source
More martial arts related stories and updates:
Your Martial Arts Resources
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Mind and body in separate locations
At times (quite often in fact) I wonder where some martial arts people have their brains. Obviously it cannot be inside the skull where it's supposed to be.
And I also believed that one of the basic thing you learned in any martial art is to control the small things in order to control bigger issues.
Oh, I get it, maybe this kid actually knew all along he had a martial arts sword in his car!
Story:
A 17-year-old Northwestern High School student was arrested this week after police say he brought a sword to school, according to a Rock Hill police report.
The sword was discovered Monday by a man who was walking through the parking lot and saw it in the bed of a truck, the report stated. The man told a police officer about the sword and the officer recovered the approximately 36-inch-long weapon.
Police arrested Richard Moran the report stated. Moran told police he did own a sword and used it for a martial arts class. However, he said he didn't know his sword was in the back of the truck.
Source
And I also believed that one of the basic thing you learned in any martial art is to control the small things in order to control bigger issues.
Oh, I get it, maybe this kid actually knew all along he had a martial arts sword in his car!
Story:
A 17-year-old Northwestern High School student was arrested this week after police say he brought a sword to school, according to a Rock Hill police report.
The sword was discovered Monday by a man who was walking through the parking lot and saw it in the bed of a truck, the report stated. The man told a police officer about the sword and the officer recovered the approximately 36-inch-long weapon.
Police arrested Richard Moran the report stated. Moran told police he did own a sword and used it for a martial arts class. However, he said he didn't know his sword was in the back of the truck.
Source
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
"Crouching Plaintiff, Hidden Lawyer"
I do wonder who benefits the most? Could it possibly be the lawyers...?
Story:
Call it "Crouching Plaintiff, Hidden Lawyer" if you want. The Weinstein Co. has filed suit against Columbia Pictures over the rights to five books by Wang Du Lou that includes Tiger.
In December, The Weinstein Co. entered into an agreement with the heirs to Wang Du Lu with a plan to make films of all five books in the series that produced Tiger. Columbia Pictures reportedly claims to have a verbal agreement with one of those heirs, Hong Wang, and they protest that they have the option on the books.
Source
Story:
Call it "Crouching Plaintiff, Hidden Lawyer" if you want. The Weinstein Co. has filed suit against Columbia Pictures over the rights to five books by Wang Du Lou that includes Tiger.
In December, The Weinstein Co. entered into an agreement with the heirs to Wang Du Lu with a plan to make films of all five books in the series that produced Tiger. Columbia Pictures reportedly claims to have a verbal agreement with one of those heirs, Hong Wang, and they protest that they have the option on the books.
Source
Tougher than the rest
You have 'tough guys', and then you have guys that are tough. And whatever side you're on you can not help but respect these guys for their determination, willpower and fighting spirit.
Story:
You would think that soldiers who lost an arm or leg in combat would have had enough of the front lines, and would be glad to come home for good. But they are doing just the opposite.
(But) duty takes many forms, and it may not mean combat.
"First I saw my left (hand), and thought, well great, that's gone. And I looked over at my right hand and that was gone, and I thought well... there's both of them," said Marine Sergeant Sean Wright.
Wright was injured in the battle for Fallujah, but he was so determined to remain a Marine.
He found a new job. The sergeant who lost both his hands is now teaching martial arts to his fellow Marines.
Even though he knows he will never return to the battlefield, he still longs to be back in Iraq.
Source
Story:
You would think that soldiers who lost an arm or leg in combat would have had enough of the front lines, and would be glad to come home for good. But they are doing just the opposite.
(But) duty takes many forms, and it may not mean combat.
"First I saw my left (hand), and thought, well great, that's gone. And I looked over at my right hand and that was gone, and I thought well... there's both of them," said Marine Sergeant Sean Wright.
Wright was injured in the battle for Fallujah, but he was so determined to remain a Marine.
He found a new job. The sergeant who lost both his hands is now teaching martial arts to his fellow Marines.
Even though he knows he will never return to the battlefield, he still longs to be back in Iraq.
Source
Guilty
"Ingraham told police during the investigation that he did not molest her because you can't molest someone you love."
Oh, that's a relief... I'm sure that makes all the difference to the child.
Story:
Former Martial Arts instructor found guilty of sex assault.
The charges against Ingraham involved a minor victim. She was a student and then an employee at Newmarket Blackbelt Academy and K.A.R.E (Kids are Really Excellent), programs owned and operated by Ingraham.
Source
Oh, that's a relief... I'm sure that makes all the difference to the child.
Story:
Former Martial Arts instructor found guilty of sex assault.
The charges against Ingraham involved a minor victim. She was a student and then an employee at Newmarket Blackbelt Academy and K.A.R.E (Kids are Really Excellent), programs owned and operated by Ingraham.
Source
Monday, April 17, 2006
Crash course in martial arts
I'm not sure if this was intended tongue-in-cheek or not, but it's still kind of funny: Traffic Management Group (TMG) policemen in Manila (Philippines) taking a crash course in martial arts :-)
Story:
TMG policemen are taking a crash course in martial arts from Taekwondo Olympian and actor Monsour del Rosario.
While martial arts skills are no match for high-powered firearms, it will be useful in dealing with petty crimes, TMG Metro Manila commander Senior Superintendent Elmer Soria told reporters during the program launch in Camp Crame.
"If this program succeeds, we hope it will be adopted by the HRDD [Human Resource and Doctrine Development] for the entire police force," he said.
Source
Story:
TMG policemen are taking a crash course in martial arts from Taekwondo Olympian and actor Monsour del Rosario.
While martial arts skills are no match for high-powered firearms, it will be useful in dealing with petty crimes, TMG Metro Manila commander Senior Superintendent Elmer Soria told reporters during the program launch in Camp Crame.
"If this program succeeds, we hope it will be adopted by the HRDD [Human Resource and Doctrine Development] for the entire police force," he said.
Source
'Kung Fu Hustle 2' officially delayed
Even though I loved #1 (as well as 'Shaolin Soccer'), and would surely love KFH 2, I am a little skeptical to sequels in general.
Any how, let's wait and see, as the follow up is heading for space :-)
Story:
Stephen Chow, the writer/producer/director/star of 'Kung Fu Hustle' (and the writer/director/star of 'Shaolin Soccer' has officially postponed his Kung Fu Hustle sequel in favor of a space adventure.
Previous rumors suggested Chow might delay this sequel for a bit longer, or scrap KFH 2 altogether - being no particular fan of sequels. But, apparently, the project is only dry docked for fine-tuning - a point confirmed by Chow at a promotional even this weekend.
Source
Any how, let's wait and see, as the follow up is heading for space :-)
Story:
Stephen Chow, the writer/producer/director/star of 'Kung Fu Hustle' (and the writer/director/star of 'Shaolin Soccer' has officially postponed his Kung Fu Hustle sequel in favor of a space adventure.
Previous rumors suggested Chow might delay this sequel for a bit longer, or scrap KFH 2 altogether - being no particular fan of sequels. But, apparently, the project is only dry docked for fine-tuning - a point confirmed by Chow at a promotional even this weekend.
Source
Raging Silence
Amanda Stone is a Kung Fu competitor, kickboxing instructor, women's advocate, actress, model, sexual assault survivor and author of "Raging Silence."
As a young girl, Stone was sexually assaulted by a trusted family member. For many years, she suffered in shame until she was finally able to break through the silence. Stone credits the healing power of martial arts with helping her begin the journey toward peace.
This April, Stone will release her semi-autobiographical novel, "Raging Silence" (Synergy Books), to share her story and raise awareness about sexual assault.
Source
As a young girl, Stone was sexually assaulted by a trusted family member. For many years, she suffered in shame until she was finally able to break through the silence. Stone credits the healing power of martial arts with helping her begin the journey toward peace.
This April, Stone will release her semi-autobiographical novel, "Raging Silence" (Synergy Books), to share her story and raise awareness about sexual assault.
Source
No easy target
One of the best things I know about martial art is that there's - potentially - room and space for everyone.
And one of the bad sides is when someone defines what 'true martial art' is for someone else. How, strange, how sad, and how futile...
Rather, let us open up, and simply accept the fact that people come to the arts for various reasons, and that we all have our own path to follow - as well having a way to go!
At least I know that I have a long way to go, and no matter how far I'll reach, I will always have more steps to take.
Story:
If you're unlucky enough to startle Elaine Koehler in a dark alley, beware the "rising knee."
When the great-grandmother is serious about demonstrating the move, she has only one request.
"Hold my glasses."
With a flurry of limbs, a swift punch to the stomach and, true to its name, a rising knee to the groin, Kohler throws second-degree black belt David King to the mat. A final chop in the back helps him get there faster.
At 71 years old, Kohler recently earned her black belt in shou shu, a Chinese martial art.
Source
For more martial arts perspectives:
Your Martial Arts Resources
And one of the bad sides is when someone defines what 'true martial art' is for someone else. How, strange, how sad, and how futile...
Rather, let us open up, and simply accept the fact that people come to the arts for various reasons, and that we all have our own path to follow - as well having a way to go!
At least I know that I have a long way to go, and no matter how far I'll reach, I will always have more steps to take.
Story:
If you're unlucky enough to startle Elaine Koehler in a dark alley, beware the "rising knee."
When the great-grandmother is serious about demonstrating the move, she has only one request.
"Hold my glasses."
With a flurry of limbs, a swift punch to the stomach and, true to its name, a rising knee to the groin, Kohler throws second-degree black belt David King to the mat. A final chop in the back helps him get there faster.
At 71 years old, Kohler recently earned her black belt in shou shu, a Chinese martial art.
Source
For more martial arts perspectives:
Your Martial Arts Resources
Excels without eyesight
On a late July night two years ago, 17-year-old Bryan Duarte was driving his new all-terrain vehicle up and down dusty desert paths near a Casa Grande housing development.
Aside from a swollen brain and split skull, Duarte was left without the ability to see, smell or taste. Also gone was his dream of becoming a Marine; he had enlisted just a week before.
Today he is a competitive yellow belt in karate. Last month he took part in his first karate tournament, the Southwest Open Karate Championship, in Phoenix. Duarte did not tell the judges he was blind.
Source
Aside from a swollen brain and split skull, Duarte was left without the ability to see, smell or taste. Also gone was his dream of becoming a Marine; he had enlisted just a week before.
Today he is a competitive yellow belt in karate. Last month he took part in his first karate tournament, the Southwest Open Karate Championship, in Phoenix. Duarte did not tell the judges he was blind.
Source
Sunday, April 16, 2006
Karate chops for fair sex in BPO club
Green and black belts are back in demand at IT and BPO majors like Satyam, Wipro and Infosys, for entirely different reasons though. Having won these belts earlier pushing Six Sigma practices for quality and timely delivery of services, BPO pros are now logging into real martial arts.
The country’s ITeS-BPO segment is pushing for training in martial arts and self-defense techniques for its fast-growing women employees. The reason: prevent eve teasing, molestation and more serious and unfortunate incidents like the tragic murder of a BPO employee in Bangalore.
Source
The country’s ITeS-BPO segment is pushing for training in martial arts and self-defense techniques for its fast-growing women employees. The reason: prevent eve teasing, molestation and more serious and unfortunate incidents like the tragic murder of a BPO employee in Bangalore.
Source
Strong Fu!
George Kattouf believes that people can greatly improve upon their physical conditioning, stamina and strength at any age. He's living proof of that.
Kattouf, 53, was awarded first place in the Masters II, 220-pound flight of the Pennsylvania State Powerlifting Championship held on March 19.
Kattouf is also the director and head instructor for the Academy of Martial Arts (Altoona Area School District), which was established in 1979.
Certified as a Hapkido Instructor, Kattouf also holds a ranking in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Kattouf -- who weight-trains just one day a week and has been involved in formal competitive powerlifting for only three years -- said his involvement in martial arts the other days throughout the week has benefited him greatly in his powerlifting endeavors.
"I think all those push ups, pull ups and calisthenics have helped me maintain strength, so that when I got into powerlifting, it wasn't as difficult as it otherwise would have been," he said.
Source
Kattouf, 53, was awarded first place in the Masters II, 220-pound flight of the Pennsylvania State Powerlifting Championship held on March 19.
Kattouf is also the director and head instructor for the Academy of Martial Arts (Altoona Area School District), which was established in 1979.
Certified as a Hapkido Instructor, Kattouf also holds a ranking in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Kattouf -- who weight-trains just one day a week and has been involved in formal competitive powerlifting for only three years -- said his involvement in martial arts the other days throughout the week has benefited him greatly in his powerlifting endeavors.
"I think all those push ups, pull ups and calisthenics have helped me maintain strength, so that when I got into powerlifting, it wasn't as difficult as it otherwise would have been," he said.
Source
Full life too busy for regrets
He was a 22-year-old on guard duty, inspecting U.S. Army fighting vehicles' hatches, when he backed into that cable.
"My brain has chosen to block it out," Paul Miosek says.
Six weeks later, he awoke from a coma. More than two years later, he was released from the last of five hospitals, an amputee who lost both legs and suffered brain injuries that impair his vision (it is still double in his right eye), motor movement, information processing and speech. He had to relearn how to do everything.
Today Miosek is a husband, a father, and he participates in Tae Kwon Do.
Source
"My brain has chosen to block it out," Paul Miosek says.
Six weeks later, he awoke from a coma. More than two years later, he was released from the last of five hospitals, an amputee who lost both legs and suffered brain injuries that impair his vision (it is still double in his right eye), motor movement, information processing and speech. He had to relearn how to do everything.
Today Miosek is a husband, a father, and he participates in Tae Kwon Do.
Source
Saturday, April 15, 2006
A busy - and fast - kid
Three days a week after school, the Adam Crawford goes straight from track practice to Tae Kwon Do. He has a third-degree black belt.
Other days, he leaves track and goes to band practice. He also is an accomplished saxophone player. "He's a busy kid," said Highlands track coach Chet Foster.
Adam Crawford has the A-K Valley's top times in the 100- and 200-meter dashes.
Crawford said his upbringing, mixed with the philosophies of Tae Kwon Do, has helped determine the level of commitment he gives to activities. Like the way he runs, he gives his all.
Source
Other days, he leaves track and goes to band practice. He also is an accomplished saxophone player. "He's a busy kid," said Highlands track coach Chet Foster.
Adam Crawford has the A-K Valley's top times in the 100- and 200-meter dashes.
Crawford said his upbringing, mixed with the philosophies of Tae Kwon Do, has helped determine the level of commitment he gives to activities. Like the way he runs, he gives his all.
Source
Wing Chun Teahouse
There's a new martial arts magazine out, called Wing Chun Teahouse Magazine. A nice web-site they have too!
Story:
A quarterly online martial arts publication, Wing Chun Teahouse Magazine, debuts its first issue on April 15th. Found online at wingchunteahouse.org, the magazine is a free community-contributed publication dedicated to the martial art of Wing Chun.
Source
Story:
A quarterly online martial arts publication, Wing Chun Teahouse Magazine, debuts its first issue on April 15th. Found online at wingchunteahouse.org, the magazine is a free community-contributed publication dedicated to the martial art of Wing Chun.
Source
Kidnapping victim returns home
(May 19, 2002): A Palm Springs man who gained international attention in November when he was kidnapped and tortured by Colombian guerrillas returned home flanked by dozens of supporters on motorcycles.
Heggstad, 49, left Palm Springs on Oct. 1. But on Nov. 6 his 20,000-mile round trip motorcycle journey to the southern tip of South America was interrupted along a mountain road between Medellin and Bogota.
The 6-foot-4 judo instructor and Palm Springs resident said he was tortured, starved, endured mock executions and forced to dig his own grave before being released December 8 to Red Cross officials.
Heggstad believes the mental and physical disciplines he practices in his martial arts career helped him survive.
While friends worried about his safety, they also expressed confidence in Heggstad’s ability to survive the worst, in part because of his intensive training in the martial arts.
Source
Heggstad, 49, left Palm Springs on Oct. 1. But on Nov. 6 his 20,000-mile round trip motorcycle journey to the southern tip of South America was interrupted along a mountain road between Medellin and Bogota.
The 6-foot-4 judo instructor and Palm Springs resident said he was tortured, starved, endured mock executions and forced to dig his own grave before being released December 8 to Red Cross officials.
Heggstad believes the mental and physical disciplines he practices in his martial arts career helped him survive.
While friends worried about his safety, they also expressed confidence in Heggstad’s ability to survive the worst, in part because of his intensive training in the martial arts.
Source
Girl, 9, uses judo to fight attacker
Good girl -- bad, bad man! I am so glad every time I read stories like this! Glad because the intended victim got away, glad because the training paid off, and glad because the criminal was taught a lesson.
Story:
A man suspected of attacking a 9-year-old girl is in jail Friday morning.
Cleveland police plan to charge a 30-year-old man with aggravated burglary and attempted rape of a child.
Officers said the suspect broke into the girl’s home in the middle of the night on March 26.
The police said he tried to rape her in her bedroom, but the girl knew Judo and fought him off.
Source
Story:
A man suspected of attacking a 9-year-old girl is in jail Friday morning.
Cleveland police plan to charge a 30-year-old man with aggravated burglary and attempted rape of a child.
Officers said the suspect broke into the girl’s home in the middle of the night on March 26.
The police said he tried to rape her in her bedroom, but the girl knew Judo and fought him off.
Source
Martial arts is violent?
So...
According to the media Madonna don't want her guy (Guy) to be doing all that martial arts stuff because she allegedly don't want her children "exposed to violence".
I do wonder if these kids will be allowed anywhere near a TV-set, sports arena or sports field of any kind?
Fox Sports recently nominated their "Sports' top 10 blowups" (source). You know what? There wasn't even a mention of martial arts (apart from boxing), even thought there was "fists of fury", "karate kicks", general mayhem and raving lunacy all the way.
They even had to exclude soccer -- what we here call football -- simply because they would take all ten top spots - period.
Violent sports? I think Mrs Richie will have to stay well clear of tennis, hockey, baseball, basketball, American football, soccer, handball, rugby and a host of other activities.
Not much violence or foul language in chess and cross-country skiing yet...
According to the media Madonna don't want her guy (Guy) to be doing all that martial arts stuff because she allegedly don't want her children "exposed to violence".
I do wonder if these kids will be allowed anywhere near a TV-set, sports arena or sports field of any kind?
Fox Sports recently nominated their "Sports' top 10 blowups" (source). You know what? There wasn't even a mention of martial arts (apart from boxing), even thought there was "fists of fury", "karate kicks", general mayhem and raving lunacy all the way.
They even had to exclude soccer -- what we here call football -- simply because they would take all ten top spots - period.
Violent sports? I think Mrs Richie will have to stay well clear of tennis, hockey, baseball, basketball, American football, soccer, handball, rugby and a host of other activities.
Not much violence or foul language in chess and cross-country skiing yet...
Friday, April 14, 2006
Martial arts benefits
Are there still anyone who doubts (in general) the benefits of martial arts training for children?
Story:
Martial arts benefits outweigh its negative stereotypes.
Practicing martial arts is said to increase a child's coordination, social skills and confidence. Plus, instructors at local martial arts studios say they have seen positive changes in the behavior of children they teach.
Gaining self-esteem is one way children who study martial arts benefit, Thompson says.
"Children who do martial arts walk differently because they develop confidence. And because of that, they don't get picked on as often."
Source
Story:
Martial arts benefits outweigh its negative stereotypes.
Practicing martial arts is said to increase a child's coordination, social skills and confidence. Plus, instructors at local martial arts studios say they have seen positive changes in the behavior of children they teach.
Gaining self-esteem is one way children who study martial arts benefit, Thompson says.
"Children who do martial arts walk differently because they develop confidence. And because of that, they don't get picked on as often."
Source
Competitive competitors
Wouldn't karate competitions (or any other competition) be so much easier if people wasn't so darned competitive. I mean, why can't they just let me win? And also, the referees always make things difficult for me (and my team)!
Hmmm, I do wonder if I've heard this tune before?
My shoes were too big, small, new, old.
My uniform was too big, small, new, old.
The hall was too big, small, new, old, warm, cold.
There was no food, drink, support, air, coaching, information, time to warm up.
The mat was too hard, soft, slippery, dry, too far away.
The referee was blind, predetermined, too young, old, soft, hard.
The opponent was too hard, experienced, inexperienced, heavy, young, old, pushy, aggressive, loud, smelly.
I was having a bad day, unlucky, tired, too tense, in the wrong division.
I couldn't find my bananas, mouth-piece, cup, belt, score-card, team members, mat, locker room etc.
Story:
"It was really tough at the Ontario finals this year, because the referees aren't always on your side and the competitors are obviously very competitive," said Cole.
Source
Hmmm, I do wonder if I've heard this tune before?
My shoes were too big, small, new, old.
My uniform was too big, small, new, old.
The hall was too big, small, new, old, warm, cold.
There was no food, drink, support, air, coaching, information, time to warm up.
The mat was too hard, soft, slippery, dry, too far away.
The referee was blind, predetermined, too young, old, soft, hard.
The opponent was too hard, experienced, inexperienced, heavy, young, old, pushy, aggressive, loud, smelly.
I was having a bad day, unlucky, tired, too tense, in the wrong division.
I couldn't find my bananas, mouth-piece, cup, belt, score-card, team members, mat, locker room etc.
Story:
"It was really tough at the Ontario finals this year, because the referees aren't always on your side and the competitors are obviously very competitive," said Cole.
Source
Boy: 1, 'Frank': 0
An 11-year-old who nicknamed his brain tumor "Frank" has been given a clean bill of health by the surgeon who removed the cancerous mass a year ago.
David Dingman-Grover, whose battle with Frank drew national concern, said he felt great and proudly showed off karate kicks Thursday as he chattered about school.
"He's still sick a lot," his father said. "But compared to a year ago, when they were telling us, go buy a coffin, this is fine. We'll take this."
Source
David Dingman-Grover, whose battle with Frank drew national concern, said he felt great and proudly showed off karate kicks Thursday as he chattered about school.
"He's still sick a lot," his father said. "But compared to a year ago, when they were telling us, go buy a coffin, this is fine. We'll take this."
Source
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Mr Fukuda was found!
Three Singaporeans in search of a karate master in northern Japan are believed to have located him.
He is 61-year-old Shoen Fukuda who lives in Aomori's Hiranai City. But it turns out that instead of karate, Mr Fukuda teaches Chinese-style martial arts.
The search started when a Singaporean karate master made a wish on his death bed for his family to locate a Japanese man with a secret karate manuscript.
Source
He is 61-year-old Shoen Fukuda who lives in Aomori's Hiranai City. But it turns out that instead of karate, Mr Fukuda teaches Chinese-style martial arts.
The search started when a Singaporean karate master made a wish on his death bed for his family to locate a Japanese man with a secret karate manuscript.
Source
Jury jitsu
You have to be at your peak mentally whether fighting on the mat or debating in the courtroom. The ability to think strategically is a huge attribute in both arenas and confidence is also a necessary component required in both arenas. Preparation for physical conflict and preparation for criminal prosecution share many parallels.
Joe Hoffer knows what it takes to perform on the mat because he is a 7th degree black belt in Japanese Jujitsu, and a second-degree purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.
In the courtroom he knows how to perform because he is an accomplished attorney. From 1998 to 2004, he served as Assistant District Attorney General for the 10th Judicial District. Currently he is a sole practitioner, Attorney at Law.
Source
Joe Hoffer knows what it takes to perform on the mat because he is a 7th degree black belt in Japanese Jujitsu, and a second-degree purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.
In the courtroom he knows how to perform because he is an accomplished attorney. From 1998 to 2004, he served as Assistant District Attorney General for the 10th Judicial District. Currently he is a sole practitioner, Attorney at Law.
Source
Pregnancy and MA training
Can I train in martial arts If I am pregnant?
Many women who are currently, or who are planning to become pregnant wonder whether their martial arts training, and exercise in general, will have to be put on hold until after the birth of their child.
Source
Many women who are currently, or who are planning to become pregnant wonder whether their martial arts training, and exercise in general, will have to be put on hold until after the birth of their child.
Source
The Battle of Tra Binh Dong
Here's an interesting article from the Marine Corps Gazette, by LtCol James F. Durand. It's called:
"The Battle of Tra Binh Dong and the Korean Origins of the U.S. Marine Corps Martial Arts Program":
Lasting impressions of Korean Marines’ martial arts skills led to the establishment of the MCMAP.
In establishing the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP), Gen James L. Jones frequently recounted his observations of Korean Marines during the Vietnam War. The fact that Republic of Korea (ROK) servicemen were skilled in the Korean martial art tae kwon do was widely known, evoking respect among allies and instilling fear in the enemy.
The former Commandant recalled that his own Marines envied this skill, believing the Korean Marines were the most feared adversary on the battlefield and that North Vietnamese soldiers and Viet Cong irregulars would bypass Korean units whenever possible.
Source
"The Battle of Tra Binh Dong and the Korean Origins of the U.S. Marine Corps Martial Arts Program":
Lasting impressions of Korean Marines’ martial arts skills led to the establishment of the MCMAP.
In establishing the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP), Gen James L. Jones frequently recounted his observations of Korean Marines during the Vietnam War. The fact that Republic of Korea (ROK) servicemen were skilled in the Korean martial art tae kwon do was widely known, evoking respect among allies and instilling fear in the enemy.
The former Commandant recalled that his own Marines envied this skill, believing the Korean Marines were the most feared adversary on the battlefield and that North Vietnamese soldiers and Viet Cong irregulars would bypass Korean units whenever possible.
Source
Taekwondo crackdown
Not good - not good at all!
Story:
An official of the World Taekwondo Federation and five others were detained yesterday by Seocho district police in Seoul and charged with issuing referee licenses to unqualified persons.
A total of 31 persons who allegedly received those licenses were also charged.
Source
Story:
An official of the World Taekwondo Federation and five others were detained yesterday by Seocho district police in Seoul and charged with issuing referee licenses to unqualified persons.
A total of 31 persons who allegedly received those licenses were also charged.
Source
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Karate success
It's kind of hard to argue with success, isn't it? Still there are lots of people who will call renowned sales and marketing consultant Chet Holmes a "sell-out" and someone who is bad for martial arts.
I mean, how dare he - making lots of money from "our" sacred art! A true artist must be starving, right? Shall we say it together everyone: Just a little envious? You know, just a wee bit ...?
Me, I say good for him, and I like to view this as another source of inspiration!
Story:
In his mid-twenties, a virtually unknown young entrepreneur successfully convinced the top executives at Salomon Brothers to pay him $900 per hour to teach them karate at his private dojo in Times Square, New York City.
Now over two decades later, Chet Holmes, is recognized as one of America's top sales and marketing consultants, and has integrated his karate-style discipline to increase sales and productivity at over 50 Fortune 500 companies.
"Becoming a master," says Chet, "is not about doing 4,000 different things, it's about doing 12 things 4,000 times each." And this is how he trains sales teams, trains executives, and builds businesses.
Source
I mean, how dare he - making lots of money from "our" sacred art! A true artist must be starving, right? Shall we say it together everyone: Just a little envious? You know, just a wee bit ...?
Me, I say good for him, and I like to view this as another source of inspiration!
Story:
In his mid-twenties, a virtually unknown young entrepreneur successfully convinced the top executives at Salomon Brothers to pay him $900 per hour to teach them karate at his private dojo in Times Square, New York City.
Now over two decades later, Chet Holmes, is recognized as one of America's top sales and marketing consultants, and has integrated his karate-style discipline to increase sales and productivity at over 50 Fortune 500 companies.
"Becoming a master," says Chet, "is not about doing 4,000 different things, it's about doing 12 things 4,000 times each." And this is how he trains sales teams, trains executives, and builds businesses.
Source
Her hubby's hobbies
A man's got to do... what his wife tells him to.
Story:
He puts up with her relentless fitness regime, but Guy Ritchie's really getting it in the neck from his wife Madonna over his martial arts obsession.
We're told Madge is fed up with her film director hubby always doing judo and jiu-jitsu.
A close pal tells us: "Guy says Madonna always complains that he spends every spare second down at his local centre fighting - but he'd never give it up."
Source
Story:
He puts up with her relentless fitness regime, but Guy Ritchie's really getting it in the neck from his wife Madonna over his martial arts obsession.
We're told Madge is fed up with her film director hubby always doing judo and jiu-jitsu.
A close pal tells us: "Guy says Madonna always complains that he spends every spare second down at his local centre fighting - but he'd never give it up."
Source
Sly to blame
Of course, it's Sylvester Stallone's fault. His kung fu is bad! His acting is not that great either...
Story:
China vowed on Tuesday to step up its fight against piracy of intellectual property ahead of a Sino - U.S presidential meeting next week, stressing that such a move would also benefit industries at home.
Commerce Minister Bo Xilai told a news conference that China would continue to strengthen protection of intellectual property rights, not as a way of protecting its image in the face of foreign criticism, but to promote economic growth at home.
He also suggested that Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone's inferior kung fu could be one reason why so few people in China watched legal U.S films.
Source
Story:
China vowed on Tuesday to step up its fight against piracy of intellectual property ahead of a Sino - U.S presidential meeting next week, stressing that such a move would also benefit industries at home.
Commerce Minister Bo Xilai told a news conference that China would continue to strengthen protection of intellectual property rights, not as a way of protecting its image in the face of foreign criticism, but to promote economic growth at home.
He also suggested that Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone's inferior kung fu could be one reason why so few people in China watched legal U.S films.
Source
Karate chokehold?
Well, well... Guess we learn something new every day.
Since we have already have The Deadly Judo Chop™, why not present The Deadly Karate Chokehold™, The Deadly Grappling Punch™, or The Deadly Aikido Kick™?
Story:
The second trial for Marshall Scott Taylor is expected to last through Thursday. Trinity County's former deputy sheriff is accused of roughing up a prisoner who was handcuffed at the time.
Witnesses claim he used a karate chokehold on Gary Wayne Hoffman and rammed Hoffman's head into a locked jail door to open it. Afterwards, Hoffman was nearly unconscious.
Source
Since we have already have The Deadly Judo Chop™, why not present The Deadly Karate Chokehold™, The Deadly Grappling Punch™, or The Deadly Aikido Kick™?
Story:
The second trial for Marshall Scott Taylor is expected to last through Thursday. Trinity County's former deputy sheriff is accused of roughing up a prisoner who was handcuffed at the time.
Witnesses claim he used a karate chokehold on Gary Wayne Hoffman and rammed Hoffman's head into a locked jail door to open it. Afterwards, Hoffman was nearly unconscious.
Source
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Re-inventing the wheel?
There are many types of MA training, that's for sure. And there are also lots of attempts to design something that is "unique" and "brand new". Many times this "uniqueness" is a way to present something that can be a marketable and profitable system.
Now, I don't know if this is the case here, but it does somehow seem like someone has tried real hard to reinvent the wheel.
Story:
By combining different styles of Martial Arts, instructors within Kupso Martial Arts are teaching all round skills to new students at venues throughout Edinburgh.
They believe that by giving students an all-round training they are more able to deal with different situations. Students get fitter, become more flexible, become hard targets and with esoteric, healing and spiritual awareness training, have confidence to deal with the pressures of modern life.
By mixing the boxing and kicking skills from Chinese Kickboxing, Karate and TaeKwon Do' with throwing, locking and grappling skill of Ao Denkou Jitsu, the student benefits by being able to deal with attacks from short/middle and long range.
Source
Now, I don't know if this is the case here, but it does somehow seem like someone has tried real hard to reinvent the wheel.
Story:
By combining different styles of Martial Arts, instructors within Kupso Martial Arts are teaching all round skills to new students at venues throughout Edinburgh.
They believe that by giving students an all-round training they are more able to deal with different situations. Students get fitter, become more flexible, become hard targets and with esoteric, healing and spiritual awareness training, have confidence to deal with the pressures of modern life.
By mixing the boxing and kicking skills from Chinese Kickboxing, Karate and TaeKwon Do' with throwing, locking and grappling skill of Ao Denkou Jitsu, the student benefits by being able to deal with attacks from short/middle and long range.
Source
Monday, April 10, 2006
Lunchtime martial arts
Isle of Man/UK -- An Island life assurer has taken an unusual approach to staff training by adding martial arts to its checklist.
Royal Skandia is organising lunchtime self defence classes for its 380 staff.
The self defence classes are run by a local martial arts and self defence instructor. He said: 'Although the Isle of Man is still relatively safe, violent crime is on the increase. More Manx residents are regularly travelling off island for business, education or on holiday, and they need to be streetwise and able to recognise and avoid potential dangers.'
Source
Royal Skandia is organising lunchtime self defence classes for its 380 staff.
The self defence classes are run by a local martial arts and self defence instructor. He said: 'Although the Isle of Man is still relatively safe, violent crime is on the increase. More Manx residents are regularly travelling off island for business, education or on holiday, and they need to be streetwise and able to recognise and avoid potential dangers.'
Source
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
This is genuine respect - not the kind that some people demand to have: "I Want you to respect me!" Respect is never the same as fear!
And yes, we can respect a person and still disagree with their thoughts, words and actions.
Story:
He's been called the most dangerous man on the planet. In the world of no-holds-barred Extreme Fighting, his nickname is the "The Pitbull."
But Ralph Gracie, a Brazilian jujitsu master and Extreme Fighting champion, has made it his mission to promote an alternative to violence for young people.
"I don't want to make them feel different than the others," he said. "I don't want to point out that the kid was a drug kid. We try to get them to blend in."
He offers them one very important thing, he said. "I show them that I respect them," Gracie said. "When you respect somebody, they respect you back."
Source
And yes, we can respect a person and still disagree with their thoughts, words and actions.
Story:
He's been called the most dangerous man on the planet. In the world of no-holds-barred Extreme Fighting, his nickname is the "The Pitbull."
But Ralph Gracie, a Brazilian jujitsu master and Extreme Fighting champion, has made it his mission to promote an alternative to violence for young people.
"I don't want to make them feel different than the others," he said. "I don't want to point out that the kid was a drug kid. We try to get them to blend in."
He offers them one very important thing, he said. "I show them that I respect them," Gracie said. "When you respect somebody, they respect you back."
Source
Karate student with cerebral palsy
With a yellow belt around his karate uniform and a trophy at his side, Maleek Gilliam isn't just a tournament winner.
He's proved that no matter where one comes from and how many obstacles he or she must tackle, any goal can become a reality.
The seventh-grader said the classes and skills have given him a confidence he lacked, especially when faced with taunting from peers.
"It's helped me motivate myself," he said. "I've learned to stretch and be more limber."
Source
He's proved that no matter where one comes from and how many obstacles he or she must tackle, any goal can become a reality.
The seventh-grader said the classes and skills have given him a confidence he lacked, especially when faced with taunting from peers.
"It's helped me motivate myself," he said. "I've learned to stretch and be more limber."
Source
Sunday, April 09, 2006
The real No. 1
Here's a great article that every parent should read! It is about martial arts tournaments, and how kids (and parents) can benefit from the experience - if it is handled correctly and wisely. It also points to the possible negative side effects of any form of competition.
Story:
It was late on Sunday morning and the place was filled to near capacity with karate students in uniform.
It was my son's first karate tournament.
He has been a karate student for almost 16 months now and, by the time this goes to press, he will have been promoted to his orange belt.
He really enjoys it and it has given him a sense of confidence he certainly did not have before.
He was eligible to compete in tournaments months ago, but I held off. I had many excuses (...), but I had to admit the reason I didn't want to deal with the whole tournament thing was my own angst about competition.
Source
Story:
It was late on Sunday morning and the place was filled to near capacity with karate students in uniform.
It was my son's first karate tournament.
He has been a karate student for almost 16 months now and, by the time this goes to press, he will have been promoted to his orange belt.
He really enjoys it and it has given him a sense of confidence he certainly did not have before.
He was eligible to compete in tournaments months ago, but I held off. I had many excuses (...), but I had to admit the reason I didn't want to deal with the whole tournament thing was my own angst about competition.
Source
Special athletes compete
In one word: Inspirational!
Story:
The martial arts tournament here Saturday morning featured the usual array of chops, kicks, jabs and twirls, punctuated by grunts and softened by ceremonial bows.
But participants in the Eighth Annual Special Needs Martial Arts Tournament put on a performance that wasn't what you'd usually see. The athletes, some with Down syndrome, autism and other conditions, sometimes needed a little help.
"When you get to know these children you see they're like all children," said Sal Lopresti, 57, a businessman from Washington Township who volunteers as an instructor. "And we need to treat them like that."
Source
Story:
The martial arts tournament here Saturday morning featured the usual array of chops, kicks, jabs and twirls, punctuated by grunts and softened by ceremonial bows.
But participants in the Eighth Annual Special Needs Martial Arts Tournament put on a performance that wasn't what you'd usually see. The athletes, some with Down syndrome, autism and other conditions, sometimes needed a little help.
"When you get to know these children you see they're like all children," said Sal Lopresti, 57, a businessman from Washington Township who volunteers as an instructor. "And we need to treat them like that."
Source
Donovan reinstated
This is great news for the legendary, British karate coach 'Ticky' Donovan:
Great Britain's karate coach has been reinstated after being suspended amid claims of racism and child abuse.
Now David 'Ticky' Donovan, delighted to be back in the sport, has vowed to fight on to find the "spineless" and "spiteful" person who made the allegations.
Mr Donovan was suspended on full pay by Karate England in February after a poison pen' letter led to a complaint being made to police. He denied the claims, insisting it was a jealous act from someone within the sport.
Source
Great Britain's karate coach has been reinstated after being suspended amid claims of racism and child abuse.
Now David 'Ticky' Donovan, delighted to be back in the sport, has vowed to fight on to find the "spineless" and "spiteful" person who made the allegations.
Mr Donovan was suspended on full pay by Karate England in February after a poison pen' letter led to a complaint being made to police. He denied the claims, insisting it was a jealous act from someone within the sport.
Source
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Muay Thai officially recognised
This is good news for Muay Thai. Still I doubt very much that the sport will gain Olympic status. It may however be given a demonstration status, just like wushu is in the Beijing/China games.
To be let in on a permanent basis is something quite different, all the time the IOC is trying to cut down on the number of sports in the Olympics.
Story:
Muay Thai got the nod of approval from the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) yesterday, becoming an international sport like soccer and tennis and getting a good chance of being included in future Olympics.
Source
To be let in on a permanent basis is something quite different, all the time the IOC is trying to cut down on the number of sports in the Olympics.
Story:
Muay Thai got the nod of approval from the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) yesterday, becoming an international sport like soccer and tennis and getting a good chance of being included in future Olympics.
Source
Karate and tai chi - at 78
This wisp of a woman -- 5 feet tall and weighing a little more than 100 pounds -- can take down grown men ... and probably make them cry, too. She also is 78 years old.
She teaches a form of Japanese karate she didn't begin to learn until she was 60, while watching her grandson at karate classes.
"If I don't do this, I would sit around and drink soda and eat potato chips and complain about aches and pains. I don't want that."
Source
Your guide to the martial arts:
Martial Arts Guide
She teaches a form of Japanese karate she didn't begin to learn until she was 60, while watching her grandson at karate classes.
"If I don't do this, I would sit around and drink soda and eat potato chips and complain about aches and pains. I don't want that."
Source
Your guide to the martial arts:
Martial Arts Guide
Friday, April 07, 2006
A gentleman of judo
These are true words of wisdom from a remarkable man, Cambridge's own 'Mr Judo', 75-year-old Terry Welham:
"I just want my players to reach their full potential whatever level that may be. I've always said it's the players that make the coach and any coach who thinks he's more important than the players needs to think again."
Source
"I just want my players to reach their full potential whatever level that may be. I've always said it's the players that make the coach and any coach who thinks he's more important than the players needs to think again."
Source
Union karate
A top honcho in the sanitation union punched out a department chief in a labor-management dispute, breaking his nose and sending him to a hospital.
Thomas Bacigalupo, who has a black belt in karate, attacked Nick Saggese, head of the department's Brooklyn North division, at 1:10 p.m. outside the agency's District 2 field office facility on Hamilton Avenue in Red Hook.
Source
Thomas Bacigalupo, who has a black belt in karate, attacked Nick Saggese, head of the department's Brooklyn North division, at 1:10 p.m. outside the agency's District 2 field office facility on Hamilton Avenue in Red Hook.
Source
Elvis is alive and kicking
The Canadian figure skating legend Elvis Stojko has trained karate from the age of eight, switching to kung fu in 1988.
The highly competitive Stojko has a new goal: To win a world kung fu championship -- achievable since he was second last year.
Down the road Elvis plans to be in some full contact meets as he strives for his goal of becoming the best in the world.
Source
The highly competitive Stojko has a new goal: To win a world kung fu championship -- achievable since he was second last year.
Down the road Elvis plans to be in some full contact meets as he strives for his goal of becoming the best in the world.
Source
Smooth move (for arthritis)
Laura Henry had severe shoulder pain from osteoarthritis. She couldn't pick up a gallon of milk or reach for a dish from her cupboard. Then she read about a new class in a flier: Tai Chi for Arthritis.
Nearly two years later, Henry, 52, attends tai chi class twice a week. She's pain-free and more active than she's been in years.
Source
Nearly two years later, Henry, 52, attends tai chi class twice a week. She's pain-free and more active than she's been in years.
Source
Thursday, April 06, 2006
MA killer on the run
Federal authorities say they have a multi-agency group working to find a convicted murderer who escaped from a federal prison in Louisiana.
Forty-seven-year-old Richard McNair was serving a life sentence for killing a Minnesota trucker during a burglary attempt.
Prison officials say McNair escaped in a mail van yesterday after hiding in a warehouse. They say he's a martial arts expert who has a history of carjacking.
Source
Forty-seven-year-old Richard McNair was serving a life sentence for killing a Minnesota trucker during a burglary attempt.
Prison officials say McNair escaped in a mail van yesterday after hiding in a warehouse. They say he's a martial arts expert who has a history of carjacking.
Source
Fight Class
UCLA (University of California Los Angeles) has a new course which is open for all students. "Directing for Film and TV: Combat for Camera" sounds way cool!
Theater Professor Edward Monaghan’s has a Black Belt or equivalent ranking in Shotokan Karate, Chinese Karate and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu; certifications in Jeet Kune Do, Muay Thai and Savate; and experience in kickboxing and "No Rules" competition.
Source
Theater Professor Edward Monaghan’s has a Black Belt or equivalent ranking in Shotokan Karate, Chinese Karate and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu; certifications in Jeet Kune Do, Muay Thai and Savate; and experience in kickboxing and "No Rules" competition.
Source
The Real Fight
Here's a book review on 'The Real Fight'.
Highly competitive Kim Dalton discovered taekwondo as a teenager and became a champion and a coach. At the age of 21 she contracted cancer of the liver.
"Detailed, honest and disturbing account of the journey of a person with cancer."
Source
Highly competitive Kim Dalton discovered taekwondo as a teenager and became a champion and a coach. At the age of 21 she contracted cancer of the liver.
"Detailed, honest and disturbing account of the journey of a person with cancer."
Source
Lost on a mission
Singapore judgement?
Story:
Three men from Singapore have been found safe after getting lost on what they said was a mission to find a legendary karate expert on a snowy mountainside in Japan.
"Japan looked so small on the world map that we thought we would be able to find him straight away," one of the group, aged between 25 and 50, was quoted as saying.
"Neither police nor local people know of anyone running karate classes in this area," the spokesman added.
Story
Story:
Three men from Singapore have been found safe after getting lost on what they said was a mission to find a legendary karate expert on a snowy mountainside in Japan.
"Japan looked so small on the world map that we thought we would be able to find him straight away," one of the group, aged between 25 and 50, was quoted as saying.
"Neither police nor local people know of anyone running karate classes in this area," the spokesman added.
Story
Manhandling panhandlers
What's this, beggars doing their work-out? And has the good people of the law never heard of drunken style boxing? :-)
Story:
Ordinarily, people tend not to report panhandlers to the police. Ordinarily, panhandlers tend not to loudly lambaste the people who declined the opportunity to donate and if they do, they tend not to follow up with an impromptu martial arts, shadow boxing demonstration.
Police were also treated to a clumsy, drunken, martial arts display whereby this ne'er-do-well very nearly KO'd himself.
Source
Story:
Ordinarily, people tend not to report panhandlers to the police. Ordinarily, panhandlers tend not to loudly lambaste the people who declined the opportunity to donate and if they do, they tend not to follow up with an impromptu martial arts, shadow boxing demonstration.
Police were also treated to a clumsy, drunken, martial arts display whereby this ne'er-do-well very nearly KO'd himself.
Source
Pit bullied
Attacked by a pit bull:
Saturday evening, Wendy Cooper was jogging when she heard something behind her.
"He just hit me and broke my ankle instantly and I heard the bone snap. It happened really quick, he was in my face. I had my hands around his throat and around his neck and all my instincts were telling me was don't let his teeth get on you," says Wendy.
She gives Karate and Tai-bo classes the credit for her quick instincts.
Source
Saturday evening, Wendy Cooper was jogging when she heard something behind her.
"He just hit me and broke my ankle instantly and I heard the bone snap. It happened really quick, he was in my face. I had my hands around his throat and around his neck and all my instincts were telling me was don't let his teeth get on you," says Wendy.
She gives Karate and Tai-bo classes the credit for her quick instincts.
Source
Kicks, care and cookies
While the stereotypical grandmother will whip up a batch of cookies or sew a comfy quilt for her grandchildren, Becky Harris can show her 7-year-old grandson how to do a mean roundhouse kick.
Though she’s not exactly the typical grandmother, she said she still makes her grandson cookies, but is also teaching him how to take care of himself by training him in karate.
Source
Though she’s not exactly the typical grandmother, she said she still makes her grandson cookies, but is also teaching him how to take care of himself by training him in karate.
Source
Fighting the studio
When a woman signed up for self defense classes at a local karate studio, she probably never thought she'd ever end up fighting the studio.
The woman's injury probably happened years before. But she thought she was fully recovered so she started working out and joined a karate studio, even gave them two payments totaling nearly $4,500.
But before the contract's ink was dried, the woman got a mysterious pain in the neck.
"They were giving me the run around. I guess they thought if they brushed me off, I'll give up and just walk away from it," she said.
Source
The woman's injury probably happened years before. But she thought she was fully recovered so she started working out and joined a karate studio, even gave them two payments totaling nearly $4,500.
But before the contract's ink was dried, the woman got a mysterious pain in the neck.
"They were giving me the run around. I guess they thought if they brushed me off, I'll give up and just walk away from it," she said.
Source
Wait a minute!
You're Asian, you know martial arts right? No? Surely you must know the Deadly Judo Chop™?
Story:
Tuesday night Stir Friday Night Comedy group asked what if everyone was Asian or Asian American? Would we all be able to do Kung Fu or Karate? Would we all love rice? Would we all be ridiculously good at math?
No, we would not be, because not every Asian person falls into these stereotypes, just like not every white person knows how to line dance.
Source
Story:
Tuesday night Stir Friday Night Comedy group asked what if everyone was Asian or Asian American? Would we all be able to do Kung Fu or Karate? Would we all love rice? Would we all be ridiculously good at math?
No, we would not be, because not every Asian person falls into these stereotypes, just like not every white person knows how to line dance.
Source
Judoka murdered
Satinder Kumar, who represented India in the recent Asian Judo Championship, was found murdered in his room at the SAI hostel here on Monday.
The head of the player was badly smashed with some sharp weapon, police said, adding that the crime came to notice this morning after other residents opened the door when they got no response.
Source
The head of the player was badly smashed with some sharp weapon, police said, adding that the crime came to notice this morning after other residents opened the door when they got no response.
Source
Slaying Chinatown Leader
Allen Leung, 56, was shot and killed in Chinatown on Feb. 27 after unlocking the door for a gunman.
"It wasn't a random act," a San Francisco Police Department spokeswoman said. "It appears this victim was an intended target and that this was not a robbery."
Leung and two brothers who are all kung fu masters founded the Leung White Crane martial arts school in 1970. The school's students perform in events such as the Chinese New Year Parade.
Source
More martial arts news, background and updates at:
http://www.your-martial-arts-resources.com
"It wasn't a random act," a San Francisco Police Department spokeswoman said. "It appears this victim was an intended target and that this was not a robbery."
Leung and two brothers who are all kung fu masters founded the Leung White Crane martial arts school in 1970. The school's students perform in events such as the Chinese New Year Parade.
Source
More martial arts news, background and updates at:
http://www.your-martial-arts-resources.com
9-year-old thwarts abduction
When Amy McDonald enrolled her 9-year-old daughter Savannah in the Parker area Ninpiden Dojo, she had no idea the self-defense education she received there might one day prevent one family's horror.
That's exactly what happened March 24 when Savannah pulled a friend from the grip of a would-be abductor, something her mother said she would never have done before she began her ninpo martial arts training.
Yolinda Fisher of Aurora, whose daughter was the intended victim of the abduction attempt, is thankful."I call Savannah my hero," Fisher said.
Source
That's exactly what happened March 24 when Savannah pulled a friend from the grip of a would-be abductor, something her mother said she would never have done before she began her ninpo martial arts training.
Yolinda Fisher of Aurora, whose daughter was the intended victim of the abduction attempt, is thankful."I call Savannah my hero," Fisher said.
Source
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Changes
A great article about the outcome of proper martial arts training:
For 14-year-old Todd from east London, an incident outside his local train station proved just how much his martial arts training had changed him.
Eager to teach Todd a lesson, one of them lunged forward. In a flash Todd had the larger lad in a headlock. Seeing this, his mate backed off.
Todd knew he could have flattened them both, but he isn't that person anymore.
Source
For 14-year-old Todd from east London, an incident outside his local train station proved just how much his martial arts training had changed him.
Eager to teach Todd a lesson, one of them lunged forward. In a flash Todd had the larger lad in a headlock. Seeing this, his mate backed off.
Todd knew he could have flattened them both, but he isn't that person anymore.
Source
Ninja sticks
Two men armed themselves with "Ninja sticks" and confronted teenagers they blamed for terrorising a neighbourhood at Radcliffe, UK.
A judge told the two men they could not take the law into their own hands. But he released them with conditional discharges after telling them: "I understand your position very well indeed. You were probably at the end of your tether."
Source
A judge told the two men they could not take the law into their own hands. But he released them with conditional discharges after telling them: "I understand your position very well indeed. You were probably at the end of your tether."
Source
Another Jackie Chan or Jet Li?
Yuen Wo-ping, the creator of the martial arts scenes in "The Matrix'' and "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'' worries that Hong Kong may not produce another Jackie Chan or Jet Li.
Hong Kongers now shy away from the hard work that martial arts training entails, he said Monday at a tribute to action choreographers organized by the Hong Kong International Film Festival.
Source
Hong Kongers now shy away from the hard work that martial arts training entails, he said Monday at a tribute to action choreographers organized by the Hong Kong International Film Festival.
Source
Monday, April 03, 2006
Love at first hearing
Blindness no problem for judo student: Robert Deese is blind. But he's still tougher than you.
Deese earned his black belt in judo last week.
"I always wanted to go for my black belt," Deese said. "Then it wasn't so important. It was a big surprise."
He remembers walking into a gym in Sunnyvale, Calif., and hearing "kerthunk, kerthunk, kerthunk! I asked, 'What's that noise?' Somebody said, 'It's judo.' "
It was love at first hearing for Deese.
Source
Deese earned his black belt in judo last week.
"I always wanted to go for my black belt," Deese said. "Then it wasn't so important. It was a big surprise."
He remembers walking into a gym in Sunnyvale, Calif., and hearing "kerthunk, kerthunk, kerthunk! I asked, 'What's that noise?' Somebody said, 'It's judo.' "
It was love at first hearing for Deese.
Source
Taekwan.. Taikwon... Nokan..
Whatever the name, you will have many great fighters coming from Africa in the years to come!
Story:
Taekwando has been described as a sport where Nigeria has great prospect of making a statement in the international scene.
Source
Story:
Taekwando has been described as a sport where Nigeria has great prospect of making a statement in the international scene.
Source
Dr. plastic fantastic
Fortunately, they don't run this show over here, and judging from what I read I'm not missing anything. Sounds like another case of me-myself-I-kido.
But then again, I may be wrong.
Story:
Dr. Roberto M. Rey Jr. - the star of the reality show "Dr. 90210" - may be a jerk, but 38 million viewers love to hate him.
Dorie Valdez lay on a gurney in a surgical suite watching her plastic surgeon teach a nurse to use nunchucks. Rey spun the weapon in the air, flicked it at an imaginary opponent and deftly tucked it under his armpit.
When he is not doing martial arts routines or weight lifting in his signature black scrubs, he is consulting with patients while clad in a Versace suit, getting into his black Porsche or swimming with his wife and children in the pool of his Beverly Hills, Calif., mansion.
Source
But then again, I may be wrong.
Story:
Dr. Roberto M. Rey Jr. - the star of the reality show "Dr. 90210" - may be a jerk, but 38 million viewers love to hate him.
Dorie Valdez lay on a gurney in a surgical suite watching her plastic surgeon teach a nurse to use nunchucks. Rey spun the weapon in the air, flicked it at an imaginary opponent and deftly tucked it under his armpit.
When he is not doing martial arts routines or weight lifting in his signature black scrubs, he is consulting with patients while clad in a Versace suit, getting into his black Porsche or swimming with his wife and children in the pool of his Beverly Hills, Calif., mansion.
Source
Learning to cope
Fifteen-year-old Alex recently received his junior black belt in karate and enjoys writing poetry, music and painting.
And yes, (he) has Tourette syndrome, sometimes called Tourette's for short. On top of it all, Alex also has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Source
Read this and other inspirational stories at:
Martial Arts Resouces
And yes, (he) has Tourette syndrome, sometimes called Tourette's for short. On top of it all, Alex also has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Source
Read this and other inspirational stories at:
Martial Arts Resouces
Fighting M.S.
"I was diagnosed in 1986, but now knowing what multiple sclerosis actually does to one’s body, I believe I have had symptoms as early as 1970."
"After another year, I noticed that I was able to walk more evenly before I became fatigued. Each year I became stronger, and the strength lasted longer. Although I am no scientist, I believe that the medicine holds off most of the attacks from MS long enough for my body to heal."
"One year ago, after eight years of taking this research drug, I was strong enough and active enough to return to study in the martial arts."
Source
"After another year, I noticed that I was able to walk more evenly before I became fatigued. Each year I became stronger, and the strength lasted longer. Although I am no scientist, I believe that the medicine holds off most of the attacks from MS long enough for my body to heal."
"One year ago, after eight years of taking this research drug, I was strong enough and active enough to return to study in the martial arts."
Source
Bugger-ryu karate
Trinidad and Tobago: A San Juan karate instructor is expected to appear before a Port-of-Spain magistrate later this week charged with buggery of a six-year-old boy.
According to reports, the boy who is accustomed visiting the instructor was forced last month to undress and then buggered by the man.
Source
Sexual abuse is "buggery"? Bugger...
According to reports, the boy who is accustomed visiting the instructor was forced last month to undress and then buggered by the man.
Source
Sexual abuse is "buggery"? Bugger...
Weird women
"People saw the fliers and said, 'Isn't it weird to have women box each other?'" Lazar said. "But I said, 'No, we're not doing that.'"
Source
Of course, women are supposed to stay in the kitchen. We can't have tender females going around punching one another!
Dear, oh dear, I can't even think of what would be next - that they might even fight back against abusive and violent men? What a disgusting thought!
Source
Of course, women are supposed to stay in the kitchen. We can't have tender females going around punching one another!
Dear, oh dear, I can't even think of what would be next - that they might even fight back against abusive and violent men? What a disgusting thought!
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Thorvolta
The Thor (Nordic god of thunder) movie is currently in the script writing stage. The role of Thor has reportedly been landed by Lee Travolta, nephew to John Travolta.
Rikki is a classically trained Broadway actor.
He is also, as the report says, a "highly decorated" martial arts expert and trained in hand-to-hand combat.
Highly decorated - does that involve lots of badges on his martial arts uniform?
The style-of-no-style, wearing too many (typically more than two or three) badges on your uniform, is commonly referred to as a martial art patch up, my-gi-do™, or 'Christmas tree gi'™.
Source
Rikki is a classically trained Broadway actor.
He is also, as the report says, a "highly decorated" martial arts expert and trained in hand-to-hand combat.
Highly decorated - does that involve lots of badges on his martial arts uniform?
The style-of-no-style, wearing too many (typically more than two or three) badges on your uniform, is commonly referred to as a martial art patch up, my-gi-do™, or 'Christmas tree gi'™.
Source
Let's dance!
Forget that some people may call any given martial art "a dance". To them, it is martial dance if you don't do full contact, and it involves elbows, knees and ground work.
To me, dance is perhaps one of the best ways to improve your martial art - any martial art - soft or hard.
Why?
Because of the rhythm, balance, co-ordination and spatial awareness; plus the aerobic conditioning of course.
Story:
(Martial arts moves)
Stunt coordinator Manny Siverio, 46, who has worked on more than 100 major motion pictures, including "Hollywood Ending" and "Blade," has a busy career but always finds time to salsa dance.
"I invent steps at the train station," says Siverio, who learned martial arts at age 10 and was introduced to salsa dancing when he married Addie Diaz-Siverio, a mambo-salsa teacher. "Now I incorporate martial arts moves into salsa dance."
Source
To me, dance is perhaps one of the best ways to improve your martial art - any martial art - soft or hard.
Why?
Because of the rhythm, balance, co-ordination and spatial awareness; plus the aerobic conditioning of course.
Story:
(Martial arts moves)
Stunt coordinator Manny Siverio, 46, who has worked on more than 100 major motion pictures, including "Hollywood Ending" and "Blade," has a busy career but always finds time to salsa dance.
"I invent steps at the train station," says Siverio, who learned martial arts at age 10 and was introduced to salsa dancing when he married Addie Diaz-Siverio, a mambo-salsa teacher. "Now I incorporate martial arts moves into salsa dance."
Source
Getting their kicks together
Another good article about a family doing karate togeter. All well and fine.
But, then the article states that the son and daughter are 22 and 19 years old and "at the fifth level for black belt", beginning karate in 1993.
Surely, this must be wrong? Please, someone, tell me this is not so...
Source
But, then the article states that the son and daughter are 22 and 19 years old and "at the fifth level for black belt", beginning karate in 1993.
Surely, this must be wrong? Please, someone, tell me this is not so...
Source
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Stretching
Although stretching is part of the warm-up routine of athletes everywhere, the practice may actually be counterproductive in certain cases, research suggests.
There is no clear evidence that a pre-game stretch prevents injuries during the game. And in some instances, stretching right before activity may actually detract from an athlete’s performance, according to Dr. Ian Shrier, of the Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Community Studies at SMBD-Jewish General Hospital in Montreal.
Source
There is no clear evidence that a pre-game stretch prevents injuries during the game. And in some instances, stretching right before activity may actually detract from an athlete’s performance, according to Dr. Ian Shrier, of the Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Community Studies at SMBD-Jewish General Hospital in Montreal.
Source
Women in competitive martial arts
It's great to see more and more women taking up arts such as (real) kickboxing, MMA, Muay Thai, sport jujutsu etc.!
Story:
A growing number of women in Singapore are taking up martial arts -- not just for fitness but for competition as well.
Some say demand rose because women who have been going for boxercise and muay thai aerobics classes now want a taste of the real thing.
Said Joan Lung, martial arts student, "I get a high from boxing, actually. Every move you make you can feel yourself make an impact."
Source
Story:
A growing number of women in Singapore are taking up martial arts -- not just for fitness but for competition as well.
Some say demand rose because women who have been going for boxercise and muay thai aerobics classes now want a taste of the real thing.
Said Joan Lung, martial arts student, "I get a high from boxing, actually. Every move you make you can feel yourself make an impact."
Source
Big surprise
A Japanese burglar who thought he was lucky to find an unlocked door was shocked to be arrested by 20 massive sumo wrestlers who were staying at the building.
The 48-year-old man was rummaging inside a room in Osaka in the early hours when he was suddenly confronted by wrestler Dewanosato, who stands 180 centimetres and weighs 131 kilograms.
The burglar, who was unemployed, admitted he was baffled to find himself among sumo wrestlers.
Source
The 48-year-old man was rummaging inside a room in Osaka in the early hours when he was suddenly confronted by wrestler Dewanosato, who stands 180 centimetres and weighs 131 kilograms.
The burglar, who was unemployed, admitted he was baffled to find himself among sumo wrestlers.
Source
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)