This has got to be the best and most touching article I've read in a long, long time. I urge you to read it, as it says something profoundly true about life, and about being a fighter and a champion until the end.
Story:
He is as serious as anyone I have ever known. But this went far beyond serious. Teddy Atlas was delivering this story at a level that neared vital. He had to express it with solemn severity.
"She showed more class, more bravery and more dignity than some people have the ability to accumulate in a lifetime," Teddy said to me with a natural heaviness that made each descriptive land like a telegraphed, thudding body blow. "And she somehow accumulated it in less than 17 years. Enough class and bravery to last for many, many lifetimes."
She was Brianna Macaluso. And she passed away two weeks ago.
Source
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
True young-fu
Now this has got to be the youngest so far!Sporting a serious fighting face and some great hand movements - this is probably a legitimate Deadly Black Belt Expert™ :-)
The toddler probably has a chain of schools in no time, making the art of Young-Fu feared throughout the galaxies.
"What are you looking at; change my diapers you low-life ignorant infidel, or I will personally Young-Fu chop-chop you too!"
Great clip! You can watch/download it here (0.51MB, wmf format)
All together now!
"Hey you - yeah you, old man in the background with the tai chi outfit; you're not following the other 299,999 people! Could you slow down please? You're supposed to drink green tea and meditate, not have 5 extra large Jackie Chan kung-fu coffee, and play Mortal Combat all night. Let's have some harmony here, please!"
Yes, I know, it says together, not necessarily in synch. Wouldn't it be cool though to have all these folks move as one giant wave of people? Talk about butterfly effect!
Story:
Imagine a mammoth crowd of 300,000 taijiquan practitioners, all exercising together against the backdrop of an ancient city, claimed to be the birthplace of the martial art's shadow boxing set pieces.
The breathtaking scene will be one of the highlights of the 2006 International Taijiquan Competition to be held in September, south of Beijing in Handan in Hebei Province
The festival is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the simplified Yang school of Taijiquan, and also to mark the 70th anniversary of the death of master Yang Dengfu who started the Yang style.
Source
Yes, I know, it says together, not necessarily in synch. Wouldn't it be cool though to have all these folks move as one giant wave of people? Talk about butterfly effect!
Story:
Imagine a mammoth crowd of 300,000 taijiquan practitioners, all exercising together against the backdrop of an ancient city, claimed to be the birthplace of the martial art's shadow boxing set pieces.
The breathtaking scene will be one of the highlights of the 2006 International Taijiquan Competition to be held in September, south of Beijing in Handan in Hebei Province
The festival is to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the simplified Yang school of Taijiquan, and also to mark the 70th anniversary of the death of master Yang Dengfu who started the Yang style.
Source
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
'Marital Arts'
That's quite a heading right there: "Marital Arts Popular Among Women"!
The dictinary describes 'marital' as:
1. Of or relating to marriage: marital status; marital problems.
2. Of or relating to a husband.
So I guess "Marital Arts" is the art of marriage, or maybe the art of being married to men? Help me out here, guys!
But alas, it was meant to be Martial Arts after all - now, who would have guessed?
The article in question is about women "taking over" martial arts, or at least gaining access by the numbers to areas that used to be occupied by men. I for one think that is great! I do hope that we will see more and more places wher both genders can train together on equal terms.
Story:
Many women are now experts in an ancient art once practiced almost exclusively by men. Those who take party say it is not only one of the hottest workouts, but it is also a great way to stay safe.
This typical karate class is missing one very typical thing--men! "I guess it started out because we started going to lunch afterwards," according to a co-owner. What began as just a few women in a men's class is now only women.
"When I first started at the school there were only myself and two others," a student said.
"I couldn't even touch my toes before I started, and it makes you much more aware of your body and what you feel like during the day."
But it's about more than just that benefit to the body, many women here tell you they've joined because of the benefit to the mind--and more importantly, knowing a little bit more about self defense.
Source
The dictinary describes 'marital' as:
1. Of or relating to marriage: marital status; marital problems.
2. Of or relating to a husband.
So I guess "Marital Arts" is the art of marriage, or maybe the art of being married to men? Help me out here, guys!
But alas, it was meant to be Martial Arts after all - now, who would have guessed?
The article in question is about women "taking over" martial arts, or at least gaining access by the numbers to areas that used to be occupied by men. I for one think that is great! I do hope that we will see more and more places wher both genders can train together on equal terms.
Story:
Many women are now experts in an ancient art once practiced almost exclusively by men. Those who take party say it is not only one of the hottest workouts, but it is also a great way to stay safe.
This typical karate class is missing one very typical thing--men! "I guess it started out because we started going to lunch afterwards," according to a co-owner. What began as just a few women in a men's class is now only women.
"When I first started at the school there were only myself and two others," a student said.
"I couldn't even touch my toes before I started, and it makes you much more aware of your body and what you feel like during the day."
But it's about more than just that benefit to the body, many women here tell you they've joined because of the benefit to the mind--and more importantly, knowing a little bit more about self defense.
Source
Monday, August 28, 2006
"Karate chop" murder
Hold on a second! What happened to the "Deadly Judo Chop™"? This is so easy to remember that even reporters should get it right - all kicks are karate - all chops are judo. No exceptions! Geddit?
Story:
A teenager who killed a man with a "karate chop" to steal his designer bag has been convicted of murder.
The 18-year-old male struck his victim on the back of the neck as he intervened in a struggle in Hackney, east London on 18 February 2006. His friend, also 18, then grabbed a Louis Vuitton case. Jurors heard they wanted to steal what they could and were ready to use violence.
Another man was dragged from the car as they two teenagers pulled up outside a nightclub. As the victim ran to help, he was floored with a "karate-style chop" from the accused and hit his head on the ground.
Source
Story:
A teenager who killed a man with a "karate chop" to steal his designer bag has been convicted of murder.
The 18-year-old male struck his victim on the back of the neck as he intervened in a struggle in Hackney, east London on 18 February 2006. His friend, also 18, then grabbed a Louis Vuitton case. Jurors heard they wanted to steal what they could and were ready to use violence.
Another man was dragged from the car as they two teenagers pulled up outside a nightclub. As the victim ran to help, he was floored with a "karate-style chop" from the accused and hit his head on the ground.
Source
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Modern monks
What happened to being content with the concept of having nothing? You know, staring into a wall for days at an end, eating nothing but rice and vegetables, getting up a 4 in the morning to meditate - the usual monk stuff.
This here seems more like a little monk-ey business if you ask me.
"I dream of getting a bigger prize next year"... Why not just take the whole monk-ey thing and move it to Hollywood while you're at it?
Story:
The abbot of the Shaolin temple in the central province of Henan, Shi Yongxin, was rewarded with a spectacular sports sedan worth 1 million Yuan (US$125, 000) for his contributions to the local tourism industry, the Henan-based Dahe Daily reported on August 15.
"I will try my best to promote martial arts to the world in an attempt to boost local tourism. I dream of getting a bigger prize next year, " says the abbot who is in charge of a place widely considered as the birthplace of China's famed Kungfu action.
But the contentious move is likely to stir heated discussion.
Eighty-two respondents do not consider that giving a luxury sedan to a monk is proper, according to a questionnaire conducted by sina.com, one of China's leading web portals.
Source
This here seems more like a little monk-ey business if you ask me.
"I dream of getting a bigger prize next year"... Why not just take the whole monk-ey thing and move it to Hollywood while you're at it?
Story:
The abbot of the Shaolin temple in the central province of Henan, Shi Yongxin, was rewarded with a spectacular sports sedan worth 1 million Yuan (US$125, 000) for his contributions to the local tourism industry, the Henan-based Dahe Daily reported on August 15.
"I will try my best to promote martial arts to the world in an attempt to boost local tourism. I dream of getting a bigger prize next year, " says the abbot who is in charge of a place widely considered as the birthplace of China's famed Kungfu action.
But the contentious move is likely to stir heated discussion.
Eighty-two respondents do not consider that giving a luxury sedan to a monk is proper, according to a questionnaire conducted by sina.com, one of China's leading web portals.
Source
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Finnish trials
Oh, so it's "normal dating" to have relationships with young female pupils - and in great numbers even? I see.
And then we ask ourselves why many women and girls shy away from the martial arts...
Story:
One of Finland’s most extensive sex crime trials began behind closed doors in Oulu district Court on Monday. The prosecution is calling for prison sentences for a 33-year-old martial arts coach. He stands accused of the sexual abuse of a large number of girls who took Taekwondo lessons from him. The indictment contains 22 counts, and a total of 799 individual acts of molestation.
The alleged crimes took place between 1997 and 2005 in different parts of the north of Finland.
The trial is being held behind closed doors in order to protect the identity of he girls in question.
The coach himself has denied committing any crimes. He says that the relationships with his pupils involved normal dating, and that no coercion was involved.
The defendant also faces charges of financial crimes involving hundreds of thousands of euros.
Source
And then we ask ourselves why many women and girls shy away from the martial arts...
Story:
One of Finland’s most extensive sex crime trials began behind closed doors in Oulu district Court on Monday. The prosecution is calling for prison sentences for a 33-year-old martial arts coach. He stands accused of the sexual abuse of a large number of girls who took Taekwondo lessons from him. The indictment contains 22 counts, and a total of 799 individual acts of molestation.
The alleged crimes took place between 1997 and 2005 in different parts of the north of Finland.
The trial is being held behind closed doors in order to protect the identity of he girls in question.
The coach himself has denied committing any crimes. He says that the relationships with his pupils involved normal dating, and that no coercion was involved.
The defendant also faces charges of financial crimes involving hundreds of thousands of euros.
Source
Seasoned black belt
Yes, I think it's ok to be called seasoned at the age of 72! Like we've stated time and time again: Age is just a number...
Story:
Was the longtime Burbank resident who retired seven years ago, a quitter? Truthfully, he didn't know, but he desperately wanted to prove he wasn't. It just so happened the very thing he was looking for was only a few blocks away from his home.
After everything he had tried, Steve Urbanovich, who will turn 73 in October, figured he would give martial arts a try. What could it hurt?
Taekwondo became his passion, and it was exactly what he was looking for. Seven years after taking up the sport, Urbanovich has worked his way up to a second-degree black belt.
Source
Story:
Was the longtime Burbank resident who retired seven years ago, a quitter? Truthfully, he didn't know, but he desperately wanted to prove he wasn't. It just so happened the very thing he was looking for was only a few blocks away from his home.
After everything he had tried, Steve Urbanovich, who will turn 73 in October, figured he would give martial arts a try. What could it hurt?
Taekwondo became his passion, and it was exactly what he was looking for. Seven years after taking up the sport, Urbanovich has worked his way up to a second-degree black belt.
Source
Friday, August 25, 2006
Not yet experts ...
I do wonder: Does the ability to write make you an author? And isn't it a rather huge step between being an author, and being an expert author?
I would gather you agree that the answers here would be rather clear. Subsequently - "Having knowledge" about an art (like kung fu here), does not make you an artist, expert or master - you have merely learned the basic language for crying out loud!
Story:
Beijing: With the objective of securing aviation safety, an airliner in China has made it mandatory for young women taking up air hostess jobs, to be experts in Chinese martial arts like kung fu.
This is for the first time that such a stipulation has been mandatory for women aspiring to be flight attendants, said sources in the Sichuan Airlines.
One of the priority conditions for candidates would be knowledge of kung fu, the paper added.
Source
I would gather you agree that the answers here would be rather clear. Subsequently - "Having knowledge" about an art (like kung fu here), does not make you an artist, expert or master - you have merely learned the basic language for crying out loud!
Story:
Beijing: With the objective of securing aviation safety, an airliner in China has made it mandatory for young women taking up air hostess jobs, to be experts in Chinese martial arts like kung fu.
This is for the first time that such a stipulation has been mandatory for women aspiring to be flight attendants, said sources in the Sichuan Airlines.
One of the priority conditions for candidates would be knowledge of kung fu, the paper added.
Source
Accused of rape
India -- On Wednesday, taekwondo player Sangeeta Sharma - who hails from Gurgaon - accused her coach of raping her in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, where she used to train at the local club run by the coach.
The Rajasthan police is investigating the case and meanwhile, the Taekwondo Federation of India (TFI) has asked the Rajasthan Taekwondo Association to take strict action against the coach. Incidentally, the Rajasthan unit is being headed by a policeman, Upendra Bharadwaj, who is an IG there.
Source
The Rajasthan police is investigating the case and meanwhile, the Taekwondo Federation of India (TFI) has asked the Rajasthan Taekwondo Association to take strict action against the coach. Incidentally, the Rajasthan unit is being headed by a policeman, Upendra Bharadwaj, who is an IG there.
Source
Thursday, August 24, 2006
'Revenge' attack
Australia -- The sister of a Sydney teenager bashed by a gang of balaclava-clad men says it was revenge for a nightclub incident.
Linda, who did not wish to give her last name, told how her 18-year-old brother Lee was left with a fractured skull, broken left wrist, stitches to his head and severe bruising to his right arm after being beaten by 15 men armed with baseball bats and metal poles.
Linda said the attack was retribution for an incident at a bar four weeks ago, when Lee and three of his cousins had an encounter with the other men.
The attack last night was not the first time the gang has sought revenge for the nightclub incident, she said.
They had attacked one of the cousins from the nightclub, David, 25, as he left the gym two weeks ago. She said 20 of them turned up, wearing balaclavas but David, who has a black belt in tae kwon do, chased them off.
Source
Linda, who did not wish to give her last name, told how her 18-year-old brother Lee was left with a fractured skull, broken left wrist, stitches to his head and severe bruising to his right arm after being beaten by 15 men armed with baseball bats and metal poles.
Linda said the attack was retribution for an incident at a bar four weeks ago, when Lee and three of his cousins had an encounter with the other men.
The attack last night was not the first time the gang has sought revenge for the nightclub incident, she said.
They had attacked one of the cousins from the nightclub, David, 25, as he left the gym two weeks ago. She said 20 of them turned up, wearing balaclavas but David, who has a black belt in tae kwon do, chased them off.
Source
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Stereotypes?
That's a kung-fu girl for ya!
Story:
New Oreans -- A 13-year-old scuba diver, firefighter cadet and kung-fu student has taken the Livingston Parish School Board to court over its plans to segregate her middle school by sex.
The American Civil Liberties Union filed the lawsuit Wednesday in Baton Rouge federal court for Michelle Selden, who is scheduled to start eighth grade next week at Southside Junior High School, and her parents.
The suit contends that the program is based on discriminatory stereotypes.
In a statement filed with the lawsuit, the student wrote, "I have always had boys in my classes before when I have gone to school. I don't think that having boys in the class has made it hard for me to learn. I think that boys and girls should be treated the same way by teachers and that is unfair for girls to be taught one way and boys to be taught another."
Source
Story:
New Oreans -- A 13-year-old scuba diver, firefighter cadet and kung-fu student has taken the Livingston Parish School Board to court over its plans to segregate her middle school by sex.
The American Civil Liberties Union filed the lawsuit Wednesday in Baton Rouge federal court for Michelle Selden, who is scheduled to start eighth grade next week at Southside Junior High School, and her parents.
The suit contends that the program is based on discriminatory stereotypes.
In a statement filed with the lawsuit, the student wrote, "I have always had boys in my classes before when I have gone to school. I don't think that having boys in the class has made it hard for me to learn. I think that boys and girls should be treated the same way by teachers and that is unfair for girls to be taught one way and boys to be taught another."
Source
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Nut this time!
Arigato (thanks)! I hope you got this guy where it hurts most (and no, that is not his wallet...)? If only more girls started to fight back (including mentally and verbally) against these individuals.
Go girl!
Story:
South Africa -- Eight-year old Tayler Brandsma was honoured on Tuesday for the manner in which she exhibited her self-defense skills on the Suncoast Casino promenade.
She was awarded the Special Achievement Award by her karate association, the Shotokan Karate International Federation, after she took on a man twice her size when he allegedly exposed himself to two of her friends in July. She punched and kicked him until he buckled and fled on his bicycle.
Source
Go girl!
Story:
South Africa -- Eight-year old Tayler Brandsma was honoured on Tuesday for the manner in which she exhibited her self-defense skills on the Suncoast Casino promenade.
She was awarded the Special Achievement Award by her karate association, the Shotokan Karate International Federation, after she took on a man twice her size when he allegedly exposed himself to two of her friends in July. She punched and kicked him until he buckled and fled on his bicycle.
Source
Monday, August 21, 2006
More science talk
I have mentioned earlier this upcoming TV-special as something that should be very interesting to see! I hope this thing will be on the air over here in Europe too!
There is however at least one thing to be aware of in finding out, say which punch is the "hardest" (boxer versus, say a karateka).
To be 100% sure you would need to know that the boxer had the exact same weight as the karateka, and that the punch traveled at the same speed as the karate punch.
When this is said, it should come as no surprise that a boxer punches hardest in the experiments done here. The same has been done ("proven") before.
We may conclude then, that there is very little scientific evidence for keeping your hands at the waist rather than higher up (at face level). There is on the other hand lots of evidence supporting the advantages of holding your guard up - protecting your face/head being one!
The only reason for dropping your guard must be to have a straighter line to the target (body), in order to score points in a (kumite) karate match.
Story:
For the upcoming television special called Fight Science, researchers used high-tech equipment to put real martial artists to the test. The feature will air on August 20 on the National Geographic Channel.
The action took place inside a specially designed film studio that is part laboratory and part dojo, a school for training in the various arts of self-defense.
The result is an unprecedented look at how martial artists generate the power and speed behind each move.
The researchers were surprised to find that boxing is the fighting style capable of delivering the most force in a single punch.
Boxer Steve Petramale delivered about 1,000 pounds (453.6 kilograms) of impact force, the equivalent of swinging a sledgehammer into someone's face.
Source
There is however at least one thing to be aware of in finding out, say which punch is the "hardest" (boxer versus, say a karateka).
To be 100% sure you would need to know that the boxer had the exact same weight as the karateka, and that the punch traveled at the same speed as the karate punch.
When this is said, it should come as no surprise that a boxer punches hardest in the experiments done here. The same has been done ("proven") before.
We may conclude then, that there is very little scientific evidence for keeping your hands at the waist rather than higher up (at face level). There is on the other hand lots of evidence supporting the advantages of holding your guard up - protecting your face/head being one!
The only reason for dropping your guard must be to have a straighter line to the target (body), in order to score points in a (kumite) karate match.
Story:
For the upcoming television special called Fight Science, researchers used high-tech equipment to put real martial artists to the test. The feature will air on August 20 on the National Geographic Channel.
The action took place inside a specially designed film studio that is part laboratory and part dojo, a school for training in the various arts of self-defense.
The result is an unprecedented look at how martial artists generate the power and speed behind each move.
The researchers were surprised to find that boxing is the fighting style capable of delivering the most force in a single punch.
Boxer Steve Petramale delivered about 1,000 pounds (453.6 kilograms) of impact force, the equivalent of swinging a sledgehammer into someone's face.
Source
In Kenya
Kenya -- Karate expert Duncan Bomba yells instructions at 200 Kenyan schoolgirls watching in amazement as he ferociously attacks a colleague posing as a rapist.
With their navy and white school uniforms, tightly braided hair and socks pulled up to their knees, two girls coyly attempt the moves as Bomba takes on the role of attacker.
Fending him off, the girls draw raucous applause and laughter from their friends.
In a country where activists say one woman is raped every half hour, a growing number of Kenyan women and young girls are learning to defend themselves against assault.
Although hard to quantify, rape is common in Kenya, from Nairobi's unsafe slums to the country's unlit country roads. Only a fraction of women report sexual assaults due to intense cultural stigma and a tradition of blaming the victim. But stories of young girls being raped -- many by their own family members -- still dominate local newspapers. One report in 2003 by local and foreign aid agencies said rape and other sexual attacks had increased fourfold since 1999.
Source
With their navy and white school uniforms, tightly braided hair and socks pulled up to their knees, two girls coyly attempt the moves as Bomba takes on the role of attacker.
Fending him off, the girls draw raucous applause and laughter from their friends.
In a country where activists say one woman is raped every half hour, a growing number of Kenyan women and young girls are learning to defend themselves against assault.
Although hard to quantify, rape is common in Kenya, from Nairobi's unsafe slums to the country's unlit country roads. Only a fraction of women report sexual assaults due to intense cultural stigma and a tradition of blaming the victim. But stories of young girls being raped -- many by their own family members -- still dominate local newspapers. One report in 2003 by local and foreign aid agencies said rape and other sexual attacks had increased fourfold since 1999.
Source
Wooden stick
"Wooden stick similar to ones used in karate"? Are they talking abou nimf... nunfu... noch... damnc... name... mumc...? Ah, shoot, you know what I mean - the two short sticks tied together with a rope thing - the nonchakows.
Karate: The (almost) empty hand art.
Story:
Minnesota -- The Brooklyn Park Police Department is searching for a man who allegedly sexually assaulted and kidnapped a woman early Sunday morning while she was delivering newspapers to a townhome development.
Police say the victim was confronted at 3:15 Sunday morning, allegedly beat with a wooden stick similar to ones used in karate, robbed and sexually assaulted.
Source
Karate: The (almost) empty hand art.
Story:
Minnesota -- The Brooklyn Park Police Department is searching for a man who allegedly sexually assaulted and kidnapped a woman early Sunday morning while she was delivering newspapers to a townhome development.
Police say the victim was confronted at 3:15 Sunday morning, allegedly beat with a wooden stick similar to ones used in karate, robbed and sexually assaulted.
Source
Forgery?
You may ask yourself: What's the big deal, anyone can buy anything online or make up any wild claim about having 59 Deadly Black Belts™ - (and one slightly less deadly yellow), two Absolutely-Great-Grandmaster titles and five million students in 206 different arts anyway...
I suppose you've seen the really stupid diplomas and stuff you can buy on places such as Ebay?
Still, if a person running for office as sheriff makes false claims about his qualifications, I guess it's OK to raise an eyebrow - maybe even both. Heck, why don't we raise them all...
Story:
An attorney representing Benton County Sheriff’s Sgt. Jack Burright says that Oregon State Police investigators erred when they concluded that black belts issued to Burright by the American Law Enforcement Martial Arts Association were not legitimate.
Burright, who withdrew last month as a candidate for Benton County sheriff, was facing possible forgery charges in the wake of reports that he had made misleading or exaggerated statements about his academic and law-enforcement background, including the purchase of a degree from an online diploma mill.
A special prosecutor who reviewed the investigation by the Oregon State Police declined to file charges, saying that the statute of limitations had expired. The black belts did not figure in that decision, but were cited in the police investigation.
Source
I suppose you've seen the really stupid diplomas and stuff you can buy on places such as Ebay?
Still, if a person running for office as sheriff makes false claims about his qualifications, I guess it's OK to raise an eyebrow - maybe even both. Heck, why don't we raise them all...
Story:
An attorney representing Benton County Sheriff’s Sgt. Jack Burright says that Oregon State Police investigators erred when they concluded that black belts issued to Burright by the American Law Enforcement Martial Arts Association were not legitimate.
Burright, who withdrew last month as a candidate for Benton County sheriff, was facing possible forgery charges in the wake of reports that he had made misleading or exaggerated statements about his academic and law-enforcement background, including the purchase of a degree from an online diploma mill.
A special prosecutor who reviewed the investigation by the Oregon State Police declined to file charges, saying that the statute of limitations had expired. The black belts did not figure in that decision, but were cited in the police investigation.
Source
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Wielded sword
A 26-year-old Port St. Lucie man was charged with assault and battery after being accused of brandishing a 4-foot samurai sword at his girlfriend and a female roommate, punching his girlfriend in the face and threatening to kill the roommate Friday morning.
The man's girlfriend told police he woke Friday morning and was angry and aggressive toward both women. He picked up the steel-blade sword and punched his girlfriend in the forehead causing her to fall on the floor, according to reports.
He allegedly told the female roommate, "If you come out of your room I will kill you," reports said. The roommate told police she was so scared the man would attack her with the sword, she punched out a window and ran to a neighbor's home to call 911.
Source
The man's girlfriend told police he woke Friday morning and was angry and aggressive toward both women. He picked up the steel-blade sword and punched his girlfriend in the forehead causing her to fall on the floor, according to reports.
He allegedly told the female roommate, "If you come out of your room I will kill you," reports said. The roommate told police she was so scared the man would attack her with the sword, she punched out a window and ran to a neighbor's home to call 911.
Source
Say 'chi'
Here is an article about bagua or baguazhang, on of the 'internal' arts of China (Tai Chi being the best known of these arts).
Story:
When it comes to walking the line in martial arts — amid the clang of swords, the clatter of staves and the thud of fists and feet — there's nothing like "walking the circle" to get the blood flowing for combat.
That's because, in the rarefied martial art known as Yin style baguazhang, or bagua, effective fighting is all about moving toward one's center.
Derived from the Taoist philosophy, bagua was founded about 150 years ago in China. Baguazhang literally means "eight diagram palm" and is based on the fighting styles of eight different animals: lion, dragon, snake, bear, phoenix, monkey, rooster and kirin (an animal in Chinese lore that changes form).
Source
Story:
When it comes to walking the line in martial arts — amid the clang of swords, the clatter of staves and the thud of fists and feet — there's nothing like "walking the circle" to get the blood flowing for combat.
That's because, in the rarefied martial art known as Yin style baguazhang, or bagua, effective fighting is all about moving toward one's center.
Derived from the Taoist philosophy, bagua was founded about 150 years ago in China. Baguazhang literally means "eight diagram palm" and is based on the fighting styles of eight different animals: lion, dragon, snake, bear, phoenix, monkey, rooster and kirin (an animal in Chinese lore that changes form).
Source
Saturday, August 19, 2006
'Karate' Suresh
When you've got a nickname such as 'Judo' or 'Karate' - like the famous 'Judo' Gene LeBelle, or 'Karate' Suresh here - chances are you're either a tough guy, very competent in that art, or some weird character all together.
The legendary Gene Lebelle is both extremely competent as well as a tough man. Weird I don't know anything about (though I've heard he's quite a character :).
As for 'Karate' - an Indian criminal - I'm not sure at all. Maybe he's sweet and gentle lad after all, as well as a Deadly Black Belt™ in the art (aka. Martial Arts Expert™)?
Story:
Kerala, India -- The revenge attacks and 'tit-for-tat' violence between criminal gangs in Kazhakuttom have become a cause of concern for the district police. The inter-gang violence, that seems to be spiralling out of control, has triggered a sense of insecurity among local residents.
A recent incident was the latest in the nearly two year-long feud between rival gangs headed by 'Aprani' Krishna Kumar and 'Karate' Suresh.
Source
The legendary Gene Lebelle is both extremely competent as well as a tough man. Weird I don't know anything about (though I've heard he's quite a character :).
As for 'Karate' - an Indian criminal - I'm not sure at all. Maybe he's sweet and gentle lad after all, as well as a Deadly Black Belt™ in the art (aka. Martial Arts Expert™)?
Story:
Kerala, India -- The revenge attacks and 'tit-for-tat' violence between criminal gangs in Kazhakuttom have become a cause of concern for the district police. The inter-gang violence, that seems to be spiralling out of control, has triggered a sense of insecurity among local residents.
A recent incident was the latest in the nearly two year-long feud between rival gangs headed by 'Aprani' Krishna Kumar and 'Karate' Suresh.
Source
Unconventional training
Well it may be unconventional training for American football - You know the kind that only Americans call football - but quite ordinary training for many others. We're talking about martial arts of course :-)
And yes, martial arts is a great training to supplement other sports such as football, handball, hockey or baseball.
Story:
With coach Dirk Koetter's blessing, Arizona State defensive end Kyle Caldwell turned himself over to Alex Bauman this summer for, shall we say, unconventional training.
Bauman, a grand master in the martial arts discipline of Ja Shin Do, used everything short of Mr. Miyagi's wax on/wax off Karate Kid routine to transform Caldwell from an injury-plagued junior into a dominating senior defensive end.
Bauman's emphasis has been on core training, wrist strengthening and improving hip/hamstring flexibility to take pressure off the knee. Sports Illustrated wrote in April about Bauman's work with his son-in-law Bob Woolf, a k a the Suns Gorilla.
Source
And yes, martial arts is a great training to supplement other sports such as football, handball, hockey or baseball.
Story:
With coach Dirk Koetter's blessing, Arizona State defensive end Kyle Caldwell turned himself over to Alex Bauman this summer for, shall we say, unconventional training.
Bauman, a grand master in the martial arts discipline of Ja Shin Do, used everything short of Mr. Miyagi's wax on/wax off Karate Kid routine to transform Caldwell from an injury-plagued junior into a dominating senior defensive end.
Bauman's emphasis has been on core training, wrist strengthening and improving hip/hamstring flexibility to take pressure off the knee. Sports Illustrated wrote in April about Bauman's work with his son-in-law Bob Woolf, a k a the Suns Gorilla.
Source
Jumping jacks
100 jumping jacks? Why in the name of sanity would anyone do that, and what's the point (apart from knowing you can do it)?
This reminds me of the sad fact that some martial arts styles and schools still use outdated and sometimes pointless or outright questionable exercises.
Story:
Sally Burke has a hard time sitting still. She finds martial arts to be a good outlet for her energy and can't imagine life without it.
"That would be like taking that thing you love most and say you can never do it again," Burke said.
That worst case scenario almost happened seven years ago. After completing 100 jumping jacks, pain overwhelmed Sally to the point where she couldn't walk.
"I didn't do them any differently then I did any other time," Burke said. "I guess it just hit the nerve that time."
Doctors diagnosed her with Spinal Stenosis. She tried cortisone shots and radio frequency treatments, but they didn't work in the long run.
Source
This reminds me of the sad fact that some martial arts styles and schools still use outdated and sometimes pointless or outright questionable exercises.
Story:
Sally Burke has a hard time sitting still. She finds martial arts to be a good outlet for her energy and can't imagine life without it.
"That would be like taking that thing you love most and say you can never do it again," Burke said.
That worst case scenario almost happened seven years ago. After completing 100 jumping jacks, pain overwhelmed Sally to the point where she couldn't walk.
"I didn't do them any differently then I did any other time," Burke said. "I guess it just hit the nerve that time."
Doctors diagnosed her with Spinal Stenosis. She tried cortisone shots and radio frequency treatments, but they didn't work in the long run.
Source
Friday, August 18, 2006
Hapkido master
Here's hapkido grandmaster Ing-Sik Whang in action. He may be old (born 1940), but he sure can move!He's considered one of the true legends of martial arts, and has participated in movies such as Game of Death with Bruce Lee.
Grandmaster Whang has his school located in Canada.
In this clip you will see the resemblance between Korean hapkido and arts such as (Japanese) aikido and jujutsu.
The only downside is that the attacks (punches) are pulled - they would never hit the target. To me this is a major flaw in many demo clips, videos and exhibitions.
You can watch the clip here (flv file, 16.14 MB).
Download the free flv player here if you don't have it installed already. Flv is a flash format which produces smaller files, often used for streaming video. A similar quality clip in other formats, such as wmv, mpg or avi would easily be twice the size.
Ecological damage
The production team of the kung fu epic movie 'The Promise' was fined US$11,250 for ecological damage in a pristine area of Yunnan Province, according to the Ministry of Construction.
Meanwhile, an unidentified deputy governor of Shangri-La County, where the movie was shot at the Bigu Lake, has been sacked for responsibility in the case, the ministry said.
The production crew built a house, a 100-meter-long gravel road, and a 20-meter-long road covered with wood and destroyed rare plants around the lake.
Source
Meanwhile, an unidentified deputy governor of Shangri-La County, where the movie was shot at the Bigu Lake, has been sacked for responsibility in the case, the ministry said.
The production crew built a house, a 100-meter-long gravel road, and a 20-meter-long road covered with wood and destroyed rare plants around the lake.
Source
Quite a kick
"Defensive kicking" - now that's a new one! And here's another: "We looked at all the self-defence sports," and chose taekwando over judo, jui-jitsu and karate because "it strengthens both the upper and lower body." I wonder what parts I miss out strengthening - apart from my brain?
I you look past these bloopers, this is a heartwarming and inspirational story about a 32-year-old with Down syndrome.
Story:
Phillip Sherman gets quite a kick out of taekwondo.
In fact, over the past 13 years of slow but steady training, Sherman, 32, has given, and tried to block, quite a few during regular practice sessions.
Defensive kicking is the mainstay of taekwondo, the martial art that retired teacher Julia Sherman chose for her son -- who has Down syndrome -- to help him develop strength, discipline, respect, pride and independence.
Source
I you look past these bloopers, this is a heartwarming and inspirational story about a 32-year-old with Down syndrome.
Story:
Phillip Sherman gets quite a kick out of taekwondo.
In fact, over the past 13 years of slow but steady training, Sherman, 32, has given, and tried to block, quite a few during regular practice sessions.
Defensive kicking is the mainstay of taekwondo, the martial art that retired teacher Julia Sherman chose for her son -- who has Down syndrome -- to help him develop strength, discipline, respect, pride and independence.
Source
Kung-pushups
Here's 6-year old Lu Di, doing 10,000 pushups in three hours and twenty minutes July 26, 2006.That's a LOT of pushups (putting it mildly :), and one may ask if this is good for a young kid. Impressive still, you bet!
Lu, and the other kids watching, are students at a kungfu school in Central China’s Henan Province.
The school president Shi Yongdi says the school will waive his tuition for ten years since he shows so much promise.
Not better
Not better, but as good as...
The author here asks what can be better than karate training for children. Make no mistake about it - quality karate training under an experienced teacher is absolutely great for kids.
But - and this is my point - the same goes for judo, taekwondo, jujutsu, hapkido, aikido, kung fu, wushu and a host of other martial arts.
It is not the art, but rather the way an art is taught and presented, that makes it potentially good (or not good) for a kid.
Story:
Today’s children are the leaders of tomorrow. What could be better if they are taught the good virtues of life and are instilled with the spirits of comradeship, friendship and positive attitude so that they become good and helpful members of the society when they grow up?
Children like to play, shout and create a nuisance most of the time. These unharnessed energies can be controlled and directed for the betterment of the society and for the child itself. What can be better than karate training at this young age?
Source
The author here asks what can be better than karate training for children. Make no mistake about it - quality karate training under an experienced teacher is absolutely great for kids.
But - and this is my point - the same goes for judo, taekwondo, jujutsu, hapkido, aikido, kung fu, wushu and a host of other martial arts.
It is not the art, but rather the way an art is taught and presented, that makes it potentially good (or not good) for a kid.
Story:
Today’s children are the leaders of tomorrow. What could be better if they are taught the good virtues of life and are instilled with the spirits of comradeship, friendship and positive attitude so that they become good and helpful members of the society when they grow up?
Children like to play, shout and create a nuisance most of the time. These unharnessed energies can be controlled and directed for the betterment of the society and for the child itself. What can be better than karate training at this young age?
Source
Thursday, August 17, 2006
They'll 'crew' you
I'm not sure about the use of martial arts to combat terrorists. That is, I am sure, it's not the right tool for the "job".
However, the right kind of MA training can be beneficial dealing with unruly passengers. And I do believe the chances of meeting one the latter is significantly higher...
Story:
Airline passengers are in for a mid-air surprise. Behind their smiling facades, flight pursers and stewardesses may just turn out to be toughies trying to take on violence in-flight.
The looming fear of terror has now made airlines think of implementing special security measures on flights. Airlines in India have woken up to the fact that their cabin crews need training in judo and karate.
“We feel combat training for cabin crew is called for. Martial arts like judo and karate will help us in the long run. At the moment, this is loud thinking on our part,” said S Venkat, general manager, public relations, Air India.
Source
However, the right kind of MA training can be beneficial dealing with unruly passengers. And I do believe the chances of meeting one the latter is significantly higher...
Story:
Airline passengers are in for a mid-air surprise. Behind their smiling facades, flight pursers and stewardesses may just turn out to be toughies trying to take on violence in-flight.
The looming fear of terror has now made airlines think of implementing special security measures on flights. Airlines in India have woken up to the fact that their cabin crews need training in judo and karate.
“We feel combat training for cabin crew is called for. Martial arts like judo and karate will help us in the long run. At the moment, this is loud thinking on our part,” said S Venkat, general manager, public relations, Air India.
Source
Samurai attack
How could his wife refuse a threesome with this 'god'?
Story:
New York -- A Bronx man pleaded guilty to manslaughter for killing his wife with a samurai sword in their apartment almost three years ago.
The man was naked and covered in blood when police arrived at his apartment December 7, 2003. "I'm God! I'm immortal!" he screamed at the officers, who fired 14 shots at the suspect, striking him in the legs.
The defense attorney said the violent episode was ignited when the man lost his job as a computer programmer and suffered a "psychotic break."
But other reports indicated he became enraged after his wife refused his invitation for a threesome with a woman he met on the Internet.
Source
Story:
New York -- A Bronx man pleaded guilty to manslaughter for killing his wife with a samurai sword in their apartment almost three years ago.
The man was naked and covered in blood when police arrived at his apartment December 7, 2003. "I'm God! I'm immortal!" he screamed at the officers, who fired 14 shots at the suspect, striking him in the legs.
The defense attorney said the violent episode was ignited when the man lost his job as a computer programmer and suffered a "psychotic break."
But other reports indicated he became enraged after his wife refused his invitation for a threesome with a woman he met on the Internet.
Source
Jolly good!
Jolly good jujutsu, I'd say!From England - an old, and way cool, clip, showing a young woman (May Whitley) doing various defenses against a "bandit" (Charles Cawkell).
The guy attacking here gets to rehearse his break-falls, that's for sure - no tatami in sight.
Actually the techniques are not bad at all, and the style is refreshingly humorous.
I have made it into both flv and wmv format for your convenience. The latter is a much smaller file as you can see.
Wmv format (11,21 MB): here, flv format (5.34 MB): here.
The free, easy to install flv player can be found here.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Karate, hemophilia
It would seem that taking up karate (or any martial art for that matter) would not be the best option when you're diagnosed with severe hemophilia (the oldest known hereditary bleeding disorder, where there's low levels or complete absence of a blood protein essential for blood clotting).
However there are those who defy the odds, and gets great help by the advances in medicine.
Story:
New York -- Bill Ryan has met a lot of impressive people in his role as a Syracuse common councilor, but when it comes to heroes, he looks no further than his own home and his son.
“Billy was born with severe factor 8 hemophilia, diagnosed days after birth. As a small child, he had to wear pads on his knees and elbows and a helmet because if he hit his head, there could be catastrophic consequences,” Bill Ryan said.
Advances in medicine helped. Billy could do more, and Bill and Jennifer Ryan allowed heir son to do just that.
Billy Ryan went on to be an athlete, even earning a second degree belt in karate. With an infusion three times a week of a factor that helps suppress his hemophilia, he has never limited his physical activity.
Source
However there are those who defy the odds, and gets great help by the advances in medicine.
Story:
New York -- Bill Ryan has met a lot of impressive people in his role as a Syracuse common councilor, but when it comes to heroes, he looks no further than his own home and his son.
“Billy was born with severe factor 8 hemophilia, diagnosed days after birth. As a small child, he had to wear pads on his knees and elbows and a helmet because if he hit his head, there could be catastrophic consequences,” Bill Ryan said.
Advances in medicine helped. Billy could do more, and Bill and Jennifer Ryan allowed heir son to do just that.
Billy Ryan went on to be an athlete, even earning a second degree belt in karate. With an infusion three times a week of a factor that helps suppress his hemophilia, he has never limited his physical activity.
Source
'Bruce Lee shot'
California -- The victim of a late Sunday shooting at a San Jose strip mall has been identified as Bruce Lee, a mini-mart owner and host of a local public access cable television show.
The San Jose resident, 49, was shot shortly before midnight Sunday at the Hello Hollywood Enterprises store.
Lee dabbled in the film industry, and on his Web site, he billed himself as a director, producer, screenwriter, acting coach, image consultant, talent manager and third-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He produced and starred in a public access television show called 'Hello Hollywood News'.
The show's intro is a quirky take on James Bond, with Lee removing dark sunglasses to the tune of the familiar Bond theme song. In the closing montage, he is shown performing Tae Kwon Do moves, including breaking a stack of boards.
Source
The San Jose resident, 49, was shot shortly before midnight Sunday at the Hello Hollywood Enterprises store.
Lee dabbled in the film industry, and on his Web site, he billed himself as a director, producer, screenwriter, acting coach, image consultant, talent manager and third-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He produced and starred in a public access television show called 'Hello Hollywood News'.
The show's intro is a quirky take on James Bond, with Lee removing dark sunglasses to the tune of the familiar Bond theme song. In the closing montage, he is shown performing Tae Kwon Do moves, including breaking a stack of boards.
Source
Naked-run attack
A naked-run attack, a pot farm and martial arts weapons? Oh dear...
Hope these guys are not too heavily involved in the martial arts, we have more than enough strange figures already.
As a great master and a friend of mine use to say: "You don't have to be mad to do martial arts - but it helps!"
Source
Hope these guys are not too heavily involved in the martial arts, we have more than enough strange figures already.
As a great master and a friend of mine use to say: "You don't have to be mad to do martial arts - but it helps!"
Source
No couch potato
Hawaii -- Here's a truly great article about a 5-year old kid finding a motivating activity in karate. His mother could see Phillipe turning into a couch potato. So she takes action - wise mum!
It's so true what she says: "If they get exposed to sports when they're little, they'll carry it through their entire lives."
If anyone still wonders about the benefits of doing martial arts for kids, I suggest you read this! There's also a host of other similar stuff to be found at Your Martial Arts Resources.
It's so true what she says: "If they get exposed to sports when they're little, they'll carry it through their entire lives."
If anyone still wonders about the benefits of doing martial arts for kids, I suggest you read this! There's also a host of other similar stuff to be found at Your Martial Arts Resources.
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Just decorative
So, it was just a decorative sword? Seems real enough to me...
Story:
A 25-year-old Sacramento man accused of murdering his Happy Valley stepfather and attacking his mother with a decorative martial arts sword was ordered Thursday to be committed to Napa State Hospital, possibly for life.
Source
Story:
A 25-year-old Sacramento man accused of murdering his Happy Valley stepfather and attacking his mother with a decorative martial arts sword was ordered Thursday to be committed to Napa State Hospital, possibly for life.
Source
Wushu/kung fu
Here's an interesting article from Chinadaily about the growing use of wushu/kung fu training in Chinese schools. It also points to the use of wushu rather than kung fu in China.
The way I understand it the term wushu (or wu shu) means martial arts, where as kung fu simply indicates being proficient at a skill (which can be other things than martial arts).
Story:
The ancient martial art developed by an Indian monk is now compulsory in central Chinese schools. And both pupils and parents love the idea.
Kung fu has now been made compulsory in secondary schools in central China. Participation is generally voluntary and extra-curricular.
The first kung fu disciples in the autumn will be in Henan province, home to the legendary and ancient Shaolin temple.
Kung fu is actually a generic term for many different skills, used mainly in the West. In China, people use the word wu shu to refer to martial arts.
Source
The way I understand it the term wushu (or wu shu) means martial arts, where as kung fu simply indicates being proficient at a skill (which can be other things than martial arts).
Story:
The ancient martial art developed by an Indian monk is now compulsory in central Chinese schools. And both pupils and parents love the idea.
Kung fu has now been made compulsory in secondary schools in central China. Participation is generally voluntary and extra-curricular.
The first kung fu disciples in the autumn will be in Henan province, home to the legendary and ancient Shaolin temple.
Kung fu is actually a generic term for many different skills, used mainly in the West. In China, people use the word wu shu to refer to martial arts.
Source
Monday, August 14, 2006
Grandmaster, bodyguard
Maybe this woman could need someone to protect her from herself, rather than fighting police and media - both of which is quite futile and even outright stupid?
Story:
Washington -- The aide for Rep. Cynthia McKinney who got physical with a TV photographer Tuesday night is 62-year-old Steve Muhammad - the same man who scuffled with WSB-TV Channel 2’s Washington bureau reporter Scott MacFarlane in April.
Muhammad is a well known figure in the world of martial arts. He is grandmaster of the Black Karate Federation and has appeared in movies, including a Bruce Lee film. He also doubles as a security guard.
Muhammad is the same assistant who got physical with MacFarlane as he tried to question Rep. McKinney about allegations she punched a Capitol police officer. At the time Muhammad claimed he was a police officer, although he was not.
Source
Story:
Washington -- The aide for Rep. Cynthia McKinney who got physical with a TV photographer Tuesday night is 62-year-old Steve Muhammad - the same man who scuffled with WSB-TV Channel 2’s Washington bureau reporter Scott MacFarlane in April.
Muhammad is a well known figure in the world of martial arts. He is grandmaster of the Black Karate Federation and has appeared in movies, including a Bruce Lee film. He also doubles as a security guard.
Muhammad is the same assistant who got physical with MacFarlane as he tried to question Rep. McKinney about allegations she punched a Capitol police officer. At the time Muhammad claimed he was a police officer, although he was not.
Source
He knows karate
A 15-year-old male reported he was walking to Prospect High School between 8:30 and 10 a.m. Aug. 1 when a stranger holding a pocket knife stopped him.
The stranger, who was described as being about 6-foot-2, held the knife to the teenager's face, grazing his cheek, the victim said.
The 15-year-old said he knows karate and was able to disarm his assailant. The two struggled, then separated.
Source
The stranger, who was described as being about 6-foot-2, held the knife to the teenager's face, grazing his cheek, the victim said.
The 15-year-old said he knows karate and was able to disarm his assailant. The two struggled, then separated.
Source
Gay attraction
The Sydney Star Observer, the Australian weekly gay and lesbian community newspaper, have set their eyes on the MMA scene. Here's what they have to say about an upcoming event:
"Looking for a Friday night out with a difference? Explosion is featuring hot, fit dudes from all over the world slugging it out in a martial arts event to remember. Explosion is taking over the Sydney Entertainment Centre on Friday 18 August from 6:30 p.m."
Source
"Looking for a Friday night out with a difference? Explosion is featuring hot, fit dudes from all over the world slugging it out in a martial arts event to remember. Explosion is taking over the Sydney Entertainment Centre on Friday 18 August from 6:30 p.m."
Source
Seeking life sentence
Prosecutors said yesterday they will seek the maximum sentence -- life in prison without parole -- for the Baltimore kick-boxer charged with beating his girlfriend to death in a Warwick motel room in March.
A spokesman for Attorney General, yesterday said the slaying involved "aggravated battery or torture," making the man liable for the harshest penalty.
The man, a professional kick-boxer with two decades of martial-arts experience, is accused of killing his 44 year-old girlfriend, at a motel.
Source
A spokesman for Attorney General, yesterday said the slaying involved "aggravated battery or torture," making the man liable for the harshest penalty.
The man, a professional kick-boxer with two decades of martial-arts experience, is accused of killing his 44 year-old girlfriend, at a motel.
Source
Tasting own 'medicine'
Canada -- Steven Sheehan was heading to a friend's place in Ottawa Sunday night, looking forward to relaxing over a movie. He wasn't prepared for the strange sight.
There, sitting on the sidewalk next to a bush, was a large, scruffy man, no shirt or shoes. At first glance, it seemed as though the man was talking to himself, but upon further inspection, Mr. Sheehan realized someone was in danger.
Mr. Sheehan had caught the man in the act of mugging a 63-year-old woman. As Mr. Sheehan approached, he saw the attacker punch a fist, twice, into the bush.
"She's in the bush, bleeding, and she's begging me to help. He's claiming it's his mother. I'm like, 'I don't care, you just punched this old woman'," recalled Mr. Sheehan.
The assailant was built like an aging body builder, Mr. Sheehan thought, as the man took off, Mr. Sheehan in pursuit.
"I'm yelling at him, 'I'm gonna kick your ass, I'm gonna kick your ass,' so he stops and swings at me," said Mr. Sheehan, who has training in martial arts and kick boxing.
After a brief fight, the attacker lay on the ground, begging Mr. Sheehan to stop hitting him.
Source
There, sitting on the sidewalk next to a bush, was a large, scruffy man, no shirt or shoes. At first glance, it seemed as though the man was talking to himself, but upon further inspection, Mr. Sheehan realized someone was in danger.
Mr. Sheehan had caught the man in the act of mugging a 63-year-old woman. As Mr. Sheehan approached, he saw the attacker punch a fist, twice, into the bush.
"She's in the bush, bleeding, and she's begging me to help. He's claiming it's his mother. I'm like, 'I don't care, you just punched this old woman'," recalled Mr. Sheehan.
The assailant was built like an aging body builder, Mr. Sheehan thought, as the man took off, Mr. Sheehan in pursuit.
"I'm yelling at him, 'I'm gonna kick your ass, I'm gonna kick your ass,' so he stops and swings at me," said Mr. Sheehan, who has training in martial arts and kick boxing.
After a brief fight, the attacker lay on the ground, begging Mr. Sheehan to stop hitting him.
Source
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Kung-fu coffee
A kicking coffee for sure!
Story:
Philippines -- Jackie's Java, the kung-fu movie master's own international coffee shop franchise, is what the superstar came to Manila to launch at The Mandarin Oriental Manila Hotel on August 4.
Twenty branches are to be constructed in the next five years. The first to open will be at the SM Mall of Asia.
Source
Story:
Philippines -- Jackie's Java, the kung-fu movie master's own international coffee shop franchise, is what the superstar came to Manila to launch at The Mandarin Oriental Manila Hotel on August 4.
Twenty branches are to be constructed in the next five years. The first to open will be at the SM Mall of Asia.
Source
Shuriken school
Ready, set, go for the little ninjas!
Story:
Nickelodeon will present a unique blend of Japanese and European animation design to viewers this August with new series Shuriken School, a quirky comedy with a martial arts twist about a boy's adventures at Ninja school.
I guess kids can't wait for class to begin with the debut of this new animated comedy premiering sunday, August 20.
Source
Story:
Nickelodeon will present a unique blend of Japanese and European animation design to viewers this August with new series Shuriken School, a quirky comedy with a martial arts twist about a boy's adventures at Ninja school.
I guess kids can't wait for class to begin with the debut of this new animated comedy premiering sunday, August 20.
Source
It's a mystery
Mystic? Can someone please explain what this so called mystery is all about? The biggest mystery to me is how reporters manage to come up with all this garbage.
Apart from the stupid opening phrase, this is a great article about using martial arts to improve another sport.
Story:
Mystic eastern influences will be central to the success of Sydney and Melbourne this Saturday in a match that will decide much about the finals credibility of both teams.
Melbourne has unashamedly copied the Swans' premiership success of last season, right down to martial arts experts teaching the team how to tackle.
The perfect tackle in an AFL match can now mirror a judo sleeper hold, as the tackler grabs the ball carrier's closest hand and pulls it behind his back while wrapping the player up, preventing a legal disposal of the ball by hand.
Judo instructor Warren Rosser of the University of New South Wales taught the Swans how to manhandle their opponents in recent seasons.
Source
Apart from the stupid opening phrase, this is a great article about using martial arts to improve another sport.
Story:
Mystic eastern influences will be central to the success of Sydney and Melbourne this Saturday in a match that will decide much about the finals credibility of both teams.
Melbourne has unashamedly copied the Swans' premiership success of last season, right down to martial arts experts teaching the team how to tackle.
The perfect tackle in an AFL match can now mirror a judo sleeper hold, as the tackler grabs the ball carrier's closest hand and pulls it behind his back while wrapping the player up, preventing a legal disposal of the ball by hand.
Judo instructor Warren Rosser of the University of New South Wales taught the Swans how to manhandle their opponents in recent seasons.
Source
That's early!
Yeah, I know a couple of folks who manage to work out that early in the morning (or rather, at night), but then they basically fall over sleeping around 8 p.m.
Story:
Scotland -- At 6:00 a.m., most of Edinburgh is still enjoying deep sleep or just waking up for a morning shift at work, but some early birds like nothing more than to pull on their kimonos and make their way to an intensive one-hour session of the Japanese martial art aikido at the Royal Commonwealth Pool.
"I realised that all I was doing was sitting watching TV at night, so I thought I might as well do something worthwhile," 32-year-old Andy Rayne said.
"But the outcome is good, and waking up so early in the morning to exercise seems to pay off. After the class, you're fresh for work, you're wide awake and your concentration will be sharp straight away, which really helps," he added.
Source
Story:
Scotland -- At 6:00 a.m., most of Edinburgh is still enjoying deep sleep or just waking up for a morning shift at work, but some early birds like nothing more than to pull on their kimonos and make their way to an intensive one-hour session of the Japanese martial art aikido at the Royal Commonwealth Pool.
"I realised that all I was doing was sitting watching TV at night, so I thought I might as well do something worthwhile," 32-year-old Andy Rayne said.
"But the outcome is good, and waking up so early in the morning to exercise seems to pay off. After the class, you're fresh for work, you're wide awake and your concentration will be sharp straight away, which really helps," he added.
Source
Reporters...
What can you say? Only misses with 1550 years or so, and suggests that TKD is "similar to karate, kung fu, kendo, hapkido, jujitsu and judo". Similar in what respect?
Sure - fighting with a kendo shinai is similar to the grappling moves of judo, or the kicks and punches of karate. How about getting your statements at least close to straight?
Any article portraying the martial arts in a positive way is great to see, but it is also nice when you can read something that has at least a vague * reminiscence* to the facts!
Story:
Taekwondo (often spelled tae kwon do or Taekwon-do) is a form of martial arts, originating in Korea over 2,000 years ago. It is similar to karate, kung fu, kendo, hapkido, jujitsu and judo. Yet, the discipline has grown rapidly in the United States over the past 20 years as more people find that the Korean term "punch, kick, way of life" goes far beyond its English translation.
Source
Sure - fighting with a kendo shinai is similar to the grappling moves of judo, or the kicks and punches of karate. How about getting your statements at least close to straight?
Any article portraying the martial arts in a positive way is great to see, but it is also nice when you can read something that has at least a vague * reminiscence* to the facts!
Story:
Taekwondo (often spelled tae kwon do or Taekwon-do) is a form of martial arts, originating in Korea over 2,000 years ago. It is similar to karate, kung fu, kendo, hapkido, jujitsu and judo. Yet, the discipline has grown rapidly in the United States over the past 20 years as more people find that the Korean term "punch, kick, way of life" goes far beyond its English translation.
Source
Saturday, August 12, 2006
North Korean 'invasion'
Canada -- Nova Scotia's former black-belt premier, Russell MacLellan, has been fighting North Koreans in Austria.
MacLellan, a 5th dan in tae kwon do, recently returned from Vienna, where he testified in a court challenge aimed at stopping a North Korean invasion of the International Tae Kwon Do Federation. MacLellan was president of the federation for a year after the founder of the martial art, Gen. Choi Hong Hi, died in June 2002 at the age of 83.
"When General Choi died, there was a North Korean group that wanted to take over," MacLellan said. "To some extent, they forced their way in. Now we're trying to unravel it."
Yes, it seems the land of Kim Jong Il wants both nuclear weapons and roundhouse kicks. You see, the International Federation is headquartered in Vienna, and its rival, the World Tae Kwon Do Federation, is based in South Korea. That leaves North Korea out in the cold.
"The North Koreans want their own tae kwon do federation, so they saw this as their chance to do it," MacLellan explained. "They hate being left out."
Source
MacLellan, a 5th dan in tae kwon do, recently returned from Vienna, where he testified in a court challenge aimed at stopping a North Korean invasion of the International Tae Kwon Do Federation. MacLellan was president of the federation for a year after the founder of the martial art, Gen. Choi Hong Hi, died in June 2002 at the age of 83.
"When General Choi died, there was a North Korean group that wanted to take over," MacLellan said. "To some extent, they forced their way in. Now we're trying to unravel it."
Yes, it seems the land of Kim Jong Il wants both nuclear weapons and roundhouse kicks. You see, the International Federation is headquartered in Vienna, and its rival, the World Tae Kwon Do Federation, is based in South Korea. That leaves North Korea out in the cold.
"The North Koreans want their own tae kwon do federation, so they saw this as their chance to do it," MacLellan explained. "They hate being left out."
Source
A wallet blow
Should a martial arts teacher be paid for his work? In my opinion: If he or she wants to, then of course. After all many have used anything from 5 to 40 years to learn their craft. Why should they not be paid?
Also, I don't have a problem at all with a school or a school owner running martial arts for business - possibly doing a healthy amount of money. As long as the quality of teachings, the school itself and the programs that are offered are of good standards.
What is expensive? I'm not one to tell, and I suppose it depends on a lot of variables - some which are very hard to measure. What I can tell you though, is that I find this pricing (US $160 a month) a 'wee' bit on the heavy side...
And what I will do is to show this example to anyone who says that it's expensive to train at our place!
Story:
Back in December, my 5-year-old daughter attended a free martial arts class. She loved it! I loved watching her! I signed a ridiculously long contract -- three years at $160 a month.
I don't know what I was thinking. My daughter no longer "loves" tae kwon do. She "loves" horseback riding. Next year, I'm sure she'll "love" another activity.
I wrote to the school and asked him to please cancel the contract. I received a rather curt letter from a customer-service manager saying I should have canceled within three days of signing.
My daughter has no interest in going back, and I have little hope of getting a refund for two years and four months of classes she will never attend -- $4,480, which I paid in advance on a credit card. That's a high price to pay for a 5-year-old changing her mind.
Source
Also, I don't have a problem at all with a school or a school owner running martial arts for business - possibly doing a healthy amount of money. As long as the quality of teachings, the school itself and the programs that are offered are of good standards.
What is expensive? I'm not one to tell, and I suppose it depends on a lot of variables - some which are very hard to measure. What I can tell you though, is that I find this pricing (US $160 a month) a 'wee' bit on the heavy side...
And what I will do is to show this example to anyone who says that it's expensive to train at our place!
Story:
Back in December, my 5-year-old daughter attended a free martial arts class. She loved it! I loved watching her! I signed a ridiculously long contract -- three years at $160 a month.
I don't know what I was thinking. My daughter no longer "loves" tae kwon do. She "loves" horseback riding. Next year, I'm sure she'll "love" another activity.
I wrote to the school and asked him to please cancel the contract. I received a rather curt letter from a customer-service manager saying I should have canceled within three days of signing.
My daughter has no interest in going back, and I have little hope of getting a refund for two years and four months of classes she will never attend -- $4,480, which I paid in advance on a credit card. That's a high price to pay for a 5-year-old changing her mind.
Source
T-shirt 'ninja'
I guess the strange character in this report has turned his T-shirt into a ninja mask as it's illustrated here:
And yes, there are some rather strange people walking the streets..
Story:
Florida -- Tampa police said a man was arrested for wearing a ninja-style mask.
Officers found a man with a T-shirt around his head and face, leaving only his eyes uncovered. He was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor for wearing a mask on the street. He was released later that day.
The charge is very rarely used, but a police spokesman said the law exists because of the close association between mask-wearing and troublemaking.
The only day of the year when the rule is dropped is Halloween.
Source
And yes, there are some rather strange people walking the streets..
Story:
Florida -- Tampa police said a man was arrested for wearing a ninja-style mask.
Officers found a man with a T-shirt around his head and face, leaving only his eyes uncovered. He was arrested and charged with a misdemeanor for wearing a mask on the street. He was released later that day.
The charge is very rarely used, but a police spokesman said the law exists because of the close association between mask-wearing and troublemaking.
The only day of the year when the rule is dropped is Halloween.
Source
WTF suspensions
The World Taekwondo Federation has punished four referees with suspensions of up two years for their "inadequate remarks and actions" during recent games, a WTF spokesman said in Seoul on Thursday.
"In the recently ended WTF general assembly in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam, the Competition Supervisory Board decided to give four referees one-match to two-year suspensions with another given a warning," said Kang Seok-jae, spokesman for the Seoul-based WTF.
Source
"In the recently ended WTF general assembly in Ho Chi Min City, Vietnam, the Competition Supervisory Board decided to give four referees one-match to two-year suspensions with another given a warning," said Kang Seok-jae, spokesman for the Seoul-based WTF.
Source
TKD diplomat
When the Uruguayan Embassy in Seoul closed due to financial problems in 2002, Nelson Yemil Chaben, then chief of staff in the ministry of foreign affairs in Uruguay, developed a dream _ to reopen the embassy because he wanted to work there.
Four years later his dream came true with his arrival in Seoul early this year as the first Uruguayan ambassador in the reopened embassy.
The 51-year-old career diplomat said that he had long relations with Korea because of his love of taekwondo. In 1982, he began practicing the martial art, and he has a black belt with a certificate from Korea’s taekwondo association.
Source
Four years later his dream came true with his arrival in Seoul early this year as the first Uruguayan ambassador in the reopened embassy.
The 51-year-old career diplomat said that he had long relations with Korea because of his love of taekwondo. In 1982, he began practicing the martial art, and he has a black belt with a certificate from Korea’s taekwondo association.
Source
Friday, August 11, 2006
Private commandos
I was kind of led to believe that the term 'commando' was a military one. But yet again, what do I know? Since I keep saying this all the time, it can't be a lot :-)
Story:
India -- With the threat of Maoist violence looming over public and private firms in Jharkhand, more and more private commandos are being hired to provide security cover to corporate top brass.
'Most business houses and mine owners hire us because they fear attacks from Maoists and criminals,' said Dinesh Singh, a karate expert who heads a commando team.
He added that the commandos not only undergo stiff army style training but also martial techniques. 'We train them in survival tactics,' said Singh.
'Most of our group members are either karate experts or proficient in taekwondo,' he added.
Source
Story:
India -- With the threat of Maoist violence looming over public and private firms in Jharkhand, more and more private commandos are being hired to provide security cover to corporate top brass.
'Most business houses and mine owners hire us because they fear attacks from Maoists and criminals,' said Dinesh Singh, a karate expert who heads a commando team.
He added that the commandos not only undergo stiff army style training but also martial techniques. 'We train them in survival tactics,' said Singh.
'Most of our group members are either karate experts or proficient in taekwondo,' he added.
Source
Brooklyn Monk
There's a new book out, called 'The Monk From Brooklyn: An American at the Shaolin Temple.' Should be a real interesting read for any martial arts buff!
The author Antonio Graceffo, who has twenty-five years of experience with martial arts, has written a book about his studies in kung fu at the Shaolin Temple, in Henan, China.
According to a press release, "His background gives him a very unique perspective. An Italian-American from Brooklyn, New York, and a former investment banker, Antonio was educated in some of the best universities that Europe and Asia had to offer."
According to reviews this is a funny, inspiring, interesting and (brutally) honest book about the life and training at the temple.
Again from the press release: "He doesn't pull any punches writing about the filthy conditions and the diminished mental capacities of people who spent a lifetime learning to kick, but never bothered to learn to read and write. The title says it all. Put a Chinese-speaking Italian-American, from Brooklyn in the holiest of Buddhist temples, and watch the racial harmony flow."
You can find out more here:
The author Antonio Graceffo, who has twenty-five years of experience with martial arts, has written a book about his studies in kung fu at the Shaolin Temple, in Henan, China.
According to a press release, "His background gives him a very unique perspective. An Italian-American from Brooklyn, New York, and a former investment banker, Antonio was educated in some of the best universities that Europe and Asia had to offer."
According to reviews this is a funny, inspiring, interesting and (brutally) honest book about the life and training at the temple.
Again from the press release: "He doesn't pull any punches writing about the filthy conditions and the diminished mental capacities of people who spent a lifetime learning to kick, but never bothered to learn to read and write. The title says it all. Put a Chinese-speaking Italian-American, from Brooklyn in the holiest of Buddhist temples, and watch the racial harmony flow."
You can find out more here:
White collar, black belt
Joe Grenier has gone from wearing a white collar to sporting a black belt. The Catholic priest, turned family man, turned martial artist, earned his black belt in tae kwon do yesterday in Stroudsburg. At age 74.
Before a panel of three black belt judges, Joe, who lives in Price Township, spent more than an hour and a half Saturday having his skills tested. And he passed the test with flying colors, along with flying fists and feet.
Source
Before a panel of three black belt judges, Joe, who lives in Price Township, spent more than an hour and a half Saturday having his skills tested. And he passed the test with flying colors, along with flying fists and feet.
Source
Where's the fun?
In my opinion, this is something we should see more of: People in the martial arts not taking themselves too seriously!
Wouldn't you rather be in a place where there's healthy laughter, fun and joy? The answer is obvious, right?
Beats me how some people believe that being serious about their art is the same as being without humor, entertainment and enjoyment.
In some schools there's little or no smiles, laughter, 'high fives', encouragements, funny stories, happy times or goofing around - and then they wonder why people quit...
Yes, training should be serious and hard; yes, the topic is serious enough; and no, we can't go around with a smile on our face all the time like we haven't got a care in the world.
But we don't need to make other people feel bad about themselves and their peers either, now do we?
Story:
At first, spectators packing the Korean-Indonesian Friendship Sports Center in East Jakarta saw the traditional side of the martial art, when 21 Korean taekwondo masters put on a demonstration.
The air snapped with the sound of breaking boards, as the masters' expertly aimed kicks and hand chops made kindling out of solid wood.
What came next though, was a surprise. Many in the audience began to laugh uncontrollably when the po-faced masters swapped broken boards for breakbeats. Pulling their punches, they began wiggling their way into a Britney Spears-style tune backed by pumping hip-hop.
The second poomsae demonstration turned out to be more of an aerobics workout than a controlled fight.
Source
Wouldn't you rather be in a place where there's healthy laughter, fun and joy? The answer is obvious, right?
Beats me how some people believe that being serious about their art is the same as being without humor, entertainment and enjoyment.
In some schools there's little or no smiles, laughter, 'high fives', encouragements, funny stories, happy times or goofing around - and then they wonder why people quit...
Yes, training should be serious and hard; yes, the topic is serious enough; and no, we can't go around with a smile on our face all the time like we haven't got a care in the world.
But we don't need to make other people feel bad about themselves and their peers either, now do we?
Story:
At first, spectators packing the Korean-Indonesian Friendship Sports Center in East Jakarta saw the traditional side of the martial art, when 21 Korean taekwondo masters put on a demonstration.
The air snapped with the sound of breaking boards, as the masters' expertly aimed kicks and hand chops made kindling out of solid wood.
What came next though, was a surprise. Many in the audience began to laugh uncontrollably when the po-faced masters swapped broken boards for breakbeats. Pulling their punches, they began wiggling their way into a Britney Spears-style tune backed by pumping hip-hop.
The second poomsae demonstration turned out to be more of an aerobics workout than a controlled fight.
Source
Thursday, August 10, 2006
Confuse-Us speaks #5
I'm sure this kid is alright, but seriously... 14 years - two years to get a black belt, and he's studying karate at a Tae Kwon Do community? When will this madness ever stop?
On second thought - what ever should I rant and complain about if people actually got their acts together? So, just keep going boys and girl, I'm pretty sure we can confuse each other even more!
Story:
At 14, it's no surprise Josh Winn has yet to decide what he wants to be when he grows up. When he was 10, he wanted to be a senator who became governor who became president.
"I've always been into politics, and I thought it would be fun to run for Youth Mayor," Winn said.
When he isn't on the prowl for a Young Republicans group in the area to join, Winn is practicing his martial arts skills at the Chad Wilbur Blackbelt Academy on Bonita Beach Road.
Winn joined the Tae Kwon Do community two years ago to beef up his self-defense skills, and he earned his black belt about a month ago. He's part of the dojo's XMA team, which is more of an aerial, artful form of the martial art.
Source
On second thought - what ever should I rant and complain about if people actually got their acts together? So, just keep going boys and girl, I'm pretty sure we can confuse each other even more!
Story:
At 14, it's no surprise Josh Winn has yet to decide what he wants to be when he grows up. When he was 10, he wanted to be a senator who became governor who became president.
"I've always been into politics, and I thought it would be fun to run for Youth Mayor," Winn said.
When he isn't on the prowl for a Young Republicans group in the area to join, Winn is practicing his martial arts skills at the Chad Wilbur Blackbelt Academy on Bonita Beach Road.
Winn joined the Tae Kwon Do community two years ago to beef up his self-defense skills, and he earned his black belt about a month ago. He's part of the dojo's XMA team, which is more of an aerial, artful form of the martial art.
Source
Sumo fitness
Anyone believing a sumo fighter is just a big (as in fat) bloke, may think again. These wrestlers are extremely fast for their size, very flexible, and super strong. And yes, they do eat a lot...
Why not get a glimpse of what they're up to? There's allegedly a new sumo exercise DVD out.
Story:
It probably wasn't what Jane Fonda had in mind when she pioneered the home workout craze: fitness advice from grossly overweight men whose training regime includes taking a nap after a huge lunch.
But in their latest effort to fight the flab, overweight Japanese are turning to the behemoths of the sumo ring, who have released a DVD of simple exercises they claim keep them supple and, yes, fit.
Source
Why not get a glimpse of what they're up to? There's allegedly a new sumo exercise DVD out.
Story:
It probably wasn't what Jane Fonda had in mind when she pioneered the home workout craze: fitness advice from grossly overweight men whose training regime includes taking a nap after a huge lunch.
But in their latest effort to fight the flab, overweight Japanese are turning to the behemoths of the sumo ring, who have released a DVD of simple exercises they claim keep them supple and, yes, fit.
Source
Wushu in the Olympics
What is your thought about wushu in future Olympic games?
Most certainly this will not happen without judo and/or taekwondo being taken away since the IOC are trying to cut down on the total numbers of sports.
Personally I would rather see wushu/kung fu or karate instead of taekwondo. Nothing wrong with TKD as per se, of course. It is just that to a non-TKD pratitioner like myself (and many others I've spoken to) the matches have been as fun to watch as a group of cows eating grass - nothing ever happens...
Story:
Beijing: Though wushu, a traditional Chinese martial art, will feature at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games for the first time as a non-official medal sport, China is determined to push for its inclusion in future games, the state media reported today.
"As of now, we know that wushu will be included in the Beijing Olympics, though not as an official medal sport," director of the Wushu Administration Centre under the China State General Administration of Sport, Wang Xiaolin said.
"Through numerous efforts, we will finally take wushu to the Olympic stage," Wang was quoted as saying by China Daily.
"It won't be an official event like the 28 other sports, but it won't be called a demonstration either. It will be called the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Wushu Competition," Wang said.
Source
Most certainly this will not happen without judo and/or taekwondo being taken away since the IOC are trying to cut down on the total numbers of sports.
Personally I would rather see wushu/kung fu or karate instead of taekwondo. Nothing wrong with TKD as per se, of course. It is just that to a non-TKD pratitioner like myself (and many others I've spoken to) the matches have been as fun to watch as a group of cows eating grass - nothing ever happens...
Story:
Beijing: Though wushu, a traditional Chinese martial art, will feature at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games for the first time as a non-official medal sport, China is determined to push for its inclusion in future games, the state media reported today.
"As of now, we know that wushu will be included in the Beijing Olympics, though not as an official medal sport," director of the Wushu Administration Centre under the China State General Administration of Sport, Wang Xiaolin said.
"Through numerous efforts, we will finally take wushu to the Olympic stage," Wang was quoted as saying by China Daily.
"It won't be an official event like the 28 other sports, but it won't be called a demonstration either. It will be called the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games Wushu Competition," Wang said.
Source
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Confuse-Us speaks #4
Here's master Confuse-Us hard at work again..
According to this bloke being interviewed, then "Martial arts is many things, but there are few that it is not. First and foremost, it is not a sport. Although karate in some environments is scored and a winner is determined, Tae Kwon Do is not about winning."
Let me try to get this straight... Taekwondo is not a sport, and martial arts is not a sport? Karate is a sport some times?
I thought it all depended upon the kind of karate, TKD, judo, jujutsu, kung fu etc - that your into, if you're doing it for sport or not. Two schools doing the exact same type of TKD or karate can also put different value and focus on the sports aspect.
I can't help but wonder if you would classify Olympic TKD as a sport or not. - the Olympics IS a sport event, is it not? I would say it's a pretty gigantic sport event!
And I would simply love to see this guy here go up to anyone not winning in any major sports event in karate, judo or TKD, and boldly claim: "Cheer up, it's not about winning or losing after all!"
Yeah, that should do it - that should really make all the difference to someone who's been putting down massive amounts of training and sacrifices, day in and day out for years!
Now, if it's the best option to choose martial arts for sport is a different discussion all together. Personally I don't fancy that avenue too much. But is it my task to tell someone else what he or she should do with their art? If someone wishes to become a fighter I'd rather say "Good for you!"
There are indeed many ways to fulfill a dream and to find a purpose with martial arts, just like this article is suggesting. Shame though that there are so many teachers and "artists" that have found "enlightenment", and who keep telling others that their religion is the only one...
Source
According to this bloke being interviewed, then "Martial arts is many things, but there are few that it is not. First and foremost, it is not a sport. Although karate in some environments is scored and a winner is determined, Tae Kwon Do is not about winning."
Let me try to get this straight... Taekwondo is not a sport, and martial arts is not a sport? Karate is a sport some times?
I thought it all depended upon the kind of karate, TKD, judo, jujutsu, kung fu etc - that your into, if you're doing it for sport or not. Two schools doing the exact same type of TKD or karate can also put different value and focus on the sports aspect.
I can't help but wonder if you would classify Olympic TKD as a sport or not. - the Olympics IS a sport event, is it not? I would say it's a pretty gigantic sport event!
And I would simply love to see this guy here go up to anyone not winning in any major sports event in karate, judo or TKD, and boldly claim: "Cheer up, it's not about winning or losing after all!"
Yeah, that should do it - that should really make all the difference to someone who's been putting down massive amounts of training and sacrifices, day in and day out for years!
Now, if it's the best option to choose martial arts for sport is a different discussion all together. Personally I don't fancy that avenue too much. But is it my task to tell someone else what he or she should do with their art? If someone wishes to become a fighter I'd rather say "Good for you!"
There are indeed many ways to fulfill a dream and to find a purpose with martial arts, just like this article is suggesting. Shame though that there are so many teachers and "artists" that have found "enlightenment", and who keep telling others that their religion is the only one...
Source
Attention!
Here is a truly interesting article regarding ADD and ADHD in children - a must read. Amongst other things it points to the fact that poor nutrition is one of the culprits in many cases that are labeled with ADD or ADHD today.
Now, one of the mothers here is doing karate to lower her stress. Nothing wrong about that - quite the contrary. But it should also be noted that martial arts works wonders for a lot of kids with ADD/ADHD.
Story:
(...) Kathy, whose husband travels often, has also learned she needs to take care of herself. She's become avid about karate, which she calls a lifesaver in lowering stress.
The bursting of the high-tech bubble caused Kathy to be laid off in 2002, but that, she says, was a blessing.
"Having kids with special needs is a full-time job," she says. "I hate to say that, because I know there's a lot of parents with special-need kids and they have to work. But I'm very lucky to stay home. I exercise and take care of myself, so when he comes home from school, I'm ready. And believe me, I have to be ready."
Source
Now, one of the mothers here is doing karate to lower her stress. Nothing wrong about that - quite the contrary. But it should also be noted that martial arts works wonders for a lot of kids with ADD/ADHD.
Story:
(...) Kathy, whose husband travels often, has also learned she needs to take care of herself. She's become avid about karate, which she calls a lifesaver in lowering stress.
The bursting of the high-tech bubble caused Kathy to be laid off in 2002, but that, she says, was a blessing.
"Having kids with special needs is a full-time job," she says. "I hate to say that, because I know there's a lot of parents with special-need kids and they have to work. But I'm very lucky to stay home. I exercise and take care of myself, so when he comes home from school, I'm ready. And believe me, I have to be ready."
Source
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Aikido
This clip shows the beautiful, flowing techniques of aikido.Since I don't do aikido, I can' tell you exactly, but it does seem to me to be from different styles of the art.
At least the first portion seems to be one of the harder styles, like Yoseikan or Yoshinkan aikido.
You'll also see various weapon defenses and some moves akin to "sparring" (exchanging techniques).
You can view the clip here (7.28 MB, flv file)
You'll be needing the free flv-player to view flv clips on your own computer (it's a quick and safe install).
He backed off
UK -- A man who threatened an elderly neighbour's nephew picked on the wrong victim as he was a black belt in karate, a court heard.
Dean Simpson, 21, told the man he was going to "slit him" but when the nephew, a second dan, "prepared for challenge", the defendant told him: "Don't touch me, I'm soft."
He then backed off and ran off to join his mates.
Source
Dean Simpson, 21, told the man he was going to "slit him" but when the nephew, a second dan, "prepared for challenge", the defendant told him: "Don't touch me, I'm soft."
He then backed off and ran off to join his mates.
Source
Monday, August 07, 2006
Just like the others
Rapid City -- Don Sitters was left paralyzed from the waist down at the age of 13, but despite the obstacles he has faced during his life he has always overcome them to achieve success.
He has been involved in martial arts for some 20 years and has won many awards and championships, but when he moved to Rapid City in 2004 it had been two years since he last practiced martial arts, and he was ready to pick it up once again.
Much to his excitement, he found out that Sanano Karate Club was just three minutes away from his home. Though he was a bit concerned that he might not be accepted due to his disability, he was overjoyed when he was welcomed and put through the paces just like any other student.
Source
He has been involved in martial arts for some 20 years and has won many awards and championships, but when he moved to Rapid City in 2004 it had been two years since he last practiced martial arts, and he was ready to pick it up once again.
Much to his excitement, he found out that Sanano Karate Club was just three minutes away from his home. Though he was a bit concerned that he might not be accepted due to his disability, he was overjoyed when he was welcomed and put through the paces just like any other student.
Source
MA teacher arrested
California -- Police have arrested a Livermore martial arts instructor for allegedly touching female students inappropriately.
The 32-year-old man was arrested at his kung fu and karate studio Thursday afternoon on suspicion of lewd acts with a minor.
During an interview at the police department after his arrest, the man allegedly admitted to inappropriately touching one student.
Source
The 32-year-old man was arrested at his kung fu and karate studio Thursday afternoon on suspicion of lewd acts with a minor.
During an interview at the police department after his arrest, the man allegedly admitted to inappropriately touching one student.
Source
A savage beating
According to eyewitness accounts, the Philadelphia Phillies pitcher, a 6-foot-4, 238-pound behemoth with martial-arts training and a fondness for amateur boxing, pulled his wife down by her hair and struck her twice in the face with a closed fist. Despite the pleas of onlookers, the assault continued for several grueling seconds.
The Phillies were in Boston for a series against the Red Sox, and the man and his wife were out on the town. The dispute stemmed from the fact that he wanted to return to the hotel, and she did not. A savage beating ensued. Shameful, to say the least.
Story
The Phillies were in Boston for a series against the Red Sox, and the man and his wife were out on the town. The dispute stemmed from the fact that he wanted to return to the hotel, and she did not. A savage beating ensued. Shameful, to say the least.
Story
Energetic enough
I'm not quite sure if I follow the applied reasoning here: "Energetic enough to love martial arts". It never really occurred to me that you had to be energetic to love the arts...
Personally I know a few who I would insist are rather far from fitting to that description, but they still love martial arts - not that they themselves train martial arts though.
And I would also claim that you don't need to be energetic to do martial arts. One of the points is rather to become more energetic from it!
But then again, what do I know?
Story:
She is tough. She is energetic enough to love martial arts.
Her provocative charm is more than evident in dance scenes from her latest movie, "Dasepo Girl." Her remarks on a TV show have invited a barrage of criticism. The name Kim Ok-bin is enough to draw the attention of virtually everyone.
She is a third dan in Hapkido and second dan in Taekwondo. She learned Muay Thai and boxing for fun.
Source
Personally I know a few who I would insist are rather far from fitting to that description, but they still love martial arts - not that they themselves train martial arts though.
And I would also claim that you don't need to be energetic to do martial arts. One of the points is rather to become more energetic from it!
But then again, what do I know?
Story:
She is tough. She is energetic enough to love martial arts.
Her provocative charm is more than evident in dance scenes from her latest movie, "Dasepo Girl." Her remarks on a TV show have invited a barrage of criticism. The name Kim Ok-bin is enough to draw the attention of virtually everyone.
She is a third dan in Hapkido and second dan in Taekwondo. She learned Muay Thai and boxing for fun.
Source
Sunday, August 06, 2006
Chuck Norris Bridge?
Budapest - A new bridge in Hungary could be named after action movie actor Chuck Norris unless the trend turns in an Internet vote organised by the Economy Ministry.
Votes for the "Chuck Norris Bridge" had attracted 8,725 votes or 11 percent by Tuesday morning, just ahead of those cast in favour of naming it after Hungarian humorist Geza Hofi and three times more than for Szent Istvan, founder of the state.
Votes can be cast until September 8, and people have put forward more than 500 nominations including Bud Spencer and Bob Marley, as well as names referring to construction delays such as "It Will Never Happen Bridge".
Source
Votes for the "Chuck Norris Bridge" had attracted 8,725 votes or 11 percent by Tuesday morning, just ahead of those cast in favour of naming it after Hungarian humorist Geza Hofi and three times more than for Szent Istvan, founder of the state.
Votes can be cast until September 8, and people have put forward more than 500 nominations including Bud Spencer and Bob Marley, as well as names referring to construction delays such as "It Will Never Happen Bridge".
Source
Top cop cope
Talk about stress management.
Let's say you've finished running the police department of New York City. President Bush now wants you to head the Department of Homeland Security.
Oops, turns out you haven't paid taxes after hiring a nanny; she's an illegal immigrant. So you withdraw from consideration.
But that annoying press is still digging. A district attorney is launching a bribery investigation against you and a business with alleged mob ties.
Fast forward to June 30, 2006. You plead guilty to accepting $165,000 in renovations on your apartment from a construction firm that was doing business with the city.
How do you deal with the stress? Bernard Kerik, the former New York police commissioner, turned to karate.
"There's no greater inspiration in my life than martial art," Kerik said. "It got me on a right track."
Source
Let's say you've finished running the police department of New York City. President Bush now wants you to head the Department of Homeland Security.
Oops, turns out you haven't paid taxes after hiring a nanny; she's an illegal immigrant. So you withdraw from consideration.
But that annoying press is still digging. A district attorney is launching a bribery investigation against you and a business with alleged mob ties.
Fast forward to June 30, 2006. You plead guilty to accepting $165,000 in renovations on your apartment from a construction firm that was doing business with the city.
How do you deal with the stress? Bernard Kerik, the former New York police commissioner, turned to karate.
"There's no greater inspiration in my life than martial art," Kerik said. "It got me on a right track."
Source
Secret samurai weapons
Here you have a very cool clip showing ancient, secret samurai weapons of Japan. Some of these were tightly connected to the art of jujutsu/yawara.You will also see the use of some of these dangerous instruments. The British interviewer reminds us that ancient Japan was a very rough place, "much like Birmingham" :-)
You will see the use of kusarigama (sickle and chain), and thus be reminded about the tight links between samurai and ninja arts in reality.
To put things in perspective: Perhaps the most famous samurai sword school in Japan, Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto Ryu, have always taught various other weapons in their curriculum. One of these being the use of throwing spikes and stars, usually considered a ninja/ninpo art.
You can view this amazing clip here (flv file, 17.78 MB).
If you don't have it already be needing the free flv-player to view flv clips on your own computer (it's a quick and safe install).
Bad 'ninja'
Cleveland, Ohio -- A woman said a man dressed as a ninja reached through a window and tried to take her 3-year-old son.
The man ran away when he saw her.
Source
The man ran away when he saw her.
Source
Art vs. sport
Philkip Scudieri draws a distinction between the Budo experience and sport.
"It is our goal to find unity through body, mind and spirit," he said. "Our people have won trophies but we focus on inherent qualities."
Scudieri started studying the martial arts in 1971 after suffering a back injury. He had been working as a musician in Washington and was interested in self defense.
"When you're coming out of a night club at 3 o'clock in the morning, and you've got money in your pocket and $20,000 worth of band equipment, it's good to know how to defend yourself," he said.
Before he became an instructor, Scudieri worked for several years as a bodyguard at concerts for acts such as Little Feat, Patty Smith, and the late Root Boy Slim.
The job often required him to figure out whether rowdy music fans were trying to get on stage for a photo-op or to harm the musicians.
"My martial arts training really helped in being able to determine people's intentions," he said. "Ninty-eight percent of the time the people just wanted to have fun. When I worked, nobody got hurt."
Source
"It is our goal to find unity through body, mind and spirit," he said. "Our people have won trophies but we focus on inherent qualities."
Scudieri started studying the martial arts in 1971 after suffering a back injury. He had been working as a musician in Washington and was interested in self defense.
"When you're coming out of a night club at 3 o'clock in the morning, and you've got money in your pocket and $20,000 worth of band equipment, it's good to know how to defend yourself," he said.
Before he became an instructor, Scudieri worked for several years as a bodyguard at concerts for acts such as Little Feat, Patty Smith, and the late Root Boy Slim.
The job often required him to figure out whether rowdy music fans were trying to get on stage for a photo-op or to harm the musicians.
"My martial arts training really helped in being able to determine people's intentions," he said. "Ninty-eight percent of the time the people just wanted to have fun. When I worked, nobody got hurt."
Source
Saturday, August 05, 2006
Allergic reaction
Singapore: A 31-year-old man died on Monday following complications after undergoing gastric band surgery.
Also known as lap band surgery, it is only available to people who are very overweight and who have not responded to changes in diet, exercise regimen and medication.
Mr Tay, a martial arts instructor and tour bus driver, weighed 176 kilogrammes and was diabetic.
He first went for gastric band surgery in March this year and suffered an allergic reaction to the band.
Source
Also known as lap band surgery, it is only available to people who are very overweight and who have not responded to changes in diet, exercise regimen and medication.
Mr Tay, a martial arts instructor and tour bus driver, weighed 176 kilogrammes and was diabetic.
He first went for gastric band surgery in March this year and suffered an allergic reaction to the band.
Source
Champion lawsuit
Mishawaka-based Champion Martial Arts and its owner, Jonathan Stowe, face a civil lawsuit from the attorney general's office alleging the company deceived and misled customers into long-term memberships.
Fourteen customers are named in the lawsuit stating that Champion offered free 30-day trial memberships but pressured customers into signing long-term contracts that had misleading cancellation terms.
An attorney general investigation into the 14 complaints the office received revealed that contract amounts ranged from $99 to as much as $7,000.
Many consumers also were required to pay a separate enrollment fee ranging anywhere from $49 to $149.
Source
Fourteen customers are named in the lawsuit stating that Champion offered free 30-day trial memberships but pressured customers into signing long-term contracts that had misleading cancellation terms.
An attorney general investigation into the 14 complaints the office received revealed that contract amounts ranged from $99 to as much as $7,000.
Many consumers also were required to pay a separate enrollment fee ranging anywhere from $49 to $149.
Source
Dangerous arts ...
"Let's see - how did this routine go again? Knife out, thrust, parry, turn, knife in, stab... ?"
"Darned!"
Story:
North Carolina -- Police where called to a home around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday after a man was stabbed in the chest.
When officers arrived, the man said he was practicing martial arts when he accidentally stabbed himself with his weapon.
The man was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Source
"Darned!"
Story:
North Carolina -- Police where called to a home around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday after a man was stabbed in the chest.
When officers arrived, the man said he was practicing martial arts when he accidentally stabbed himself with his weapon.
The man was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Source
Self-inflicted?
Hmmm....
18 stab wounds and two slashes to the face.
Yeah, I suppose it's logical the guy just ran into the knife, over and over.
Story:
A medical examiner testified that Walker Sisk, who volunteered with the Seminole Trail Volunteer Fire Department, suffered 18 stab wounds and two slashes to the face.
During the trial, Andrew R. Alston brought in an aikido expert to show how the victim could have inflicted the stab wounds on himself during a struggle over a knife. Alston had taken aikido classes the summer before the killing, according to testimony.
Alston later testified he pulled a knife because he feared Sisk, and that he stabbed him in self-defense.
Source
18 stab wounds and two slashes to the face.
Yeah, I suppose it's logical the guy just ran into the knife, over and over.
Story:
A medical examiner testified that Walker Sisk, who volunteered with the Seminole Trail Volunteer Fire Department, suffered 18 stab wounds and two slashes to the face.
During the trial, Andrew R. Alston brought in an aikido expert to show how the victim could have inflicted the stab wounds on himself during a struggle over a knife. Alston had taken aikido classes the summer before the killing, according to testimony.
Alston later testified he pulled a knife because he feared Sisk, and that he stabbed him in self-defense.
Source
Friday, August 04, 2006
Jackie and Jet
It's been reported that martial arts superstars Jackie Chan and Jet Li are about to begin working on a project together, and it looks like a few small nuggets of information are just now hitting the net.
Seems that the movie will be at least somewhat based on the legendary Chinese story known as "Journey to the West."
Allegedly, the movie is about a modern day kung fu master who accidentally travels back to the ancient China and meets the Monkey King.
Yep, this could be an interesting venture with the two action stars together!
Source
Seems that the movie will be at least somewhat based on the legendary Chinese story known as "Journey to the West."
Allegedly, the movie is about a modern day kung fu master who accidentally travels back to the ancient China and meets the Monkey King.
Yep, this could be an interesting venture with the two action stars together!
Source
Judo promo clip
Here you have a really, really nice Japanese judo promo clip.Filmed in traditional surroundings and featuring top notch performers, it shows the true beauty of judo.
The special kind of dimmed lights lends a truly nice atmosphere to the whole clip.
Any fan of martial arts can only sit back and enjoy!
You can watch the clip here (7.66 MB, flv file).
You will be needing the free flv-player to view flv clips on your own computer.
Another MA guitarist
Apart from making music, Def Leppard guitarist Phil Collen's other favorite pastimes are dedicated to his health, working out, and martial arts.
Apparently, the Brit guitarist trains Muay Thai.
Source
Apparently, the Brit guitarist trains Muay Thai.
Source
"This way, Darcie"
I'm always deeply impressed with people like Darcie here. How about you? Makes our own petty excuses kind of lame, doesn't it?
"I don't have the time." "I'm not in shape." "I'm too old." "I'll think about it." And on and on it goes...
Story:
At a judo class on Sioux City's north side, Darcie Boyok looks just like everyone else.
She does her warm-up stretches just like the other students. She's right there with her classmates when, in one quick movement, they drop from a standing position to roll onto their backs on the floor and then back up into a standing position.
Boyok even looks like the other students as she springs across the room doing a series of front-falling rolls. But now suddenly there is a difference.
Listening you hear a classmate on the other side of the room calling, "This way, Darcie. This way, Darcie."
The classmate is calling to Boyok because Boyok is blind.
Source
"I don't have the time." "I'm not in shape." "I'm too old." "I'll think about it." And on and on it goes...
Story:
At a judo class on Sioux City's north side, Darcie Boyok looks just like everyone else.
She does her warm-up stretches just like the other students. She's right there with her classmates when, in one quick movement, they drop from a standing position to roll onto their backs on the floor and then back up into a standing position.
Boyok even looks like the other students as she springs across the room doing a series of front-falling rolls. But now suddenly there is a difference.
Listening you hear a classmate on the other side of the room calling, "This way, Darcie. This way, Darcie."
The classmate is calling to Boyok because Boyok is blind.
Source
Karateka shot, dies
Nepal -- Rakesh Gurung, 19, a karate player, who entered into a brawl with a body guard of general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal in Kathmandu Tuesday evening died in a shoot out.
Gurung along with one other person, who were on a motorbike had stopped a jeep driven by Govinda Upreti. Assistant Police Sub Inspector Man Bahadur Adhikari was in the jeep. They were returning to a barrack after reaching the general secretary home.
The motorbike had intercepted the jeep. Gurung and his friend had opened the door of the jeep and manhandled Adhikari and the driver, police said.
Gurung reportedly charged Upreti with a knife following a squable injuring him on the side of his ear, police said.
Police said that Adhikari reached out for his pistol on receiving death threats from Gurung who had a knife in his hand.
Adhikari fired two shots. Gurung was then rushed to hospital where he died while undergoing treatment.
Although police have claimed that Adhikari had fired at Gurung in self-defence, different organisations-most of them related with sports, have accused that the incident has been given a twist and the truth hidden.
They have accused the police of taking the life of a renowned karate player over a trifle matter.
Source
Gurung along with one other person, who were on a motorbike had stopped a jeep driven by Govinda Upreti. Assistant Police Sub Inspector Man Bahadur Adhikari was in the jeep. They were returning to a barrack after reaching the general secretary home.
The motorbike had intercepted the jeep. Gurung and his friend had opened the door of the jeep and manhandled Adhikari and the driver, police said.
Gurung reportedly charged Upreti with a knife following a squable injuring him on the side of his ear, police said.
Police said that Adhikari reached out for his pistol on receiving death threats from Gurung who had a knife in his hand.
Adhikari fired two shots. Gurung was then rushed to hospital where he died while undergoing treatment.
Although police have claimed that Adhikari had fired at Gurung in self-defence, different organisations-most of them related with sports, have accused that the incident has been given a twist and the truth hidden.
They have accused the police of taking the life of a renowned karate player over a trifle matter.
Source
Here we go again ...
Oh my ...
When will people begin to realize that a black belt is nothing but an intermediate level. It has nothing what so ever to do with being a "master"!
Story:
At 15, Emilio Cordova is an accomplished world traveler, a champion chess player and has nothing less in his sights than the top of the world.
His goal is to become a Grandmaster, the equivalent of a martial arts black belt in the chess world, in the next two years. If he does it, he'll be the youngest Peruvian Grandmaster ever.
Source
When will people begin to realize that a black belt is nothing but an intermediate level. It has nothing what so ever to do with being a "master"!
Story:
At 15, Emilio Cordova is an accomplished world traveler, a champion chess player and has nothing less in his sights than the top of the world.
His goal is to become a Grandmaster, the equivalent of a martial arts black belt in the chess world, in the next two years. If he does it, he'll be the youngest Peruvian Grandmaster ever.
Source
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Sumo Collin
Colin Carroll will be representing Ireland in the next Sumo Wrestling World Championships. This isn’t the first time this crazy Irishman has represented his country in a rather niche sport. In fact he is a member of the country’s only world championship team…the Irish Elephant Polo team.
Styled as Ireland’s answer to Eric The Eagle, Colin is trying to raise 10 grand to compete.
Source
Styled as Ireland’s answer to Eric The Eagle, Colin is trying to raise 10 grand to compete.
Source
Helloe in the foeg!
Ah... How I miss Inspector Clouseau and his "yellow friend" Kato! The Pink Panther movies featuring the genius of Peter Sellers are THE best ever!
Story:
The Green Hornet and his associate, Kato, must fight their way to the top of the criminal establishment and clear their names. However, reaching the intermediary boss and then the town's kingpin is not easy as both are heavily protected. Can Green Hornet and Kato muster enough courage to fight their way through all these martial arts and combat experts, or will they die trying?
The highlights of this short film are of course the martial arts. They are great. Everything was well choreographed and is of Hollywood action fight quality. The actors playing Kato and the Green Hornet are excellent and their costumes render justice to the comic book version. If there were a new Green Hornet film released, this short movie should be used as a template for the fights.
Source
Story:
The Green Hornet and his associate, Kato, must fight their way to the top of the criminal establishment and clear their names. However, reaching the intermediary boss and then the town's kingpin is not easy as both are heavily protected. Can Green Hornet and Kato muster enough courage to fight their way through all these martial arts and combat experts, or will they die trying?
The highlights of this short film are of course the martial arts. They are great. Everything was well choreographed and is of Hollywood action fight quality. The actors playing Kato and the Green Hornet are excellent and their costumes render justice to the comic book version. If there were a new Green Hornet film released, this short movie should be used as a template for the fights.
Source
Tea-ching
Jokes aside - this is a great initiative in my humble opinion. Martial arts (true and solid martial arts that is) should really be a part of any school curriculum!
Story:
Shaolin kung fu will be part of the sports classes for high schools in Dengfeng, Henan Province, where the Shaolin Temple is located, starting this fall semester.
The city has trained nearly 100 sports teacher in martial arts, reported the Henan Daily yesterday. Dengfeng plans to put the Shaolin kung fu lessons in the curriculum for primary schools, the report said. Shaolin kung fu is one of the major types of martial arts in China.
Source
Story:
Shaolin kung fu will be part of the sports classes for high schools in Dengfeng, Henan Province, where the Shaolin Temple is located, starting this fall semester.
The city has trained nearly 100 sports teacher in martial arts, reported the Henan Daily yesterday. Dengfeng plans to put the Shaolin kung fu lessons in the curriculum for primary schools, the report said. Shaolin kung fu is one of the major types of martial arts in China.
Source
Not correct
I hope this is just another case of media messing with the facts - not some ill-informed master doing the same.
Without a doubt taekwondo and karate are the two largest martial arts worldwide. But to claim that these are the only two martial arts to be practised "all over the world" is a pretty bold statement!
I would strongly suggest the same goes for (at least) judo, kung-fu/wushu, tai chi, aikido and jujutsu.
Anyhow, at least this article states the truth about the age of taekwondo, not the "2000 years old" hype.
Story:
Although the history of taekwondo is sketchy at best, Koreans generally credit General Choi Hong-hi as one of the earliest pioneers of the sport. In 1954, Hong-hi required the Korean army to train in Taekwondo, meaning the very first Taekwondo students were Korean soldiers. Coupling a heavy influence from the Japanese, the actual martial art known as taekwondo was developed between 1945 and 1955 and only became known as Taekwondo in 1955.
Nowadays, taekwondo is one of only two martial arts systems (the other being karate-do) to be practiced all over the world, boasting an international membership in the millions combining over 140 countries — making it the most practiced martial art style in the world.
Source
Without a doubt taekwondo and karate are the two largest martial arts worldwide. But to claim that these are the only two martial arts to be practised "all over the world" is a pretty bold statement!
I would strongly suggest the same goes for (at least) judo, kung-fu/wushu, tai chi, aikido and jujutsu.
Anyhow, at least this article states the truth about the age of taekwondo, not the "2000 years old" hype.
Story:
Although the history of taekwondo is sketchy at best, Koreans generally credit General Choi Hong-hi as one of the earliest pioneers of the sport. In 1954, Hong-hi required the Korean army to train in Taekwondo, meaning the very first Taekwondo students were Korean soldiers. Coupling a heavy influence from the Japanese, the actual martial art known as taekwondo was developed between 1945 and 1955 and only became known as Taekwondo in 1955.
Nowadays, taekwondo is one of only two martial arts systems (the other being karate-do) to be practiced all over the world, boasting an international membership in the millions combining over 140 countries — making it the most practiced martial art style in the world.
Source
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Guilty
A well-known and respected Kempo Karate instructor in Dayton, Ohio was sentenced in federal court here on Friday to more than five years in prison for possessing child pornography.
Agents executed a search warrant at the 54-year-old man's residence in February 2005 after receiving information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding his trading of child pornography by computer.
The search warrant and subsequent forensic analysis of his computer revealed more than 2,100 images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct mixed with adult pornography.
Source
Agents executed a search warrant at the 54-year-old man's residence in February 2005 after receiving information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding his trading of child pornography by computer.
The search warrant and subsequent forensic analysis of his computer revealed more than 2,100 images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct mixed with adult pornography.
Source
More suemo
Indiana -- A company that runs martial arts schools is being sued by South Bend-area families that accuse it of misleading them into signing contracts they couldn't cancel.
The company also runs the Champion Martial Arts studio in Carmel. The lawsuit doesn't target the Carmel location, but the state attorney general's office is reviewing that location's membership offers because of the South Bend allegations.
The South Bend families say they were offered free, 30-day trial memberships. They allege that when they decided to cancel their contract, the company did not allow the cancellation.
Source
The company also runs the Champion Martial Arts studio in Carmel. The lawsuit doesn't target the Carmel location, but the state attorney general's office is reviewing that location's membership offers because of the South Bend allegations.
The South Bend families say they were offered free, 30-day trial memberships. They allege that when they decided to cancel their contract, the company did not allow the cancellation.
Source
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Age: just numbers
At 76, Ann Zacher didn't question her ability to break boards with her bare hands during her tae kwon do black belt test in February.
Nor did she question her ability to take up tae kwon do five years ago, at age 71. Or, for that matter, to singly raise three young children 40 years ago, after her divorce, on wages earned as a typist for the County of Ventura.
"I believe in positive thinking," Zacher said. "You can handle so much if you just realize how much strength we have, it's just the idea of always accepting you can do things."
"It's just so interesting to see the things that anyone can do. It's got nothing to do with age."
Source
Nor did she question her ability to take up tae kwon do five years ago, at age 71. Or, for that matter, to singly raise three young children 40 years ago, after her divorce, on wages earned as a typist for the County of Ventura.
"I believe in positive thinking," Zacher said. "You can handle so much if you just realize how much strength we have, it's just the idea of always accepting you can do things."
"It's just so interesting to see the things that anyone can do. It's got nothing to do with age."
Source
Agry-Lee
Korean martial arts expert Kun Mook Lee is facing a prison sentence of between six and 30 years after a jury found him guilty of aggravated criminal sexual assault and unlawful restraint.
Lee, 51, is also awaiting prosecution on charges of arson for setting fire to his Buffalo Grove home, just before he was arrested last November. Police had to spray Lee with a fire extinguisher before they could subdue him.
The assault charges were based on two incidents involving his 42-year-old wife on November 9 and November 17.
Prosecutor Kenneth LaRue said Lee held a master's degree in business, but was frustrated because he had to work as a cashier in a Dollar General store and "wanted to blame his wife because their marriage was failing."
Source
Lee, 51, is also awaiting prosecution on charges of arson for setting fire to his Buffalo Grove home, just before he was arrested last November. Police had to spray Lee with a fire extinguisher before they could subdue him.
The assault charges were based on two incidents involving his 42-year-old wife on November 9 and November 17.
Prosecutor Kenneth LaRue said Lee held a master's degree in business, but was frustrated because he had to work as a cashier in a Dollar General store and "wanted to blame his wife because their marriage was failing."
Source
Just took him in
A Jackson woman said Friday she felt fortunate to be alive after she learned her ex-roommate claimed he killed 49 people.
She said she allowed Robert Charles Browne to move into her Colorado Springs home in the late '80s for several months.
"I guess I'm just really trusting," she said. "We weren't like married or anything. I just took him in; that was my mistake."
The woman described Browne as "just unbelievably strong" with a demanding temper and a knowledge of martial arts. She never crossed him, except when Browne once pulled the woman's then-boyfriend through the window of his 18-wheel truck and beat him up, she said.
Source
She said she allowed Robert Charles Browne to move into her Colorado Springs home in the late '80s for several months.
"I guess I'm just really trusting," she said. "We weren't like married or anything. I just took him in; that was my mistake."
The woman described Browne as "just unbelievably strong" with a demanding temper and a knowledge of martial arts. She never crossed him, except when Browne once pulled the woman's then-boyfriend through the window of his 18-wheel truck and beat him up, she said.
Source
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