Karate: Key to Her Health

UK -- Bronchiectasis is an incurable lung condition involving scarring of the lungs. 16-year-old Lauren Davies, who suffers from this severe condition, didn't let it stop her from becoming a black belt in karate.

The teenager suffers from breathlessness and tiredness and her condition is so severe she may be facing a lung transplant in later life.

But the Castleton teenager has fought her health problems to work her way up to first dan, and also works part-time as a karate instructor in Sudden.

The girl told rochdaleobserver.co.uk: "I have a lot of pain, I constantly have a cough, I have a lot of breathing problems and I get tired a lot. But karate has really helped. My karate friends have been like family to me. They have really helped me through all the tough times I have had."

She has now written a self-help book about her life titled Miss Goals, in conjunction with her karate teacher.

The book tells the story of how she has overcome her problems. She said she hopes the book will help other youngsters with the condition.

Sherlock Holmes And Bartitsu

UK -- An article from thesun.co.uk mentioned how Russel Crowe was set to play Dr Watson in the coming Sherlock Holmes movie to be shot by Guy Richie.

Crowe said: "I've got to spend some time with Guy and I love his take on it. We're both martial arts enthusiasts and in the original stories of Sherlock Holmes, he's kind of a bad-ass and a bare-knuckle boxer and studies the rare fictional martial art of baritsu. If you look baritsu up, they can't even really tell you what it is, so it gives us a lot of leeway."

Fictional? If you stay by the term baritsu, that may be correct. Bartitsu on the other hand is well known - and most likely what Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the author, was referring to.

In "The Adventure of the Empty House", from 1901, Holmes says: "We tottered together upon the brink of the fall. I have some knowledge, however, of baritsu, or the Japanese system of wrestling, which has more than once been very useful to me."

Bartitsu of course is an art made by a British engineer named E. W. Barton-Wright. He supposedly learned the art of Tenshin Shinyo ryu ju jitsu by Yukio Tani. Barton-Wright was instrumental in bringing jujutsu to Europe. He invited said Tani, as well as Sada Kazu Uyenishi to Britain.

Bartitsu may very well have been the first hybrid martial art, blending Japanese jujutsu with Western boxing, French savate and stick fighting (la canne).

Interestingly, Sherlock Holmes was also said to be skilled in boxing and cane fighting. So - is baritsu "fictional" then? I think not.

And Up it Goes Again...

I don't want you to miss out on this, so I'll bump this post up from time to time.

Make sure you check it out the free resources at The Martial Arts Vault as soon as possible!

Once inside The Vault you will find lots and lots of free, cool and very useful (as in educational) stuff about self-defense and the martial arts.

You may also find the occasional rebates to my e-books etc in addition to the free things. Enjoy!

Truth Book a Lie

According to heraldtribune.com, Chuck Norris allegedly is taking on this new book titled "The Truth About Chuck Norris."

The actor claims it's a big lie (Noooo...! Are you guys saying it was all for laughs?) and that he wants to stop its distribution.

Just recently, Norris sued the publisher (Penguin Group Inc.) along with the book's creator. The lawsuit claims the good image of Chuck Norris is being spoiled by a book that depicts him as callous and unlawful, stating the book includes false "facts" that are sometimes racist and lewd.

Vicars Wife

"l Fight the Good Fight – From Vicar's Wife to Killing Machine", is a book written by Catherine Fox.

I do assume the "killing machine" part is sort of tongue-in-cheek, since this is not what most people would associate with judo - 'the gentle art'.

It does sound like this book is written with a lot of humor, and would make a great read. If nothing else, it should be able to shatter a few myths about martial arts.

Like the author herself says: "(...) it is not something that clergy wives do that often, roll around on the floor with sweaty men."

Source

Ask a Ninja

Great fun! Hope the book will turn out just as good :-)

Story:
The duo that created the Ask a Ninja series of videos on YouTube have signed a book deal with Crown Publishing.

The two creators recently won the ''Best Series'' YouTube Award for their Ninja videos, which feature ironic monologues and sketches on the supremacy of ninjas. Some videos have them interviewing celebrities, including Will Ferrell.

The book is tentatively titled The Ninja Handbook. It will be in the same vein, offering ironic advice on how to be a good ninja.

Source

You can watch a clip here (5.50MB wmv file)
Lots of other funny clips at your martial arts resources!

Karate midget

The Funniest Cop Stories Ever definitely sounds like a must read book :-)

Story:
"In what other profession will you find yourself chasing a midget in a tuxedo down a fire escape?"

The slightly politically incorrect question is that of former police officer Scott Baker, who with Tom Philbin has written "The Funniest Cop Stories Ever." A tale about the well-dressed little person is among them.

"Me and my partner, Nicky, get a call to go to a building on Church Street," chronicle the authors, telling the story from the perspective of the officer who related it to them.

A woman had been assaulted, the cops found. The possible perpetrator had been her boyfriend, a small man — 3 feet 10 inches, to be exact — who "knew karate," the woman explained. That's how he was able to kick in her door on his way inside. It was a violent entrance, but at some point, apparently, his intentions had been honorable.

"He was wearing a tuxedo and carrying a violin case," the woman said. "He was going to propose to me."

After the idea of marital bliss went bad, the man fled down a fire escape from the woman's fifth-floor apartment.

Source

Apalling

The 99p download entitled Put 'Em Down, Take 'Em Out: Knife Fighting Techniques from Folsom Prison by American author Don Pentecost is being sold by a number of online traders under the guise of a martial arts-based self-defence book.

The 54-page book, described by trading standards officers as "appalling", features techniques allegedly devised in one of America's most violent prisons (made famous by the country singer Johnny Cash in his classic live recording Folsom Prison Blues), to protect against knife attack.

However, the guide also features detailed information on how to attack and kill using a knife as a weapon.

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:

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

Clarifying the legend

Hong Kong -- Bruce Lee's family is set to tackle unspecified "fabricated or exaggerated" stories about the late kung fu legend by making a movie and publishing a book about him, his brother said.

"To this day, many stories about Bruce Lee continue to be told, many of which are fabricated or exaggerated," Robert Lee, president of the Bruce Lee Club, said in a statement.

"Today, as Bruce's brothers and sisters are getting older, and in order to help the public understand the real life of Bruce Lee, Robert has been appointed a very heavy responsibility from the family to clarify the legend of Bruce Lee," the statement added.

Lee said the film would be planned and produced by the family, with auditions for the lead role beginning soon.

Source

Inspired judo chef

With two Michelin stars already under his belt, the creative, energetic, thoughtful Thierry Marx was also recently named chef of the year by the French restaurant guide Gault Millau.

Balding, with intense, piercing eyes, Marx could be Bruce Willis's twin brother. At 44, he seems to be redefining the cuisine, lifestyle and philosophy of his generation of young French chefs. A black belt in judo, Marx also gathers his staff for regular boxing sessions to help them de-stress.

He is a runner as well as a vegetarian. The Parisian-born Marx lives frugally and simply, spending three months each year in a tiny room in Tokyo, with little more than a futon and books and, as he adds, "ambition and modesty."

Soure

Chi walking thing

T'ai chi is a Chinese martial arts form that aims to bring energetic balance to the body. "Chi" is a compelling enough concept on its own - the life force that animates all things.

It flows through the organs, muscles and lymphatic systems of the body a little like electricity.

A new book, "Chi Walking: The Five Mindful Steps for Lifelong Health and Energy" by Danny and Katherine Dreyer, claims it can teach you to channel your chi energy into a low-impact walking program that will tune up your body and mind.

Source

Monsters everywhere

Why didn't I have books like this when I grew up?
Wait a minute, I'm still growing up, 50 years later!
Anyhow, this sounds like great stories.

Mercer Mayer, an author/illustrator has written "There Are Monsters Everywhere" and "There's a Nightmare in My Closet".

"Monsters" is described as a humorous story about a little boy concerned about all of the monsters he just knows lurk in his home. Tired of being worried about monsters, he decides to learn to defend himself by taking karate classes.

This empowering and reassuring bedtime story is recommended for ages 5-9.

A judo hero

Seems like the film 'United 93' receives fantastic reviews from the movie audiences alike. What could have been too much or too early, seems to be a great testimonial to the sacrifices aboard that plane.

I would like here to point the bravery of judoka Jeremy Glick. The film allegedly theorizes that he lead the charge on the hijackers.

True or not, he participated in the counter attack, and he will remain a true hero in my book.

Interview With Perry W Kelly

You're invited to read the latest interview with renowned author, lawyer, educator and martial artist Perry William Kelly.
He talks about his latest book on legendary kickboxer Jean-Yves Theriault, his own training and more at:

Your Martial Arts Resources

The Iceman

Here's a new book by Perry William Kelly that I'm really looking forward to read!

Called 'Iceman' (ISBN 0-921165-73-0) it reflects on the life and career of the legendary, Canadian kickboxer, Jean-Yves Theriault (23 times World Champion).

Not only is Mr Theriault a fighter with a track record like no one else - being on top of his game for 19 years straight (!) - he is also one of the nicest people that you could ever hope to meet.

Like the author himself says: "Theriault was not a trash talker who boasted about how 'bad' he was. He simply went into the ring and did his job, which was knocking people out."

Being described as a rags to riches story, this book should be of interest to anyone who wishes to have a look into the heart (and gigantic dedication) of a true fighter in every sense of the word.

It also attests to the fact that you can be as hard as they come inside the ring - and a gentleman and down-to-earth role model when you step outside the ring.

Martial Arts action film star Don “The Dragon” Wilson calls this book, “A roundhouse kick to the heart and a must read for any martial arts fan who wants the inside scoop on what it takes to become a world champion”.

What are you waiting for?

"Crouching Plaintiff, Hidden Lawyer"

I do wonder who benefits the most? Could it possibly be the lawyers...?

Story:
Call it "Crouching Plaintiff, Hidden Lawyer" if you want. The Weinstein Co. has filed suit against Columbia Pictures over the rights to five books by Wang Du Lou that includes Tiger.

In December, The Weinstein Co. entered into an agreement with the heirs to Wang Du Lu with a plan to make films of all five books in the series that produced Tiger. Columbia Pictures reportedly claims to have a verbal agreement with one of those heirs, Hong Wang, and they protest that they have the option on the books.

Source

Raging Silence

Amanda Stone is a Kung Fu competitor, kickboxing instructor, women's advocate, actress, model, sexual assault survivor and author of "Raging Silence."

As a young girl, Stone was sexually assaulted by a trusted family member. For many years, she suffered in shame until she was finally able to break through the silence. Stone credits the healing power of martial arts with helping her begin the journey toward peace.

This April, Stone will release her semi-autobiographical novel, "Raging Silence" (Synergy Books), to share her story and raise awareness about sexual assault.

Source

The Real Fight

Here's a book review on 'The Real Fight'.

Highly competitive Kim Dalton discovered taekwondo as a teenager and became a champion and a coach. At the age of 21 she contracted cancer of the liver.

"Detailed, honest and disturbing account of the journey of a person with cancer."

Source