The History and the Legend Belts and sashes weren’t originally a part of Martial Arts. Like many martial art subjects, there are numerous myths and legends regarding their origin. And yes, belts are more than just something to keep your pants up and covering your tighty-not-so-whities during kata or taolu [Read More]
The unarmed arts of the Maori are termed Mamau or Rongomamau, with the arts themselves said to have descended straight from the gods. As fierce warriors, the Maori warred with neighboring tribes before European arrival quite regularly and although they had no shortage of weaponry, these fierce warriors preferred close [Read More]
Title: Inventing the Way of the Samurai: Nationalism, Internationalism, and Bushidō in Modern Japan Author: Oleg Benesch Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication Date: 11/11/2014 Format: Hardcover Pages: 304, 6.1″ x 9.2″ Cover Price: $105.00 Content Dr. Oleg Benesch is a Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in East Asian History in the [Read More]
As martial artists, we spend a lot of time pursuing increased speed, strength, and highlighting ideal technique selection. These pursuits are time well spent, certainly. The other end of the spectrum, that of the slow and contemplative, is often left solely as the domain of the novice. This is truly [Read More]
Icy Mike, a martial arts instructor and YouTube sensation, recently posted a meme stating, “There is no martial art that is designed for smaller people to defeat bigger people… this includes BJJ”. This is a bold statement as one of the cornerstones of martial arts training is that a smaller [Read More]
If I told you that being an expert in martial arts does not mean being an expert in self-protection, you would tell me I was crazy and list off some famous martial artists that had defended their lives in life or death situations. Or you might even point to the [Read More]
Final Round Here we are. The final round of the top ten martial arts movies of the last decade. If you haven’t, be sure to go back and check out part one and part two of this series. This time around we’re counting down the top three spots on the [Read More]
Adults in Martial Arts My article is about my Martial Arts journey which has lead me to receive many comments with different points of views and perspectives from people with all different backgrounds. We think we know best, but sometimes it’s good to take a step back and rethink [Read More]
Part 2 We’re back for round two in our countdown of the top ten martial art movies of the last decade. The first three spots were filled in part one and now part two will knockout the seven through four spots. Let’s not waste any time and jump straight into [Read More]
‘ How to watch: Available on Netflix Starring: Rain, Rick Yune, Naomie Harris, Sho Kosugi Director: James Mctigue Writers: Matthew Sand, J. Michael Straczynski Run Time: 1 hour 39 minutes Rating: R Release Date: November 25, 2009 Style: Action, Gore, Martial Arts, Hollywood More information on this film can be found on its IMDB page. [Read More]
Best of the Best The 2010s are long gone and films like Enter the Fat Dragon and Mulan are leading the charge of martial art movies in the new decade. But before we watch any of those, we are counting down the top ten martial art movies of the 2010s. [Read More]
Title: Bushido Explained Author: Alexander Bennett; Illustrations: Baptiste Tavernier Publisher: Tuttle Publishing Publication Date: 3/10/2020 Format: Hardcover Pages: 160, 6″ x 9″ Cover Price: $16.99 Content Dr. Alexander Bennett is a Professor at Kansai University’s Division of International Affairs, teaching Japanese history and society. He is also an [Read More]
Title: Shaolin Kung Fu: The Original Training Techniques of the Shaolin Lohan Masters Author: Donn F. Draeger, P’ng Chye Khim, Alexander Bennet (Foreward) Publisher: Tuttle Publishing Publish Date: 3/31/2020 Format: Paperback Pages: 168 Cover Price: $15.99 Content The style of Shaolin Kung Fu can mean many, many different things nowadays. [Read More]
Title: Authentic Iron Palm: The Complete Training Manual Author: Phillip Start Publisher: Blue Snake Books Publish Date: 2020 Format: Soft Cover Pages: 97 Cover Price: $18.95 (US Iron Palm is one of those “techniques” that you hear a lot about from old Kung Fu movies. Its name is mentioned almost [Read More]
Building a Strong Foundation As instructors, we are working with kids a lot. Observing their movement, lack of flexibility, and lack of mobility is not good. It all starts with feet. Performing all the exercises, especially the kicks with a proper form is extremely important. If the kids stick with [Read More]
This quick routine was designed to help you relax and open your hips. After sitting at the desk and in the car for a long time, you and your hips deserve a break. We can’t be stuck in a sitting, crunched positions for long periods of time. Since we need [Read More]
How to watch: Currently in select theaters. Starring: Donnie Yen, Scott Adkins, Chris Collins, Meng Lo, Vanness Wu, Kwok-Kwan Chan, Kent Cheng, Yue Wu Director: Wilson Yip, (Action director Yuen Woo-Ping) Writers: Tai-lee Chan, Hiroshi Fukazawa, Lai-Yin Leung, Edmond Wong Run Time: 1 hour 45 minutes Rating: PG-13 Release Date: December 25, 2019 (USA) Style: Chinese, Kung [Read More]
Title: Ninja Fighting Techniques Author: Stephen K. Hayes Publisher: Tuttle Publishing Publish Date: 03/24/2020 Format: Hardback, Jacketed Pages: 160 Cover Price: $16.99 Content The subtitle under Stephen K. Hayes’ latest book Ninja Fighting Techniques couldn’t have summed up the entirety of its contents in words more precise: “A [Read More]
How to watch: Netflix Starring: Vic Chao, Mike Colter, Jonny Cruz, Aislinn Derbez, Angélica Vale, Danny Drejo Runtime: 8 episodes Language: English Creators: Brad Graeber, Álvaro Rodriguez Director: Willis Bulliner Writers: Álvaro Rodríguez, Daniel Dominguez Rating: 16+ Release date: October 3, 2019 Style: Anime, Fantasy, Action, Martial Arts For more details, you [Read More]
Life is constantly changing. Our virtues need to keep up. Traditional martial arts’ virtue is not about clinging to the past, but learning from the wisdom from the past and adapting it to the present. Our friend, Justin Ford, told me a great quote from Matsuo Basho: “Do not seek [Read More]
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