If you are interested in Krav Maga but not sure whether to get a professional training in it, these answers to Frequently Asked Questions about this self defense system would help you make up your mind. Read on.

Krav Maga as a close combat system, is quite different from other martial arts. While martial arts like karate have spiritual and sporting elements, Krav Maga has nothing as such. It is a pure self defense system created to defend yourselves in real time situations. These basic questions and answers about Krav Maga would help you develop a basic understanding about the system.

Q. How did Krav Maga come into being?

Krav Maga was derived from street-fighting skills where you instinctively try to defend yourselves from the attackers by any means possible. The goal of this fighting technique is to respond to an attack with overwhelming force in the quickest time possible.

Q. Who founded Krav Maga?

Imi Lichtenfeld, an Israeli citizen, is credited as the founder of this self defense technique. The term means “close combat” in Hebrew and was developed in the 1930s by Imi Lichtenfeld.

Q. What are the basic principles of Krav Maga?

General principles of Krav Maga include counter attacking as soon as possible or attacking preemptively, targeting most vulnerable parts of the body, trying to neutralize the opponents as quickly as possible, using available objects as weapons and maintaining awareness of the surroundings to deal with any possible threat.

Q. How does Krav Maga differ from other close combat systems?

Krav Maga differs from other close fighting systems such as Karate in that it has no real rules, no competitions and no sporting applications. It is just and just for self defense.

Q. What about basic training?

Basic Krav Maga training is a mixed aerobic and anaerobic workout. Protective pads and other personal protection equipment are usually used during initial training. Practical scenarios are used to train personnel for situations encountered in real world situations.

Q. What are the four arms of Krav Maga defense system?

Krav Maga self defense system has four arms – Civilian, Military, Law Enforcement and VIP Protection.

Q. What is the objective of civilian Krav Maga training?

The training is designed to prepare civilians to defend themselves in any type of street confrontation. The technique prepares practitioners to defend against bare handed opponents as well as armed assailants wielding edged, impact or firearms. Multiple opponent strategies and tactics are also taught. In short, the civilian training focuses on street-proven self-defense techniques.

Q. How can Krav Maga fighters strike with such force during a close combat?

During close combat, punches and strikes are usually short because of the short distance between fighters. Force is generated by using the full body mass in motion behind all punches and strikes.

Q. Is background in other martial arts useful?

Of course. If you know other martial arts, you would definitely learn Krav Maga faster.

Q. Can trainees get hurt while training?

Professional training is imparted under the eye of watchful instructors and the trainees are allowed to dress in protective wear. However, chances of an injury is always there, as in other martial arts.

Designed for street fighting, Krav Maga techniques are highly effective in taking out an opponent quickly. Apart from the real fighting, the system also helps the trainees to gain self confidence and fitness.

Author of this article is currently associated with a the International Krav Maga federation (IKMF), is the original most veteran Krav Maga organization.
Article Source

If you are an ardent learner of Martial Arts, it is necessary for you to make little investment on the requisite weapons. There are a number of weapons which make the art complete such as knives, Nunchakus, weapon display stands, long weapons, practice weapons, canes, practice swords and many more.

When you start practicing with Martial Arts weapons, it becomes easier to learn it thoroughly and you can become an expert of it. These weapons are also used for training purposes to demonstrate the forms so as to provide practical knowledge to learners. In order to avoid the chances of injury, the learner should use the weapons carefully and require appropriate safety gear for head, face, and eye and mouth protection along with other guards.

Before buying the weapons, you must ensure that you buy products of supreme quality. In addition to this, it is also important that the weapons should be packed safely as it has sharp edges and can hurt anyone. You must inspect the Martial Arts weapons carefully before use so as to ensure that these are in good condition.

When it comes to weapons, it is vital to ensure that a weapon has relevant strength to prepare you for a fight. Not only that, you should go for weapons which are resistant to tamper, corrosion and rigorous usage. As you plan to buy weapons, it is ideal to purchase weapon bags as well so that you can keep them safely after use.

If you are looking for buying Martial Arts weapons, you can take help of the Internet to search quality products at discounted prices. On the online platform, you can get a large number of suppliers offering a qualitative range of Martial Arts weapons with a click of your mouse. You can get in touch with many suppliers who are offering these weapons at comprehensive prices and then make the final decision. With online medium, you will be able to compare prices, products and quality of different suppliers without visiting them personally and can make a selection of products from the comfort of your home.

If you are a learner or a trainer, these products will help you to learn or train others and will be available to you with few clicks! So, what are you waiting for? Start browsing Internet today to get access to the range of weapons and start your learning session now!

Please visit us at: Martial Arts Weapons and Martial Arts Supply
Article Source

In Martial Arts, it is important to wear the right kind of clothing along with right kind of accessories. Being equipped with required uniforms and accessories, it is possible to defend yourself in all odd situations. Among uniforms and other accessories, Martial Arts shoes involve huge significance. These shoes are a mandatory part of a professional martial artist’s uniform and are worn by professionals in sparring, boxing and all other forms during competition or training sessions.

These shoes allow the Martial artists to reduce their risks of injuries and enhance the impact from jumping, kicking and sparring. These are designed specially in order to provide utmost comfort and support during the most rigorous routines. Made with a variety of synthetic materials, few styles and designs can be used in training during indoors. These Martial Arts shoes offer a number of performance benefits during practice routines, sparring training and various competitions.

The artists require shoes and uniforms in order to provide support during their wide range of movements. Furthermore, these shoes help the artists execute each movement gracefully and with ease. There are some more advantageous aspects of the shoes like the ones designed with rubber soles offer grip on the slippery floor or practice mat. Also, the shoes manufactured with lightweight materials help the artist to move around freely and easily coordinate movements with no pain.

Such shoes are designed to be soft enough so that it allows full motion of the feet and ankles. This makes it easier for the artist to perform each movement using the correct form. If soles are made with non-marking rubber, it helps the artist to protect the practice surface. It also allows the Martial artist to do activities like step, jump, grapple and move with control. Good quality Shoes are essential for activities such as practice sessions, intense training and competition as these protect the feet and joints from moisture.

If you are looking for buying shoes for your self-defence training sessions, you can go online and search the most qualitative range on it.  On the online platform, you can find a number of suppliers who are offering Martial Arts shoes in all sizes, colours, brands, prices. You can order your preferences and get the best pair for yourself. As you go online, make sure that the shoes should meet the quality standards as well. So, start your search on the Internet today to get the most sought after Martial Arts shoes!

Please visit us at Martial Arts Shoes and Martial Arts uniforms
Article Source

Tekki Kata, also known as Haihanchi, is one of the finest forms in the world of the martial arts. It is sometimes called The Iron Horse. As the latter name indicates, it is a horse stance form, and one moves from side to side while practicing it.

The power generated by this ancient Karate form is positively awesome. The horse stance develops the legs, and the tan tien starts to pump up, and one feels the chi power course through the body almost from the get go. It is usually taught around black belt level in such Karate systems as Shotokan.

When I first started training in Naihanchi I would practice while facing a partner and we would have ‘kata races.’ We would mirror each other, and go back and forth,faster and faster while perfecting our moves. Eventually, we would find a speed of movement that one will not see in many martial art patterns.

When I asked my sensei about the form, he claimed it was designed for fighting in rice fields. The footwork enabled one to grip the ground no matter how muddy the earth became. The sideways motion worked along the earthwork in the rice paddies, where other foot patterns would result in a trip or stumble.

As my studies progressed I came across the theory that it was designed for riding a horse. A samurai might lose his weapons while riding a horse, but he could keep fighting while gripping the horse with the leg strength built up by the form. I found this a fascinating concept, but it didn’t seem to ring quite true.

Eventually, I came across ‘Shotokan’s Secrets,’ by Dr. Bruce Clayton. The good doctor claimed that the forms were actually designed for fighting in the Imperial throne room of old Okinawa. This theory actually made more sense than all the others.

Imagine that room: foreign soldiers move forward to capture the king of Okinawa, and the front row bodyguards use the movements from the Pinan forms (Heian katas) to sow confusion. Meanwhile, the advanced bodyguards shift sideways along the rear of the room, and the king is moved through a rear door and to safety. This theory not only made sense when analyzing the movements of the training pattern, but in defining the purposes of all the kata.

What the real truth is, of course, will be argued as long as people learn Karate. Of course, the point is moot as long as the kata builds that good, old fashioned ‘chi power’ by the trainload. Call it Naihanchi, Tekki, or just the Iron Horse, this Karate Kata is designed to build the kind of <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link/4869175']);” href=”http://www.learnkarateonline.net”>Power Karate</a> is renowned for.

Complete Karate Systems available for Instant Download! Head on over over to Learn Karate Online now!
Article Source

What is Gracie Jiu Jitsu Hawaii? It is a Japanese kind of martial art techniques which comprises of striking and grappling techniques. History tells that this form of martial art was first created in the 750 AD and reached its summit when Japan was in the united shape in the early part of 1600s. The reason behind flourishing of Gracie Jiu Jitsu was that no one was permitted to hold weapons at that time. This destined that the means to protect oneself was through utilized one’s hand for combating the enemies that someone of short figure can perform to tackle a heavier and bigger opponent, an in the year which followed, this kind of martial art was trained to both the army and the police.

Gracie Jiu Jitsu Hawaii, the meaning of which is gentleness irrespective of the way one spells it. This form of martial art can be achieved with proper leverage and timing so that one is able to tackle one’s opponent and then perform some kind of strikes in order to remove the potential threat from one’s opponent. Apart from learning how to protect oneself, this changes one as a person because one becomes more focused and calm. Pupils will be able to learn also other virtues like patience, efficiency, yielding and surrender. In few schools, one will learn also how to combat using a number of weapons, and other will inculcate healing techniques such as offering person a message and which place a great value on the research of spiritual or philosophical concepts.

Gracie Jiu Jitsu Hawaii, also creates other forms of martial arts among which the first name comes in the list is Judo which is frequently compared with freestyle wrestling and each of them shares various techniques. Judo concentrates on ways for self defence so that one is able to encounter one’s opponent and defeat him ultimately. The other form is Aikido as it utilizes techniques of hand to redirect the power utilized by the opponent. One may utilize now numbers of painful grabbing technique when the treat is on the floor till she or he surrenders. If they comply, then their joint of elbow will be made dislocated or they will be rendered unconscious. Gracie Jiu Jitsu does not fall under the category of sport and that is why unlike tae kwon or karate does, no competitions are there. Although Brazilian form of Gracie Jiu Jitsu that was modified from Judo.

Though Gracie Jiu Jitsu Hawaii is old quite, its method is seen in other form of martial arts. One will find this utilized by few fighters at the time of competitions of mixed martial arts such as Ultimate Fighting Championship or UFC which has turned very popular since its introduction in the early years of 1990s. Indeed, Royce Gracie utilized the Gracie Jiu Jitsu Hawaii technique of Brazil and was the champion in the tournament for four consecutive years. Anybody can learn Gracie Jiu Jitsu Hawaii. This is the cause which it is frequently educated in classes of self-defence so that anybody who is in any kind of threat will be able to tackle the assailant, get help and escape.

Shiro Yonhon is the author of this article on Jiu Jitsu Hawaii.Find more information about Gracie Jiu Jitsu Hawaii here.

Article Source

 EGO – perhaps man’s greatest gift and his greatest curse.  It drives men to unbelievable heights and at the same time has the power to blind us to the obvious.  The art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is especially challenging to the ego.  Why?  The goal of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is to submit your opponent, to dominate him, to make him quit.  There are no, “I would have done this or that”, there is the submission, you tap, you got caught.  There is a definitive end.  That is hard for many people to deal with.  They view it as a loss and an attack on their self-esteem.  No one wants to feel worse about themselves.
 
The ego can also make practitioners hold out way longer when caught in a submission then they should.  This has to be the biggest cause for injury in the art.  The mentality “I held out, I didn’t get tapped, I won”, is a mistake, especially if your body takes damage and you are out of training for a week, a month or longer.   The battle is “won”, but the war is lost. 

If you’ve stop reading by now, great, because I’m about to share with you the secret to getting great at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and the less of you who know it, the less competition I and my students have.  My students know the secret, I share it with them every class, because I want them to be the best, I want to train with the best. Here it is, a simple formula-
                                                            EGO = NO GO
What does this mean?  If you have an ego about getting tapped, you’re going to find excuses not to go with guys who do tap you and challenge you.  It’s going to spread and you’re going to try to only go with the guys you know you can beat.  Worst case scenario – you stop training altogether for fear of getting tapped! Hence EGO = NO GO!  You’ve just lost out on something very special. 
 
I may be bias, but I believe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the greatest Martial Art, it is a way of life and a way of understanding and dealing with everything the world has to offer.  And to lose all that because of our ego?  You’ve cursed yourself if you let this happen.  Tapping and getting caught is how we learn, it’s how our own expression of the art grows.  My life has never taken a turn for the worse, because I was tapped.  Just the opposite – I learned and my art grew. 

Keep your ego in check. Remember why you are training…to learn.  If your only goal at the dojo is to “win”, you are hurting yourself, stunting your growth.  Train and learn in practice, this will lead to the win when it really matters – the street or competition.  Let your ego take you to new heights in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, not hold you back.  Every time you’re tapped be thankful, you just learned something and that’s what’s the Dojo is for – learning.  See you on the mat.

Len Sonia is Head Instructor of Dojo 1 MMA Academy, Marcy, NY. He has been involved with the Martail Arts since age 8 and has studied Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu since 1995. Looking for more information about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Dojo 1 or Len Sonia visit www.dojo1mma.com .
Article Source

Don’t make age an excuse. I have always been interested in getting out and having a go.  At 53 years old, inside I still feel the same – as I am sure most of you do, but most people make the excuse “‘Oh’ I am too old to do that now, or it is too late”. 

At the age of 40 I took my son to Taekwondo, I had previously trained in my 20s and 30s and had decided to go back to get my 3rd degree black belt.  So every Saturday I went to training with my son, in our class there was a large number of children or teenagers and a few of us more mature students.  I was always amazed at the amount of parents that came week after week and sat on a chair to watch their child/teenager do their training and I give them full marks for supporting them and having their children do something beneficial.  But I could never understand WHY they sat in a chair and watched – why would you not join in and get the benefits of training, which increased your fitness levels, helped you feel better, gave you a skill and you could actually do something with your child instead of observe.

The worst part, was that most of these sideline parents were bordering on or if not obese.  Life is for living and experiencing – throw your chairs away parents and get involved.  Of course I don’t ask you to join the under 10s football team or anything like that, but maybe you can volunteer to do some coaching or teaching.  Go for a walk with your child, ride a bike with them – book an adventure and go as a family. Do it today, live more of your life.

I did go on to receive my 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo at an age when most people have given up – you can do it, the only person standing in your way to achieve anything is yourself.  Health and fitness is a state of mind – think healthy and you will be healthy. It doesn’t need to be a martial art, it could be joining your local walking club, mountain bike club, even sailing or canoeing, the choices are unlimited.

After obtaining my 3rd degree black belt, I took up the Body for Life Challenge and became a finalist – at age 44.  I completely changed my body and was 14% body fat – I did that from diet and exercise and a POSITIVE mental attitude.  See picture.

I have also studied the martial art of Wing Chun Kung Fu and won the 1988 Australian Championships at 31 years old.  I started martial arts later in life – around 26 and went on to become a Master of Wing Chun Kung Fu, an Australian Champion and a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo.  So find out what interests you in a physical way and go for it, don’t feel like it is too late, age is not a barrier believe me.  Learning an art or becoming involved in outdoor activities is far more interesting and rewarding than walking for hours on a treadmill.  Physical exericise makes you feel happier, more energized and improves you appearance as well, not to mention the anti aging benefits.

My husband and I are now looking forward to a wonderful future of travel, adventure and freedom.  We have bought two great sea kayaks and look forward to many adventures and camping out on islands.  We have already had a surreal moment with Dolphins, that was really special.

My turning point was the fact that I have lots of things I would like to do in my life, and I have had to stop and ask myself, well when are you going to do them.  I am now 53 and because of my attitude and background I am healthy and fit, but I don’t want to be doing all these things when I am nearly 70, I want to do them now, and I am sure we all do, so lets start looking at what is more meaningful to us in our lives and not focus too much on being busy.  Do something that makes you feel good.  Do it Today.

Ann CheungStay Young and in Good Health 
Article Source