Marketing And Copyright Lessons From The Dead

A month or two back I was in an online discussion with someone who had had an article of theirs printed and quoted from without their permission, and without the proper copyright notice. The author was up in arms and was wondering what to do about it.

No matter how much inventory you have, or how large your customer base, the viability of your business depends on the flow of your thinking, your creativity, your presence. What do you do when someone steals your hard work?

Send a thank-you note.

Remember the Grateful Dead? I was never a big fan, more into punk myself, but I was always intrigued by friends who had dozens and dozens of "bootlegs" of Dead shows- recordings they personally made, or bought from someone else.

What many people don't know about the Grateful Dead is that early on they made a decision to treat the band as a business, and made many decisions to leverage their success, without compromising their values.

They noticed that their fans were recording their shows. Unlike many other bands and industries that tried to stop this nefarious activity (remember Napster?), the Dead encouraged it. Why?

Have you ever tried to act like someone else? How long could you keep it up? The last time I unconciously started writing like someone I admired, I started getting unsubscribes and complaints like crazy, and I had to come back to my own authenticity in a hurry.

The Dead, by smiling at bootleggers who were making "unofficial" copies of the shows, were actually encouraging the growth of community. More people attended their shows just to record bootlegs. It created a "collection" mindset. It was a big deal to say that you had a particular bootleg, and even more of coup to say that you had been at that show.

And, their official records, more than 50 live and studio releases, were a part of the 'collection mania' and had strong, profitable sales over 30+ years.

Instead of spending your time and energy trying to police your "intellectual property rights," put your attention on your heart and your authenticity, and encourage others to make the best use of your materials and ideas. Trust that your customers can tell your authentic presence from someone else who is just riding in your draft.

Are there times when it's worth it to protect your stuff?

Keys to Hippie Protectionism

� It's not thieving to be in the morphic field.

Biologist Rupert Sheldrake originated the "morphic field" theory in mode science (something that has been observed spiritually for eons). The basic theory is this: genetics alone doesn't explain why a plant grows in a particular form. Why do oak leaves all have basically the same shape?

Sheldrake advanced a holistic theory that "morphic fields" hold the patte for structures. In a similar way, it's not uncommon to find scientists, writers, researchers all working independently on similar ideas, remote from each other. Read his article.

If you are "inspired" by a particular idea, and you notice others taking up the flag as well, don't fret about being stolen from, or someone getting "there" faster than you. Instead, rejoice that the morphic field is making your inspiration more accessible and understandable to the general public.

� Creative Commons Licensing

Instead of a regular strict copyright, you can use the Creative Commons licensing approach to be more flexible and generous in approaching your "intellectual property."

In their own words: "Creative Commons offers a flexible range of protections and freedoms for authors and artists. We have built upon the 'all rights reserved' of traditional copyright to create a voluntary 'some rights reserved' copyright. We're a nonprofit. All of our tools are free."

For more information, check them out. http://creativecommons.org/

� Wholesale stealing of your entire show.

I have seen instances when someone has copied a website completely, word-for-word, including the free give-aways and bonuses. I always feel a little sad the very, very few times I've seen or heard of this, because someone is so clearly shut-down in their heart, and feeling desperate. Their business won't last sustainably like that, but it is good to take official notice so you don't have problems later on.

In these instances it's often easy to send a note to them telling them you've noticed them and they need to cease and desist. If they don't respond, you can look up their website registration on Whois.

Generally, an email sent to the company where they have registered their domain name will result in some action.

If you want to track certain words and phrases on the web, you can use Google Alerts.

However, this is an extreme case, and you will probably not encounter it.

Let your heart rest easy about "borrowers." Stay in your authenticity, keep letting your heart move you forward, and rejoice that what you are inspired by is resonating so strongly with other people. This means you probably have a very viable and profitable market for your business.

Mark Silver, founder of Heart of Business, is author of Unveiling the Heart of Your Business: How money, marketing and sales can deepen your heart, heal the world, and still add to your bottom line. Get three free chapters of the book online: http://www.heartofbusiness.com

Will You Be the Victim of a Violent Assault Take the Test

Violence is on the increase all over the world. Whenever a city reaches a population of one million people crime and particularly violent crime explodes. How adept are you at avoiding becoming a victim?

Below are ten topics. For each topic you will find four descriptions. Choose the description that best describes your attitude. If no description fits your lifestyle precisely just choose the closest one. Make a note of your answer A, B, C or D on a piece of paper so you can refer to it at the end of this article. Remember to be honest with your self-appraisal, otherwise this test will be meaningless for you.

Topic 1 - AWARENESS: - How aware are you of your surroundings?
A - sometimes
B - often
C - rarely
D - always

Topic 2 - WALKING: - Describe the general manner with which you walk.
A - normal gait
B - slowly or with frequent rests
C - dawdle along
D - rapidly with purpose

Topic 3 - FITNESS: - Describe your general fitness.
A - fit with a strong athletic appearance
B - overweight with little athletic ability
C - average fitness with normal appearance
D - infirm - require use of a cane, frame or wheelchair

Topic 4 - SELF DEFENSE: - Rate your understanding, knowledge or ability in self defense.
A - have no knowledge at all about self defense
B - have attended at least one self defense seminar that required some practical training
C - have trained for at least six months in a martial art (eg karate, kick boxing, boxing, aikido, ju jutsu)
D - have read some articles on self defense or a book on it

Topic 5 - ALCOHOL & DRUGS: - What is your attitude towards alcohol and drugs.
A - drink a lot and regularly take drugs
B - alcohol and mind-altering drugs are a way of life
C - rarely consume alcohol and never take mind-altering drugs
D - drink moderately and occasionally dabble in drugs

Topic 6 - ENVIRONMENT: - Choose your normal evening environment.
A - go out a bit - mostly to restaurants, movies and friends' homes
B - party person - go out frequently
C - go out occasionally but normally stay home
D - party animal - consider night clubs, bars and saloons the place to be

Topic 7 - SITUATIONS: - What is your normal interaction with others on a daily basis?
A - I make rude and offensive comments and gestures when others deserve it
B - I can't help myself - I often involve myself in the business of others
C - I just mind my own business
D - I will intervene if I feel a situation warrants it

Topic 8 - TRANSPORT: - What is your normal mode of transport?
A - usually it is my private vehicle
B - I usually catch a train
C - I normally catch a bus
D - taxi is my usual transport

Topic 9 - MONEY: - How much money do you normally carry?
A - only plastic cards and a small amount of cash
B - more than $500 on most occasions
C - up to $100 usually
D - several hundred dollars

Topic 10 - DRIVING: - Choose your normal driving attitude.
A - I always drive safely and show courtesy and patience to other road users
B - Some people just deserve the "fingers up" or a blast of the ho
C - I speed a little, am somewhat impatient and like to toot my ho
D - I regularly chastise others for their stupid mistakes

YOUR SCORECARD:

Mark your answers below and tally up the numbers to give a score.

Topic 1 - A = 7, B = 15, C = 0, D = 20.
Topic 2 - A = 6, B = 3, C = 1, D = 8.
Topic 3 - A = 10, B = 2, C = 6, D = 1.
Topic 4 - A = 1, B = 4, C = 6, D = 2.
Topic 5 - A = 2, B = 0, C = 15, D = 8.
Topic 6 - A = 8, B = 4, C = 10, D = 0.
Topic 7 - A = 0, B = 2, C = 12, D = 10.
Topic 8 - A = 8, B = 1, C = 2, D = 6.
Topic 9 - A = 4, B = 1, C = 3, D = 2.
Topic 10 - A = 7, B = 0, C = 5, D = 2.

Now check your score with the RESULTS TABLE below:

RESULTS TABLE:

85 to 100 - you have an excellent expectation of not becoming a victim.
75 to 84 - your chance of not becoming a victim is very good.
60 to 74 - you have a moderate chance of becoming a victim.
40 to 59 - your chances of becoming a victim are fairly high.
20 to 39 - you need take a look at your lifestyle and improve your personal safety.
5 to 19 - you definitely need to make some radical lifestyle changes NOW.

To lea more about self-defense you can visit the Motivation and Self Esteem website. Go to the "Zen Garden" page, scroll down and click on the articles in "Self-Defense Coer."

This article comes with reprint rights providing no changes are made and the resource box below accompanies it.

About the author: Gary Simpson is the author of eight books covering a diverse range of subjects such as self esteem, affirmations, self defense, finance and much more. His articles appear all over the web. Gary's email address is budo@iinet.net.au. Click here to go to his Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website where you can receive his "Zenspirational Thoughts" plus an immediate FREE copy of his highly acclaimed, life-changing e-book "The Power of Choice."

What Art Hard Style and Soft Style Martial Arts

Sometimes one would see references to 'hard' style and 'soft' style martial arts. To many non-martial artists, these terms may be puzzling. In North America, these terms are used to classify martial art styles into two main categories. Japanese/Okinawan karate and Korean tae kwon do are generally referred to as hard styles. Movements in both karate and tae kwon do are often linear with their forms (traditional sequence of set moves) performed with crisp movements. Chinese kung fu styles are usually referred to as soft styles. The circular motions of kung fu forms give them a more visually graceful or softer appearance especially when many of the movements flow from one to another. Even Korean kuk sool won which is sometimes referred to as 'Korean kung fu', is often classified as a soft style since its movements are also more flowing than the stop and go of tae kwon do or karate. This is not to say that hard styles such as karate or tae kwon do are more powerful martial arts than kung fu and other soft styles. The term 'soft' is a bit misleading because the power from circular kung fu moves are often hidden. Circular moves can generate just as much power as linear ones.

The terms hard style and soft style came as a result of the evolution of North American martial arts competitions, particularly in forms divisions. For many years, open karate touaments which allowed all martial arts styles, had competitors from different martial arts backgrounds compete in the same forms divisions. All equivalent level competitors, whether they used a Japanese/Okinawan karate kata, a Korean tae kwon do patte or a Chinese kung fu form, competed together in the same divisions. This provided a nice martial arts showcase for spectators especially at the bigger touaments. However, some competitors and judges considered divisions with combined styles to be too complicated. For example, judges who were familiar with only Japanese or Korean styles had a difficult time scoring competitors performing Chinese kung fu forms. Sometimes competitors from different martial art styles felt that judges were being biased against them. Judging a hard style form against a soft style form was often like trying to compare apples to oranges.

To help resolve these issues, many of the larger martial arts touaments expanded to have separate divisions for hard and soft styles. This was a way to equalize things and add some more faiess to all competitors. The largest touaments went another step ahead and further separated Japanese karate stylists from Korean tae kwon do stylists by putting them into different divisions too. This still left many kempo stylists up in the air because their particular forms have both hard and soft style elements since their movements are both linear as well as circular. Some promoters of large touaments decided to accommodate kempo stylists by adding in separate forms divisions just for their style too. Of course many smaller local touaments have not been able to offer separate hard and soft style divisions for martial arts forms competitors mainly because of financial budget restrictions. The terms hard style and soft style are used only in North America and parts of Europe since these are the only regions of the world that have open martial arts competitions. Martial arts competitions in other parts of the world such as Asia are generally restricted to certain specific styles only.

Article Source: http://www.articledashboard.com

Clint Leung is a lifelong martial artist with over 32 years of training experience in kung fu, tae kwon do, karate, kickboxing and martial arts weaponry. He has won Canadian and world championship titles (NASKA, NBL and WSKF). He is also owner of Free Spirit Activewear (www.FreeSpiritActivewear.com) , an online retailer and designer of premium martial arts activewear. Free Spirit Activewear has martial arts info articles.

The Russian Martial Art of Sambo

Sambo is a grappling martial art with origins in all 15 of the different republics of the former Soviet Union. The Soviet Union was known for having varying forms of folk wrestling and needed a way for the different republics to compete against each other without having different rules and techniques. They combined the various forms of folk wrestling and created the martial art of Sambo. Sambo was also used as the main self defense training for hand to hand combat in the Soviet military. Much like the many other martial arts in the world today, Sambo is practiced in a few different ways. The most popular form of Sambo is sport Sambo which is more or less a submission grappling style more geared towards competition. Sambo is also still taught as a means of self defense known as combat Sambo.

The ranking system varies from school to school and unlike other traditional martial arts, Sambo tends to shy away from awarding belts. A rank is given to each student primarily based on their accomplishments at competitions. If a Sambo school is an official member of the United Federation of Russian Sambo (UFRS) they will comply with the rules and regulations set fourth by the FIAS which include no belt rankings. Sambo is considered the official martial art of Russia and the touaments in that country have reached quite a large audience. Sambo is now coming out of obscurity in North America as there are many clubs opening daily and quite a few competitions.

In Sambo a uniform is made up of shoes known as sambofki, a kurtka or Sambo jacket, belt and shorts. For a competition you would need to bring all of these articles of clothing in both red and blue. A Sambo match consists of one 6 minute round at the senior level. A match can be won in several different ways. If you are able to complete a perfect throw or submit your opponent this is known as a total victory. You can also win by technical superiority when you have a 12 point advantage over your opponent. Lastly much like other martial arts, the competitor with the most amounts of points at the end of 6 minutes is rewarded with the win. If there's a tie there will be a one minute overtime period.

There are two different ways of scoring in a sport Sambo match. You can hold your opponent down for 10 seconds and score 2 points or you can hold them down for 20 seconds and be rewarded with 4 points. You are only allowed one hold down per match. The second way to score points is to throw your opponent. A throw is considered successful when one opponent is able to break the balance of the other and take them down in one continuous motion. As stated before if this throw is completed perfectly the match is ended.

Sambo and Judo share many similarities and many of the elite Judo fighters tend to translate well into the sport of Sambo. The martial art of Sambo is not well known outside of Russia but is a very effective self defense system. As many clubs are opening up worldwide we're beginning to see Sambo become a much more popular martial art and hopefully after reading this you'll have a greater understanding and appreciation for this martial art.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Martial Arts Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

The Dojo

Just as an aside. For those who would "box" us in to specific "category".........

We don't just write articles. There is a place we actually train in these methods every day. This is where people of various backgrounds come together and have one thing in common, TRAINING.

At the "Dojo"(which it is), we train in grappling methods drawn from many different styles. Hard HARD training in throws, takedowns, joint locks, chokes, strangleholds, and varied submissions. We drill and drill and FIGHT.

At the "Dojo"(which it is), we train in striking, punching, and kicking methods drawn from many different styles. Hard HARD training. We drill and drill, we hit heavy bags, banana bags, uppercut bags, speedbags, "makiwara", and "spar pros". We train full contact with Bogu and FIGHT.

At the "Dojo"(which it is), we train in hard combative oriented physical conditioning. Strength training, speed training, endless drills, grappling enhancement drills, striking enhancement drills. This helps us FIGHT. This is what we do.

The DOJO is there. It's real and tangible. It's where we TRAIN. Just a note to anyone who might believe we sit around JUST reading books and pontificating. The door is always open and the invitation to train is there. You can call 973.831.0315.

Copyright 2003 http://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com �

Carl Cestari began his study of the martial arts with judo at the age of 7 under the direction of Yoshisada Yonezuka. During the past forty plus years Carl has dedicated his life to studying the martial arts, hand to hand combat systems, history and religion. What makes Carl unique is his combination of martial arts, law enforcement, military and real world experience. Carl has been exposed to a multitude of people with a wide variety experience. The following is a list of some of Carl�s ranks and honors.

Shinan (Founder) Tekkenryu jujutsu Ryokudan (6th degree) Koshinkai Karate under John Burrelle Godan (5th degree) Jujutsu under Clarke of the World Jujutsu Fedaration (now defunct) Sandan (3rd degree) Nippon Kempo under Narabu Sada Nidan (2nd degree) Judo under Masafumi Suzuki Shodan (1st degree) Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka Shodan (1st degree) Shukokai Karate under Kimura, Kadachi and Yonezuka Shodan (1st degree) Daitoryu Aikijujutsu Instructors Certificate- Charles Nelson System of Self Defense under Charlie Nelson

http://www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com

A Brief History of Karate Part III of III

Gichin Funakoshi was an Okinawan native who taught at the school �Shoto Gakko�, which prepared Okinawans for Japanese civil service. His life�s passion, however, was karate. Because of the respect he commanded from Japanese gentlemen, and his skill in karate, he was selected to represent Okinawa�s martial art.

He defeated every opponent he faced at the demonstration, and won great respect. Because of this and his love of Japanese culture, he stayed on the mainland to further propagate karate. As a result of the first and further exhibitions, he gained many followers and ultimately began teaching out of a Kendo dojo.

At first, there were cultural barriers and traditions that slowed the progress of karate across the mainland. As a result of Funakoshi�s excellence in teaching, however, he broke through the prejudices against karate. Eventually, he was able to open his own dojo, which was the first formalized karate dojo. Also during this time, karate as a whole came to be formalized and �Japanized� (although divisions among separate karate styles have not, to this day, been resolved).

Such formalization included acceptance of the kyu/dan (class/grade) system as devised by Jigoro Kano (founder of judo). Also, it became important that all teachers were qualified and knowledgeable. Finally, it was necessary to institute a standard curriculum, uniform, and competitive format.

Nationalism and anti-Chinese sentiment made the karate-jutsu movement consider a more appropriate ideogram to represent their art. The original �kara� ideogram of karate meant China, as did the �tou� of toudi (Chinese hand, and a reference to the Tang dynasty). The replacement ideogram means �empty�, and takes on not just a physical but a spiritual meaning. �Kara� may represent the �void�, and freedom from worldly desire.

Also changed was the suffix for karate. Instead of jutsu (art/science), do (way/path/totality, pronounced �dao� in Mandarin) came to be used. In this sense, as a result of the efforts of such masters as Itosu, karate-do joined kendo, jiu jitsu, aikido, and judo as a mode budo, in which not only combat is practiced, but also a cultural discipline for the pursuit of harmony.

Owen Johnston lives and teaches Wado ryu Karate in Lake City, South Carolina. He enjoys reading, writing, video games & movies, and spending time with his fiance. For more information on classes in the Florence and greater Pee Dee area, as well as martial arts supplies, please visit Johnston Wado ryu Karate - Online Community.

Catholic Self Defense

Note: I wrote this essay regarding the development of Tekkenryu jujutsu. However, I think it is applicable for all methods of self defense. It may also explain why martial arts are the way they are.

Catholic, by definition, means universal or "broad minded".

I could pull out STACKS of manuals, syllabuses, films, and related research material that cover an ENTIRE range of unarmed combat.

Some methods advocate wrestling as their base, others use boxing or savate. Some jujutsu and judo while others call their systems "rough and tumble" or "all in", and there is even a system based on American SPORTS. I have an old manual on YOGA for self defense. The material ranges from current to OLD, some very old.

These varied systems have everything! Striking and kicking methods drawn from EVERY method and "nationality", GRAPPLING methods from Lutte to Judo, from Sambo to All-In Wrestling. They range from standing to the ground; all aspects, all methods.

The guys in our crew have trained in an impressive array of systems and methods. They have a fantastic "pool" of knowledge, SKILL, and TRAINING to draw from.

OKAY, so WHAT? See if this makes sense............

Damian, Clint, and I worked out a comprehensive syllabus of instruction. It is based on a catholic approach to combatives. We drew these methods from a number of varied sources and training. The problem as we saw it was in the PROGRESSION of instruction. Here's how we attempted to solve this fundamental problem:

Very few individuals will start so-called "martial arts" instruction or training and stay with it for any real length of time. Many combative skills are JUST that, SKILLS! They require dedicated time and training to inculcate to the extent that they will be "useful" in a REAL fight or even in a controlled "free sparring" environment.

Japanese Judoka have a saying - "One year for Newaza, TEN years for Tachiwaza". In other words, proficiency in groundwork can be gained in a year, standing techniques require ten. So, here we see an acknowledgement that "different" SKILLS require varied amounts of TIME, TRAINING, and DEDICATION.

So that was our problem. MOST people will simply NOT invest the time and effort to "master" MANY of the skills involved. MOST people will "train" for a limited amount of time and then move on to the next "thing" that catches their interest.

What then is OUR responsibility as "instructors"? What we did is set a curriculum that takes this into account. The syllabus, for the first three to six months, includes NOTHING but the most BASIC, easily UNDERSTOOD, SIMPLEST METHODS of EFFECTIVE PERSONAL PROTECTION. Someone can train for a limited time AND still get something USEFUL in terms of "SKILL". What was our basis on selection of "method�?

"Hence the reason for a simple type of instruction with a great deal of emphasis on the FEW elementary methods which can be easily and instinctively used in combat after practice�..basis of selection was the theory of what the smallest man can do to the largest."

I'm quoting Applegate from the 1943 edition of Kill Or Get Killed (This DOES NOT, I hope, portray me as a zealot).

Continued training and "dedication" will result in leaing more and more "complex" skills. However, if an individual ceases practice after a "limited" amount of time, we feel that we have at LEAST given something of VALUE in terms of personal survival.

Damian is a highly skilled grappler in any venue, i.e., wrestling, judo, and submission. Clint is a walking encyclopedia of "waza"; Ralph is amazing in his knowledge of close combat and weapons. Each of these men could teach to a high level of SKILL and COMPLEXITY with NO PROBLEM. However, they fully understand that you must "walk before you run". So, they are strong advocates of BASICS. First!

Judokas (like any other combative athletes) have a term called "Tokuiwaza" or "favored" technique. It is that one method that it is worked on incessantly, continually for YEARS in search of "perfection". Whether it be "Judo" Kimura, Gerry Cooney, "Strangler" Lewis, or Georges Carpentier, this approach holds true. So, realistically, does this apply to MOST PEOPLE? NO. That's why "champions" are revered. They are the EXCEPTIONS.

Why would anyone "teach" a middle aged businessman or a small petite housewife a technique or method that requires complex skills developed over YEARS and that requires a "set" of physical adjuncts in order to be even somewhat effective? Well, you wouldn't, at least NOT initially. Like building a house, you start with a SOLID foundation, and then BUILD from there. So the simplest approach in regards to personal protection is to start with techniques based on what the "smallest can do to the largest". Is that a guarantee of SUCCESS? NO, that's not how life works. Is it a LOGICAL place to "start"? I believe so.

Damian, Clint or I could teach DOZENS of different chokeholds and strangleholds. Ralph could teach DOZENS of highly complex drills and methods of stick and knife work. DOZENS! So what! Without the time, training and dedication to master these techniques they are WORSE than useless. The same goes for any "class" of techniques. Training and the DEVELOPMENT of skill is what makes ANYTHING "WORK".

So ALL we advocate is that simple common sense basic approach. Start with the SIMPLEST methods and build from there.

It has NOTHING to do with "blind" allegiance to any one method or man. It has NOTHING to do with being a "zealot". It has NOTHING to do with following any "gospel" in ignorance.

It has EVERYTHING to do with a sincere dedication to seeking the best, most rational and logical "solutions" to the multitude of complex problems inherent in real world survival.

This is why on going, dedicated research is SO CRUCIAL. Some question that "validity" of certain methods. DO NOT assume that these "questions" have NOT been asked and answered by others. Only a fool would blindly follow any "doctrine" without questioning and validating the information presented.

Can a skilled grappler apply his craft? Of course. Could a skilled boxer or muay thai fighter ply his trade with success? Of course. That's NOT the question. The question is "what can YOU do?" What one can do at twenty is different than what one can do at fifty. What one can do after several years of training is different than what one can do after several months of training. What one can do against an opponent of equal strength and weight is different than what one can do against a much larger, stronger adversary, or for that matter, a much smaller, lighter one.

So what's the point to all of this? Simple. Know who you are. What YOU are capable of. What YOUR abilities are. YOUR strengths, YOUR weaknesses, YOUR goals. Take a hard long realistic appraisal and find the answer to that question.

And then work from there.

Copyright 2003 www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com �

Carl Cestari began his study of the martial arts with judo at the age of 7 under the direction of Yoshisada Yonezuka. During the past forty plus years Carl has dedicated his life to studying the martial arts, hand to hand combat systems, history and religion. He is continually improving himself through his studies. What makes Carl unique is his combination of martial arts, law enforcement, military and real world experience. Carl has been exposed to a multitude of people with a wide variety experience. The following is a list of some of Carl�s ranks and honors.

Shinan (Founder) Tekkenryu jujutsu

Ryokudan (6th degree) Koshinkai Karate under John Burrelle

Godan (5th degree) Jujutsu under Clarke of the World Jujutsu Fedaration (now defunct)

Sandan (3rd degree) Nippon Kempo under Narabu Sada

Nidan (2nd degree) Judo under Masafumi Suzuki

Shodan (1st degree) Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka

Shodan (1st degree) Shukokai Karate under Kimura, Kadachi and Yonezuka

Shodan (1st degree) Daitoryu Aikijujutsu

Instructors Certificate- Charles Nelson System of Self Defense under Charlie Nelson

There s No First Strike In Karate Really

Gichin Funakoshi is generally regarded as the Father of Mode Karate.

Among his contributions is a list of 20 core beliefs that every karateka should subscribe to.

At the very top is this one: �There is no first strike in karate.�

The idea is that karate is about self-defense, primarily, and only secondarily is it a fighting art.

Funakoshi didn�t want to spawn generations of bullies. I think it is right to say he wanted to sire gentle men and women, people of refinement; in a word, civilized folks, and not just more barbarians.

Before unleashing fury and destructiveness a person must be sure it is the right thing to do, that he isn�t making a mistake, and that he has exhausted better ways of reducing conflict.

But what if you KNOW someone is coming for you or your family or your nation? What, then?

Can you strike, peremptorily?

Funakoshi is silent about this, at least from the reading of him that I�ve done so far.

But a story comes to mind.

I was exhausted one late afteoon after having flown to Houston, probably for the 40th time in as many weeks, so by the time I reached the rent a car counter at the outskirts of the airport, I was in a terrible mood.

They didn�t have the make and model I had reserved, a convertible as I recall, and being used to getting everything I wanted on the road, I blew a gasket.

The manager felt I was being verbally abusive, and I told him, more or less, when I needed his opinion I�d give it to him.

He asked me to step outside to �Settle this" with him, and I recall saying something to the effect that �I�d be delighted.�

I hadn�t been in a fistfight since high school, and I was probably 25% more massive than this guy, so his �choosing me off� was almost comedic.

We stood face to face, with about two feet separating us, and I could tell he was waiting for me to make the first move.

But I came to my senses after having weighed the idea of defending a lawsuit or worse, a criminal charge in court.

Also, I heard a little voice inside say, �Don�t make the first move!� and I heeded it.

Anyway, I think I grumbled, �This isn�t worth it,� and he told me to never darken their doorstep again.

Many moons later, after studying karate, I leaed about Funakoshi�s aphorism: There is no first strike in karate.

And a few things came to mind:

(1) I was pleased I de-escalated and walked away. It�s one of the only ways to �win� a fight.

(2) I always wondered if this guy had karate training, and he was forbearing because of Funakoshi�s philosophy.

(3) I did act rudely, and things hit a flash point because of me.

In any case, I lived to �not fight� again, and so did he, presumably.

Fighting should always be the last resort, and only when we have no other choice. And as far as that question I raised above, I think we should be so attuned to our potential enemies that we can see the stirrings of hostility in them before they ever become an overt threat to us.

By doing so, we can avoid difficulties before they become unavoidable.

Moreover, we should always be aware of how we�re coming across, and restrain ourselves and struggle to be polite, especially when we�re convinced we have the right to act otherwise.

Dr. Gary S. Goodman, President of Customersatisfaction.com, is a popular keynote speaker, management consultant, and seminar leader and the best-selling author of 12 books, including Reach Out & Sell Someone� and Monitoring, Measuring & Managing Customer Service, and the audio program, �The Law of Large Numbers: How To Make Success Inevitable,� published by Nightingale-Conant. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, worldwide. A Ph.D. from USC's Annenberg School, a Loyola lawyer, and an MBA from the Peter F. Drucker School at Claremont Graduate University, Gary offers programs through UCLA Extension and numerous universities, trade associations, and other organizations from Santa Monica to South Africa. He holds the rank of Shodan, 1st Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate. He is headquartered in Glendale, Califoia, and he can be reached at (818) 243-7338 or at: gary@customersatisfaction.com.

For information about coaching, consulting, training, books, videos and audios, please go to: http://www.customersatisfaction.com

Success Secrets from the Martial Art of Ninjutsu

Nana Korobi Ya Oki - '7 Times Down 8 Times Up'

On the left lapel of every adult student here at Warrior Concepts, there is a patch bearing the Japanese kanji character 'NIN.' Although the kanji itself has two pronunciations in Japanese, it is the original Chinese meaning of "perseverance," "to endure," or "to put up with" that we focus on heavily in the Warrior Concepts Life Mastery Program. And, even though our youth students do not wear the same patch, this concept is imbedded deeply into their programs as well.

When we talk about the concept of perseverance, everyone seems to be in agreement. "Yes," they agree, "one should have the ability and willingness to stay the course."

But, when we look around us, why are their so few examples of this quality?

In Japan, there is a saying, Nana Korobi Ya Oki, which means, "seven times down, 8 times up." It can be seen displayed in the WCI main dojo ("training hall") on the noren banner hanging in the front training room surrounded by several Daruma Dolls - themselves symbols of goal-setting and success.

This phrase, like the kanji character NIN, is a reminder that not everything in life is (or should be) easy. If it were, there would be no need for grading in school - or school itself for that matter - social services and the like. The fact is: life has difficulties.

But, it's not about whether or not something is difficult or easy, but in how we deal with that thing, that makes the difference and brings with it the equivalent success or failure.

In Today's culture, it seems that the drive-up-window mentality rules the day. It is this very "I want it now or I'll go somewhere else" thinking that is destroying careers, families, and society in general. When no one is willing to "stay the course" and work through difficulties and challenges, nothing gets better and we are perpetually stuck in a "start-over" cycle.

Can you imagine how disastrous this could be in a self-defense situation? Where everything we do, we do with either...

1) the mindset of "If this doesn't work the first time, I'll just quit," or...

2) the inability to take the attacker down and lock him up, causing a situation where the fight is continually being reset to zero.

In the first scenario, the all-or-nothing mentality will cause us to simply lie-down-and-die at the first sign of trouble. In the second, we will run ragged trying to maintain enough energy for a sustained assault.

The truth is that, sometimes, we will have to endure, to persevere, to put up with things that are uncomfortable. Because, if we take action now, we will be in greater danger.

So, with the greatest of ninja skill...

...we wait.

We wait for the opportunity when something can be done that will effect a victory for us.

This is the core lesson of nana korobi ya oki. It is what allows a ninja warrior to go beyond what most others see as possible. It is the ability to - no matter how many times we're knocked down, attacked, restrained or threatened - get back up and take that next important step toward the fulfillment of our vision.

This is one of the most important traits of a winner - a survivor - the ability to 'go on.' That's why Hatsumi-Sensei, our grand master has said for years, "Keep going!" He says that you have to give everything a good effort and not give up too soon. This includes your martial arts training.

But, to him - a ninja master - a good effort is at least ten years. He says that, if after that time you're still not getting it - you're still not making progress - then, and only then, should you consider trying something else.

Because in the end, it will not be those who sought mastery who will find it, but those who sought to master themselves with the spirit that "I will find it, no matter how how many times I have to go at it or start over."

It is they who will have set their minds and hearts firmly on their vision, and with firm resolve and disciplined action, moved confidently into their future to attain their goal.

Life is challenging and difficult sometimes but, you are stronger. And, the next time it knocks you down - get up and keep going. And remember the Ninja Warrior's motto:

..."Never give up!"

Read more articles like this by subscribing to the author's newsletter at: http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com/newsletter.html Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and master instructor of Warrior Concepts Inteational. In addition to regular classes for local students, he is called upon by groups and organizations as a speaker, lecturer, and seminar leader on such topics as warriorship in the mode world, leadership, self-defense, and the benefits of training in the martial art of ninjutsu He may be contacted for media interviews and seminar/speaking information at (570) 988-2228 or through his website at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com

Martial Arts Japanese Jujitsu

Japanese Jujitsu which is also known as Traditional Jujitsu is accepted as the mother of many of the mode arts of the 20th century. Karate, Judo, Aikido and Brazilian Jujitsu are just a few of the arts that have spawned from this ancient martial art. During the feudal period of Japan, an art was needed for warfare. A definitive date for the origins of this martial art is impossible to locate but it is universally agreed upon that Jujitsu is purely a Japanese martial art. Known as the art of the Samurai, Jujitsu was highly feared and respected by other territories due to its vast skill set. A samurai was trained in weapons consisting of the staff, the katana, the sword and many others, while he was also trained in all ranges of fighting including striking, throwing and ground grappling.

Jujitsu is an art that for the most part has gone unrecognized for its many contributions to the martial arts community as a whole. This isn't to say that most people aren't aware of the art, they just aren't fully aware of the various facets of this martial art. This isn't a new problem, this has been the story throughout history when it comes to Jujitsu. Remember that in the early years of its inception it was only taught to Samurai's and they used it in a way that was not only brutal but in most instances, lethal. How were they supposed to get exposure for a martial art that couldn't be practiced or exhibited without the chance of a serious injury? Looking at the late 60s and early 70s you'll see that Kung-fu had its poster boy in martial arts legend Bruce Lee while Karate had an equally great spokesperson in Chuck Norris. It's not until Tom Cruise acted in the movie the "Last Samurai" that weste society became privy to the martial art of Jujitsu. The Tom Cruise of Jujitsu in the 1800s was a man by the name of Jigoro Kano who was one of the champion practitioners of the martial arts.

What Jigoro Kano did was devise a way that not only could Jujitsu be practiced safely but competitions and exhibitions could now be held as a way of exposure for the art. What he essentially did was eliminate the deadly striking and eye gouging from the martial art and focused on both the throwing and submission holds. The problem was his art became so watered down that it didn't even reassemble Jujitsu anymore. Not only was the striking omitted but some of the submissions such as leg locks were also taken out. Jigoro Kano had also introduced a way for all the practitioners of the art t o partake in live sparring. This was known as randori and out of it a new sport was bo which we now call Judo.

You might be wondering how a martial art like Jujitsu can benefit you in this day in age. The fact of the matter is, yes it was created for the Samurai to do battle in war, but with some of the modifications made to it in the last two centuries, it has become much safer while still keeping its effectiveness. Not many arts were heralded enough to have more then ten new martial arts created from them. A martial art that was good enough to preserve the life of a Samurai during battle is certainly capable of granting us the skills needed to defend ourselves.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Martial Arts Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

The Aikido Biography of Sensei Henry Ellis

Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman - 2000

Henry Ellis was bo May 3rd 1936 in a tough coal mining town in the County of Yorkshire, North of England. This was pre-war Britain, and growing up as a child during the austere war years of the 1940�s all Henry ever knew was hard times and hard discipline as the son of a tough coal face miner. Henry didn't realize that this tough life with strict discipline would stand him in good stead in the years to come.

In 1956 he became a member of the Abbe School of Budo at the now famous Hut Dojo. His first introduction to Martial Arts was in the Judo section. After a full year of Judo, Henry saw the great master Kenshiro Abbe sensei demonstrate Aikido which had only recently been introduced to Britain ( 1955 ).

Henry Joined the Aikido section in 1957 while continuing with his Judo studies.

TheHutDojo1957, Judo and Aikido students. Front row Abbe Sensei and K Williams Sensei.

The Hut was the Hell Dojo of all Hell Dojo�s. The discipline was very strict and very few continued to study. This was the only Aikido dojo in the UK. Abbe sensei and Williams sensei would teach with a shinai, words were wasted but the shinai always received the students full attention. Abbe sensei said many times that his English was bad but his shinai spoke excellent English.

Henry fitted well into this disciplined routine where a mistake would receive a whack with the shinai or between 100 and 200 press-ups on the back of the wrists. At third kyu Henry was promoted to personnel assistant to Williams sensei, he then travelled around the UK with his teacher taking the very first Aikido seminar in the UK in the town of Devises near historic StoneHenge.

Henry Ellis Sensei and David Wae Sensei demonstrate shiho-nage. Basingstoke Dojo 1986

When Henry reached first dan he was instructed to take an assistant, the assistant was Derek Eastman who is still associated with the Ellis Aikido Schools.

Of this early select group eight became dan grades ( black belts ) these were the only dan grades for Aikido in the UK. Henry was the first Aikido teacher to introduce Aikido into the British education system in the early sixties.

In the very early sixties Ellis and Eastman, on the instructions of Williams sensei, travelled around Britain teaching Aikido to Judo and sports clubs for free. They worked a few days here and there for a meal and a bed, often sleeping in the car, in an effort to promote the art to anyone who would give them the opportunity to teach and demonstrate. The two spent one year �on the road � .

Ellis and Eastman both studied Kendo with their best friend Tomio Otani Sensei the British National Coach for Kendo. They in tu taught Tomio Aikido.

At this time Harada Sensei was teaching his ShotoKai Karate at the Hut Dojo. Henry studied with Harada Sensei, Henry using Karate in his Aikido and Harada Sensei using Aikido movement in his Karate.

Harada Sensei had last been graded to 5th dan in 1957 by the founder of mode Karate Gichin Funakoshi. Harada Sensei had developed the art of ShotoKai Karate. When asked why he was still 5th dan as he is today, Harada replied � Any grade above 5th dan is totally pointless �. This impressed Henry who himself was now sick at the sight of so many self appointed egotistical self aggrandising so called masters who cared more for titles than the Martial Art they represented. Ellis and Eastman agreed to follow Harada Sensei�s stand and they made the highest grade in the Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido to be 5th dan.

Henry Ellis with Mikito Nakazono Sensei

Henry has personally studied with many of the great early names in Aikido. Sensei�s Kenshiro Abbe � K Williams - Tadashi Abe � Mikoto Nakazono - Misamachi Noro � N Tamura � Kobayashi � Kazuo Chiba to name a few.

Henry is proud of the expansion of the ESTA to the USA in Alamogordo New Mexico and Dallas Texas.

On the 17th of December 2004 the release of the book �Positive Aikido� was of great satisfaction after almost 50 years of Martial Arts.

Henry Ellis
C/o Author: Positive Aikido
http://www.EllisAikido.org
http://www.geocities.com/britishaikido

Facts about Martial Arts for Kids Part 5

�Will my child become more violent from leaing karate, jujitsu, or another martial art?�

In a word, �No.� Children lea self-control by practicing martial arts; and the code of conduct that is enforced, within the studio, is carried outside into every day life. The average martial arts school works with parents, and academic teachers, toward the goal of optimum student success.

When you see a Karate demonstration team perform, that is not an indicator of the life skills taught within the Karate class. It is the �flashiest� component of Karate training, presented to capture the public attention. Ten minutes of kids using ancient weapons, breaking, and working in synchronized choreography, is more interesting to the public, than a lecture, by me, about dealing with bullies without violence.

However, let�s take a closer look at the ten minutes of flash. The next time you see a martial arts demonstration team, remember those children have to practice those techniques over and over again. This requires self-discipline, goal setting, perseverance, and each child being a team player.

There is no room for a �one way� personality on any martial arts demonstration team. Such a personality would work against a good public performance. In a typical Karate class, all of the above-mentioned life skills are leaed and much more.

Children lea much more about violence on the television, playing with video games, and dealing with daily life, than they will ever lea in a karate class. Even if a Karate teacher was the classic �evil sensei,� that you may have seen in the Karate Kid movie or on Kung Fu Theatre, most children can think of far worse violence.

All you have to do is watch the news, cartoons, listen to the radio, or read a newspaper, to see things worse than unsupervised hand-to-hand combat. So, the self-defense methods taught to children actually pale in comparison to school shootings, bombings, wars, and drive-by shootings.

Karate was created by unarmed civilians on the island of Okinawa and was taught in secret among family members for their personal protection. The philosophy, within a martial arts school, will not always be the same, but the seeds of violence are not sown within a martial arts setting.

All you have to do is look around you to see more, and far worse, violence than leaing self-defense - integrated with constructive life skills. The fact is a martial artist is not a �street fighter.� If that were a requirement, we would recruit the toughest kids in North Providence.

As I explain to the children in my Karate and Jujitsu classes, �Never forget the word, �artist,� means to be creative, to be an innovator, and to think for yourself.� Children who lea martial arts are more apt to be well adjusted and defuse a potentially violent situation.

On top of that, most children who study Karate, or any other martial art, will not be �trouble makers.� The children we teach from the Greater Providence, Rhode Island area have leaed enough about leadership, in our Karate and Jujitsu classes, to think for themselves.

For parents, the gift of martial arts training to their children has many rewards, right now, and into their future.

Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Yoga: The Key to Self-Mastery. http://www.kids-karate.com

Basic Drills

We all have a good foundation in the basic blows and combinations.

Think about adding the following drills to your basic syllabus.

These can be trained as "stand alone" combinations OR worked into existing "Defendu" combinations either "before" or "after".

1. HARD left lead to chin (mental foramen) HARD overhand right to chin (opposite side) then: HARD upward right knee to fork.

Repeat punching combo. Then: Side step with right leg (out and to the right 45 degree) LEFT knee to fork.

2. HARD left to chin. HARD right to solar-plexus.

Then the knee smashes as above.

3. HARD left to SOLAR-PLEXUS. HARD right to chin.

Then the knee smashes as above.

4. HARD left to solar-plexus. HARD right to SOLAR-PLEXUS.

Then the knee smashes as above.

Basically it's a series of drills to train the TWO most fundamental punches to head and body, followed by a knee smash to the nuts, practicing with either knee.

Give it a try.

NO BITCHING about "hurting" your hands! NO "Nancy" boys (or girls) allowed here!

________________________________________

Now try this:

For the sake of the drill "visualize" an attacker moving in with a straight left lead right to your snot-box.

What realistic possibilities exist:

1. Side step IN to your LEFT and 45 degrees.

2. Side step DIRECTLY to YOUR left.

3. Side step BACK to LEFT at 45 degrees.

4. STEP directly to the REAR.

Any of these FOUR "inside" shifts/footwork maneuvers will allow you to avoid/evade the straight left and COUNTER from the OPEN or INSIDE line (his right/your left).

EACH of these sidestep/back step maneuvers HAS both advantages and disadvantages. Depending on environment-obstacles and/or multiple assailants, etc. EACH can be useful if NOT the only choice possible. FIGURE THIS OUT!

Now add the FOUR basic combinations. You NOW have TWENTY-FOUR drills to use and abuse. TWO HARD PUNCHES - A KNEE or KICK to the NUTS and FOUR footwork maneuvers and YOU have enough material to LAST FOR MONTHS or daily training.

AND THIS is only for YOUR LEFT SIDE!

SOOOOOOOOOO.........How do we train this and REALLY LEARN from it:

Face your main striking tool (Bob, Spar Pro, Heavy bag). VISUALIZE the STRAIGHT LEFT LEAD and THE BODY POSITION of your IMAGINARY attacker. The bag now becomes THAT assailant - Left hand snaking out to crush your - LEFT foot forward, BODY tued to a 45 degree.

OK? Get IT?

NOW practice sidestepping as above and then IMMEDIATELY countering. EACH FOOTWORK patte will allow you (or FORCE you) to make adjustments in order to close in and HIT with POWER, speed, accuracy and BALANCE. WORK THIS!!!!!!!! Your common sense and BODY will TEACH YOU THE BEST WAY to do THIS!

NEXT...........................Place an OBSTACLE like a chair at various points to YOUR left or the bags right. This represents either a REAL obstacle OR a SECOND adversary.

NOW, figure OUT which BODY maneuver will GET YOU OUT of DODGE and still ALLOW for a HARD and FAST while GIVING the "second" opponent the LEAST chance of successfully attacking OR how you would have to move to AVOID a REAL WORLD obstacle.

And this is JUST the beginning! Imagine how GOOD you will become if you TRAIN EACH INDIVIDUAL technique like this!

Make a COMPLETE study of a KNEE smash, edge of hand, chin-jab, tiger-claw, side boot kick, groin kick, elbows, punches, and on and on! Master each INDIVDUAL attack covering ALL OPTIONS both left and right sides and LEFT and RIGHT body shifting!

THEN start with combinations!

Just think of the SKILL, SPEED, POWER and MASTERY you will acquire over EACH attack method, and THEN consider how well you'll move with your combinations!

This is what we worked on yesterday at Ralph's.

Like I always say...............YOU are YOUR BEST TEACHER!

Get something REALLY GOOD to HIT. Attach a rope or belt or anything that you can SEIZE HARD and YANK with your left hand. Now take your right fist and PUNCH AS HARD, AS FAST, AS POWERFULLY as YOU CAN REPEATEDLY. FASTER and HARDER. WITH AS MUCH INTENSE EMOTION, ANGER, RAGE, HATE, FURY, VENOM, FEROCITY and KILLING INSTINCT as you CAN!

Copyright 2003 www.thetruthaboutselfdefense.com �

Carl Cestari began his study of the martial arts with judo at the age of 7 under the direction of Yoshisada Yonezuka. During the past forty plus years Carl has dedicated his life to studying the martial arts, hand to hand combat systems, history and religion. He is continually improving himself through his studies. What makes Carl unique is his combination of martial arts, law enforcement, military and real world experience. Carl has been exposed to a multitude of people with a wide variety experience. Below is a list of some of Carl�s ranks and honors.

Shinan (Founder)Tekkenryu jujutsu

Ryokudan (6th degree)

Koshinkai Karate under John Burrelle

Godan (5th degree)Jujutsu under Clarke of the World Jujutsu Fedaration (now defunct)

Sandan (3rd degree)Nippon Kempo under Narabu Sada

Nidan (2nd degree)Judo under Masafumi Suzuki

Shodan (1st degree)Judo under Yoshisada Yonezuka

Shodan (1st degree)Shukokai Karate under Kimura, Kadachi and Yonezuka

Shodan (1st degree)Daitoryu Aikijujutsu

Instructors Certificate-Charles Nelson System of Self Defense under Charlie Nelson

Mixed Martial Arts Is It Safe

The stigmas associated with mixed martial arts are hard to shake but quite easy to dispel. Many ask how could anyone want to watch, much less regulate, a sport that allows men to punch, kick, elbow, knee and incapacitate their opponents. Moreover, you often hear detractors claim that this spectacle shouldn't even be considered a sport and should be forced to cease to exist. Much like many other events and issues in our society, the media isn't doing their part to educate us consumers. The majority of the opinions and ill will harbored by people towards mixed martial arts, honestly comes from simply being uninformed.

One can only imagine the amount of deaths that there have been in a sport that allows such violence. Any sport that allows you to knock or choke out your opponent must have the highest death toll and critical injury rate of all sports. I hate to break it to all the sceptics but the fact is, there has never been a death in a sanctioned mixed martial arts fight. There has in fact been one death in all of mixed martial arts but this occurred many years ago in an unsanctioned fight. You may be wondering what the difference is. A sanctioning body is an organization that is responsible for the proper implementation of weight limits, rules and medical examinations. They make sure that the 2 fighters are within their weight limits and that they're physically fit to fight. The event where the participant died did not have a sanctioning body, which in tu means it didn't have a proper weigh in or physical. The opponent died of a blood clot they had sustained from a fight in an earlier event. The fact is if the event had been sanctioned, this fighter would have had to have a physical which includes a brain scan. This would have resulted in the fighter not being cleared to fight. Mixed martial arts actually uses the same sanctioning bodies that boxing does.

Why is it that boxing, which is much more of a brutal sport, is universally more accepted then mixed martial arts? The fact is again there are many myths and false information out there that cloud society's vision. Mixed martial arts draws a lot of negative attention due to the size of the gloves the fighters use. The gloves in mixed martial arts are 4 ounces while the average gloves in boxing are 8 ounces. The misconception is the larger the glove the more it protects the fighter. This is partially correct. A larger glove (more padding) will allow a fighter to absorb more punches without causing any cuts. What most people don't understand is that gloves were not invented to protect the fighter's faces they were in fact invented for protection of the hands! The impact of a larger glove is much more traumatic then that of a smaller one due to the increased surface. Boxing matches consist of two men repeatedly hitting each other for as much as twelve three minute rounds. Mixed martial arts, on the other hand allows a fighter to hold or take their opponent to the ground where the power in a blow is drastically reduced. Boxing also allows a fighter who has been knocked down, the opportunity to recoup and continue fighting once they can beat the 10 count. Mixed martial arts on the other hand, end a fight when a fighter has been knocked down. The significance of this is the fact that the most damage done to the brain of a fighter is after they suffer the initial concussion. Every blow after this point is highly detrimental and extremely dangerous.

I'm not trying to discount boxing as a sport. I'm merely trying to show you how safe a sport mixed martial arts is. Boxing has had three deaths alone this year. If that makes you wonder how anyone could allow any of these combative sports to exist, I guess you haven't heard that high school football averages four deaths per year and that doesn't include the number of paralysis victims per year. Mixed martial arts is far safer then it looks and statistically safer then football, which is a sport that we not only embrace, but often sign our children up for. If mixed martial arts isn't safe how do we feel about football?

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Martial Arts Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

A Martial Artist s View of The Film Dead Man

The first time I saw �Dead Man� was by sheer accident. I was channel surfing as it came on.

The fact that it stars Johnny Depp in the title role, made it promising, and he�s very good in the film.

The first sequence shows him as a passenger on a train, arguably the best-dressed, or at least the most formal. As the jouey continues, the passengers change from being family types to gritty frontiersmen, who take a second or two to raise the windows and shoot at stampeding buffalo.

Depp is headed toward Machine, the end of the line; a one-company town, where he has been offered a job at the foundry as an accountant. Upon arrival, he leas from a crusty toady and even from the gun wielding boss himself, played menacingly enough by Robert Michum, that he�s too late.

The post was given to someone else, a month before. It seems his invitation, at this point is two months old. (Depp had to bury his parents before leaving Cleveland, that�s all we�re told.)

Retiring to the saloon, where his small change will only buy him a pint of whiskey, Depp meets a local flower girl who sells paper creations; the implication being that nothing as delicate as real flowers can take root in muddy, grimy Machine.

She invites Depp back to her room; they�re discovered by her errant beau, whom she insults, and he plugs her with a bullet as she throws herself in front of Depp, either to save him or because she�s ready to move on.

Depp retus fire, felling her boyfriend, played by a twitchy Gabriel Bye. Then, Depp notices that Bye�s bullet passed through the girl and entered his slowly bleeding chest, where it is now lodged perilously near his heart.

Depp flees on Bye�s pinto. Every lowlife in the west is lured into hunting for Depp based on a $500 reward offered by Mitchum. We�re told Bye was Mitchum�s boy, and Mitchum is pissed about that loss, but perhaps even more incensed about losing his prized pinto

An unconscious Depp is found and nursed by a Native American who has people call him, Nobody.

Nobody treats Depp as if he�s already dead, speaking to him about the spirit world, and taking Depp deep into Native country to find a proper send-off into the world beyond.

The key question that the film raises for the martial artist is: �What kind of life do we live when we consider ourselves already dead?�

And, is it helpful to think of ourselves as dead, though we�re still breathing and eating and functioning in this world?

Arguably, to be a martial artist, you need to accept and to confront the inevitability of death, which can happen on the mat, through a simple mistake, or out on the street, at the hands of a foe.

Theoretically, when you know you�re dying, or think of yourself as already dead, you can let go of holding back.

Depp�s transformation is worth seeing, and this movie adds yet another interesting view of what the Wild West was about.

Dr. Gary S. Goodman is the best-selling author of 12 books, over 600 articles, and the creator of numerous audio and video training programs, including "The Law of Large Numbers: How To Make Success Inevitable," published by Nightingale-Conant-a favorite among salespeople and entrepreneurs. For information about booking Gary to speak at your next sales, customer service or management meeting, conference or convention, please address your inquiry to: gary@customersatisfaction.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Gary_S._Goodman

The Evolution of Kickboxing

Kickboxing is a sporting martial art very similar to boxing, except for the fact that it uses both arms and legs for striking. It can be practiced either as a full-contact combat sport or for general fitness. While the term refers to various forms of combat sports, it is generally associated with Japanese and American kickboxing. The term was introduced by Osamu Noguchi, a Japanase boxing promoter.

The History of Kickboxing

Kickboxing is a derivative of karate, boxing, taekwondo and other combat styles and it was created to compete against them. All styles of kickboxing have been first developed in Japan. However, similar influences were taking place in the United States as well and martial artists from toured both Japan and US, developing a common kickboxing standard.

Initial Japanese Development

As a specific form of martial art, kickboxing was inspired from Muay Thai, a combat sport originated in Thailand. Osamu Noguchi, a Japanese boxing promoter, developed it as a competitive style to oppose Muay Thai. He wanted to present to the Japanese people the fighting style that he had discovered in Thailand and in 1966 he took three Muay Thai fighters to compete against Japanese karate fighters. The Japanese won by 2-1. Noguchi and Kenji Kurosaki studied the combat style thoroughly and developed a combined martial art called kickboxing. At first, throwing and butting were allowed in order to distinguish it from the Muay Thai style. However, they were later eliminated.

A few years later, the Kickboxing Association, the first kickboxing organization, was founded in Japan. Kickboxing was broadcast on TV and became very popular in Japan. Back then, Tadashi Sawamura was an extremely popular kickboxer. After he retired, kickboxing started to lose its popularity and stopped being broadcast on TV. He hadn't been on TV until 1993, when K-1 was founded. In 1993, Kazuyoshi Ishii, who was the founder of Seidokan karate, produced K-1 under kickboxing rules (no elbow or neck wrestling). Since then, kickboxing started to regain its popularity and became famous again. Soon it's popularity started spreading through North America and Europe as well.

Spreading to North America and Europe

Jan Plas, a Dutch kickboxer, and a few Muay Thai pioneers, initiated Mejiro jym in Netherlands in 1978. He had leaed kick boxing in Japan from the famous Kenji Kurosaki. In addition, he was also the one that founded the Dutch Kickboxing Association (NKBB) in 1978, which was the first kickboxing organization in the Netherlands.

Kickboxing & Fitness

Kickboxing has gradually become a fitness craze as well. Kickboxing classes are very popular in European countries also. They are attended by both men and women. It has become very popular among women of all ages who are always looking for new methods to lose weight or stay in shape.

As you walk by a kickboxing class, you will see that most times it is packed. It seems that all you have to bring is yourself and plenty of energy. Kickboxing classes are generally coregraphed to house or techno music. The whole class consists of a full hour of punching to the beat. It involves a lot of arm movements, squats, power movements and a good amount of cardiovascular workout. This is what explains its high popularity as a fitness activity. With all the fun, you even forget about the fact that you are actually working out.

Sue Taylor is the webmaster of a site dedicated to kickboxing. For more information, refer to http://www.kickboxingnews.info

Develop Your Fighting Sixth Sense

One great thing about street-fighting self defense and martial arts is that the single most effective training "tool" you can get is also the cheapest and easiest to find.

Now, I am not talking about sparring gloves, punching bags, training knives or anything like that.

No, what I am talking about is, quite simply, a training partner.

Why do I say this?

Because if you are training yourself to deal with "real life" altercations, then you should always train how you would fight. And using boxing bags and training dummies just doesn't cut it. They don't think and they don't move like a regular human being does.

In fact, you should not only find a training partner right away to practice your skills with...but you should also try to find a variety of training partners that are all different -- big, small, strong, unskilled, savvy -- get them all in there.

You should also find people who train in karate, boxing, wrestling, and other fighting arts. And you should especially train with people who don't have any training at all -- and won't know about or care about any of the "rules" that people are forced to observe in a formal training situation.

And finally, you should also train in different terrains.

Like small rooms, tight hallways, parking lots, in the snow and even in enclosed areas like bathrooms and closets. Reason why is because you just never know if, when and where you are going to be attacked. And since most violent crimes occur at night by people who don't want to be seen or heard, you will probably not be attacked in a wide open space with lots of room and good visibility. Instead, if you ever are attacked on the street some day, there's a good chance it could be in a dark alley, a public restroom, inside your car or even in something as cramped as a phone booth.

Bottom line:

If you start to train with all different kinds of people in all different kinds of environments over the next several months...you'll start to gain an almost "sixth sense" type of awareness that'll make you way more prepared for a fight than just about anyone dumb enough to attack you.

Sifu Matt Numrich is one of only a few instructors in the world with Full Certification in Bruce Lee�s Jeet Kune Do, and also the Filipino Martial Arts. His students include everyone from Federal Air Marshals and military elites to small children and 65-year old ladies. Matt also offers free weekly street-fighting lessons by email at http://jkdondvd.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Numrich

Martial Artist Says Hand Weapons Should Be Few Simple Effective

Watch most of the martial arts movies coming from Hong Kong, and you�ll see some unusual hand weapons being deployed.

Some look like striking snakes; others like pecking hens.

Which hand weapons are best?

In my view, we should lea a variety of hand variations, but stick to deploying a just a few simple and solid ones in our training and in combat.

Here are my four favorites:

(1) Closed Fist. There is a reason that many punches employ a closed fist. It is solid, hard, resistant to injury, and it penetrates upon contact with the opponent. The knuckles are the primary striking surface, moving frontally or side to side, but the soft surface, next to the baby finger, can be used as well in a hammering motion.

(2) Tiger�s Claw. This is a five-finger deployment, utilizing curled and rigid digits, useful in facial and eye attacks.

(3) Braced Thumb. Make a fist, bring your thumb up beyond and flush with your index finger, and you have an excellent weapon for soft targets, such as eyes, or the temple area.

(4) Eagle�s Talon or Crab. This is a three-digit deployment, using the index and middle fingers and the thumb, in opposition to each other. Squeezing these together in an attack on the neck and Adam�s apple is efficient because it creates a quick grab and requires very little space for landing in the right spot.

I�m not a big fan of the �shuto,� known commonly as a �karate chop.� I think it�s too easy to damage yourself when using it, especially if you accidentally strike a hard surface of the opponent�s body.

For the same reason, I�m reluctant to launch solitary finger strikes. It�s way too easy to break an unsupported finger, causing pain and distraction in a critical situation.

Let me know what works for you, and why!

Dr. Gary S. Goodman, President of Customersatisfaction.com, is a popular keynote speaker, management consultant, and seminar leader and the best-selling author of 12 books, including Reach Out & Sell Someone� and Monitoring, Measuring & Managing Customer Service, and the audio program, �The Law of Large Numbers: How To Make Success Inevitable,� published by Nightingale-Conant. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, worldwide. A Ph.D. from USC's Annenberg School, a Loyola lawyer, and an MBA from the Peter F. Drucker School at Claremont Graduate University, Gary offers programs through UCLA Extension and numerous universities, trade associations, and other organizations in the United States and abroad. He holds the rank of Shodan, 1st Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate. He is headquartered in Glendale, Califoia, and he can be reached at (818) 243-7338 or at: gary@customersatisfaction.com.

Top 8 Reasons To Train Martial Arts

Many people want an �easy fix� to improve their mental and physical well-being. Unfortunately, there is no such thing. Fortunately, there are martial arts. While it�s not always easy, training martial arts can improve your mind and body like no other activity. You�ll get definite rewards for every ounce of energy you put into your training. Here are the top eight reasons why you should consider training martial arts as part of your healthy lifestyle:

1. Self-Awareness. Training martial arts is not a mindless activity. You�re not able to watch television, read a magazine or simply zone out like you can when you jump on a treadmill for thirty minutes. Training martial arts requires you to get (and keep) your mind and body in tune with one another. To do this, you�ll be very aware of your body and your abilities.

2. Self Confidence. Being in tune with your mind and body gives you the confidence you need to control and defend yourself. You�ll lea that you don�t need to lose your temper and you�ll know that you�ll be able to physically defend yourself if needed.

3. Focus and Concentration. While training martial arts, you need to focus and concentrate on what you are doing so that you don�t injure yourself or those around you. The best part, however, is that this necessity during training actually carries over into the rest of your life. It improves your overall ability to focus and concentrate at work, school and home.

4. Challenge. In order to effectively train in martial arts, your workout will always be changing. This means you�ll never get bored. You�ll always be striving to reach a new goal to get to a new level. Doing different exercises works different parts of your body and mastering new moves challenges your mind. It�s not the same old routine that you get from exercise videos or from jogging the same route everyday.

5. Stress Reduction. Most people believe that physical exercise alone is a great stress reliever. Well, they are half right. Many physical exercises such as a bike ride or spinning class can help reduce the physical effects of stress. However, if you do these activities, you aren�t helping your mind relieve stress as much as you could. Activities that require you to concentrate on your movements and core strength can give you full stress relief in one activity.

6. Physical Conditioning. Training martial arts uses your entire body. To keep control of your body and movements, you can�t just use one muscle set at a time. With martial arts, you don�t have to switch between upper and lower body workouts. You don�t have to continually research new movements so you don�t get bored. With martial arts, the exercises are always changing and evolving to get the maximum out of each training session. If you�re still not convinced, here is another benefit to training martial arts: regular physical activity can lower your chances of suffering from heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

7. Flexibility. Flexibility training is a major component to martial arts training. While many people think they�re too old to improve their flexibility, it�s never too late to start and the benefits of high flexibility really do speak for themselves: People who are flexible suffer fewer injuries, have better posture and are better able to relax their muscles.

8. Self Defense. While many martial arts do not train specifically for combat and fighting, the ability to use self-defense, if needed, is there. This self-defense isn�t even always physical. The focus, concentration, awareness and confidence you gain from training martial arts can give you the peace of mind to handle most situations.

Everyone owes it to their minds and bodies to take care of themselves and the best way to get an all-around physical and mental workout is to start a martial arts program. Why not give it a try? You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. To make it even easier, I�ll help you get started. Just contact me and I�ll send you my free report on how to pick a martial arts school.

Mr. Robert Jones
Master Instructor
The Academy Of Kempo Martial Arts

Robert Jones is a respected Martial Arts teacher who runs three successful schools located in Bellevue, Lynnwood, and Kent, Washington. He has been helping families make positive changes in their lives through martial arts for over 20 years. He also has written two guides on how to pick a martial art school. One for adults and one for parents wanting to pick the right school for their child. He can be reached at info@kungfutemple.com or at the Academy of Kempo Martial Arts http://www.kungfutemple.com 1-800-508-6141.

Call Your Martial Arts Training Partner An An A Hole

Sometimes in my street-fighting martial arts classes...I will purposely put two people who don't like each other (or even hate each other) together during sparring sessions.

In some cases, when I really want them to make progress, I'll encourage them to tease, taunt and even verbally abuse each other.

Why do I do this?

Is it because I'm some kind of jerk who gets a rise out watching people yell at one another?

Not at all.

I do this because making people train in emotionally-charged situations like this is one of the single best ways to teach them how to control their emotions and keep their priorities straight.

You see, in a real fight on the street, you are going be exposed to a level of emotional intensity that you simply will not feel anywhere else. Anywhere.

And so, if you can lea how to distance yourself from your anger, your fear and your frustration -- by training yourself how to block it out while sparring in an emotionally-charged situation -- then your chances of walking away from a real fight in one piece go up dramatically.

And you should do the same thing when you spar and train. Taunt and tease each other. Call each other names. Push each other's hot buttons.

Just make sure you do NOT do this without a third person present to mediate things, especially if either of you lacks self control.

In fact, be very careful with this. Because if either (or worse, both) of you have deep hostility towards each other, then you could end up going much farther than sparring.

So like anything -- especially when it comes to training how to fight -- use common sense.

Sifu Matt Numrich is one of only a few instructors in the world with Full Certification in Bruce Lee�s Jeet Kune Do, and also the Filipino Martial Arts. His students include everyone from Federal Air Marshals and military elites to small children and 65-year old ladies. Matt also offers free weekly street-fighting lessons by email at http://jkdondvd.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Numrich

How to Become A Modern Day Ninja Master

The ninja were a military order in Japan. Most people have seen them in movies and fictional books.

They are the guys dressed in the black suits that seem to have amazing powers, such as climbing the outside of buildings with no rope, or seeming to disappear instantly.

Behind ninjutsu you will sometimes see reference to 'hidden powers' or ninja magic. Leaing what this is exactly is part of the jouey of the ninja master. All of us have the ability to tap into a greater force than we usually display. With training you can master this.

But behind all that mystery is the true story of the ninja master, who has very definite training. The actual martial art has a name, which is ninjutsu. Jutsu is a Japanese word for way.

There is also another Japanese word for way, which is do(pronounced doh)

So you have karate-do, which means the way of the empty hand.

Ninja Training in the US

There are various training schools in the US but before you start I suggest you read up on it. A great resource I have found is by Ninja Fanatic, John Lee.

Cover the ground in his book - Ninja Secrets Revealed - and then you will be more prepared to take your training further.

All such training starts from a desire, which gradually develops into mastery.

Today could be the start of your jouey to mastering the ninja art and all its secrets.

Good Luck.

Or as they say in Japanese: "Gunbatte Kudasai"

Graeme Sprigge is a tae-kwon-do exponent with the rank of blue belt and brown tip. One of his hobbies is martial arts. He is currently studying Taijiquan (tai chi), using reference material from Master Wang Peisheng one of the Beijing Masters More Ninja Info Here

Copyright 2005 Graeme Sprigge

Martial Arts Speaker Asks Is That Angry Gas Station Hobo Really A Threat

Tonight my dashboard emitted the shrill signal that says I was running on empty and I had to sidle up to a pump, and pronto.

Fortunately, across from where I ate dinner there is a discount station that sells Union 76 gas, which I suppose is of fairly high quality because the company is so big.

Before pulling in, I noticed a disheveled hobo was leaning against the posts that under gird the big 76 sign. Every now and then he sneered or shouted at passing traffic and ogled the customers that stopped for gas.

�Should I pull in?� I asked myself.

After all, if you read my martial arts articles, you know I�m a big fan of PREVENTION.

My advice is simple: If an environment is hostile, don�t go there.

Split!

But here I was, in perhaps that very position. The gas is better and cheaper here than anywhere else within my tank�s low range, but why expose oneself to a hassle or worse?

Still, there was a voice inside that said: �Come on, you can handle him; easily!�

And so I happily pumped my gas, cleaned the windshield, and took my time, and he didn�t budge from his post.

I monitored the nonverbal expressions and body language of the other patrons, and I�ll tell you, they were scared.

Then, I realized one of the benefits of studying martial arts for many years, rising to Black Belt, and training others.

I have a choice: fright or flight or flight. Or, none of the above, if I choose to communicate my way through the turmoil.

Anyway, having choices, being deliberate and thoughtful, calculating your responses, these things come from intensive study and practice.

And tonight�s non-problem is just a reminder that every ounce of sweat, every bruise and broken bone that I experienced, was worth it.

Dr. Gary S. Goodman is th best-selling author of 12 books, over 600 articles, and the creator of numerous audio and video training progrms, includng "The Law of Large Numbers: How To Make Success Inevitable," published by Nightingale-Conant. He is a popular professional speaker and seminar producer and a frequent commentator on radio and TV, worldwide. He holds the rank of Shodan, 1st Degree Black Belt in Kenpo Karate. He is only the 20th person to reach that rank at his dojo, since is founding, in 1974. For information about booking Gary as a speaker or retaining him as a sales, customer service, or success consultant, please send your inquiry to: gary@customersatisfaction.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Gary_S._Goodman

The Best Self Defense Strategy The 6 Phases of a Perfect Self Defense Plan

Contrary to popular belief, there is a big difference between a fight and a self-defense situation. While both may look the same on a physical, combative level, the reason that each participant is there is very different.

As a general rule, a fight is a contest involving two or more willing participants, all trying to "win" or prove that they are "right." A self-defense situation, on the other hand, may involve more than one willing participant but, they are all on the SAME side!

The defender in a self-protection encounter is the unwilling target of an attack launched by another who is trying to take something from her. As a result, she is not trying to win or lose necessarily, as much as she's trying to get out of the situation altogether.

The following is a list of the six general phases of progression that one goes through in being properly prepared for a self-defense situation - beginning with the least amount of threat to the defender and leading to that which poses the greatest potential for damage. Each phase, or stage, itself, has the potential of reducing or completely eliminating your chances of ending up as a crime statistic as a victim of assault or some other serious crime.

If you are to be properly prepared to maintain a safe and danger-free life, you must insure that your training takes all of these phases into consideration.

1. General Awareness - Accept that there is danger in the world and choose to do something about NOT being a victim of it.

2. Awareness of Danger Potential - Tune-in and be aware of your surroundings. Know that the sooner you can be aware of danger that might affect you, the more choices you have for dealing with it.

3. Escaping to Safety - Know how to choose good escape routes from where you are. Have escape routes pre-planned from your home and everywhere else you frequent regularly. And, have multiple routes to and from places like work, the mall, school(s), and of course, your home.

4. Distraction Tactics - Don't be in a hurry to fight. If at all possible, use humor, trickery, and other non-threatening, non-confrontational strategies to diffuse the situation or distract the attacker's mind away from you as the target.

5.Project a Confident Attitude - As a last resort, use firm, committed speech and body language to try to dissuade the assailant from going through with his plan to attack. Let him know, in no uncertain terms, that you will not be an easy target.

6.Physical Self-Defense - If all else fails, and you end up at this phase - be prepared to win.

It's important to note that "physical self-defense" comes at the end of the list. This is never the preferred choice for handling things as there is always the chance, no matter how good you are, of something going wrong.

As I said, the more options you have in being able to avoid or escape from a situation before it gets physical, the greater your chances of success with the least amount of wear-and-tear.

But, remember: If you must fight, then do everything in your power to go home safely. After all, this is about "defense", right?

Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder of Warrior Concepts Inteational, a Pennsylvania-based company specializing in helping private, law enforcement, and corporate clients to develop time-tested and proven self-protection and personal development skills that work in the real-world. He is the author of the highly acclaimed, educational video, Danger Prevention Tactics. His latest book, The Karate-Myth shows the reader why most martial arts and self-defense programs don't work and how to insure your safety in today's violent world. For additonal information about having this inteationally-recognized expert as a guest or keynote speaker for your organization's next meeting, or to sponsor a seminar with Mr. Miller, you may contact him through his web site or by calling WCI in the U.S. and Canada, at (570) 988-2228.