By: Yoshi Kundagawa
The sweat was actually dripping off my nose and forming a little pool of desperation on the hard, black dojo mat. I could feel my lungs burning like a million tiny midgets were inside them at a Metallica concert and waving their lighters at the end of a blistering guitar solo.
I could tell I was pushing my body to its limit. Anytime I am nearing my aerobic maximum my perception of the world collapses. Everything becomes two dimensional. My eyes lose the ability to see vivid colors, and my ears stop sensing the space around me. All you can hear is your own labored breathing, the rhythmic pounding of your own heart and a screaming innner voice that is crying for you to stop the insanity and find a donut shop!
I was at my third Aerobic Kickboxing Workout class at my gym. I’m a recovering couch potato desperately searching for a chance at redemption, or at least a smaller waistline.
My training parter looked to be a decade younger, and in roughly the same horrible physical condition as me. He was holding muay thai kickboxing pads around waist high. I feebly kicked the pads 10 times with my right leg, then switched to 10 with my even more pathetic left leg, then I moaned through 10 knucklepush ups, then 10 hill climbers then 10 jumping squats, then 10 burpees...burpees, good old burpees. Then I dimly remember smiling as I thought I was done...instead of switching places, the instructor, Kru Evil, made me do it again...and again...and again.
Was this kickboxing workout the most difficult workout of my life? Not sure...I can barely remember it. All I know is I felt amazing at the end of class. Exhausted, drenched but with a strange feeling of euphoria. I’ll be back in 3 days to do it all again!
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
Free Mozilla Firefox
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Friday, November 2, 2007
Muay Thai Camp and Training
By Kittisak Wongwai
Muay Thai involves boxing techniques, hard kicking, and knee and elbow strikes. Low kicks to the thighs are a very distinguishing technique used frequently in Muay Thai. Stand up grappling is also used and allowed in the ring. Muay Thai practitioners develop a very high level of physical conditioning developed by its practitioners.
The origins of this martial art and sport are thought to stretch back to the wars with the Burmese during the 15th century. Thailand's first famous boxer was one, 'Nai Khanom Tom' , who was a famous practitioner of Muay Thai. Around 1774, he was captured along with other Thai prisoners, either in a skirmish or at the fall of the ancient capital of Siam of Ayutthaya. He was brought to Rangoon in Burma, where the Burmese King Mangra was holding a religious festival in honor of Buddha's relics. The festivities included many forms of entertainment. King Mangra was reported to be curious to see how the various fighting styles of Burma and other countries would compare. At one point, he wanted to see how Muay Boran would compare to the Burmese art Lethwei. Nai Khanomtom was selected to fight against the Burmese champion. Nai Khanomtom did a Wai Kru pre-fight dance which puzzled all of the Burmese. When the fight began, he charged out and using punches, kicks, elbows, and knees, quickly pummeled the Burmese.
The referee was reported to have stated that the Burmese opponent was distracted by the Wai Kru, so the knockout was invalid. The King then asked if Nai Khanomtom would fight nine other Burmese champions to prove himself. He agreed and fought them all, one after the other with no rest periods between fights. The last Burmese was reputed to be a great boxing teacher. Nai Khanomtom defeated them all in a superior fashion.
King Mangra was so impressed that he remarked, "Every part of the Thai is blessed with venom. Even with his bare hands, he can fell nine or ten opponents. As his lord master was incompetent, the country was lost to the enemy. If his lord had been any good, there was no way the City of Ayutthaya would ever have fallen."
He granted Nai Khanomtom freedom along with either riches or two beautiful Burmese wives. Nai Khanomtom chose the wives as he said that money was easier to find. He then departed with his wives for Siam. Other variations of this story had him also winning the release of his fellow Thai prisoners. His feat is celebrated every March 17 as "Boxer's Day" or "National Muay Thai Day" in his honor and that of Muay Thai's.
Muay Boran is divided to Muay ThaSao (North), Muay Korat (Esarn or NorthEast), Muay Lobburee (Center region), Muay Chaiya (South)
There are a phrase about Muay Thai Boran that "Punch Korat, Wit Lobburee, Posture Chaiya, Faster Thasao"
Muay Korat emphasizes in strength. There are one technique call "Throwing buffalo punch". It was call like this since it can defeat the buffalo in one blow.
Muay Lobburee emphasizes in clever movements. Its strength point is the straight and turned punch.
Muay Chaiya emphasizes in posture, defending. It's difficult for opponent to attack. Muay Chaiya stress in elbows and knees.
Muay Thasao emphasizes in speed. Muay Thasao stress in speeding kick. Cause of their faster speed, this Muay Boran was call "Ling Lom" (windy monkey or Loris)
Muay Thai in present is different from the past. Muay Thai Boran (Old Muay Thai) use the wit in fighting. It's not like Muay Thai in today that all the fighters emphasize in strength.
During the late 1920s and 30s Muay Thai training was developed. Gyms were constructed and punch bags and balls became widely available. The use of training gloves and contest gloves became the norm. Muay Thai became a favourite sport and pastime. Every village staged prize fights and people from all walks of life flocked to training camps.
The basic techniques include punch techniques (jab, straight right/cross, hook and uppercut), elbow techniques (horizontal, diagonal-upwards, diagonal-downwards, uppercut, downward, backward-spinning and flying) and kicking techniques (push kick, roundhouse kick, etc.).
The training program is base on your muaythai level . Regular program ( 2 Hrs ) is include : Warm Up/Stretch , Run ( 1 - 10 Km. ) , Skip (15 Minutes) , Shadow Box (3 rounds) , Bag Work (3 rounds) , Pad Work (3 rounds) , Clinching/Sparring ( 3 rounds) , Fitness , Shadow Box (2 rounds) , Cool Down Stretch .
Nowadays the Muay Thai ring is the same size as that used for Western boxing, 24 foot square. The floor of the ring is wooden with canvas-covered matting. Traditionally the four sides of the ring are aligned with the points of a compass. The red corner points NW, the blue SE. The other two corners are white. These colours are derived from Western boxing and were introduced in the 1920s. The red corner is usually assigned to the defending champion or the contestant thought to have the advantage.
Muay Thai truly has evolved from a battlefield art into a popular sport. It has recently been accepted as an official sport in Asian Games competition and the push is on to have it accepted as an official Olympic sport. It is becoming increasingly popular outside of Thailand and has enthusiasts and practitioners in the Americas, Australia, Africa, Japan, and Europe. The fighting tradition continues to be passed on and is spreading wide and far. The illustrious history of MuayThai is on a path to greater recognition and international popularity.
http://www.muaythai-camp-thailand.com/
Muay Thai involves boxing techniques, hard kicking, and knee and elbow strikes. Low kicks to the thighs are a very distinguishing technique used frequently in Muay Thai. Stand up grappling is also used and allowed in the ring. Muay Thai practitioners develop a very high level of physical conditioning developed by its practitioners.
The origins of this martial art and sport are thought to stretch back to the wars with the Burmese during the 15th century. Thailand's first famous boxer was one, 'Nai Khanom Tom' , who was a famous practitioner of Muay Thai. Around 1774, he was captured along with other Thai prisoners, either in a skirmish or at the fall of the ancient capital of Siam of Ayutthaya. He was brought to Rangoon in Burma, where the Burmese King Mangra was holding a religious festival in honor of Buddha's relics. The festivities included many forms of entertainment. King Mangra was reported to be curious to see how the various fighting styles of Burma and other countries would compare. At one point, he wanted to see how Muay Boran would compare to the Burmese art Lethwei. Nai Khanomtom was selected to fight against the Burmese champion. Nai Khanomtom did a Wai Kru pre-fight dance which puzzled all of the Burmese. When the fight began, he charged out and using punches, kicks, elbows, and knees, quickly pummeled the Burmese.
The referee was reported to have stated that the Burmese opponent was distracted by the Wai Kru, so the knockout was invalid. The King then asked if Nai Khanomtom would fight nine other Burmese champions to prove himself. He agreed and fought them all, one after the other with no rest periods between fights. The last Burmese was reputed to be a great boxing teacher. Nai Khanomtom defeated them all in a superior fashion.
King Mangra was so impressed that he remarked, "Every part of the Thai is blessed with venom. Even with his bare hands, he can fell nine or ten opponents. As his lord master was incompetent, the country was lost to the enemy. If his lord had been any good, there was no way the City of Ayutthaya would ever have fallen."
He granted Nai Khanomtom freedom along with either riches or two beautiful Burmese wives. Nai Khanomtom chose the wives as he said that money was easier to find. He then departed with his wives for Siam. Other variations of this story had him also winning the release of his fellow Thai prisoners. His feat is celebrated every March 17 as "Boxer's Day" or "National Muay Thai Day" in his honor and that of Muay Thai's.
Muay Boran is divided to Muay ThaSao (North), Muay Korat (Esarn or NorthEast), Muay Lobburee (Center region), Muay Chaiya (South)
There are a phrase about Muay Thai Boran that "Punch Korat, Wit Lobburee, Posture Chaiya, Faster Thasao"
Muay Korat emphasizes in strength. There are one technique call "Throwing buffalo punch". It was call like this since it can defeat the buffalo in one blow.
Muay Lobburee emphasizes in clever movements. Its strength point is the straight and turned punch.
Muay Chaiya emphasizes in posture, defending. It's difficult for opponent to attack. Muay Chaiya stress in elbows and knees.
Muay Thasao emphasizes in speed. Muay Thasao stress in speeding kick. Cause of their faster speed, this Muay Boran was call "Ling Lom" (windy monkey or Loris)
Muay Thai in present is different from the past. Muay Thai Boran (Old Muay Thai) use the wit in fighting. It's not like Muay Thai in today that all the fighters emphasize in strength.
During the late 1920s and 30s Muay Thai training was developed. Gyms were constructed and punch bags and balls became widely available. The use of training gloves and contest gloves became the norm. Muay Thai became a favourite sport and pastime. Every village staged prize fights and people from all walks of life flocked to training camps.
The basic techniques include punch techniques (jab, straight right/cross, hook and uppercut), elbow techniques (horizontal, diagonal-upwards, diagonal-downwards, uppercut, downward, backward-spinning and flying) and kicking techniques (push kick, roundhouse kick, etc.).
The training program is base on your muaythai level . Regular program ( 2 Hrs ) is include : Warm Up/Stretch , Run ( 1 - 10 Km. ) , Skip (15 Minutes) , Shadow Box (3 rounds) , Bag Work (3 rounds) , Pad Work (3 rounds) , Clinching/Sparring ( 3 rounds) , Fitness , Shadow Box (2 rounds) , Cool Down Stretch .
Nowadays the Muay Thai ring is the same size as that used for Western boxing, 24 foot square. The floor of the ring is wooden with canvas-covered matting. Traditionally the four sides of the ring are aligned with the points of a compass. The red corner points NW, the blue SE. The other two corners are white. These colours are derived from Western boxing and were introduced in the 1920s. The red corner is usually assigned to the defending champion or the contestant thought to have the advantage.
Muay Thai truly has evolved from a battlefield art into a popular sport. It has recently been accepted as an official sport in Asian Games competition and the push is on to have it accepted as an official Olympic sport. It is becoming increasingly popular outside of Thailand and has enthusiasts and practitioners in the Americas, Australia, Africa, Japan, and Europe. The fighting tradition continues to be passed on and is spreading wide and far. The illustrious history of MuayThai is on a path to greater recognition and international popularity.
http://www.muaythai-camp-thailand.com/
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
How Muay Thai Kickboxing Workouts Changed My Body
By: Yoshi Kundagawa
Imagine Getting Into Phenomenal Shape With Kickboxing Workouts
I've been taking kickboxing for about 10 weeks on Mondays and Thursdays. It has been a intense and rewarding. The thai kickboxing workouts push your cardio that's for sure. Even though I am a rookie they make me sweat like a sauna!
The muaythai kickboxing workout begins by lining up in the gym facing our teacher called a Kru. We exchange bows, and he begins the warmup. We begin with jumping rope.
I was completely surprised how hard jumping rope is. I felt so discombobulated. I came to class 24 pounds overweight, and maybe my co-ordination was a little rusty. The resin-covered rope would smack my bare toes and it really smarts!
I would watch the more experienced students jump rope and see if I could keep up. Sometimes I could go 15-20 jumps in a row before I would hit my toes or head with the rope. But after a month I got the hang of it. We jump rope in the thai kickboxing workouts until we start to sweat, maybe 4 to 6 minutes.
Then comes the really hard part, the cardiovascular conditioning. Every kickboxing class has a unique routine for cardio. Sometimes we do crunches, jumping burpees, sometimes hillclimbers, always lots of squats, jumping squats, knucklepushups and the like. Imagine a real brutal session of calesthetics. You pant hard and you often see rookies turn pale.
After cardio we generally practice kickboxing techniques for 20 to 25 minutes. And like the cardio, technique training varies from class to class. Nearly every class we work our thai kicks onto the thai pads that your partners hold. Often we work punching combinations. We work routines like tepe kick, 4 punch combo then left inside thai kick. I really enjoy the variety, it keeps the training from becoming routine or dull.
The class always ends the same way...with pain...usually abdominal pain. You lie on your back on the hard mat covered floor, and lift just your legs until they are vertical up in the air. Your partner stands at your head, facing your feet. Your training partner pushes on your feet, forcing your legs back down to the floor. You raise your legs again to vertical and the partner pushes them back down...this goes on for 4 straight minutes. Your abs are screaming after 1, weeping after 2, and generally are nearing failure before the session ends. Then you get to torture your partner!
I honestly thought I saw an abdominal muscle on my body the other day in the mirror. It's impossible, I still have at least 10 pounds of blubber to lose, but I feel fantastic! My energy levels are off the charts, I'm sleeping so much better at night and I love it. I highly recommend muay thai kickboxing workouts for anyone serious about getting into top shape!
Article Source: http://www.afreearticle.com
Imagine Getting Into Phenomenal Shape With Kickboxing Workouts
I've been taking kickboxing for about 10 weeks on Mondays and Thursdays. It has been a intense and rewarding. The thai kickboxing workouts push your cardio that's for sure. Even though I am a rookie they make me sweat like a sauna!
The muaythai kickboxing workout begins by lining up in the gym facing our teacher called a Kru. We exchange bows, and he begins the warmup. We begin with jumping rope.
I was completely surprised how hard jumping rope is. I felt so discombobulated. I came to class 24 pounds overweight, and maybe my co-ordination was a little rusty. The resin-covered rope would smack my bare toes and it really smarts!
I would watch the more experienced students jump rope and see if I could keep up. Sometimes I could go 15-20 jumps in a row before I would hit my toes or head with the rope. But after a month I got the hang of it. We jump rope in the thai kickboxing workouts until we start to sweat, maybe 4 to 6 minutes.
Then comes the really hard part, the cardiovascular conditioning. Every kickboxing class has a unique routine for cardio. Sometimes we do crunches, jumping burpees, sometimes hillclimbers, always lots of squats, jumping squats, knucklepushups and the like. Imagine a real brutal session of calesthetics. You pant hard and you often see rookies turn pale.
After cardio we generally practice kickboxing techniques for 20 to 25 minutes. And like the cardio, technique training varies from class to class. Nearly every class we work our thai kicks onto the thai pads that your partners hold. Often we work punching combinations. We work routines like tepe kick, 4 punch combo then left inside thai kick. I really enjoy the variety, it keeps the training from becoming routine or dull.
The class always ends the same way...with pain...usually abdominal pain. You lie on your back on the hard mat covered floor, and lift just your legs until they are vertical up in the air. Your partner stands at your head, facing your feet. Your training partner pushes on your feet, forcing your legs back down to the floor. You raise your legs again to vertical and the partner pushes them back down...this goes on for 4 straight minutes. Your abs are screaming after 1, weeping after 2, and generally are nearing failure before the session ends. Then you get to torture your partner!
I honestly thought I saw an abdominal muscle on my body the other day in the mirror. It's impossible, I still have at least 10 pounds of blubber to lose, but I feel fantastic! My energy levels are off the charts, I'm sleeping so much better at night and I love it. I highly recommend muay thai kickboxing workouts for anyone serious about getting into top shape!
Article Source: http://www.afreearticle.com
Monday, October 29, 2007
A Brief on Muay Thai
It is believed that Muay Thai, or Thai Kickboxing, is where most forms of modern kickboxing originate. It primarily utilitzes the hands, elbows, feet, knees and legs to strike, but practicioners can also combine grappling to strike their opponent. Grappling is normally performed while standing, unlike other martial arts such as judo. Techniques derive from the ancient manual of war, the Chupasart.
Though the Chupasart detailed the effective use of weapons such as the battleaxe and sword, Muay Thai was formed from adopting these same techniques without the use of weaponry. Rather, parts of the body became the weapon.
Muay Thai began as a fighting discipline for Thai people well before the 1500s (the exact date is unknown). As a means of self defence, it was used by a Thai person to either defend their plot of land on which they lived, or to defend their country from foreign attack. Therefore, from layman to nobleman, Muay Thai was practiced by virtually everybody at every level of society.
In 1584, during the reign of King Naresuan, Muay Thai became a sport to keep soldiers in shape during a time when Thailand was at peace. More techniques were added or modified, and rules were added to change it into a sport. A match is, in fact, quite ceremonious, and involves bowing and other Most of the rules that exist in recent times were set in the 1930s.
For the Muay Thai practitioner, the right equipment is essential for a training regiment that is grueling and tedious. The right equipment includes boxing gloves, protective gear, and uniforms. The uniform is generally a pair of nylon or satin shorts, with a wide elasticized waist and legs wide enough to perform high roundhouse kicks. Normally, they are brightly coloured and have beautiful designs.
Muay Thai boxing gloves are different from regular boxing gloves. They are more compact and fit fairly snugly. Bulky boxing gloves inhibit the ability to perform a Muay Thai clinch, a sort of grappling that allows one to grab their opponent and strike them at close contact.
In training, protective gear for the head, chest, and shins is often worn to minimize injury. However, some believe that wearing protection prevents one from conditioning the body and “toughening up”. It is recommended that in the beginning, protection is worn until the practitioner becomes comfortable with their ability, and their tolerance for pain improves. Without a doubt, purchasing high quality equipment will improve your performance.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
Though the Chupasart detailed the effective use of weapons such as the battleaxe and sword, Muay Thai was formed from adopting these same techniques without the use of weaponry. Rather, parts of the body became the weapon.
Muay Thai began as a fighting discipline for Thai people well before the 1500s (the exact date is unknown). As a means of self defence, it was used by a Thai person to either defend their plot of land on which they lived, or to defend their country from foreign attack. Therefore, from layman to nobleman, Muay Thai was practiced by virtually everybody at every level of society.
In 1584, during the reign of King Naresuan, Muay Thai became a sport to keep soldiers in shape during a time when Thailand was at peace. More techniques were added or modified, and rules were added to change it into a sport. A match is, in fact, quite ceremonious, and involves bowing and other Most of the rules that exist in recent times were set in the 1930s.
For the Muay Thai practitioner, the right equipment is essential for a training regiment that is grueling and tedious. The right equipment includes boxing gloves, protective gear, and uniforms. The uniform is generally a pair of nylon or satin shorts, with a wide elasticized waist and legs wide enough to perform high roundhouse kicks. Normally, they are brightly coloured and have beautiful designs.
Muay Thai boxing gloves are different from regular boxing gloves. They are more compact and fit fairly snugly. Bulky boxing gloves inhibit the ability to perform a Muay Thai clinch, a sort of grappling that allows one to grab their opponent and strike them at close contact.
In training, protective gear for the head, chest, and shins is often worn to minimize injury. However, some believe that wearing protection prevents one from conditioning the body and “toughening up”. It is recommended that in the beginning, protection is worn until the practitioner becomes comfortable with their ability, and their tolerance for pain improves. Without a doubt, purchasing high quality equipment will improve your performance.
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Martial Arts Philosophy and Proper Training
By: Kristine Alvarez
Martial arts are systems of offensive and defensive combat movements which includes proper punching, kicking, blocking, and other combative skills. Many people often associate martial arts to violence and brutality. Even though this form of art was developed for self defense, this craft is just about throwing punches or performing high kicks. Martial arts are seen as expressions of valor, chivalry, and self-sacrifice. It is a philosophy which stresses that people should live in peace and harmony. Martial arts philosophy emphasizes on the essence of self-control, respect for others, and positive perspective to strive for the best in life. Martial arts are part of an Eastern tradition that gives emphasis on the fortification of the mind, body, and spirit. Its teachings emphasize that a true martial artist must become physically, mentally, and emotionally strong enough to avoid fighting. The many forms of martial arts include Karate, Kung-Fu, Muay Thai, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Yaw-Yan, and Jiu Jitsu.
Martial arts include high-energy training that can improve strength, speed, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. However, just like other sports or physical activities, there are injuries that can be encountered in martial arts training or competition. Quite surprisingly, the risk of injury from martial arts is lower compared to other contact sports. A research conducted at George Washington University in the United States concluded that the injury rate in martial arts training is lower than other contact sports like rugby, American football, basketball, and hockey. Most injuries associated with martial arts are aching limbs and lower back pain, which are usually mild to moderate injuries.
Common injuries in martial arts may include:
· Skin damage -- such as cuts and bruises.
· Sprains -- Many sprains occur in the ankles, elbows, and other joint areas. Many ankle sprains develop because of improper weight distribution while kicking.
· Strains -- injury to the muscle or tendon. Some muscles may tear from rapid stops that occurs when forceful contact is made with an opponent or object.
· Knee pain injuries -- caused by the bent-knee stance typical of most martial arts and the use of forceful kicks that can injure the joint if not done properly.
· Head injuries – head injuries can occur during training or competition because of heavy impacts of kicks and punches in the head area. Wearing high quality helmet and mouth guards is advised among martial artists
· Dislocations and fractures -- particularly of the hand, finger, foot and toe.
· Overuse injuries -- any part of the body can be injured by sheer repetition of movement.
Martial arts training involve strenuous movements that may put high stress on muscles and joints. To avoid injuries, it is very important to give special attention to stretching. Stretching regularly helps maintain or increase flexibility and lower the risk of injuries. In addition to stretching, martial arts training should also include exercises meant to improve overall conditioning and muscle training before undertaking any comprehensive martial arts training. By strengthening the muscles, joints, and coordination, athletes will be able to make martial arts training safer and more injury-free. Breathing techniques are also important as part of the practice of martial arts. Exhaling while contracting muscles and inhaling while resting the muscles may help prevent injuries.
By warming-up properly, breathing extensively, and wearing necessary equipment, martial artists and athletes can avoid injuries that may hamper the progress of their training and level of competitiveness.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
Martial arts are systems of offensive and defensive combat movements which includes proper punching, kicking, blocking, and other combative skills. Many people often associate martial arts to violence and brutality. Even though this form of art was developed for self defense, this craft is just about throwing punches or performing high kicks. Martial arts are seen as expressions of valor, chivalry, and self-sacrifice. It is a philosophy which stresses that people should live in peace and harmony. Martial arts philosophy emphasizes on the essence of self-control, respect for others, and positive perspective to strive for the best in life. Martial arts are part of an Eastern tradition that gives emphasis on the fortification of the mind, body, and spirit. Its teachings emphasize that a true martial artist must become physically, mentally, and emotionally strong enough to avoid fighting. The many forms of martial arts include Karate, Kung-Fu, Muay Thai, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Yaw-Yan, and Jiu Jitsu.
Martial arts include high-energy training that can improve strength, speed, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. However, just like other sports or physical activities, there are injuries that can be encountered in martial arts training or competition. Quite surprisingly, the risk of injury from martial arts is lower compared to other contact sports. A research conducted at George Washington University in the United States concluded that the injury rate in martial arts training is lower than other contact sports like rugby, American football, basketball, and hockey. Most injuries associated with martial arts are aching limbs and lower back pain, which are usually mild to moderate injuries.
Common injuries in martial arts may include:
· Skin damage -- such as cuts and bruises.
· Sprains -- Many sprains occur in the ankles, elbows, and other joint areas. Many ankle sprains develop because of improper weight distribution while kicking.
· Strains -- injury to the muscle or tendon. Some muscles may tear from rapid stops that occurs when forceful contact is made with an opponent or object.
· Knee pain injuries -- caused by the bent-knee stance typical of most martial arts and the use of forceful kicks that can injure the joint if not done properly.
· Head injuries – head injuries can occur during training or competition because of heavy impacts of kicks and punches in the head area. Wearing high quality helmet and mouth guards is advised among martial artists
· Dislocations and fractures -- particularly of the hand, finger, foot and toe.
· Overuse injuries -- any part of the body can be injured by sheer repetition of movement.
Martial arts training involve strenuous movements that may put high stress on muscles and joints. To avoid injuries, it is very important to give special attention to stretching. Stretching regularly helps maintain or increase flexibility and lower the risk of injuries. In addition to stretching, martial arts training should also include exercises meant to improve overall conditioning and muscle training before undertaking any comprehensive martial arts training. By strengthening the muscles, joints, and coordination, athletes will be able to make martial arts training safer and more injury-free. Breathing techniques are also important as part of the practice of martial arts. Exhaling while contracting muscles and inhaling while resting the muscles may help prevent injuries.
By warming-up properly, breathing extensively, and wearing necessary equipment, martial artists and athletes can avoid injuries that may hamper the progress of their training and level of competitiveness.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Defense and Counter Attack Timing
By Markos Markou
Imagine your opponent is standing, facing you in a right lead stance (southpaw) and he is about to go for a roundhouse kick with the back leg. Firstly he would probably make some kind of movement with his arms (either slightly raise his left arm, or just drop his front arm).
Next, maybe a slight pivot with the front foot, or moving it slightly forward, then his knees would bend as he lifts his back leg of the ground, whilst still moving his arms in a direction natural to him to generate momentum. Finally his kicking surface, (shin, instep) would be swung into his choice of target (probably thigh, midsection or face). Now all of this would happen in about 1 second and most beginners would start there defense or counter attack when they see the leg swinging in towards them. The best timing to start your defense or counter is when you see the initial movement.
In this case it would be as soon as you see his hands move, or if not then, then no later when his front foot moves. This is the work of the advanced fighter, and if you decide to counter (maybe a stop hit jab to the face which is quick) you most likely should always hit with it, as the last thing on most opponents minds when attacking is to be aware of there defense. To create this kind of quick reacting takes a lot of practice through sparring and a lot of understanding of your opponents initial movements before attacking, but it can be your most greatest ability when fighting!
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Markos_Markou
Imagine your opponent is standing, facing you in a right lead stance (southpaw) and he is about to go for a roundhouse kick with the back leg. Firstly he would probably make some kind of movement with his arms (either slightly raise his left arm, or just drop his front arm).
Next, maybe a slight pivot with the front foot, or moving it slightly forward, then his knees would bend as he lifts his back leg of the ground, whilst still moving his arms in a direction natural to him to generate momentum. Finally his kicking surface, (shin, instep) would be swung into his choice of target (probably thigh, midsection or face). Now all of this would happen in about 1 second and most beginners would start there defense or counter attack when they see the leg swinging in towards them. The best timing to start your defense or counter is when you see the initial movement.
In this case it would be as soon as you see his hands move, or if not then, then no later when his front foot moves. This is the work of the advanced fighter, and if you decide to counter (maybe a stop hit jab to the face which is quick) you most likely should always hit with it, as the last thing on most opponents minds when attacking is to be aware of there defense. To create this kind of quick reacting takes a lot of practice through sparring and a lot of understanding of your opponents initial movements before attacking, but it can be your most greatest ability when fighting!
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Markos_Markou
Friday, October 26, 2007
Review of Tony Jaa's The Protector
Tom-Yum-Goong or the Americanized title "The Protector" by far brings the martial arts genre of movies to a whole new level. Tom-Yum-Goong stars international martial arts superstar Tony Jaa as Kham a country boy from the rural areas of Thailand. The movie has a simple plotline in which the main character goes to a festival to show off his elephant at the elephant festival before the King of Thailand.
But the inspectors turn out to be poachers and illegal animal traders in disguise. It's a quick transition from the first few minutes of the movie from Thailand all the way to Sydney, Australia. I would consider Tom-Yum-Goong as your typical martial arts film but they the people put forth a lot of good effort into this. If you can look beyond the martial arts fighting, one can understand the symbolism of Tom-Yum-Goong represents.
The story symbolizes these interesting aspects:
1. The movie represents the age old heroic underdog going up against a much bigger and powerful goliath. Whereas Tony Jaa's character is a simple country boy who has to go up against a large-scale crime syndicate trying to take over the city of Sydney.
2. The journey to rescue the elephants represents how important the elephants are to the Thai people. The story of Tom-Yum-Goong also represents the journey to protect an old way of life from extinction.
3. Tom-Yum-Goong brings to light and resurrection of an ancient style of Muay Thai in which its techniques are derived from movements of an elephant.
Tony Jaa has done a very good job executing the techniques from this long-lost style of Muay Thai. The proof is in the fight scenes. When I saw the techniques applied in the various fights in the movie, I was pumped up, yet at the same time I wanted to cringe in pain. The application of techniques from this dangerous style of Muay Thai had gotten me convinced. The director has definitely done a very good job in bringing a style of Muay Thai into the limelight.
Some notable fight scenes include Tony Jaa taking on the Capioerist Lateef Crowder and former WWE wrestler Nathan Jones. Both Crowder and Jones put on very good martial arts performances. Tony Jaa pulled off very great performances in fight scenes and in stunts where he wasn't allowed to use any cables. Credit should also go to Vietnamese Wu Shu master Johnny Nguyen for his exhibition of Wu Shu techniques and his portrayal of the Vietnamese Triad Captain, Johnny.
Transexual ballerina Xing Jing does an excellent job portraying Madame Rose, the main antagonist in Tom Yum Goong. All the actors had put on very great performances. What got me intrigued about Xing Jing was before the sexual replacement surgury at the age of 28, she was a male who was a military colonel in the Chinese Army. To this day, Xing Jing is still combatting the prejudices of the current Communist regime of China.
Tony Jaa and his mentor Panna Rittikai have done an amazing job with the choreography of stunts and fights throughout the movie. Prachya Pinkaew has done an excellent job directing the entire movie.
Overall, Tom-Yum-Goong is a movie worth watching. If you're a history and mythology buff, this is one movie to check out. If you're a martial arts enthusiast, you should also check this movie out. If you have a fascination with the various styles of Muay Thai, Tom-Yum-Goong is worth checking out.
As a practitioner of Muay Thai, I enjoyed Tom-Yum-Goong very much. It showed how Muay Thai isn't represented in most martial arts movies. I hope that movies such as Ong Bak and Tom-Yum-Goong will pave the way for movies that bring other styles of martial arts into the spotlight.
http://www.groundreport.com/article.php?articleID=2836153
But the inspectors turn out to be poachers and illegal animal traders in disguise. It's a quick transition from the first few minutes of the movie from Thailand all the way to Sydney, Australia. I would consider Tom-Yum-Goong as your typical martial arts film but they the people put forth a lot of good effort into this. If you can look beyond the martial arts fighting, one can understand the symbolism of Tom-Yum-Goong represents.
The story symbolizes these interesting aspects:
1. The movie represents the age old heroic underdog going up against a much bigger and powerful goliath. Whereas Tony Jaa's character is a simple country boy who has to go up against a large-scale crime syndicate trying to take over the city of Sydney.
2. The journey to rescue the elephants represents how important the elephants are to the Thai people. The story of Tom-Yum-Goong also represents the journey to protect an old way of life from extinction.
3. Tom-Yum-Goong brings to light and resurrection of an ancient style of Muay Thai in which its techniques are derived from movements of an elephant.
Tony Jaa has done a very good job executing the techniques from this long-lost style of Muay Thai. The proof is in the fight scenes. When I saw the techniques applied in the various fights in the movie, I was pumped up, yet at the same time I wanted to cringe in pain. The application of techniques from this dangerous style of Muay Thai had gotten me convinced. The director has definitely done a very good job in bringing a style of Muay Thai into the limelight.
Some notable fight scenes include Tony Jaa taking on the Capioerist Lateef Crowder and former WWE wrestler Nathan Jones. Both Crowder and Jones put on very good martial arts performances. Tony Jaa pulled off very great performances in fight scenes and in stunts where he wasn't allowed to use any cables. Credit should also go to Vietnamese Wu Shu master Johnny Nguyen for his exhibition of Wu Shu techniques and his portrayal of the Vietnamese Triad Captain, Johnny.
Transexual ballerina Xing Jing does an excellent job portraying Madame Rose, the main antagonist in Tom Yum Goong. All the actors had put on very great performances. What got me intrigued about Xing Jing was before the sexual replacement surgury at the age of 28, she was a male who was a military colonel in the Chinese Army. To this day, Xing Jing is still combatting the prejudices of the current Communist regime of China.
Tony Jaa and his mentor Panna Rittikai have done an amazing job with the choreography of stunts and fights throughout the movie. Prachya Pinkaew has done an excellent job directing the entire movie.
Overall, Tom-Yum-Goong is a movie worth watching. If you're a history and mythology buff, this is one movie to check out. If you're a martial arts enthusiast, you should also check this movie out. If you have a fascination with the various styles of Muay Thai, Tom-Yum-Goong is worth checking out.
As a practitioner of Muay Thai, I enjoyed Tom-Yum-Goong very much. It showed how Muay Thai isn't represented in most martial arts movies. I hope that movies such as Ong Bak and Tom-Yum-Goong will pave the way for movies that bring other styles of martial arts into the spotlight.
http://www.groundreport.com/article.php?articleID=2836153
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
