Martial Arts: Kata and Applications

Storming the Fortress: A History of Taekwondo Part Five (Continued):Political Forces Shape the Evolution of Karate Into South Korea's National Sport
By Eric Madis
Beginning in the early 1960s the new military head of the Republic of Korea, General Park Chung-hee, played an important part in the decision to push Korea into elite sports and wanted the karate/taekwondo situation resolved and for Korea to have a national sport. More

         Martial Arts: Korean Arts: Taekwondo

Storming the Fortress: A History of Taekwondo – Part Five:Political Forces Shape the Evolution of Karate Into South Korea's National Sport
By Eric Madis
The end of WW II brought turbulent times for a fledgling new Korean Republic and the various Korean empty hand arts who jockeyed for position and dominance. More

         Martial Arts: Home Security and Defense

Self Defense For Your Home
By Christopher Caile
Is your house vulnerable to break-ins? Here is some common sense advice on how to make you home less vulnerable. More

         Martial Arts: Karate

The Art of War, Sun Tzu: Ancient Wisdom For Martial Artists-Part 1
By Gary Music
Sun Tzu's ancient text on military tactics, "The Art of War," is not only a source of wisdom that only applies to military principles. It can equally be applied to personal self defense too. More

The Value of Uchikomi in the Development of Judo Skills
By Elie A. Morrell, Hachidan
In Judo just practicing the skill(s) of throwing in part does not improve the skill. Sports psychologists now point out to improve throwing skills they should be completed in an environment closer to competition.

Channan: The "Lost" Kata of Itosu?
By Joe Swift
The series of five basic kata called Pinan (later renamed Heian in Japan) are probably the most widely practiced kata in karate today, but were they based on an earlier kata known as Channan?

Up Against The Wall
by Christopher Caile
Pushing someone from behind into a wall or object to hit or steal from them is a common technique, but it is easy to counter with a little knowledge. More

Precautions For Kids To Avoid Street Crime
By Christopher Caile
Kids should be prepared to avoid or reduce risks of crime against them and how to react. Here are some ways to minimize chances of being chosen for a target as well as ways to avoid problems if your kids are approached.

The Significance of Movement in Judo
by Elie A. Morrell, Hachidan
One of the most satisfying feelings in judo is the experience of performing a throwing technique with a minimum of effort and flawless execution. But why do most judo players rarely experience this feeling?

Some Personal Observations On Dealing With Dog Attacks:Part 1- Prevention
By George Donahue
A dog attack can be dangerous and terrifying, but if you know what to do it can often be avoided before it begins. More

Martial Arts Strategy & The Five Element Theory Of Chinese Medicine
By David Bock
Obviously in the midst of a fight analytical decision based on the five elements theory or any theoretical framework is not practical. However this type of structure can be a source of innovative ideas and ways to think about a particular type of attack and the best ways to defeat it.

Japanese Woodblock Prints
By Christopher Caile
The colorful Japanese woodblock prints (hanga) that we see today are the culmination of centuries of development.

Channan: The
By Joe Swift
The series of five basic kata called Pinan (later renamed Heian in Japan) are probably the most widely practiced kata in karate today, but were they based on an earlier kata known as Channan?

The Flower of Battle: An Interview with Bob Charron - Part 1
By Deborah Klens-Bigman, Ph.D.
I was fascinated as Charron led workshop students through a brief outline of a 15th century fighting manual entitled?Fior di Battaglia?(The Flower of Battle) written by Fiore dei Liberi that included empty hand techniques, followed by dagger and sword techniques. I had to learn more about this.

A Simple Lesson In Body Mechanics: Are You Losing Power In Your Punch?
By Christopher Caile
Here is a simple test to find out if you are losing power in your punches and not knowing it.

The Lighter Side: A Tale Of Two Languages
By Anonymous
A note on an entrance to a Chinese restaurant in Chinatown in New York City clearly illustrates the difference in how we communicate east and west.