Is Ninjutsu a Real Martial Art? - Here's a Case For Why the Answer is "No!"

What is Ninjutsu? Have you ever thought of that?
To some, it's a martial arts choice among martial arts choices. To others, it's the martial art of the Ninja - these superhero, commando, super-warriors capable of taking on an army of "bad-guys," single-handedly.
But, if you're going to master this "thing" called "Ninjutsu," doesn't it seem logical to first know and understand what that "thing" is? Otherwise, especially with something as deep as Ninjutsu, also known as "Ninpo" in it's higher, philosophical, life-mastery form, you could end up wasting a lot of time, effort, and money - and still be no closer than you were when you started!
This article explores the question that is hardly ever asked... "Is Ninjutsu a real martial art?" And, believe it or not...
...the answer comes straight from the Ninja's philosophy - not the author's opinion!
It is also important to note that, regardless of the attempts of a group of instructors to force the Ninja martial art into a formal, "official" structure - a "right" way to do it...
The fact remains that Ninjutsu is unlike any other martial art in existence. So much so that I personally don't believe that it is a "true" martial art at all.
Now THAT is a controversial statement. And here's why I believe that to be true. But that belief is not based on empty opinion, or y own unique way of approaching it - it comes from three decades of exploring, studying, and coming to a direct, real world use and realization of what the ancient masters of the art and it's philosophy and life-ways, passed down to us.
In the realm of conventional martial arts - as opposed to "True Budo" - the real "martial or warrior ways" that were passed down to us from ancient masters - there are certain common factors that are simply outside of authentic Ninjutsu.
Some of these factors include:
1) Adherence to a set, predefined way of doing things. The presence of a "style" mentality.
2) Generally, there is only one school or set of principles being taught. You can see this even in schools where the teacher has attempted to combine styles in an attempt to fill in the gaps of each other.
3) A sport, competitive, or recreational focus, and...
4) Almost entirely limited to the learning of and use of martial, combative, and self defense skills
To be sure, there are many other commonalities among today's conventional martial arts. But the point is that at least these elements run contrary to the focus and ideals of Ninjutsu. The art of Ninjutsu is not, and has never been limited to "fighting" and self defense. Does it have those elements? Absolutely.
But, in the realm of the Ninja's philosophy... The self defense and combat aspects were developed to protect the philosophical teachings - not the other way around.
In fact, in today's world of conventional and sport martial arts, the student learns or develops life qualities as a by-product of the martial training. Completely opposite the fact that the Ninja student learns ancient lessons and strategies for recreating his or her life to be in alignment with their life-purpose and Universal laws - and then the martial skills are there to protect that life from whatever might threaten it.
In conventional martial arts systems, if a student wants personal development training, it has to be added on or he or she must seek it out elsewhere. In Ninjutsu, it is the personal development and life mastery teachings that give a purpose to the self defense skills!
In Ninjutsu, the only purpose for the combat skills is for the protection and preservation of life! Not for rank, trophies, status, or the elevation and glorification of ego!
Very, very different focus altogether. So, are you looking for a martial art where you can be a "tough-guy" - one where you can win trophies and earn a bunch of brightly colored belts... Or are you looking for something deeper, more significant - something that has stood the test of time and produced Warriors - not just "fighters?"

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What Martial Arts System Should You Learn?

In order to attain the most advantages with the martial arts, you will want to determine the system which best matches your desired goals. Considering the fact that there are so many extraordinary martial arts to choose from, choosing the appropriate one might be a daunting choice.

The very first item to think about when selecting a martial art style is what you wish to gain from your time and effort in class. Are you trying to learn about self-defense techniques, or will you be becoming a member of a dojo for exercise purposes? If in case you're looking at the martial arts as a way to step-up your fighting abilities, what sort of punches, throws, or defensive tactics would you want to uncover? We're going to look at several of the more well-known martial arts to enable you to decide what style is ideal for you.

Taekwondo (Tae Kwon Do) is a traditional Korean martial art that's been progressively increasing in popularity during the last sixty years. Traditional taekwondo was first introduced in the nineteen fifties by the South Korean military but a different system has emerged in sport taekwondo. In a lot of taekwondo dojos, they teach components of both sport and traditional taekwondo. This magnificent style is best known for its explosive kicks, extraordinary weapons demos, and nerve-wrangling sparring competitions. It appears to be among the preferred styles to enroll your children in as well.

Karate was first created in Okinawa, Japan and is most commonly known for its punches, chops, and joint locks. Over time, lots of distinct styles of Karate have been developed in countries all over the earth. Some of the most prominent systems of Karate include Budokan, Shorin-Ryu, and Kempo. This is an incredible martial art to investigate if you're in the market to learn about self-defense procedures and powerful combat training.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art system which stresses mostly on grappling and submission wrestling. This awesome style of fighting has existed since the early 20th century, but did not grow to be well-known until the early 90's when Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu veteran Royce Gracie triumphed in the 1st Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC). Ever since then, BJJ has grown to be one of the most favored martial arts and quite a few of its ground submission maneuvers have been incorporated into martial art instructional classes across the globe.

Aikido is a Japanese martial arts style which focuses on redirecting your assailants power to utilize it against them. This system is hugely popular with folks looking for a less aggressive martial art. Aside from its unbelievable joint locks and smooth throws, Aikido if famous for its rich philosophies and spiritual influences.

Kung Fu is a Chinese martial arts style highly regarded for its incomparable animal styles, internal energy development, and amazing Chinese weapon demos. Over the years, Kung Fu has gained an incredible following due to its presence on TV and film. This is a good martial art to explore if you are trying to find great self-defense techniques, religious and philosophical enlightenment, and cardio fitness.

Judo is a popular Japanese martial arts style renowned for its ultra powerful throws and submission wrestling techniques. It is similar to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, but gives a lot more emphasis to holds and take-downs. Despite the fact that strikes are a part of Judo, they are seldom used in practice and never in competition. This is an outstanding martial art to learn, but may be a little overwhelming to people who are not comfortable being tossed to the floor.

Hopefully this short glance into several of the martial art styles has really helped you with your decision. My greatest recommendation would be to check out a couple of martial art schools in your area teaching various systems and watch a few instructional classes. When you select a dojo, don't be reluctant to switch styles if your interests change later on. Many martial art students learn a variety of styles to attain as much education as they can.

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You Can Be a Master of Both Martial Arts and the Martial Arts Business

Masters of the martial arts have devoted a significant amount of time and passion to their craft. They are dedicated to the art and philosophy of the art. But what master wants to sit down and write a business plan? While you don't necessarily have to write out a business plan the true master will know that the business side of running a dojo is the key to running a successful martial arts business.
Succeed on the Mat and in the Office
There seems to be a belief that a great Black Belt cannot be a great business person, as the spiritual and philosophical principles will conflict between art and business. This does not have to be true. Think of it this way: the great artist develops and leads a successful school not just for the financial benefits, but because the need is there in the community. There are people that need the tutoring, the services, and the mentoring of this master of the arts.
The owner of a successful dojo must be a master of his business as well as a master of his craft. After golf, martial arts are the second fastest growing sport in the United States. The market is huge and growing for well-run and inspiring dojos. This business can be financially rewarding at the same time as it provides a rewarding sport to people of all ages.
Translating Skills from One Arena to Another
A great Black Belt cannot automatically be a great business person, but he can apply many of the same principles to their business.
Here are four examples:
1. Discipline: One of the key components to all of the martial arts is the practice of discipline within and without. The idea of discipline is integral to any successful business. Self-discipline is crucial when investing and expanding your martial arts business. The careful control of ambition, budget, business plan, and dojo philosophy is imperative.
2. Clear Vision: Making observable and attainable goals is important in both the art and in business. A thoughtfully-designed and carefully-executed curriculum for your martial arts school will help students envision and work toward their goals. A thoughtfully-designed and carefully-executed business plan will ensure your financial survival and the stability of your school.
3. Learning Never Ends: The skills you used to learn your art are the same skills that can be used to learn the business end of your art. The dojo master who is always striving to improve him or her self, the students, and the school exemplifies one of the central tenets of the martial arts.
4. High Standards: Dedicated martial artists hold themselves to very high standards, believing that they are capable of accomplishing more and living a more virtuous life than the average person. This idea can be directly applied to martial arts business, always striving to make the school the most ethical and viable dojo around.
A martial artist is, first and foremost, an artist, a master of his or her craft. But it is the duty of the martial artist to provide first-class training at a reputable and financially secure school. A successful school, one that is dynamic and financially stable, meeting the needs of its students, will be another example of the martial arts principles put to action.

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10 Greatest Martial Arts Movies Of All Time

After hundreds of movies, thousands of eye-popping fight scenes and millions of punches thrown…which ones are the best? Which ones have I been missing out on my whole life? Which ones must I have in my collection in order to not bring shame upon my family name?

We've scoured the internet. Reviews. Forums. Amazon. Postings. Bulletins. And this list is what we've come up with as the greatest Kung-Fu movies of all time and why you should watch each one. Pay attention to movies involving Yuen Wo-Ping as either director or action director, there's a reason why half this list is movies where he was involved!

If you want to watch trailers of these movies, go to: http://www.experiencemartialarts.com/articles/movies.html

(you can also get directly to these movies in http://Amazon.com from this website)

#1 – Way of the Dragon (1979)

This is the only finished film to be written and directed by Bruce Lee. (Game of Death is the other one but is unfinished) We could write a lot about the plot, characters or fight scenes…but all you really care about is watching Bruce Lee fight Chuck Norris in the final battle.

Martial Artists: Bruce Lee, Chuck Norris
Director: Bruce Lee

#2 – Shaolin Temple (1982)

Depicts the amazing history of the Shaolin Temple, the focal point for Chinese Martial Arts. Think of the Shaolin Monks as Jedi Knights (an elite group of fighters) and the rest of China as the messed-up universe that Star Wars takes place in (people who are afraid of the elite fighters and want to take them out of power). Much work to do, you have, young Jet Li. picture Yoda's accent on that one Define Irony: A movie shot at the site of the Shaolin Temple, telling a story about the fall of the Shaolin Temple, sparks so much public interest that the temple was re-opened shortly after the movie released.

Martial Artist: Jet Li (His debut movie)
Director: Chang Hsin-Yen

#3 – Ong Bak (2003)

Raw action without wires, Tony Jaa brings a new martial arts style to the big screen and does so in style. Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) is stronger and more direct than the Chinese styles you're used to seeing with Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, giving a new look to how a martial arts movie can be done. You'll be seeing more of him…guaranteed.

Martial Artist: Tony Jaa
Director: Prachya Pinkaew

#4 – Iron Monkey (1993)

Doctor by day, thief by night…Iron Monkey is your classic Robin-hood meets Kung Fu. It's an action packed flick that can't go 5 minutes without an excellent fight scene. It all comes down to a battle between Iron Monkey (ie Robin Hood) and an ex Shaolin Monk (remember, these guys are like the Jedi Knights of Chinese martial arts…they're elite). Remember that guy Yuen Wo-Ping I mentioned? Well he's the director in this one, so you know it's good!

Martial Artists: Yu Rong-Guang, Donnie Yen
Director: Yuen Wo-Ping
Action Directors: Yuen Cheung-yan, Yuen Shun-yi

#5 – 5 Deadly Venoms (1978)

No room form "martial arts beauties" in this one, there's so much blood and action that they only cast male actors. Exit the traditional elaborate costumes and enter the muscular, skin-bearing, bloody martial arts style that would become a trademark for director Chang Cheh. Each cast member is trained in an art resembling one of 5 venemous creatures (Scorpion, Snake, Centipede, Gecko, Toad) with the 6th cast member being trained in all 5. Six main martial arts actors = LOTS O' ACTION

Martial Artists: 6 Martial Artists (yes, 6 main characters)
Director: Chang Cheh

#6 – The Seven Samurai (1954)

One of the greatest classic kung-fu movies of all time and arguable Kurosawa's best work. Some Samurai of the time were down on their luck (homeless) and willing to do anything for a meal. A village under attack by bandits recruits a group of seven such Samurai warriors and asks them to help defend their village. The movie is about the Samurai teaching the village how to fight and culminates in a massive battle between a village and almost 50 attacking bandits. The acting is superb, the emotions run high and Kurosawa keeps you hooked from beginning to end.

Martial Artists: 7 Martial Artists (all names you won't know since this movie is so old)
Director: Akira Kurosawa

#7 – Legend of Drunken Master (1994)

Some will say this is the greatest martial arts movie of all time because of it's balance between plot-line, comedy, drama and amazing kung fu sequences. Probably Jackie Chan's best martial arts performance. You're going to love the final scene where you learn what "Drunken Master" really means. We're talking box-splitting, fire-spitting craziness!

Martial Artist: Jackie Chan
Director: Lau Kar-leung

#8 – Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon (2000)

Based on a Pentalogy (yes, that's 5 books) written by Wang Dulu, this movie covers mostly the 4th book. Critically acclaimed to cross international borders with it's amazing character development, intricate plot, martial arts ideals, stunning special effects and quicker-than-the-eye fighting scenes, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon set a new standard for martial arts movies. Telling Zhang Ziyi (the lead female character and an amazing martial artist) to get back in the kitchen would likely cost you 50 punches to the "bags". Be ready for subtitles, ‘cuz turning on the English track is like watching…uh…like watching a kung fu movie in English.

Main Martial Artist: Chow Yun-fat
Other Martial Artists: Zhang Ziyi, Michelle Yeoh, Chang Chen, Cheng Pei-pei
Director: Ang Lee
Action Director: Yuen Wo-Ping

#9 – Kill Bill vol. 1 (2003)

You're going to want your home theatre room for this one. It's tough to beat beautiful women beating the crap out of each other in fast-paced, action-packed, make you cringe, bloody, gory, cut-'em-up (more buzz words go here) movie jam packed with as much martial arts death as possible. Tarantino expertly uses every camera angle and a plethora of special effects to deliver a better-than-real visual experience that gives this blood-and-guts thriller an artistic feel you'll appreciate at the end. Did I mention is has Uma Thurman in it?

("Kill bill vol. 2" brings closure to the set, but hey…we had to choose one movie. Say "Five-Point-Palm Exploding Heart Technique" 5 times fast.)

Actors: Uma Thurman, David Carradine, Lucy Liu, Daryl Hannah, Vivica A. Fox
Director: Quentin Tarantino
Action Director: Yuen Wo-ping

#10 – Fist of Legend (1994)

A classic story of Chinese vs. Japanese martial arts, Fist of Legend is actually a remake of the original Bruce Lee movie, Fist of Fury. If Bruce Lee is like the original James Bond, Jet Li is the Pierce Brosnan. He'll never be the original, but the modern film-making and larger budget bring the entertainment value just a hair above the original Fist of Fury. (The ghost of Bruce Lee is probably going to strike me down for writing that) The Yuen Brothers are known for amazing action choreography, and they totally deliver on this one. (Casting Jet Li may have helped them a little too.)

Martial Artist: Jet Li
Director: Gordon Chan
Action Directors: "The Yuen Brothers"

The fun doesn't stop there.

We tried to stop at only 10…really, we did. But we just couldn't control ourselves.
"Once it hits your lips, it's so good!" – Will Ferrell in "Old School"

To see the movies that deserve "Honorable Mention", go to http://www.experiencemartialarts.com/articles/movies.html

Whether you enjoyed this list or think we snuffed your favorite movie, we'd love to hear what you think. Post your comments at: http://www.experiencemartialarts.com/blog/archives/16

 

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Martial Art Of Kerala

Kerala, along with plentiful of natural treasure troves, is also renowned for its varied martial arts. These ancient form of martial arts are very popular among Keralites. Be it a man or a woman, people of Kerala are very keen to learn the techniques of various martial art forms.
Martial arts of Kerala are inherited heritage that are handed down to one generation from other.
Martial arts are not only physical training but mental training also. If a child starts his martial art training at a very tender age than it is for sure that the child would be well equipped to face any situation of contingency in life. The entire Kerala state is dotted with numerous martial arts training centres which resembles to the Gurukul of ancient time. Parents send their children at a very young age to these training centres. Beside rigorous physical training, Yoga,a thorough knowledge of human anatomy, Ayurveda and herbal healing, are also integral parts of martial art. A intense philosophical, usually religious doctrine is deep-rooted in the people who are engage in martial art. This give them the mind direction and focus.
Some of the commonly practiced martial art forms of Kerala are Kalaripayattu, Onathullal, Parisa Kali, Velakanni, Valeru, Kunderu and Njaninmel Kali etc.
Kalaripayattu: It is the most practiced martial art of Kerala. Kalaripayattu is an ancient form of martial art that originally evolved at Kondotty, 26 km from Malappurram, around 12th century during the reign of Chera rulers. This martial art form was used by the Chera fighters against the Chola warriors. In Malayalam, Kalari means gymnasium, payattu means 'the fighting art'. It is said that, this fighting art is the oldest martial art of world and has great influence over the other form of eastern martial arts. Kalaripayattu, not only teaches how to fight but also with other aspects of physical well being. It also provides complete mental and emotional strength to a person. Kalaripayattu is spread over three stages such as Meippayatt ( exercise to control the body), Kolthari (fighting with sticks).Ankathari (felicity in using metal weapons like daggers and swords). There are three styles of Kalaripayattu that are popular in Kerala are Thekan (southern style), Vadakkan(northern style) and Kathinayoga style(Yogic style). Apart from bare hands, some times weapons like stick of long, medium, short and curved, flexible sword, mace, knife, machete, shield and spear.
Onathullal: It is another form of martial art which is mainly performed during the Onam festival. In this form of fighting, the combatants has to face each other without any weapons. The warriors are dressed in dhotis or plain white cloth worn high like tight shorts around their waists in a sort of bandage around their legs. Wrestlers who are engage in this martial art form has to be flexible and must have exceptional valor, stamina to win the fight. The male members of family handed down to a new initiate. Kurumbranattu and Kunnamkulam are famous centers of Onathallu practice. Central Travancore and the northern regions of Kunnamkulam, Kavassery and Palakkad districts mainlyu organizes competitions of this martial art during Onam festival.
Velankanni: Velankanni is another form of martial art which belongs to Travancore region. It requires excess of physical training and knowledge of use of arms. It is an ancient form of fighting art which was used by Pandavas and Kauravas at the battle of Kurukshetra. Nowadays, it is played during the temple festival at Cherthala and Ambalapuzha as well as Sree Padmanabha Swami temple at Thiruvananthapuram.
So, whenever you visit Kerala, don't miss out to watch these excellent form of ancient martial arts.

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The Importance of Martial Arts Training

The concept of martial arts and martial arts training is not at all new to any one of us. Through movies, magazines, and TV shows, we all have been in touch with martial arts. We have seen Bruce lee's movies in jam packed theaters and even bought DVD's of those movies home and watched them unlimited number of times. We all love martial arts; we admire the various forms of this magnificent art and respect those who have been trained in martial arts. Many people developed interest in this art form and decided to get martial arts training. Today, in every country and city, to locate a martial arts club or school is one of the easiest task. Institutes and schools for professional martial arts training are available almost every where.

Mixed martial arts, Muay Thai Kick boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling, Judo, Karate and Silat are some of the famous forms of this art of self defense. Martial art is a very broad and extensive term used to summarize various practices, forms and styles used in a combat. In martial arts training Weapon training, Grappling and Strikes are three specific areas of focus and interest. These are further divided into sub-forms and styles of martial arts training.

Striking has three major styles which summarize almost every martial art form which includes various types of strikes.

• Kicking: Taekwondo, Savate and Capoeira
• Punches: Wing Chun and western boxing
• Other types of strikes: Karate and Muay Thai

Weaponry Training is sub divided broadly into two divisions- Traditional and modern weaponry. Jukendo, style of martial arts is included in modern weaponry, while Fencing, Eskrima, Kyudo, and Gatka are traditional forms of weaponry training.

Grappling involves pinning techniques (Judo and wrestling), Joint lock (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Aikido and Hapkido) and throwing techniques (Sambo, Glima and Jujutsu).

Importance of martial arts training lies in its ability to infuse in us the proficiency to safe guard ourselves under difficult circumstances.

Those who wish to learn multiple styles of martial arts can go for Silat, which has quite similar moves and techniques to Judo and Muay Thai kick boxing. 

 

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Mixed Martial Arts Techniques

If you want to sharpen your combat skills for self-defense purposes, you can do so with Martial Arts. Consist of several systems of traditions and practices, they are also studied for reasons of mental discipline, self confidence and character development. There are many types or categories of martial arts – each one different from the next. Here are some of the most popular types.

Filipino Martial Arts – because the Philippines was the site of so many battles and combats, it is not surprising that the Filipinos have developed their own style of martial arts. Employing a wide range of methods in training, instructors of this type of martial arts believe that it is necessary to use knowledge and skills when in combat. Traditional Filipino martial arts also uses weapons like the sibat, baston, espada, latigo and lubid.

Chinese Martial Arts – the most famous of all styles are kung fu and wushu. When referring to kung fu, the system of martial arts refers to the accomplishment or skill of the person. On the other hand, wushu is more applicable to martial arts activities in general. In fact, it is considered to be a modern sport, like gymnastics. Chinese martial arts was borne from the need to defend one’s self during ancient China. Soldiers, preparing for war, are trained in martial arts in preparation for hand to hand combat.

Russian Martial Arts – like the Filipino and Chinese martial arts, the Russian martial arts was borne from the necessity for defense. During the ancient times, the Russian military have to protect their lands from invaders. The Russian martial arts is actually a combination of several styles including Japanese and Chinese martial arts. In any case, it resulted to a new style of martial arts and commonly referred to as Russian Sambo.

If you are interested in learning about different fight techniques including these martial arts style, there is only one authority to go to. The Fight Authority is a one-stop resource of all types of fighting techniques including martial arts, street fighting and other hand to hand combat skills. In addition to learning about the different types of fighting techniques, site visitors can also watch martial arts videos including muay thai, jiu jitsu and MMA training.

Learning martial arts is an effective way to protect yourself from situations that require you to stand up and defend your self. On the other hand, you should realize that learning is just the beginning. Martial arts is also an important discipline that requires you to seek out a way to improve yourself and develop your skills. It is a continuous process and should be taken quite seriously.

The Fight Authority will help you with all these things plus provide you with the means to meet other martial arts enthusiasts. The advances in technology have bridged so many barriers including time and distance and you will be able to maximize this particular feature of the internet. And the good news is you do not even have to leave your home to learn about martial arts.

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What To Look For When Choosing A Martial Art

For anyone who wants to learn a martial art, there is a lot to know in regards to the many different styles.  Of course there is the question of finding the best martial art, which is a question a lot of people ask With so many martial arts styles to choose from, it can be very complicated to pick one to learn.

No matter you may hear or what others have to say, it is quite impossible to name one style of martial arts as the ultimate best.  Actually, there are several factors that come into play, which makes a statement about a style being the best impossible.  Even though one style may beat another in a competition or a fight, doesn't always mean that the winning style is the best.

Before deciding to rush out there and learn a martial art, there are several things that you should decide first.  Martial arts are great to learn, no matter which style you decide on.  A martial art can teach you self discipline, self defense, and several other traits that will help you no matter where you decide to go in life.

Self defense
All over the world, there are several martial arts schools and dojo's that emphasize self defense a lot more than others.  Schools that focus on kata, forms, or light sparring are less than likely to teach you what you need to protect yourself on the street.  If you are looking for street self defense, then you'll want a style that trains hard and doesn't let up.

Fitness
Even though martial arts can improve your fitness level, it isn't the goal behind a lot of the martial arts styles.  Several styles, such as Tae Bo, are based purely on martial arts and doesn't include a lot of physical fitness training.  If you are looking for fitness as your main goal, then you should be looking into something other than martial arts.

Fighting ability
This will vary among the many different martial arts styles.  Self defense schools will most often take advantage of fighting skills, teaching you everything you need to survive.  Most martial arts styles are slow in theory, teaching you kata, movements, and forms.  Self defense schools on the other hand, teach you how to inflict the most amounts of damage in the least amount of time.

Competition
Competition based martial arts are all about winning trophies and showing the world your style of martial arts.  The competition that you have chosen, will greatly impact your style of martial arts.  You'll need to decide if you will be fighting or showcasing display kata, light or heavy contact, or focusing on grappling or striking.

Before you decide on a martial arts style, you should always research the schools and dojo's in your area and see what all they offer you.  The best schools will allow you to participate in a few free classes, or offer you discounts on your first few months. They will answer any questions that you have, and work with you to help you learn as much as you can.

Martial arts can be a very fun and exciting learning experience.  There are hundreds of different martial arts styles out there, although you may be limited in choice, depending on what all is offered in your area.  Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing, and Jiu-Jitsu and some of the most common types of martial arts, and normally offered just about everywhere.  The more distinct styles, such as Kung Fu, Shootfighting, Kenpo, and Shaolin styles are a bit hard to harder to find.

If you do your homework on some of the styles that are offered in your area, you'll find one that best fits your reasons to study.  Martial arts can change your outlook on life - all you have to do it devote yourself to learning all you can about the philosophy of your martial art.

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Choosing The Best Martial Arts Style

For anyone who wants to learn a martial art, there is a lot to know in regards to the many different styles.  Of course there is the question of finding the best martial art, which is a question a lot of people ask With so many martial arts styles to choose from, it can be very complicated to pick one to learn.

No matter you may hear or what others have to say, it is quite impossible to name one style of martial arts as the ultimate best.  Actually, there are several factors that come into play, which makes a statement about a style being the best impossible.  Even though one style may beat another in a competition or a fight, doesn't always mean that the winning style is the best.

Before deciding to rush out there and learn a martial art, there are several things that you should decide first.  Martial arts are great to learn, no matter which style you decide on.  A martial art can teach you self discipline, self defense, and several other traits that will help you no matter where you decide to go in life.

Self defense
All over the world, there are several martial arts schools and dojo's that emphasize self defense a lot more than others.  Schools that focus on kata, forms, or light sparring are less than likely to teach you what you need to protect yourself on the street.  If you are looking for street self defense, then you'll want a style that trains hard and doesn't let up.

Fitness
Even though martial arts can improve your fitness level, it isn't the goal behind a lot of the martial arts styles.  Several styles, such as Tae Bo, are based purely on martial arts and doesn't include a lot of physical fitness training.  If you are looking for fitness as your main goal, then you should be looking into something other than martial arts.

Fighting ability
This will vary among the many different martial arts styles.  Self defense schools will most often take advantage of fighting skills, teaching you everything you need to survive.  Most martial arts styles are slow in theory, teaching you kata, movements, and forms.  Self defense schools on the other hand, teach you how to inflict the most amounts of damage in the least amount of time.

Competition
Competition based martial arts are all about winning trophies and showing the world your style of martial arts.  The competition that you have chosen, will greatly impact your style of martial arts.  You'll need to decide if you will be fighting or showcasing display kata, light or heavy contact, or focusing on grappling or striking.

Before you decide on a martial arts style, you should always research the schools and dojo's in your area and see what all they offer you.  The best schools will allow you to participate in a few free classes, or offer you discounts on your first few months. They will answer any questions that you have, and work with you to help you learn as much as you can.

Martial arts can be a very fun and exciting learning experience.  There are hundreds of different martial arts styles out there, although you may be limited in choice, depending on what all is offered in your area.  Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing, and Jiu-Jitsu and some of the most common types of martial arts, and normally offered just about everywhere.  The more distinct styles, such as Kung Fu, Shootfighting, Kenpo, and Shaolin styles are a bit hard to harder to find.

If you do your homework on some of the styles that are offered in your area, you'll find one that best fits your reasons to study.  Martial arts can change your outlook on life - all you have to do it devote yourself to learning all you can about the philosophy of your martial art.

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The Truth About Martial Arts and Self-Defense

The Truth About Martial Arts and Self-Defense

I understand that this series of articles is not going to appeal to very many martial arts school owners. However, I feel that we are all best served by the truth. But I also realize that nobody and certainly not I, seldom if ever sees the whole or absolute truth about anything.

After forty years of studying and teaching martial arts and spending the last twenty of those years teaching self-defense only, I feel I must communicate to the public in general that martial arts training is simply not true self-defense training for today's world.

Yet having said that I sincerely hope that I will not be misunderstood to be implying that martial arts is not well worth anyone's time and dedication to study, because it most certainly is worth that study.

Martial Arts has done a great deal for me in my life and on so many levels too. I was inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame and awarded the Instructor of the Year Award in 2008 and I hold rank in three major martial arts. Martial Arts training really does have so many health benefits both physical and mental.

What I am simply saying here is that for most people classical martial arts training will very seldom meet their self-defense needs in a crisis.

For economy of communication and clarity here I will phrase some ASSERTIONS often made about martial arts followed by the ACTUAL FACTS and thus the rebuttal to that assertion:

ASSERTION ONE: Martial Arts are the result of a thousand years off development and the techniques taught in them are the ones that were proven and survived on the battlefield.

ACTUAL FACT: False on every count. Empty-handed martial arts as we know them today are a very recent historical development. Karate was unknown in Japan until about 1920. Tae Kwon Do was consolidated into an art in 1950. Man is the tool user and he fights with weapons and always has and not bare hands and feet. No martial art has any true historical record or proven experience on any battlefield either and for this very same reason.

ASSERTION TWO: Asian Martial Arts Provide a Complete system of self-defense which when mastered is well sufficient for one's self-defense demands in most cases.

ACTUAL FACT: This is also fundamentally false. Empty-handed Asian Martial Arts largely developed from weapon arts long after the periods of civil war and fighting had ended (in Japan for one example). These unarmed martial arts were not directly developed for self-defense purposes either really. They were developed as cultural 'arts' and later 'sports'.

There creation was sometimes a means for some 'martial heritage families' to continue to make a living through teaching these cultural treasures. In this way these families also maintained their martial traditions after the habitual carrying of weapons such as the sword was generally forbidden and the Samurai class was legally dissolved in Japan at the later part of the nineteenth century.

Tae Kwon Do is a Korean form of Japanese karate, largely based on the Japanese style Shotokan. The Korean Patriot General Choi felt a Korean form of "karate" would be beneficial for a rebirth of Korean national pride after the defeat of the Japanese in the Second World War. The Japanese occupation of Korea was a rather brutal one and it was designed to eradicate all Korean culture and supplants it with Japanese culture.

General Choi, the basic founder and promoter of TKD saw the Japanese practicing karate during their military occupation of Korea. He changed the forms a bit so TKD could easily be identified as 'not being Japanese karate' but a Korean form and a Korean art.

The techniques and forms added to the Japanese karate (TKD) were not meant to add any self-defense value to the Japanese art form but were added simply to make it visually apparent that what was being seen practiced was Korean and not Japanese.

Later what self-defense value TKD did have was mostly lost when it became an Olympic sport and most all training followed the rules of that Olympic sport. Now I am not saying that there are not some tremendously powerful fighters turned out by TKD schools but that is much more the result of the individual and not the TKD training method or the training syllabus of the art.

Further still, a complete system of self-defense, if such a thing could exist, certainly would have to include much more than 'physical technique', such as how to kick or punch etc. Once a situation gets to that physical point in the real world you have an uncontrolled situation where anything can happen and regardless of ones martial skills.

The true objective of self-defense is to survive and escape death or serious injury from an attack. That objective is very clearly first and best accomplished by conflict avoidance which is made much more possible by knowing the ways of the human predators. That is how they think, how they chose their victims and thus how not to appear as an unattractive and ideally unacceptable victim to them. Self-Defense training must also include de-escalation and conflict avoidance training and skills.

Asian martial arts do not even address or acknowledge the need or existence of any of these critical survival self-defense skills at all. Instead Asian Martial Arts follows a syllabus almost wholly devoted to the practice of physical technique alone. The majority of that physical technique is wholly impractical for most people to employ effectively in an actual self-defense situation too.

ASSERTION THREE: The founders of these arts were proven masters of self-defense and knew exactly what they were doing in creating the techniques and training syllabus of their art

ACTUAL FACT: Few if any of the creators or founders of unarmed martial systems had ever been involved in any real fight at all in their entire lives. These arts were created in modern times and in societies more peaceful than ours are today. So about the only thing resembling an actual fight that most of these founders were ever involved with was an 'athletic contest' with another master in order to show the superiority of their style over that other master's style. And in so doing they aspired to acquire new students for their own system. It is essential to understand that no 'consensual athletic contest' such as this is a self-defense situation in any significant way at all.

ASSERTION FOUR: It is undeniable that martial arts training has created some extremely formidable fighters who would make very short work of the average untrained street assailant.

ACTUAL FACT: There is some clear and demonstrable truth to this assertion. But these people are the exception. The study of traditional martial arts fails most people in being able to apply it to an actual attack successfully.

Further, it is largely the proper mindset and personal physical qualities and attitudes of these individuals that allows them to make their martial arts training effective to an actual self-defense situation. And make no mistake here, the street thug is not untrained, he learned the best way possible and that is ' by doing it'. The street thug is very seldom in his 'first real fight' when he attacks someone.

However, if that someone he attacks is a martial arts trained person it is much more likely that this will be that 'martial arts persons' first 'real fight'.

THE REAL PROBLEM IN APPLYING MARTIAL ARTS EFFECTIVELY TO A REAL WOLRD SELF-DEFENSE SITUATION:

I can say without any doubt whatever exactly what this problem is and martial arts traing very seldom prepares the student for it properly at all.

That problem is the only thing one can absolutely count on occurring in any real self-defense situation too, and that is the problem with dealing with the powerful adrenal stress reaction.

Martial arts training almost always occur under non-adrenal circumstances. The training hall is correctly a place of respect and courtesy. The real world of violence and human predators certainly is not.

Even the most demanding tournaments with significant levels of physical contact do not approach the adrenal levels that actual combat engages in a person.

The repeatedly observed reality for this writer is that the adrenal stress reaction (to those not previously conditioned to it) will affect a decided loss of motor control; especially fine motor control that so many martial arts techniques demand. I have observed this for many years in training even very accomplished martial arts people in self-defense using 'scenario based training' and our RMCAT armored assailant instructors.

Once the conditions of an actual self-defense situation are authentically simulated by the instructor in a scenario, that is the body posture, verbal abuse and the body carriage and projection of true malevolent intent, etc, the 'body does not know the difference' and we see these adrenal affects display themselves every time.

When the instructor who is training the 'student' for adrenal stress management assumes and displays the same physiological cues of the actual human predator, the martial arts person and the previously untrained person are often indistinguishable in their fight performance against that armored assailant instructor.

To be frank here, even well trained black belts often flail ineffectually and seldom land any effective blows at all or defend themselves effectively in their first fight simulation scenario against the armored assailant. I feel that this would be their performance in their first real assault too.

You might reasonably imagine how "playing the role" of a real aggressor can affect these dysfunctional adrenal reactions in the student. The truthful and economical answer is both 'easily" and 'reliably'.

The adrenal release is not a voluntary action. It is autonomic and automatic, 'hard wired' response to the cues of danger. Thus if you authentically present those cues of danger, then you will get the adrenal response. In twenty odd years I have never seen this fail.

The difference of course is how the student handles and manages that adrenal response. Since most of us are not accustomed to or experienced with 'life and death' situations and the adrenal rush most people are overcome by it. By this I mean they 'choke" or 'freeze up' and they are unable to use the martial technique they may have learned because they learned them under the non-adrenal state of martial arts study.

Now are there exceptions? Yes, there clearly are exceptions. If a student performs effectively in their first adrenal stress driven scenario there is almost always a single reason. That reason is because it's not their first adrenal stress driven 'fight'. They have had previous experience with the 'real thing' and the adrenal rush it elicits.

What the RMCAT fight simulation do is to provide that 'biochemical experience' without the dangerous experience of getting into a real attack!

The more modern training methodology of simulation and adrenal stress driven scenario-based training has scientifically proven itself superior to any other training method and in many different and varied fields.

Fighter pilots train in aircraft simulators, tank crews do the same in computer modeled tanks, commercial airline pilots are required to maintain their emergency skills through periodic simulator training to qualify and maintain their fight worthy status.

It should thus be no surprise that this simulation training methodology is superior when applied to unarmed self-defense training. More so than any alternative methodology including any Asian based martial arts systems.

This is precisely why I have employed the simulation based, adrenal stress driven scenario methodology in my self-defense classes for two decades now. It simply works!

In the next installment in this series we will look briefly at the martial arts business model itself and thus see its innate problems in offering true self-defense training.

We will also begin our examination of how adrenal stress conditioning provides benefits in every aspect of one's personal and professional life and well part from self-defense issues entirely.

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