Nov 20, 2010
Nov 19, 2010
Brief Introduction to Aikido
Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. On a purely physical level it is an art involving some throws and joint locks that are derived from Jujitsu and some throws and other techniques derived from Kenjutsu.
Aikido was originally started in Japan back in the 1940s. As Aikido's founder, Morihei Ueshiba, was growing up in modern Japan, Ueshiba witnessed the local thugs vandalize his father. The young boy decided that he would make himself strong in order to seek revenge against the thugs. Ueshiba was strong willed, and devoted every waking moment to physical training and martial arts. He then began to look into religion, hoping that he would find a greater significance with life - pursuing martial arts all the while. Ueshiba founded the martial art of Aikido by combining both his religious beliefs and his training in martial arts. Aikido believes in harmony and peace of the spirit. By achieving a higher spiritual power, Ueshiba has always believed that the human body is capable of anything. Even though he wanted revenge, he still stated that Aikido wasn't about fighting, but rather a way to reconcile with the world and make every human being on giant family. At that time, the style was known as aikibudo, it wasn't until 1942 that he decided to go with the name Aikido.
The Japanese word "Aikido" is made up of three characters: Ai, Ki, and Do. Ai means to join, unify, or harmonize. Ki means energy or spirit, particularly a universal life force, essence, or the forces of nature. Do means a path or way of life, and signifies that Aikido involves not only self-defense techniques, but also positive character-building ideals which a person can incorporate into his or her life. Taken together, the three characters mean the way of harmony with the spirit of the universe.
After World War II, Aikido rapidly spread and nowadays has become more and more popular in many countries. "The Aikido-boom" can be seen around the world. Why is Aikido now loved by all different generations, regardless of nationality, culture, language, etc.? On a purely physical level Aikido is an art involving some throws and joint locks that are derived from Jujitsu and some throws and other techniques derived from Kenjutsu. But its style was quite different indeed, incorporating several different styles of jujitsu, aiki-jujitsu, and spear and sword fighting techniques as well. It focuses not on punching or kicking opponents, but rather on using their own energy to gain control of them or to throw them away from you. It is not a static art, but places great emphasis on motion and the dynamics of movement. Its principal is not to resist the law of nature, but to harmonize without using physical strength. This means no matter if you are strong or weak, big or small, male or female, young or old, you can do Aikido without having to be a top athlete. Although Aikido does not require physical strength, with regular practice, strength will develop as well as agility, coordination, flexibility, balance, stamina, and alertness. Aikido practice is as much a mental and spiritual exercise as well as a physical one. Regular and continuous practice teaches Aikido exercisers to coordinate and unify their minds and bodies so that they remain centered and calm in the face of physical attacks or other forms of aggression.
Can Aikido be used for self-defense?
"Those who are skilled in combat do not become angered, those who are skilled at winning do not become afraid. Thus the wise win before the fight, while the ignorant fight to win."
Yes, Aikido can be a very effective form of self-defense However, it can take considerable time and effort before Aikido (or any martial art) can be used effectively in a self-defense situation.
Nov 18, 2010
Information About Mixed Martial Arts Training Routines, Drills
The form of MMA is unlike any other martial art like boxing where you blindly follow rules. No doubt, MMA has its restrictions but they are not as serious as other forms. This style has more to do with skill than with technique. It is known as a no-hold-barred fighting sport where fighters are free to do as they please.
MMA is soon becoming a very popular sport all over. A lot of people are watching this form on television and noticing that it is way different from any other style of fighting. The training, the techniques, the drills are all different and unique.
The training and drills are the two main constituents of MMA and it is mandatory fro every fighter to be well versed with these in order to excel at this fighting style. A thorough knowledge of these skills will not only enhance the physical strength of the fighter but also improve his mental conditioning. One such important way of strengthening the fighter's body and increasing the impact of his attacks is by core training.
One of the important techniques of core training is power wheel and hand walking. In this exercise, the fighter extends his body and adds a load to it. This process helps in strengthening the abdominal muscles. Hand walking with the power wheel is also an effective way of improving the power and endurance of the muscles in the abdominal region.
This exercise is way more complex and difficult than it sounds. However, it is the most commonly popular complex exercise that the fighters indulge in. it is very important to take care of little details while doing this exercise. The correct way of doing this is by hand walking without letting your body sway. This will create tension in your torso and feet.
Another well known way of core training is by doing sandbag get-ups. These are similar to dumbbell or kettle bell Turkish get-ups. The only difference being that here, the exercise is not restricted to the enhancement of shoulder girdle strength or stability. Conducting leg staging with the ground helps in training not only the core but the entire body.
Sledgehammer strikes are yet another type of core training and drills that are taught to the MMA fighters. The long arm of the sledge hammer provides for a lot of leverage against the core region of the fighter's body. The constant change in the gravitational center makes it mandatory for the fighter to strain his core muscles as to prevent him from falling.
The final exercise when it comes to core training is the lateral band drills. Band resistance is applied to the body on the sides, which puts a lot of pressure on the core muscles. The resistance pulls the fighter's body in a different direction and he is expected to resist it while in motion on a different plane.
Cardio training is also crucial for fighters training for MMA. A lot of other training and drills are also taught at MMA training classes. Learning the important drills and performing them to the satisfaction of the trainers is the only way to ensure mental and physical power of a fighter.
Nov 17, 2010
How To Train For MMA - 3 Things Fighters Forget
MMA is exploding with popularity and giving birth to many new students all around the world. Training your heart out and depriving yourself of necessary aspects of health can prevent can actually slow down the process of being a progressive fighter. Take note of these tips and keep your focus on them throughout your entire training camp.
Diet and Nutrition.
You need to eliminate fast food from your right away. Plain and simple.
Plan on eating more green vegetables, and getting away from the trans-fats and saturated fat foods. Start eating almonds for some of the best energy you can get.
Training.
If you're planning on training for a fight you need to focus on your time in the club, and outside training strength and conditioning. You can't get everything you need from going to different martial art training classes.
You will need to set up more times to train with partners that are better than you. Having a quality MMA training program or plan can help you learn the things you need to know that you can't learn in a class.
Sleeping.
You need to get to bed at night. Most people need an 8 hour sleep to function throughout the day. When you're training for MMA you may need even more sleep and rest to repair your muscles, and regain energy stores.
You can drink coffee and energy drinks all you want, but it will eventually catch up with you and you will crash.
Most of these tips are fairly obvious but often overlooked. Take them into more consideration of the start and get the edge over your competition.