Arts Literature

May 13, 2010

The Way of the Warrior – Martial Arts and Fighting Styles From Around the World by Chris Crudelli

Filed under: Literature — Tags: , , , , , — arts @ 10:07 pm


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The first thing that stands out with Chris Crudelli’s new book “The Way of the Warrior: Martial Arts and Fighting Styles From Around the World” is the stunning photographs throughout the entire volume of this coffee table sized visual smorgasbord of martial arts from around the world. It is fascinating to browse and marvel at the wonderful pictures that fill almost every page of this oversized 360 page tomb of martial art information and splendor.

This magnificent visual guide to the martial arts is divided into seven sections, with each section focusing on the indigenous and imported styles synonymous with a particular geographical region. These sections include: India and South Asia; China and East Asia; Southeast Asia and Oceania; Japan and Okinawa; Europe; Africa, Middle East and Central Asia; and finally The Americas. In these seven sections there are descriptions of more than 300 fighting styles. Included are the obvious well known martial arts such as Judo, Karate, Taekwondo, and Aikido. But also included are little know obscure arts like Aki Kiti, Ba Ji Quan, Mizongyi, Taekyon, Banshay, and many others. The book is truly a fascinating look at more martial art styles than most people ever realized existed. Pictures range from ancient drawings, old photographs, and modern photos of stunning displays of martial prowess with fascinating backdrops. There are action shots from competitions and martial art demonstrations as well as those from training sessions and ancient training halls and temples. I can’t stress enough what a visual feast this book is for the martial art enthusiast.

The text includes descriptions of the various fighting styles as well as notes on key players in the arts history as well as modern masters. The book illustrates key weapons the various styles are known for and describes the main principles and theories behind the styles. Obviously, due to how the book is organized, the country and culture of each style is also provided. These descriptions are brief, but make for a very interesting overview of the arts to accompany the great photographs.

Scattered among the descriptions and colorful pictures are quotes that capture the spirit of the various arts and warriors who devised them and helped shape the styles into not only methods of fighting but for many a way of life. I was glad to see one of my favorite quotes from Karate Master Gichin Funakoshi, “The ultimate goal of karate lies not in victory or defeat but in the perfection of the character of its participants.”

This book is truly a work of art and a wealth of information. It could easily take a place on the coffee table of any martial artist, or a professional lobby or school front for anyone who practices the arts. And it is definitely a marvelous addition to any martial art library. I sincerely thank Chris Crudelli for putting such a book together. I highly recommend this for all martial artists and those who follow the warrior’s path.

March 2, 2010

The way of the true path of martial arts

Filed under: Literature — Tags: — arts @ 9:45 am


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I was in the army 40 years ago, with the duty gray and infinite amount of time to get into speculation. Should I go to another country and kill people. This was not a task I thought, as of honor.

One night, I fell into a private conversation with a little, and asked me if I never read Lao Tse. I told him I had and asked him what it was. Told me he was … The Way.

Now I had come across the concept of The Way in martial arts. I had readtalked with other students, and held it lightly. It 'strange that if I had been in martial arts for several years, I had no idea that there is a book explicitly concerned with the nature.

Not long after, I found a copy of the book and began to investigate. I lived in the bodies of translating ancient Chinese terminology in terms I understood so well that I could. I was determined that the simple reading of the book, not a large volume,It was a journey in itself.

Is not high, not low, there is acceptance, not re-translated the dichotomy more beautiful. Strangely, I discovered that these concepts, high and low, front and rear, were used in freestyle. In fact, over the years that I had found that the mere speculations of these concepts in mind, Freestyle also in the midst of chaos, order and led a major advantage in nature.

My favorite song of the book has always been to do nothing, until nothingis left unturned, as it is positively enlightening. I wish the fork of my life to trade the possibility of implementing this strategy. Finally, the forms were made ten thousand times, I began to pieces and involve elements of truth and experience my art in reality the principles to which the effort that must be true art.

Not every time he is able to define the terms "The Way to feature in my real life action, but the struggle was in its way, and this contest has brought me outthe window, opened the normal way of thinking and allowed me to actually submit an application in action, and the whims of my youthful desire began to emerge. The excitement has been a pleasure, age is a relaxation, and even the street and pushes me back and forth. My form Transmogrifier the tone of this old rhyme, and another world calls continuously.

A perfect world, knowing that the Way is the time constant is constant in front of me on me. A world obsessed with whetherpolitical intrigue and the almighty dollar sick on the track and I envy my youth and health. A world where people are, outside of the violations and the Court, this is the way I've found.

February 16, 2010

How To Use Demonstrations For Advertising Your Martial Arts School

Filed under: Literature — Tags: , , , — arts @ 9:09 pm


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Assemble your demonstration team. Regularly scheduled meetings should be held, and each team member should be given specific assignments. Everyone must be involved; a demonstration looks disorganized if team members are standing about with no apparent function. Team members should take their cue from the instructor; and remain in the background before and after their performances.

To maximize the effect of larger demonstrations, divide your team so that members are performing at each end of the performance area. Keep the demonstration moving smoothly and swiftly. Practice martial arts etiquette at all times. Professionalism and organization will minimize slow spots during which the audience can lose interest in the presentation.

Keeping the Audience Interested

Offering prizes or premiums ensures interest. Your selection of prizes may vary depending on the audience, but free lessons are almost guaranteed to bring students to your doors. Patches, gear bags, and T-shirts bearing your schools insignia are also good incentives, and provide advertising-in the form of name recognition-for your school.

Ask audience members to print their names, addresses and telephone numbers when they sign up for the giveaway. This information can be used for future contact with those who do not enroll at the demonstration.

Raffle items should be appealing to those in your audience. Free lessons, items bearing the schools insignia, and books and videos featuring your school can be effective giveaways. As a rule, the larger the demonstration, the greater the prize.

The Actual Demonstration

Your choice of routines should be governed by the makeup of your audience. The purpose of the demonstration is to make the audience believe that they, too, can perform these techniques. Demonstrations should not be so complex that they intimidate the audience.

The introduction sets the tone for the demonstration. Be sure to introduce yourself, your team members, and your school, and explain why you are there. Give the location of the school and invite the audience to visit. Share your excitement about your school and its benefits. Enthusiasm is contagious.

Initiate your demonstration by having the team members bow to the audience, demonstrating respect and martial arts etiquette. Next, perform light or comedic skits utilizing the good guy versus the bad guy formula, and showing how your school can save the day.

Follow the lighter skits with your more serious demonstrations of the art. Save spectacular routines for later in the demonstration. When different belt levels participate, explain the significance of each belt to the audience. Start with the lower levels, and continue from there. Present all team members, and let the audience know how long they have been practicing. If children, older persons, or newer students are team members, allow them to perform techniques that show their skill. The audience will see that everyone can participate at your school, and can enjoy and benefit from it.

The senior instructor should be your speaker throughout the demonstration. This person will guide the audience through each technique and explain its benefits. A staff member can walk among the audience with sign-up sheets for anyone who is interested.

Italian Rapier-an Effective Historical Martial Art With a Growing Following

Filed under: Literature — Tags: , , , , , , — arts @ 3:06 am


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We have all heard of kendo and kenjitsu, of the lingering spirit of the old Samurai school and of the precision and effectiveness with which these Japanese martial arts are taught and learned. But did you know that European swordsmanship from the Renaissance is equally precise and, most importantly, equally effective? Did you know that there were several European Myamoto Musashis who fought tens of duels and battles without ever receiving a scratch? The Italian rapier was one of the most studied, refined and therefore effective among European martial arts, and thankfully, a growing number modern students are finding that out for themselves.

Until not long ago thinking of “fencing” meant thinking of the white-clad Olympic style sport where the defense (that essential element in martial arts) had almost completely disappeared in favor of just speed in attacks and quickness to make the buzzer sound. But then, thanks in part to the efforts of dedicated individuals like John Clements and his HACA (now ARMA), Americans came to realize that there was a whole treasure of literature on true European martial arts: books from the Renaissance that taught, blow by blow and principle by principle, how to fight sword-in-hand. Therefore many people started a feverish process of research and, armed with precise blunted replicas of Renaissance rapiers or swords, started testing their conclusions in informal tournaments. The results were exciting.

Studying the Italian Rapier

The Italian rapier is a double-edged sword popular in the late 1500 and 1600s, and it is immediately recognizable by its complex hilt consisting often of bars and sweeping branches. The greatness of the Italian rapier is that it could be used on its own, that is, without armor, shield or other defensive armament. This is why (although this is a generalization), the science of fencing made great strides in the time of the Italian rapier. Many masters from the Renaissance left us Italian rapier manuals, such as Fabris, Giganti, Capoferro, Alfieri and many others. Even outside of Italy, the rapier become very popular, so much so that old-fashioned Nationalists (such as the English George Silver) published some grumbling essays against it. But history could not be stopped, and the Italian rapier became the sword of choice of much of Europe’s nobility and upper middle class.

Today, the Italian rapier revival centers among many schools headed by amateur researchers or in rare cases even professional teachers, both in the USA and abroad. When you see two good fencers engaged in Italian rapier combat, you see two agile mountain lions studying each other from just out of distance, then one quickly gaining an advantage with his weapon over the other, safely attacking with a thrust or more rarely a cut, and placing the burden of defense over the opponent. Defense can be executed either in the form of a parry-riposte or in an action in countertime, that is, with the parry and the riposte performed in a single motion.

Studying the Italian rapier involves nothing different from many other martial arts: a fit body (especially the legs), a solid understanding of the theory and lots of hours of repetitive drilling, until the actions become second nature. Then, once the rapier is mastered, students can begin adding a left-hand dagger, a cape or even a shield to learn to control two weapons and to deceive two in the opponent’s hands.

But this kind of study really pays off. Often, at International Martial Arts conventions, you will see a skillful Italian rapier fencer matched against an equally skilled Japanese swordsmanship practitioner, and it is a joy to watch how conservative, precise and (in many cases) similar the two contenders motions will be. Who wins? Sometime one, sometimes the other, but always the most skilled.

How Can You Become Involved in Italian Rapier Studies?

My advice is to do an Internet search for European Swordsmanship schools, and see what’s available in your area. Please note: although many Italian rapier practitioners are also involved in the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism), authentic Italian rapier combat is very different from the sport and its rules practiced in the SCA. So if it’s authenticity you are looking for, the SCA may not be your best bet, although you may meet some good leads there. Also, there are other resources like Swordforum International or the ARMA forum (both searchable) where you may ask questions and find practice partners in your area. I’ll leave you with one last piece of advice: if you want to study the Italian rapier seriously, find out as much information as possible and don’t just go with the first group that “lures” you in. Also, you may want to attend one of the large International Western Martial Arts symposia, where you can take lessons from some of today’s best Italian rapier teachers as will see these arts in action.

Lastly, there are a growing number of available books on the Italian rapier. These range from English translations of the historic works of Fabris, Capoferro and others to interpretations and advice from modern students and teachers. A quick search on Amazon on the topics rapier, dueling, etc. will yield good results.

February 13, 2010

Martial Arts Marketing & Advertising

Filed under: Literature — Tags: , , — arts @ 8:50 am


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Are the links to get a bit 'stale?

A contest for reference or rewards can be a good way to get a quick start of your referrals and create some excitement in the school.

Sometimes students need an incentive to find someone, we are all different and inspired by different things. Giving students an incentive to create a win-win opportunity, you will receive a new student, and received a gift.

Music gift voucher

Offer students a ? 10 bonus for every musicianStudents who sign up for school.

1. Open voucher music posters in the marketing, download

2. Set the value of the voucher music, which gives 10 ? and the name of the school

3. To print posters for display or for use as flyers and give all students

4. Tell your students to ask them in class – who want some procedures that all now!

5. Gift certificates Prize in class, so that all students (see shopping voucher from your localShop)

Mention in Class "John has x CD," or ask "CD Jon, what you have with your control?" as often as possible!

A period of 2-3 months

It is also necessary with the external measures for potential students themselves, beginning with the combination of 100 visitors took a week to visit local businesses accompanies keep your center or maul and speaks to school.

Remember, customers want only the transfer will be offered through a service of great and fans delirious.Its about under promising and flyover in our daily relationship with our customers.

February 10, 2010

9 tips for selecting a martial arts school

Filed under: Literature — Tags: , , — arts @ 5:54 am


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So you've decided to get back into shape and a little self-defense. You or your child has convinced him to enroll in a program of martial arts. But where to start? As a newcomer has to be what you know, before they stepped on a uniform and on the floor?

There are 9 things that are in choosing the right martial arts school for you and / or examine your child.

1. What do you want from the program? "Self-defense capabilities? Of physical fitness?Tournaments? Self confidence? One of the social activities?

All these are available, but you must decide which are most important. Some schools are geared to competition. If you learn some self-defense capabilities, because you are traveling for business more like, you can not be happy. On the other hand, some schools' practice the subtleties of art, but rarely full speed. If you want to mix and test themselves, which may not be the school for you.

2. WatchingClass. Most teachers will be pleased to observe a class and then some questions at the end. Listen and see the style of the master. They have a good relationship with students? There are structures in the classroom? What is your feeling as you or your child would be suitable in this environment?

3. Security. People seem to get hurt a lot during the lessons? We use security devices such as pads, headgear and mouthpieces? Did the teacher say something during the lessonabout the work safely and take care of your training partners?

Of course, martial arts, is, by definition, to defend against an attack, either by kicking, punching, throwing, planing, (or is running away!). But the training must be done safely, so they can continue their training – and then you can get out of bed to go to work the next morning. To provide a safety priority.

4. Free Trial? Many schools will be from 1 to 5 hours free offer, just for youin the door. Like any form of advertising, if you like, you are hooked. This is a great way to participate, without giving any initial costs of the proceedings. You can also create a uniform practice loan a. If there is no literature or posters asking for free introductory lessons, too. It makes sense to ask whether your child can try one weeks free to see how you like it.

5. Be careful long-term contracts. Think carefully before they become a one-year contract. What happens ifnot like the class? What happens if the child is bored? What if it hurts? What changes, if you?

Shorter contracts, 3 to 6 months are usually best. Or, in some schools even from month to month charges. Some schools offer savings for long-term contracts, compared to a monthly payment. This is fine when you have a few months to plan and continue training.

6. What's your style? It's not your style, but the style of martial art do you prefer? Karate? Judo? Krav Maga? TaeKwon Do? There are dozens of martial arts and a variety of styles, or branches, make this art. Many, many kicks and punches. Other techniques have no impact at all. Mixed Martial Arts has become very popular, combining amazing fight, and presentation techniques from a variety of art.

Do some research on the Internet at martial arts, he feels or ask other parents interested in the job or through their churchExperiences. Your choice is where you live, be limited. Small communities may be only 1 or 2 types of schools offer within a reasonable distance.

7. Costs. The cost is not always an indicator of quality. Some programs at low prices that are outstanding at the YMCA or community center. But not always. We can expect to pay from $ 30 to $ 250 per month for lessons in martial arts.

But be prepared to pay for uniforms, the test costs of promotion /, taxes on a national umbrella organization,Tournament entry fees, and other devices, such as weapons or sparring gear.

8. Credentials. What are the credentials owners? What about other teachers? Black Belts are certified by an institution? If they are certified coaches with this system?

It's easy to print a certificate on a home printer. Or some styles are a bit 'incestuous, and promote themselves or their staff to 8 Grand Master in a few years. Not disrespectask the teacher feel that its origin in art and in coaching.

9. Insurance. Insured is the school and teachers? Most schools of good will is the responsibility in case of injury.

The benefits of martial arts are many. A better fitness, confidence, peace on the streets, and the sense of accomplishment when you earn the next belt! To investigate, but to ensure that the school of law and the lawEnvironment for you and / or your child.

February 9, 2010

9 tips for selecting a martial arts school

Filed under: Literature — Tags: , , — arts @ 11:03 pm


Image : http://www.flickr.com

So you've decided to get back into shape and a little self-defense. You or your child has convinced him to enroll in a program of martial arts. But where to start? As a newcomer has to be what you know, before they stepped on a uniform and on the floor?

There are 9 things that are in choosing the right martial arts school for you and / or examine your child.

1. What do you want from the program? "Self-defense capabilities? Of physical fitness?Tournaments? Self confidence? One of the social activities?

All these are available, but you must decide which are most important. Some schools are geared to competition. If you learn some self-defense capabilities, because you are traveling for business more like, you can not be happy. On the other hand, some schools' practice the subtleties of art, but rarely full speed. If you want to mix and test themselves, which may not be the school for you.

2. WatchingClass. Most teachers will be pleased to observe a class and then some questions at the end. Listen and see the style of the master. They have a good relationship with students? There are structures in the classroom? What is your feeling as you or your child would be suitable in this environment?

3. Security. People seem to get hurt a lot during the lessons? We use security devices such as pads, headgear and mouthpieces? Did the teacher say something during the lessonabout the work safely and take care of your training partners?

Of course, martial arts, is, by definition, to defend against an attack, either by kicking, punching, throwing, planing, (or is running away!). But the training must be done safely, so they can continue their training – and then you can get out of bed to go to work the next morning. To provide a safety priority.

4. Free Trial? Many schools will be from 1 to 5 hours free offer, just for youin the door. Like any form of advertising, if you like, you are hooked. This is a great way to participate, without giving any initial costs of the proceedings. You can also create a uniform practice loan a. If there is no literature or posters asking for free introductory lessons, too. It makes sense to ask whether your child can try one weeks free to see how you like it.

5. Be careful long-term contracts. Think carefully before they become a one-year contract. What happens ifnot like the class? What happens if the child is bored? What if it hurts? What changes, if you?

Shorter contracts, 3 to 6 months are usually best. Or, in some schools even from month to month charges. Some schools offer savings for long-term contracts, compared to a monthly payment. This is fine when you have a few months to plan and continue training.

6. What's your style? It's not your style, but the style of martial art do you prefer? Karate? Judo? Krav Maga? TaeKwon Do? There are dozens of martial arts and a variety of styles, or branches, make this art. Many, many kicks and punches. Other techniques have no impact at all. Mixed Martial Arts has become very popular, combining amazing fight, and presentation techniques from a variety of art.

Do some research on the Internet at martial arts, he feels or ask other parents interested in the job or through their churchExperiences. Your choice is where you live, be limited. Small communities may be only 1 or 2 types of schools offer within a reasonable distance.

7. Costs. The cost is not always an indicator of quality. Some programs at low prices that are outstanding at the YMCA or community center. But not always. We can expect to pay from $ 30 to $ 250 per month for lessons in martial arts.

But be prepared to pay for uniforms, the test costs of promotion /, taxes on a national umbrella organization,Tournament entry fees, and other devices, such as weapons or sparring gear.

8. Credentials. What are the credentials owners? What about other teachers? Black Belts are certified by an institution? If they are certified coaches with this system?

It's easy to print a certificate on a home printer. Or some styles are a bit 'incestuous, and promote themselves or their staff to 8 Grand Master in a few years. Not disrespectask the teacher feel that its origin in art and in coaching.

9. Insurance. Insured is the school and teachers? Most schools of good will is the responsibility in case of injury.

The benefits of martial arts are many. A better fitness, confidence, peace on the streets, and the sense of accomplishment when you earn the next belt! To investigate, but to ensure that the school of law and the lawEnvironment for you and / or your child.

February 7, 2010

Martial Arts Marketing & Advertising

Filed under: Literature — Tags: , , — arts @ 11:06 pm


Image : http://www.flickr.com

Are the links to get a bit 'stale?

A contest for reference or rewards can be a good way to get a quick start of your referrals and create some excitement in the school.

Sometimes students need an incentive to find someone, we are all different and inspired by different things. Giving students an incentive to create a win-win opportunity, you will receive a new student, and received a gift.

Music gift voucher

Offer students a ? 10 bonus for every musicianStudents who sign up for school.

1. Open voucher music posters in the marketing, download

2. Set the value of the voucher music, which gives 10 ? and the name of the school

3. Print posters for display or for use as flyers and give all students

4. Tell students to ask questions about them in class – who want some procedures that all now!

5. Gift certificates Prize in class, so that all students (see shopping voucher from your localShop)

Mention in Class "John has x CD," or ask "CD Jon, what you have with your control?" as often as possible!

A period of 2-3 months

It is also necessary with the external measures for potential students themselves, beginning with the combination of 100 visitors took a week to visit local businesses accompanies keep your center or maul and speaks to school.

Remember, customers want only the transfer will be offered through a service of great and fans delirious.Its about under promising and flyover in our daily relationship with our customers.

February 5, 2010

Martial Arts Marketing & Advertising

Filed under: Literature — Tags: , , — arts @ 11:10 pm


Image : http://www.flickr.com

Are the links to get a bit 'stale?

A contest for reference or rewards can be a good way to get a quick start of your referrals and create some excitement in the school.

Sometimes students need an incentive to find someone, we are all different and inspired by different things. Giving students an incentive to create a win-win opportunity, you will receive a new student, and received a gift.

Music gift voucher

Offer students a ? 10 bonus for every musicianStudents who sign up for school.

1. Open voucher music posters in the marketing, download

2. Set the value of the voucher music, which gives 10 ? and the name of the school

3. Print posters for display or for use as flyers and give all students

4. Tell students to ask questions about them in class – who want some procedures that all now!

5. Gift certificates Prize in class, so that all students (see shopping voucher from your localShop)

Mention in Class "John has x CD," or ask "CD Jon, what you have with your control?" as often as possible!

A period of 2-3 months

It is also necessary with the external measures for potential students themselves, beginning with the combination of 100 visitors took a week to visit local businesses accompanies keep your center or maul and speaks to school.

Remember, customers want only the transfer will be offered through a service of great and fans delirious.Its about under promising and flyover in our daily relationship with our customers.

February 4, 2010

Martial Arts Marketing – hosting pizza parties

Filed under: Literature — Tags: , , , — arts @ 4:31 am


Image : http://www.flickr.com

Host a pizza party once a month to increase as a further method for marketing your school enrollments of martial arts, free, two people who are students of the premium month. I always recommend two different colored ribbons (red / blue mix) and among students of the month embroidered on the straps.

Assignment of the tapes in the classroom with great enthusiasm, because they know that martial arts students are also open during the month, the school hosts a party for pizzafree for students where they can bring 15 friends each to join in the fun and games.

Enter invitations that include at least 2 weeks before the party with the date and time and address.

Their pizza party should last about an hour and martial arts protocol, and some techniques for 20 minutes, 20 minutes of play and fun and 10 minutes to eat pizza, with 10 minutes of repeating some of the equipment used for fall.

Make sure the name, addressand the number of everyone who deals with the possible, then follow-up at all on Monday. Begin with the end in mind and purpose for the recordings pizza party is to achieve is a bonus "are two students who are already die-hard fan.

The pizza party was 20-30 maximum price, you should register 2-5 of each party. Many schools start doing these events, but never stick to them or always be in a good position for the type of results you wish to reach. Each monthmust find ways to improve your procedures before the event to discuss an increase during and after the effectiveness of your martial arts marketing and advertising.

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