KickChick

AP World Politics Monks of China's famed Shaolin Temple fight to protect trademark Wed Sep 25, 4:44 AM ET BEIJING - The monks of Shaolin Temple want the world to back off a little. And they're not the sort of monks you want to anger. The Buddhist temple whose name was made famous by dozens of kung fu movies is fighting — and not with its hands and feet — to protect the Shaolin trademark from encroachment by marketers with dollar signs in their eyes. "It is our unshirkable historical responsibility to protect and rejuvenate the culture of Shaolin," said Shi Yongxin, the abbot of Shaolin Temple, quoted by the official Xinhua News Agency. In recent months, the temple in central China has been making efforts to register "Shaolin" and "Shaolin Temple" as trademarks with the country's General Administration for Industry and Commerce, Xinhua said. It has also set up a firm, Henan Shaolin Temple Industrial Development Lt. Co., to safeguard the temple's name and ban its "abusive use" in commercial activities, the agency said. A survey by the China Trademark and Patent Affairs Agency in 11 countries and regions on five continents showed that 117 items had been registered with the name Shaolin — all without consulting the temple. In mainland China, more than 100 businesses — including automobiles, furniture, foods, spirits and medicine — are using a Shaolin trademark. Registration of Shaolin Temple as a trademark overseas has also been stepped up, Xinhua said. "It is in the benefit of Shaolin Temple for protecting trademarks internationally," Shi was quoted as saying. Shaolin Temple, built in 496, is the birthplace of Shaolin Boxing, a unique combination of Buddhist and Chinese martial arts. The militia monks of Shaolin gained notoriety during the early Tang Dynasty (618-907) by helping Emperor Li Shimin defeat a local feudal ruler who wanted to set up a separate government by force. But it was a spate of kung-fu movies in the 1970s — many of them starring Hong Kong's Bruce Lee and myriad imitators — that brought the martial art to the world's attention. Hong Kong's Jackie Chan, among others, has kept that tradition going in recent years.

http://www.karateforums.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4607 karatekid1975 brought this article up here on this particular thread, but I felt it warrants a thread here and the posting of more info concerning this new cable network formation here in the states.... thousands of hours of classic martial arts movies and TV series - along with actual kung fu fighting, Thai boxing and other combat sports from around the world - form the programming lineup for a planned 24-hour cable channel dubbed Blackbelt TV. http://www.blackbelt.tv/ (nice site!) ... um -- forget MTV..... I WANT MY BBTV !!

Thanks for sharing that article of John Will's. I read another of his articles on the future (evolution) of Martial Arts .... and that was very good also. "yes, grappling is almost inevitable if your opponent wants it that way. So if you haven't knocked your opponent out in the first few seconds of the fight, you are probably grappling by now!" ..... so concentration in most martial arts is to knock the opponent out quickly so as not to end up in a grappling situation.

.... You don't? hmm, .... the couch potato approach to training in the martial arts.... sorry I disagree with you G95. You by all means should supplement your training by reading and learning more about your specific style whether it be reading, or observing technique and kata on video (that goes without saying) .... but it should never take the place of physical training .... never.

I find I use my front leg (sidekick) when my opponent is charging towards me. Most of the time its effective against the guys I spar as they tend to chase me down and I use their forward momentum against them by lifting my lead leg as they move in. Usually when sparring in closed-stances the lead leg is used more rather than when in an open stance. In an open stance I usually use the lead leg more to draw or lure my opponent in (to set them up more or less) and then execute a more powerful back leg kick or spin kick.

As long as you are getting enough "rest/sleep" ... you did say you rest during the day so.... I guess training when you able is better than not. It also depends on your circadian rhythms (your body's internal clock) ... everyone's are different! Training earlier in the morning and getting it out of the way may be another route. For school ....mental acuity is increased for 4-10 hours after exercise and increases metabolism and makes you feel energized all day long. Benefits of training at night is that your strength will be higher since you have eaten during the day and energy levels should be elevated. Although, late night workouts may adversely affect sleep in "some" people. Recent research has concluded that late night, high-intensity exercise does not delay sleep onset. The findings apply only to "normal" sleepers so if you don't usually have problems going to sleep training late at night shouldn't be a problem. Some people are night owls or morning people....and respond better during certain periods of the day and those are the times that they should train. This reflects your circadian rhythm - something that you are born with and cannot change. If you are forced to change your workout time to accommodate your schedule, then allow 3 weeks for your body to get used to the new time and train at the same time each workout if possible so your body will naturally adjust to that time and prepare itself.

For the last couple of weeks I have been training for "speed" breaking (where, of course, kicking speed is of priority... and yet you cannot sacrifice technique for speed. Among the kicks I was going to use to perform the required breaks were roundhouse and jump front. My training consisted of basically heavy bag kicking and working on leg strength conditioning. I managed to increase the speed of my kicks in a matter of time! My instructor helped me most by telling me to envision my leg as a whip ... and I managed to nail my breaks first shot with such speed that ..... I nearly caught the other half of the boards as they fell from the air! (pics to follow )

Welcome to KarateForums GroundShark! Russian Sambo ... awesome, and not many practitioners of that style here on the forum --however, alot of members who are into grappling as much as you! ... you'll like it here!!!

1. No!!!! (I started at 33!) 2. http://www.lsemall.com/bizresults.asp?BIZ=Martial+Arts+Instruction Welcome!

On the contrary Radok on breast size when bodybuilding (assuming you aren't using anabolic steroids) B reasts are composed of both fat and glandular breast tissue, and the relative amounts are different for each female. For example, some females will have larger b reasts even if they have lower bodyfat, and others will have relatively smaller b reasts at any level of bodyfat. So, while losing bodyfat is a pretty reliable way to shrink your b reasts, genetics will determine just how much you lose. In general, it is quite rare to have large b reasts at a low level of bodyfat, (which is why most swimsuit and fitness models have implants ). Building the pectoral muscles underneath the b reasts will not make them perky if they are already sagging, but every little bit helps, and the visible division of the pectoral muscles at the top of the ribcage helps to create the illusion of cleavage if you're lacking it. However, the b reast tissue is independent of the muscle beneath it, so you can't make your b reasts bigger or even smaller ... by doing chest work. Building muscle mass on the chest will do little to affect the shape or size of the actual b reasts. Now.... anabolic steroid abuse has been associated with alot of adverse side effects ranging from some that are physically unattractive, such as acne and b reast development in men and gynecomastia in females (which is the disruption of normal hormone balance) causing masculinization in females. B reast size and body fat decreases, the skin becomes coarse, and the voice deepens. Women may experience excessive growth of body hair but lose scalp hair. With continued use of steroids these effects are irreversible.

http://exercise.about.com/library/blyogapilatesforabs.htm

Glad you came back to KarateForums! (.... they always do!) One of my fav sayings is "There's always room for one more ".... stick around now! Anxious to hear more from you ... Might I add.... I enjoyed your website! (I learned so much about you and training "the Japanese Way") We welcome another "open-minded", knowledgeable, funny guy here.... (and there's always room for --- one more teacher! ) Welcome Mark!

Welcome back to KarateForums Josh

The plank (or hover) is an isolation move used in Pilates and Yoga and works the abs, back, arms and legs. The plank also targets your internal abdominal muscles. How to Do It: Lie face down on mat with elbows resting on floor next to chest. Push your body off the floor in a pushup position with body resting on elbows or hands. Contract the abs and keep the body in a straight line from head to toes. Hold for 30-60 seconds and repeat as many times as you can. I don't find these very challenging ...(IMO) but they do help with developing good core muscle strength.

If I am understanding those stretches correctly monkeygirl....the first stretch is a groin stretch ("bear in the woods") and the second is a hamstring/calves stretch (which are both important also!) .... actually I thought of another I do to stretch out the class before kicking. Doggies:(a good dyanmic stretch exercise also) Kneel on a mat on all fours with your knees hip-width apart, your hands placed slightly wider than your shoulders, and your fingers pointing forward. Keep your back straight and your head up. Keeping your leg bent at a 90-degree angle, exhale as you raise your right leg out to the side (like a dog at a fire hydrant). Hold for 1 second. Inhale as you slowly lower your leg back to the starting point. Do one set with your right leg, and then switch sides. Here is where you can add a weight to the leg to "burn" your hip flexor muscle. You can also extend leg out upon lifting and do sidekicks keeping leg up to that side. Then do roundhouses (pointing toe). As you extend that leg out into a roundhouse, try and keep toes nose level... your goal is to get and keep that leg up high and work the hip flexors. You can then extended the leg to the back and flex the foot and drive heel up to ceiling ... this actually feels good after doing the other kicks from out to the side. This is a small movement (and it helps to pretend you are lifting say, a cement block up to the ceiling with that foot.

Yeah .... but I'm not teaching here monkeygirl ... and as far as ankle weights and cables (like Jackie Chan's gadget) and resistance bands .... well, they have their place in kick conditioning (but only for us upper-to-black belts ) One slip, one incorrect technique executed,in speed training with any kind of weight, and you're in for an injury! The resistance bands aren't quite as bad becuase you are more in control as to the degree of tension applied to the ROM. There is much controversy in the martial arts as to the pros and cons of training with weights.

I thought you were 23 yrs. old GoldDragon ...do you count kicking in the womb experience in the "arts"

Weak hip flexors (muscles that raise a thigh for every kick) inhibits your kicking ability.... lack of strength, height in the kick and kicking endurance. Exercising hip flexors is one of the most important conditioning exercise a martial artist can include in their training workout .... and if it isn't included in yours..... than get to it!! In my fav book "Stretching Scientifically" .... Kurz explains that if possible, you should do even your general strength exercises in the same movement pattern as your technique. For example, in a general hip flexor exercise for kickers, lying down on a bench, let your left leg hang below the bench (to put it through the same range of motion as when kicking "with the rear leg in a fighting stance), and as you raise your left leg simultaneously press your right leg to the back and extend your left arm to the back while moving your bent right arm forward into a guard position. This is the pattern of limb movements synchronization in the front, side, and roundhouse kicks. Thanks to spinal cord reflexes, these additional movements of the arms and the other leg increase the tension of muscles lifting the left leg. Strengthening the hip flexors ....the main kicking muscles: The strength and endurance of the hip flexors (the iliopsoas muscles) determine both the power and the height of your kicks. http://www.stadion.com/column_stretch23.html

Thanks for sharing that article (taken diectly from BlackBelt magazine -- by Edward A. Aymar, C. Renee Beveridge and Jim Coleman ) http://w3.blackbeltmag.com/rookies/chooseschool/ .... let's give credit where credit is due! (one of my links I supplied in the first post here in the "Newbie thread" http://www.karateforums.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=3815)

... basically it is common sense karatekid! Just remember these important tips: Don't use advanced techniques for speed training. (Keep it simple!) Get the basics down before moving to speed training. (when learning a new kick, break it down practicing it slowly at first to train your muscles in the correct execution) Don't tense your muscles before doing a speed skill. (RELAX!) Eliminate unnecessary movement that slows your technique down! (we all have a kick where we "throw in" an extra hop or jump or fail to rechamber!) Muscles must be well trained before engaging in speed training. Weak muscles that cannot bear the intense requirements of speed training are easily injured. All of the tips mentioned above by everyone having to do with stretching /flexibility and strength ... they are all prerequisites and training in those areas should already be tackled before the demands of speed training. I'm glad my combos are working for you karatekid! .... hey cardio kickbox heavybag kicking combos ... that too is speed training!! ('specially with some kickbutt tunes!)

... perhaps XpOiSoN FrEeX ... try me! .... thanks GoldDragon ..... it's been a long time!

Take Bruce Lee for an example..... Bruce Lee realized that a heavy muscular build can slow you down. He trained for speed. His speed was definitely beyond average. Use every opportunity to increase your own reflexive speed. For maximum speed and efficiency, you must remain relaxed during all movements. Most novice fighters have a tendency to try too hard and rely on force or muscle in delivering a blow. Experienced fighters, however, generally learn to avoid this problem and rely on method over muscle. Muscular tension acts as a brake and causes friction during movement, thereby reducing the speed and power of your strikes. The only time your muscles should tighten while striking is the instant they impact the target. Although conditioning drills can develop the fast-twitch nerves and muscles needed for speed, your speed potential will still be limited if you do not have proper muscle tone. Not only will heavy (bulky) muscle slow your strikes down but so will excessive "fat" YUK! Proper nutrition, cardio training, and balanced muscle development help streamline your physique and provide maximum speed in your movements. Eliminate unnecessary movement and energy, focus on method rather than muscle. There are a variety of speed and reaction drills you can work on with a partner. Doing kicking with any speed while wearing ankle weights, is very damaging to the knees, so it is best avoided.

Congratulations Monkeygirl ... I still remember that feeling afterwards ...(actually it lasts for several days) ... hard to describe the feeling a little bit of exhaustion, pride, joy, soreness, pain, WOW ... good going girl! You made us .... proud! Now you tell me .... Does that black belt mean anything to you?? Oh ... and karatekid, Good Luck to you also (and all you other members who are testing soon!)

The forearm and its two associated joints, the wrist and the elbow, are very important to us as martial artists. Unfortunately they are also prone to injury, typically from repetitive shock such as holding kicking shields or Thai pads, improper punching heavy bags by slightly bending wrists. Here are some simple exercises: Wrist Extensions 1. Make a fist with your palm facing down 2. Try to move your wrist in an upward direction whilst resisting the movement with the opposite hand. 3. Hold this contraction for 5 seconds. 4. Repeat as advised. Wrist Flexion 1. Make a fist with your palm facing upwards 2. Try to move your wrist in an upward direction whilst resisting the movement with the opposite hand. 3. Hold this contraction for 5 seconds. 4. Repeat as advised. Radial Deviation (Very important in close range punching) 1. Make a fist with your palm facing inwards and thumb uppermost (like a vertical punch) 2. Try to move your wrist in an upward direction whilst resisting the movement with the opposite hand. 3. Hold this contraction for 5 seconds. 4. Repeat as advised. Finger Extension 1. Hold your hand flat, fingers extended, with palm facing down. 2. Try to move your fingers in an upward direction whilst resisting the movement with the opposite hand. 3. Hold this contraction for 5 seconds. 4. Repeat as advised. Pronation / Supination 1. Make a fist with your palm facing inwards and thumb uppermost (like a vertical punch) 2. Try to rotate to a palm down position whilst resisting with the opposite hand. 3. Hold this contraction for 5 seconds. 4. Repeat in the other direction – try to rotate to a palm up position. 5. Repeat as advised. Wrist Extension Stretch 1. Hold your arm straight out at shoulder height. 2. Place your opposite hand on top of your wrist and try to raise the arm – resist the movement until you feel a mild stretch on the top of your arm. 3. Hold for 20-30 seconds. 4. Repeat as advised. Wrist Flexion Stretch 1. Hold your arm straight out at shoulder height. 2. Place your opposite hand under your wrist and try to lower the arm – resist the movement until you feel a mild stretch on the bottom of your arm. 3. Hold for 20-30 seconds. 4. Repeat as advised. Gripping 1. Squeeze a tennis ball in the palm of your hand 2. Hold for 10 seconds 3. Repeat as advised A more advanced program would use the same basic motions but with movement using some form of resistance such as rubber exercise bands. Just remember to keep wrists straight when performing pushups and bicep curls (if you want to build up bicep strength) Yeah Jack .... I listed a bunch of different pushups in that thread! You can locate here! http://www.karateforums.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=738&highlight=upper+body+strength Tricep (or diamond pushups) concentrate on the... ---> "triceps" You honestly don't need any special wrist strength to perform a pushup ..... like I said ...keep the wrists straight, the back straight and the abs tucked in!

HA HA! I was waiting for you to "pin that one up" Patrick!Thank you!