By: James Liu

Mixed martial arts, better known as MMA, is a form of sports that involves the use of a mixture of martial art combat techniques to win over the opponent. MMA has become very popular in recent years and MMA championships like the "UFC" or Ultimate Fighting Championships have become very popular. MMA began with pitting one martial art technique with another under minimal rules, so that the martial art which would be the most effective in day to day life could be found. Modern mixed martial competitions have evolved from such events, but rules are much stricter due to which, the sport has been promoted into acceptance. However, there is no centralized sanctioning authority for mixed martial arts and the rules vary from place to place or organization to organization.

Striking and grappling are the common techniques used in MMA. Striking techniques involve kicks, knees and punches while grappling techniques involve the use of holds, sweeps and throws. Techniques like eye-gouging, biting and fish hooking are considered illegal in most MMA competitions. Other techniques like head butts, spinal locks and elbows may or may not be considered legal in different MMA organizations.

In MMA competitions, victory is based on the judge's decision, submission or knockout. A competitor's corner man can also decide the outcome of the match and so can the match doctor if the competitor is injured to an extent that he/she can no longer fight properly.

Competitors participating in MMA have to train themselves in a variety of fighting styles so that they can effectively overcome their opponents. MMA training usually involves stand up, clinch and ground combat. To make the stand up combat effective, boxing and kickboxing are taught. These improve kicking, punching, kneeing and most important of all-footwork. Freestyle wrestling is taught to improve clinching. Additionally, competitors are trained in Muay Thai to improve the striking power during a clinch. Training in Brazilian Jujitsu and Sambo improves ground combat by improving the competitor's positioning. Further, shoot wrestling, catch wrestling and judo are taught to enhance the competitor's ground combat abilities.

Some of the best competitors are well rounded fighters. But, they all specialize really well in one aspect of mixed martial arts. Sometimes this style is so dominant that it is overwhelming for the other opponent.

Success in modern martial arts lies in adapting many styles. These styles have to be altered accordingly. Today, MMA competitors do not train in a particular style but train all the styles together. Flexibility plays a very important role in succeeding in MMA competitions. MMA is physically a very demanding sport and being competent is the only key to success.



Copyright (c) 2007 James Liu

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By: Bamboo

It is believed that Muay Thai, or Thai Kickboxing, is where most forms of modern kickboxing originate. It primarily utilitzes the hands, elbows, feet, knees and legs to strike, but practicioners can also combine grappling to strike their opponent. Grappling is normally performed while standing, unlike other martial arts such as judo. Techniques derive from the ancient manual of war, the Chupasart.

Though the Chupasart detailed the effective use of weapons such as the battleaxe and sword, Muay Thai was formed from adopting these same techniques without the use of weaponry. Rather, parts of the body became the weapon.

Muay Thai began as a fighting discipline for Thai people well before the 1500s (the exact date is unknown). As a means of self defence, it was used by a Thai person to either defend their plot of land on which they lived, or to defend their country from foreign attack. Therefore, from layman to nobleman, Muay Thai was practiced by virtually everybody at every level of society.

In 1584, during the reign of King Naresuan, Muay Thai became a sport to keep soldiers in shape during a time when Thailand was at peace. More techniques were added or modified, and rules were added to change it into a sport. A match is, in fact, quite ceremonious, and involves bowing and other Most of the rules that exist in recent times were set in the 1930s.

For the Muay Thai practitioner, the right equipment is essential for a training regiment that is grueling and tedious. The right equipment includes boxing gloves, protective gear, and uniforms. The uniform is generally a pair of nylon or satin shorts, with a wide elasticized waist and legs wide enough to perform high roundhouse kicks. Normally, they are brightly coloured and have beautiful designs.

Muay Thai boxing gloves are different from regular boxing gloves. They are more compact and fit fairly snugly. Bulky boxing gloves inhibit the ability to perform a Muay Thai clinch, a sort of grappling that allows one to grab their opponent and strike them at close contact.

In training, protective gear for the head, chest, and shins is often worn to minimize injury. However, some believe that wearing protection prevents one from conditioning the body and “toughening up”. It is recommended that in the beginning, protection is worn until the practitioner becomes comfortable with their ability, and their tolerance for pain improves. Without a doubt, purchasing high quality equipment will improve your performance.



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The first time I saw Shaolin Kung fu techniques was while watching a martial arts movie. I loved the style of martial arts so much, that I watched the second movie and fell totally in love. There was something so riveting about watching the punches, kicks and jumps. Even though it was Hong Kong Hollywood, it looked so much more real than most martial arts you see. I’ve watched a lot of martial arts movies in my day. In fact, they’re actually my favorite type of movie. Recently I saw Jet Li in Fearless. Though his style in that movie was wing chun.

Why is kung fu my favorite form of martial art? Probably because of the exotic origin. It’s a style practiced by monks. You wouldn’t think monks would know a fighting style, especially when they stand for peace and nonviolence but they do practice it every day, for the entirety of their lives. It’s like their way of finding enlightenment and it’s a viable combat art. Most kung fu you see in movies or during shows, or exhibitions are stylized sport martial arts. But not the shaolin. There are historical references of it being used in defensive battle as far back as 728 B.C. Normally, when you see a martial artist, it’s usually big muscles, lots of noise, a show, right? Not this one. This art trains practitioners with the purpose of nature. I’m sure you’ve heard references to it in the movies, where someone engaged in kung fu took a tiger stance or that of the crane.

Each one of these has a purpose behind it attached to the meanings of the animals, not to mention that the types of Shaolin have really cool names like 'Jiao long nu kong', which means the /coiling dragon growls in wrath', or 'Qian jintui' the 'leg weighing one thousand jins'. compare that to boxing. Jab. Cross. How dull!

You can’t help but admire the training and dedication, the grace, and fluidity of movement that accompanies this martial art. Out of all of the ones I’ve read, seen or done research on, I keep coming back to this one. Warrior monks even won battles and were honored using these techniques. It boggles my mind when I think of it. Weapon use, boxing, spins, kicks - all of it at lightening fast speeds and almost inhuman precision. I find myself sitting on the edge of my seat waiting eagerly for the next bad guy to come along or the next move in the exhibition.

It’s amazing how they can do all those moves - flying through various forms, blocks, kicks, jumps, punches - and then stop give their bow and not even be breathing hard. They don’t just use any weapon, either. A popular one is the long spear. I’ve held one before. They aren’t light and they’re long. To use one takes a lot of skill, and they make it seem so easy.

It doesn’t matter what form or practice of Shaolin Kung fu techniques are being used, I love it!




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Yoshi I. Kundagawa is a freelance journalist. He covers the mixed martial arts industry. For a free report on Shaolin Kung Fu visit his blog.

By: Steve Doss


There once was a time when boxing ruled the sports landscape. The heavyweight champion was the most feared and famous athlete on the planet. Boxers like Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, George Foreman and Mike Tyson were household names throughout the world.

However, over the last decade, a sport with history and honor has lost its popularity to upstart sports like Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The decline of elite fighters in the heavyweight division and the lack of knockouts have led many young men to look for action and excitement in sports like MMA.

Because of the decline of boxing, mixed martial arts has taken over and has become the sport of choice for the age 18-34 demographic and put the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) on course to join the ranks of elite sports leagues like the National Basketball Association and the National Football League.

MMA resounds with 18-34 (year olds) because that age range has a shorter attention span than other age groups. They buy video games, fast cars, cool clothes, all on credit because they want it now. They want instant gratification. In the UFC, the normal bout consists of three five-minute rounds, said long-time fan George Sorrell, 35, of Houston.

MMA is an intense and evolving combat sport in which competitors use interdisciplinary forms of fighting that include jiu-jitsu, judo, karate, boxing, kickboxing, wrestling and other techniques to their strategic and tactical advantage in a supervised match.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship began in 1993, but mixed martial arts dates back to the Olympic Games in Athens, according to the UFC. About 80 years ago, a Brazilian form of MMA known as Vale Tudo (anything goes) sparked local interest in the sport. Now that interest is felt throughout the world as the UFC now offers 12 to 14 live pay-per-view events annually through cable and satellite providers.

Recently, a UFC event in Columbus, Ohio attracted more than 19,000 people, the largest audience in North America to witness a mixed martial arts event. More than 4.7 million viewers tuned in to see UFC 75, the first ever title bout on Spike TV. On a Saturday night, it outdrew college football among young men.

Viewers of UFC 75 saw Quinton Rampage Jackson defeat Dan Henderson to unify the UFC and PRIDE titles in the 205-lb weight-class. Cheick Kong defeated Mirko Cro Cop and Houston Alexander knocked out Alessio Sakara in one minute of the first round. In the title fight, Jackson became the first man to unify a major title with a five-round victory. Judges scored the bout 48-47 and 49-46 twice for Memphis, Tenn. native.

Fans attribute the success of the UFC to clever marketing such as the reality show "The Ultimate Fighter," because fans can become acquainted with the athletes and begin to follow their careers. The million-dollar question is why are violent sports so popular among young men?

I suppose I like it for the same reason you rubber-neck at a traffic accident. You want to see how bad it can get. You want to see how bad the knockout will be or how slick a submission will be. You want to speculate what you might do in a similar circumstance, said Sorrell.

To many fans, mixed martial arts have already surpassed boxing in popularity, and some feel it will not be long before it is on par with mainstays like football, baseball and basketball. Questionable decisions and a lack of star quality have led to the UFC regularly outperforming boxing in its pay-per-view intake. With such quick success, it seems as if the UFC will soon revival the three big sports leagues in popularity and profit.

And for those who have not yet caught the MMA bug, Sorrell asks them to watch the reality show from the beginning. The UFC packages the fights amidst bad blood while living with each other and training with each other. Also going online and watching some of the signature fights helps. I would also ask them to watch a pay-per-view event or a free night on Spike TV.

After watching one fight, the UFC is certain that it will not be the last.




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After attending the very first UFC event in 1993, Steve Doss became an avid fan of this new sport. He also teaches Mixed Martial Arts, Muay Thai Kickboxing, and Self Defense in Austin, TX at Premier Martial Arts http://www.pmaaustin.com

By: George Royal


History:

Though Karate is often associated with Japanese martial arts, its true origin dwells in Okinawan combat techniques and Southern Chinese martial arts. It is basically a fusion of both arts and was introduced to Japan only in 1921. During this period, Karate was simply known as "Te", or hand, as called by the Okinawans. Chinese influence is evident in the original symbol for Karate - the "Tang Hand" or “Chinese Hand”.

There were no specified or concrete Karate styles in the early days and simply generalized as Shuri-te, Naha-te and Tomari-te, named after the three cities in which they were formed. Each city had its own methods, principles, system and traditions of Karate.

The introduction, popularization and modernization of Karate to Japan are mainly credited to Funakoshi, an Okinawan master, venerably regarded by many practitioners as “The Father of Modern Karate”. Other prominent Karate experts in his time include Kenwa Mabuni, Miyagi Chojun, Choshin Chibana, and Motobu Choki.

Japan began introducing Karate as a subject in schools before the Second World War and soldiers in the army were often trained in the discipline. Competitions and different styles also started emerging as several universities started karate club programs during this period.

The popularization of Karate in the West has its roots in the American military occupation of Japan and Okinawa after the Second World War, and Japanese immigration to the United States.

Fundamentals of Karate:

Karate mainly stresses on volatile combat techniques such as punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open hand methods. Grappling, joint manipulations, locks, restraints, throwing, and vital point striking are also parts of this discipline.

Karate training is divided into three main sections –

• Kihon refers to the study of basic techniques, movements and components
• Kata or 'form', a fixed sequence of moves, is a series of movements and techniques linked together by the combatative principles that the kata expresses.
• Kumite or 'sparring' evovles from well-defined kata to open attack and defense.

The Uniform – Color of the Belt and Ranks:

The Karate uniform is white and comprised of the Kimono (shirt), Dogi or Keikogi (pants) and a belt (white or colored), a combination introduced by Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo. The color of the belt is dependant on the rank and expertise of a practitioner. In accordance with commonly held standards, white belts are for beginners, and black for the highest rank. This, howver, may differ from one organization to another. Each rank may also have subdivions of its own even if the color of the belt is similar.
Styles and Variations:

Karate styles can be broadly classified into Traditional and Full Body Karate. Traditional styles are those that developed in the early period of the 20th century and include variants such as Shotokan, Goju-ryu, Wado-ryu, Shito-ryu, Kushin-ryu, and Shindo Jinen Ryu. Full contact karate includes styles such as Kyokushin-kaikan and Kansuiryu. Many of the styles have offshoots that developed into styles of their own. Although the concepts remain universal, each representation differ from one another.



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By: George Royal

Historically, the term “Kung Fu” is not really featured in any ancient texts. It was first coined by a Frenchman named Jean Joseph Marie Amiot, a missionary who lived in the 18th Century, in reference to Chinese martial arts. Kung Fu is also called Gongfu, Wushu, or Kuoshu, and originally denotes expertise in any skill, and not exclusive to martial arts.

Brief History:

The practice, philosophy, and concept of Kung Fu can be traced back to ancient Chinese texts such as Zhuang Zi, Dao De Jing, and Sun Zi Bing Fa (Art of War written by Sun Zi), all written between 1111-255 BC. These texts contain passages related to the practice, propagation, and principles of Chinese martial arts, or Kung Fu as it is known today.

One theory regarding the first written history of Kung Fu suggests that the Yellow Emperor, who reigned from 2698 BC, wrote the first treatise on Chinese martial arts. Others give credit to Taoist monks for introducing an art form that resemble modern Tai Chi around 500 BC. Then in 39-92 AD, Pan Ku included "Six Chapters of Hand Fighting" in his discourse on the history of the Han dynasty (Han Shu). As the popularity of martial arts progressed, a physician named Hua T’uo also wrote his own treatise entitled, “Five Animals Play" in 220 AD.

Kung Fu had become a common word in the West beginning in the late 1960s, popularized by martial arts movies and TV series. The Western world today has also seen an immense upsurge in the creation and production of martial arts movies starring great actors/masters such as Jackie Chan and Jet Li.

Basic Principles:

The concept of Kung Fu revolves around three basic principles – Motivation, Self-discipline and Time.

According to experts, the real motivation behind learning Kung Fu is inspiration and not force, which should come from an inner craving to learn and develop the mind and body. Motivation here is the fundamental driving force. There is no external or worldly gain for the learner, and the only reward is that of knowledge, skill, strength and wisdom.

In Kung Fu, discipline is complementary to motivation. Discipline puts motivation into deed and action. A learner has to make an effort into what he has been motivated for, and self-discipline helps him get started and guides him to achieve that goal. Therefore, without discipline, motivation is just a dormant state of mind.

Time is the path to perfection in martial arts. Once motivation and self-discipline have set in, a learner has to spend a considerable amount of time putting mind and body into practice. A truly inspired learner does not have the privilege to waste time, stay idle or indulge in fruitless activities. Everything done by him/her should reflect real motivation and self-discipline.

Variants and Styles:

With the passage of time, numerous variants and styles have come up in martial arts, or Kung Fu. Some of the more popular ones include Karate, Escrima, Wing Chun, Jujitsu, Judo, Tae Kwon Do, Shaolin, White Crane, T'ai Chi Ch'uan, and Bagua Zhang.




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By: cathy fernandes

The core ingredient of a meaningful self-defense program is considered to be anger management. However, there are not many martial arts programs that have this comprehensive approach in training. Instructors have not been given proper guidance on how to incorporate anger management in their training program. But now, many martial arts academies including those in Maryland teaching Mixed Martial Arts, are teaching anger management alongside the basic techniques of martial arts.

Anger is essentially rooted in feelings of frustration, fear, failure, stress, rejection, and so on. These feelings are experienced by men, women, children, and elderly. We all go through moments of rage time and again. It can be due to peer pressure, unhealthy competition, financial crises, dissatisfaction in personal or professional life, or some other reason. Eventually anger takes a toll on those who are getting angry and the party bearing the brunt of the rage. Anger is known to increase the chances of high blood pressure and heart attack. It also affects a person’s capability to think logically and make meaningful and correct decisions. In some cases this can even cause long lasting and even permanent damage to relationships. Proper anger management can help a person use his feelings in the right direction to solve a problem rather than wasting time and filling oneself with negativity.

Mixed Martial Arts can be more than just an art of self defense. It can help the mixed martial arts practitioner in anger management too. The practitioner learns the art of showing restraint, respect and resilience. Like other martial arts, even Mixed Martial Arts discourages an athlete from attacking an unaware or unprepared person. Techniques such as biting, eye-gouging, fish hooking, clawing, twisting and pinching flesh, small joint manipulation, attacking the groin area, using abusive language, spitting, and hair-pulling are illegal and unethical. MMA athletes are strictly discouraged from using techniques that aim at injuring the opponent. Athletes are responsible for the safety of their opponent. While applying any of the submission techniques, MMA athletes must apply the pressure slowly. They must stop the moment they feel that any further pressure can injure the athlete. This teaches the MMA athlete the clarity of purpose, which is to make the opponent submit and not to hurt him. It also teaches them to respect their opponent’s strength.

If you are planning on learning Mixed Martial Arts with a focus on dealing your anger issues, it is a great idea. You will learn to be self disciplined, avoid losing your temper constantly, avoid using profanity during a match or practice and control your negative emotions. All these are positive qualities that are worth imbibing in your life and not just while you are learning a sport or a martial art such as Mixed Martial Arts.

Find out whether your preferred Mixed Martial Arts , academy in Maryland or nearby areas such as Virginia and Washington D.C. offer a comprehensive learning course that includes anger management.



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By: cathy fernandes

Mixed martial arts conditioning is probably the most rigorous, difficult training an athlete can do. It is imperative that a fighter has high stamina every time he or she enters the ring. Stamina is everything, and can make the difference between winning and losing. Condition yourself well, and you’ll be able to go the distance.

Most individuals who want to start training for MMA think that the best way to become a better fighter is to start fighting with different opponents. This attitude may help one learn how the opponent fights and but it does limit your creative fighting skills and also does not help one build the endurance or strength- which are very important factors in MMA type fighting.

For those who are interested in becoming AN excellent MMA fighter, one should be a balanced athlete with efficiency. This is only acquired after having undergone an all round conditioning program. The bottom line in any sport today is sports conditioning and physical fitness. Further all first rate athletes should have placed their bodies under varying degrees of stress to increase the physical and mental capabilities- which are a must in MMA. For training in Maryland Mixed Martial Arts

The component of a fitness program for a professional athlete in MMA are diverse and in general include the following:

Strength - The quality or state of being strong; with great capacity for exertion or endurance (both physical and/or mental)

Power: Ability to act and exert or perform maximal muscle action instantaneously

Agility: The ability to move the body or limbs quickly and easily with forceful muscular action

Balance: The state of being able to control the body’s position (either while stationary or mobile) either in the air or on the ground.

Flexibility: The ability to achieve a wide range of motions and angulations of the body without undue stress.

Endurance: The ability to bear or suffer moderate to severe degrees of pain or distress without being over come.

Patience: The ability or quality of putting up with enduring pain and waiting for the right moment to strike.

Stamina: The principal strength or power of enduring a prolonged fight or exercise schedule
Coordination: The ability to integrate power, flexibility, strength and balance in a fight. Well coordinated fighters are very successful in MMA.

For the ideal MMA athlete, all the above factors are required to build on physical fitness and conditioning of the body. All are important factors, but the key factor is to improve one’s cardio-respiratory system, for without it none of the above can be improved.

For those wishing to enter a body conditioning program, one should join a professional gym. A professional personal trainer can help guide you through the best exercises and view your performance. There are many sites on the Internet which deal with fitness and conditioning and one should read about it. Body conditioning is a time consuming affair and one should understand that time commitment is an essential part. For training in Virginia Mixed Martial Arts

A commitment to conditioning is a commitment to success in the world of mixed martial arts.




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The Benefits of Training in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
By: Jason OConnor

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a combination of karate, grappling, wrestling, Tang Soo Do, boxing, jujitsu, Tae Kwon Do and more all combined in one. Mixed martial arts, in its modern form, emerged in 1993 through the Ultimate Fighting Championships and was based on pitting different fighting styles against each other with minimal rules to determine which system would be better in a real, unregulated combat situation.

During the late 1990s, the governing bodies imposed extra rules for the safety of the athletes and to try to promote the sport and gain wider acceptance, but still maintaining the no holds barred idea. MMA has grown rapidly in the last few years with many people both young and old realizing the many benefits of mixed martial arts both physical and mental and this has seen enrollments in classes increasing worldwide.

MMA is classed as a combat sport, but it's a sport that stresses the ideals of fair play and respect for your opponent still. However, MMA are still quite often wrongly known as vicious and brutal.

Regardless of MMA's reputation, the competition is relatively safe. Due to the rules and regulations imposed and strictly enforced and the tough mental and physical conditioning of the opponents there has never been a death or indeed a critical injury report by the MMA as directly linked to any tournament.

Martial arts are great for the body. Regular training strengthens and tones the muscles and adds flexibility. Training in martial arts gives you a full cardio work out. You can expect to greatly increase your strength and stamina and improve your hand eye coordination. Martial arts is a good weight loss program as well because it becomes a complete system in which a healthy diet is part and when combined with the extreme physical activity proper weight loss is assured.

Classes are run at schools, dojos, youth groups organizations, church groups, and other, less formal settings. MMA is also being incorporated into many gyms as mixed martial arts become more popular.

A typical class will have you start with a warm up consisting of various stretching exercises, trunk rotations, jumps, squats and abs tightening exercises. Then there will be a series of movements taught and explained in full. Sparring is controlled and protective gear is worn, such as helmets, gloves and guards.

At other times a bag will be used for practicing kicks, jabs and punches. Although you may feel awkward and unfit at first, it will not take long before your fitness and skill level improves, along with your frame of mind.

People who practice MMA feel and look healthier, but there are far more benefits than the physical side. While many think of martial arts as violent, in the mainstream it is used as self defense. It does not encourage violence but teaches the student how to control anger and how to use self control and restraint.

Students are taught self discipline and the rigors of training builds character and self-confidence, which ultimately reduces temper induced rages that can often be the cause of many street fights. This confidence carries over into everyday life and as a result mixed martial arts students tend to be become better people than they were.

Mixed martial arts training teaches you that you must control the powers that you have had the privilege of learning and never use it recklessly or without thought. Students are also taught that before any success is achieved they will fail many times and that practiced and perseverance is the key. This is a valuable lesson to learn and will often carry over into other endeavors the student undertakes.

Furthermore, the training teaches you that every person is responsible for his own actions and must understand and abide by the given rules. This kind of training improves one's actions in life as well as in martial arts training and tournaments. Many of these arts build a spiritual life into the training, with courtesy, self-control, perseverance and integrity emphasized in the classes. So much so that many Christian Church groups are running mixed martial arts classes for their youth organizations due to the character building characteristics in martial arts training that are also much a part of Christian beliefs.

Given all this, it is no wonder that so many parents are enrolling their children in mixed martial arts classes today. They see their children's health and fitness improve, something their child's peers often lack. And they also witness their children's mindset, attitudes to life and self-improvement, respect and courage all improve as well.

Anyone who trains in karate, jujitsu, Tae Kwon Do or any of the arts will gain these benefits. If you have any desire to improve your body and mind at the same time with only one activity, then martial arts is something you ought to seriously consider. You don't just get in shape physically, but also mentally and spiritually. No gym workout can compare. All across the world, adults are joining dojos and thoroughly enjoying the many benefits of mixed martial arts.



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Jason OConnor owns and operates Best Show Tickets and trains at Matthews Martial Arts UFC Tickets | Mixed Martial Arts

By: cathy fernandes

Mixed Martial Arts is essentially an unarmed combat sport, often described as no-holds-barred combat sport. Also popularly known as MMA, this free style martial arts involves various fight forms – Muay Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Boxing, and Wrestling. Mixed Martial Arts is quite popular among martial arts fans who take it up for varied reasons – fitness, self-defense, fight tournaments, or as a fun activity.

The documented history of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) competition is traced back to the ancient Greece. Back then it was known as Pankration. Similar to today’s MMA tournaments, the fighters in those days used a combination of wrestling and boxing techniques in the Pankration tournaments. However, it was in 1993, after the first Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC), that the world took notice of this sport. It is closely associated with the Gracie family (the creators of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) as MMA tournaments are quite similar to the Vale tudo martial arts tournaments held in Brazil by the family in the 1920s. Not just that, the winner of the first UFC was Royce Gracie of the Gracie family. The sport is largely developed in Brazil, the US, and Japan as compared to other nations.

Striking and grappling are the two predominant techniques that are combined in Marylant Mixed Martial Arts and in Virginia Mixed Martial Arts Arts that are borrowed from the martial art sports of America, Brazil, Japan, Thailand, England, Holland, France, and Russia. Unlike other martial arts sports, rules were not standardized and the sole aim was to locate the best fighter in the world. However, the fighters must follow a few rules for safety as well as to go with the spirit of the sport. Biting, eye-gouging, fish-hooking, attack on the groin, use of abusive language, small joint manipulation, etc are considered unethical and illegal.

MMA athletes are generally categorized as groundfighters, wrestlers, or strikers. A groundfighter follows a strategy to force a fight to the ground seeking submission, while a wrestler focuses on takedown and a striker aims to win with a knockout. No matter what category they belong to, a comprehensive training is paramount in order to be a complete MMA athlete. Traditionally, the MMA fighters were trained in one or more of the martial art sport like Muay Thai Boxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, or any other. Nowadays, the students get trained specifically for MMA irrespective of their previous martial arts training, under the guidance of professional trainers.

There are a number of professional training schools all over United States, including in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. area that provide specialized training to be a refined MMA athlete.




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By: Rinkel Kapoor1

Have you seen the karate kid? Didn’t you just loved it when the underdog kid beat the hell out of the bully of the school and won the competition? Didn’t you wish to move your wrists and feet in that suave manner? You can finally have a dib at fulfilling your dream. You can study wushu in china while you are there on the study program involving mandarin Chinese, the local dialect of China.

Studying in china for learning Chinese which is the second most popular language after English is indeed an experience in itself. For instance, one gets to delve into the rich history of one of the oldest cultures and country of the world. And now with the introduction of the latest study programs, you can become a part of Chinese culture too. Martial arts training in China, is now being offered alongside different learning courses so as to provide you with more opportunities in the rising job sector of global China.

Wushu or martial arts is a very old form of combating your enemy. Known for their athletic agility and strong prowess, Chinese gymnasts have played a great role in making this art a popular one among the whole world. It is basically considered to be a physical exercise comprising of one’s muscles and nerves, in effect achieved through the superb mind and body coordination. Seeing it is almost like watching a beauty in motion. Getting your martial arts training in china in effect will render your body and soul with a healthy charm and morality boost on rise.

Many a renowned names have found their bearings with a successful run after learning the sport. Be it a trainer, coach or a performer, scores of people, currently, spread over the globe can stand as an acknowledgement card for various modes under the martial arts. Following is the listing of all the styles that are available with Chinese study programs in affiliation with famous martial arts academy in china.

1. Tai Ji Quan

2. Sanda/Sanshou

3. Dao Yin Yan Sheng Gong

4. Chang Quan including changquan, modern Nanquan,Qiangshu,Daoushu,Gunshu,Jiaoushu

Seeing the rising trend and interest in people outside china about martial arts, many universities and organizations have come up that facilitate martial arts training in foreign study programs. One of these organizations is chinastudyabroad. Offering custom based study curriculums suited to your needs, the entity also takes care of your accommodation, medical insurance, touring and traveling facilities etc. To learn Chinese and wushu in china at the same time from the highly trained personnel; and qualified academic teachers will prove as a marking point of your career and impart you with a technique that has been passed on from generations to generations.

So why not try your hand at karate and teach those bullies a lesson they won’t forget soon!

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China Study Abroad, a leading name in the mandarin Chinese learning centers offers a wide array of study programs to choose from to those who wish to learn wushu in china while on a trip to read and write Chinese in china. Besides helping the students in their career building, this program takes care of all the requirements that arise during their stay at china.

The Incredible World of Chinese Martial Arts

Throughout the world, Chinese martial arts are well known and well respected. China is a pioneer in martial arts, founding several excellent styles. Although Kung Fu is probably the most well known, there are others that are just as good. Below, we will look at some of the other Chinese martial arts that are not as well known as Kung Fu.

HSING I

This is actually one of the internal styles of Kung Fu, very closely related to Tai Chi. It teaches students to subordinate their bodies, creating powerful movements with very little expense of energy. HSING I is not really well known in the West, although it is very powerful and well known throughout China. There are very few schools, and very few teachers that teach and practise this outside of China.

Just like Tai Chi, HSING I has deep roots in Chinese medicine and the Chinese perceptions of nature. The blows that come from HSING I come from the five elements of the Chinese metal, fire, earth, water, and wood. Similar to other forms that originate from Kung Fu, HSING I offers complex, dance like movements that are adapted from the way animals react and move.

Due to the training being so demanding and rigorous, and the breathing exercises being so difficult, those who practice this martial art have astounding physical skills and amazing endurance.

Tai Chi

To those who live outside of China, Tai Chi resembles more of a dance. The slow and calm movements it teaches are balanced and exact, performed while the stylist is in a deep state of relaxation. While in this deep state of relaxation, the stylist will be fully aware of what is going on in his surrounding, and he will be completely in control of his movements, although he will appear to those around him to be asleep.

In reality, Tai Chi is an energy exercise that promotes strength, stamina, and flexibility. By using the deep state of relaxation, Tai Chi enables stylists to benefit emotionally and spiritually as well. Tai Chi also uses deep states of meditation as well, helping stylists to learn how to reach their high level of peace.

Chinese martial arts

Even though Kung Fu is the best known martial art in China, there are many different forms and styles that originate from it. There is the Shaolin style as well, which offers several different styles of Kung Fu, including the world famous 5 animals system. The five animals system is among the most popular in China and well known around the world for its devastating techniques and amazing power when used in combat.

Along with Kung Fu, both HSING I and Tai Chi are great martial arts that help with endurance training and flexibility. A lot of Kung Fu students in China choose to study one of these arts as well, as it helps to add to their physical and emotional power.

Students who study Tai Chi or HSING I as well as Kung Fu, have a higher state of endurance and spirituality that simply cannot be matched.

All around the world, China is well known for martial arts. China brought Kung Fu and Tai Chi to the world, which is something we are all thankful for. Even though Japan offers their unique blend of martial arts, many consider China to be the founding father of martial arts. The Chinese have been using martial arts for hundreds of years, showing the world just how dominant it can be as a means of self defense and a way to live your life in a peaceful manner.





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john savage writes a Blog on martial arts and there you can learn about the "Inner Secrets of Martial Arts Success" Click Here to visit the blog

Martial Arts Academy For The Different Styles And Forms Of Martial Arts
By: Muna Wanjiru

There are many types of martial arts that are practiced the world over. As each of these has different moves it is best if you learn your chosen branch of martial arts from a qualified instructor. To help you with the learning process of martial arts you can enroll in a martial arts academy. Here you will be provided with the opportunity of learning different styles and forms of martial arts.

In the martial arts academy you will be taught different techniques and weapons use so that you have an all round knowledge and experience of various types of martial arts. With the help of your instructors you can make sure that your martial arts training progresses at a rate that your body will find acceptable. You will be shown the right body movements so that you don’t get seriously.

There are some instances when a martial arts academy is geared towards teaching one type of training. For this reason it is in your best interest to decide which martial arts form you want to learn. Once you have made this decision you will need to see which of the academies in your area will have the ability to train you.

There is one item that you will need to remember when you are beginning your training at the martial arts academy. This fact is that some of the classes might be full due to the popularity of the martial arts. This popularity can be accounted for in many ways. At the moment some of the martial arts like Kung Fu, Karate and Judo are considered as being more popular than others.

While you can learn various forms of martial arts from the dojos there is still yet another way to learn. This form of learning comes from seeing how the other students do their various moves. You will find that mini competitions which are part of the training exercise in the martial arts academy will provide you with this opportunity of gaining more experience.

This is one aspect of learning martial arts. You can also ask questions from the instructors and other students at the academy for help in doing certain moves and steps. One of the great things which you will find in a martial arts academy is that you are allowed to develop your talents by seeing how other students avoid common martial arts mistakes. A martial arts academy is therefore the perfect place for you to hone your abilities under the auspices of a knowledgeable martial arts instructor.



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Muna wa Wanjiru is a Web Administrator and Has Been Researching and Reporting on Karate for Years. For More Information on Martial Arts Academy, Visit His Site at MARTIAL ARTS ACADEMY