Ong Bak 2 !

Ong Bak is possibly the finest example (after a few fight scenes in the Bourne films [ie. the park bench scene with the two Police men]) of realistic applied martial arts put to film. Most of the time Jaa is fighting as if his only goal is to disable the attacker and finish the attack in as short order as possible. This is the ultimate aim of a person in a fight when the outcome has to be in their favour.

A mantra at a gym I used to train at was, ‘don’t turn it into a fight.’ This didn’t just mean the pithy ‘walk away from fights, just back down’ etc. It means simply don’t draw the situation out. Don’t get fancy and fire off 5 moves when 1 will do, don’t let the situation escalate. Always keep the mindset of finishing the attacker with your strikes etc. If this fool is punching me, I’m not thinking about defence, instead I’m thinking of what can be done to stop him from punching again / staying standing / breathing / etc.

“Invincibility lies in the defence;
the possibility of victory in the Attack.”

Sun Tzu

“In every battle there comes a time when both sides consider themselves beaten, then he who continues the attack wins.”

Ulysses S. Grant

A t-Shirt I saw once, in very poor taste I should add, had the slogan, ‘don’t turn this rape into a murder‘ (without debating the t-shirt) The essence is broght to the fore in very graphic terms; don’t make a very bad situation worse by doing extraneous things. If you’re going to crash your car, you slam on the brakes and turn the wheel to avoid the accident. What you don’t do is turn down the stereo, adjust the air-con and wind up the windows! It should be the same in a fight.

I’ve gone off on a tangent here!! Check out the Ong Bak II goodness in the trailer below!

http://www.brightcove.tv/title.jsp?title=1612560688

Why do you bother?!

Looking through the ‘tags’ section of WordPress today I came across this.

How To Manipulate Chi - A Secret To Martial Arts (martialartsecrets.wordpress.com/2008/06/10/how-to-manipulate-chi-a-secret-to-martial-arts)
Learning to manipulate Chi and have it do what you want, when you want, how you want it, is not something that happens overnight. Many people when they learn that Chi is the secret behind most martial arts and the amazing things that can be done by martial arts masters think that they can easily obtain this ability and then they too can do the amazing things done by martial arts masters.

For fuck’s sake, why do you bother. The Internet is full of enough shite already and you feel the need to add some more just to promote something only a 13 year old kid would buy, only to tell the story as a cautionary tale when they matured enough to realise that you’re a scam merchant a a few weeks later.

All the links on the page go to martialarts expert.org. advertising some McDojo propaganda, sponsored by ‘Super Affiliate Marketing Corp. of U.S.A.’ What a shower of cunts.

More from the tool

You don’t need years of the same boring training because the secret and deadly effective methods that the NO instructor wants you to know are finally revealed!

Wow! I wish I had those M4d sK1LLz!

One satisfied customer notes

My anticipation of my opponent has increased ten fold. Thank You”

Tim Stone

ahhh, the sweet anticipation of you Paypal account being a few quid/$ lighter and your body being more than a few mills of essential body fluids lighter on the way to the hospital.

So Mr. ‘Super Affiliate Marketing Corp. of U.S.A.‘ why don’t you just fuck off and leave the real training to people like us and pray that you never need the help of people with the legitimate skills that you have bastardised.

This isn’t new: (yubi - finger, waza - techniques, tricks)

Frustrations and Rewards of beginning the Martial arts

I noticed a good post today about someone just starting out in Aikido,

Firstly, there’s frustration. Aikido is very frustrating for me. I’m not particularly good at picking up even what is going on in a technique, much less how
to do it. Sure I’m just beginning. Sure this is a skill that requires
development, just like anything else. Sure I’ve gotten better at it
even in the few weeks I’ve been observing. But ego rears its ugly head:
“I should be picking this up faster!”, right?

From here: Aikido Week #3

There is no doubt that he raises a lot of points that we can all relate to.

The one about observation is one that I can especially relate to at the moment; training BJJ over here and learning from / training with Brazilians means that I don’t have the first clue what they’re saying (my Portuguese is much much worse than my Japanese, which is also pretty bad!). BJJ is completely different from what I’d done in the past, which was mostly; If you go to ground, get the fuck up as fast as you can! So I’m having to rely on my eyes, the problem here is that everything you see is interpreted and filtered by your mind according to past experiences, notions etc. This doesn’t help when you’re trying to learn.
‘Beginners mind’ is a good goal.

On self defence / self defense

munting around on the Interwebs at work today, I felt the need to respond to a post I saw here

This is a portion of the original post:

I think I finally mastered the knife disarm!

Self defense seems so imprecise to me…the attacker will never be in
the same exact position that you’ve practiced, so much of defense, I
feel, is improvised on the spot. Since I dislike improvising anything
(can’t everything come with an instruction manual?) I struggle with all
the “what ifs” (especially, when it comes to things like “what if I
miss in disarming him?”)…….

This is such a common theme. Really most self defence can be summed up in a single word, bullshit, and sometimes; bullshit that will get you killed.

Really, self defence in a nutshell should consist of how to stay the fuck out of dangerous situations, and then, only if you’ve messed that up, how to punch, knee, headbutt, bite, elbow and gouge as hard and as much as required to make the threat go away. Obviously if you’ve got time, a continuum of force idea could be introduced and legal issues addressed. but I digress.

Anyway, here’s my reply:

“Self defence seems so imprecise to me”

If you think about it, what you really mean is that it’s too precise. ie; the attacker has to have their arm in exactly position A, otherwise technique B wont work.

100% foolproof [insert weapon/body part etc here] defence is not a realistic goal, exactly because of all those ‘what ifs’ you’ve mentioned. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security.

The ‘improvisation’ you’re talking about is the goal of self defence and martial arts in general. You need to respond without thinking to the situation as it evolves, and it will evolve and change far, far too fast for you if you’re trying to remember a technique from amongst a list of hundreds that you’ve memorised.

On the other hand; if you have learned and practice a set of principals and internalised them, then from these you can rely on your self to adapt spontaneously to the fight.
eg: If someone taught you that 2 + 3 is 5 and didn’t explain the function of the ‘+’ sign then you would only ever be able to answer 2+3, you’d be stumped when some one asked you to do 5 + 7!! however, if they taught you the principal that the ‘+’ means to add the values together, you’d be able to do any addition you wanted.

But, you can’t just be told that, you need to put in the practice adding things before it comes naturally.

to bring this back to martial arts; the first 2 + 3 you do is like this ‘knife disarm’ technique you’re learning; you can only do the disarm successfully within very fixed parameters.
After a while and you move on to disarm number 2 and 3 etc. you are still confined to the new parameters of the techniques.
After a number of these techniques you will start to see a common theme, the principals of knife defence. This is where you learn what the ‘+’ does, and how you can make it yours.

These principals that you should be trying to discover are not set in stone. some people may like to trap the knife close to there body, some may like to deflect it and counter attack. each has it’s benefits, but the only measure of correctness is if it works for that person.

It’s from these principals come the answers to the ‘what ifs.’

Remember, the overriding goal is to stop the person from harming you. however you get there is good, as long as you do get there.

Shit, this turned out to be quite long. It’s an important point though. The take home message is really run as fast away as you can if someone comes at you with a knife (Principle number 1!)

Good luck in the training!

Nice one Monabooks!!

Apparently the Essence of Internal Martial arts books I and II are sold out. I really shouldn’t have to repeat what I said in an earlier post about the necessity of reading these, but I really think that you need them in your life!

If you can brave the awful [sorry guys, but it's my professional opionion ] Monabooks website (don’t worry about the company behind the website, they’ve been going for years and a lot of people in the UK have them to thank for reading material over the last few years) you can get your hands on a copy or two before they disappear all together.

Go here and search for ESSENCE OF INTERNAL MARTIAL ARTS” and send them then link to this blog!

For those of you in the US, you might be able to get hold of them here

EDIT: Also try here at ryukyu books

EDIT: Table of contents for both books

Book 1

Table of Contents

---

Acknowledgements ………………………………….	v
About the Author ……………………………………..	vi
Preface …………………………………………………	xvi
Forward …………………………………………………	xvii

---

Section One:
Fighting Method and Theory

• Chapter 1. Foundation Movement and Applications
• Chapter 2. Rolling Hands: Kun Shou
• Chapter 3. Two-Man Sets
• Chapter 4. Free Form Fighting: San Shou
• Chapter 5. Internal Boxing Awareness Skills: Nei Ch’uan
• Chapter 6. The Six Combinations & Eight Methods
• Chapter 7. Establishing Realistic Training Goals

Section Two:
Eight Animal Fighting Methods and Theory

• Chapter 8. Eight Animal Fighting Characteristics of the I-Ching
• Chapter 9. The Lions & The Heaven Trigram: Ch’ien
• Chapter 10. The Unicorn & The Earth Trigram: K’um
• Chapter 11. The Snake & The Water Trigram: K’an
• Chapter 12. The Falcon & The Fire Trigram: Li
• Chapter 13. The Dragon & The Thunder Trigram: Chen
• Chapter 14. The Pheonix & The Wind Trigram: Sun
• Chapter 15. The Bear & The Mountain Trigram: Ken
• Chapter 16: The Monkey & The Lake Trigram: Tui

Section Three:
Palm Training Methods and Theory

• Chapter 17. Palm Training
• Chapter 18. Classical Palm Liniments
• Chapter 19. Stage One Palm Training
• Chapter 20. Stage Two Palm Training
• Chapter 21. Stage Three palm training
• Chapter 22. Harmful Side Effects of Incorrect Practicing

Section Four:
Death Touch Methods and Theory

• Chapter 23. Death Touch: Ssu Chu Chueh
• Chapter 24. Attacking the Nerves: T’ien Ching
• Chapter 25. Attacking the Blood Vessels: T’ien Hseuh
• Chapter 26. Attacking the Body’s Energy: T’ien Hsing Ch’i

Section Five
Healting Methods and Theory

• Chapter 27. Herbal Medicine
• Chapter 28. Tui Na: Massage and Acupressure

---

Glossary of Terms ……………………………………	300
References …………………………………………….	303
Also Available by the Author ……………………….	307
Book and Video Information ………………………..	310
Preview: Volume II Energy Theory & Cultivation……….	312
Afterword ……………………………………………….	315

Book 2

Table of Contents..	Page
Acknowledgements…	v
About the Author…	vi
Preface…………	xvi
Forward…………	xvii
Introduction…….	xviii
Section One - Metaphysical Boxing
Methods and Theory
CHAPTER 1. Metaphysical Boxing
1-1. Introduction	21
1-2. Energy Bubble	23
1-3. Projecting Energy	25
1-4. Projecting and Listening Exercises	28
1-5. Perceiving Energy Holes in your Opponent’s Energy Bubble	31
1-6. Awareness	32
1-7. Eight Direction Perception Meditation Stage One	36
1-8. Perception Meditation Stage Two	41
1-9. Perception Meditation Stage Three	42
CHAPTER 2. Increasing Psychic Awareness
2-1. Introduction	43
2-2. The Ego	46
2-3. The Psychic Opening	46
2-4. The Four Stages of Training Psychic Perception	48
2-5. Changing Emotional Energy of Ching into Building Ch’i	49
2-6. Transforming Ch’i into Shen	51
CHAPTER 3. Extending Energy
3-1. Introduction	53
3-2. Three Levels of Energy Extention	55
3-3. Ching Plane Energy Extention	56
3-4. Ch’i Plane Energy Extension	60
3-5. Shen Plane Energy Extension	65
3-6. Uprooting with Energy Extension	67
3-7. Sound Blast Resonation	68
3-8. Energy Associated with Emotion	70
3-9. The Five Emotions	72
CHAPTER 4. Transforming Emotions into Ch’i
4-1. Introduction	79
4-2. Healing Sounds and Colors	80
4-3. Fusion of Body, Emotion and Spirit	80
CHAPTER 5. Auras and Emotional Energy
5-1. Introduction	83
5-2. Shen Kung Meditation	86
5-3. Physical Body Tissue Colors	88
5-4. Energetic Body Aura Colors	88
CHAPTER 6. The Integration of Body, Mind, Emotion & Spirit
6-1. Introduction	89
6-2. Emotional Energy and Functional Applications	92
6-3. The Four Transitions of the Internal Boxer	95
6-4. The Four Transitions of Light	96
6-5. The Four Transitions of Darkness	101
CHAPTER 7. Time Displacement
7-1. Introduction	105
7-2. The Foundation is the Mind	105
7-3. The Importance of Waiting	106
7-4. Five Stages of Attack	107
7-5. Scientific Explanation	108
7-6. Time Displacement Meditations	109
Section Two - Energy Cultivations
CHAPTER 8. Hidden Truths Of Energy Training
8-1. Introduction	113
8-2. The Three Treasures of Alchemical Dimensions	116
8-3. Internal and External Development	119
8-4. Kinetic Communication	119
8-5. Heart Communication	121
8-6. Visual Communication	122
8-7. Internal Transitions - Level One	124
8-8. Internal Transitions - Level Two	127
8-9. Internal Transitions - Level Three	130
Section Three - Vibrational Training Methods and Theory
CHAPTER 9. I-Ch’uan
9-1. Introduction	133
9-2. Purpose and Goal	134
9-3. Stillness	136
9-4. Preparation and Practice	138
CHAPTER 10. I-Ch’uan Stage One: Static Postures
10-1. Introduction	139
10-2. I-Ch’uan Postures	140
CHAPTER 11. I-Ch’uan Stage Two: Imagery and Intent
11-1. Introduction	145
CHAPTER 12. Joint Opening
12-1. Tendon and Ligament Stretching	149
CHAPTER 13. Marrow Washing and Draining
13-1. Introduction	151
13-2. The Three Stages of Marrow Washing	151
13-3. Marrow Draining	153
CHAPTER 14. Bone Breathing and Squeezing
14-1. Introduction	155
14-2. Stage One - Cleaning	156
14-3. Stage Two - Rebuilding	157
14-4. Stage Three - Squeezing	159
CHAPTER 15. I-Ch’uan Stage Three: Vibration
15-1. Introduction	161
15-2. Resonant Vibrations	163
15-3. Body Vibration	164
15-4. Alignment for Level Three I-Ch’uan	167
15-5. Stage Three I-Ch’uan Exercises	168
15-6. Exercise One	170
15-6. Exercise Two	171
15-6. Exercise Three	172
15-6. Exercise Four	173
15-6. Exercise Five	174
15-6. Exercise Six	174
15-6. Exercise Seven	175
15-6. Exercise Eight	176
15-6. Exercise Nine	177
Section Four - Discharging Energy Methods and Theory CHAPTER 16. Explosive Power: Fa Chin
16-1. Introduction	179
16-2. Discharging Internal Power: “Fa Chin”	180
16-3. Bone Linkage	182
16-4. Four main Energies of Attack	183
16-5. Rippling the Spine	184
16-6. Key Points to Remember	185
16-7. Explanation of Shaking the Spine	186
16-8. Explanation of Whipping the Spine	187
16-9. Reeling the Silk: Drilling Energy	187
16-10. Pulling the Silk: Snapping Energy	187
16-11. Shaking and Releasing	188
16-12. Meteor Shatters the Earth	189
16-13. Structural Connection and Alignment	190
16-14. Martial Integrations	191
16-15. Key Points to Remember During the Transfer of Chin	193
16-16. Sixteen Steps to Transferring Chin	194
CHAPTER 17. I-Ch’uan Stage Four: Movement and Martial Application
17-1. Introducton	195
17-2. Theory of the Ball	196
17-3. Rolling and Drawing Back	197
17-4. Striking	199
17-5. The Hands	200
17-6. Stepping or Walking	201

Debating Martial Arts topics on the interwebs

This morning I got pretty aggravated by some tool that made the statement

‘We can safely say that martial arts started when Bodhidharma travelled
from India to China and taught some emaciated Chinese Buddhist monks
some exercises to stay healthy’

This kind of thing really riles me. In my opinion the Shaolin story is full of shit, propagated by the Chinese government and old skool kung fu flicks. Why do I think this, because of things I have read and researched.

Now, does this really matter a toss? Really? the answer is definitely no. It’s my opinion, should it be other people’s opinion too? who gives a toss, it doesn’t matter. Does it help my training if indeed the first person to ever throw a punch and teach his mates was some Indian Yogi? not at all. So why debate it?!

The martial arts are about training to be good at fighting, you cannot put a gloss on that. As a side effect of deep study in any practical field, you will also, after time, develop a scholarly side and start researching the martial arts and related fields. If your inclined that way you might even develop the internal aspects of the arts as well. It’s really no big shit! don’t get all excited about it!

I’m not sure if this post makes much sense, but in summary:

• Don’t be a tool and just spout shit on the internet/real world - At least try to do some research first before showing your ignorance.
• Debating esoterica, vague history etc. is fully pointless and will not make you a better practitioner. The main part of that word is practice, so when you feel the urge to spout off, can it and get to the gym to do something useful (I’m clearly not following my own advice here with this rant!)

NB: For a much more eloquent expression of what I am trying to say look here and here

Evolutionary Fitness

I’m looking into this at the moment, sounds pretty interesting

http://www.whywenothithard.com/2008/02/review-evolutionary-fitness.html

More science than an undergrad course, but simple and easy-to-apply
principles make this a superb all-around diet/fitness system. May not
be ideal for high-level athletes though.

Advice: Beginning BJJ / MMA / Martial arts in general

Lately it seems like I’ve been seeing threads pop up left and right from new grapplers who get upset at how quickly they get tapped, or who wonder how they can get better faster, or who simply think they suck. With respect, frankly its starting to get tiresome.

From the Colonel over at Sherdog

Another Meditation Article

In 1985, the meditation team made a video of monks drying cold, wet sheets with body heat. They also documented monks spending a winter night on a rocky ledge 15,000 feet high in the Himalayas. The sleep-out took place in February on the night of the winter full moon when temperatures reached zero degrees F. Wearing only woolen or cotton shawls, the monks promptly fell asleep on the rocky ledge, They did not huddle together and the video shows no evidence of shivering. They slept until dawn then walked back to their monastery.
Read it here

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Furious Angels - Boondock Video

Furious Angels - Boondock

The finest MMA highlight video I have ever seen.
Blood, emotion, glory and crushing defeats; it touched me.
So much more than the uneducated and ignorant view that ‘it’s just two men fighting’

It may be, and perhaps should be, difficult to accept the notion that a prizefighter’s work merits the same kind of attention we lavish on an artist’s, but once we begin attending to and describing what he does in the ring, it becomes increasingly difficult to refuse the expenditure. The fighter creates a style in a world of risk and opportunity. His disciplined body assumes the essential postures of the mind: aggressive and defensive, elusively graceful with its shifts of direction, or struggling with all its stylistic resources against a resistant but, until the very end, alterable reality. A great fighter redefines the possible.