Martial Arts

Originating from an ancient Chinese system of arms practice, Wushu weapon forms have developed into an intricate modern art of strength building, coordination and grace. Encompassing more than 12...

Originally developed as a tool for clearing thickets and jungle vines, the machete has emerged as a popular weapon in many tropical countries. Functioning like a typical short-sword with a...

Highly dangerous and rarely anticipated, a sudden attack from a knife-wielding opponent can be a nightmarish situation. However, with some cunning and clear thinking, you will be capable of both...

Taekwondo is a martial art first practiced in Korea about 1,300 years ago. The training and advancement process for the martial art can be long and grueling. Your instructor or "sensei" will...

Various forms of martial arts have flourished throughout many places in the world and each region has created or adapted a style to cal its own. The Wushu style of martial arts originated in China...

Ancient Japanese samurai warriors considered the katana, or sword, to be an extension of themselves. They sought to cut through their enemies in a single, fluid motion. The basis of Japanese sword...

We live in a world that can be terrifying. Muggers, carjacking, and gang warfare can happen every day in every country in the world. Many people carry guns to protect themselves, but many people...

Pressure point striking techniques are regarded as the deadliest in all disciplines of hand-to hand-combat. This article will provide you with some history of the techniques and provide you with...

Kenpo Karate and other martial arts may have had their roots in Asian countries such as China and Japan, but they have now found popularity throughout the world. Some people are lucky enough to...

Kung Fu seems to be one of the oldest martial arts forms that there is, in fact it seem that it dates back over five thousand years. Like most martial arts, Kung Fu is based on fighting techniques...

Japanese sword fighting goes back to the times of the ninja and the samurai. Ancient Japanese sword fighters were agile, incredibly strong and very honorable. Practicing this ancient technique can...

Fighting with a flashlight is much like fighting with any type of small hard weapon like a baton or bat, as it can be swung viciously and quickly injure or disable your attacker or opponent. As...

The bayonet serves two purposes as a weapon: the knife on the end of your rifle can act as a sword or spear, and the butt of the rifle can act as a club or parrying tool. Using these two parts of...

Sometimes you just have to fight. 1 punch knockout power is your ace in the hole when you want to end a fight clean and fast.

Considerably larger than the varieties of throwing knives and shuriken used by most martial artists, the throwing ax is best learned through hands-on experience. By crafting your own practice...

Belt rank in karate is simply a gauge of progress, a set of clearly defined benchmarks on your quest for mastery. Though the concept of black belt is often wrapped in a sort of mystic sense, the...

On his journey from India to China, the Bodhidharma developed a fighting system based on his observations of the way animals fought in the wild. Arriving at the Shaolin Temple, he put the monks to...

The sparring gear that is used in boxing, martial arts and mixed martial arts is exposed to sweat, bacteria, viruses and blood among other things. This is not appealing, but it is something that...

To achieve a black belt in any martial art takes enormous dedication and persistence. One must master all the forms in any given system in addition to becoming fluid and adept at all the kicks,...

Innately different from the varieties of throwing knives and shuriken, the bulkier throwing axe is best learned through hands-on experience. By fashioning your own target and employing a daily...

Martial arts training is a good method to build self-confidence for students from any background as long as the instructor knows how to approach the subject efficiently. It is increasingly...

Internationally recognized as one of the most graceful and powerful swords to emerge from the medieval period, the Katana, or Japanese sword, has developed a wide appeal among martial artists....

Attaining belts in martial arts signifies a students progression to the next level. While some consider them empty symbols, to many others they are thought of as important milestones, or at least...

Considered among the most efficient and deadly weapons from the medieval world, the nihonto, or Japanese katana, occupies a prominent role in contemporary sword arts. While traditionally...

The sword-fighting techniques practiced by the knights of Arthurian times differed from the flashy fencing techniques made popular by Errol Flynn movies. They were eventually displaced by the rise...

If you're ever in a position where you need to defend yourself, knowing how to deliver a knockout punch is essential. If you know how to perform this action, you will eliminate the need for an...

Unlike some martial arts, Russian Systema focuses on natural and intuitive movement. Based on the idea that the human body knows what to do if we'll just listen to it, strikes, blocks and...

A judo gi (uniform) consists of a kimono-type jacket, a loose-fitting pair of pants and a belt. It is made of thick canvas designed to endure the grappling, twisting and pulling that is part of...

Nearly every culture in the world has developed its own form of fighting technique. Ranging from Western rapier fencing to Eastern Kung Fu and Karate, the aspiring martial artist has a plethora of...

The traditional uniform worn by martial artists is called a gi. The basic gi is a jacket with overlapping flaps, a loose-fitting pair of pants, and a belt that not only holds the jacket closed,...

The flurry of kicks and punches that most people associate with karate are meaningless without a strong base of fundamentals. One cornerstone of any karate student's training is breathing...

People will learn how to practice and/or attain rank in various martial arts.

Tai chi is a Chinese martial art that can be used as a form of exercise to strengthen muscles and joints. It also helps to improve balance and flexibility while promoting relaxation. One of the...

Training at home can be the perfect supplement for both the beginner and the advanced martial artist. Whether your practice involves elements of Korean, Japanese or Chinese martial arts, the basic...

Traditional Japanese breathing exercises help you focus and control your breath. By recognizing where your breath is coming from and controlling it you can better focus your mind and even see...

Martial arts training extends past the dojo. For your training to ingrain itself into muscle memory, you have to train at home as well as in formal classes, just like you have to do homework in...

The martial arts are a system of practices and traditions dedicated to training individuals in physical combat. One of the aspects that differentiates the martial arts from other sports is the...

Is it possible? Yes, but not necessarily to the extent one would hope. Real life isn't the movies; things don't work out perfectly and elegantly. Still, ending a fight with one strike is...

The development of moral character is a common theme in all fighting arts with "ancient" heritages. From the Japanese feudal samurai, to the ancient Greeks, the arts have always been used as a...

Tai chi and chi gong, usually spelled qigong in pinyin, the official romanization system of Chinese, are similar forms of Chinese exercise which both have roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Martial Arts are ancient techniques intended for self-defense and inner strength. Most martial arts are practiced in large areas known as dojos. But for times when martial arts must be practiced...

Tai chi is an excellent exercise for young and old. Although it can be a vigorous workout, many people like the fact that it is extremely low impact. This means seniors, pregnant women and...

At IKMF, we are just interested in promoting Modern Krav Maga, period! We want to teach everyone who wants to learn, regardless of affiliation and background. Our CIC is physically and...

Civilizations around the world have created many forms of martial arts. Throughout time the lines between some of these styles have become blurred. Kickboxing and judo are two popular fighting...

Students of the martial art Tae Kwon Do (TKD) typically learn relaxation, breaking of boards, sparring and self-defense. An essential complement to these skills are the TKD forms (also called...

For participants in any contact sport, a mouth guard is essential for protecting your teeth, gums and lips from painful injuries. Whether you're tearing up the football field or sparring in the...

Martial arts, such as karate and tae kwon do, can provide your child with an enjoyable physical fitness program, a sense of confidence and personal discipline. The martial arts are especially...

Brandy and Cognac both originate from eau-de-vie, a product of wine. In order for a brandy to be called a Cognac, it's subject to specific rules on how and where it was made.

Using the palm as a striking surface is a significant aspect of many traditional martial arts. As with any basic concept in the martial arts world, there are endless variations on the same simple...

Have you ever wanted to be able to throw a punch with proper form and technique so that you will be able to hit like a trained boxer? Read on and you will learn the essential technique that will...