Martial Arts

It is easy to wind up in a situation where you must defend yourself from an impending assault. There are countless variables and possible outcomes in any fight, and when it is generally...

When first training in Chinese martial arts, there are often a number of terms used that can seem confusing or nonsensical. One of the most common phrases to trip up new students is any reference...

It is easy to become confused when looking at a variety of Chinese martial arts swords. While some are heavy and stiff, others are extremely light, thin and flexible. These unusually thin swords...

Fedor Emelianenko is a top-ranked heavyweight mixed martial artist. Besides innate ability, he combines techniques from judo and sambo to win. He draws his sweeps and submissions from judo. Sambo...

I spent years studying sport Karate and Tae Kwon Do. I probably learned 3 dozen different punches and kicks: knife hand, ridge hand, spear hand, reverse punch, straight punch, backfist.... But...

Relaxed, or diaphragmatic, breathing is a tool used to help relieve stress and anxiety. It is the natural way to breathe, but through cultures and societies, most people breathe with their chests...

People choose Krav Maga due to its reputation. The system works - in fact, it's so well proven its a favourite of military and law enforcement agencies across the globe. People want that, and...

Buying the correct show is very important. Buying the correct Martial Arts shoes is even more important.

A bo staff is an ancient martial arts weapon originating in Asia. Essentially, a bo staff is a six-foot long wooden stick. It's usually about an inch thick in the middle and tapers slightly at...

Though you may see lacing shoestrings as just a way to tighten and loosen your shoes, lacing your shoes can be an art form and a method of self-expression. Mathematically, there are trillions of...

Information about how to become a martial arts expert at home and by yourself.

Karate uniform sizes are standardized throughout the industry. They're labeled by number, with lower numbers smaller than higher numbers. This numbering system corresponds with no other sizing...

The Ultimate Fighting Championship is the premier mixed martial arts organization in the world. They currently have more than 200 fighters under contract and have steadily increased their number...

Boxing and kickboxing require careful protection of your hands. The hands contain small bones that can be fractured when a fighter punches a target or blocks an opponent's strike. It is important...

A judo uniform, known as a gi, is a three-piece outfit consisting of a top, a bottom, and a belt. The gi is made from strong material, to allow for it to be used as a point of leverage in chokes...

Martial arts belt colors and ranks identify a specific level of expertise within the art. White means beginner and black is for advanced. While each martial arts system is different, the...

In this article you will the fundamentals of the double leg takedown. With the rising popularity of MMA and ultimate fighting it has become apparent what an important move the double leg take...

A gi is the uniform karate students wear while studying the martial art. It should be worn with respect for the ancient practice, your master and your school. Part of this respect is making sure...

Taekwondo students wear protective equipment during sparring. This equipment is worn so that the taekwondo student can simulate fighting motions without fearing getting hurt or causing injury to...

The Ultimate Fighting Championship is one of the highest-level professional Mixed Martial Arts competitions. To train to fight in the UFC implies that you have reached a high level of proficiency...

Pressure points are one of the most widely misunderstood concepts in martial arts. Many different legends have been repeated over the years regarding secretive and lethal techniques. There is...

The jacket, pants and belt that make up the basic karate uniform, formally called a gi, are usually made of a heavy canvas cotton or cotton-blend material. The traditional gi is white, although...

Most combative sport competitions have weight limits for certain classes. The purpose of cutting weight before a fight is usually to allow a more muscular fighter to compete in a lower weight...

UFC 107: Penn vs. Sanchez is taking place on December 12, 2009 at FedExForum in Memphis, TN. The card features the highly anticipated Lightweight title fight between B.J. Penn and Ultimate Fighter...

The growing popularity of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) over recent years has sparked a plethora of websites dedicated to fighters and the sport. Nowadays, it's not too difficult to...

With all of the recent controversy in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) over the last few years surrounding questionable judge's decisions, one might ask themselves what exactly these...

There are many different aspects involved in MMA, hence the reason it's called "mixed" martial arts. Therefore, it's important for viewers and judges to understand all the individual...

The heavy material used to make your Brazilian jujitsu gi can make attempts to fold it a frustrating experience. One creative way is to use your belt to secure both the top and bottom of your gi....

Based on the legendary Bowie knife design, the Ka-Bar Combat Knife was developed for the United States Marine Corps for use during World War II. Still used by Marines, soldiers and sailors as of...

Punching is the most basic form of human combat. The proper use of hands and arms to create striking impact has been the basis of human self-defense since the beginning of the species. Anyone who...

A karate gi (uniform) is composed of a kimona-style jacket, a loose-fitting pair of pants and a belt. Karate training can be grueling, and after an intense session of kicking and punching, your gi...

A taekwondo uniform should always be clean and pressed. This is especially important during belt testing and promotion ceremonies. A freshly pressed uniform shows respect for your martial art,...

Improving kicks with mixed martial arts equipment requires a heavy bag, Thai pad and partner. There are several good drills that can improve timing and recognition. One can be done on a heavy bag...

If you're looking to hone your skills at kickboxing or trying to improve your technique to prevent kickboxing injuries, it is important to get a grasp on the basics. Learning the basics in...

Martial arts are sports that inspire popular films, have a background in many different cultures they come from, and capture the imagination of enthusiasts around the world. Wushu, although not...

Blocking a punch is different in kickboxing from boxing. Boxing, where all you have to worry about is hand combinations, allows for head movement and ducking punches. Kickboxing, with kicks and...

Dating back as far as the Ming Dynasty, Pek Kwar, also known as Tai Shing Pek Kwar, is a popular Northern Chinese style of kung fu. This fighting style, first taught to the Chinese armies as a...

Sometimes finding healthy recreation seems more like work than play, especially if you are waiting for machines at the gym. Martial arts training can fit well into a busy lifestyle. Most martial...

So your child wants to learn martial arts. Or maybe you want your child to gain more confidence or learn how to protect him/herself. There are a few things to keep in mind when looking for a school.

Teaching young children taekwondo or any martial arts can be very difficult. The main cause of this is the child’s short attention span. The younger a child the less they are apt to listen or even...

One of the best alternatives to the flimsy, expensive store-bought children's swords, a homemade "boffer" can be an excellent and safe way for your kids to begin learning how to use a sword....

It is best to avoid fighting as nothing good comes from it for the most part however there are times when fighting is unavoidable due to extreme circumstances which are beyond our control. What...

Karate gis serve several purposes, including identifying status and the type of karate being undertaken. They also help to provide a feeling of acceptance among participants.

Considerably larger than the throwing knife or Japanese shuriken practiced by most martial artists, the throwing axe is best learned through hands-on experience. By designating a certain amount of...

Whether you're selecting a basic katana for casual practice or are embarking on an intensive study of kenjutsu and the Japanese sword, familiarizing yourself in the factors that distinguish an...

Over the years, I've seen very successful techniques in slowing down martial arts and self-defense training to an almost complete stop. I've listed some of these techniques below, perhaps you're...

During its long history as a military nation, Japan was a wellspring of martial arts styles. Even though each of the surviving martial arts share some common ancestry, each has its own distinct...

Tai chi is a Chinese martial arts discipline that is commonly practiced for its health and relaxation benefits. The foundation of tai chi is a series of synchronized body movements that, when...

Kickboxing is popular as a means of fitness, but if taught correctly, it can also be useful in self-defense situations. While kickboxing classes range in focus from exercise to self defense, they...

Most martial artists recognize the hands as important fighting weapons. Hand strikes can be delivered from various angles to keep an opponent off balance, and different striking techniques can...