tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-147625402012-02-17T00:46:27.710+09:00Martial arts training tips, reviews, and happenings in the world of martial arts from the viewpoint of a long term devoteeWaynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.comBlogger381100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-14254390548885264462008-02-24T22:39:00.003+09:002008-02-24T22:48:32.733+09:00

It's been interesting this week, I have been talking via email to a martial artist in Sweden that is highly ranked in a number of traditional Japanese styles. It is always great to discuss the martial arts with people that are open minded and have dedicated years to the arts. Probably the most amusing thing is that I "met" him because he purchased an item from my wife through ebay. Yah ebay.

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com41tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-29695821937936643012008-01-14T16:48:00.001+09:002008-02-24T23:12:26.382+09:00

I passed my Shodan grading in Iaido at Iwakura yesterday.The morning started with a 2 hour training session, followed by a 30 minute lunch break, with the gradings starting at 12.30. The gradings start with the waza performed in order of rank attempted, so first up are the ikkyu, then shodan, nidan etc.. Following the completion of the waza the written test is completed. Shodan is the first Iaido

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-49159167486432098912007-12-09T13:51:00.000+09:002007-12-09T13:55:40.422+09:00

A couple of days ago I posted a weight training tip for martial artists at The Fitness Journal. I intend to post more regularly about strength and conditioning for martial artists in the coming months.Keep your eyes open.

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-70937076666579812912007-09-29T14:39:00.000+09:002007-09-29T14:54:50.940+09:00

If your interested in self defence training - you should really check out the Target Focus System designed by Tim Larkin. It's a no BS, non defensive training system that I think has a lot to teach many martial artists. Just keep an open mind and learn.

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-81503538520917207842007-09-11T17:56:00.000+09:002007-09-11T18:03:37.560+09:00

I can't believe that I have left it so long between posts. Holidays and life seem to have got in the way.On to the martial arts frontA friend of mine received his 7th Dan in Kendo recently - Congratulations Hiroji.As for me, I have been told I will be attempting my Iaido 1st Dan in January.That's all for now.

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-375287571073700212007-06-12T17:55:00.000+09:002007-06-12T18:07:32.784+09:00

Based on current research, it is recommended that you don't do slow static stretching at the beginning of your class or training session. Instead warm-up then do some light active stretching.Leave the slow static stretching to the end of the session or do a separate stretching session at another time.

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-45873919050036032372007-05-30T19:31:00.000+09:002007-05-30T19:36:58.201+09:00

If you are training in one of the stick arts e.g. Kali and want to improve your targeting - try making this simple device.Thread some light rope through an old tennis ball, tie it off and hang it from the ceiling at head height - its great way to sharpen your targeting skills especially for snap strikes (witiks etc.)

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-75773897707149450052007-05-16T21:02:00.000+09:002007-05-16T21:07:36.771+09:00

If you are starting your training in one of the Japanese arts that require you to wear a hakama (Iaido, Kendo, Kyudo, many of the Koryu arts etc.) this video could be very useful.

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-14570007032330956812007-05-05T13:57:00.000+09:002007-05-05T15:04:59.455+09:00

Golden Week in Japan bring with it a huge budo festival in Kyoto. I was lucky enough to spend the day in Kyoto on Thursday and saw Yabusame (Japanese mounted archery) for the first time and saw some 7th dan Kendo matches at the Butokuden in the Heian Shrine area.Also on the day was an 8th dan Iaido grading and a Kyudo competition. Wow!!!

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-19663843175258469422007-04-30T18:08:00.000+09:002007-04-30T18:16:58.135+09:00

I did my first Iaido grading in January of this year. My wife caught it on video, so here's your chance to see me in action.Please forgive the errors on my part (^_^)

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-47880637199459998602007-04-22T10:19:00.000+09:002007-04-22T10:32:43.227+09:00

One thing that is truly amazing about training in Japan is the quality and quantity of the sensei (teachers).When I was first training at my Iaido dojo, I had a 6th dan with about 30 years of experience giving me one on one instruction for the whole class. Now I train with the normal class with a 7th dan, who has been training Iaido for about 40 years, as the primary instructor. It is amazing!

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-69171819474596048132007-04-10T22:05:00.000+09:002007-04-10T22:15:05.625+09:00

I have found that what I want from my martial arts training is changing as I get older.In my teens and early twenties, my training was focused on being strong and being able to hit hard.The next stage was based on becoming a more well rounded martial artist. This included incorporating grappling and weapon training into the mix.Now my training is focused my health and fitness and improving my

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-18250864732486007582007-04-05T08:10:00.000+09:002007-04-05T08:56:34.294+09:00

My wife was flicking channels last night and said that she found something I might like. She was right, it was the K1 Max 2007.I didn't see every bout but here are some results and my thoughts on the action.Buakaw Por Pramuk defeated Andy Ologun - using classic Muay Thai, Buakaw Por Pramuk methodically racked up the points to get the decision. Andy Souwer defeated Yoshihiro Sato by decision

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-59568831510920458842007-03-16T21:57:00.000+09:002007-03-16T22:19:31.282+09:00

When I was about 10, my father introduced me to the basics of holding a good guard and how to throw a good punch.About 4 years later, I started having regular lessons with an ex-professional boxer who taught boxing as both a ring art and as a self defence art. It opened my eyes to the combat arts and it was a great learning experience that had a beneficial impact on my future training.I think

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-89112350986046814352007-03-08T19:00:00.000+09:002007-03-08T19:36:13.557+09:00

Just a couple of photos I took at a Martial Arts demonstration here in Japan. Shinto Muso Ryu - Jo and Boken Tendo Ryu - Boken and Naginata Yagyu Seigo Ryu -

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-30556726562619444522007-02-27T19:49:00.000+09:002007-02-27T19:51:48.573+09:00

I don't know who came up with this gem, but I like it."There are two rules for being a successful Martial Artist.Rule 1: Never tell others everything you know."

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-72990412004784670242007-02-24T09:31:00.000+09:002007-02-24T09:45:35.581+09:00

One of my concerns when I first started training in Japan, was how I would cope with training, given my limited Japanese language skills.I need not have worried. Although the classes are in Japanese, the instruction has been excellent. Admittedly my instructors sometimes use gestures to get a point across.The best thing about my slowly increasing language skills, (thanks to private tuition and

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-70069633751982462112007-02-21T20:22:00.000+09:002007-02-21T20:31:34.438+09:00

When is the last time you trained away from your normal dojo/kwoon?If it's been a while or never, try some training at the beach, in a park or on some sloping ground etc.The change is usually fun, good for your motivation and you can learn a lot about you and your art. Enjoy!!!

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-42928615618085740902007-02-11T09:22:00.000+09:002007-03-16T22:22:08.907+09:00

My introduction to Owari Kan Ryu was seeing a group of practitioners walk onto stage with almost 12 foot yari (spears). I thought to myself "how in the world do they control them?" Their demonstration of their sojutsu (spear art) soon showed me how much control they had over their weapons.Owari Kan Ryu is a yari based koryu (traditional system) based primarily in Aichi. A number of different yari

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-43564628699303896822007-02-01T20:56:00.000+09:002007-02-27T19:52:52.831+09:00

"He who hesitates, meditates in a horizontal position"A very cool quote attributed to Ed Parker - American Kenpo

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-65297666251889502342007-01-26T16:24:00.000+09:002007-01-26T16:49:00.071+09:00

I was very fortunate to be a participant on the first day of the 5th Kukishin Ryu Denshukai. Kukishin Ryu is a Koryu/traditional martial art dating from the 14th century, which incorporates a full array of weapon and unarmed techniques.On the day I attended, the training was based around Kukishin Ryu Bojutsu - the combative use of the bo. Prior to this event I had no experience with the use of

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-70092786763338679852007-01-20T13:21:00.000+09:002007-01-20T23:17:46.029+09:00

Living in Japan has given me the opportunity to see a great number of arts that are not commonly seen in the West.I recently attended an martial arts demonstration at a shrine that was truly amazing. Arts demonstrated in the 5 hour extravaganza included Hozoin Ryu, Owari Kan Ryu, Ryukyu Kobujutsu, Shinto Muso Ryu, Tendo Ryu and Yagyu Shinkage Ryu.In future posts I will explain more about some of

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-1128638936640543072005-10-07T07:48:00.000+09:002005-10-07T07:48:56.646+09:00

This short work is made up of a collection of vignettes illustrating elements of martial and Zen philosophy. Using his experiences training under of veritable who’s who of martial artists including Bruce Lee, Hyams shares the philosophical lessons he received. Rather than being a text book on Zen or the martial arts, it is an introduction to the application of these philosophies in your life.

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-1126742083909677222005-09-15T08:54:00.000+09:002005-09-15T08:56:27.766+09:00

"Without Knowledge, Skill cannot be focused. Without Skill, Strength cannot be brought to bear and without Strength, Knowledge may not be applied." - Alexander the Great's Physican

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-1125454177427569252005-08-31T11:09:00.000+09:002005-08-31T11:09:37.433+09:00

The use of weapons in your training gives variety, and develops skills and attributes that are more difficult to develop in empty hand training. The kali stick travelling at over one hundred kph lets you work with speeds that are difficult to approach consistently with a punch or kick.

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-1125194185969044032005-08-28T10:53:00.000+09:002005-08-28T10:56:25.973+09:00

If your style incorporates defence against weapons – ask a training partner to attack you from different angles with a rolled up newspaper. This is a great training drill and gives you an understanding of what gaps, if any are in your weapon defence skills. Remember that even a five year old with a knife is dangerous.

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-1124879165255625572005-08-24T19:16:00.000+09:002005-08-24T19:26:05.260+09:00

I am a firm believer in taking breaks from your normal training regime. If you do the same workouts week in, week out, it is very easy become mentally and physically stale. When you are starting to feel like your training is going nowhere - have a break from your normal training but don't stop being active. A couple of days off is often a good start but after that it is time to do something

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-1124331128358675552005-08-18T11:11:00.000+09:002005-08-18T11:12:08.363+09:00

Don’t be in too much of a hurry to learn all the advanced techniques; you will learn them at the appropriate time. Plenty of focus on the basics will give you useable technique and skills that you can rely on.

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-1123983886270611832005-08-14T10:33:00.000+09:002005-08-14T10:44:46.276+09:00

Stretching is an integral element in many arts. Based on recent research, it is now recommended that passive and PNF stretching is best done after the conditioning phase of your training or as a dedicated stretching session at a separate time. Light dynamic stretching is recommended after the warm up phase.

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-1123726305420085372005-08-11T11:11:00.000+09:002005-08-11T11:11:45.423+09:00

Kung Fu Hustle, the martial arts action comedy from Stephen Chow opens in Australia today. It looks like it is time for some frenetic action, amazing kung fu and some laughs.

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-1123467063182336812005-08-08T11:10:00.000+09:002005-08-08T11:11:03.186+09:00

Considered to be a boxing invention, focus mitts are a worthwhile tool in your training kit. The mitts can be used to develop timing, hand and eye coordination, technique, reflexes and accuracy. The feeder/holder also benefits by improving read and timing.

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-1123121167839519282005-08-04T09:15:00.000+09:002005-08-04T11:06:42.833+09:00

There has been a steady integration of high quality realistic martial arts into mainstream cinema in the last decade. The Bourne Identity has number of fast, well choreographed fight scenes using the art of Kali. Scenes of martial arts training are also being incorporated into movies to legitimise the ability of the character. This can be illustrated in the Bo (Staff) and Double Stick scene in

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-1123034508684250392005-08-03T11:01:00.000+09:002005-08-03T11:01:48.686+09:00

"Do, or do not. There is no 'try'" - Yoda“Boards don't hit back” - Bruce Lee“A black belt is nothing more than a belt that goes around your waist. Being a black belt is a state of mind and attitude” – unknown

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-1122860369620693202005-08-01T10:38:00.000+09:002005-08-01T10:39:29.623+09:00

Generally the screen version of a particular art will be very different to the art in the real world. Screen techniques are generally more open, easy to follow and much more spectacular to look at, than the real world version.

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-1122587725434464462005-07-29T06:50:00.000+09:002005-07-29T06:55:25.436+09:00

My first organised training in the combat arts was boxing. It is a great hand art that develops reflexes, timing, movement, endurance and the ability to hit hard while (ideally) not being hit.

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-1122428610212581582005-07-27T10:33:00.000+09:002005-07-27T10:43:30.216+09:00

The concept of Qi or Ki is one of the underlying principles of traditional martial arts. One of the primary goals of the internal arts, including Tai Qi, Ba Gua, Hsing Yi and Aikido is to maintain or enhance health and vitality by building or balancing the body's Qi and being able to use this energy in training and in daily life.

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-1122353516529851152005-07-26T13:47:00.000+09:002005-08-04T09:15:22.786+09:00

Aikido and the Dynamic Sphere - Ratti & WestbrookThe Tao of Jeet Kune Do - LeeFilipino Martial Arts - InosantoZen in the Martial Arts - HyamsA Book of Five Rings - Musashi

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14762540.post-1122172376091277292005-07-24T11:30:00.000+09:002005-08-01T10:40:31.526+09:00

As this is my first post to this blog, I thought that I would give you a little information about myself. I have over 20 years experience in the health and fitness industry: acupuncturist, massage therapist, gym instructor, personal trainer and martial arts instructor. In this blog, I will be discussing my thoughts on the martial arts in general, training and news that has caught my attention.

Waynehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03227918082167040871noreply@blogger.com0