What is the best style? (For You)

Guys,
After my earlier posted ravings about best styles, you might think that this would be a tongue in cheek post. But it is not. For many beginners in the martial arts, the question of "which style should I take?" is a legitimate one. Now, there are literally dozens upon dozens of "styles" out there, but there is only really 2 main differences: The arts that strike, and the arts that seize. That is to say that some arts are teaching you how to strike an opponent with their hands, feet, knees, elbows, and sometimes even the head. Those arts require a certain amount of distance, and angle to unleash a barrage of damaging strikes. Arts like, karate, kung fu, kenpo, Muay Thai, Tae Kwon Do, shotokan and goju. The seizing arts, also called the grappling arts include wrestling, judo, jiujitsu, sombo, catch wrestling, silat, aikido and sumo. Those arts not only emphasize, but require close quarter combat between them and the opponent.

But back to the point, a person who is no sure what he or she wants to take may need to consider a couple of things before they begin a martial art. The first is personal preference about space. Americans are usually a lot more space conscious than other nationalities. Americans" like their space." Other nationalities are far less concerned about their proximity to their neighbors in places like store lines, or sport functions. I found this to be true when I was in Europe. Anyhow, back to the point. If being really close to people makes you uncomfortable, the grappling arts may not be for you. Likely as not, you will spend a lot of time, rolling around on a mat, or in a clinched position with someone who is actively resisting your techniques. If you are concerned with someone sweating on you, or leaning on you or something, you might want to give your grappling dreams a rest.

Also consider body type. I myself am a slender,handsome, lanky kind of fellow. So my striking art background works well for me. I can use distance and angle to pick apart an opponent before they get to close to me. I have long limbs, so arts like boxing, or kickboxing suit me more naturally.

If you have a shorter stockier body type, you might want to try wrestling, or judo. These arts dont require you to have to reach out and strike your opponent at all. Your goal is to get in close enough to grab them. While a striker by nature, I myself am also both a proponent, and practitioner of grappling styles. So long limbs do not preclude proficiency in grappling styles, but we are talking about preferences and picking something that is more natural to you. The main issue with grappling styles is that some people find it odd to have to advance on a larger opponent in order to grab them. But rest assured you are not just going to wade in in an attempt to make contact. There is a sophisticated art to bringing a larger opponent into your field of expertise, so just check it out at a local grappling arts school.

If you are kind of in the medium size range, it may help you to try this exercise. It will help you decide if you have a grappler's instincts, or a striker's. Have a friend charge at you one day. If your natural urge is to step back, or to the side, you have a striker's instinct. If you want to duck down, or step in, you have a grappler's instincts. This is a VERY general rule, but from what I have seen, it holds a lot of water.

Anyhow folks, I have to go. I feel like I rushed this entry. I hate to do that, but I have a lot to do. I may revisit this entry at a later time. So I bid you a fond adieu. Ciao!

The cost of my virtue

Folks,
I am writing this blog with a heavy heart. See, at my school I dont teach children younger than 9 years old. I dont disrespect people that do, but I dont. So after spending $900 dollars, yes 900 on advertising recently, I have observed the following: It sucks to spend $900 dollars. Second I think that only people with little kids read the ad, even though it has the age limits on it. Lastly, I have had to turn down 3 $600 contracts in the last 3 days. My bottom lip trembles as I write this. IF you area new business owner, you are probably poor like I am :). If not, then God bless ya, I am impressed. But despite my pathetic financial situation, I did not bend merely for the profits to be made. Anyhow folks, I am going to go cry myself to sleep.

Training with a plan

Guys,
I just wanted to add 2 more of my cents ya know? I have been on a recent tear as far as my training goes. I have been a lot more focused. And you know what? It feels really good. The amazing judo player Rhadi Ferguson says that most people are "workout vagabonds." That means they go to the gym, work out with whatever they have there, and then go home.

I have been shown the light. EVERY time you go to the gym, you should have an agenda. I dont mean, "work chest and triceps." I mean have a specific focus that your workout will satisfy. That will help you workout more, and feel more satisfied. So now, instead of saying, " I am going to burn out my triceps." Say, "When I push my limits, it will improve my backfist." Or " every time I do these rows, it helps me improve my punching power." It helps folks, it really does. I am so sore right now, I am crying like a girl scout as I type. Thanks Rhadi....I think

Mental martial arts

Folks,
Relax, I am not going to get all zen about the mental aspects of martial arts. You have likely read enough about that. But I am talking about in the practical sense, what martial arts can offer. Example, right now, at this moment, My shoulders are aching, my joints are all crackling. I have not slept in 4 nights. I am struggling with my business and I have been in an argument with someone that I dearly love. How badly does that suck? A LOT. But you know what? That is what mental discipline is all about. I can deal. Later people!

Shake up your martial arts training!!!

Folks,
I am back again with a brand new rant. With all of the information in the world today, people will not change. Either it is "my way is best" or " this is the way my sensei/sifu/master taught me". WAKE UP!!! We know that there is no best way. Look into all ways and see for yourself what has merit and what does not.

I recently heard someone say that they dont lift weights because it goes against the old master did. NOT TRUE!! Remember the old movies when the old monks carried buckets of water up the stairs? Those are weights. Or when the practiced snatching up jars full of sand? Those are weights. When they ran with another student on their backs? Best I can tell, those are weights too. Just because they did not use a Smith machine or iron dummbells does not mean that the principle is not the same.

Have you guys ever looked into plyometrics? Or maybe tried a method of training not commonly used in martial arts training? If not, why not? Is your goal not improvement? Physical and mental? Is not the mark of a superior martial artist physical and mental acuity? The only difference in my mind between good martial artists, and GREAT ones, is that the great ones keep hungering for knowledge. They are ALWAYS looking to improve their techniques, or to refine their application. Karateka, look at how they train in Muay Thai. Thai boxers, look into Tai Chi. Judo players, watch boxers. Boxers watched TaeKwonDo. That sky is the limit on our skills and knowledge folks, dont cheat yourself.

Books to read for all of you interested

Folks,

For all of you who enjoy martial arts philosophy and stuff, make sure that you check out the following books. Now, to some of you this is old news, but to the newbies out there, these books are required reading: The art of war, The art of peace, The Tao of Jeet Kune Do, The book of five rings, Hagakure, and Secret Tactics. These books are a great start to understanding the warrior mindset. Later folks.

James, do me a favor

and email me at sensei_anthony@hotmail.com. I wanted to ask you some stuff. Thanks

Where are your limits?

Guys,
In the athletic world, it is a very common expression that we must" give 110%". Now we, know that 100% is all that we can give, but the sentiment behind it is what makes the expression so popular. So with that in mind, what are you limits?

In training, have you ever worked out so hard that you were seeing stars? Or been unable to stand for a while, as your lungs pounded like blacksmith's bellows? Have you ever pushed yourself to the point of nausea? Well if you NEVER have, then maybe you should rethink your training methods.

We learn martial arts for a variety of reasons. The main one for most of us should be the preservation of life, ours or out loved ones. In a real fight, not the tournament tag, and in-dojo slap-fighting that has become so common, fights are dirty and nasty. Usually, the fitter, more skilled individual will pull out with the victory, in this case, your health. It is NOT a joke, or a game that we play for the sake of entertainment. Self-defense can be brutal, nasty and final. But in order to prepare for that, you have to do all that you can to simulate the real deal. If you have NEVER left your dojo, shaky, a little nauseous, STARVING, but glad you came, look at why you are training. Your life is at stake.

Man, I just saw some inspirational stuff last night

Folks,
Last night, Rhadi Ferguson sent me a couple of really good DVDs. He sent me something called 101 ippons, and the Inner Realm. The first is about judo, and the second is about what it takes to be the best. I have watched both DVDs and it is a great product if there was ever such a thing. If you dont know who Rhadi is, he is a 2004 Olympian, judo national champ and the number 1 ranked judo player at his weight. Plus he has a ton of knowledge about fitness and stuff. I recommend that you google his name and look him up. You wont regret it.

Dang, training is hard

My hands are sore from pounding away on the bags. My biceps ache from the resistance bands. My legs are trembling. I am totally spent, and there is sweat in my eyes. Just one more step toward perfection.