From The Pros - Chi Gung

How many types of Chi Gung are there?

Well, as for styles of chi gung (qigong/ ch'i kung) there are thousands, known and unknown, as it is an ancient and diverse art. Basically they all come down to one of the following, or a combination of the following:

1) Chi gung for health maintenance, regeneration and longevity; I call this "Wellness Chi Gung
2) Martial arts chi gung'- this can be sub-divided into the internal (soft, esoteric) styles and the external (hard, exoteric) styles...which exist on a continuum, not in conflict with each other.....so, Hung Gar Kung Fu uses many external martial chi gung methods, but also soft; tai chi chuan uses mostly soft/ inner martial chi gung methods, but can also use hard methods (fighting/sparring isn't always soft!)
3) Spiritual chi gung - these are inner meditative methods to clarify and raise our spirit; also to embrace and learn to embody higher virtues and principles (compassion, wisdom, harmony, balance, confidence, etc...)....it may or may not be religious, that is up to the practitioner...the art of Usui Reiki Ryoho is one of the best and most effective yet simple forms of spiritual chi gung out there, orginating with the great teacher, O-Sensei Mikao Usui...

So, basically, all chi gung methods fall somewhere within one of these categories; some are very comprehensive and complete systems; some are very narrow (like 'medical chi gung')....chi gung can be simply defined as, 'working with the chi/ life-force' the goal being to achieve whatever the intention of the style/ art is....chi gung must always be practiced with respect for all life, never for selfish or negative purposes- dedicate all to the highest good of all...

Classically, in China, chi gung came from and was influenced by these sources: Taoism, Buddhism, Chinese Martial Arts, Chinese Medicine, ancient Chinese Shamanism.

What types of Chi gung are you teaching?

I teach all of these, 'wellness chi gung,' 'martial chi gung (inner and outer, soft/hard),' and 'spiritual chi gung.' My methods come from my 23 yrs. of experience with a very diverse group of teachers, including 17 yrs. full-time with my teacher, as a lineage disciple.

Why is internal chi good for those who practice martial arts?

well, quite simply, there is no getting away from 'internal chi' so if we can learn good methods which will allow us to be in tune with our life-force/ chi and learn how to work with it- not against it- everything we do in life can be enhanced; including our martial arts practice.

Are there any martial arts that use chi?

As I stated in answer to the previous question, there is no getting away from chi! So, yes, all martial arts use chi- everything that lives, breathes, and exists- all creation- is chi of one form or another, constantly and endlessly transforming....now, some martial art styles and traditions/ lineages realized this long ago and have developed methods to work with the life-force/chi in many, many ways....the names of the styles and their reputations are not the real thing- the student needs to find a teacher who has learned these methods and is willing to share them....in this day and age there is no good reason for secrecy, for the vast majority of chi gung methods....see if the teacher exhibits the qualities he/ she is teaching (and keep in mind we are all human, perfect/ ideal standards are hard to reach!), is she/ he healthy? strong voice, good posture, etc....or, can they fight, if it is a martial chi gung art....are they loving, compassionate, and insightful if it is spiritual chi gung?

How does chi gung work?

Well, the exact answer depends on the type of chi gung method/ style it is...but basically what they all have in common is this: as living beings we have life-force (chi, prana, ki, breath of God, mana, etc...); the Cosmos/ Universe is also a creation of life-force, untold and limitless forms of energy....the life-force of the Cosmos and our life-force interact....so, in chi gung we learn methods which are designed around this simple, natural but often-times overlooked fact....it is like the nose on our face, or the fish in water- so completely natural that we forget about it...with good chi gung training we learn to make use of the natural gifts we have been born with, and to maximize them for our health and longevity, and many other purposes, such as: art, business, harmony in family and community, sports, martial arts, and so many others....

What / Where did chi gung originate?

Chi gung actually pre-dates human civilization, going way back to the beginnings of our race....so, the most ancient lands and cultures: China/ Asia; India; the Middle East; Africa, this is where chi gung originated....the Chinese and Indian cultures, being so old and having an unbroken history, is where chi gung and yogic methods were the most highly developed; they then spread outwards everywhere that people went and are....the situation today is quite interesting as all of these methods are blending and new methods are being created at rates never seen before...it is very important that the essential principles and concepts are preserved as this process unfolds....this way the art of chi gung will stay alive and pure, not be diluted into some fake, cheap, and unwholesome imitation...(like McChi Gung!- stay away!)...

Who can I contact if I wish to know more?

There are links on my website to excellent sources of info, see http://www.reikibutterfly.com/. also, I would recommend the book, 'Harnessing the Power of the Universe' by Dr. Daniel Reid, it is a well written, easy to read, and comprehensive introduction to all of these things I have talked about...

Thank you!

Michael S. Fuchs, Sifu
www.reikibutterfly.com
Facebook: Michael s. Fuchs

Introduction to Jodo

Jodo also known as jojutsu is a type of armed martial arts that uses short staffs called that is called jo which is about 3-5 feet long. This art is focused on Defense especially against sword and not that much on the Attacking side. There are 2 branches of Jodo called Koryu and Seitei Jodo and now this are very famous among Japanese Police and was refered as keijojutsu (police stick art)

Jojutsu is an exclusive martial art of the Kuroda Clan until the early 1900s, then the art was taught to the general public. It started back to the late 16th Century, where assassination and murder is common in Japan at that time. The Founder Muso Gonnosuke was a warrior who had trained in several Martial Arts school as well as a Shinto Priest training in bojutsu or the art of long staff. Gonnosuke is also a legend that is always compared to Miyamoto Musashi (also known as Sword Saint) as both are undefeated in battlefield.

Gonnosuke is believed to challenge Musashi twice which he won the challenge the 2nd time after Gonnosuke took up concepts from spear, halberd, staff and sword he developed what eventually became known as today’s JoJutsu. After Gonnosuke won the match against Musashi his reputation grew overnight and started to teach his art of Jodo. It is also where further refinements came and over the centuries his students added in other weapons and forms to form a complete school of combat.

Image taken from: hugin.demon.co.uk

From The Pros - Taijutsu

Name: Graham Clunan

Type of martial arts: currently studying Bujinkan Budo Ninpo Taijutsu, (other arts I've played with include, Karate, taekwondo, jujutsu, aiki-jujutsu, muay thai, taichi, etc.....)

Rank: Shidoshi

Years of training: In the Bujinkan 16 years, in total officially 23 years (unofficially its 28.)

How did you start: it started with family members who did Karate teaching and training me at home because i was officially too young to join a Dojo, when i was old enough i joined a Karate Dojo and it went on from there, i tried a few other arts while continuing to train in and progressing very well in Karate until i was invited to the Ninjutsu Dojo my friends had joined. My first lesson changed my outlook on everything i had previously learn't, as i continued to train i had major personal conflicts between the training and naturally began using my newly learn't Taijutsu instead of the drilled and conditioned 'Style' i had been doing all my life. i made a decision and left all my other martial arts.i still cross train now and again, but my outlook is now from a Bujinkan/Budo point of view, so really i guess i don't actually train in anything else anymore! a butterfly can't become a caterpillar once its changed!

Why you think this art is good: This art is so diverse, We use the bodies natural movement, we don't have rules and if we do we usually break them!, if there ever was a box we think out side of it, when you think you've learn't something from this art...another facet emerges!

Advices for newbies: Don't take advice from anybody, Don't trust anybody who says this Martial art is better than that art, do a martial art that works for you and that you enjoy!

I don't claim to be a pro, I'd be very cautious of any instructor who does.

From a Ninjutsu point of view, be careful with what information is being bounced around, especially on the Internet as a lot of it is incorrect and misleading.

Questions are good, question everything, cross reference things from reliable sources, ask your instructor, senior grades from other Dojo, if still in doubt- directly from the Honbu.

Find a good instructor who is also a student, a teacher who never learns shouldn't be teaching. they should "go to the source" (i.e. train in Japan regularly, trains and shares information with people who go to Japan regularly ,etc)

Budo is all martial arts, but not all martial arts are Budo.

From the Pros - Tai Chi

Name: Michael S. Fuchs

Type of Martial Arts: Five Formed Fist Shaolin Chuan Fa, Tai Chi Chuan, Filipino Kali

Rank / Belt: Chief Instructor

Years of Training: 23 Years

How You Started: always interested in martial arts and related arts, since I can remember, read books and stuff as a child about martial arts, wrestling and sports; saw movies, tv about martial arts (Bruce Lee and David Carradine mostly)...by age 20 was very sick (high blood pressure, arthritis, depression), got going to be healthy, but also wanted to learn all sides of it...luckily I chanced upon a great teacher and was with him for 17 yrs. full-time.

Why this martial art is good: This martial art system is wonderful because it is extremely diverse and comprehensive, it contains various sub-systems and styles, if you stay with it you can become a very complete and accomplished martial artist...from internal to external, long-range to short range, striking to grappling, empty hand to all weapons...also the inner healing and meditative arts it has...principles, concepts, traditional philosophy, etc....very well constructed, and well rounded Shaolin traditional system..

Advice to Newbies: find a good teacher, listen well and practice hard, then live the art and try to use it to help you with all things in your life....be a positive force in life, that is what the arts are for...not destruction...:)....the real art is practiced in life, not just the kwoon or dojo...life is the dojo!

Introduction to Shaolin Kung Fu

Most of us have heard of Shaolin Kung Fu, and there are also a lot that has mistaken that there is a typical type of Martial Art by the name of Shaolin Kung Fu. In fact, Shaolin Kung Fu is referring to a vast collection of Martial Arts and served as a base where the modern martial arts evolve from.

There used to be a saying in China back in the ancient days that Martial Arts around the world (the world that it refers to is China only) came from Shaolin. Martial Arts like Wing Chun, Hong Ga are all samples of martial arts that were taught to the Grand Masters from Shaolin.

The most famous Kung Fu Monk from Shaolin that most Chinese might know is “Dat Mo” or Bodhidharma, It was believed that Martial Arts in China is divided into 2 categories, the External Martial Arts and the Internal Practice (Qi Gong) and most of the credits on the internal practice goes to “Dat Mo”. It was believed that while in his stay in Shaolin Monastery, he has been staring at the wall for 9 years and at the end of the 9th year, a hole was found on the wall that he has been gazing but we cannot find further proof of that. Huiguang and Sengchou in the other hand is credited on the growth of the External Martial Arts, Both of them are Martial Artist before they were ordained in the monastery and they were reported to be the first few monks that is in Martial Arts.

Most of us might think, aren’t monks not suppose to fight? Or aren’t monk suppose to be holy schmoly? This is a misconception of a lot of people, monks learn Martial Arts to defend themselves and they take it as a practice to train endurance, focus and for health purpose. It started even back in Tang Dynasty (618 - 907AD), Monasteries are being attack and robbed from bandits and pirates, pushed around by the governments to seize their lands and so on, and these monks are doing nothing more than just defending their place. Therefore the culture stays with the monastery and it has become a daily routine for the monks in Shaolin to practice Martial Arts.

Image taken from topic.chinaa2z.com

Introduction to Hong Kuen

Most chinese educated friends might know about the name “Wong Fei Hong” but not much might know that Wong Fei Hoong is the most famous practitioner for Hung Kuen Kung Fu.

Hong Kuen is a Chinese Martial arts style from Southern China that was developed from the roots of Shaolin Kung Fu. Hong Kuen was initially developed for military purposes and by focusing on the value of it’s school which includes courage, perseverance, and discipline this value have not waver since then till now.

The Founder, Master Hung Hei Guen who was a tea merchant by trade who was associated as one of the Ten Tigers of Shaolin developed the style throughout his life, but Hong Kuen started to manifest when Master Hung was being an apprentice of the Abbot of Shaolin Monastery. The most famous fist known till now is the tiger and crane fist that represent both hard and soft energy. Where one is focused to attack and the other focus on defend.

Hong Kuen’s stance is based on the 5 basic animals, which most people that is interested in China’s Kung Fu might know about, the styles are dragon that employs powerful punching techniques, snake focuses on speed and attacks on vital areas to take down their opponents, leopard can attack difficult reachable weak points of the body that are hard to reach, tiger and crane which was mention earlier uses the hard and soft energy.

Master Hung had many disciples in this life during the spreading of this martial arts and it spreads widely due to many are trying to rebel during the Ching dynasty in the south part of China. The Legend started when Master Hung had an apprentice by the name of Luk Ah Choi who is a Manchurian based in Guandong, where he refine the style further in reach out to even more practitioner, one of Master Luk’s student Master Wong Kei Ying who is also the father of Master Wong Fei Hong.

Many have said that it was not easy for martial arts to be taught to apprentice during the time of Master Luk, and stories was shared that the masters will be going around together with opera troupes to spread the art. And it was brought to another whole new level when the martial art was passed to both Master Wong Kei Wing and Wong Fei Hong.

Just like Wing Chun, Hong Ka practitioner also practices to use weapons in their practices like Butterfly Knife, Spears, Broad Sword and many other weapons but not all of the branches teaches the same as some are more focus on selected stance or type and the schools up to date is still refining it’s techniques therefore there are also variations like Black Tiger Fist, Taming the Tiger and many more was founded along the way.

Since the founding of Hong Kuen there are also many well known masters and many modified or more refined versions, masters such as Miu Tsui Fa and Fong Sai Yuk are also plays an important role to spread this martial art.

Sorry, as we cannot manage to get a good image for Hong Gar Kuen or Hong Kuen, we have to just pick an image from the net, image taken from wongfeihung.com

Dojo – Filipino Kali

Country: USA
Town: Newington, CT
Dojo's Name: Butterfly Martial and Healing Arts
Type of Martial Art: Filipino Kali
Contact Person: Sifu Mike
Contact Number: N/AEmail: reikibutterfl1@yahoo.com
Website: www.reikibutterfly.com

Dojo – Tai Chi

Country: USA
Town: Newington, CT
Dojo's Name: Butterfly Martial and Healing Arts
Type of Martial Art: Tai Chi Chuan
Contact Person: Sifu Mike
Contact Number: N/A
Email: reikibutterfl1@yahoo.com
Website: www.reikibutterfly.com

Introduction to Adithada

When people talk about kickboxing it is always about Muay Thai, some do speak of MMA and some Bokarto, even I was in a shocked when there is a request for me to write about Adithada as this is consider as type of martial art that not much people know about.

It was actually my honour to be able to share a bit about Adithada and a big thanks to the data research team. Adithada is a type of Martial Art that was founded approximately 2000 years ago according to sources, we believed that this form of martial art have a certain influence to the art of kickboxing.

This art was founded in the southern part of India and considered as a preliminary practice or the empty hand of southern Kalari Payat practice. Adithada allowsthe Martial Artist to prepare themselves in years of training before they start training with weapons in Southern Kalari Payat School / Style.

Like most of the martial art, The name of Adithada actually represents the whole essence in it’s martial art, Adi (Hitting) and Thada (Blocking) describes the whole meaning of this martial art itself. Adithada is largely practices in Southern Kerala and Northern Sri Lanka. And this martial art’s main focus is on Grappling, Striking and Pressure Points.

The practitioner uses their Fist, Legs, Knees, Elbow and Forehead in the practices, and it sound quite similar to Bokarto’s style or Martial Art, and since this martial art was founded so long ago, there is no trace back to it’s original founder, for those who have more detail in this art, please do contact us.

Image taken from: martialartslibrary.net

From the Pros - Ninjutsu

Name: Ric Hurst

Type of Martial Arts: Bujinkan Budo Taijustu, Ninjutsu, Judo, Tai Chi

Rank / Belt: 3rd Dan Black Belt

Years of Training: 22 years

How You Started: It was a crazy

Why this martial art is good: Ninjutsu, This martial art is beyond most if you understand it!

Advice to Newbies: Dont be easily impressed! Any one who is a public teacher usually has there own reasons for being one! Only a hand full of Martial arts teachers are the real thing. A real teacher will be able to influence you more than you may realise so tread very carefully, Martial arts can be a very dangerous thing in the hands of those that lack wisdom.

Dojo - Jeet Kune Do

Dojo's Name: Tommy Carruthers
Type of Martial Art: Jeet Kune Do
Contact Person: Ian Hunter
Contact Number: N/A
Email: mynamelouie@yahoo.com
Website: tommycarruthers.com

Introduction to Ninjutsu

Ninjutsu is known as the art of endurance / perseverance/ patience, the Chinese and Japanese characters for Nin (忍) in Ninjutsu is a combination of 2 other word which is sword (刃) on top of the heart (心). There are a lot of movies or animation out there that brought the art of Ninjutsu to the public like American Ninja, 3 Ninjas, Shinobi, Ninja Turtle and Naruto.

Ninjutsu was traced back all the way to the 14th century feudal Japan with the war during Iga Province and Kōga of Japan, Samurais warriors that fought in the “actual” battle while shinobi are used as Spies, Assassin, and Thief. Ninjutsu is an art that should be taught to a shinobi in the ancient days but in this modern age it is taught to the public. During the ancient times, the male ninjas are known as Shinobi or Ninja where the female ninjas are known as Kunoichi. Although both practice the art of Ninjutsu but the focus is different.

Ancient Shinobi’s training can include techniques of gathering information, techniques of not being detected, avoidance, misdirection, disguise, escape, concealment, archery, medicine, explosives, and poisons.

There is a total if 18 different skills/disciplines that will be taught to a shinobi and it depend on them to choose the skill that they prefer to master.

The 18 Discipline:

1. Seishin-teki kyōkō – A Technique where one refine their mind and soul, Where a practitioner form a mindset to push the body to the limit allowing them to accept pain during training and actual battle.

2. Taijutsu – Unarmed body combat that teaches the practitioner to break / snap bones, striking on weak points of a human body, understanding the posture and how to fall without injuring one’s body, Striking patterns, Throws and Locks.

3. Kenjutsu – The art of sword fighting which is the same technique that Samurai uses. Kenjutsu is also considered as the mother of Kendo.

4. Bojutsu – The art of staff fighting, techniques involve are slashing, swinging, and stabbing with the staff. On Modern day Bojutsu is associated either with kobudō or koryū budō.

5. Shurikenjutsu – The art of throwing shuriken, in traditional Japanese martial arts of throwing shuriken. Shuriken comes in 2 forms, Bo-shuriken which is a straight metal spike which looks like a small iron chopstick but sharp the one that was used by Naruto is a Bo-Shuriken. The other one is a Hira-shuriken, which looks like a flat star with approx of 3mm in thickness and 10 - 12 cm wide.

6. Sōjutsu – Or known as the art of spear, The first design which was brought in from mainland China and was later modified to what it is now.

7. Naginatajutsu – The art of naginata, Naganita looks like a sword attached to a pole / wood staff. This are most seen in battlefield in the Ancient times where mostly used by soldiers and warriors.

8. Kusarigamajutsu – This style of fighting uses weapon is quite unique and it is normally used by Shinobi only The Kusarigama is made up of the Kama, a wooden handle with a curved blade on one end that look like a sickle. The Kusari, a chain attached to the Kama and a small Iron weight on the other end that allows the user to swing the weapon.

9. Kayakujutsu – The art of handling explosion, Sorry as I cant manage to write in more details regarding this as there was not much information.

10. Hensōjutsu – The art of impersonation and it is not like what you see in Ninja Cartoons. Hensōjutsu is an Art of disguise / impersonation where the shinobi will be doing a role-play to avoid being spotted and blend in well with the crowd by appearing as a farmer or priest and ect. Hensōjutsu is a specialized art for kunoichi as the chances of being suspected is lower. And for those who are well trained in this art, it is believed that they can even impersonate others in terms of appearance.

11. Shinobi-iri – The are for stealing and silent movement, this allows the shinobi to enter enemy’s terittory without being spotted

12. Bajutsu – The art of horse back riding and battle on horses.

13. Sui-ren – The are of water, water can be used in many ways, examples are like making boats or rafts and how to control the raft without being spotted, weakening bridges, poisoning water source, hiding in water and finding water in unlikely places.

14. Bōryaku – Tactics / Strategy to assist influence to the opponent.

15. Chōhō – secret information and it was one of the duty of the ninja were spying, it is like the ancient CIA

16. Intonjutsu – The art of escaping, basically Shinobi will be tied up during the training and was expected to escape from it.

17. Tenmon – The art of understanding and using the weather towards the advantage of the Shinobi.

18. Chi-mon – Known as modern day geography to assist the Shinobi’s escape or Sabotage.

I’m not sure on current subjects that the current Ninjutsu schools are teaching at the moment but according to sources, the dojo’s focus towards the practitioner are more towards Taijutsu, Kenjutsu and other armed discipline.

Dojo - Karate

Country: USA
Town: Vero Beach, Florida
Dojo's Name: Oslo Karate School
Type of Martial Art: Karate
Contact Person: Pauletta Zeran
Contact Number: N/A
Email: N/A
Website: http://www.verobeachkarate.com/

Country: USA
Town: New Braunfels TX
Dojo's Name: Black Belt Leadership
Type of Martial Art: Karate (Soryu)
Contact Person: Sensei Jesse Lussier
Contact Number: 830-606-6318
Email: lussierkarate@sbcglobal.net
Website: http://www.nbkarate.com/

Country: USA
Town: California Town
Dojo's Name: Paso Robles Dojo's
Type of Martial Art: Traditional Okinawa Shorin-Ryu ShorinKan Karate & Kobudo
Contact Person: Sensei David Rogers
Contact Number: 805-239-3232
Email: senseidavid@karateshorinkan.com
Website: www.karateshorinkan.com/

Dojo - Jiu-Jitsu

Country: USA
Town: Vero Beach, Florida
Dojo's Name: Oslo Karate School
Type of Martial Art: Jiu-Jitsu
Contact Person: Pauletta Zeran
Contact Number: N/A
Email: N/A
Website: www.verobeachkarate.com

Introduction to Jeet Kune Do

JDK or more known as Jeet Kune Do if a philosophy developed by my Idol Mr. Bruce Lee, it was named in year 1967 after Master Lee merged in all his training from different schools to form Jeet Kune Do and he taught all his student the philosophy in developing this Martial Art which focus on simplicity, directness and adaptation to free the fighting style from limitations due to different styles of martial art.

Basically Jeet Kune Do is a school that focus on “The Style of No Style” Jeet Kune Do also focus on the centerline of both the opponent and the practitioner which was adopted from Wing Chun. This basically allow the practitioner to Attack and Counter at the fastest speed possible additional to Wing Chun The footwork of French Fencing plays as one of the main pillar for JKD as it is all about speed additional to it the exercise and punches taken from American Boxing. All this 3 is the “Core Pillar” to JKD with additional of mixtures from other styles of Martial Art.

Unfortunately to say the actual Martial Art that was opened by Master Lee was closed approx 2 years before his tragic death. All the rest of the Jeet Kune Do schools now are opened by Master Lee’s apprentices. JKD which was split into 2 Groups are Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do and Jeet Kune Do Concept Schools Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do are opened by Masters like Taky Kimura, Jerry Poteet, and Ted Wong where these Dojos claimed to teach only what was taught by Master Lee himself and encourages it’s practitioner to develop their styles from there through their abilities.

Where else the Jeet Kune Do Concept Schools has another approach where Masters like Larry Hartsell and Dan Inosanto strive to continue Master Lee’s philosophy of individual self-expression. Where the style that was taught continued to evolve up to today and the students evolve and grew with the school.

No matter which school you choose to join, JKD’s practitioner has 4 combat ranges which was evolved from different schools, the ranges are kicking, punching, trapping, grappling and all have to be practiced equally. Because all of the school focus on one same philosophy which is the “Style of No Style”

From The Pros - Taekwondo

Name: Ebony Washington

Type of Martial Arts: Taekwondo

Rank/ Belt: 1st Dan Black Belt

Years of Training: 5 years

How You Started: Well, I have always wanted to do Taekwondo since I was in 1st grade. It looked like fun and it was so cool. I had joined in 1st grade, but for some reason I never went back. I wasn't even a white belt yet though, but I knew I loved it. Years later, when I was 12, my little brother who was in 2nd grade, got a notice from his school that he brought home. It was a pamphlet for children interested in Taekwondo in our area. I was so overwhelmed and grateful. I honestly believe that that was a sign from God. It's like it came to me, like I was meant to do it, and it really was because I'm still in it now. I'm 17 now and I'm planning to stick with Taekwondo as long as I can walk! I love it. It's like no words can describe my passion for it, and honestly...I think I'm obsessed with it. It just means so much to me. Each time I got a different rank I felt so achieving and accomplished. BUT nothing beats the day I got my black belt...that was the happiest feeling on Earth. In Taekwondo when I leave my dojo, I feel so much power inside of me, and so energetic. I feel like I can punch a hole through a wall of break 5 pieces of wood. It's an amazing feeling.

Why this martial art is good: I think this martial art is good because it really teaches you to be focused and how to use your strength the right way. It also makes you very flexible and stronger. Taekwondo is the art of the fist and foot. I think that Taekwondo really focuses on that. Especially in our forms, and free style sparring. It also helps you with self defense.

Advice to Newbies: Take Taekwondoo. I guarantee that you'll fall in love with it just like I did.

From The Pros - Bokarto

Your Name: Antonio Graceffo

Type of martial arts: Bokarto, Muay Thai Boran, Boxing, Kuntaw

Your Rank / Belt: Black Belt

Years of Training: 31 years

How you started: I started training when I was 11 because I was very small and got beat up at school. So I started training with H. David Collins, he taught American Empty Hand Fighting, which was basically kick boxing with a kung fu background. From there, I went on to work with pro-boxing coaches. I boxed in the military. I had 45 fights and won 44. I went on to train for several professional fights but only had two pro fights, both in Asia. In 2001 I moved to asia and have been training nearly full time ever since, moving from country to country, training with different masters.

I host the web TV show, Martial Arts Odyssey, where I travel from country to country training in martial arts. Unlike the shows on Discovery channel is that my show is about my real life. These are real masters and they are people I really train with. I have lived in about ten countries in my life and we have filmed martial arts odyssey is about six or eight countries.

Why you think this martial art is good: the best martial arts for striking are Khmer boxing, Muay Thai, and western boxing. They are simple, practical martial arts that teach you to strike and to get hit. Kuntaw, Yaw Yan and Bokarto are arts that include some ground fighting and grappling. I am not an expert in ground fighting, MMA or BJJ is better for ground fighting. But it is good, if you like striking, to start with a boxing or kick boxing art and then use something like Kuntaw or Bokarto to transition into ground fighting and then go get real training in either wrestling or BJJ.

Other Advice for the newbies: It doesn’t matter what art you train. Just train hard. Train every day. Don’t drink alcohol, don’t smoke, don’t use drugs. Don’t commit crimes. Train with as many masters as you can, but train seriously with each one to the black belt or brown belt level. We will start the posting this soon and for us Bokarto is an art where not alot of people have heard of it, it would be good if we havecolums like this to intro to the new people

Antonio’s website http://speakingadventure.com/

Karate Uniforms

There is no clear guideline on the uniforms that a Karateka wears, some wear white and some black, and also the arrangement of the belt differs from schools / dojo.

Referring to Shotokan Karate Belt Structure from Sensei Robert, the colours start from:

White

Blue

Red

Orange

Yellow

Green

Purple

Purple with 2 White Stripes

Brown

Brown with 2 White Stripes

Brown with 2 Red Stripes

Black (Dan and above)

those with different schools and different colour structure, please inform us...

Thanks

Dojo - Wing Chun

Country: Philippines
Town: Angat, Bulacan
School Name: B&A White Tiger Kung Fu Academy and Fitness Centre/Wing Chun-Jutsu Martial Arts School
Type of Martial Art: Samut Sari Wing Chun/Jutsu
Contact Person; Sifu Robert Bridges
Contact Number: 09286968203 (Philippines) 904-667-0146 (United States)
Email: kungfuman74@yahoo.com
Website: Under Construction

Country: UK
Town: Hemel Hempstead
Dojo's Name: Wingtsun Hemel
Type of Martial Art: Wing Chun
Contact Person: Chris Watts
Contact Number: 0780 983 9527
Email: chriswatts@wthemel.co.uk
Website: www.wthemel.co.uk

Introduction to Wing Chun

Wing Chun or Yong Chun translates to “Forever Spring” is a 2 type Martial Art which has both close-range body combat and armed combat (Butterfly Sword and Long Pole), and the most famous Practitioner in this Martial Art is none other than my idol Mr. Bruce Lee which founded Jeet Kwan Do which compromise a mixture of few martial arts.

Most of the martial arts is named after the style they carry like the art of punch and kick or the art of sword except Wing Chun. Not all are familiar with the name Wing Chun Yim, but she is the Great Grandmaster of Wing Chun, legend says that Master Yim learns about martial arts from a Buddhist nun, Ng Mui from Shaolin due to a challenge from a local warloard and if Master Yim loses the challenge, she will be forced to marry him. And of course she won the challenge, and later she marries Bac-Chou Leung, and Master Leung was Master Yim’s first disciple and Master Leung was the one who named the martial art using his beloved’s wife’s name Wing Chun.

Wing Chun’s style of Martial Art is well known for it’s speed as it’s attack are targeted towards the straightest possible path to hit it’s opponent. I guess that is the same guideline that Jeet Kwan Do follows. I’m not trying to be bias here, but “most” female have less force than male Martial Artist when it comes to attack, therefore Wing Chun which originated from Master Yim focus on perfect timing on both the stance and movement to defeat the opponent rather than using force itself. Therefore Wing Chun is suitable for people who is weaker in strength as muscles and strength are not a requirement in this martial art.

Instead of having a big set of biceps, the art of Wing Chun believes that the winning chances will side the person with a better structure or stance. Wing Chun also trains the practitioner about being aware of their own body movement to maintain body balance so that one can recover quickly after avoiding an attack.

Chi Sao or sticking hands is most seen in Chinese Martial Arts Movies as this practice is used to develop the reflexes in Wing Chun. This practice help the practitioner to understand it’s opponent’s movement and to both attack and counter their opponent’s movement precisely and also to learn how to trap it’s opponent from moving into another attack.

Image taken from: davydoom.com

Introduction to Karate

Karate-do in Kanji, means the way of the empty hand, most of us when we think of the Art of Karate, we should relate more to the movie Karate Kid (1984) or Mr. Miyagi's Wax On and Wax Off. Karate began as a common fighting style among the Ryukyuans from the Ryuku Island. There are a lot of influence of Chinese Martial Arts in Karate from the White Crane and 5 Ancestors school of martial arts. This happen in 1392 where both Japan and China had a Cultural Exchange program and both countries shares knowledge of Science and Arts.

Karate become more popular during 1429 with the Policy of Banning Weapons by King Sho Hashi. The main focus of Karate is an art that uses Punch, Kick, Knee and Elbow to hit the opponent, but other techniques like Knife-hands, Grappling and locks are also taught in some schools.

For any Karateka, the name Grandmaster Anko Itosu (1831 – 1915) should ring a bell, as he is considered as the Grandfather of Modern Karate, it is because of Grandmaster Anko Itosu the art of Karate was introduced to Public Schools in 1901. Grandmaster’s other attributes are including creating many other forms that is used is most of the Karate Schools. Also he had trained many other famous masters including Kenwa Mabuni and Motobu Choki.

Due to there is too many types of Kata, there are 2 different Federation that recognized their own style:

World Karate Federation (WKF) - recognized by International Olympic Committee
- Gōjū-ryū
- Shitō-ryū
- Shōtōkan-ryū
- Wadō-ryū

The World Union of Karate-do Organizations (WUKO)
- Gōjū-ryū
- Shitō-ryū
- Shōtōkan-ryū
- Wadō-ryū

Additionals for (WUKO):
- Shōrin-ryū
- Uechi-ryū
- Kyokushinkai
- Budōkan

Image Taken from shotokankarate.co.nz

Dojo - Kenjutsu

Country: Spain
Town: Colmenar ViejoDojo's
Name: Bushido Colmenar
Type of Martial Art: Kenjutsu
Contact Person: Luis Marquerie
Contact Number: 635964581
Email: luismarquerie@yahoo.es

Dojo - Iaido

Country: Spain
Town: Colmenar Viejo
Dojo's Name: Bushido Colmenar
Type of Martial Art: Iaido
Contact Person: Luis Marquerie
Contact Number: 635964581
Email: luismarquerie@yahoo.es

Dojo - Aikido

Country: Spain
Town: Colmenar Viejo
Dojo's Name: Bushido Colmenar
Type of Martial Art: Aikido
Contact Person: Luis Marquerie
Contact Number: 635964581
Email: luismarquerie@yahoo.es

Country: Serbia, Europe
Town: Belgrade
Dojo's Name: Aikido dojo ARENA
Type of Martial Art: Aikido – Traditional Aikikai
Contact Person: Nebojsa Oklobdzija 4th Dan Black Belt
Contact Number: +381638032728
Email: office@aikido-beograd.com
Website: www.aikido-beograd.com

Dojo - Kendo

Country: Spain
Town: Colmenar Viejo
Dojo's Name: Bushido Colmenar
Type of Martial Art: Kendo
Contact Person: Luis Marquerie
Contact Number: 635964581
Email: luismarquerie@yahoo.es
Website: N/A

Country: Denmark
Town: Aarhus
Dojo's Name: Soryukan
Type of Martial Art: Kendo
Contact Person: Roberto Sarno
Contact Number:+45 27 28 32 11
Email: robsarno@hotmail.com
Website: www.aarhuskendo.dk

Taekwondo - Taegeuk

Taegeuk is the Kata for Taekwondo, these images are taken from choisuta.com, I hope this can be a good help for those who needed these information.
Thanks

Muay Thai Terminology

Chok : Punching
Mud Trong : Jab
Mud Wiang San : Hook
Mud Wiang Yao : Swing
Mud Wiang Glub : Spinning Backfist
Mud Seuy: Uppercut
Kra-dod Chok : Cobra
Mud Hook : Undercut

Tee sok : Elbow
Sok Tee : Elbow Slash
Sok Tud : Horizontal Elbow
Sok Ngud : Uppercut Elbow
Sok Poong: Forward Elbow Thrust
Sok Wiang Glub : Reverse Horizontal Elbow
Sok Glub : Spinning Elbow
Sok Sub : Elbow Chop
Sok Glub Koo : Double Elbow Chop
Gra-dode Sok : Mid-Air Elbow Strike

Teh : Kicking
Teh Trong : Straight Kick
Teh Tud : Roundhouse Kick
Teh Chiang : Diagonal Kick
Teh Krueng Kheng Krueng Kao : Half-Shin, Half-Knee Kick
Teh Glub Lang : Spinning Heel Kick
Teh Kod : Down Roundhouse Kick
Teh Khao : Axe Heel Kick
Gra-dode Teh : Jump Kick
KhaYiep Teh : Step-Up Kick

Tee kao : Knee
Kao Trong : Straight Knee Strike
Kao Chiang : Diagonal Knee Strike
Kao Kong : Curving Knee Strike
Kao Tud : Horizontal Knee Strike
Kao Tob : Knee Slap
Kao Youwn : Knee Bomb
Kao Loi : Flying Knee Strike
Kao Yiep : Step-Up Knee Strike

Teep : Foot-thrust
Teep Trong : Straight Foot-Thrust
Teep Kang : Sideways Foot-Thrust
Teep Glub Lang : Reverse Foot-Thrust
Teep Tob : Slapping Foot-Thrust
Gra-dode Teep : Jumping Foot-Thrust

Introduction to Muay Thai

Muay Thai is a type of martial art that is practiced in most parts of the world and the most famous practitioner is none other than my favorite hero Tony Jaa, The art is of Muay Thai which is the National Sport of Thailand has a rather unclear history. There are 2 theory on the origins of Muay Thai, one states that it was a martial art from China that was brought to Thailand by the Tai Immigrant, another theory says that it was adopted from Khmer Martial Arts, which I personally feel that it make sense since Bokarto and Muay Thai is quite similar in many aspects.

March 17 , National Celebration of "Boxer's Day", originated from the incasion of Burmese into Ayutthata, Siam in 1963 where a group of hostages were taken in. In 1774 King Mangra had thrown a 7 day, 7 night festival where boxing is one of the highlighted entertainment that is going on that time. Nai Khanom Tom is the fighter selected to fight the Burmese National Champion and won the fight in a short moment, but the referee did not validate the KO by giving excuses like Wai-Khru(boxing dance) is distracting the fighter and so on. Then 9 more Burmese fighters was selected to fight Nai Khanom Tom back to back. And yet he still won all 9 of the fights. And King Mangra grant Nai Khanom Tom freedom together with 2 wives. Now the Boxer’s day is a celebration to remember this national hero.

During the ruling of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) was the golden age for Muay Thai, as King Chulalongkorn is interested in this sport himself, Since the country is very peaceful during this era, Muay Thai is consider as a “Physical Exercise” and “Performance Art”. There was once death occurred during the performance in the ring somewhere in the 20’s, King Rama the VII started to push for rules and regulations such as gloves for this deadly sport.

Like most Martial Arts, Muay Thai has a heavy focus on fitness level, Their training may include running, rope jumping, body weight resistance exercises, abdominal exercise, and weight training. Training includes coaches on thick pads, sand bag, and sparring. Most professional Muay Thai boxers come from the lower economic backgrounds, and Boxing allows them to earn the income to support themselves and their family and it deserves our highest respect.

Muay Boran which was claimed as the Ancestor Muay Thai of was divided into 4 types:

- Muay Korat - Focused on strength, their punches can kill buffalo in one single blow.
- Muay Lopburi - Focused on movements of the Fighter.
- Muay Chaiya - Focused on defense as well as using elbows and knees.
- Muay Ta Sao - Focused on speed, particularly in kicking and punching

Image taken from: www.gmasite.ca

Kendo Uniforms

Bogu Set

Men or the face mask is the most important protection that minimized the impact from the practitioner from getting a Tsuki (strike to the throat) and a hit at the Men. The Megane are the steel bars on the Men are to protect the practitioner from getting any strike to the face, a good quality men would have steel made out of Titanium.

Do is to protect any slicing to the stomach area, and normally the better quality ones are made out of bamboo splits for extra protection.

Kote is the hand protector, it protects the practitioner from getting a direct hit to the hand, and trust me, you won’t want to go to a practice without one.

Tare is the waist and hip protector that minimize the impact from the hit using the Shinai

Weapon

The Bamboo Sword or Shinai is made out of made of four splints of bamboo held together with a leather handle (Tsuka) slid over the splints and another small leather cup (Sakigawa) at the tip. There is also a rubber Tsuba to protect the practitioner’s hands from getting a direct hit.

Uniform

In Kendo the Basic uniforms are Gi (Shirt) and Hakama (Trousers), the normal combination for both male and female is:

Gi: Indigo / White
Hakama: Indigo

White Gi and Hakama are mostly worn by Females, some schools will only allow the Sensei to wear this combination no matter of what sex but there are also Males that wear the full white set it is more like a personal preference thingy also although Hakama looks like a skirt but it is actually a separated trousers that look like a long skirt.

Others

Tenugui is the piece of cloth that wraps your head before putting the Men on.

Zekken is the name tag where you wear it in front of your Tare, I would have to borrow the image from e-bogu as I am still waiting for mine.

Bokken/Bokuto is the wooden sword used for the kata, not for sparing cause it may cause serious damage to your opponent

Introduction to Kendo

Kendo is known as “The way of sword” or Japanese sword fencing was a Martial Arts technique that evolved from Kenjutsu. Before every class starts the Practitioner has a do a Mushin or a meditation because kendo have a very strong influence from Zen Buddhism, this process allows the practitioner to empty their mind and getting ready for battle.

During the Kamakura period (1185-1233) sword fencing is known as one of the most famous “Armed Martial Arts” in Japan and in order for the Samurais to practice this martial arts, they invented the bamboo sword (Shinai) Protection Gear (Bogu) during the Shotoku Era (1711-1715) and it was used up to today. The protection gear is now more refined by having metal grills on the “Men” and extra thick cotton protecting the “Kote” and since then Kendo can be practice at full force without having to fear of injuring your sparing partner.

Dai Nippon Butoku Kai established in 1895 promote, and standardize martial disciplines in Japan and in 1920 the name of Gekiken was amended to kendo. In 1946 all Martial Arts in Japan was banned in 1946 in response to the wartime militarization of martial arts in Japan and in 1950 Kendo was returned to all it’s people as Shinai Competition.

In 1952, the name for Shinai Competition was changed back to Kendo Competition and All Japan Kendo Federation (AJFK) was founded following the restoration and lift on the ban. In 1970 International Kendo Federation (FIK) was founded as a governing body to promote Kendo Globally and since then World Kendo Competition was organized every 3 years up to date.

Image Taken from: www.likendo.com

Dojo - Taijutsu

Country: United Kingdom
Town: Dewsbury , West Yorkshire
Dojo's Name: Kokoro Academy of Martial Arts
Type of Martial Art: Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu
Contact Person: N/A
Contact Number: 01924 437715
Email: dave_pawson@bujinkan.co.uk
Website: www.kokoroacademy.co.uk

Country: USA
Town: Chicago, IL; Palatine, IL; Schaumburg, IL
Dojo's Name: Shingitai-Ichi Dojo
Type of Martial Art: Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu
Contact Person: Joe
Contact Number: 01-224-875-5632
Email: inquire@sgtidojo.com
Website: http://sgtidojo.com

Dojo - Pradale Serey

List of Dojos provided by our readers and friends

Country: Cambodia
Town: Phnom Penh
Dojo's Name: Paddy’s Gym
Type of Martial Art: Pradale Serey
Contact Person: Paddy Carson
Contact Number: 012 217 877
Email: paddycarson1@hotmail.com or antonio@speakingadventure.com
Website: http://www.paddysgym.com/

Dojo - Taekwondo

List of Dojos provided by our readers and friends

Country: Sweden
Town: Gothenburg
Dojo's Name: Frölunda Taekwon-Do Klubb
Type of Martial Art: Taekwondo
Contact Person: Håkan Hansson
Contact Number: 0739 - 02 26 30
Email: N/A
Website: www.frolundataekwondo.se/

Country: United Kingdom
Town: Dewsbury , West Yorkshire
Dojo's Name: Kokoro Academy of Martial Arts
Type of Martial Art: Taekwondo
Contact Person: N/A
Contact Number: 01924 437715
Email: dave_pawson@bujinkan.co.uk
Website: www.kokoroacademy.co.uk

Introduction to Boabom

Tibetans are well known worldwide for Tibetan Buddhism and it seems that their martial arts have something to do with meditation as well. Boabom is a type of martial art that do not focus too much of attacking, but the main focus is Defense itself, besides defense it also focus on Meditation and Relaxation.

Boabom is influenced by Chinese martial arts and also Indian yoga, therefore if you check the stance propelly it looks more like Chinese Kung Fu. Boabom is an art that was initially treated more like a family heirloom and still are up to today. It is also said that the martial art itself is a way of life.

Boabon is generally consists of 3 teachings:

Osseous Boabom - It’s also called as the Art of Self-Medicine through Self-Defense. This teachings focus on the practice of fast reactions, agility, self-control, balance, speed, precise reflexes, breathing and concentration. Also, the teachings are taught in a progressive way where each new movement learned is linked to the previous.

Gentle Boabom - Is a calmer system that consists of exercises like Tai-Chi to improve one’s coordination and balance this technique will bond the body and mind through various techniqueso into one

Yaanbao - Is a practice that uses of implements like sticks in different length and shapes. In this teaching the practitioner studies on how to perfect their movement.

Image taken from: argentina.boabomsur.com

Introduction to Taijutsu

Image taken from: dragonattire.com

When we speak of Taijutsu, the 1st thing that we might think of it Rock Lee and Gai Sensei from Naruto,Taijutsu is an ancient martial art from Japan, which means body skill or movement, is a techniques that rely on a science of body movements.

Taijutsu is studied by ancient ninjas because it focus on spontaneous and natural movement and most importantly this martial art is know for breaking bones and striking at preasure points which might cause the enemy to black out or malfunction of the ememy's arms or legs.

Taijutsu is a very common martial are in the ancient days where the practitioner practices unarmed combat and besides on hitting the preasure points or breaking bones it also focus on alot of throwing and and locks. Taijutsu is a mixture in this few types of style

Koppojutsu

Is a martial arts that focus on attacking bones or breaking them

Koshijutsu

Is the main substance for taijutsu where it is a study on the human body that focus on striking the nerve points or muscles to cause numbness, sharp pain or even death

Taihenjutsu

Is a system of body movement that focus alot on coordination, agility, and bone alignment. "The Skill of Body changing" is tha basic translation of Taihenjutsu and the practitioner's bodies allows them to escape injury from strikes, throws and falls.

Dakentaijutsu

Is the strike and fist formations that focus on hard strikes it is the meaning quite similliar with karate but it relies most on both Koppojutsu & Koshijutsu.

Jutaijutsu

Is where the Throwing and Joint locks comes in.

Taekwondo Terminology

Basics
Sabeonim: instructor
Kwanjang nim: head instructor
Do bok: uniform
Char yut: attention
Kwan jung nim ka kung nea: bow to head instructor

Movement
Kung nea: bow
Shi jak: begin
Joon bi: ready stance
Poom se: form/pattern
Chagi: kick
Ap chagi: front kick
Yeop chagi: side kick
Dollyo chagi: round kick
Dwit chagi: back kick
Nada Bon chagi: tornado kick

Numberings
Hana:1
Dool: 2
Set: 3
Net: 4
Tatsut: 5
Yasut: 6
Ulgope: 7
Yaudul: 8
Ahope: 9
Yaul: 10

Source from: Carrie Tovey

Bokarto Uniforms

Image Taken from: travel.webshots.com & mittapheaphotel.com

Krama or Kroma is like a belt in Martial Arts like Taekwondo or Karate, The level of a Krama starts from:

White
Green
Blue
Red
Brown
Black
Gold

To attain these Krama it at least take 5 months at least for the grading test. And in-order to wear the Gold Krama, one must at least wear the Krama for another 10 years with 2 condition which is doing something great for the name of Bokator and being a true master. The uniform of a practitioner is the same as the ancient uniforms of Khmer armies.

Speaking of the Krama, Krama is actually a farmer's scaft and it was used as a grading belf for Bokarto pratitioners. The Krama is used by the farmers for self defence and is still used by them until today.

Introduction to Bakator

Bokator or Labokatao is a martial art that uses not only body combat but it also include using weapons and ground techniques. Labokator mean wield a wooden sword to fight a lion or fight like a lion not really sure which is correct though.

According to books, Bokator is one of the earliest form of martial art in Cambodia, just like Chinese Kung Fu, the martial art is based on animal forms like duck, crab, dragon, bird, horse, lion, elephant, crocodile, monkey king and many many more. And the weapons used are double stick, double swords, long staff and scarf.

Bokator came when a warrior who defeated a lion bare-handed some 2000 years back but I cant get further details in this. According to wiki, this martial art emerge during the Angkorean kings with Indian influence as martial arts that imitate the form of Animals has been even longer in history that was practiced in India.

During 1975 – 1979 those who practiced this traditional martial art were either exterminated by the Khmer Rouge or went for refuge. San Kim Sean is credited to be the Father of Modern Bokator, as he revived the study of Khmer Bokator in Cambodia. San had to flee Cambodia to United Stated later after being accused by the Vietnamese on forming an army. He soon return home to Cambodia to continue his task in 1992.

He move back to the capital of Cambodia in year 2001 and at the same time search for the Instructors for Bakator who survived the regime, unfortunately they are at a very old age and some were afraid to teach the art openly to the public even approved by the government but after much persuasion these masters agreed and Bokarto was reintroduced to the people.

The first Official National Bokator competition was held in September, 2006. The competition involved 20 leading teams from 9 provinces in Cambodia. Unlike kick boxing or Muay Thai, which is a fighting art, Bokator is more like a soldier’s art, designed to be used on the battlefield.

Bokator’s focus more on elbow, knee, shin kicks and wrestling and it is known that the practitioner can even use jaw or fingers to fight. When fighting, Bokator practitioner’s uniforms looks like the MuayThais’. There is a scarf is folded around the waist called krama, which suppose to signify the level these practitioner are, if not mistaken the Gold Krama is suppose to be at the top of all these grades.

Up to date, there is only 2 NON-LOCAL Bokartor practitioner that attain the rank of a Black Karma. In actual Bokator battles, you are not allowed to wear don’t wear gloves and you can fight on the ground, and the fight ends in either one of the fighters submit or chokes.

For those who are interested to contact Master San Kim Sean you can email Antonio at antonio@speakingadventure.com

Taekwondo Uniforms

Taekwondo uniforms is more commonly seen in white colour, the uniforms has different prices, as this sport became very famous among Asian Martial Arts, there are huge sports company such as Nike and Adidas which came out with the uniforms as well. The belts came in varieties of colours and depends on the level that you are in, it starts from:

White

Yellow

Green

Blue

Red

Red+Black "il poum" (under 16 years of age)

Black (up to 10 Dan)

Introduction to Taekwondo

Image Taken from: http://www.nyctkd.com/


Taekwondo is Devided into 2 Federations, ITF (Internatinal Taekwondo Federation) and WTF (World Taekwondo Federation) The name "TaeKwonDo" means Tae = Kick, Kwon = Punch, Do = Way or better known as "The way of Kick and Punch" although the martial arts focus more on it's deadly kicks. The is an arguement on how Taekwondo was founder, some mention that it is the earlier form of Korean Martial Arts some 2000 years ago and some states that it was influenced by neighbouring countries such as Karate from Japan. The earliest recorded date goes all the way back to 50BC. Tae Kyon (Subak) is considered the earliest known form of Taekwondo and now it has evolved into an Olympic Sport.


According to worldtaekwondo.com, although the 1st appearence of Taekwondo is during the period of the Goguryo kingdom, The credit still goes to Silla's warriors (known as Hwarang) as they carries the responsibility on spreading the martial art. Silla was the smallest of the three kingdoms (of Goguryeo, Silla and Baekje) and often being attacked by Pirates and received help from Goguyyeo Kingdom and a few selected warriors from Sillan were trained in Tae Kyon by the Martial Art Masters from Goguyyeo and these warriors are known as Hwarang. The Hwarang's Studies include Tae Kyon, History, the Philisophy from China's most famous philosopher Confucius, ethics, Buddhist Morality, and military tactics.

The 6 basic principals (5 codes of human conduct)that the Hwarang warriors follows were loyalty, filial duty, trustworthiness, valor, and justice and this codes were written by a Buddhist scholar (Won Gwang) and Taek Kyon was spread throughout the whole Korea because of Hwarang Warriors.

During the the first half of the Yi Gynasty (1397 to 1907) Tae Kyon's books was widely spread with the intention to be taught to the Public as perviously it is only taught in the military. But the glory soon came to an near extinction due to political conflicts and the lack of interest causes Tae Kyon to become fragmented and scarcely practiced throughout the country.

Due to invasion from the Japanese in 1909, Tae Kyon made a big come back and many Koreans trained in Tae Kyon secretly in Buddhist temples Japan invaded Korea for 36 years and in 1945 when Korea is liberated there are variations of Tae Kyon introduced due to influence from other martial arts.

According to world taekwondo.com The first Taekwondo school (Kwan) started in Yong Chun, Seoul in year 1945 and many different school were opened from 1945 through 1960 and each claimed to be teaching the traditional Subak. This lead to different names such as Soo Bahk Do, Kwon Bop, Kong Soo Do, Tae Soo Do and Kang Soo Do. The Glory of Taekwondo came in 1952 there President Syngman Rhee was amaized by the performance of Tae Hi Nam and ordered all Korean soldiers to learn the Arts of Tae Kyon as a matodory subject.

The most historic day for Teakwondo is on 11 April 1955 where all the Tae Kyon Masters decided to merge their styles into one and was given the name of Tae Soo Do, but later changed into Taekwondo by General Hong Hi Choi (the 1st President of Korea Taekwondo Association. In1966 Choi founded the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF), which also served as president. and later moved the ITF headquarters to Montreal, Canada, from where he concentrated on spreading Taekwondo internationally.

Young-wun Kim the 2nd President of KTA dissolved the ITF's connection with the KTA and created a new governing body called the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) in 1973. WTF is the official organization that is recognized by the Korean government as an international regulating body for Taekwondo. The World Taekwondo Federation has since made a major effort to standardize tournament rules and organize world class competitions. Later WTF became an affiliate of "the General Assembly of International Sports Federation" (GAISF), WTF was recognized by IOC in July 1980 and Taekwondo was designated in 1982 as the Official Demonstration Sports for the Olympic Games in Seoul in 1988

Since the modern day Taekwondo's birth in 1955, its has spread rapidly across the globe as as sport and over 30 million was reported to be Taekwondo practitioner in more than 156 countries.

Besides WTF and ITF, the latest member of the family is founded under the leadership of Grand Master Park Jung Tae (9th Dan Black Belt) known as The Global Taekwon-Do Federation (GTF). Grand Master Park Jung Tae is known as "People's Master" due to his unique ways of teaching and has bought Taekwondo to another level.

In April 2002 Mrs. Linda Park become the GTF President and in the history of Taekwondo she was the first time a woman becaming the 1st President of a major Taekwon-Do Federation.

Types of Asian Martial Arts

Yes, Yes and Yes I admit the list of martial arts are copied from Wiki, but I cannot find any list more accurate than this, All the below martial arts are devided by the origins of the country. The most popular Asian Martial Arts comes from China, Japan, Korea and Thailand but there are so many more that we have not even heard of due to some of the website are in their rural language. I hope that this blog can share slightly more information on all these martial arts despite their popularity.....

CAMBODIA
-Bokator
-Kbachkun Dambong-veng
-Khmer Traditional Wrestling
-Pradal Serey

CHINA
-Bafaquan
-Baguazhang
-Bajiquan
-Bak Mei
-Black Tiger Kung Fu
-Chaquan
-Chow Gar
-Choy Lay Fut
-Choy Gar
-Chuo Jiao
-Ditangquan
-Dim Mak
-Dog Kung Fu
-Do Pi Kung Fu
-Dragon Kung Fu
-Duan Quan
-Eagle Claw
-Emeiquan
-Fanziquan
-Five Ancestors
-Five Animals
-Fujian White Crane
-Fu Jow Pai
-Fut Gar
-Hakka Kuen
-Hong Cha
-Houquan
-Huaquan
-Hung Fut
-Hung Ga or Hung Ga Kuen or Hong Chuan
-I Liq Chuan
-Jing Quan Do
-Jow-Ga Kung Fu
-Lau Gar
-Leopard Kung Fu
-Liu Seong Kuntao
-Liuhe Bafa
-Long Fist Kung Fu
-Luohan
-Mei Hua Quan
-Mian Quan
-Mízōngquán, Mízōng
-Nanquan
-Northern Praying Mantis
-Pak Mei
-Paochui
-Piguaquan
-Sanshou
-Shaolin Kung Fu
-Shaolin Nam Pai Chuan
-Shaolin Quan
-Shuai Jiao
-Shequan
-Southern Praying Mantis
-Tai Chi Chuan
-Tantui
-Tien Shan Pai
-Tongbeiquan
-Wing Chun
-Wing Tsun
-Wudangquan
-Wu Shu Kwan (Chinese Kickboxing)
-Wushu
-Xingyiquan
-Yau Kung Mun
-Yingzhaoquan
-Yiquan
-Zuiquan

INDIA
-Adithada
-Bothati
-Gatka
-Inbuan Wrestling
-Kalarippayattu
-Kuttu Varisai
-Lathi
-Malla-yuddha
-Malyutham
-Mukna
-Niyuddha-kride
-Pehlwani
-Sarit Sarak
-Silambam
-Thang-Ta
-Varma Kalai
-Vajra Mushti

INDONESIA
-Bakti Negara
-Kuntao
-Pencak Silat
-Sindo

JAPAN
-Aikido
-Battojutsu
-Bōjutsu
-Bujinkan
-Daito-ryū aiki-jujutsu
-Dakentaijutsu
-Genbukan
-Goshin Jujitsu
-Hakkō-ryū
-Iaido
-Japanese kickboxing
-Jinenkan
-Jodo
-Judo
-Jujutsu
-Jūkendō
-Juttejutsu
-Karate
-Kokondo
-Kendo
-Karate
-Naha-te
-Okinawan kobudō
-Shuri-te
-Tegumi
-Tomari-te
-Kenjutsu
-Kenpo
-Kenpo kai
-Kyūdō
-Naginatajutsu or Naginata-do
-Nakamura-ryū
-Nanbudō
-Ninjutsu
-Nippon Kempo
-Puroresu
-Shindo Yoshin-ryū
-Shidokan
-Shinkendo
-Shintaido
-Shoot boxing
-Shoot wrestling
-Shooto
-Shorinji Kempo
-Shurikenjutsu
-Sōjutsu
-Sumo
-Taido
-Taiho-Jitsu
-Taijutsu
-Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū
-Toyama-ryū
-Yabusame

KOREA
-Choi Kwang Do
-Gungdo
-Gwon-gyokdo
-Haidong Gumdo
-Han Mu Do
-Hankido
-Hankumdo
-Hapkido
-Hoi Jeon Moo Sool
-Hup Kwon Do
-Hwa Rang Do
-Kong Soo Do
-Kuk Sool Won
-Kumdo
-Kunmudo
-Kyuki Do
-Seon-Kwan-Moo
-Shim Gum Do
-Shippalgi
-Soo Bahk Do
-Subak
-Sul Ki Do
-Ssireum
-Taekwondo
-Taekyon
-Tang Soo Do
-Toa So Dou
-WonHwaDo

Laos
-Muay Lao
-Ling Lom

MALAYSIA
-Silat Melayu
-Tomoi

MONGOLIA
-Mongolian wrestling

MYANMAR
-Bando
-Banshay
-Lethwei
-Naban

PASKITAN
-Pehlwani

PHILIPPINES
-Arnis
-Buno
-Cinco Teros
-Dumog
-Eskrima (Kali)
-Espada y Daga
-Kali Sikaran
-Kombatan
-Modern Arnis
-Pananjakman
-Pangamut
-Tat Kun Tao
-Sikaran
-Yawyan

SRI LANKA
-Angampora
-Cheena di

THAILAND
-Krabi Krabong
-Lerdrit
-Muay Boran
-Muay Thai

TIBET
-Boabom

VIETNAM
-Viet Vo Dao
-Tay Son
-Binh Dinh
-Qwan Ki Do
-Van Vo Dao
-Cuong Nhu
-Tu-Thân
-Vo Thuat
-Vo Thuat Co Truyen Viet Nam