Martial Art Tips & Tidbits !

* Secret to Bruce's speed and power ! ? :

The secret to Bruce's speed and power was that he combined both physical and mental power. Bruce was an expert in mental intimidation. Bruce demonstrated his emotional anger and hunger for wining character in every tool he delivered. When I asked him how he could get so fast, he explained that he would use his emotional content to speed up his techniques. This was a big departure from wing chun in that the wing chun mind is supposed to be centered and calm. 

Bruce would steal others' techniques, yet because of his "gorilla" upper body and his forearm strength (in wing chun, we call this long bridge arm power, meaning that the power is issued from the forearm down instead of from the body), his punch would have two kinds of power: one from the long bridge force and the other from his body rotation power (body rotation power is what boxers use the most). That is why whatever style or technique that Bruce would steal, he could perform better than the original. His forearm power is what he developed from wing chun through years of training. This is why I say that his followers don't have what he had. 

Later, Bruce found that his Jun Fan was not direct to the goal of intercepting, so he advanced and improved his way of intercepting and created his jeet kune do. Bruce found that wing chun actually went further in' terms of intercepting the opponent's mind. Because Bruce never completed his Tao of Jeet Kune Do, many sections in it are not consistent with what we discussed in Hong Kong. Bruce's five ways of attack and five ranges of fighting are attempts to systematize his teachings, but they fail. Were he alive today, he would have explained his JKD in detail. Jeet kune do translated into English means the "way of the intercepting fist." Bruce realized that wing chun was straight to the point for intercepting and embodied the essence of jeet kune do. It was the nucleus of his personal art. Wing chun utilizes one method to close in to the attacker. With wing chun, one way handles all: you rush in to close the gap, intercept the opponent's attack and finish him. In intercepting, there are no ranges. In wing chun and jeet kune do, there is only one range and goal: to intercept and finish off the opponent. 

Bruce had no intention to create a style or system. He just wanted to prove to his sifu, Yip Man, that he could find another route to get the job done. Bruce's work matches a wing chun saying, "Don't speak of seniors or juniors. The one that attains first is senior." We in wing chun have no seniors; we strive to become better than seniors or even the founder. 

* Why is the xiphoid process [xiphisternum or 'Solar plexus'] such an important target ? :

One of the most devastating targets on a human being is an extremely small section of the sternum known as the 
'xiphoid process' or  generally called as 'Solar plexus'. Solar Plexus is the concavity just below the Sternum. The loss of consciousness is caused by trauma to the Stomach and Liver, leading to damage to adjacent regions above and below, and intern will effect will effect the nerves that produce the loss of function of the Internal organs. 

Xiphoid Process is the lowest part of the Sternum. The cause of loss of consciousness is severe trauma to the Liver, Stomach and Heart, leading to shock and to disturbance of the nervous system followed by the loss of motor functions. 

Diaphragm and solar plexus. The diaphragm is the group of thoracic muscles that control your breathing, while the solar plexus is the group of nerves that do the same. Both are located just under the V in your ribs. Powerful upward blows to these muscles and nerves knock the wind out of the victim. First aid involves putting the victim on his side, one knee in his chest, then having him breathe as deeply as he can. The corresponding acupressure point is Conceptor Vessel 12. 

Some important links :
Journal of Non-lethal Combatives : http://ejmas.com/jnc/jncart_svinth6_1199.htm

CAUSE AND EFFECT OF STRIKING THE HUMAN BODY :
http://www.dreamwater.com/sport/sungjado/cause_and_effect_striking_human_body.htm

* Underlying principles of kicking :

Please click here to read an article on this : http://www-staff.mcs.uts.edu.au/~osborn/kicking.html

* Tang Soo Do, The First Korean Karate :
Before Tae Kwan Do, the Moo Duk Kwan, in Seoul, Korea was the home school of a Korean form of karate called Tang Soo Do. Founded by Hwang Ki, from classical, warrior training (Hwarang-do), indigenous Korean foot fighting (Soo Bak Do), and Shotokan karate, Tang Soo Do develops powerful focused striking with special emphasis on kicking. Tang Soo Do forms (Hyung) are, like most karate kata, ìsingle handî, one person demonstrating technique against multiple shadow attacks, training and demonstrating stance, body management, poise and focus. Tang Soo Do Hyung are paced and measured, with full speed and power in technique, but not rushing from one move to the next. 

In the tradition of Tang Soo Do, sparring is non-contact karate. Gloves and foot pads are not used (mouthpieces, shin and elbow pads are encouraged). Striking weapons must be disciplined, controlled, focused and accurate, and no intentional hard contact is allowed. One referee and an assistant control the match. The referee (Shimbam) has absolute authority to award points, penalize or disqualify for lack of control, etc. 

 WHAT IS MARTIAL ART?
A Martial Art can be defined as a system of techniques, physical and mental exercises developed as an effective means for self-defense and offense, both unarmed and with the use of weapons. The origin and history of Martial Arts is a controversial issue. We can see signs of Martial Arts in Greek, Egyptian, African, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, as well as other cultures.  There is a clear trail leading from the Southern China-regions up to Korea, Okinawa and Japan. The details before that, and the exact details of that transfer, are greatly debated by historians and Martial Artists.

WHAT KIND OF MARTIAL ARTS ARE THERE?
There are many ways in which martial arts can be divided.  Here are a few of them that might be useful to use in defining Martial Arts and discussing them. These are not necessarily consensus definitions but they are commonly held. It is also useful to remember that very few of these martial arts are just one way or another...they are all mixtures of these elements in various degrees. When we say a style is "hard" what we mean is that the predominant expression of that style is hard. If we say Shotokan is linear, it does not mean Shotokan has no circular techniques.

"Sport" vs "Fighting Art" vs. "Exercise" vs. "Philosophy"
These are usually NON-useful comparisons because people tend to be very strongly opinionated on this matter. Most people want to think their art is an ancient "fighting art" and thus can be applied on the street. Some styles truly are all four, and to some degree all styles contain all four elements.

“Linear" vs. "Circular"
This distinction refers to lines of movement, attack and defense. "Circular" styles use circular movements to block, attack, or move. Around and aside... "Linear" styles use direct, straight-on movements, attacks, or head-on blocks. In and out... Styles can, and sometimes do, mix circular blocks with linear attacks. This is a subtle distinction and not absolute, but it gives some information.

“Soft" vs. Hard"
"Soft" styles tend to redirect energy, channeling and diverting momentum to unbalance an opponent, or to move them into striking range. They tend to be lower commitment and use less force. Thus, they are less likely to be unbalanced and can recover from redirection easier. Examples are Tai Chi, Aikido, Ninjutsu, or many Kung Fu styles and sub-styles. "Hard" styles tend to direct energy outward and meet energy with energy. They will tend to strike more, and deliver more force with each strike. Hard stylists will often damage with their blocks, turning them into attacks. They deliver more power, and thus are harder to turn aside, but they are higher commitment, and thus don't recover as well from mistakes. Examples are Karate, Tae-Kwon-Do, Muay Thai, and some Kung Fu styles and sub-styles. "Internal" vs. "External" "Internal" styles are styles that emphasize the more non-tangible elements of the arts. They utilize chi/ki/qi flow, rooting, and those elements which some people consider "mystical". They tend to emphasize meditation, body control, perception, mind control (self, not others!), and pressure points.`Typically' internal styles are soft. Tai Chi is an internal style. "External" styles tend to emphasize body mechanics, leverage, and applied force. They tend to use weight, strength, positioning, and anatomy to optimal advantage.`Typically' external styles are hard. Muay Thai is an external style. MARTIAL ARTS: A WAY OF LIFE
Did you eat breakfast today? Probably so. Just as you need to nourish your body everyday, martial arts is also a daily supplement to good health. Neither with food nor martial arts should you feast and/or famine. You can buy anything you want with money; a car, clothes or a house, but even a million dollars cannot buy your good health

Who Can Learn Martial Arts?
Anyone can learn Martial Arts, regardless of age, sex, or limitations, it is never too late to begin practice. Even the physically challenged individual can learn martial arts because it is not just kicking and punching. It is a modern universal art of self-defense and character development.

Discipline and Self-respect in Martial Arts
Sometimes in life it becomes necessary to control your actions, though you may wish to express something that seems valuable to you. You should always be aware of what you do and say and how it will affect others. Discipline yourself. When you can control what you do and say, you will know the satisfaction of having contributed your best, whether it be by outward expression or silence at the right time. Your ability to discipline yourself will have a direct effect on the degree of success you have in attempting to reach your goals. Your self-respect will be something that you deserved and earned.

Patience and Martial Arts
"Everything comes to those who wait". When one begins practicing martial arts, hours are spent performing techniques over and over, sweating as you go. When you leave to go home, you can leave that room behind, but you must take that patience and persistence with you. Not only during practice but in everything you do, have patience. Whether driving your car or cooking dinner, give yourself the gift of time. Don't try to beat the red light. Patience can save your life.

Your Goal and Martial Arts
Whenever you drive, your car must go a certain direction, otherwise you will make unnecessary turns and waste fuel. The same is true in life. You should have a goal, a direction in which you will go. In certain times of hardship, having, keeping and relying on your goal can help brace you for the continuous road ahead.

Martial Arts and Promise
Everyone makes commitments in their life but few people practice the art of keeping their word on promises. Whenever you make a commitment, stick by it, even if circumstances change and you end up losing somewhere. Your promise is your name. Give it a reason to be depended on.

Martial Arts and Respect
The meaning of respect includes several things, all of which deal with your relationship with others. The degree to which you trust, love and attempt to understand others equates to the degree of respect you have for them. If you ignore someone, obviously, your respect for that person is not great. Attempt to extend yourself, to offer your undivided attention so that not only do you please others but you also gain from the experience. Enrich your life by respecting others.

Martial Arts and Character
One of the most important distinctions between individuals is their character. As children, we are blind to politics, financial and social status. We act how we feel, spontaneously and without influence. As we reach adulthood we learn the rules of the world and that in some cases, acquiring what you want means sacrificing a little individuality. If we are fortunate enough to begin martial arts as a child, we can avoid the adolescent conformity. Individuality, pride, self-confidence, optimism none of these are for sale. This is another part of you that a million dollars cannot buy.

What is a Leader?
To be a good leader one must have a conscious desire to dedicate themselves to others and realize their responsibilities and duties. They should speak to anyone and everyone on their own level regardless of their position in society. Poor, famous, sick or powerful. People are equal and personal circumstances do not alter their right to be counted. Empathize. Know hunger if your fellow man is hungry. Create a bond between you and others. A leader is the king of the mountain, but he wants everyone up there with him.

Martial Arts Philosophy
The martial arts are both art and science. The word "art" is defined as the activity of creating beautiful things and the word "science" is defined as a methodological activity, discipline, or study". While these two definitions are correct, I prefer the contributions of an anonymous poet: "Art is a passion pursued with discipline; science is a discipline pursued with passion". At their most basic level, the martial arts are nothing more than ways to prevent someone from harming or killing you. At their highest aspiration, the martial arts are paths to self-knowledge and the expression of beauty. The martial artist must be both scientist and artist. He must learn the traditions, theories, principles, laws and techniques upon which martial artistry is based. He must then practice them with passion and discipline so as to properly learn and understand what he is doing. Only then can he master himself and the martial arts.

Kata (Forms)
The ancient secrets of many martial arts lie preserved in what are called kata, or forms.  There many different kinds of kata representing both hard and soft techniques as well as offensive and defensive techniques. Single-handed katas involve a solitary individual practicing either empty-hand or armed techniques as if against imaginary opponents.  Double-handed kata involve usually two individuals working in a cooperative manner to demonstrate a series of techniques in which effective defenses are applied to focused attacks, both armed and unarmed.

Zen (Meditation)
 is an integral part of the training of any serious martial arts system.  Practicing sitting and gradually calming the mind and relaxing the body while focusing on deep breathing can help one to remain calm in the face of danger, and has many other benefits as well.  In practicing meditation one should practices itís techniques: sitting straight, deep and relaxed breathing, relaxation of the mind and body.  When practicing, we should seek to integrate the methods involved in  meditation into the physical aspects of the Jujutsu techniques.  Thus we can improve our ability to focus our minds and bodies in dangerous situations.

Note :
The Shaolin Temple is all of that and more. As the cradle of Zen Buddhism and the Mecca of martial arts for over fifteen hundred years, it is a place intermingled with myth, legend and profound historical significance. Numerous martial arts trace their roots to Shaolin as the warrior monks and their lay disciples spread its fame far and wide through the centuries.