internal martial arts http://www.artwoo.com Returned search results for internal martial arts Copyright 2008 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:04:01 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/rss/internal+martial+arts Martial Arts: Physical Techniques And Mental Discipline, Part 1 http://www.artwoo.com/article/martial-arts-physical-techniques-and-mental-discipline-part-1 http://www.artwoo.com/article/martial-arts-physical-techniques-and-mental-discipline-part-1#comments Thu, 01 Nov 2007 03:25:02 +0000 mixed martial artsmartial arts movestae kwon domartial arts classesmmaplaygroundrelax your mindmany different types http://www.artwoo.com/article/martial-arts-physical-techniques-and-mental-discipline-part-1 martial arts classes to learn moves that will help them in the event of an attack. The moves of Martial Arts are designed for even a small woman to use them effectively.

The arms and legs are used in . Practicing them will help you get fit and strengthen your body. Doing these moves will also help . There are of martial arts including karate and . Karate involves various kicks and punches. The goal of karate is to defend rather than to hurt the other person. Tae kwon do is the most commonly used type of martial arts. The moves are very graceful and requires exceptional coordination.

The level of skill varies greatly in martial arts, from beginners to experts. Martial Arts competitions are very popular. In addition to karate and tae kwon do, kickboxing competitions are very popular as well.

Martial arts is a great sport for children of all ages to participate in. They will get fit, learn about self discipline, and have some basic skills for defending themselves. It can help with behavior issues too including a short attention span, following directions, and communication style.

There are many variations of the martial arts. It is important to identify the types of techniques and trainings that will be used in a class before you sign up. The instructor can help you determine if it is right for you. There are also martial arts videos you can purchase to use at home. This is a great way to pick up skills in the privacy of your home. It is also great for those with a hectic schedule. Try our Fantasy MMA () game at .com/" >http://www.mmaplayground.com/ ]]> I Don't Know Much About Martial Arts Except... http://www.artwoo.com/article/i-dont-know-much-about-martial-arts-except http://www.artwoo.com/article/i-dont-know-much-about-martial-arts-except#comments Sun, 23 Apr 2006 07:50:03 +0000 martial arts roomunfortunatelykung fuproceededfriendsguessincense sticks http://www.artwoo.com/article/i-dont-know-much-about-martial-arts-except kung fu. I went to the class to see what it was like and to learn about the thing that took many of my captive on every Tuesday and Thursday night. I cautiously entered the Chinese restaurant with my friends and into the basement where the class was held. I was not fond of the huge mirrors lining the longest wall, but I didn't mind the that burned in little holders around all four edges of the room. It didn't take me long, however, to learn that martial arts wasn't for me.

My little bout with martial arts taught me a lot about myself and a lot about martial arts. In all honesty, I expected to arrive at kung fu class and find it to be easy and mindless. I would soon learn that kung fu, like all of the martial arts, requires a level of strength and discipline that I could only dream of possessing. Each person in our class came prepared to work hard and to do this they left the troubles of their lives at the door. Entering the meant entering a new world for them. A world that required everything and more that they had to give.

Martial arts isn't for the physically weak, that is for sure. I left feeling pretty confident after attending my first class. It wasn't until the next morning when each step I took sent shooting pain in every direction of my body that I realized the level of torture I had done to my body. My kung fu friends said that this level of pain was normal and that eventually my body would get used to the hard workouts and it wouldn't hurt so badly. , my three weeks of staggering pain were enough for me and I never made it beyond the pain stage. Sure, I had experienced pain from sports or tough workouts before, but no pain that compared to the pain I received from an hour of martial arts.

Everyone I know who sticks with the martial arts really loves it. I bodies begin to crave the strength and discipline that the martial arts require and so the workouts become something to anticipate rather than dread. My friends who have continued with the martial arts have developed this amazing sense of mental fortitude as well. They are able to make it through not only the hardness that the martial arts bring but also through any hardship life presents. Their classes are a training ground that teaches them to press on and endure all that happens in life.

So, while I never stuck with the martial arts long enough to fully understand them, the things I took away from my three weeks of kung fu are lessons I will continue to ponder for a long time. Kirstine Pallette, while not an expert in marital arts, is a strong advocate for the benefits of the arts for other people's lives. Check out http://www.martialartsgroup.info to learn more for yourself. ]]> Martial Arts Not Just For Children http://www.artwoo.com/article/martial-arts-not-just-for-children http://www.artwoo.com/article/martial-arts-not-just-for-children#comments Sun, 30 Sep 2007 23:34:57 +0000 martial arts schoolsmartial arts classesmartial arts classcontactvice versabody wellnesswellness approach http://www.artwoo.com/article/martial-arts-not-just-for-children contact with martial arts first as children, and it can be hard for them to shake the feeling that martial arts is just for kids. Nothing could be further from the truth, however, and as an adult, there are plenty of benefits that you can gain from stepping on the mat and taking a shot at something like kung fu, aikido or karate. Plenty of adults take advantage of es in their area and you will find that these classes have plenty to offer you.

First and foremost, martial arts will help you develop physically. Rather than being a workout that only focuses on one aspect of your health and physical well being, martial arts takes a more full approach. You will receive instruction that helps you gain flexibility as well as muscle tone, something that can be very important if you work at an office or spend most of the day in front of a computer! Martial arts is a great way for you to get in shape and stay there.

Martial arts also has an impressive ability to help you maintain your body. Have you been plagued with a yo-yoing weight your whole life? When you work in martial arts, you will be able to maintain your physique. The constant regular workouts will provide you with a routine that you can use to stabilize your weight, something that is very important in terms of staying healthy as you age.

If you are missing a spiritual element in your life, you can find many schools of martial arts that will help you find it. Martial arts is about a wellness of the mind as well as of the body and you will find that there is a great deal that you can discover by working towards both at once. Many emphasize how equally important the body is to the mind and .

Finally, keep in mind that martial arts can make you a great more confident in the face of the world around you. A good martial arts class will push your physical limits and more often than not, you will find that you are a capable of a great deal more than you thought you were. With the confidence comes a degree of discipline you may not have had before. Martial arts can be demanding in terms of commitment, and the discipline you learn on the mats is something that will be carried through to the rest of your life.

The key is to finding a school that suits you. Unless you are planning to learn along with your child, skip the schools that combine children and adults in the same class; the atmosphere is totally different and whether you are interested in getting in touch with your spirituality or getting a real workout, having children around can change that. Go to a few studios in the area around you and check them out. The atmosphere you get from a school that focuses primarily on going to competitions is very different from the one that works on balance, centering and looking within.

Whether you're looking for more self-confidence or more control, more flexibility or more strength, there is a good chance that you can find it in a martial arts school! Master Jones runs 3 successful marital arts schools in Washington state. He has been helping families make positive changes in their life since 1985. You can read more about martial arts and self defense on his web site at http://www.kungfutemple.com. Located in Bellevue, Federal Way and Lynnwood ]]> Martial Arts: Physical Techniques And Mental Discipline, Part 2 http://www.artwoo.com/article/martial-arts-physical-techniques-and-mental-discipline-part-2 http://www.artwoo.com/article/martial-arts-physical-techniques-and-mental-discipline-part-2#comments Fri, 02 Nov 2007 15:30:00 +0000 mmaplaygroundmixed martial artsself improvementskill testsskill levelproper respecthip bones http://www.artwoo.com/article/martial-arts-physical-techniques-and-mental-discipline-part-2 skill tests to move on to learning techniques and moves of the next color. Beginners start with a white belt. In the old days, the white belt was dyed the new color as a rite of passage and honor in Martial Arts. Today the belt is simply replaced with the new color of the . After white, the colors are yellow, orange, green, blue, brown, and black.

While the goal of each student in Martial Arts is , the belt in some forms of it offers the student a way to display their efforts to the other students. It is also designed to help students engage in fair sparing activities. To respect the culture of Martial Arts, it is important that you wear the belt properly.

Never let a white belt get dingy or dirty. The belt needs to be tied firmly above the . Make sure it is loose enough to move during your activities but tight enough to stay in place. The ends of the belt hanging on both sides need to be even. This can take time to learn so practice finding the amount of material needed to tie it. Some people place a small market on the inside of the belt to find the location easily. The belt should never be allowed to cross itself in the back. Never let your belt touch the floor.

Having the for the Martial Arts includes honoring the belt color system. Never wear a belt for a level of skill you have not accomplished. This is considered to be dishonorable. Your instructor will help you learn to tie your belts properly. Enjoy learning about Martial Arts, improving your skills, and proving you are worthy of a higher ranking belt. Try our Fantasy MMA () game at .com/" >http://www.mmaplayground.com/ ]]> Martial Arts Overview http://www.artwoo.com/article/martial-arts-overview http://www.artwoo.com/article/martial-arts-overview#comments Tue, 15 Aug 2006 00:27:15 +0000 http://www.artwoo.com/article/martial-arts-overview Anytime an individual decides to learn how to protect themselves, learn self defense, or become a better person, one thing comes to mind - martial arts. Martial arts are very common these days, being practiced all over the world.

The martial arts have been used for many centuries, although they really became famous around the time of Bruce Lee. Bruce invented the style of Jeet Kune Do, which involves very fast strikes with amazing counter defenses. Once people began to see just how fast Bruce Lee could move, they began to look into martial arts and see just how it could benefit them.

Martial arts are broken down into specific styles. The style all depends on where and what you study. A lot of cultures and countries offer martial arts that they originated, developed, and perfected. Brazil offers Brazilian Jui-Jitsu, Japan has Karate, Thailand has Muay Thai, France has Savate, and China has Shaolin. Keep in mind that each style will vary in techniques and what it has to offer you.

Although many people think of martial arts as being just for self defense purposes, this isn't always the case. Martial arts are used in tournaments and competitions as well, which can include sparring, floor routines, and even block and brick breaking demonstrations. All across the world, there are competitions and chances for fighters to prove themselves and their knowledge.

In general, all martial arts will teach you how to defend yourself and above all else - help you develop self control. Once you begin to study a martial art, you'll quickly start to develop a much better state of mind. No matter what style of martial art you study, the instructors will drill self control into your head.

Those of you who have a bad temper or just need to learn self control, martial arts can be very beneficial to study. Not only will you learn self control, you'll also learn how to defend yourself in the most drastic of situations. Self control is very important, as martial arts can be very deadly if they are taught to the wrong person - with the wrong intentions.

Over the last decade, there have been a lot of mainstream competitions that showcase martial arts, such as Extreme Fighting, King of the cage, and the most popular of all, the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship). The UFC has come a long way over the years, sparking interest from all over the world. It pairs stylists from all over the world together, to test their skills and see who is the better fighter.

With the UFC, a lot of people have gotten the wrong idea about martial arts. A martial art is great to learn, although if it works in the UFC, it doesn't always mean that it will protect you out on the streets. Karate for example, teaching blocking and striking, with little to no emphasis on grappling techniques. If you get in close, Karate really doesn't help. With some distance however, Karate can be very devastating.

No matter how you look at it, martial arts can be great to learn if you learn it for the right reasons. Each style will vary in technique and what it has to offer you, which is why you should pick the best style for your needs and what you hope to accomplish. Martial arts can teach you a lot about self defense and yourself - all you have to do is give it a try. Mohamed Rabea http://www.orange-countyjail-guide.info http://www.orangecountyjail-guide.info ]]> Getting A Kick Out Of Different Martial Arts, Part 2 http://www.artwoo.com/article/getting-a-kick-out-of-different-martial-arts-part-2 http://www.artwoo.com/article/getting-a-kick-out-of-different-martial-arts-part-2#comments Wed, 31 Oct 2007 15:15:00 +0000 mixed martial artsalso commonly knownultimate fighting championshippride fighting championshipstracheaweightsopponents http://www.artwoo.com/article/getting-a-kick-out-of-different-martial-arts-part-2 Mixed Martial Arts, which is as MMA. Mixed Martial Arts is a combination of a variety of styles of the art, in which attempt to overpower the other using a variety of techniques.

While it is a combination of a variety of techniques, the most popular techniques are those in stand up styles, clinch styles, and ground styles. Most fighters focus on a particular skill, but must have training in all skills to be successful. It is more common for fighters to have a variety of coaches that train for the various phases of combat, it is not common place nowadays for a fighter to specialize in one specific area of combat.

Because mixed martial arts is a recognized sport, with two specific organizations, the and the , there are rules and regulations.

For example, weight classes are a requirement in these rules, they pair like with other like weights to make fights more fair. In these rules there are a variety of fouls and penalties as well. These rules were designed to eliminate the picture of barbaric fighting, in which two people fight to the death, as many people once believe mixed martial arts to be. These fouls were designed to protect the fighters. Penalties are awarded to the fighter for fish hooking, biting, pulling hair, gouging eyes, and head butting.

Attacks to the groin is illegal in mixed martial arts, as well as strikes to the kidneys, spinal area, and the back of an opponents head. The is off limits as well, a fighter may not grab or strike the trachea of the opponent. Joint manipulation, such as toes and fingers, is allowed. There are many rules, this area has only touched the surface, but you can basically get the idea that mixed martial arts is a controlled and very regulated sport, designed for the physical fitness and enjoyment of the sport, with the health of the fighter in mind. Try our Fantasy MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) game at http://www.mmaplayground.com/ ]]> How to Get Quality MMA Training From a Mixed Martial Arts School http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-quality-mma-training-from-a-mixed-martial-arts-school http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-quality-mma-training-from-a-mixed-martial-arts-school#comments Fri, 29 Aug 2008 02:50:35 +0000 portland oregon areamixed martial artssearch engine searchmixed martial arts trainingfighting techniquesmartial arts schoolsmartial arts school http://www.artwoo.com/article/how-to-get-quality-mma-training-from-a-mixed-martial-arts-school mixed martial arts school? Learn about what to look for in deciding on where and how to get that is both affordable and high quality.

MMA also known as "Mixed Martial Arts" is like the name suggests, a combination of various martial arts. MMA Training has become very popular in today's . More and more people are becoming interested in the idea of mixed martial arts. But how does one decipher the difference between a good or "not so good" MMA school? Below are tips for finding a top-rated MMA training school and how to get the best results doing so.

1. First and foremost, do a to find the best schools in your area. For example you could search for " MMA Training Portland Oregon " or " Portland Oregon Mixed s " if you lived in the . This can help you narrow down atleast who is online. Check out the reviews and press releases on the various schools available online.

2. Secondly, most MMA training schools have a "about the instructor" page. When looking at this page, determine whether or not you feel that this instructor has been in martial arts long enough to know what he or she is doing and make a decision there. You may want to add these different websites to your favorites for future reference. Completely go through their website and get a feel for what they are really about and what kind of services they offer and what kind of prices they have. Does their website have a "contact us" page? Set up a list of questions and contact the instructor so he or she can answer any questions you may have concerning their school.

3. Do they offer variety and a well-balanced training schedule? Look for the various qualities you would like to have in a Mixed Martial Arts School and how they can apply to you. Consider calling the instructor to get a feel for whether or not the classes are right for you.

4. Contact or no contact? If you are interested in no, medium, or high level of contact in traing, this is an extremely important question to ask before getting involved.

5. Consider what sort of fitness training is going to be provided. Can the classes offer to a wide variety of fitness levels? Do they offere a variety of classes and or "focuses" in their training schedule?

6. If nothing else, try a MMA training school out for a month or two. If it doesn't suite you, then you can always go somewhere else. Sometimes it takes time to learn whether or not a school and its instructors are a good match for you. So keep this in mind that sometimes you have to "taste test" to really get a feel for what you want in a mixed martial arts school.

These steps can help you indentify and narrow down your search for a quality Mixed Martial Arts School and to help you get the best MMA training available in your local area.For a great Portland Oregon MMA Training School visit http://www.ExtendingFitness.com - If not from the Portland Oregon area they also offer great MMA Training guides on their website.]]> Martial Arts http://www.artwoo.com/article/martial-arts http://www.artwoo.com/article/martial-arts#comments Mon, 29 Jan 2007 14:27:03 +0000 martial arts systemstae kwon dojudo karatekarate classeseastern countriesquotoriental mystique http://www.artwoo.com/article/martial-arts karate classes to instill a sense of discipline. Adults train in martial arts to learn self-defense techniques. Many in the western world strive to obtain a black belt, thinking that this is the pinnacle of their training and education. In , the martial arts are much more than sport. They are history, culture, philosophy, and respect.

The term and;martial artsandquot; is used as a general categorization of fighting systems that originated in ancient times. If you were to fully review martial arts, you would find a vast array of systems; each with its own set of techniques that have been perfected over the ages. For the most part, martial arts do not encourage the use of weapons in combat, though exceptions do exist.

In studying martial arts, you'll find the earliest form originated in China more than 2500 years ago. Some philosophies hold that were adapted into various forms in Japan and other eastern countries. Another school of thought believes that these other countries developed their own original styles and systems of martial arts. Unfortunately, their origins were not well documented and therefore largely unknown.

Images of martial arts, as North Americans see them, were conjured up by Hollywood. Filmmakers will have us believe that martial arts are part of the , and that kung fu, judo, karate and belong exclusively to the Oriental countries. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.

Martial arts have evolved from countries around the globe. For every person practicing tae kwon do, there is someone doing a French form of kickboxing called andquot;savateandquot;. For every Judo, there is a sambo.

Through the centuries, people the world over have developed a range of martial arts systems. While each is distinct in its own way, there are many similarities. The primary function of martial arts is a means of effective self-defense during combat. Watch a martial arts performer, and you will often see a blur of arms and legs. But true martial artists don't just flail around to punch and kick. They use their bodies to execute single or multiple pre-choreographed movements that have been perfected over time. When executed properly, these moves can be lethal weapons in their own right.

Practicing martial arts, in any of its forms, requires a high degree of skill. The routines and techniques that students perfect over the years form a fighting vocabulary. Students with larger vocabularies become more highly skilled fighters. Each routine takes a great deal of time to perfect, and true martial artists have a large repertoire to choose from. In times of need, the skill of the artist depends on his or her ability to use the right technique at the appropriate time.

Of course, there is more to martial arts than the perfect execution of movement. Martial arts were created for use in combat. Serious combat. For this reason, success at martial arts means training and using your mind, as well as your body. Invariably, every form of martial arts is characterized by a very conscious application of force, utilized to achieve maximum effect.

Learning karate, or judo, or tae kwon do is one thing. Studying the martial arts is something altogether different. If you wish to be a true student of the martial arts, you must concentrate with your mind while you perform with your body. Jennifer Brown contributes to several web sites, such as http://lyroz.com and http://cheap-recreation.com ]]> Keys To Choosing The Right Martial Arts School http://www.artwoo.com/article/keys-to-choosing-the-right-martial-arts-school http://www.artwoo.com/article/keys-to-choosing-the-right-martial-arts-school#comments Wed, 30 Aug 2006 22:27:07 +0000 practice wushuhelpmartial arts instructormartial artmartial artistswatch tvgut feeling http://www.artwoo.com/article/keys-to-choosing-the-right-martial-arts-school
The key to learning any is practice. To make this easy for you, look for a school near your home, work or school. The easier it is for you to get there, the more time you'll spend practicing and the better you'll get. Eliminate those "Well, it's kind of a long ways away, so I'll just tonight" excuses.

Note to husbands: Watch out for schools located in malls as they give you wife an excuse to shop while your kids are in class! (The location of a school says nothing about how "good" it is...give every school a fair evaluation while you're checking them out.)

2. Instructor

You want to be sure that you get along well with your instructor, especially if you're going to commit to a school for a period of time. Keep in mind that a is just like any teacher or coach that you have had, their job is to teach you the art and you improve. Pay special attention to their personality, philosophy, energy, motivation and how they treat other students. If you're having a difficult time making a decision, go with your ...this is a decision that has to be right for you. Remember, selecting an instructor is not a life-long decision so don't take too long to make a decision. Get started, learn about the arts and change instructors later on if you feel it's in your best interest.

3. Style

You want to be sure the schools you're looking at offer styles that will help you accomplish your goals. If your goal is meditation, you probably don't belong in a jujitsu school. But don't get too picky either. Just because you always wanted to be like Bruce Lee doesn't mean you have to . Many train in different arts through their career and end up creating a style that is a combination of all their styles.

Again, this isn't a permanent decision so it's better to just get started with a school nearby that has an instructor you like.

4. Costs

Look for schools that offers 1-2 introductory classes for free. These benefit both you and the school by ensuring you're a good fit before making you commit to anything.

If you're going to invest in a "martial arts education", make sure it's within your budget. You don't want you or your kids to get started and become excited about martial arts, just to have to quit due to finances.

Some schools require contracts (or "tuitional agreements" as they are often called) while others don't. Don't be afraid of tuitional agreements, often times these schools are extremely interested in seeing you or your child succeed, which is why they want you to make a longer-term commitment after a free class or two. There are also excellent instructors who don't want to see money interfere with a martial arts education, so they opt to not require contracts and charge on a per-class basis.

Both contract and no-contract schools are good options, just be sure to give location and instructors more weight than payment structure when making a decision to commit to a school.

If you would like to learn more about Martial Arts or are interested in finding a martial arts school in your area, go to http://www.experiencemartialarts.com. Javier Lozano, Jr. has been training in the martial arts for over 15 years. He is currently part owner of Experience Martial Arts and will be opening a martial arts school http://www.experiencemartialarts.com shortly. ]]> Martial Arts Website Advice http://www.artwoo.com/article/martial-arts-website-advice http://www.artwoo.com/article/martial-arts-website-advice#comments Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:58:15 +0000 search engine optimizationoptimization seomarketing effortsgooglesalespersonmartial arts schooltweaked http://www.artwoo.com/article/martial-arts-website-advice Search Engine Optimization (SEO) for your and you have a ton of new traffic hitting your site. What are they doing once they get there? Are they looking around and then leaving? If so, you've just wasted all your !

If you haven't done any Search Engine Optimization yet or you have no idea what that is, be sure to read our Martial Arts Marketing article at http://www.experiencemartialarts.com/services/marketing/martial-arts-marketing.html This is VITAL information for your school as a website doesn't do you any good if nobody can find you in the search engines!

Your website can be your ultimate . They never sleep, always say exactly what you want them to, can target customers directly, are constantly being for improvement, and best of all...they never ask for commission. So how do you make your website sell well for you?

First, make it SUPER easy for someone to submit their contact information to you. Don't hide your "Contact Us" link, make it big and bold. Offer something for free, maybe a paper you wrote about martial arts in exchange for their information. Put your phone number on your website and eliminate any barriers to them contacting you.

If you can setup an auto-responder to email them back a confirmation that you received their message and include additional information, you'll really grab their attention. Not only that, but now your email is in their inbox which they'll see for a few days and keep remembering your school. Once you get their information, you want to stay in front of them as much as possible!

Next, keep your website open, fresh and clear of clutter. There's nothing worse that visiting a website and seeing so much information that you can't figure out which way is up. Also make the navigation very clear. If someone gets lost in your site they'll quickly get frustrated and head back to . The big advantage here is to make the visitor's eye go where you want it to. With a clear and open website, your key offer (and the place where you collect their contact information) should stand out and really grab their attention. That's where you want them to go!

Since you're a martial arts school, one of the key things they will need is directions on how to get to your website. Rather than write down your own, give them a link to a Google Map (maps.google.com) with your address already plugged in. All they have to do is enter their address and they get a custom map right from their house! Again, you're making it easy...

And last, give them some sort of offer that makes them either fill out their contact info or print off a page on your website and bring it in. Once they have something tangible in their hands, they're more likely to stop by your school or call when they're in their car sometime. Be sure this page they print has your contact info, address and key benefits to taking your martial arts classes.For a free consultation on how you can improve your martial arts website, email us info@experiencemartialarts.com or visit our website at www.experiencemartialarts.com. We proudly serve the martial arts community and martial arts schools.]]> Martial Art Belt Ranks - Where Did They Come From And What Do They Mean? http://www.artwoo.com/article/martial-art-belt-ranks-where-did-they-come-from-and-what-do-they-mean http://www.artwoo.com/article/martial-art-belt-ranks-where-did-they-come-from-and-what-do-they-mean#comments Sat, 22 Jul 2006 12:27:08 +0000 jigoro kanomartial art stylesgichin funakoshiokinawan karate masterbeltsmartial artskendo http://www.artwoo.com/article/martial-art-belt-ranks-where-did-they-come-from-and-what-do-they-mean
Where did they come from and what do they mean?

There are many theories why present day martial art schools use and sashes as a ranking system and where the concept of using belts came from. We will discuss two philosophies, one that is widely accepted by many practitioners and another that can be considered as a legend, or story that was passed down by your grandfather. Please keep in mind that the belt ranking system has only been around about 120 years. Throughout this article, keep in mind that not all are the same, your school may have a completely different ranking system than discussed here.

One of the most common arguments comes from the founder of modern day Judo, Dr. . An educator and sports enthusiast, Dr. Kano used a black belt to represent his dan (highest-ranking) students in his school, the Kodokan. However, he later realized his kyu (lower ranking) students needed an outward tangible object to acknowledge their accomplishments and encourage their efforts. So he implemented the different colors to signify the progress that his kyu made over time.

Eventually, other Japanese such as Karate, Aikido, , etc. incorporated the Judo belt ranking system when , an and considered as the "Father of Modern Karate" demonstrated his martial art style, Shotokan, at the Kodokan.

The other theory, known as "the belt getting dirty" can be considered as a martial arts folklore. When new students started their training they were given the rank of white belt, signifying a birth or beginning. Students were not allowed to wash their belts, therefore the belt would "get dirty" the more they practiced. In time the belt would become black, signifying the amount of time the student spent practicing and typically their level of skill.

As a new student in a martial art, you will most likely be given a white belt at the beginning of your training and will progress through a color system on your way toward a black belt. However, contrary to popular belief, the black belt does not signify the end of your training, but rather the beginning. In most arts, once you earn your black belt you are no longer considered a kyu, you are now a dan.

Dan have their own ranking system known as degrees. You are a first degree black belt when you first attain it, over time you can test for your 2nd degree black belt (or 2nd dan) and so on. Most martial arts consider a 10th degree black belt to be the highest level of mastery.

As you train in a martial art, don't get discouraged if you are stuck on a certain belt for a long period of time. It usually takes many years to progress through the belts and this is actually one of the lessons that participating in Martial Arts will teach you. Progressing through the belts requires a great deal of time, dedication, self-confidence, patience and self-discipline. The skills you learn in your martial arts training will apply to almost every aspect of your life and will help you succeed in areas where you never thought Martial Arts would help.

If you would like to learn more about Martial Arts or are interested in finding a school in your area, go to http://www.experiencemartialarts.com. Javier Lozano, Jr. has been training in the martial arts for over 15 years, was awarded his black belt in Wado-Ryu at the age of 13 and promoted to 2nd degree 2 years later. In 2000, he was ranked as the #1 sport karate athlete in his division by NASKA. Learn more about martial arts at http://www.experiencemartialarts.com ]]> What To Expect On Your First Day Of Martial Arts http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-to-expect-on-your-first-day-of-martial-arts http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-to-expect-on-your-first-day-of-martial-arts#comments Wed, 30 Aug 2006 22:27:08 +0000 sit upsfitcontactmartial artslotincoming studentsphysical fitness http://www.artwoo.com/article/what-to-expect-on-your-first-day-of-martial-arts martial arts, so no, you're not alone here. Your first day of martial arts is a like a first date. There's a lot of tension and you're aware of every little move you make, but when you look back on it a year later it really isn't that big of a deal. All you're trying to find out is if you want to go on a second date.

The key is to remember that the class and the instructor truly do want you to succeed. But before they begin to really teach you, they need to be sure you're a good for the school and the school is a good fit for you. If this balance isn't there, then everyone is wasting their time.

Your first day of martial arts is all about getting a feel for the school, the instructor and the other students, so don't expect to learn much. Most schools will have about a 30 minute session with a very high-level explanation of techniques and some (pushups, sit-ups, etc.).

When I say a high-level explanation of techniques, I'm referring to basic punches and kicks. If you pick up on these quickly, there may be time for a couple of combinations as well. Don't expect to have any physical with other students, in fact, you shouldn't have any physical contact with other students. If you're put into an uncomfortable situation on your first day, then you know the school probably isn't a good fit for you.

There's really no set "agenda" for a student's first day. The instructor is using these basic techniques to evaluate to see what areas they may need help in and to find the class that will best suit them.

At the end of your first class you should have a good "gut feeling" about the school in general. If you're petrified after one 30 minute session, you may want to try another school. But if the school makes you excited to come back again, then you can be pretty certain you've found a great fit.

Now that those first day jitters are out of the way, you can begin to work on getting your first belt. Javier Lozano, Jr. has been training in the martial arts for over 15 years. He is currently part owner of http://www.experiencemartialarts.com and will be opening a http://www.experiencemartialarts.com/SchoolSearch.html shortly ]]> Will My Martial Art Get Me To The UFC? http://www.artwoo.com/article/will-my-martial-art-get-me-to-the-ufc http://www.artwoo.com/article/will-my-martial-art-get-me-to-the-ufc#comments Fri, 25 Jan 2008 23:24:59 +0000 ufc pridechuck liddellultimate fighting championshipanderson silvaelite xcrandy couturemixed martial arts http://www.artwoo.com/article/will-my-martial-art-get-me-to-the-ufc Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity and ratings over the past couple of years. Love it or hate it, it looks like the UFC is here to stay. Consequently many men in the 18 =96 34 demographic are becoming more interested in the martial arts.

After watching great strikers such as , and Houston Alexander and watching the incredible grappling and wrestling skills of , Matt Hughes and BJ Penn, many martial artists are asking themselves the question "Will my martial art get me to the UFC?"

The answer to this question is very simple.

No, your martial art will not get you to the UFC! Make that a maybe, instead of a definite no.

OK, I can already tell that some of you may be shocked at that one line put down of you, your chosen martial art and your UFC aspirations. After all I don't know anything about you but let me expand on my answer so you know where I'm coming from.

First of all, it is important to understand that no one style has all of the elements of a complete fighting system for success in the Octagon, but many styles have a lot of them. The UFC, Pride, WEC and are all labeled under the category "." This should tell you a lot in relation to the question of whether your martial art will get you to the UFC. Mixed martial arts is exactly what it says it is =96 a mix of several different martial arts pulled together to create the full skill set of techniques needed for survival in the ring, cage or octagon (or the street for that matter!)

To be a successful UFC fighter you need to have a great stand-up game and a great ground game. In addition to this you need to learn take-downs and take-down defenses. This doesn't even include the physical conditioning or the mental aspect of preparing for a fight. So here are some suggestions as to which styles you should study to give yourself the best chance of becoming a good fighter.

=B7 Striking Skills: Boxing, Muay Thai, Shotokan, Taekwondo, Kickboxing, Savate =B7 Take-Downs: Judo, Hapkido, Sanda (San Shou), Sambo =B7 Grappling and Submissions: Wrestling, Brazilian Ju-jitsu, Japanese Ju-jitsu, Aikido

There are many other martial arts not on this list that are also worthy of in-depth study; and some of them on the list include all of the above skills to a greater or lesser degree.

So will your martial art get you to the UFC? Not by itself, but if you combine the strength of your chosen art with the missing elements that you need from some of the other styles above, then you will be well on your way.

For more in-depth information on many of the most commonly practiced martial arts, get my FREE "Beginners Guide to Karate". You will find out how to download it at http://www.freekarateinformation.com

Good luck and best wishes on your journey in karate. Paul A. Walker, is a 4th degree black belt karate instructor with over 25 years experience in the martial arts. In 2003 he attained his 4th degree black belt, after studying with the legendary Karate Master, Hirokazu Kanazawa in Tokyo for three years. Get more info at http://www.freekarateinformation.com ]]> Iron Palm Part 10 http://www.artwoo.com/article/iron-palm-part-10 http://www.artwoo.com/article/iron-palm-part-10#comments Mon, 30 Jul 2007 18:35:00 +0000 iron palm trainingsilat associationrussian martial artsmartial arts hall of fameusa martial artschi kungiron body http://www.artwoo.com/article/iron-palm-part-10


Si-Gung Clear is professionally sanctioned by the Kun Tao International, Silat Kilap Betawi DeThouars, Malabar Fighting Arts USA, Black Tiger Fighting Society, Jackson's Wu Shu Institute, the Jian Mei Internal Arts Association, the World Tai Chi Boxing Association, and the Schools Affiliation.



Si-Gung Clear was recently inducted into the USA .



Q. What is the need for today?

A. An aspect of , Internal Iron Palm and some of the specialty palms that is often overlooked or not understood is that they are a byproduct of that is designed to make your body super healthy. As for self defense these methods are phenomenal. There are many places in our society today where you can not carry a weapon such as a knife or gun. Iron Palm is a great equalizer against an attacker who is much larger and stronger than you. Also, if you are attacked by multiple attackers it is a really nice benefit to only have to hit any attacker only once so that you have a real chance of escaping and living through the situation.









I practiced Iron Body and Iron Palm for over an hour every day for over 6 months before I opened my first school in 1990. I did it with the idea that if I got seriously challenged by someone who just came in the door and attacked me that I could take a very serious hit from them and give them a hit that most people could not withstand. Amongst other things it gave me a confidence that helped alleviate some very serious situations in my early years of running my own schools.

To be continued in "Iron Palm Part 11" Sigung Richard Clear has over 30 years of experience in Chinese Kun Tao and Indonesian Silat. http://www.clearsilat.com ]]> The History Of Tai Chi http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-history-of-tai-chi http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-history-of-tai-chi#comments Thu, 08 Mar 2007 08:27:06 +0000 tai chiinternal martial artsgoing through the motionsmeditationkung fugo back in timemotion moves http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-history-of-tai-chi Tai Chi and finding out about it changed my life. And for the better I can tell you. Practicing this specialized form of martial arts has given me a sense of well-being and calmness I never thought possible.

This is considered an , so if you think it is nothing but silly fighting stances and guys talking without their lips moving like in the movies, think again. It is not like that. Tai Chi is different, much different and I found it fascinating and very helpful with my stress.

But first, I will tell you a bit of the background of Tai Chi. The practice of tai Chi can trace its way back for hundreds of years but most modern schools date back to around 1820 and the Chen family. They were the experts and I can tell you they really knew their stuff. Tai Chi is all about relaxation and finding a balance within yourself. It uses slow that I found myself enjoying a great deal. I wish I could and train with the Chen family! They used it mainly for a type of therapy to assist in health and longevity. Think of it as a moving kind of .

There are some basic concepts of Tai Chi that you should know about. Understanding that many considered it a form of meditation has kept it fun and exciting for me. Not only am I getting a good work out in by moving and tensing my muscles, but I am also conditioning my mind by concentrating on my breathing and balance. It is such a great combination it makes me come back to it, even look forward to practicing it, every day.

So an important precept is the idea that Tai Chi is used for health maintenance. If you are unhealthy in your body or even your head, it is difficult to stand there patiently doing any of these movements. I know for myself I felt uncomfortable at first. I wanted to do something more! I felt constricted but that is the whole point. You have to center yourself before you can relax.

Another thing Tai Chi does well is the internal act of meditation. By aligning your body and mind as one, it gets real easy to dive into a really neat kind of meditation. I found myself getting deeper and deeper within my mind and dealt with stress better.

The ancient practitioners also knew that Tai Chi would be a great way for beginners to get into martial arts. It may not be the fancy fighting kind of stuff you may be familiar with, but for me it has grown into a devotional form of exercise I can't get enough of. Yoshi I Kundagawa is a freelance journalist. He covers the mixed martial arts industry. For a free report on tai chi history visit his blog http://www.martialarts3000.com/taichiforlifechenstyle.html ]]> The Fundamentals Are The Key To Learning And Understanding Shaolin Kung Fu. http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-fundamentals-are-the-key-to-learning-and-understanding-shaolin-kung-fu http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-fundamentals-are-the-key-to-learning-and-understanding-shaolin-kung-fu#comments Sat, 28 Apr 2007 23:04:55 +0000 shaolin kung fuchinese martial artsshaolin monasteryopen hand strikestargetattackeropponent http://www.artwoo.com/article/the-fundamentals-are-the-key-to-learning-and-understanding-shaolin-kung-fu Shaolin kung fu originated when Huang Zongxi defined as either the Shaolin school or the Wudang school. You also sometimes hear the Shaolin school referred to as the external school, and the Wudang school referred to as the internal school. This was 1669, and since then people call external Chinese martial arts "Shaolin kung fu" even if the style or student has no affiliation to the . Learning the Shaolin fundamentals can help anyone improve their understand of the martial arts and help them better protect themselves in case they are attacked.

The Shaolin fundamentals start by teaching basic attacks such as punches, kicks, , elbow strikes, and knees. After the fundamentals are like second nature, then the student works on combinations. The goal is to string together attacks in a logical way that will break through the defenses of the and flow in a fast and fluid fashion. As the opponent tries to defend against one attack, another attack is already coming and heading for a that is not defended. By keeping pressure on, the opponent will eventually falter in his blocking.

After basic combinations are mastered, the student can learn some more advanced Shaolin fundamentals. Grappling and joint locks are great skill sets to learn because they are very practical and often have a huge impact on the outcome of a fight. It is important to have tools to control the even when he moves too close for effective striking. Restraints and vital point striking allow the student to control an attacker without having to expend a large amount of energy. Leverage is the key to controlling someone that is bigger and stronger while at the same time using very little of your own energy.

The Chinese martial arts also stress the use of kiai, or what the Japanese usually call chi. By focusing your kiai you can inflict more harm on an attacker with strikes because the sum power of your strike will exceed what your muscles can do alone. The Shaolin fundamentals of training your kiai usually involve focusing and mental strength rather than putting the kiai into physical action.

Learning the Shaolin fundamentals makes a martial arts student more prepared for close quarters unarmed combat and is a great stepping stone to more advantages techniques and even other disciplines and martial arts styles. It is all about being ready to protect yourself while hoping that you never need to prove yourself. Yoshi I Kundagawa is a freelance journalist. He covers the mixed martial arts industry. For a free report on shaolin fundamentals, please visit his blog at: http://www.martialarts3000.com/shaolinkungfubasics.html ]]> Develop Your Flexibility, Strength, Balance, Health, And Further Your Tai Chi Training. http://www.artwoo.com/article/develop-your-flexibility-strength-balance-health-and-further-your-tai-chi-training http://www.artwoo.com/article/develop-your-flexibility-strength-balance-health-and-further-your-tai-chi-training#comments Sun, 03 Jun 2007 21:34:55 +0000 tai chi chuandadmartial artsexercisestar trek the next generationvideo game consolemartial art http://www.artwoo.com/article/develop-your-flexibility-strength-balance-health-and-further-your-tai-chi-training Dad got me into s, back when I was twelve, as a way to get me away from the and out doing some . I'm grateful for that, in a lot of ways. Martial arts has made me a lot more fit, and giving me confidence and a career, actually. My Dad kept on with it as well, and it's started to take a toll on him. Where we used to do sparring matches, and throws and joint locks, he's just gotten to the point where he's enough older that he doesn't enjoy being thrown on the mat abruptly.



I looked at Wing Chun videos for him, and he moved into that style. However, even that's starting to take a toll on him. His blood pressure medications sometimes make him dizzy, and he doesn't heal from bruises as fast as he used to (for that matter, I don't either. I marvel at the videos my Dad shot of me when I was a teenager. Oh, to have the resilience I had then with what I know now=85)

So, Dad and I are looking for something we can do together that's got martial arts application, but won't give pulled muscles, bruises, or force us to explain to my stepmom or my wife why the furniture has been re-arranged or broken. We settled on Single Fan .

Tai Chi has a number of divergent forms; they'd be called schools in other martial arts. The four dominant ones are Yang, Sun, Wu and Chen forms, and they've all got their adherents. If you've ever seen Star Trek: The Next Generation, where Worf is doing a "Klingon Martial Art" in slow motion, you've actually seen some of the Yang form of Tai Chi. The Wu form is compact, short motions, the Sun form is about swift movement, and the Chen form is about explosive movements, with Wu and Chen most important for using Tai Chi as a martial art rather than as a form of exercise.

Anyway, my Dad needed to get something easier on his joints, so we did single fan Tai Chi, which was developed by Wang Ju Rong, and uses a fan as an exercise instrument, and incorporates elements from all four of the Tai Chi forms into one whole form of motions.

Starting out, we both felt kind of silly, because we're sweating and working our way through the forms, with a pair of news papers taped to wooden dowels to simulate the fan. It's very slow =96 and you really feel the burn. Breathing deeply, you feel it in your abdomen, and diaphragm, and by the end, your calves are just burning. It's a great way to improve flexibility and breath control. My Dad was grimacing from some of the more explosive movements, because it made his bad elbow hurt, but we quickly slowed it down to keep that from happening again. All in all, it was a good thing to do, and I'll try to keep up with it, though I may not have time with all my other martial arts commitments. I tell you, the biggest hassle in my life is that there are all these cool martial arts I can study, and not enough hours in the day to do it! Yoshi I Kundagawa is a freelance journalist. He covers the mixed martial arts industry. For a free report on tai chi single fan, please visit his blog at: http://blog.martialarts3000.com ]]> Kickboxing: An Ancient Sport, Or Is It An Art? http://www.artwoo.com/article/kickboxing-an-ancient-sport-or-is-it-an-art http://www.artwoo.com/article/kickboxing-an-ancient-sport-or-is-it-an-art#comments Mon, 12 Feb 2007 06:27:10 +0000 kickboxing classkickboxing workoutkickboxing glovesmartial artscontactcardio workoutshadow boxing http://www.artwoo.com/article/kickboxing-an-ancient-sport-or-is-it-an-art martial arts. It is very appealing to many individuals because it allows more kicks and punches than other forms of martial arts. Other moves include kick blocks, , sparring, and wood breaking. Due to the risk of injury, kickboxing has more safety rules for competition than other forms of martial arts.

Many people choose to take up the sport of kickboxing for their physical health rather than for competition. A will get you in shape with the various moves and kicks involved. Your stamina will increase and you will get more flexible. It is also a great . Kickboxing is a great sport for parents and children to do together.

It is a good idea to work into a kickboxing routine, especially if you are out of shape. Make sure you stretch properly before you start and do a cool down at the end of the workout. Since kickboxing is so intense, beginners can hurt themselves it the do too much too fast.

If you are interested in kickboxing as a sport or as a workout, you can choose from taking classes to buying tapes that allow you to do them in your home. Make sure which ever option that you decide is at your skill level. If you aren't sure about a , ask the instructor if you can come in to observe one before committing to it. For the best experience in a kickboxing class, train under an instructor who has a black belt in some area of martial arts and who is also recognized as a fitness instructor. The more experienced your teacher, the more likely that you'll be able to learn quickly. Visit http://www.discountmartialartssupplies.co.uk/ for for competition and training. ]]> Top Reasons To Try Martial Arts http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-reasons-to-try-martial-arts http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-reasons-to-try-martial-arts#comments Sat, 22 Jul 2006 12:27:11 +0000 study martial artsbeneficialtai chimartial artschool bullytae kwonkung fu http://www.artwoo.com/article/top-reasons-to-try-martial-arts martial arts, such as Karate, Do, and ...some people have even thought about trying out a class. Bt have you ever actually done it? Do you need a reason?

Just about everyone has thought about taking up a martial art at some point in time. Maybe as another way to stay in shape. Possibly as a means to protect yourself from the . There are hundreds, if not thousands, of reasons why people choose to take up an art, but I want to take a second to outline what I feel are the most important reasons to at least try a martial art. Maybe it's for yourself, maybe it's for your children...whatever the reason, all martial arts contain a unique wealth of knowledge and discipline that you simply can't get anywhere else. My hope is that this article will inspire you to get out of your chair and into a school to see what martial arts is all about.

Self Confidence As you train in martial arts, you will notice a lot if improvements, such as your physique, balance, awareness, flexibility, and many other physical and mental characteristics. Martial Arts will teach you how to combine these capabilities and use them to succeed in competitions, attaining higher belts, building friendships and protecting yourself if necessary. The more you can do, the more confident you will be.

Self Defense One of the most common reasons to is to learn how to defend one's self. A number of schools may dedicate class time and/or offer a scheduled class that strictly goes over self defense tactics. Also, depending on the MA style or school, self defense can be a large part of the curriculum, which can be to those interested in "applicable arts" (arts you can use in everyday life) as opposed to "traditional arts".

Self Discipline Webster defines self-discipline as the "correction or regulation of oneself for the sake of improvement". Whether it be trying to make a high school team or meeting company deadlines, once you learn the focus necessary to succeed in Martial Arts you can apply it to the rest of your life. Success is mental, and Martial Arts will teach you the self discipline necessary to succeed at anything you put your mind to.

Coordination Martial arts does require a lot of hand, foot, eye, and mental coordination, but all of this is developed over time. If you consider yourself as an uncoordinated person, training in the martial arts will help you grow those skills. You'll be amazed what your body is capable of doing! Even if you are a natural athlete, standing on one foot, while kicking with the other, and blocking with your hands is quite difficult and involves coordination.

Fitness Martial Arts does not have to focus only on fighting or self defense as some styles are based more on fitness. Tae Bo and Tai Chi are two examples of this. However, those with an interest in the fighting and self-defense aspects of Martial arts will find their fitness levels quicly increasing as training not only develops various muscle groups, but flexibility and balance as well. One's level of fitness can be just as important in winning a match as one's skills and abilities.

Family Enjoyment Most people don't know that this is an excellent way to spend time together with your family! Some martial art schools allow families to train together and others separate classes by age groups. Regardless of how classes are segregated, families find themselves enjoying the time spent together. It is not unheard of having a family all test together for various ranks and black belts.

Meet New People - Martial Arts is for everyone... Many martial art schools structure their classes into three age groups: Kids -- usually ranging from about 5 to 11 years old, Teens -- 12 to about 16 or 17, and Adults -- usually starts at 18, but some schools make exceptions when necessary. Some schools also offer a "Little Dragons" program geared towards the 4 -- 6 year old crowd. Age groups are then broken down into belt ranks allowing you to train with people that are relatively of equal skills and age. Often times people who begin martial arts together will develop a bonding friendship and even obtainin their black belts at the same time because they pushed one another during their tuff times.

Remember that there are thousands of martial art styles. Chances are there is a style and a school perfect for you no matter what your reasons are for trying it out. If you're interested in finding one near you, visit http://www.experiencemartialarts.com. You'll find more information about martial arts as well as a list of schools in your area. Javier Lozano, Jr. has been training in the martial arts for over 15 years, was awarded his black belt in Wado-Ryu at the age of 13 and promoted to 2nd degree 2 years later. In 2000, he was ranked as the #1 sport karate athlete in his division by NASKA. Learn more about martial arts at http://www.experiencemartialarts.com ]]> Martial Arts Cult Stars http://www.artwoo.com/article/martial-arts-cult-stars http://www.artwoo.com/article/martial-arts-cult-stars#comments Sat, 23 Dec 2006 06:27:05 +0000 martial arts filmsmartial arts movesmartial arts practitionersbruce lee filmhollywood setsquotjean claude van damme http://www.artwoo.com/article/martial-arts-cult-stars


may have originated in the Pacific Rim, but the degree of cult following they attained was pure Hollywood. There, film directors created a new class of movies built on and counter moves, good guys and bad guys, and questionable dubbing. In the process, they also produced a whole new generation of martial arts films, film stars and film fans.

Of course, Hollywood has many of it's own western movie stars who have made it big busting martial arts moves. Chuck Norris, Wesley Snipes, G. J. Torres and have all taken the bad guys down with some mean kicks, chops and blocks. But the undisputed real heroes of martial arts films remain the masters who originated in the east. Many of these national heroes have also graced , and all enjoy a sizeable fan following. Here is a and;who's whoandquot; list of legendary artists and :

Kwan Tak-Hing Played the original screen Wong Fei-Hung, a legendary Hung Gar master who starred in 100 films from the late 1940s to the 1960s. Kwan himself was a master of Tibetan White Crane, rather than Hung Gar. Using the whip was his specialty.

Bruce Lee Every kid in the 1970's wanted to be able to fight like Bruce Lee. Admit it, you tried to karate chop a board in half after watching a . It's OK, we all did. Legendary is perhaps too lame a word to use for this man. Bruce Lee began America's infatuation with the martial arts. He made Hollywood take notice. Originally trained in Wing Chun, Bruce Lee's cult films include andquot;Enter the Dragonandquot; and andquot;Return of the Dragon.andquot;

Jackie Chan Touted as the man who andquot;does his own stuntsandquot;, Jackie Chan picked up where Bruce Lee left off. Chan kept the martial arts on the big screen through the 80's and 90's, but without the rabid following that Lee possessed. Jackie Chan's unique genre combined martial arts with slapstick comedy, so every drop kick came with a gag. He has directed and acted in more than 50 films and enjoys a distinct worldwide following.

Jet Li Another Hollywood favorite, Jet Li won the Chinese national Wushu championships five times in a row before becoming a movie star. His many film credits include his premier role in andquot;Shaolin Templeandquot;.

Some are more focused on the performing arts than the martial arts, but are worth mentioning nevertheless. Chow Yun Fat has starred in martial arts blockbusters in China, Hong Kong, and America. Michelle Yeoh is a popular dancer-turned-actress. Jason Scott lee was an actor who undertook martial arts training to prepare himself for the role of Bruce Lee in the movie andquot;Dragon: Bruce Leeandquot;.

Not only Asian artists have made it big in martial arts films. Hollywood has produced many Caucasians who have trained in martial arts and made it big on the silver screen. Tough-guy Steven Seagal is an aikido instructor.

Jean Claude van Damme practiced karate in Europe. While in Korea, Chuck Norris learned Tang Soo Do, a martial arts similar to Taekwondo. Cynthia Rothrock is probably the best-known female martial artist in the film industry. Ms. Rothrock was taught by G.J. Torres and is considered to be Queen of martial arts films.

Unlike some film genres, it isn't all smoke and mirrors in the martial arts film industry. Before they were actors, many of the film stars you see were actually martial artists--incredible athletes who became great film stars. Daniel Thomas contributes to several online magazines, such as http://bivec.com and http://kesaw.com ]]>