Starting Martial Arts: Aikido Classes
June 19, 2008
A Brief History of Aikido
Aikido is a powerful martial art developed throughout the mid 20th century by a Japanese named Morihei Ueshiba. Aikido differs from most other martial arts in that the practitioner seeks to achieve self-defense without injury to attackers. Aikido is most often practiced with a partner where one person functions as an attacker and the other person practices defensive Aikido techniques.
What You’ll Learn in Aikido
Many techniques involve joint locks, which enable the attacker to be moved to a pinning position where they can be held without injury. Other techniques involve throwing the partner. The almost “dance-like” quality of Aikido is essential to its safe and effective practice. Aikido’s techniques can be so devastating that if the two Aikido practitioners do not carefully harmonize their respective movements with such a dance-like quality, injury could easily occur. As such, an Aikido student spends much time learning how to fall safely.
Students quickly discover that the power of Aikido lies not in muscular force, but in relaxation, flexibility, timing, and control. The practice of Aikido makes it possible to experience deep levels of mental relaxation, emotional calmness, acute concentration, and peak physical fitness. Aikido is the refinement of the spirit – a physical path to self-mastery.
Your First Day in Aikido – What to Expect
Most aikido classes are for ages 18 and over. So, you can expect to be in a real adult class comprised of your peers. Other than being polite, nothing else is expected of you for your first class. No martial arts experience is necessary. You will learn the formal Japanese etiquette simply by observing. It is normal for new students to feel somewhat awkward in their first class.
For new students, the best way to learn is to jump right in and work with other beginners, intermediate, and advanced students. This provides the most optimal learning experience. You will never be asked to attempt anything that you are not comfortable doing.
Required Equipment
Generally, a martial arts uniform is not required for your first class. Some schools may allow you to wear a uniform from a previous martial arts style or simply wear comfortable, athletic clothing like sweat pants and sweat shirt. However, should you decide to continue training you will likely be required to purchase a training gi.
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About the Author: Dr. Jeff Albright has been practicing martial arts for over 20 years. He presently holds a 3rd degree black belt in Aikido. Jeff also holds black belts in Karate and Iaido (a.k.a. samurai sword). He has taught classes at well-known Aikido schools in Nagasaki, Japan and instructed officers and personnel for the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. Having trained in Japan for nearly 5 years, and being fluent in Japanese language and culture, Dr. Albright provides an authentic style of Aikido emphasizing both fluidity of movement and practicality. He currently teaches martial arts classes in Castle Rock Colorado with his fellow instructor, Miho Shiraki.
Shiraki sensei has been practicing Aikido for over 11 years. Born in Kitakyushu, Japan, Miho started her Aikido training under Morihei Iio Shihan in Nagasaki, Japan and currently holds the rank of 2nd degree black belt. In addition to her expertise in Aikido, Miho has also trained in Judo, Brazilian Jujitsu, Karate, and Iaido. Miho is a classic example of how women can be exceptional martial artists. You can contact Castle Rock Aikido at 720-221-3665 or on their web site at www.CRaikido.com.
Starting Martial Arts Classes: Wado Ryu Karate
June 18, 2008
History of Wado Karate
In 1934 Master Hironori Ohtsuka founded the traditional Japanese Karate style called Wado-Ryu Karate – which translates to “way of peace” or “way of harmony”. Master Ohtsuka believed that “violent actions may be understood as the way of martial arts, but the true meaning of martial arts is to seek and attain the way of peace and harmony.”
Considered as a pioneer of the martial arts due to his dedicated training and innovative ideas, Otsuka Sensei began his martial arts career in Shindo Yoshin Ryu Jujitsu, and than trained under the personal guidance of Shotokan founder Gichin Funakoshi – who is sometimes recognized as the Father of Karate.
After years of training and studying, Ohtsuka Sensei decided to create his own Karate style by combining the two arts and creating “Wado” – a fluid, yet powerful martial art.
By 1938 Wado-Ryu was officially registered and later recognized by the Japan Martial Arts Federation as “traditional” Karate – 1 of 4 styles in Japan that had been awarded this status.
What You Will Learn
Most Wado Karate schools are very traditional due to its roots and history. This is a great environment to learn in because the student will experience the true essence of Wado. However, some creative Wado-Ryu instructors have incorporated modern training and teaching techniques to accommodate a larger student base.
Classes will consist of Karate basics such as punches, kicks, blocks, and strikes – including several stances to build strength in the legs, develop coordination, and improve balance. Along with these basic techniques, students will learn how to refine their timing by performing reaction drills and combining them with kicks and punches. This teaches the student how to counter and/or evade an attacker.
In addition, another focus in Wado Karate classes are katas – detailed choreographed patterns of stances combined with basic Karate techniques. To some practitioners, this is considered as the foundation of Wado, since Otsuka Sensei spent countless hours perfecting katas.
Once you become a Black Belt in Wado, students will also learn Kihons – choreographed Karate techniques, however performed with a partner. The attacker has certain punches, kicks, and strikes to deliver, while the defender has to execute precise blocks, evasions, and counters. This is where Wado really differentiates itself from other styles because it uses the hips and body to evade attackers, along with their energy, and counter with strikes, throws and/or locks.
Your First Day
As I mentioned, Wado Karate can be a very traditional martial art, so your first class will probably cover some of the traditions of Karate. For example, you will learn that you need to bow at the dojo (training) floor before entering or leaving, as well as bow to other Black Belts that enter or leave the dojo floor because this shows respect.
More than likely you will be in a class that includes other beginners of the same age. In these classes they will teach you how to punch, kick, and block correctly, and demonstrate which part of the body you want to use when executing these techniques. They may also teach you some very basic stances so you understand how to perform them later in your katas.
Required Equipment
The only real equipment you will need is a Gi and Obi (uniform and belt). Anything else is simply considered additional curriculum to a Wado Karate schools program. Many schools teach controlled free-style sparring, therefore will require you to purchase protective gear such as a helmet, hand and feet pads, chest protector, mouth piece, and groin protector for guys.
Other schools may also teach you how to use a weapon. Traditionally, Wado-Ryu does not have a weapon in their art, as it is an empty hand style, however the instructor may have learned it somewhere else and decided to include this in their curriculum.
Expected Costs
The cost of training in Wado-Ryu can vary, so there is no definitive answer. And, it depends on the school’s curriculum, since some studios may have mandatory purchases such as sparring equipment or training videos. I suggest you ask the instructor what are the required purchases in order to train at their school so you can budget accordingly.
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About The Author: Javier Lozano, Jr. is a 3rd degree Black Belt in Wado-Ryu Karate, and has been training for over 17 years, with nearly 12 years of teaching experience. He is also a Sport Karate World Champion. Javier offers martial arts lessons in the Westminster Broomfield Colorado area. If you have more questions, please feel free to email him at: info <at> thedojoofkarate.com or visit www.thedojoofkarate.com.
Starting Kung Fu: Tien Shan Pai Shaolin Style
June 16, 2008
A Brief History of Shaolin Kung Fu
The dawn of Shaolin Kung Fu can be traced back almost 1, 500 years ago to a northern-central Chinese temple known as Shaolin Tzu (“Little Forest Temple”). The inception of Kung Fu training is most often attributed to an Indian Buddhist monk known as Da Mo, who visited the temple to share his philosophical ideas. Realizing that the monks living at Shaolin Tzu were in no shape to endure the long hours of meditation demanded by his teachings, Da Mo incorporated a series of exercises into their daily routines.
These exercises later evolved into a self-defense system due to the monks’ need for protection as they traveled to teach the Buddhist doctrine. Over the years, many famous masters of Shaolin Kung Fu have furthered the development of the art by basing technique on the movements of various animals, giving us many styles of Shaolin Kung Fu in present times.
Tien Shan Pai Kung Fu History
The style that I teach in my school - White Birch Kung Fu & Tai Chi School in Sterling, Virginia - is known as Tien Shan Pai (“Heaven Mountain Style”), and was founded by the late Master Wang, Jyue Jen. Master Wang trained at the Nanjing Institute in central China as a young man and later joined the Kuomintang army.
After Chiang, Kai Shek’s government fell to the communists in the late 1940’s, Master Wang followed as they retreated to Taiwan. Once settled in Taichung, he established a school, Lei Sheng Wu Yuan (“Sound of Thunder Martial Arts Garden”), and began teaching a curriculum based on his accumulated experience, calling it Tien Shan Pai after the mountainous region of north-western China.
In 1970, his senior-most student, Master Willy Lin, brought the style to the U.S. and opened his school, Lin Kung Fu School, in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. Since then, Tien Shan Pai has become one of the most widely practiced Kung Fu systems in the mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. due in large part to Master Lin’s efforts and dedication to Tien Shan Pai.
Learning Tien Shan Pai
As with most systems of martial art, Tien Shan Pai students learn a number of basic punching and kicking techniques that provide the foundation for sparring skills. Tien Shan Pai’s approach to sparring is based on the Shaolin method of combining hand and foot techniques with sweeps, throws, take-downs and locking techniques known as Chin Na (“Seize/Control”).
In addition to sparring, traditional empty-hand, weapon and 2-person forms are taught to either introduce self-defense options or differing types of movement to practitioners.
Your First Day
New to students to our school often comment to me that their first class was both challenging and exciting. On a typical first day with us, one can expect to learn the 5 basic Kung Fu stances, the opening section of our beginner form, and an application or two from the same form.
For their first class, new students aren’t required to spar, but are encouraged to do so if they feel comfortable doing so.
Required Equipment
Equipment required to start training with us is minimal: you will need a uniform and sparring gloves. As they progress, students are expected to purchase their own sparring gear to include: head, shin, foot, and chest guards.
Students are also responsible for the cost and maintenance of weapons, should they choose to learn them. There are practice weapons available at the school for student use, but again, it will eventually be required of one to purchase and care for his/her own weapon(s).
Tuition
Tuition at my school is paid monthly, with three membership options to choose from. There is an initial enrollment fee of $50, and 3, 6, or 12 month membership increments.
The monthly dues are based on which of these a new member joins under: 3 months at $129/month paid in advance, 6 months at $119/month paid once a month, or 12 months at $99/month paid once a month.
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About the author: Sifu Lacy Colley has been involved in Tien Shan Pai Kung Fu and Yang Tai Chi Chuan for over 12 years, beginning at the age of 18. He has trained under some of the mid-Atlantic region’s finest transmitters of these arts, including Sifu Willy Lin, Sifu Sean Marshall, and Sifu Rob LaPointe. Sifu Colley began teaching in 1998 as an Assistant Instructor, and has been teaching full time since 2002 as the owner/head instructor of his Tien Shan Pai Kung Fu school in Sterling, Virginia. Sifu Colley has also competed and judged at the national level in traditional Chinese martial arts tournament around the Washington, D.C. area. For more information please call 703-834-2733.
Information for Beginners Starting Tae Kwon Do Lessons
June 11, 2008
“A Brief Description and History of Tae Kwon Do”
Tae Kwon Do is a Korean martial art known for its flying and spinning kicks. The name comes from the Korean words tae (foot, or kick), kwon (fist, or punch), and do (art, or way of life) and literally means “the art of hand and foot fighting.”
Students learn the fundamentals of Tae Kwon Do through choreographed sequences of combative moves, the breaking of boards or other materials, and two-person controlled sparring.
They also receive instruction in principles such as courtesy, integrity, perseverance, and self-control. Practitioners wear a white, loose-fitting uniform known as a do bok, tied at the waist with a colored belt that indicates rank. The ranking system is divided into twelve kup (pupil) levels and nine dan (black belt, or expert) levels.
At competitions, participants are judged by how well they perform the choreographed sequences, by their accuracy in breaking boards, and by their skill in sparring contests.
The roots of Tae Kwon Do go back thousands of years. In 1955 a number of similar schools of martial arts were merged, and the resulting style was named Tae Kwon Do. An important figure in this effort was Choi Hong Hi, a Korean general who worked to combine a traditional Korean foot-fighting technique called Tae Kyon with Japanese karate. General Choi established the International Tae Kwon Do Federation (ITF) in 1966.
Another organization, the World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF), was created in 1973. The WTF gradually became recognized as the leading international organization for Tae Kwon Do, and under its guidance Tae Kwon Do became an official medal sport at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia.
“What you will learn in Tae Kwon Do Classes”
Although schools can differ greatly in how their curriculum is set up, most traditional schools follow a similar format.
In Tae Kwon Do classes at my school, for example, you will learn exercises that improve your coordination, balance, and flexibility. In addition, you’ll learn self defense skills along with numerous foot and hand techniques that are typical of traditional Tae Kwon Do.
You will also learn the traditional values that are taught in Tae Kwon Do… respect, self control, and perseverance. This combination of physical skill with the mental discipline found in Tae Kwon Do creates a person with high self esteem and increased confidence that everyone around you will notice.
“What to Expect on Your First Day of Tae Kwon Do Classes”
On your first day at our school you can expect everyone to be friendly and helpful. You can expect to be nervous… this is a normal feeling that everyone goes through.
The instructors and higher ranked students will help you and answer any questions that you may have. Whether you can believe it or not, we are all human and we have all been there when we first started classes.
Typically, you will start out with the basic movements and progress quickly to more advanced moves. We start new students off with a basic front kick and middle punch.
Once you have repeated these techniques several times, if you understand and execute them correctly we move on to the next step… this way we build on what you have learned and over time everything you do improves and becomes easier to do and understand.
“Required Equipment”
Sparring gear consisting of
- Head gear
- Foot gear
- Hand gear
- Chest protector
- Groin cup for males
- Mouth piece
“Expected Training Costs”
The expected training costs will depend on which program you choose to enroll in. In our school, it starts with a basic program and upgrades are available (too many to list here).
Basic program
- $87 per month, annual membership fee $60 and Bi-monthly test fee of $45
This does not include uniforms, protectors, patches, etc… but it is fairly typical of most Tae Kwon Do schools around the country. Expect to pay between $80 and $120 USD per month as a beginner in the typical school.
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About the author: Master Jerry Taylor has been practicing Tae Kwon Do since 1979 and has been a school owner since 1982. Master Taylor is a 7th Degree Black Belt certified through the World Tae Kwon Do Federation and is a successful tournament promoter as well. He teaches at his martial arts school in Madison and Osgood Indiana, and can be reached at his website, MartialArtsMadision.com.
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