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What is Jeet Kune Do? One Instructor Shares His First Experiences

Jeet Kune Do is a philosophy and training methodology that was founded by the late Bruce Lee. The literal translation of the term Jeet Kune Do is, “Way of the Intercepting Fist”. Jeet Kune Do instructors are influenced by many functional arts including, but not limited to Thaiboxing, Kali/Escrima, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Wing Chun, Western Boxing and more.

After training in traditional martial arts for several years, my work relocated me to California. I had heard a lot about this “JKD” stuff and decided to investigate. After a little research, I discovered there was a school located just around the corner from my apartment.

The school’s instructor was the late great Ted Lucaylucay. The year was 1982 and I will never forget my first day at class. The students were all dressed in t-shirts and shorts! This was unheard of during this time period.

I located the instructor and for a moment, thought perhaps I had made a huge mistake. His appearance was that of someone with long hair covered by a bandana, a goatee, red suspenders and red tennis shoes! Of course after 5 minutes of conversation, I knew I had discovered a gold mine.

The instructor gave me a quick explanation of the four ranges of combat, including kicking, punching, trapping, and grappling (known as MMA today). I was then invited to stay for the sparring class, but had another commitment.

The next evening, I attended the street kickboxing class and was again “enlightened”. During the sparring segment of our class, I was paired up with a young male about my size and age. I performed a couple of good roundhouse kicks, and then on my third attempt, was swept off my feet and placed not so gently on my backside.

While I was trying to kick my next partner in the head, he began to kick my legs with Thaiboxing techniques. Pain is the only way I can describe this encounter.

Now afraid to kick, I decided to try and punch more. My final sparring partner parried my punches and shot a good low single leg takedown administering more pain, by way of leg lock. I had never even seen a leg lock, much less know to defend against one.

I believe in just one training session, I observed one of the most important tenets in JKD, that being “using no way as the way”. All of my sparring partners were able use different methods, but still achieve their goal. Needless to say, I joined the school that night and have never looked back.

I was a young blackbelt at this time and had fought in many tournaments, but the reality was, I had little training for practical fighting. I believe the true beauty of Jeet Kune Do is that, the student is always encouraged to evaluate their training and be truthful with ones self. We must constantly research our training methods and continue to improve.

My senior instructor Mr. Dan Inosanto, who has always encouraged us to research and improve our training, started his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training while in his late fifty’s!

Every JKD school will be slightly different, depending on the instructor’s background. Some will emphasize grappling more, while another may prefer more boxing, but all should address practical, functional training methods. Most schools will provide you with any necessary equipment needed. Also most JKD schools will have music playing and everyone should be having fun. Yes fun. If it is fun, you will always continue to train!

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About the author: Mike Keller teaches Jeet Kune Do and MMA in Sweetwater, Texas. He has blackbelts in several martial arts and has been certified in JKD Concepts by Dan Inosanto, Larry Hartsell and Ted Lucaylucay.

Starting Martial Arts Classes in the Korean Style of Tang Soo Do

A Brief History of Tang Soo Do

Following the liberation of Korea in 1945, The founder of Tang Soo Do, Grand Master Hwang Kee returned to the country of his birth where he set about teaching a combination of Chinese “Tang” arts and Soo Bahk Do. On his 31st birthday, Grand Master Hwang Kee opened his first school in the Soeul Railway station (September 9 1945). This is classed as the birthday of the art known around the world as Tang Soo Do.

Tang Soo Do is both a hard and soft style, deriving its hardness in part from Korean arts and its soft flowing movements from the northern Chinese arts. Tang Soo Do is a composite style, being 60% Korean, 30% northern Chinese and 10% southern Chinese.

Tang Soo Do, defined loosely as the way of the worthy hand, is a classical martial art, and its purpose is to develop every aspect of the self, in order to create a mature personality who totally integrates his intellect, body, emotions, and spirit. This total integration helps to create a person who is free from inner conflict and who can deal with the outside world in a mature, intelligent, forthright, and virtuous manner.

What You’ll Learn in Tang Soo Do Class

Curriculum for most traditional Tang Soo Do schools consists of Forms (Hyung), One step sparring (Il Soo Sik), Self Defense (Ho Sin Sol), Sparring, Board Breaking, and Staff forms (Bong Hyung). The emphasis is more on the art and regular training than on point sparring.

• Forms are prescribed sets of motions that are meant to teach the basics of the art as well as to simulate defense against multiple attackers.
• One step sparring is working with a partner, one person performs a prescribed striking attack while the other practices various prescribed defensive techniques.
• Self defense consists of various prescribed defenses against grabbing attacks such as wrist grabs, bear hugs, shoulder grabs etc. The defenses are both controlling, such as arm bars and wrist locks as well as striking combinations.
• Sparring – the sparring practiced in most traditional schools is focused on practicing all of the basic kicks and strikes in an unformatted manner. Students learn how to combine techniques and defend against various attacks. Point sparring, which emphasizes techniques that can score points against the opponent is also taught as preparation for tournaments.
• Board Breaking – Students learn how to break board using the hand and foot techniques they have learned.

Most Tang Soo Do schools will teach the Korean translations for the techniques learned in class as well.

Your First Day at the Dojang - What to Expect

Your first impression upon entering most schools is the formal respect shown by all the students and instructors. Students all bow before entering the training floor. Students and instructors bow to each other and refer to each other by formal terms such as sir, Kyo Sa Nim (certified instructor), Sa Bom Nim (Master instructor), etc. Respect for one another is one of the core values of a traditional martial arts school.

All students will be wearing traditional uniforms with belts that denote their rank. Patches on the uniforms usually designate the school and/or federation affiliation. One unique aspect of Tang Soo Do is that black belts are actually a dark navy blue color, as is the trim on black belt uniforms. The navy blue is meant to show that training is never finished and there is always more to learn.

Your first lesson will cover the school’s etiquette; bowing, how to address instructors and other students and other general guidelines. You will then be taught some basic strikes and kicks to prepare you for participation in group classes

Required Equipment

Initially, you’ll need a uniform and belt to begin classes. At some level, you’ll need to purchase sparring gear which usually consists of headgear, foot pads, hand and forearm pads.

Expected Training Costs

Training costs can vary significantly. You should expect to pay no less than $100 per month. Costs can be vary depending on the location of the school, what they include in their membership and other factors.

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About the author: David Estes holds a 2nd Dan in Tang Soo Do from the Traditional Tang Soo Do Federation based in Wales, U.K. He is a co-owner and instructor at A.K. Martial Arts & Fitness in Vista California.

Goju Ryu Karate, The “Hard-Soft” Style

What You Will Learn in Goju Ryu

You will learn a traditional Karate that involves how to defend yourself, this will come through practice of basic and advanced movements. Deep breathing is a very big part of the Goju Style, this helps to strengthen us mentally and physically.

Kata is also taught, this is a pre-arranged set of moves that puts into practice what you learn, there is also what we call “Bunkai” and this is the actual application of each of the moves for each Kata, “Bunkai” can also be open to interpretation as long as the technique works.

You will also learn leadership skills, relaxation (through Ibuku), discipline, increased concentration, increased coordination, self confidence.

Your First Day at The School – What to Expect

Your first lesson will be in the beginner’s class, this is how all students start training, you should wear loose comfortable clothing remembering that you will get very warm. The class will begin with a bowing in ceremony paying respect to the Head of style in Japan, the class instructor and finally everybody in the class.

Beginners stand at the rear of the class and the more advanced students towards the front, this allows beginners to easily see how to perform their moves. Then we do a warm up and stretching session for about 15 minutes, this is to ready our bodies for strenuous activities and help avoid injuries.

We then start what is called the basics, at this stage you will have a Sempei (Assistant instructor) help explain some Japanese terminology and you will learn stances, basic block, punches and kicks that the Sempei will also help you with.

Required Equipment

At our school you would be required to have a Gi (Karate suit) before your first grading, after your first grading you will need for class Kumite (Sparring) a mouth guard, approved gloves (optional=fore arm protectors, shin guards, groin guard). This is fairly standard among most Goju karate dojo you’ll find.

Some Interesting Goju Ryu Facts and Dates

• The first forebear of the system, Kanryo Higaonna, was born in 1853.
• 1869 became Uchi Deshi of Grand master Ryu Ryu ko.
• 1881 began privately teaching his style of Naha-te.
• 1902 Began instructing 14 year old Chojun Miyagi.
• 1905 He opened his first public class at the Naha commercial high school.
• Passed away December 1915 aged 63.
• Chojun Myagi, Born April 25, 1888. in Naha
• 1930 Created the name Goju-Ryu (meaning “Hard & Soft School”).
• 1931 Introduced to Gogen Yamaguchi.
• 1933 After many hard years of teaching at places such as Kyoto University, Ritsumei Kan University & Kansia University, Karate was finally registered at the Butokukai (centre for all Martial arts in Japan) & as such meant that Karate was now recognised with other great martial arts like Kempo & Judo.
• Passed away on October 8, 1953
• Gogen Yamaguchi, born at Kagoshima on the 20th of January 1909.
• In his early school days he studied the art of Kendo & at the age 12 he started his life long study of Goju Kai Karate as he studied with Sensei Takeo Maruta at the Maruta Dojo in Miyazai Kyushu.
• 1929, at the Shinsengumi post in Mibu, Kyoto he founded the first Goju Karate-do school
• He studied law at the Kensei in 1928 & ritsumeikan University from 1929 to 1937 where he received his law degrees, While studying at the university he started the University Karate club & created the free sparring form, the club quickly developed a reputation for hard training & fierce breathing techniques (ibuku).
• 1945 Established Zen Nippon (all Japan) Karate-Do (GOJU STYLE KARATE) and founded branches and exercise halls all over the country.
• 1950, he founded the national organisation of All Japan Karate-do (GOJU STYLE KARATE) in Japan.
• 1951, he received his 10th degree Blackbelt from Chojun Miyagi.
• 1964, As a result of his hard work over the years at unifying all styles of Karate, the All Japan Karate Federation was formed.
• 1969, he was awarded the Blue ribbon medal by Emperor Hirohito.
• May 20 1989 Passed away leaving a great legacy

(Note: some sources conflict over dates and locations of events. All care is taken.)

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About the author: Marty Bodsworth started training in Goju Kai Karate Do in 1982 in Doonside (Australia) during that time he has competed at National level winning two heavyweight titles (GJK JKF 1998) and (WOMAA 2002) as well as running and officiating at club, state, National and international events. He holds a Blackbelt with Australian Goju Kai (Sydney), a Ni Dan with Mario Borg Goju Ryu and a Ni Dan with Goju Ryu Karate Do Seiwakai. He currently teaches Goju Ryu Karate classes in Glendenning and Quakers Hill Australia.

Hung Gar Kung Fu, The Powerful Southern Style

Hung Gar is an external, hard and powerful Southern Shaolin style of Kung Fu. It is also known as Hung Kuen, Hung Fist and Fu Hok Pai (Tiger/Crane Style). Hung is the sir name of the originator but it also means to stand tall with integrity. Gar means clan or family in Cantonese. Hung Gar translates to Hung Family being one of the five Southern Kung Fu family styles: Hung Gar, Lau Gar, Mok Gar, Choy Gar, Li Gar. They were all named after the originator of the system.

Hung Gar Kung Fu originated in the Fukien Southern Shaolin Temple. Shaolin which translates to youthful forest was known as the number one monastery under heaven. Kung Fu does not mean martial arts. The word for martial arts in Chinese is Wushu. Yet, today’s Wushu is a non combative, creative and acrobatic form system created by the People’s Republic of China as a sport.

Martial Art means war like art. Hung Gar is a true martial art or war like art. Hung Gar is a form of Chinese street fighting. It’s arsenal of attack includes Claws to the eyes, strikes to the throat, low kicks to the groin and knees, elbows, knees, sweeps, iron broom sweeps, and attack to the joints. Hung Gar is not a sport but an art of war. There is no direct translation for the word Kung Fu. Kung Fu could mean accomplishment of man, something you do well or an expertise.

A rebel and tea merchant named Hung Gei Guen (Hung Xi Guan) was perfecting his skills under the tutelage of the head abbot of the Shaolin Temple Gin Sin when one of the top fighting monks the White Eyebrow Priest (Pai Mei or Bak Mei) betrayed the temple. Pai Mei killed Hung’s teacher and the Ching Empire burned the temple down in 1734. Hung’s preferred boxing system was primarily based on the fierce tiger style. The tiger’s attributes are overwhelming power, tenacity and fearlessness. The tiger claws his enemy with hand strikes and tears them up with brutal power, breaking bones and ripping muscle. The tiger is an aggressive, offensive animal.

Just like the tiger that simply will not back down is the Hung fighter. He takes on the spirit of the tiger as he/she smothers, overwhelms and overlaps with strikes an aggressor’s attack with vicious strikes, claws and low kicks to vital and lethal areas of the body. Legend has it that Hung was also schooled in the crane style by his wife Fong Wing Chun (Fang Yung Chun). There is no relationship with Fong Wing Chun and the Kung Fu style of Wing Chun that was popularized by the late great Bruce Lee. Wing Chun is a common Chinese name. The crane is less offensive then other styles, preferring to allow an attacker to commit himself before launching into a series of kicks and smashing hand strikes. The crane evades the attack.

Master Hung is said to have combined the best techniques from both systems to create Hung Gar. Yet, Hung Gar is not only the fusion of the overwhelming and fearless tiger with the defensive and lethal techniques of the crane. Hung Gar is a complete system of fighting and weapons utilizing the three other animals of Shaolin, the snake, leopard and dragon with the five elements.

Hung Gar unlike other martial arts was not developed for sport but for defense and war. This style of kung fu is not soft or flowery like. It is a strong, powerful and aggressive fighting system. Hung Gar has proved itself in the battlefields of China for approximately 300 years. First fighting the Manchurian invaders of the Ching dynasty and then fighting gangs and drug lords in the turn of the last century.

Hung Gar practitioners were also known for their “Thousand Pound Foundation” or Horse Stance. When a Hung Gar practitioner sank into a low horse stance more then ten people with staffs were unable to move him. Hung training emphasizes strong low stances, iron hard forearms, low snapping kicks and ambidextrous deceptive powerful hand techniques. Hung hand techniques use simultaneous blocking and striking.

The blocks of Hung Gar were well respected and feared. Opponents often thought twice before challenging a Hung Gar practitioner, since with a single block he could numb or incapacitate an attacker’s limb, how much more powerful must a strike be? So it is said that we of the Tiger Crane do not block, we strike the strike.

Hung Gar is also know for it’s physical conditioning with Iron Rings and iron forearm training. Hung Gar Iron Ring training can be seen the movies Master Killer also know as the 36 Chambers staring Hung Gar Master Gordon Liu and in Kung Fu Hustle staring Hung Gar Master Chui Chi Ling.

Hung Gar’s most recognized Master is the Chinese folk hero and Hung Gar Grand Master Wong Fei Hung. His life story has been immortalized in numerous books and over 100 Chinese movies. Some of the most recent movies are Legend of the Drunken Master, Once Upon a Time in China and the Iron Monkey. These movies can be found in your local video store. Today’s top action hero’s Jackie Chan, Jet Lee and Gordon Liu have all played Fei Hung in the silver screen.

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About the author: Master Julio Anta teaches Hung Gar Kung Fu in Miami, Florida. He recently came out with the first video on Iron Ring and iron forearm training “Shaolin Physical Conditioning.” For more information on his training DVD you can log on to his web sites at www.AntaKungFu.com or on My Space at www.myspace.com/ShaolinFitness.

Kempo-Jitsu: Kajukenbo roots, Black Uniforms, and Hard-Core Martial Arts Training

There is a long running joke in the martial arts, that basically says when someone says X is the best style, what they really mean is “I study X”. Well I study and teach a style called Kempo-jitsu that is derived from another style called Kajukenbo and I’m going to tell you why I feel it’s the best style around.

The history of Kempo is convoluted at best. Romanticized stories of Shaolin warrior Monks and burning temples. While I’m sure most of it is true, our focus is going to be on the modern aspects and history of the art.

Sometime between 1947 and 1949, Adriano Emperado, along with several other martial artists (the notorious “Black Belt Society,”) first formulated the system of Kajukenbo. This system used a style of Kempo as the backbone of the system, but also included Shotokan Karate, Kodokan Judo, Sekeino Jujutsu, Sil-lum Pai Kung Fu and Escrima. The system was designed to be the ultimate in self-defense. While they were creating the system members of the Black Belt Society would intentionally get into fights in the Paloma settlement of Hawaii where they lived in order to decide which techniques were good enough to include in the system. The mantra became “Use the useful and discard the rest.”

In 1950, Victor “Sonny” Gascon began training in Kajukenbo. He did not train directly with Emperado but with some of his Black Belts. 10 years later George Pesare began training with Sonny Gascon in California. In 1961, due to “politics” (a common theme in Kempo history), Sonny Gascon left behind the name of Kajukenbo and called his system Karazenpo Go Shinjutsu. In 1966 a Pesare student named Nick Cerio earned his first Black Belt and opened his own school. A great martial artist named Ed Parker once was quoted as saying “You see that man over there? (Pointing to Prof. Cerio) That’s the most dangerous man I’ve ever met.”

And thus, Modern Kempo was born. The trend these days is to attempt to take Kempo back to its Kajukenbo roots, making it what might be the most all round martial art the world has ever seen. The best styles of the world have contributed with their specialties. Kicking techniques from borrowed from Karate. Clinching, takedowns and ground work from Judo and Ju-jitsu. Emphasis on multiple and fluid hand techniques came from Kempo, and superior striking power came from Boxing. Stand up fighting and ground fight is equally emphasized. There is always something new to learn as a result of the versatility. Since you can specialize on the training that suits you, it never becomes boring. Kempo Grand master Villari said it best; “Kempo fits itself to you, not the other way around.”

Okay, so now you know the whys and the who’s. Now for that all important step… going to your first class and what to expect. You’ll probably want to show up a couple minutes early to introduce yourself to your fellow students and check out the school (if you haven’t visited already). You’ll often need to sign a waiver.

Before class starts, you’ll have a chance to get dressed and stretch. Some teachers use a very light warm-up, whereas others start the class with a heavy-duty conditioning session. Most classes start with a group warm-up, such as running laps and doing push-ups, followed by solo drills like forward and backward break-falls and punching and kicking drills.

Don’t worry if you don’t get it right at first - no one does on their first day, and they take a little practice. Just give it your best try and the instructor or a higher belt will make sure you learn to do it right. After warm-ups, you’ll be partnered with someone and go to your own section of the mats to be taught your first lesson. At some schools you will practice a beginner curriculum, and at others you will simply do whatever techniques are being taught that day.

Some schools have private lessons to teach specific techniques and then use the group classes to practice the application of those techniques.

At most schools (at least the good ones) the class concludes with live sparring, or one day a week is set aside for sparring. Some schools start with timed rounds, some allow you to continue doing “free sparring” with no time limits, and others do a combination of both. Some schools require you to wait until you reach a higher rank to spar some let you start from day one.

One thing you will notice that seems to be universal in Kajukenbo and Kempo schools is a sense of family. Everyone is there to learn and to help others learn. Egos are left at the door. I remember attending a rather hard seminar that included Kajukenbo and Kempo practitioners from all over the world and feeling that if I made a mistake in a technique… I may have a hurtin’ put on me… but nobody was there to hurt me.

The equipment required for Kajukenbo is very basic. A gi (uniform, usually black), is all you need to start. For sparing the usual requirements are a helmet (similar to what boxers wear to train in), Mouth guard groin protection and foot pads or martial arts shoes.

I require my students to own 2 sets of gloves. First is a standard set of 14 - 16 ounce boxing gloves. We use these for our straight boxing / kickboxing training. We also use the traditional Kempo gloves made famous by Bruce Lee in “Enter the Dragon”. These allow us to safely train holds and submissions as well as strikes. Senior belts are allowed to use MMA gloves instead of the Kempo gloves.

As you progress through the system, you may also like to purchase (if it’s not required) a training knife, rubber gun, and 2 sets of Escrima sticks (one padded one not). Please note that these requirements vary from school to school, so check with any prospective instructors.

Cost of training varies. Some schools are very bare bones and charge just enough to keep the doors open. Others are huge corporate chains that charge top dollar. Some charge for ranking tests and others do not. Ultimately it’s up to you to decide what the school offers in terms of private and group lessons and what you are looking to spend.

Now for the most asked question: Why do you guys wear a black gi?

When Kempo Grandmaster James Mitose returned to Hawaii in 1937 from his Kempo training with his Grandfather, Sukuhei Yoshida in Japan, he knew that people would assume his “Art” was just another Japanese martial art.

He immediately wanted to send a message to all the other martial artists in Hawaii that this was not the case. He did this by wearing a Black Gi, which was contrary to the nature of the “Traditional” Japanese martial arts. James Mitose wanted all to know that while there were some similarities to other martial arts, Kempo had taken a different path of development and was a style of its own - not to be considered Japanese in nature or origin.

Much of the nature of the martial arts in Japan had its origin in the Shintoism (the original religion of Japan). Within Shintoism “White” was symbolic of “Purity”. “Black” by its very nature took on the opposite meaning: night- death- evil.

The message the “Black Gi” sent was that Kempo, and by lineage, Kajukenbo is a War Art; black was an indication of “Death and Bruising.” To this day Traditional Japanese and Okinawan tournaments will not allow the wearing of a black gi. For example, Ted Sumner is affiliated with a group of martial artists in Japan who send “exchange groups” to train and live with Ted in California. Those students refuse to step onto the mat to freestyle spar with anyone wearing a black gi. The wearing of a black gi also has a great psychological effect.

I remember reading a article by Chuck Norris when he related that as a brown belt what concern him most were those “Kempo fighters in black uniforms.” For over 30 years the “black uniform” gave Kempo its unique identity; Kempo and Kajukenbo were at one time the only styles wearing the black gi!

Today so many are wearing black uniforms you can’t tell if they are Kempo or Kajukenbo stylists, until you see them fight! (We are the ones disqualified for excessive contact). The black gi is part of our Kempo/Kajukenbo heritage and distinguishes us from all other martial arts. It states to the entire world: “We are a fighting art”!

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About the Author:

John Sexton is the principal instructor and director of Ronin Martial Arts in Denver, Colorado. He has been studying martial arts for over 20 years, first starting as a young teen with the study of tae kwon do, but his true beginning in martial arts came with the study of Jujitsu and Kempo, leading to his love of Kajukenbo. He began teaching Kempo professionally in 2000 with a large chain school but soon became disillusioned with the business aspect of the school and walked away. He continued to learn, teach and research the martial arts in general, as well as Shootfighting (a type of MMA style), CQC (Police and Military style self-defense) and his hybrid art of Kempo-jitsu in specific, and plans to do so till they pound the last nail shut to his coffin.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Wing Chun Kung-fu

Translated literally, Wing Chun means “beautiful springtime,” or “forever springtime.” Wing Chun is also written “Ving Tsun” or “Wing Tsun.” According to Wing Chun, there are several ways of defeating the enemy: striking, kicking, joint locking, controlling, throwing and the use of weapons are the most common.

The way the art produces efficient fighters in a relatively short amount of time is by sticking to several core concepts and by paying strict attention to positioning. Much training time is spent cultivating “Sensitivity or Contact Reflexes.” The student practices guarding various zones about the body and deals with whatever happens to be contacted or touched in that zone. This allows for a minimum of technique for a maximum of application, and for the use of an automatic or subconscious response. Because of this it is especially suited for the blind or visually impaired. In fact, Wing Chun’s unique training method seems tailor made for any visually impaired person to defend themselves as good, if not better than those who can see.

Most of the techniques taught are hand techniques and the style is best known for its quick punches. Only low kicks are used. Traps and other kinds of controls are important as well. Trapping and speed are developed through the famous “sticky hands” (Chi Sao) training, which also teaches balance. The Mook Jong, a wooden dummy used for training footwork and alignment, is also a well-known training method. There are three forms used in the style: Siu Nim Tao, Chum Kiu, and Bil Jee.

Traditionally only two weapons are taught in Wing Chun. The Dragon Pole and the Butterfly Knives are generally taught only once the student has a firm foundation in the art. However, we teach modern weapons as well to enhance our training methods. Weapons training drills offer the similar ideas and concepts as the open hand system, including the use of Contact Reflexes. Many of the weapon movements are built off of or mimic the open hand moves - this is the reverse process of Kali/Escrima/Arnis, where weapon movements are learned first.

The system of Wing Chun is a survival system dealing with personal safety. Although it has traditional roots, it adapts and utilizes modern training methods. It is considered to be a twenty-first-century, highly refined, street fighting system, designed to be used against armed and unarmed attackers.

Wing Chun addresses a wide variety of aggressive acts which include punches, kicks, chokes, bear-hugs, headlocks, grabs, as well as defenses against multiple attackers and assailants armed with a firearm, edged weapon, or blunt object. It integrates elements related to the actual performance of the fight including the psychological dimensions of self-defense, with the use of the environment to your advantage. Because of Wing Chun’s combat-orientation, there are no competitions or tournaments.

There are multiple histories of Wing Chun in existence today, however, there is a generally accepted legend that says that a Shaolin nun named Ng Mui, a master of Kung Fu, developed the art nearly 300 years ago in southern China. At that time the Southern Shaolin Temple was sanctuary to the Chinese revolution that was trying to overthrow the ruling Manchu.

A martial arts system was being taught in the temple but it took almost 20 years to produce an efficient fighter. Realizing the need to produce efficient fighters faster, five of China’s grandmasters met and chose the most efficient Kung Fu techniques, theories and principles from the various styles. They then developed a training program that produced efficient fighters in 5-7 years. Before the program was put into practice, the temple was raided and destroyed.

Of those that escaped, Ng Mui was the only survivor who knew the full system. However, she realized that much of what she had learned was ineffective for a small, frail woman to use on a larger, stronger man. Discarding techniques that were slow or that relied on strength or size, She revised everything she had learned. She developed a system of fighting that enabled a smaller, weaker person to destroy a bigger, stronger person within a few seconds. Ng Mui’s new system was well guarded and passed on to only a few, very dedicated students. The style became known as Wing Chun, after Ng Mui’s first student, a woman named Yim Wing Chun.

Yim Wing Chun was a native of Canton in China. Her mother passed away just after her betrothal to Leung Bok Chau. Her father, Yim Yee, was later wrongfully accused of a crime. Rather than risk jail, Yim Yee and his daughter left the area and settled down at the foot of Mt. Tai Leung. It was here Ng Mui met Yim Yee and Wing Chun. Wing Chun was a beautiful teenager who had attracted the unwanted attention of a local man who continuously tried to force her to marry him by threatening to harm her father. Ng Mui learned of this and agreed to teach Wing Chun fighting techniques so that she could protect herself. In order to learn Ng Mui’s Kung Fu system, Wing Chun followed Ng Mui into the mountains to White Crane Temple. Wing Chun trained until she mastered the techniques. She then challenged the bully to a fight and defeated him.

The Wing Chun System was passed on in a direct line of succession from its origin. After her marriage to Leung Bok Chau, Wing Chun taught him Kung Fu. He in turn passed these techniques on. As techniques were passed along, the Six-and-a-half-point Long Pole was incorporated into Wing Chun Kung Fu. During the Chinese Cultural Revolution, Wing Chun, like other martial arts, was banned in China and survived only through the persistence of practitioners like Yip Man.

The veil of secrecy around the art was finally broken in 1949, when Grandmaster Yip Man brought the style out of China into Hong Kong and eventually to the rest of the world.

In 1949, Leung Jan found out that one of its most famous teachers, Yip Man was currently in Hong Kong. He had heard about Wing Chun since he was quite young. Leung Sheung promptly introduced Lok Yiu and Tsui Sheung-Tin to Yip Man, and the three of them became the first batch of Wing Chun students in Hong Kong.

From 1949 until 1978, Leung Sheung remained Yip Man’s most senior student. He trained under Yip Man intensively and taught Wing Chun until his passing in 1978.

Among Leung Sheung’s more well know students are Kenneth Chung, Leung Ting, Jack Ling, Siu Wong, and others. Our lineage descends from Kenneth Chung who best retained Leung Sheung’s methods and most importantly, his unique energy.

Yip Man’s students began gaining noteriety for besting many systems and experienced opponents in streetfights and “friendly” competitions. The art gained even more popularity when one of its students, Bruce Lee, began to enjoy worldwide fame. Over time Wing Chun has been refined to it’s highest levels by a few of its masters. Wing Chun remains one of the most popular and most effective forms of Kung Fu today.

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About the author: Armando Sainz has been involved in martial arts since 1979. His school is highly recognized in the industry as being one of the top Wing Chun schools in the country. www.centerlineacademy.com

A Glossary of Korean and Japanese Martial Arts Terms

ai - (Jap.) Blending, harmony, joining or union. (Syn.- hap)aiki - (Jap.) Unity of force and will.

budo - (Jap.) “Martial way”; martial arts practice for self-improvement.

bunkai - (Jap.) Application of technique, especially in forms.

chung - (Kor.) Blue (used in sparring).

dan - (Jap., Kor.) Degree or grade. Often indicated by black belt.

do - (Jap., Kor.) A suffix meaning “way” or path.

dobak - (Kor.) A training uniform. (Syn.- gi)

dojang - (Kor.) A training hall, also called a “house of discipline”. (Syn.- dojo)

dojo - (Jap.) Literally, “way place”. A training hall. (Syn.- dojang)

gu-mahn - (Kor.) Command to stop.

gi - (Jap.) A training uniform. (Syn.- dobak)

gup - (Kor.) A category of rank for those students below black belt.

hapkido - (Kor.) Way of coordinated power.

hong - (Kor.) Red (used in sparring).

hosinsool - (Kor.) Self-defense applications.

hyung - (Kor.) Pre-arranged pattern of movement. (Syn.- kata, poomse)

ju - (Jap.) Suppleness, flexibility, or yielding.

judo - (Jap.) Yielding way.

jutsu, jitsu - (Jap.) Art or technique.

kae sok - (Kor.) Command to continue.

karate - (Jap.) Empty hand.

karate-do - (Jap.) Modern budo form of karate.

kata - (Jap.) Formal, pre-arranged patterns of movement. (Syn.- hyung)

ki - (Jap.) Force or energy.

kiai - (Jap.) Focused or concentrated force; also a controlled yell.

ki-hap - (Kor.) Same as kiai.

kumite - (Jap.) Free-style sparring.

kwanjangnim - (Kor.) Master instructor, fifth dan or higher.

kyong-ye - (Kor.) Command to bow.

kyorugi - (Kor.) Free-style sparring.

kyosanim - (Kor.) Senior or higher-ranked student.

kyu - (Jap.) A grade of rank below black belt. (Syn.- gup)

sabumnim - (Kor.) Instructor. (Syn.- sensei)

senpai, sempai - (Jap.) One’s senior in the training hall. (Syn.- kyosanim)

sensei - (Jap.) “One who has gone before”; a teacher. (Syn.- sabumnim)

si-jak - (Kor.) Command to begin.

tae kwon do - (Kor.) The art of kicking and punching.

te - (Oki.) Hand. Name for old Okinawan striking arts.

yudansha - (Jap.) Graded student, first dan and above; holder of a black belt.

Starting Martial Arts Classes in Isshin-ryu Karate

A Brief History of Isshinryu Karate

Isshinryu, which means One-Heart Way, was created by Grandmaster Tatsuo Shimabuku, who was classically trained in Okinawa in Shorin-ryu and Goju-ryu as well as other styles. Isshinryu (sometimes spelled Isshin-ryu) is characterized by the vertical punch, low kicks, and more natural stances than most Okinawan styles. The result is a style that is suitable for every body type, with stances that provide a superior balance between strength and mobility. The techniques also contain pressure point applications built into the proper execution, though those are often not explicitly taught until higher ranks.

The style consists of eight empty-hand kata: Seisan, Seiechin, Naihanchin, Wansu, Chinto, Kusanku, Sunsu, and Sanchin. They are normally taught in that order, with the exception of Sanchin. It’s sometimes taught after Naihanchin or before the student begins sparring. Sunsu was created by Shimabuku, is unique to Isshinryu and reflects techniques from all the other kata. Some dojos also teach various kyu kata or have in-house short sequences or series of movements resembling kyu kata.

The style also includes traditional weapon kata for bo, sai, and tonfa.

Isshinryu also teaches what are called “The Charts”, a list of simple techniques and combinations. Chart I consists of upper body techniques and combinations while Chart II focuses on kicks and lower-body stretches. These are usually the first movements taught to a student and provide a solid basis for later learning kata. Charts may vary slightly from dojo to dojo but those differences are generally minor.

Starting Martial Arts in Isshinryu: What to Expect

Workouts will often begin with stretching, followed by the Charts, then kata and sparring. Isshinryu dojos tend to begin sparring early in a student’s career. At a minimum, lower belts should expect light contact sparring that gradually progresses in intensity as the student advances. Isshinryu tends to be a tougher sparring style with a strong street orientation.

Students will be expected to have a mouthpiece. Male students will need a groin protector or cup. Most dojos use some form of sparring gear as well, usually the foam formed style of headgear, hand and foot gear, although it is not uncommon to see senior students sparring without protective gear or with only light MMA gloves. Shin guards are often available if optional. Those dojos with more cross-training programs may have other gear, such as hand wraps or dojo training shoes.

It’s increasingly common to see Isshinryu practitioners expanding their ground games and mixed martial arts skills through cross-training or exploring those applications inherent in Isshinryu.

Expected Training Costs

Dojo fees can vary, ranging from free classes taught at churches and youth facilities to upscale dojos charging $100-150/month. Students will normally be expected to have a gi and to purchase weapons when weapons kata are taught.

Advancing in Isshinryu Karate

Belt structures also vary widely from school to school. Traditionally, the sequence was white-green-brown-black and the time to earn a black belt was generally 3-6 years, depending on the student’s training. Many dojos have expanded that structure to provide belt advancement and “tip testing” at each kyu rank. There is no standardized sequence of belts in the below-black-belt rank structure.

In Conclusion…

Isshinryu provides a solid foundation in traditional martial arts and is an excellent choice for students of any age.

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About the author: Cyn Mobley is a black belt in Isshinryu. She is senior editor at Bushido Press, an independent martial art book publisher specializing in dojo books as additional income streams and in preserving the legacies of the masters. Martial arts instructors who wish to publish their own dojo manuals can contact Cyn at Bushidopress.com.

A Beginner’s Primer for Starting Martial Arts Lessons in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

A BRIEF HISTORY OF BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a modern style that has its roots in Japanese Jiu Jitsu. Its started to take shape when, in 1914, the Japanese champion, Esai Maeda came to Brazil and taught a young man named Carlos Gracie the secrets of his Jiu Jitsu technique as a favor to his father. Carlos taught what he had learnt to his four brothers who, in 1925, went on to open their own school of jiu jitsu in Brazil.

One of these brothers was Helio Gracie, weighing only 135 pounds he began to change and modify techniques so that even someone of small frame could defeat a larger opponent with the use of positioning and leverage. Helio challenged top Jiu Jitsu fighters and other martial artists to ‘test’ his new techniques and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu began to evolve.

Royce Gracie, the son of Helio, brought BJJ to the surface when he demonstrated his family technique for the world to see when he won the first Ultimate Fighting Championship…with ease.

Now, BJJ has evolved even more and is widely recognized as the most efficient method of ground grappling available.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR FIRST FEW BJJ CLASSES

In taking BJJ classes you will learn a highly advanced system of ground fighting that is effective in the ring or on the street. As well as being an effective fighting system, BJJ is also a great sport and after getting a grip on the basics you will find yourself enjoying sparring more and more. As BJJ utilizes your full body, you also get one of the best workouts ever!

Most classes start with a good warm up, stretching and some bodyweight exercises to make sure your body is ‘primed’ for training. At first you will learn basic positioning before learning any submissions. You have to learn to control your opponent in a variety of situations. Once you have mastered a few basic positions then you will start to learn the basic arm locks, chokes and leg locks that are the essence of jiu jitsu.

After drilling some techniques, then its time to put them to the test! Starting from set positions, you will fight for a certain goal; it might be to escape the position, or to apply a certain lock. Whatever it is, this type of ‘live’ training is vital to improving your game.

Finally, most classes finish with a few rounds of sparring or ‘rolling’ as we like to call it. To start with you will be very rigid and feel like a fish out of water on the ground, but don’t worry! This happens to us all! It takes time to get relaxed on the ground and build up the skill and ability to control someone properly and apply submissions. Sparring gets more and more enjoyable as you learn more and more, it’s not really fighting, but a learning process that can be very fun, but hard work at the same time.

WHAT EQUIPMENT WILL I NEED TO TRAIN IN JIU-JITSU?

To start with you will need very little equipment, but I suggest you bring a towel and some water. Its also a good idea to wear a groin protector and gum shield just in case.

You can train in jogging bottoms and a t-shirt, although there are custom designed shorts and tops for grappling you will not need these right away.

Traditionally BJJ is done with the Gi or Kimono (Judo uniform) but our club concentrates on training without the Gi or ‘no gi’ as we call it. This is because our training is more geared towards mixed martial arts competition which does not use the gi. But if you would like to train with the Gi then this is fine, as everyone has their own preference.

Apart from that just make sure you remove all jewelry and inform your instructor and training partners of any injuries you have.

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About the author: Danny Mitchell is a BJJ instructor under Chris Haueter who is the head of Combat Base USA. Danny is an active MMA fighter and runs his own gym, training students in Boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and no-gi BJJ in Doncaster, England, UK. To contact Danny, visit http://www.thorne-mmagym.com or email cbdoncaster@hotmail.co.uk.

A Family Approach to Mixed Martial Arts?

Schulenburg Family Mixed Martial Arts is one of the first schools in the country licensed to teach the Pro-Star Martial Arts curriculum that has been developed by Masters John Graden and Joe Brignoli of the Martial Arts Teachers Association. You can find out more about them and their programs at martialartsteachers.com  As founding members of Pro-Star, we’re really excited about the intensity and focus of this program and recommend it highly to anyone considering starting Mixed Martial Arts.

Mixed Martial Arts can trace it’s history back to the early 1900’s (catch wrestling, vale tudo) when boxers and karateka from various schools in Europe, Japan and the Pacific Rim competed in contests with the idea of proving not only the best fighters but the best school of martial arts. The Gracie Family has held contests in Brazil since the 1920’s and Japan has also sponsored mixed martial arts competitions for the last 40 years.

The Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC), created in 1993, really brought Mixed Martial Arts to the broader public for the first time. The early contests - “no-holds-barred” spectacles - were too violent for the general public and it took some reorganization of the contests (including a few rules!) to make them the popular attraction they have since become. These days “cage contests” including UFC, Pride, King of the Cage, Gladiator Challenge, etc. are common and watched by millions.

Early Mixed Martial Arts fighters usually brought their specialty to a fight, whether it was boxing or wrestling, Jujitsu or Kung Fu. These days, the specialists are gone and the modern Mixed Martial artist has trained in both Standup Fighting (kicks, strikes) and Ground Fighting (holds, submissions). A good Mixed Martial Arts program combines both Kickboxing techniques with Grappling skills - along with judo, boxing, wrestling, Muay Thai ideas - to create a well rounded fighter with the abilities to successfully compete in any venue.

Mixed Martial Arts is a versatile style, able to readily adapt it’s limited rules to the no rules situations that are required in self-defense on the streets.

We teach a three year program culminating in a Black Belt. Unlike traditional karate schools, we are NOT self-paced. Testing is mandatory every two months and students know that their ultimate success is based on being prepared, with a working knowledge of the required skills.

Our first year focuses primarily on kickboxing skills, the second year brings in a lot of grappling techniques and the third year is really about putting it all together. In contrast to the “skills and drills” of the first two years, year 3 focuses on sparring, putting together the standup and ground fighting games with an emphasis on position and strategy.

Mixed Martial Arts has a reputation as being dangerous, a nasty bit of street fighting with no rules. With that history, it is essential to always emphasize safety. Learning control in striking and kicking, learning to pace submissions - and knowing how to tap-out - are reviewed in every class. Gloves, hand wraps, foot pads, shin guards and mouth guards are required for each student and helmets and rib guards are available in class.

We wear traditional karate uniforms but encourage T-shirts as well, particular in years 2 and 3. In addition to our “skills and drills”, we also use general and specific conditioning exercises for both warm-up and cool down. Our classes are 50 minutes in length and will leave you sweating.

Our basic MMA course is $100 per month and students are encouraged to attend a minimum of 2 classes per week. The uniform is included if a student signs up for a 6 month course and basic gear is added to those signing up for a year. We have family discounts as well as seasonal specials - and classes are always open to parental observation.

We are a family school and while we readily admit to creating some fierce, competent fighters, we truly emphasize that we focus on fun and fitness. We’re not trying to create the next world champion cage fighter - we would rather create better people. Being a leader, learning how to speak in public, knowing when and how to take charge, being aware of what goes on around you in the real world - that’s what we’re all about!

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About the Author: Master Kurt Schulenburg has a 4th Degree Black Belt in the traditional Martial Art of Tang Soo Do. He has also studied Judo and Tae Kwon Do, and is currently a Black Belt Instructor of the Mixed Martial Arts in Woodstock, Illinois. Mr. Schulenburg is a Certified MATA Trainer as well as a Pro-Star Mixed Martial Arts Founding Member.

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