tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27138859650856641062008-07-18T09:02:34.478+01:00MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comBlogger182125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-24018727216913887742008-07-18T08:46:00.005+01:002008-07-18T08:59:41.049+01:00

“Upset happens in all sorts of things. One way it happens is through a feeling of being under acute pressure. Another is through a feeling of unreasonable strain. A third is through a feeling of surprise at the unexpected. In large scale military science, it is essential to cause upset. It is critical to attack resolutely where enemies are not expecting it, then, while their minds are unsettled,

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-3259094222769741562008-07-16T08:45:00.008+01:002008-07-16T09:04:25.835+01:00

Im always on the look out for great instruction videos on the Internet to share with you guys and yesterday I came across some videos by Eric Paulson on Youtube. Eric Paulson is a great martial artist who gained most of his experience from the late great Larry Hartsell, (RIP) an original student of Bruce Lee. I have uploaded two short clips which give escapes and counter submissions to the most

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-88389387729676465682008-07-14T08:47:00.005+01:002008-07-14T08:53:55.083+01:00

In today’s society, with the need to work and earn money to support not just yourself but also your family, people who train in martial arts don’t want to look bruised, blooded and broken each day. This is one of the reasons why gloves, shin guards, mouth pieces, cups and other protective equipment are used during sparring. The problem about wearing protection all the time when sparring

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-31421054632892019302008-07-11T08:30:00.011+01:002008-07-18T09:01:47.347+01:00

This week we look at Crossing at a Ford taken from the Fire Book. This is an important part of the book as it is something that Musashi states, happens to must of us from one time to another in our lives. “Crossing at a ford means, for example, crossing the sea at a strait, or crossing over a hundred miles of broad sea at a crossing place. I believe this "crossing at a ford" occurs often in

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-63741069696587388572008-07-09T09:04:00.014+01:002008-07-09T09:36:35.441+01:00

To achieve the knockout is something that is always desired. Weather it be boxing, mauy thai or MMA, everyone wants to be in the ring/cage as quick as possible. Nobody likes fighting the distance as it’s tiring and if it’s a close fight it’s a shame to lose on points. If you can get the knockout it’s always better. The unfortunate thing is, there are plenty of times when the knockout opportunity

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-10036972988244057192008-07-08T08:44:00.005+01:002008-07-08T08:52:25.217+01:00

There are some fighters who can run for miles and miles without getting tired. They are very fit with great muscular endurance. During the course of a fight however, some don’t seem to be able to last more than two minutes without losing stamina or “gassing” as it is now commonly referred to in the MMA world. This is mainly due to the fact that when fighting or sparring, you are constantly using

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-37396102699908116152008-07-04T10:09:00.011+01:002008-07-18T09:00:36.674+01:00

In this weeks examination of Musashi’s writings we reveal from the Fire Book an extract about reading your opponents intentions and strengths, revealing there weaknesses and timing of attack. “To know the times means to know the enemy's disposition in battle. Is it flourishing or waning? By observing the spirit of the enemy's men and getting the best position, you can work out the enemy's

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-89214813904860234442008-07-03T10:37:00.005+01:002008-07-03T10:50:29.676+01:00

When it comes to wrestling techniques in MMA, there are probably not many people as good as Randy Couture in applying them. He has proven time and time again, that wrestling can be more than useful even in an environment where strikes are thrown. There are lots of Randy Couture training videos on the Internet. All of which are useful and I advise you to check them out when you have the chance.

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-92213243786267005342008-07-01T10:37:00.008+01:002008-07-01T10:55:11.604+01:00

Yesterday I performed a workout I had never done before. I made it up as I went along without giving it any prior thought. By the end of it I was completely drained and was ready for a banana for a quick energy boost! Its very basic and consists of, Running (2 mins) Skipping (2 mins) Shadow fighting (2 mins). (click here on shadow fighting information) I must tell you that I used a treadmill

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-12139566338036069222008-06-30T11:34:00.006+01:002008-07-18T09:02:34.496+01:00

The Book of Five Rings by Miyomoto Musashi is one of the greatest texts on strategy ever to be written. Originally intended for the purpose of military strategy and combat it has been used by business entrepreneurs over the years, as sections of the book which discuss taking advantage of an opponent and gaining the upper hand in combat can be easily related to there line of work. Musashi was an

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-88743052507861545312008-06-28T12:29:00.006+01:002008-06-28T12:45:32.525+01:00

Everybody wants to be strong and powerful. Good technique and dazzling speed are a must for each martial artist, but most want to be strong, powerful and above all, want to be able to use this strength. To acquire this ability, many lift weights. They lift, push and pull daily, constantly trying to overcome barriers and lift that little bit more. Lifting weights is probably the best and

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-10552405941029628422008-06-25T11:13:00.005+01:002008-06-25T11:25:32.841+01:00

Mixed Martial Arts is the greatest method of combat for anyone. By mixing different elements of different styles a fighter can become on all round expert. However is MMA becoming just a mix of Mauy Thai, BJJ, and Wrestling? Many MMA gyms nowadays have fighters who have excellent BJJ skills, great Mauy Thai techniques and can wrestle nearly all to the mat when needed. They can fight standing, on

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-32165852229609768132008-06-23T09:43:00.007+01:002008-06-23T09:53:19.026+01:00

Almost every time I go on to Yahoo Answers I see the question, “how do I become a UFC fighter” or “how much do I need to train to become a professional MMA fighter”. Many martial artists think that it’s an easy task to reach the top or to be able to fight in the cage. Well I’m afraid it takes a little bit more than you think to become the best. Firstly you have to train in martial arts

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-77198038769699791532008-06-19T13:56:00.007+01:002008-06-20T08:34:22.319+01:00

Bruce Lee, Jigoro Kano, Anko Itosu, Morihei Ueshiba. These are just a few names of martial artists that have influenced hundreds and thousands of people through there training. But who is the most influential ever to exist. Who paved the way to how we train today. Bushi Matsumura is seen by some to be the greatest karate fighter of all time. Without him karate would not have been passed down to

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-36994314774433657402008-06-18T10:41:00.003+01:002008-06-18T10:48:53.287+01:00

The Axe Kick is a kick that not many people can pull off. Not only does it require a great deal of flexibility, but timing and spot on accuracy all play there role in the deliverance of the kick. If anyone is familiar with the great Kyokushin Karate Fighter Andy Hug (RIP) you will know of the axe kick. Sometimes called the drop heel kick or Otoshi Geri it is one of them rarely thrown kicks that

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-20332146309702339692008-06-17T09:48:00.004+01:002008-06-17T09:54:50.596+01:00

Some people where just born to perform a specific skill. Masakazu Imanari' s case was to grapple! One of my favourite grapplers of all time. Here is a highlight of just some of his fights. As you will probably tell, he is a leg lock specialist. Hope you enjoy. Marks

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-29733141214495616492008-06-16T09:11:00.006+01:002008-06-16T09:25:43.435+01:00

Kicking range, punching range, clinch, ground fighting etc. These are just a few ranges of combat. Everyone has one range which they are most skilled at and which they prefer there fighting to take place. Boxers obviously favour punching ranges, Thai boxers work well in the clinch, Teakwondo fighters nearly always try and stay within kicking range and grapplers like taking the fight to the floor.

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-21052919011196961422008-06-12T09:18:00.005+01:002008-06-12T09:28:44.535+01:00

Combination striking training against focus pads, heavy bags or an opponent is a must. You have to get used to attacking in combination using techniques that flow freely without the need of having to think before you strike. The one problem with this kind of training however is that most, when learning a new combination do not take the time to study it correctly and end up being sloppy. When

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-58525637798482649612008-06-10T10:03:00.006+01:002008-06-11T08:42:37.661+01:00

About 20 years ago, if someone saw ground and pound they would probably call it brutal and unnecessary. Fast forward 20 years to the present however and it is a common thing to see, occurring in nearly every MMA fight and is even more common to see being practised in martial art schools the world over, than ever before. To be a true martial artist, you need to be capable of fighting from all

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-58809866457013765102008-06-09T22:01:00.005+01:002008-06-10T08:31:01.340+01:00

On bodybuilders the back is one of the most staggering muscles to see. Having a pro turn around to reveal a V shape which blocks the sun proves the strength in it also. Training chin ups is completely necessary to develop these kinds of results but in order to deal with the intensity needed for chin-ups, the forearms must be able to also take the punishment of hard training. This is where towel

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-48625485345671034102008-06-08T22:34:00.005+01:002008-06-09T08:41:50.600+01:00

The triangle choke is one the most sought after techniques when grappling from your back. Along with the arm bar it is something that everybody has been caught with from one time to another. The main escapes which people try when caught in this technique is to simply stand up or push the attackers legs away from there neck. By standing up, your straighten the persons legs who is trying to secure

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-51224909962061279382008-06-06T09:19:00.005+01:002008-06-06T09:33:30.698+01:00

Someone new to martial arts first goes to class with the hope of learning something new. Obviously they wish to be taught by the master of the school. Being taught a technique by one of the schools students, which sometimes happens, could result in the newcomer never coming back. After all, you want to be taught by the master, not the student. But when does the student start being called the

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-26712696519275660462008-06-04T10:03:00.006+01:002008-06-04T10:19:27.106+01:00

Everyone who trains in an art that uses the belt system at some point in time puts all his/her focus towards gaining there Dan grade (black belt). There will always be this fascination towards it as most seem to think that it is an achievement. While it is, and someone who has gained there black belt should be proud of there achievement, only once you earn it do you realise that it is just a

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-89447377497136916792008-06-03T09:23:00.004+01:002008-06-03T09:33:48.824+01:00

Most martial artists have the attitude that on the streets, they will not go looking for trouble and only use there skills when there is no other option. Of course there are some which don’t follow this rule and all I can say to them is, what goes around comes around, but the majority keep themselves to themselves on the street. But when the unfortunate time of having to defend yourself comes

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2713885965085664106.post-45709667969022552732008-06-02T12:46:00.005+01:002008-06-02T13:24:28.549+01:00

I like to occasionally mention techniques that are rarely seen but very effective. The upward elbow /elbow uppercut is one of those techniques that is not used as much as it should. A very simple technique to perform it can be devastating when combined with close range techniques such as the roundhouse elbow or knee strikes. The way it is performed is relatively easy. From a fighting stance with

MARKShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04380622177307391580noreply@blogger.com