Tang Soo Do is a much older form of martial arts, having its roots deep in Korea as the traditional martial art form for the country. Therefore, it's lineage and creation is not as easily traceable as one of the more well known and recent forms of martial arts. Some say that the "founder" of the martial art form Tang Soo Do is a man by the name of Won Kuk Lee (also known as the founder of Chung Do Kwan, a similar martial art form), however, others argue that Won Kuk Lee only coined the name Tang Soo Do and did not create the martial art form himself.
There is, however, a particular style that does have traceable lineage, the style known as Moo Duk Kwan. Just about every modern teacher of Tang Soo Do can trace the roots of their styles back to the Moo Duk Kwan style, therefore the history of this form can be considered the general history of all other forms of Tang Soo Do, since there is no formal lineage to be traced for the other forms.
It was the Grandmaster Hwang Kee that created the Moo Duk Kwan style, and he learned martial arts (a Chinese style) while in Manchuria. Hwang Kee also claimed to have been influenced by several other factors, such as Japanese martial arts and books during his inception of the Moo Duk Kwan style. Not surprisingly, several other experts disagree with these claims, so there really are very few conclusions to be drawn from the murky history of Tang Soo Do.
The development of Tang Soo Do, however, is a different story entirely. We do know that between the years 1910 and 1945 (when the Japanese had major control over the country of Korea), many Koreans bore witness to different forms of martial arts (such as the Japanese versions of many Chinese martial arts). It was during this time that traditional Korean martial arts got mixed in with Japanese and Chinese martial arts (such as Karate) and several new forms of martial arts were born.
Modern Tang Soo Do has done its best to remove itself from its origins in Moo Duk Kwan and it was because of this move that it has begun to gain popularity in today's modern society. There are several schools in the United States, and although there are not as many schools as other forms of martial arts, the number continues to grow as the demand for Tang Soo Do in the Western world increases. It is known that it does have some relation to Taekwondo, however, its exact ties are not very clear. Tang Soo Do is a more gentle, peaceful form of martial arts as compared to Taekwondo and this may be the reason for its increasing demand along with art forms such as Tai Chi and Yoga in the New Age societies.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleStreet.com/
Friday, April 24, 2009
Monday, March 9, 2009
The Catch Wrestling Approach
The art of Catch Wrestling is slowly, but surely rising back from the grave. While there aren't many fighters that use Catch Wrestling as their ground game (with the exception of Josh Barnett, and Kazushi Sakuraba among others) many are starting to incorporate techniques into their regimen. What makes it different from other styles like BJJ or Judo? All three have their share of similarities, but what makes Catch Wrestling far different from the more known systems is the philosophy, and approach. While Brazilian Jiu-jitsu focuses on "position over submission", Catch on the other hand goes more on "submission over position." This is commonly misunderstood, and one of the many reasons why it's misconceived as an ineffective grappling style.
What many people do not understand about wrestling philosophy is that it's always about gaining "control" over an opponent, as opposed to "position" which can be anything that doesn't definitively end a fight. While BJJ is known for its uses in "superior" positions, it doesn't necessarily equal control. Matches can consist of being in the guard for the majority of the round without any result. The idea of Catch Wrestling was to finish your opponent as quick as possible despite what position you're in, but control was always a necessity before you could even attempt a hook. It is a far more aggressive and quicker approach to a submission. You make the opening for a submission, not wait for it. You could be in a spot that would be considered inferior, yet still be in command of the fight. That was the whole idea of Catch Wrestling, fast and crippling.
Another misconception of Catch Wrestling is that it's about being tremendously big and strong. The fact is you don't need immense size and strength to pull off any technique in Catch. All you really need is a great understanding of human anatomy and leverage (with lots of practice). Some may ask, "If Catch Wrestling's so great then why aren't many people using it?" Simple, it's not as popular as other styles which have been exposed numerous times to the masses. The Gracies made their mark in the martial arts world thus claiming BJJ as the "best" fighting art. There was even a time when Karate and Kung Fu were thought to be the best fighting styles simply because they looked spectacular on the big screen. Unfortunately, popularity has a lot to do with how people conceive a martial art whether they have heard of it or not. It's understandable, you'd figure if no one uses it then it must suck right? Though that kind of thinking will only limit your potential as an evolving martial artist. Every art has something special and unique if you take the time to look for it. As far as Catch Wrestling goes it will only continue to rise and gain in popularity as more people discover it's potential.
Author : Joe King
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/The-Catch-Wrestling-Approach/1042332
What many people do not understand about wrestling philosophy is that it's always about gaining "control" over an opponent, as opposed to "position" which can be anything that doesn't definitively end a fight. While BJJ is known for its uses in "superior" positions, it doesn't necessarily equal control. Matches can consist of being in the guard for the majority of the round without any result. The idea of Catch Wrestling was to finish your opponent as quick as possible despite what position you're in, but control was always a necessity before you could even attempt a hook. It is a far more aggressive and quicker approach to a submission. You make the opening for a submission, not wait for it. You could be in a spot that would be considered inferior, yet still be in command of the fight. That was the whole idea of Catch Wrestling, fast and crippling.
Another misconception of Catch Wrestling is that it's about being tremendously big and strong. The fact is you don't need immense size and strength to pull off any technique in Catch. All you really need is a great understanding of human anatomy and leverage (with lots of practice). Some may ask, "If Catch Wrestling's so great then why aren't many people using it?" Simple, it's not as popular as other styles which have been exposed numerous times to the masses. The Gracies made their mark in the martial arts world thus claiming BJJ as the "best" fighting art. There was even a time when Karate and Kung Fu were thought to be the best fighting styles simply because they looked spectacular on the big screen. Unfortunately, popularity has a lot to do with how people conceive a martial art whether they have heard of it or not. It's understandable, you'd figure if no one uses it then it must suck right? Though that kind of thinking will only limit your potential as an evolving martial artist. Every art has something special and unique if you take the time to look for it. As far as Catch Wrestling goes it will only continue to rise and gain in popularity as more people discover it's potential.
Author : Joe King
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/The-Catch-Wrestling-Approach/1042332
The 5 Animals Of Kung Fu
Also known as the Kung Fu fist forms, the 5 animals of Kung Fu are known all across the world, and are some of the deadliest martial arts you can study. There are other specific fist styles in Kung Fu, although none of them are as powerful or as well known as the 5 animal styles. As the name implies, these forms were derived from the animals in which they got their names from.
The Dragon Claw
The Dragon Claw is very well known, with the Chinese believing that this style comes directly from the ancient dragon. This style uses an open hand technique that is used for controlling the opponent through grabbing and throwing. Using an open hand technique, stylists may also use the fingers to poke as well. Dragon Claw is very fast, very hard to defend against - and nearly impossible to predict.
The Leopard Claw
The Leopard Claw style utilizes a half opened fist. The ideal striking method with Leopard is the ridge of the hand, which is formed by folding the fingers towards the palm of the hand, with the palm being the backup or secondary striking method. Leopard Claw is very fast as well, and very lethal if the stylist has enough technique and power behind his strikes.
The Tiger Claw
Tiger Claw uses an open hand movement that is used for tearing and grabbing. Tiger Claw is the most well known of the 5 animal system, and also one of the most well known forms of Kung Fu as well. It isnt affected by simply grabbing and gripping with the hand, but from the digging of the fingernails deep into the skin. Once the fingernails have been embedded in the opponents skin, the Tiger Claw stylist can shred the skin right off the bone, tearing the opponent apart. Tiger Claw is very powerful - and one of the deadliest forms in the world of martial arts.
The Snake Head
Snake Head resembles the attack of a snake in combat, using an open hand technique which requires the fingers to be held together tight, fully extended. The tips of the finger form a very hard surface, used to attack the softest and most vital areas of the opponent. In order to be effective, both hands need to be used together at the same time.
The Crane Beak
Crane involves the fingers being pressed together tightly, forming a striking surface at the base of the stylists fingertips. Although the fingers can be conditioned to a high level of strength, most attacks using the Crane technique are focused towards the most vital areas of an opponent.
The 5 animal styles of Kung Fu are very popular, and very deadly. Martial artists that know any of these forms are very deadly - and more than capable of defending themselves against anything that comes their way.
Author : Arlen
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/The-5-Animals-Of-Kung-Fu/737
The Dragon Claw
The Dragon Claw is very well known, with the Chinese believing that this style comes directly from the ancient dragon. This style uses an open hand technique that is used for controlling the opponent through grabbing and throwing. Using an open hand technique, stylists may also use the fingers to poke as well. Dragon Claw is very fast, very hard to defend against - and nearly impossible to predict.
The Leopard Claw
The Leopard Claw style utilizes a half opened fist. The ideal striking method with Leopard is the ridge of the hand, which is formed by folding the fingers towards the palm of the hand, with the palm being the backup or secondary striking method. Leopard Claw is very fast as well, and very lethal if the stylist has enough technique and power behind his strikes.
The Tiger Claw
Tiger Claw uses an open hand movement that is used for tearing and grabbing. Tiger Claw is the most well known of the 5 animal system, and also one of the most well known forms of Kung Fu as well. It isnt affected by simply grabbing and gripping with the hand, but from the digging of the fingernails deep into the skin. Once the fingernails have been embedded in the opponents skin, the Tiger Claw stylist can shred the skin right off the bone, tearing the opponent apart. Tiger Claw is very powerful - and one of the deadliest forms in the world of martial arts.
The Snake Head
Snake Head resembles the attack of a snake in combat, using an open hand technique which requires the fingers to be held together tight, fully extended. The tips of the finger form a very hard surface, used to attack the softest and most vital areas of the opponent. In order to be effective, both hands need to be used together at the same time.
The Crane Beak
Crane involves the fingers being pressed together tightly, forming a striking surface at the base of the stylists fingertips. Although the fingers can be conditioned to a high level of strength, most attacks using the Crane technique are focused towards the most vital areas of an opponent.
The 5 animal styles of Kung Fu are very popular, and very deadly. Martial artists that know any of these forms are very deadly - and more than capable of defending themselves against anything that comes their way.
Author : Arlen
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/The-5-Animals-Of-Kung-Fu/737
The K.I.S.S. Principle of Martial Arts
The acronym K.I.S.S. stands for keep it simple stupid and it states that things shouldn't be overly complex and kept simple so you can achieve your goal effectively. The KISS principal can be applied to any number of tasks to make them easier, and when it comes to self defense you need things to be simple and effective.
In the world we live in today nothing is simple; cars have their own computers and if you apply for a job digging ditches you need an engineering degree. While some changes have been positive others have made things to complex. In the beginning martial arts training was all about being prepared for real combat, but the sport aspect has taken over and people are learning complex and difficult moves that aren't practical for street fighting. Well, if want to survive on the street you have to forget all that complex crap and get back to the basics.
Now, it might offend your sensitive side, but real martial arts are all about learning how to employ violence correctly during the right situation. Your ethics are what separate you from the scum so don't think learning how to fight and kill makes you a bad person. Sometimes the only option left is to hurt someone, but before you can act you need to know what to do. Nobody is born a fighter so you need to train so you know what to do when the time comes.
When it comes to martial arts there are a lot of choices out there, but if you want an effective style for self defense the list gets a lot shorter. Most martial arts styles that are being practiced today are combat sports. They look like hand to hand combat, but they aren't. They have been made safe so you can compete in friendly matches without causing permanent injury to your opponent. This type of training won't do you any good in a real fight though, because your attackers don't play fair.
Real self defense is all about doing whatever works at to survive; it's that simple. When you're in a fight everything happens quickly and often times you only have seconds to react. If you get caught up trying to make a complicated move work or simply think for a second longer you will get hurt or even killed. You need to be proactive in your defense and it needs to be so simple that you don't even have to think about it. In the heat of the moment you need to respond to a threat with a simple but effective action.
When you apply the KISS principal to martial arts you immediately eliminate of all the excess baggage that's keeping you from being effective in combat. You won't be slowed down by rituals and limited by complicated techniques and stances. If you're in a real fight you shouldn't have to worry about doing a move correctly, but rather getting the best results. The enemies of society won't wait for you to be ready and it will take years for you to master a style of martial arts, but self defense training can be learned much quicker.
When it is a matter of life and death you don't have time to look for answers and debate the ethics involved. When you train in a real self defense system you will learn all you need to know to respond quickly with all the force you need. It's all about striking first with real power so you can take your attacker out and keep yourself and those around you safe. Unlike many styles of martial arts being taught the self defense training system only has practical moves and will enable you deal with the situation as it develops. No system is perfect, but one you have the skills that work, you can adapt them to any situation regardless of what is going on around you. Train in any martial arts style you like, but when it comes to self defense keep things simple.
Author : Matthew
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/The-K.I.S.S.-Principle-of-Martial-Arts/981178
In the world we live in today nothing is simple; cars have their own computers and if you apply for a job digging ditches you need an engineering degree. While some changes have been positive others have made things to complex. In the beginning martial arts training was all about being prepared for real combat, but the sport aspect has taken over and people are learning complex and difficult moves that aren't practical for street fighting. Well, if want to survive on the street you have to forget all that complex crap and get back to the basics.
Now, it might offend your sensitive side, but real martial arts are all about learning how to employ violence correctly during the right situation. Your ethics are what separate you from the scum so don't think learning how to fight and kill makes you a bad person. Sometimes the only option left is to hurt someone, but before you can act you need to know what to do. Nobody is born a fighter so you need to train so you know what to do when the time comes.
When it comes to martial arts there are a lot of choices out there, but if you want an effective style for self defense the list gets a lot shorter. Most martial arts styles that are being practiced today are combat sports. They look like hand to hand combat, but they aren't. They have been made safe so you can compete in friendly matches without causing permanent injury to your opponent. This type of training won't do you any good in a real fight though, because your attackers don't play fair.
Real self defense is all about doing whatever works at to survive; it's that simple. When you're in a fight everything happens quickly and often times you only have seconds to react. If you get caught up trying to make a complicated move work or simply think for a second longer you will get hurt or even killed. You need to be proactive in your defense and it needs to be so simple that you don't even have to think about it. In the heat of the moment you need to respond to a threat with a simple but effective action.
When you apply the KISS principal to martial arts you immediately eliminate of all the excess baggage that's keeping you from being effective in combat. You won't be slowed down by rituals and limited by complicated techniques and stances. If you're in a real fight you shouldn't have to worry about doing a move correctly, but rather getting the best results. The enemies of society won't wait for you to be ready and it will take years for you to master a style of martial arts, but self defense training can be learned much quicker.
When it is a matter of life and death you don't have time to look for answers and debate the ethics involved. When you train in a real self defense system you will learn all you need to know to respond quickly with all the force you need. It's all about striking first with real power so you can take your attacker out and keep yourself and those around you safe. Unlike many styles of martial arts being taught the self defense training system only has practical moves and will enable you deal with the situation as it develops. No system is perfect, but one you have the skills that work, you can adapt them to any situation regardless of what is going on around you. Train in any martial arts style you like, but when it comes to self defense keep things simple.
Author : Matthew
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/The-K.I.S.S.-Principle-of-Martial-Arts/981178
Choosing The Best Martial Arts Style
For anyone who wants to learn a martial art, there is a lot to know in regards to the many different styles. Of course there is the question of finding the best martial art, which is a question a lot of people ask With so many martial arts styles to choose from, it can be very complicated to pick one to learn.
No matter you may hear or what others have to say, it is quite impossible to name one style of martial arts as the ultimate best. Actually, there are several factors that come into play, which makes a statement about a style being the best impossible. Even though one style may beat another in a competition or a fight, doesnt always mean that the winning style is the best.
Before deciding to rush out there and learn a martial art, there are several things that you should decide first. Martial arts are great to learn, no matter which style you decide on. A martial art can teach you self discipline, self defense, and several other traits that will help you no matter where you decide to go in life.
Self defense
All over the world, there are several martial arts schools and dojos that emphasize self defense a lot more than others. Schools that focus on kata, forms, or light sparring are less than likely to teach you what you need to protect yourself on the street. If you are looking for street self defense, then youll want a style that trains hard and doesnt let up.
Fitness
Even though martial arts can improve your fitness level, it isnt the goal behind a lot of the martial arts styles. Several styles, such as Tae Bo, are based purely on martial arts and doesnt include a lot of physical fitness training. If you are looking for fitness as your main goal, then you should be looking into something other than martial arts.
Fighting ability
This will vary among the many different martial arts styles. Self defense schools will most often take advantage of fighting skills, teaching you everything you need to survive. Most martial arts styles are slow in theory, teaching you kata, movements, and forms. Self defense schools on the other hand, teach you how to inflict the most amounts of damage in the least amount of time.
Competition
Competition based martial arts are all about winning trophies and showing the world your style of martial arts. The competition that you have chosen, will greatly impact your style of martial arts. Youll need to decide if you will be fighting or showcasing display kata, light or heavy contact, or focusing on grappling or striking.
Before you decide on a martial arts style, you should always research the schools and dojos in your area and see what all they offer you. The best schools will allow you to participate in a few free classes, or offer you discounts on your first few months. They will answer any questions that you have, and work with you to help you learn as much as you can.
Martial arts can be a very fun and exciting learning experience. There are hundreds of different martial arts styles out there, although you may be limited in choice, depending on what all is offered in your area. Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing, and Jiu-Jitsu and some of the most common types of martial arts, and normally offered just about everywhere. The more distinct styles, such as Kung Fu, Shootfighting, Kenpo, and Shaolin styles are a bit hard to harder to find.
If you do your homework on some of the styles that are offered in your area, youll find one that best fits your reasons to study. Martial arts can change your outlook on life - all you have to do it devote yourself to learning all you can about the philosophy of your martial art.
Author : Lazaro
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Choosing-The-Best-Martial-Arts-Style/733
No matter you may hear or what others have to say, it is quite impossible to name one style of martial arts as the ultimate best. Actually, there are several factors that come into play, which makes a statement about a style being the best impossible. Even though one style may beat another in a competition or a fight, doesnt always mean that the winning style is the best.
Before deciding to rush out there and learn a martial art, there are several things that you should decide first. Martial arts are great to learn, no matter which style you decide on. A martial art can teach you self discipline, self defense, and several other traits that will help you no matter where you decide to go in life.
Self defense
All over the world, there are several martial arts schools and dojos that emphasize self defense a lot more than others. Schools that focus on kata, forms, or light sparring are less than likely to teach you what you need to protect yourself on the street. If you are looking for street self defense, then youll want a style that trains hard and doesnt let up.
Fitness
Even though martial arts can improve your fitness level, it isnt the goal behind a lot of the martial arts styles. Several styles, such as Tae Bo, are based purely on martial arts and doesnt include a lot of physical fitness training. If you are looking for fitness as your main goal, then you should be looking into something other than martial arts.
Fighting ability
This will vary among the many different martial arts styles. Self defense schools will most often take advantage of fighting skills, teaching you everything you need to survive. Most martial arts styles are slow in theory, teaching you kata, movements, and forms. Self defense schools on the other hand, teach you how to inflict the most amounts of damage in the least amount of time.
Competition
Competition based martial arts are all about winning trophies and showing the world your style of martial arts. The competition that you have chosen, will greatly impact your style of martial arts. Youll need to decide if you will be fighting or showcasing display kata, light or heavy contact, or focusing on grappling or striking.
Before you decide on a martial arts style, you should always research the schools and dojos in your area and see what all they offer you. The best schools will allow you to participate in a few free classes, or offer you discounts on your first few months. They will answer any questions that you have, and work with you to help you learn as much as you can.
Martial arts can be a very fun and exciting learning experience. There are hundreds of different martial arts styles out there, although you may be limited in choice, depending on what all is offered in your area. Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Kickboxing, and Jiu-Jitsu and some of the most common types of martial arts, and normally offered just about everywhere. The more distinct styles, such as Kung Fu, Shootfighting, Kenpo, and Shaolin styles are a bit hard to harder to find.
If you do your homework on some of the styles that are offered in your area, youll find one that best fits your reasons to study. Martial arts can change your outlook on life - all you have to do it devote yourself to learning all you can about the philosophy of your martial art.
Author : Lazaro
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/Choosing-The-Best-Martial-Arts-Style/733
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)