Escrima and the Internet
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It is interesting to meet practitioners from different styles of escrima and learn their naming and numbering structure.We all seem to have common elements in our FMA style, although different guros may teach concepts from different perspectives. Whether you refer to your art in general terms like Arnis, Escrima, Kali, or something specific such as Serrada or Doce Pares, we are learning that, many times, we have more similarities than differences.We are all Filipino Martial Arts practitioners.
Back when I first started the Defensor Method in the mid 80’s at the University of Chicago, martial arts groups were less open to collaboration, and as such, we sometimes got caught up mixing western logic and eastern linguistics.We could really get off track years ago by talking about the differences in arnis and say, escrima. When I asked my instructor the difference between arnis, escrima etc. my instructor always said that there was not much difference in the names men gave to FMA, some of the words came from cultures that colonized the Philippines.When I first started in the Filipino Martial Arts, there were people that I would meet that were adamant as to how to describe their martial arts.
We are now deeply rooted in a digital age, and it is great to have the input of martial artists all over the world to get their input and perspectives different aspects of martial arts.MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter are allowing martial arts practitioners to network and are helping to bring our perspectives closer that we have so much in common.Online video sources can show that we are not too different at all.With the popularity of MMA, Jeet Kune Do, and many concepts based approaches to martial arts, it is quite common that practitioners train in arts that have strength in specific ranges.
We are also seeing greater access to international trade, which means that escrima practitioners have greater access to exotic kali sticks such as ironwood sticks and bahi sticks. Without access to popular FMA web sites and Google, you really couldn't find a place to buy cool hardwood kali sticks back in the 80's. Now, we only need to do an Internet search to find the best sources for Filipino Martial Arts Supplies.
Since the use of technology now assists martial artists to spread and share their martial styles globally, it may be the fastest current method of spreading martial knowledge in our global society!
Tai Chi Raises Your Energy Level
WELLNESS & LONGEVITY MOVEMENT
Many programs are offered through books, E-books, videos, DVDs, workshops, etc. on Tai chi but there is no comparison to learning from a real master over time. So much is missed when trying to model from these mediums.This instruction, typically, provides enhancement to the seasoned martial artist who is already familiar with the form and linking steps. Though, if this instruction is added to the training from a Tai chi master then results may be improved.Furthermore, avoiding serious injury will add to your enjoyment when you can learn correct Tai chi technique and discipline. I humbly encourage all to find out why and how to practice this art in order to truely receive life-sustaining benefits.
"From experience, I have learned that it is better to learn a few moves well rather than many superficially. The essence of tai chi can be found in just one move."
TAI CHI CHUAN
Pure Natural Energy & Healing From Within
Over time Tai Chi takes root and imbues youthfulness where once the hardness of aging withered all chances for longevity. The ancient art of tai chi softens the sinews as concentration on the "chi" rejuvenates the body, mind and spirit.
Dating back to the 14th century, Yang Style Tai Chi seeks health in moderation. Health and balance is achieved by forming body movements that are not extreme but gentle and cleansing. Yang style tai chi developed from Chen style tai chi which began in the 13th century. Wu, Hao and Sun style tai chi followed adding their valuable contributions to the internal martial arts in 1800s. These are the five main families where tai chi was cultivated.
"Life exists because qi is amassed, when qi is dispersed, one dies." -- Zhuang Zi, ancient Chinese philosopher
TAI CHI HEALTH BENEFITS
Tai Chi is an exercise program that uses a sequence of precise body movements, meditation, and synchronized breathing to improve health and well-being. Tai chi movements are designed to express the yin and yang components that are fundamental to Chinese medicine in a balanced and harmonious form. Like most moderate physical activities, tai chi can improve:
- stamina
- muscle tone
- agility
- flexibility
- strength
- pain alleviation
Breathing practices provide a meditative role in stress reduction.
Clinical studies show that tai chi is effective for:
- slowing bone loss in early postmenopausal women
- improved physical functioning in older women with osteoarthritis
- increases the range of motion in the lower limbs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
- improves aerobic capacity in sedentary adults
- reduced hypertension and lipid profile in hypertensive individuals
- improved sleep in elderly individuals
- significant improvement in symptom management and quality of life for patients suffering from chronic heart failure, fibromyalgia and breast cancer
The adept practitioner learns to receive the energy or "chi" from below, above and beside him or her. This experience is gratis while beneficial to the emotional state and a contributer to sustaining life. While the enterpretation of this phenomena is varied, nevertheless, the experience is greatly welcomed. Sifu Mark Hammer
Suggestions for Getting the Best Martial Arts Training – Attending Ninja Camps and Seminars
One of the many things that can stop someone with a heartfelt desire to study authentic martial arts under a qualified teacher is...
...the teacher or program is nowhere near where they live.
I can certainly relate to the distance that one must travel to get the training you want. I, for one, have always made it a point that, if I wanted something of value, I was willing to do whatever it took to get THAT thing. In the early days of my training in the martial art of Ninjutsu, I had to travel great distances, especially during my time with the US Army while stationed in such places as North Carolina and the then West Germany.
Many people find it difficult to believe that the closest that I ever found myself to my teacher's school was... 9 HOURS! That was, of course, driving one-way.
Now that I'm a tenth degree Black Belt, I do most of my training in Japan (which I am required to do once each year as a minimum). That means that I have to...
...drive 1 to 4 hours to an airport...
...fly (if it's non-stop) for 14 hours to Japan, and then...
...ride trains for about 2 hours or so to get to where I'm staying...
...BEFORE I can begin training.
And, where many of my students complain about spending hundreds of dollars on training - I spend THOUSANDS - EACH time I go for training!!!
Many of the prospective students who contact me for training are only one or two hour's drive from my academy. I have several other students who drive that, and farther - some as far away as Canada - on a regular basis. One of these students does this an average of once a week to do private training or seminars with me. That's not devotion, and it's not loyalty (he has access to other teachers much closer to him). That is, however; a man who is true to his desire to get what he needs to become the person that he wants to be!
As I see it, you have three choices (settling for getting "good-enough" training from a local school notwithstanding)...
You can...
1) Continue to wait for "someday"...
2) Watch for, and attend events like Camps, Seminars, perhaps augmenting that with videos, books, articles, and the like, deciding that you will at-least train at this level, or...
3) Do whatever you must to live true to yourself and take control of the only life you have. If you truly want the confidence, power, and control that comes from this art and philosophy that is out there...
... you must get the ball rolling. No one else can do it for you.
The choice, as always, is yours.
About the Author
Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and director of Warrior Concepts International in Sunbury, Pennsylvania. He hosts annual Spring and Fall Ninja Training Camps as well as a full schedule of seminars. Subscribe to his newsletter
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Suggestions for Getting the Best Martial Arts Training - Attending Ninja Camps and Seminars