No one is more disciplined in the practice and application of martial arts than the Shaolin monks. Routines are practiced daily to not only train the external body, but also the internal chi as well.
In this video, Shoalin monk Wang Bo demonstrates a 7 minute internal exercise routine to strengthen both the mind and the body. Breathing synchronized with movement and technique improves both your external and internal energy.
If there is one martial art style out there that has perfected kicks, it has to be taekwondo. Taekwondo specializes in using a combination of strikes and kicks to disable opponents.
In this video, you will learn how to properly throw a front kick taekwondo style. It is important to lift and point the knee at your target and quickly snap your leg to perform the kick, then immediately return to your fighting stance to reset and prepare for a follow up attack.
Martial arts was originally developed to be used for combat and protection against potential threats such as bandits. During any combat situation, injury is always a possibility.
In order to reduce injuries and pain, many martial arts practitioners have discovered that using body hardening can reduce the risk of pain and enable you to continue fighting uninhibited. Body hardening, also known as iron body, can increase your resistance to pain and injury.
Check out the above video to learn a great iron leg training technique than can be used to strengthen the legs for combat.
When dealing with modern day altercations, gun and knife threats are a high possibility. Knowing techniques to deal with such situation can be life saving knowledge. Many martial arts disciplines have added knife and gun defense moves to deal with such situations.
One of the most popular martial arts that incorporate knife and gun defense techniques is Krav Maga. This Israeli martial art is known for its aggressive moves and weapons defense.
Check out the above video to learn a few techniques when dealing with an armed opponent.
Qi Gong has been used for centuries in the orient to increase health and longevity. Qi Gong is translated to mean “Life Energy Cultivation.”
The slow but intentional movements performed during a qi gong sessions help with the posture of the body, breathing, mindfulness, spirituality and also martial arts training.
Qi gong can be thought of as a combination of martial arts moves, stretches and meditation synchronized to breathing.
Check out the above video to see an excellent beginner warm up and qi gong routine.
The front choke is a technique used often during altercations. However, with a few moves and a little self defense knowledge, the front choke can be easily defended.
In order to do a front choke, both hands are required. This means that the hands of the attacker are occupied, while your hands are free to do some damage!
Not only are your hands free to throw various combinations of punches and elbows, but also your legs in case you decide to dish out a few kicks or knees to your opponent.
Check out the above video to find out a few Krav Maga defense tips for the front choke.
This video provides a great example of how to escape from the back choke hold, also known as a rear naked choke.
As soon as you feel the arm coming around from behind you, it is very important to close your chin. Do not let this hand get around your neck by bypassing the chin.
After your chin is down and neck protected, step to the side and grab their wrist at the same time.
Now you can strike to the groin to distract your opponent and loosen the choke grip. So, step to the side, grabbing the wrist, and hitting to the groin. Now as the opponent leans down, throw a sharp elbow up to the opponents head.
In the second scenario, it explains what to do if someone attempts to lift you off the ground with the back choke.
This makes it difficult to move to the side, so we take an alternative approach. First, as always, close your chin by leaning your head forward and using your chin to protect the neck. Grab your opponents arm with both hands. Now move one leg as if you where stepping, and with this same leg your going to kick to the opponents groin.
And those are two ways to escape from a back choke hold.
