Shaolin kung fu is known for its smooth and flashy movements in it’s combat system. The butterfly kick falls into this category. Although the butterfly kick may not be a practical self defense move in many situations, it still helps develop balance, coordination and flexibility.
This video shows the correct method to perform a Shaolin kung fu butterfly kick. This is a more advanced move and will take practice to master the technique correctly.
One of the best techniques to take down larger opponent is the hip throw. Instead of trying to use brute force to get your opponent to the ground, a hip toss allows you to use leverage and momentum to displace your opponent and send him flying to the floor.
In this video, you will learn a basic hip toss using the techniques of ninjutsu. Enjoy!
Before any martial training, warming up and stretches are highly important. It is essential to prepare the muscles and joints for the activity ahead. Karate is one of the most complete systems in martial arts, which includes many great warm ups and stretches.
The above video shows a great warm up used by karate practitioners. Try to coordinate breathing with movements and prepare the body for more intensive activity in martial arts training.
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.
Practicing qi gong is a great way to warm up the muscles and provide vital energy in the morning that will last throughout the day.
In this short qi gong routine, Master Shi Yan Lu demonstrates a special movements to not only provide energy, but also prepare the body for more intense martial arts training sessions.
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.
Stretching and warming up before training and high intensity activity is highly important to prevent injuries. Performing a basic warm up routine helps to loosen the muscles and joints, get your blood flowing, and prepares you for the upcoming activity.
Every style of martial arts have their own method to warm up before training. In this video, you will see a great warm up and stretch routine used in Shaolin kung fu. Enjoy!
Meditation has been used by many cultures around the world for centuries to improve mental fitness. Meditation can be seen as a form of prayer or mindfulness, where the mind is cleared and thoughts are either limited to goals or mantras.
In this video, Tibetan Buddhist master Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche guides you through a body, space and awareness meditation. This meditation will help you be fully present in the moment and increase mindfulness.
