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The martial arts are widely perceived in North America as a form of sport. Parents enroll children in karate classes to instill a sense of discipline. Adults train in martial arts to learn self-defense techniques. Many in the western world strive to obtain a black belt, thinking that this is the pinnacle of their training and education. In eastern countries, the martial arts are much more than sport. They are history, culture, philosophy, and respect.

The term “martial arts” is used as a general categorization of fighting systems that originated in ancient times. If you were to fully review martial arts, you would find a vast array of systems; each with its own set of techniques that have been perfected over the ages. For the most part, martial arts do not encourage the use of weapons in combat, though exceptions do exist.

In studying martial arts, you’ll find the earliest form originated in China more than 2500 years ago. Some philosophies hold that martial arts systems were adapted into various forms in Japan and other eastern countries. Another school of thought believes that these other countries developed their own original styles and systems of martial arts. Unfortunately, their origins were not well documented and therefore largely unknown.

Images of martial arts, as North Americans see them, were conjured up by Hollywood. Filmmakers will have us believe that martial arts are part of the Oriental mystique, and that kung fu, judo, karate and tae kwon do belong exclusively to the Oriental countries. In reality, nothing could be further from the truth.

Martial arts have evolved from countries around the globe. For every person practicing tae kwon do, there is someone doing a French form of kickboxing called “savate”. For every Judo, there is a sambo.

Through the centuries, people the world over have developed a range of martial arts systems. While each is distinct in its own way, there are many similarities. The primary function of martial arts is a means of effective self-defense during combat. Watch a martial arts performer, and you will often see a blur of arms and legs. But true martial artists don’t just flail around to punch and kick. They use their bodies to execute single or multiple pre-choreographed movements that have been perfected over time. When executed properly, these moves can be lethal weapons in their own right.

Practicing martial arts, in any of its forms, requires a high degree of skill. The routines and techniques that students perfect over the years form a fighting vocabulary. Students with larger vocabularies become more highly skilled fighters. Each routine takes a great deal of time to perfect, and true martial artists have a large repertoire to choose from. In times of need, the skill of the artist depends on his or her ability to use the right technique at the appropriate time.

Of course, there is more to martial arts than the perfect execution of movement. Martial arts were created for use in combat. Serious combat. For this reason, success at martial arts means training and using your mind, as well as your body. Invariably, every form of martial arts is characterized by a very conscious application of force, utilized to achieve maximum effect.

Learning karate, or judo, or tae kwon do is one thing. Studying the martial arts is something altogether different. If you wish to be a true student of the martial arts, you must concentrate with your mind while you perform with your body.
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Martial arts are systems of offensive and defensive combat movements which includes proper punching, kicking, blocking, and other combative skills. Many people often associate martial arts to violence and brutality. Even though this form of art was developed for self defense, this craft is just about throwing punches or performing high kicks. Martial arts are seen as expressions of valor, chivalry, and self-sacrifice. It is a philosophy which stresses that people should live in peace and harmony. Martial arts philosophy emphasizes on the essence of self-control, respect for others, and positive perspective to strive for the best in life. Martial arts are part of an Eastern tradition that gives emphasis on the fortification of the mind, body, and spirit. Its teachings emphasize that a true martial artist must become physically, mentally, and emotionally strong enough to avoid fighting. The many forms of martial arts include Karate, Kung-Fu, Muay Thai, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, Yaw-Yan, and Jiu Jitsu.

Martial arts include high-energy training that can improve strength, speed, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. However, just like other sports or physical activities, there are injuries that can be encountered in martial arts training or competition. Quite surprisingly, the risk of injury from martial arts is lower compared to other contact sports. A research conducted at George Washington University in the United States concluded that the injury rate in martial arts training is lower than other contact sports like rugby, American football, basketball, and hockey. Most injuries associated with martial arts are aching limbs and lower back pain, which are usually mild to moderate injuries.

Common injuries in martial arts may include:

· Skin damage — such as cuts and bruises.

· Sprains — Many sprains occur in the ankles, elbows, and other joint areas. Many ankle sprains develop because of improper weight distribution while kicking.

· Strains — injury to the muscle or tendon. Some muscles may tear from rapid stops that occurs when forceful contact is made with an opponent or object.

· Knee pain injuries — caused by the bent-knee stance typical of most martial arts and the use of forceful kicks that can injure the joint if not done properly.

· Head injuries – head injuries can occur during training or competition because of heavy impacts of kicks and punches in the head area. Wearing high quality helmet and mouth guards is advised among martial artists

· Dislocations and fractures — particularly of the hand, finger, foot and toe.

· Overuse injuries — any part of the body can be injured by sheer repetition of movement.

Martial arts training involve strenuous movements that may put high stress on muscles and joints. To avoid injuries, it is very important to give special attention to stretching. Stretching regularly helps maintain or increase flexibility and lower the risk of injuries. In addition to stretching, martial arts training should also include exercises meant to improve overall conditioning and muscle training before undertaking any comprehensive martial arts training. By strengthening the muscles, joints, and coordination, athletes will be able to make martial arts training safer and more injury-free. Breathing techniques are also important as part of the practice of martial arts. Exhaling while contracting muscles and inhaling while resting the muscles may help prevent injuries.

By warming-up properly, breathing extensively, and wearing necessary equipment, martial artists and athletes can avoid injuries that may hamper the progress of their training and level of competitiveness.

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Whether you’re taking karate, judo, taekwondo, or some other form of martial arts, you might feel overwhelmed when it comes to buying martial arts supplies and uniforms. There are many items you’ll need to get started, but there are also many supplies you won’t need right away. If you’re not careful, you’ll overspend and buy unnecessary items. Here are some tips on how and where to buy martial arts supplies.

Buying Martial Arts Uniforms

Karate, judo, taekwondo, jujutsu, and other types of uniforms are usually available at many martial arts schools. Unfortunately, even if your school does sell uniforms, the choices might be limited. Many schools only carry certain brand names, and often have limited sizes or styles. These styles are likely designed to meet the school’s requirements, but this doesn’t mean you can’t shop around at other sources. If you need a special size or design because of your body’s build, then feel free to shop around at local stores that sell martial arts supplies or you can shop online. There are also many choices for both men and women.

Before shopping for martial arts uniforms, know what you’re looking for and what your school requires in a uniform. Know your precise size measurements to ensure comfort during training and practice. Also, become familiar with the terminology associated with martial arts. For example, the words “karategi” or “gi” are common words used for karate uniforms and are of Japanese origin. The word “judogi” means judo uniform. The word “obi” means training uniform belt. A “dobok” or “do bohk” is a uniform worn by martial arts practitioners. Knowing these terms can be useful when searching for martial arts supplies online.

Some companies will also provide martial arts embroidery, patches, crests, or badges for personalization of your uniform.

Beware of Low Quality Uniform Material

A martial arts uniform must be flexible, but also very durable because you will be moving around quite a bit. Choose material that allows you to move and breathe. Make sure the uniform has reinforced stitching and medium-to-heavy material to prevent rips during your training. You are more likely to find lower prices (but also lower quality material) at a local chain store than at a martial arts specialty shop. If you must spend less, check online martial arts stores first. Online retailers often carry quality brand names at lower prices, such as Arawaza, Tokaid, BudoNord, and others.

You can also buy used items through consignment shops, online auctions, and so forth. But again, beware of low quality items or overly used uniforms. The material might be worn or stretched if it has been used often. On the other hand, a person who took a class and quit after the first few lessons might offer you a “like-new” uniform at a very low price!

Buying Other Martial Arts Supplies

If you’re just getting started with a martial arts class, only buy the basic necessities for starters. Ask your instructor to provide a list of what you’ll need as a beginner. You should be able to test the waters to see if you will enjoy learning martial arts without spending a fortune. Get the necessary protective equipment as needed for certain training – you might not need it all at once. Protective gear includes head gear (with face cage), fist protectors, foot mitts, ankle braces, shin and instep guards, knee guards, male or female groin guards, armor, female chest guards, and gum protection.

Along with your uniform, you might need martial arts shoes and workout clothes including workout pants, sweatshirts, or tank tops. These items can be found online easily using keyword searches through the search engines or by visiting a website that sells martial arts supplies. Brand names such as Arawaza, Tokaido, BudoNord, and many others can often be found at one website so you can easily shop for your uniform and accessories at one place.

Shop around and gather information through online research or by asking your instructor before buying martial arts supplies. This can save you time and money as you prepare for your new sport!
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“To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the highest skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the highest skill.” — Sun Tzu, The Art of War

A lot has been said about martial arts. There’s a lot punching, kicking, and wrestling involved — all considered as systems and tools of brutal force. This notion or preconceptions about the martial arts were developed, in a large measure, due to films and movies that depicted the combative arts as a means of inflicting violence. But in reality, the true aim of martial arts is quite exactly the opposite. At the core of every fighting philosophy are the values of valor, chivalry, nobility, self-control, and self-sacrifice. This art form is not just about fighting, combat, or self-defense. Martial arts philosophy stresses that people should live in peace and harmony. It also emphasizes respect for self and others, compassion, and a high regard for physical and moral excellence. In its purest form, the martial arts is practiced to achieve strength and enlightenment of the mind, body, and spirit.

For thousands of years, different people from different cultures have practiced and propagated their own system of martial arts. These unique forms of self-defense and philosophies include the following:

· Karate (empty hand)

· Muay Thai (Thai boxing or kick-boxing)

· Tae Kwon Do (foot hand way)

· Wing Chun (forever spring)

· Silat (to fend off)

· Aikido (the way of harmonious spirit)

· Judo (gentle, soft way)

· Yaw-yan (dance of death)

· Jeet Kune Do (way of the intercepting fist)

· Jiu-jitsu (the soft, pliable method)

Spiritual Benefits

True achievement in martial arts is not gaining the force and skill to smash bricks, cement blocks, baseball bats, and blocks of ice. Neither is it the privilege of wearing different colors of belts nor the prestige of winning sparring championship titles or tournament trophies. The real value of martial arts is in helping individuals harness their natural physical strength and innate goodness of character.

The power within— the elevation of the spirit and the mind. The spiritual side of the martial arts is not religious in any sense but more closely related to the practice of ethics and philosophy. Spirituality in the martial arts is manifested in several training methods and techniques which includes breathing and relaxation drills. According to experts, these drills may help reduce stress and anxiety. Engaging in martial arts also helps people in their battle against emotional, physical, and mental stress and ailments. The deep breathing exercises, similar to the techniques of yoga, produce a calming effect on a martial artist. The inhalation of oxygen and the concentration involved in meditative execution of martial arts routines serve to relax the body and provide “stillness” in the mind during practice. In many martial arts schools, the promotion not only centers of the defensive aspects but also for the benefits of martial arts in coping with anxiety. Long-time martial arts practitioners attest that physical training has helped them deal with depression, insomnia, high blood pressure, and other related illness. To some degree, one can even “shout away” both stress and anxiety during a punching or kicking exercise.

Mental Benefits

Today, martial arts therapy is used as an unconventional treatment for children or adults with social anxiety disorders. Also known as social phobia, this condition refers to excessive, long-lasting anxiety due to various fears, worries and apprehensions. In general, people with social anxiety disorder have an intense fear of being judged or ridiculed by others. People with this condition may often be found in isolation or may only have very few friends. Through martial arts training, people with anxieties may be taught to improve their social skills at the same time as they learn self-defense. These individuals are also taught to develop self-respect and respect for others. By attending self-defense classes, people with anxieties slowly gain confidence and develop healthy relationships with other people in and outside the class. Regular martial arts practice not only provides skills in self-defense. More importantly, it restores or improves the self-image of the practitioner.

Some precautions in practicing martial arts

In general, the martial arts is an excellent means to achieve physical fitness and spiritual health. But if it is practiced carelessly or without proper instruction, the physical activities and routines involved in martial arts training may cause harm or injury. Certain very strenuous movements may put a high stress on the muscles and joints. It is also very important to give special attention to stretching. Stretching regularly to maintain or increase flexibility helps lower the risk of injuries.

Indeed, the martial arts has a deep meaning and philosophy. It is a centuries-old way of training a fighter — how not to fight, which is a paradox in the art and science of combat. These days, it is now one of the most popular means to attain physical health and to control stress and anxiety. But just like everything else in life, martial arts can be used either for good or for bad. For the serious practitioner, determining the proper and safe ways of training is as important as gaining the true, philosophical aims of the martial arts.
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Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal won Wimbledon this past Saturday.  The scores were 6-3, 6-2 and 6-3, 7-5, 6-4, respectively, making it Williams’ 4th Wimbledon win and Nadal’s 2nd.

No one was really surprised by either win, thanks to the sheer athleticism, power, and track record of both players.  But EVERYONE was dumbfounded by the match that began Tuesday, June 22, 2010 and finally ended Thursday, June 24, 2010.

When it was all said and done, American John Isner finally beat French player Nicolas Mahut after 11 hours and 5 minutes spread over 2 days.  The score came to 6-4, 3-6, 6-7, 7-6 and 70-68!

That’s a total of 183 games played!!!

I think there’s a lot we can learn from John Isner and his glorious win.  And you know I can relate it to a low fat raw food diet somehow!

*#1: Game Plan*

If you want to be a professional/expert in any field, you have to have a game plan.

In tennis, the goal is simple: WIN!  But you must have a PLAN for winning.  You have to know when it’s the right time to serve big, to hit cross court, to slice, etc.   You also have to know your own limitations.

And this plan will change based upon the opponent and the playing conditions (whether you’re playing on clay or grass, if it’s windy outside, etc.), not to mention the physical and mental condition of the athlete himself/herself.

Raw Food Related

When going raw, the game plan also seems simple: stay raw!  But the details vary from person to person:

What are my favorite fruits and greens?
How much fruit do I need each day?
Am I ready to give up salt?
Do I want to go 100% raw?

All of these questions and more should be answered in your raw game plan.  And it may even change depending upon the given situation, i.e. when you’re traveling, at a restaurant, etc.

It all depends upon you and the dietary goals you set for yourself.

*#2: Focus*

In order to stick to his game plan and win the match, Isner had to be incredibly focused.

If he wasn’t, he would have been so easily distracted.  There’s the large and looming crowd, the cameras, the commentators.  It’s enough to make anyone lose their concentration and forget all about their game plan!

Raw Food Related

When going raw, you have to be focused too!

Sure, it’s pretty easy to stay raw when you’re in the comforts of your own home.  It isn’t quite the same when you’re out and about, attending lunch and learns, going out to eat with friends, visiting family members during the food-frenzied holidays, etc.

That’s when you have to bring your A-game and stay super focused on the game plan you created for yourself.  A little index card with your raw reasons printed on it and slipped into your back pocket/purse to refer to is a big help here.

*#3: Action*

There’s a reason athletes of all kinds play their sport of choice for multiple hours a day.  This is how you put both your game plan and your mental focus into action and really hone your skills.

Not only that, but you start to form habits.  Before the athlete knows it, he no longer has to think about watching the ball hit the racket or pronating when he serves.  It becomes automatic.

Raw Food Related

When going raw, you actually have to GO RAW!  I say that in all seriousness because so many people become inactive because of information overload.  They read books upon books upon books about going raw, but just never get around to actually deciding on a program and doing it.

You can have all the knowledge about raw foods in the world, but it won’t mean diddly squat if you don’t actually put it to good use.

If you want to go raw, you have to take that first step.  And it can be as tiny or as giant as you like.  You may even find after giving a raw food diet a go that you need to adjust your game plan.

For instance, maybe you set the bar high with a plan to go 100% low fat raw vegan without any salt, spices, or condiments of any kind.  After a few days, you realize this is a bit unrealistic for you and your current lifestyle so you decide to cut back to a 75% low fat raw vegan diet instead.

Once you stick to a game plan consistently for a bit of time, it will get easier and easier.  Making a big banana smoothie for lunch or having your favorite juicy fruit followed by greens for dinner will just be automatic.

*Let’s Recap*

If you want to be a successful raw foodist, you have to:

Set a raw game plan you can stick to
Stay focused on your game plan
Put your game plan and focus into practice

We can’t all be tenacious tennis champs, but we can ALL be radiant raw foodists!

Go raw and be fit,

Swayze

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For more information on the best raw vegan diet, be sure to visit www.fitonraw.com and subscribe to Swayze’s newsletter Peachy Keen Ezine. By subscribing, you will also receive the free report The 4 Principles of a Healthy Raw Diet as well as the 5-week mini-course The Fool Proof Transition to Raw.
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