Martial Arts

Archive for November, 2006

Martial arts equipment may exist to serve the different martial art styles in different ways. For instance, some may be geared toward safety, such as mouth guards or head gear. Other items may emphasize rank. Still other forms of gear are crucial practice elements for specific martial art variations.

Perhaps the most well-known of these variations is kendo. The term means, the “Way of the Sword.” Kendo is a modern martial art which is based upon traditional Japanese sword arts, or Kenjutsu.

Swordsmanship has been valued in Japan since before the Kamakura period (1185-1233.) This was the first samurai-dominated government. The military clans of that time were also largely interested in horse riding and archery.

During this same time period within Japan, Zen Buddhism was also growing. Zen philosophies and practices had already been introduced to the region centuries before through both Taoism and the Shinto religion. However, it was not introduced as a separate school until the 12th century.

Due to this, Zen Buddhism had a strong influence on kendo as the martial art developed. For instance, Buddhist philosophy would emphasize the fluidity of the concepts of life and death. This worked well with the warrior ideal of holding one’s own life below the importance of overall victory.

These samurai first established various schools of kenjutsu. Each of these schools had different focuses on the application of bladed martial arts equipment. For instance, the school of Itto-ryu emphasized the importance of an original and essential sword cut. The Muto expressed the concept that there was no sword outside of the mind.

It was during the Shotoku Era (1711-1715) that shinai and bogu were introduced to kenjutsu practice. Shinai are bamboo practice swords while bogu is the term for the protective armor.

Shinai were meant to represent the Katana, also called, “the samurai sword.” Rather than having the curved and slender, single-edged sword blade, a shinai is made up of four bamboo slats. These are fastened together with leather.

The bogu set consists of a helmet, breastplate, faulds and gauntlets. This armor works to protect specific target areas of the body. In addition to this specific protective gear, a jacket will be worn as well as a skirt-like garment. A cotton towel is also often used as extra padding beneath the stylized helmet, or men.

These different forms of martial arts equipment used in kenjustu were carried into the modern kendo. The form of kendo as it is known today began to surface in the late 1700s. The gear allows students to practice with full force thrusts and strikes without any risk of injury.

Martial arts involve a variety of movements that use different body parts as weapons. Bruce Lee was famous worldwide for his physical training and unique punching techniques. In 1968 Bruce’s education in martial arts continued when he started his journey into western boxing where he knocked out 3 straight boxers in the first round. Lee was one of the first martial artists to cross train not only in martial arts, but also in bodybuilding and other strength disciplines. Bruce believed that implementing conditioning exercises for endurance, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility would increase the power in his strikes. The combination of Asian Fighting Arts and Boxing is also known to offer many other benefits:

* Aerobic fitness
* Muscular Definition
* Stress Relief
* Mental Focus
* Explosiveness

Making a proper fist is key when you are first learning how to punch. Start by curling your fingers and tucking your fingertips against the middle of your palm. Resting your thumb over your fingers and keeping your wrists straight is a very important detail in power punching. When throwing a punch keep your hand in a relaxed position until the point of contact. After your hand connects with the target go back to the same relaxed position. Not only will you hit harder and faster by keeping your hand relaxed, you will also conserve more energy in case you need to throw multiple punches.

A great way to increase punching power is by using equipment like the punching bag and mitts. The heavy bag is the number one tool for adding power in your punch. When training for power, make sure that you protect your hands with proper gloves. Punching mitts are a high-speed way to learn how to punch harder and faster. Unlike the punching bag, mitts must be used with a training partner or coach. Your ability to punch harder will skyrocket with use of these combative tools. Using other drills and techniques can also improve the power in your punches. These include:

Plyometrics

Shadowboxing

Jump rope

Shoulder presses

Improving power punching techniques takes time and continuous repetition. Punching fundamentals should never be compromised. Power comes with speed and proper punching technique. If power is your goal, do not forget that developing proper form will help you reach your power destination. When training for punching power and using tools properly, you will develop muscle memory and build confidence so that when you need the power it will be there.