How many people here practice Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu and what experiences have you made so far? Is it a martial art you would recomment and, if so, why? Also, can somebody explain to me the semnatic difference between Bujinkan and Ninjutsu? I've been looking for the "right" martial art for myself for years, and Bujinkan looks interesting. I'd like to learn a feasible form of self defence, no fancy kicks but something that actually works, in case I ever need it (which I hope I won't).Any input is welcome. Thank you!

Me again =] Recently, I've found myself looking down whilst training, a habit which I'd managed to get out of after about a year of training. It seems to have resurfaced, however, probably due to slack training in the holidays I think (I keep watching my feet when I train on the beach, as I lose my footing a lot, and I train there a lot more in the hols). Sometimes I end up with my head down at the end of the technique, and sometimes it's a look down quickly in the middle of the technique. Does anyone have any ways of getting out of this, other than the time old pick-a-spot-on-the-wall(-and-glare-at-it-til-your-stare-burns-a-hole)? Thanks, and thank you to everyone who commented on my last post.x-posted to girlfighters 

I'm very proud to present the first in a series of trailers from LovioWingChun.com to see if there would be any interest in a series of teaching DVDs.Most of it is improvised and all of it was filmed in real time. I would be very interested to hear people's impressions and opinions, or any questions anyone might have.

Hi, sorta new member here. I was a member here with a different account, but switched accounts fairly recently. I was wondering how people practise kata at home. I tend to go through kata in order once each (only know seven, so It's not like I'm going through every Shukokai kata ever taught) then go through them slowly, checking for correct form, then go through them each a couple of more times at proper speed. Alternatively, if I've just learnt a new kata or two, and I'm not so confident with them, I go through kata once, then focus on the new kata. Same for if I'm struggling with a particular kata, or I've been told to work on/correct something, or if I've got a grading coming up, when I'll practise the grading kata more than the others. Anyone else do the same, or have different methods of training kata at home? crossposted to girlfighters 

November 8,9 11 am-5 pm, ManhattanCome join Kiai Master Song Park for a practice session of Kiai Chi Gong's 8 Foundations. Kiai Chi Gong is a simple system of self-healing exercises that combine movement, body positions and stances, breathing, and sound based on Oriental Medicine and Kiai Jitsu Theory. The exercises are grouped to open all parts of our body while moving in the six directions.  In 8 Foundations all the primary vowels are used in order to activate and harmonize all the energies and elements of our body.http://www.placeofclarity.com/events/Song/Song_Nov2008.htm

I'm already researching the Christmas present I want to give my boyfriend. I really would like to get him a judo gi. However, I've noticed sizing is a problem. He's tall (6'3") but weighs 170lbs with a long torso. He complains his current gi top isn't long enough. Any recommendations on whether or not to base the size on height or weight, and is it possible to have a gi altered or tailored? I feel like if I would get him one based on height, he'd be swimming in it. Also, great recommendations for a judo gi brand/website to purchase is great. I would prefer to spend around $120, but know gi's usually run more. I don't want to get a poor quality gi, but cannot afford anything more than $150 (my limit would be around $170, if free shipping is included).Additionally, what other items do you think are essential for a judoka to have in their judo bag? Tape, etc- stocking stuffer ideas.Thank you so much for any help you offer!

Hey People, I just downloaded Stacey Nemour's new instructional DVDs from these widget on her site. They're awesome!!!Secrets of Splits & Flexibility: “Preparing your mind and body to perform at its optimum level is fundamental to any sport. I produced ‘Secrets of Splits & Flexibility’ to help renowned martial artists and world-class athletes reach their full potential and achieve the success they desire. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, young or old, these exercises will help and challenge you. They will give you a firm foundation as you embark on your journey to be "the best that you can be."Anytime, Anywhere Kung-Fu: “In this DVD, I will show you the fundamental skills to develop a solid foundation to build on, including stance work, punching, and kicking techniques. To further refine your skills, I incorporate punching with light weights and kicking drills to lock in proper technique, while increasing your strength and fitness. I round off the workout with a short, but effective meditation. From start to finish, you will find it challenging and rewarding.You can share this with your friends too!! Just grab the code from the widget itself (below).Hope you likey!!! I'll let you know if I find any more cool DVDs for download...SS :~)

Hey People, I just downloaded Stacey Nemour's new instructional DVDS from these widget on her site. They're awesome!!!Secrets of Splits & Flexibility: “Preparing your mind and body to perform at its optimum level is fundamental to any sport. I produced ‘Secrets of Splits & Flexibility’ to help renowned martial artists and world-class athletes reach their full potential and achieve the success they desire. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, young or old, these exercises will help and challenge you. They will give you a firm foundation as you embark on your journey to be "the best that you can be."Anytime, Anywhere Kung-Fu: “In this DVD, I will show you the fundamental skills to develop a solid foundation to build on, including stance work, punching, and kicking techniques. To further refine your skills, I incorporate punching with light weights and kicking drills to lock in proper technique, while increasing your strength and fitness. I round off the workout with a short, but effective meditation. From start to finish, you will find it challenging and rewarding.You can share this with your friends too!! Just grab the code from the widget itself (below).Hope you likey!!! I'll let you know if I find any more cool DVDs for download....Any suggestions from you????SS :~)

Kiai Jitsu Sound Healing Saturday, Sunday, November 8,9, 12am-6pm, $77 per dayIn this workshop Master Park will present simple techniques of using sound to unblock elemental energies, purge negative energy, release emotional blockages, balance, direct and regulate different functional systems. It includes movement, massage and self-massage, visualization techniques, stances, breathing exercises and specific sounds that are whispered, chanted or sung. In result one can experience simple and powerful ways of maintaining good health and building up energetic strength and capacity.more info: www.placeofclarity.com

Reading some notes on dangerous or harmful exercises at the weekend, i came across the following statement (actually, my wife pointed it out) :"Repeatedly rising on the toes and heels may weaken the long arches of the feet. "I've never heard this before.  There wasn't any other explanation given, so i'm not sure exactly what they mean by rising on the toes and heels, but rising on the balls of the feet (ie tip toe) is definitely something that features in warmups and exercises i use.  I couldn't find anything more about it on the web this morning, other than a copy of the same notes.Does anybody here know anything more about this point?

xposted to girlfighters, apologies :)Greetings all :)I just started Kali, which I've wanted to do for ages, but have been considering another empty hand style as well (I know Kali trains empty hand too). I was looking at TKD, hapkido, JKD, or ninjutsu, but am a bit wary because I very nearly blew a knee this year and don't want to risk actually ripping it up since the recovery process has been long. For that reason I'm assuming TKD wouldn't be my best option, but how would the other three styles compare? i.e. - which would have the least risk of injury to knees?On a slightly different note... I'm not TOO big on grappling/throws, though I know they're a component of all three, so how do the three MMAs compare in that regard?Hmm, this might be a bit of a conundrum, come to think of it, but let's see...Thanks :)

I just ordered some nunchaku and I'am super happy. It's my first pair on non-safety chucks. They're demostration/competition chucks from Matt Emig Products. I'll admit, when they came in the mail they seem a little small I'll admit. I'm used to bigger chucks that I've borrowed. Boy are these fast and cool. They are incredibly light weight and durable for the kinds of mess ups I've been making. lolI would post a picture if I had a camera I love them so much. I picked the purple color cause it's one of my favorite colors and I hoped not alot of people go for that color.I recommend them to anybody who doesn't have their own pair yet.

Hello,I was wondering if anyone knows rules and qualification standards for blind judo. A friend saw a match on YT, and suggested that I should start using my disability to my advantage (I'm legally blind, with a bit under 20/600 on my good eye, but for correction I use graded contacts so I can still practice judo), but I know nothing of it and I don't even know if I qualify for it (as my defect, unreversible as it is, can be temporarily solved with contacts and glasses). I haven't asked my sensei, because he's away in Beijing (coincidentally coaching another blind judoka), and nobody I've asked knows. I live in Mexico but I know the standards for qualification are universal, so I supposed asking here was a good start.

I'm an Olympics junkie, I admit it. I watch it faithfully every year. I have my favorite events (gymnastics, figure skating) but also find myself watching many things I never watch at any other time (diving, swimming, speed skating, and...

Respect is an issue that comes up quite a bit in martial arts (I sometimes feel it comes up far too little in other areas of life). It's a tricky question at times, and to some extent truly is cultural....

There are few things more frustrating to an instructor than a student who won't work. It's even worse when that person has natural abilities, because you see what they could become with a little more effort. If that person talks...

As in, I don't think I am. I'm pouting today. I have a pulled or torn bicep, it hurts and it sucks. I don't heal as quickly as I once did, I injure more readily, and it's taken way longer...

All this time without a post, and I'm sure most people think I've disappeared somewhere. Quit karate, maybe, after becoming a mom, like so many people do. Well I haven't, but I do have newfound respect for all those people,...