Friday, August 29, 2008

Fortune Cookie...



One must be available, alert, active, and adaptable

....this is so true

The Art-Full Samurai












Here is some cool alternative Samurai artwork. Some are drawings and some a cartoon-ish. Either way there definitely interesting.


Monday, August 25, 2008

Don't Be A Scaredy-Cat



Come to find that majority of the people that want to, or are interested in practicing in the Martial Arts, or at least giving it a try seem to be hesitant (scared).

Some reasons for this might include:

1. Some feel they are physically not in shape to train in the Martial Arts

2. Some don't have the time or energy to get out and train


3. Some don't know anything about Martial Arts and would feel embarrassed if they where to train with other experienced student


4. Some may not know of any good credible Martial Arts schools in their area


5. Some think that the Martial Arts is all about fighting and nothing else, and they are
unaware of the physical and emotional benefits that the Martial Arts has to offer.

I would like to take a minute and bring light to some of these reasons (excuses) that people may have for not training in the Martial Arts

Response to #1:
If someone feels they are not physically in shape enough to engage in Martial Arts training i would respond with: You don't need to be in world class shape to train, anyone has the ability to engage on some level and train in the Martial Arts. Also training in Martial Arts gives you the physical ability and tools to get into shape and stay in shape.

Response to #2:
If someone feels that they don't have the time and or energy to train in the Martial Arts i would respond with: Training at Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy has it's advantages; this is because we offer a wide selection of styles that are offered throughout the week days and at different times throughout the evening day. So if you could only fit in a a couple hours a week of training and typically towards the later part of the evening then you might want to consider our Art Of Combat Fighting System and or Traditional Japanese Ninjutsu. Also Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy offers private lessons to suite anyones needs and or schedule. (call for pricing 607-729-4826)

Response to #3:
If someone feels that they would be embarressed training with other highly skilled or more experienced students my response would be: Once again to consider private lessons at Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy, where the student can learn one on one instruction at their own comfortable speed and pace. Also in general, training at Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy is fun no matter what your skill level is. We have students that are beginners all the way up to World Champion Black Belts and at Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy we do not judge the ability of fellow students. Garunteed you are not alone in your worries of feeling embarrassed. But with continuous training you will see and feel yourself getting better, stronger and more confident after every class.

Response to #4:
For someone that feels they don't know where to start in regards to which school to begin training at my response would be: look on the internet (Google & Yahoo) for local Martial Arts Schools in your area. But if you live in the Broome County area and find yourself not knowing where to start, Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy is perfect for you! We have programs for everyone and anyone, and also are the ONLY Martial Arts School In Broome County to be officially certified to teach Traditional Japapnese Ninjutsu. We are also the only officially certified Martial Arts school in New York State to teach the Art Of Combat Fighting System. We also are great with children and offer Tiny Tigers Karate which helps with children's confidence and concentration. We also offer Aerobic Kickboxing. Which is where you can learn self defense techniques and get into shape all while having fun. We have credentials and experience in training past World Class Champions and also World Class People!

Response to #5:
For someone thinking that Martial Arts is all about fighting and defending yourself my response would be: This is not true at all! Martial Arts is a way of life. From the way you train, to the way you think, to the way you handle yourself with the outside world, to how you treat people and how you all around live your life. Yes you will learn how to defend yourself if you ever need to for any reason. However at Triple Cities Martial Arts we do not just teach our students to fight. We train them to become better people within their family, society and succeed later in life. Training at Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy you get both physical and emotional benefits.
Improved Reflexes and Coordination which increases your performance in all physical activities.

Physical Benefits
  • Increased Strength and Stamina, boosts energy so you feel great all day
  • Increased Flexibility & Weight Control for better overall fitness
  • Great Cardiovascular Work Out keeps you in good shape physically.
Mental Benefits
  • Improved Concentration for better work and study habits
  • Stress Reduction & Increased Levels of Relaxation for a longer, healthier life
  • The Peace of Mind that comes from knowing that you are able to Protect Yourself & Your Family
  • Increased Self Confidence & Self Discipline to develop a positive attitude toward life.
.....So if you found yourself using these reasons for not training in Martial Arts.....well now you cant (lol). Seriously though i just hope to shed some light on what Martial Arts can do for people of all types, abilities and ages. Also letting you know what Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy can offer you and how it is the best place to consider starting your training.

For information about classes, enrollment and pricing please contact Instructor Rick Henderson:
(607) 729-4826
3CitiesMartialArts@Gmail.com

AND CHECK OUT THE TRIPLE CITIES MARTIAL ARTS WEBSITE:
www.3CitiesMartialArts.com

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Shout Outs..




I would like to take some time out and shout out a few other Martial Arts related web communities for 2 reasons:

  1. To let people be aware of other people who are trying to create a Martial Arts internet "together-ness" (yea i may have made this word up) like i am trying to do.
  2. Because I get inspiration from these forums/blogs and would like to give credit to them. they all do a great job!

Forums:


  1. http://www.martialartsplanet.com/
  2. http://www.karateforums.com/
  3. http://www.budoseek.net/vbulletin/index.php

Blogs:

  1. http://www.martialdevelopment.com/blog/
  2. http://www.martialviews.com/

If any other Martial Arts themed/related blogs, sites or forums would like to be added to this list, please email me at 3CitiesMartialArts@Gmail.com and i will review your forum/blog/site and add to this list.

Cops nab "Ninja" vigilantes



Two “modern day Ninjas” calling themselves Shinobi Warriors on a quest to rid the area of drug users and drug dealers have been put out of business by police. Officer before dawn yesterday approached a car parked in the left lane of Route 46 east and found two Clifton men dressed in black claiming to be Ninjas. The men were wearing tactical vests and armed with knives in sheaths at their waists along with Ninja throwing knives, Chinese throwing stars, four-pointed tacks, swords, bows and arrows and nunchucks, said Detective Capt. Robert Rowan. Jesse Trojaniak, 19, and Tadieusz Tertkiewicz, 20, told police they were “modern day Ninjas” also called Shinobi Warriors on their way to deliver warning letters to known drug dealers and drug users to stop their “impure” activities. They told police they planned to leave the letters on the front doors of these individuals they had singled out. Their weapons, Rowan said, were to be a precaution in case they were confronted by the drug dealers. The letters warned drug users and drug dealers that the “Shinobi will stop your cruel and sadistic intentions with justified yet, merciful force.”

Visit this link for more details on this story

I guess its good to see civilians trying to pick up where local law enforcement leaves off or dosent concern themselves with, however i don't necessarily agree with this approach.

1. They wont be taken seriously
2. It's EXTREMELY dangerous
3. It's not even really about being "Ninjas".....They don't understand the true concerns & ways of a legit Ninja......but once again that just my opinion

.........What do You guys think?????


(CLICK HERE) to visit the Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy Website To Find Out What REAL Ninjutsu Is All About, and Enroll In Classes. (Johnson City, NY)

Cuba Banned For Kicking Ref



Beijing Olympics

BEIJING—A Cuban taekwondo athlete and his coach were banned for life after Angel Matos kicked the referee in the face following his bronze-medal match disqualification.

Matos was winning 3-2, with 1:02 in the second round, when he fell to the mat after being hit by his opponent, Kazakhstan’s Arman Chilmanov. He was sitting there, awaiting medical attention, when he was disqualified for taking too much injury time. Fighters get one minute, and Matos was disqualified when his time ran out.

Matos angrily questioned the call, pushed a judge, then pushed and kicked referee Chakir Chelbat of Sweden. Matos then spat on the floor and was escorted out.“He was too strict,” Gonzalez said, referring to the decision to disqualify Matos. Afterward, he charged the match was fixed, accusing the Kazakhs of offering him money.

CLICK HERE For much more detailed information about this story.

This Olympics is becomming more and more controversial as time goes on. Not only with the recent Taekwondo crazy-ness but also the on going ref scandals for Olympic boxing (more on that later)


Friday, August 22, 2008

Krav Maga....



Krav Maga:
is an eclectic self-defense and military hand-to-hand combat system developed in Israel, and emphasizes maximum threat neutralization in a "real life" context. It came to prominence following its adoption by various Israeli Security Forces. The generic name in Hebrew means "close combat." It is not a sport, and there are no specific uniforms, attire or competitions, although some organizations recognise progress through training with rank badges and different levels.

The guiding principles for those performing Krav Maga techniques are:

  • Do not get hurt
  • Neutralize your attacker as fast as possible
  • Go from defending to attacking as quickly as possible
  • Use the body's natural reflexes
  • Strike at any vulnerable point
  • Use any tool or object available to you
Krav Maga is a Martial Arts Style Very Similar To The Art Of Combat Fighting System, In That It Highlights Real Life Self Defense Situations And Practices Weaponry Tactics As Well......Visit Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy To Find Out More Info On The Art Of Combat Fighting System and How To Enroll In Class And Begin Training. (Johnson City, NY)

www.3CitiesMartialArts.com/ArtOfCombat

Below is a 5 part video collection of Krav Maga, showcased by the TV show Human Weapon.

PART1


PART 2


PART 3


PART 4


PART 5


Olympic Controversy...



In a chaotic episode that might ultimately prove to be the tipping point to Olympic doom for Taekwondo, American two-time defending gold medalist Steven Lopez was eliminated from gold-medal contention on a controversial referee’s decision.Perez was furious after a string of events that began when Lopez – who hadn’t lost a match since 2002 – was docked one point in his quarterfinal match against Italy’s Mauro Sarmiento. A referee determined Lopez had used a “cut kick,” which is essentially kicking away an opponent’s blow below the waist. Perez maintained that Lopez had merely raised his left leg in defense on the foul, and Sarmiento had kicked into Lopez’s leg in an attempt to draw a point deduction.

Lopez’s lost point cut his 2-1 lead into a 1-1 tie in the third and final period of the match. He eventually lost in sudden-death overtime.

Click Here For a Much More Detail Regarding This Olympic Story

FYI........Google Banner



You know how Google.com has its google banner decorated every once in awhile for some sort of themed occasion? (Christmas, Halloween etc..) Well Today (August 21, 2008 at about 1:39Pm eastern pacific time) i saw that Google's Banner had a Martial Arts theme. (I'm assuming its in regards to the 2008 Olympics being in Beijing China and having Judo & Taekwondo)....Anyways i found it kinda cool and thought I would share with you all.



Thursday, August 21, 2008

2008 Beijing Summer Olympics Taekwondo


I Cant Hear You


Ok..I'd Like to start seeing some more "reader input" here on the blog. Dont be afraid to comment or even respond to a comment from some body else BTW that's what makes blogs so great. Plus the more opinions and comments i see the cooler this blog will get. It dosent have to be anything thought provoking (leave that up to me... lol) Just whatever you wanna say if just fine. So once again, anyone and everyone...lemme see those comments.

If you don't know how to comment look right underneath this post and you will see....a link that says "comments" right next to the little picture of the pencil....click the "comments" link and jott down a thought and or response.

Thanks, anything is welcomed and appreciated.....unless its mean and nasty then forget about it....lol....however constructive criticism is always welcomed.

.......P.S i know this picture is kinda horrible (i am a cat person myself, but its is kinda funny and goes along with this entry post.....LOL).....ENJOY!

Funny Karate Videos....LOL

Something Sure To Bring A Smile To Your Face



Reasons why you shouldn't pick a fight with a Ninja

Fight Science Ninjutsu:

Footage of the discovery channel's show Fight Science Highlighting Ninjutsu.



Visit Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy's Website For More Information If Your interested in practicing Ninjutsu and you live in the Broome County area of Upstate NY.

www.3CitiesMartialArts.com/Ninjutsu

Capoiera...



Capoeira
is a blend of martial arts, games, and dance originated in Brazil from the regions known as Bahia, Pernambuco, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and São Paulo, being created and developed by slaves brought from Africa. From the 16th to the 19th centuries, slaves were brought to Brazil from Africa by Portuguese explorers to work on Brazilian's sugar cane plantations.

Participants form a roda (circle) take turns playing instruments, singing, and sparring in pairs in the center of the circle. The game is marked by fluid acrobatic play, feints, and extensive use of groundwork, as well as sweeps, kicks, and headbutts. Less-frequently used techniques include elbow-strikes, slaps, punches, and body throws.

Some of you might remeber the movie "Only The Strong" in the mid 90's which highlighted Capoeira and was part of the brief Capoiera movement. Others (mostly tennagers) may remember a certain Tekkan video Game character by the name of "Eddy Gordo" who highlighted Capoeira in his fighting style, and also was my favorite character.



AMAZING!!!!!...(Qigong Update)

The Final Qigong Demonstration of John Chang: Indonesian acupuncturist and qigong master known as John Chang.

Using His "Chi" via Qigong this man ignites a newspaper on fire with his hands, Turns his skin into bulletproof, lights up a light bulb with his hand, and puts a chop stick through a dinner table.....i don't know about y'all but i believe this, i think achieving this state is possible with much practice and life devotion. The human body/mind is capable of so much power and we have not even begun to unlock it all.


FYI.......SAP Gear




SAP (or should I say $AP) point sparring gear is marketed to be top of the line and the best gear you can buy. Its Made in Italy and light weight, durable and very hard to find. They say they use special state of the art material within the gear, I personally have seen this gear up close and i must say it is very nice stuff, but at $90 a pop for head gear alone ($90 for hand & $90 for feet) this definitely is an expensive investment. But it does make a statement. (also comes in different color varieties)



Cane Masters

A brief update/Addition to my previous post regarding Martial Arts using the Cane.



Great for Seniors....

Check It Out!.....What Realy Happens During Brick Breaking

Geeeez





Martial Rx




Injuries are part of the martial journey.

Acupuncture, herbal remedies, bone setting (sekkotsu) and resuscitation skills
(kappo) were areas of knowledge held by the old-time masters of combat. Through the investigation of physiology, martial artists not only had a better understanding of healing, but also how to disrupt certain areas through atemi (vital strikes). But skeptics question the authenticity of Eastern holistic ways, in particular Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Indeed, the National Council Against Health Fraud (NCAHF) claims that of the 46 medical journals published by the Chinese Medical Association, not one is devoted to acupuncture or other TCM practices.

Still, while hurting people is relatively easy, it's healing that requires perhaps a higher calling, whether its through conventional medicine, alternative methods, or a combined approach as proposed by Andrew Weil who has authored several books on his "integrative medicine" theories. But it was Ben Franklin who probably had the best advice of all: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Martial Law: Believe It Or Not



These are apparently rules that certain towns enforce regarding the Martial Arts

.....These are REAL actually enforced laws



Peshtigo, Wisconsin: Citizens are not allowed to practice karate on any city sidewalk.

Cotton, Minnesota: Pants with hip pockets may not be worn when working out in any of the martial arts. (A hip pocket is considered to be the perfect place to hide a pint of liquor.)

Corry, Pennsylvania: No female wearing a nightgown is allowed to practice martial arts. A woman of any age must always get fully dressed before she can legally work out.

Austin, Oregon: Men may not teach karate or any other martial art while on a boat on the Sabbath.

Wedgworth, Alabama: No single, widowed or divorced woman may participate in any of the martial arts on Sunday. Also, any unattached female who takes part in such outlandish activities can be arrested and given a jail term.

Wheeler, Mississippi: Citizens are allowed to practice martial arts but may not strike a friend in jest - unless you first tell him you are just kidding around.

Pattonsburg, Missouri:
Citizens may not make silly and/or insulting faces at a man while he is practicing martial arts.

Acme, Louisiana: Citizens (children or adults) may not laugh out loud at a martial arts student going through their moves.

Boone, North Carolina: Martial artists may not practice on Sunday during the half-hour period before a church service.
Sutherland, Iowa: Playfully using a martial arts strike in a effort to remove a hat from the head of another is strictly prohibited.

Greenville, Delaware: No martial artists may place his arm around a woman without a good and lawful reason.

Bluff, Utah: Martial arts practitioners are banned from chewing tobacco while practicing.


.......I know RIDICULOUS!!.....But TRUE


LOL:The Foot, Fist Way

This is the trailer for The Foot Fist Way, a comedy movie about a tae kwon do instructor who would serve his community better if he were doing something other than teaching the martial arts.



Tai Chi









I know i am a little late with this also, but again....better late then never

On August 8, 2008, Beijing staged most the elaborate opening ceremony in Olympic history. 2008 Tai Chi performers played their form in perfect synchronicity. Enjoy these pictures and video clips from their spectacular demonstration.

Video Below:








Fortune Cookie....


"Man's natures are alike, it is our habits that carry us far apart".

A Great Workout: Kettle-Bells



The kettlebell is a traditional Russian cast iron weight looking somewhat like a cannonball with a handle. The kettlebell has become a popular exercise tool in the United States due largely to the efforts of strength and flexibility. Kettlebell workouts are intended to increase strength, endurance, agility and balance, challenging both the muscular and cardiovascular system with dynamic, total-body movements.

Below is a GREAT link to a site that has a BUNCH of Kettle Bell exercises that show very detailed instructions and includes pictures (so you know if your doing it right)

Link To Kettle-Bell Exercises


Just A Reminder...

See the cool thing about being in charge of this AWESOME blog is that i hold the power to post what i want ( and also any feedback from students or my blog reading regulars)....so that means i'm throwing in another quick spot announcement for the school and posting the TV commercial again.


The Contender: Muy Thai...




I know i am a little late with this announcement, but better late then never....
Anyways Contender Asia is filmed in Singapore and apparently is already on episode 3.
Visit the OFFICIAL site for the show for more info on the fighters, past episodes, and info on Muy Thai itself.

www.contenderasia.com

Julius “Sho’Nuff” Carry III Dies



Actor Julius Carry III, most famous for his role as “Sho Nuff” in the the movie “The Last Dragon,” reportedly died Tuesday night. Details of his death are limited

Sho'nuff: Am I the meanest?
Sho'nuff 's Goons: Sho'nuff!
Sho'nuff: Am I the prettiest?
Sho'nuff 's Goons: Sho'nuff!
Sho'nuff: Am I the baddest mofo low down around this town?
Sho'nuff 's Goons: Sho'nuff!



Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Tell Your Friends...Everyone!


Tell Your Friends, Co-Workers, Children, Parents, Neighbors and even your Mail Man about the Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy Blog!

I am working hard to supply fresh material on a daily basis, so let everyone and anyone you know about this blog, even if they may not be into Martial Arts (which is crazy if their not) They might learn something or actually become interested in the Arts. There is something for all people here, humor, cool videos, thought provoking quotes and articles, not to mention Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy news and updates along with general Martial Arts information.

Also Check Out the Triple Cities Martial Arts OFFICIAL Website for class pictures and detailed style information for any interested future students.

www.3CitiesMartialArts.com

Ralph Severe


Ninjutsu & Some Art Of Combat (AOC) Technique Examples from the Kamiyama Dojo



Click Here For the link to the ENTIRE Technique Gallery

New Pictures Added To The Triple Cities Martial Arts Website






Visit The Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy Website for additional pictures that where added to the Art Of Combat & Ninjutsu Section.

www.3CitiesMartialArts.com/Ninjutsu

www.3CitiesMartialArts.com/ArtOfCombat


here are just a few...


2008 Beijing Summer Olympics Boxing .....

ESPN Heavy Hitting Boxing


Kieran Mulvaney covers boxing for ESPN.com and Reuters. Several times a week, Mulvaney will discuss upcoming matchups, comment on past bouts and look at the stories behind the fighters.

Click Here For The Link To This Podcast


Raymond Daniels....

Raymond Daniels Might Be Considered By Most the best Point Sparring fighter of the decade and he is currently unfeated in the Chuck Norris WCL (World Combat League)..WARNING: explicit lyrics in the music of this video highlight (i didnt make it..LOL)

Karate Yellowbook TV Ad...

A bullied boy returns from school and turns to Yellowbook for help. He searches for a karate instructor who can transform him into a martial arts force, brimming with self confidence



Quick Question: which yellow pages book to you have. (Yellow Book OR Verizon Yellow Pages)???

Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy

Aerobic Kickboxing FAQ's...




What is Kick-Box Aerobics?


Kick-Box Aerobics is a cardio kickboxing class that is a hybrid of boxing, martial arts and aerobics done rhythmically to music. Cardio kickboxing is also known as aerobic kickboxing or fitness kickboxing. Offering an intense cross-training and total-body workout it utilizes the training routines used by martial artists in the sports of boxing and kickboxing. The objective of Kick-Box Aerobics is not to make a "fighter" out of you, but rather to give a balanced overall program that combines a cardio aerobic workout with the techniques for self-defense.

What are the benefits of cardio kickboxing?

These classes give you a full body workout and improve your physical fitness, flexibility, coordination, and balance.. If you do the punches with precision and power, you will strengthen your upper body and eventually see more muscle definition. The kicks will strengthen your legs. And kneeing moves (a strike in which you thrust your bent knee upward) will firm your abdominal muscles; in fact, all of the moves, when done correctly, will make your torso into a solid base that lets you do day-to-day tasks more easily. Your cardiovascular system will benefit, too. A lot of people find cardio kickboxing a great way to release stress. The stress relief and the channeling of aggression can be as beneficial as the actual physical workout itself.

Who should take a cardio kickboxing class?

Anyone who wants to get in better shape. Although primarily designed for adults, cardio kickboxing classes can benefit teens too. Student athletes can train to improve their phyical fitness and conditioning. And the resulting boost in self-confidence gives a mental edge.

What should I expect in a cardio kickboxing class?

The class starts with a warm-up period, moves to fast shadowboxing and kicking drills, then to heavy bag work, and ends with some strength building exercises and a cool down stretch. Be prepared to feel a little clumsy and lost at times - but don't let yourself feel discouraged. Even if you're a highly conditioned runner or you've been doing step aerobics for years, these moves may be new to your body. Pay attention to what feels right to you. Don't do a move that hurts, and take breaks if you feel tired. Your muscles need time to develop their "memory", and your reactions as the teacher calls out what to do ("jab, cross, hook, roundhouse") will be slow at first. By the second or third class, the awkwardness will start to dissipate.


What should I wear?

Sweats, shorts and a T-shirt, an aerobic-dance outfit -- whatever keeps you comfortable and cool. Wear well-made athletic shoes that aren't too worn. Running shoes aren't ideal because they're not constructed for side-to-side movements. Basketball, tennis or other shoes designed for pivots and lateral movements are better. It is also very important that your shoes are clean.

Will Kick-Box Aerobics give me skills to defend myself?

Since you will be working out anyway, learning basic self-defense skills at the same time is an added benefit. Over time you will develop strong kicking and punching abilities and learn the practical application of techniques practiced in the air on the heavy bag

How can I get the most out of the classes?

As with any other exercise, if you want to improve your cardiovascular condition or trim an inch here and there, you'll have to do it regularly. Two or more sessions a week is probably optimal; in between classes it is good to mix things up. For example take a brisk walk or run, do some yoga to increase your flexibility, or simply take a day to rest.

(Click Here) Please Visit The Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy Aerobic Kickboxing Website


A Few Shotokan Katas......


Bassai Dai


Heian Shodan


Heian Nidan


Heian Sandan


Heian Godan


Heian Yondan


Kanku Dai


Sochin


Tekki Sandan




Ralph Severe

A Brief Clip showing some of Ralph Severe's training methods.....Look for Instructor Rick Henderson on Ralph Severe's website under Art Of Combat & Ninjutsu Instructors




More to Come.....

Flip For Karate!!

Karate Is Great For Moms Too!!


Attention all interested "Karate Moms" to be.....enroll at Triple Cities Martial Arts Academy, Johnson City NY.

www.3CitiesMartialArts.com

A MUST SEE!!!!!

KARATE CHOP ART


Stop The Madness!!



Not your average weapon, the Wasp Knife "shoots out a little frozen gas ball which instantaneously grows to 'the size of a basketball' and freezes the victim's internal organs." Video after the break.

The Wasp Knife was created to kill bears and sharks, which is super handy if you're like me and you find that bears and sharks are constantly bothering you.

Official Ninjutsu-Mobile



Zoom Zoom.....Lexus Concept Vehicle.

"Everything is controlled via the steering wheel. "Since the car is powered by electrical motors [found in each of the four wheels]," "there is no transmission and you break intuitively by pushing the steering wheel away from your body."