http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/ Your online resource for martial arts clubs and students, worldwide directory of clubs, articles and the latest martial arts news. en-us Sun, 28 May 2006 18:17:16 GMT FeedEdit http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/Basic-Muay-Thai-Techniques.php The Martial Art of Muay Thai has its own unique techniques. It consists of the use of nine weapons. The head, fists, elbow, knee and feet are collectively known as Na-wa arwud. But today the use of head is no longer allowed in the Muay Thai fights. In Muay Thai small amount of grappling is used (The Clinch) for both defending and attacking purpose. Muay Thai techniques are divided into two groups: Mae Mai or Major techniques and Luk mai or Minor techniques. All techniques in Muay Thai use the entire body movement, rotating the hip partially or fully with every punch, kick and block. This is the reason which sets Muay Thai apart from other forms of martial art. Jirasak Phuriphanvichai Sun, 29 Jun 2008 14:49:35 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/Ninja-The-Shadow-Warriors-of-Japan.php The very name installed fear and trepidation into the hearts of thousands of Japanese, their tales of superhuman and supernatural acts of bravery sent a shiver down the spine of those that spoke the name and even to this day, the Ninja is portrayed as an awesome and sometimes sinister assassin with no mercy and no morals. Jock Brocas Sat, 21 Jun 2008 19:23:16 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/The-Art-Of-Invisibility-Part-Two-Can-You-Hear-Me-Know.php Now let's continue to learn how to stay on our toes when it comes to being quiet as a mouse. Night vision It can take a person up to 30 minutes for their eyes to adapt to darkness. Anyone without this night sight will have drastically reduced vision. A flash of light is all that is necessary to ruin a person's night vision for another 20-30 minutes. So, don't lose your night vision and keep your opponent from developing theirs. This will allow the shadow warrior to observe his enemy yet still remain invisible and camouflaged in the night. Note: when watching for things in low light, you will have a better chance of seeing them if your eyes remain unfocused. You can do this by looking in a circular motion around the object, for example a circular or figure eight pattern. Rick Tew Sat, 14 Jun 2008 11:30:24 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/The-Ninja-Art-of-Invisibility-Part-One.php "You might see me, but can you perceive me?" How to disappear (or sneak past your cat) like a Ninja, including - 7 Step guide to STEALTH. Learn why Black is NOT the best color for a Ninja and other mistakes wanna-be midnight warriors and soldiers of twilight make when training to be a Shadow Warrior. The "Art of invisibility" has always been a popular topic when it comes to learning about Ninjitsu / Ninjutsu or the Art of the Ninja, how are these masters of the very hard to see? Who are these Warriors in the woods that look like leaves and trees? Rick Tew Sun, 08 Jun 2008 14:03:33 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/Ranges-Of-Contact-In-Self-Defence.php A lot has been written about the subject of self-defence, much of it good, a lot of it completely useless rubbish. There are several important aspects to effective self defence (Legal, Psychological, etc) and they are each vital in their own way to a person staying safe, healthy and secure. This article has been written to act a basic introduction to the ranges and distances of contact and confrontation as this will help to establish some basic truths while at the same time identifying certain areas of potential threat. Jaimie Lee-Barron Sat, 31 May 2008 10:11:44 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/Basic-Principles-In-Krav-Maga.php Krav Maga is designed to provide the most effective response for an individual across the whole range of situations in which one's safety is in danger. Here is a brief discussion on four key areas that I've picked up on in the time I have been training in krav maga. These are not exhaustive of the principles behind krav maga but do give a good overview of some important considerations that go into training: Kier Marston Sun, 25 May 2008 10:10:25 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/16-Important-Tips-for-Closed-Guard.php These are very important aspects to practice and remember with the closed guard. These tips are especially helpful with no-gi. * When having your opponent in closed guard you don't want to give him any space. Space for him means more opportunities to work a pass. * As with space you do not want to let your opponent get his posture. When he has his posture he is now able to get his elbows in and head up to work out of your guard. * You want to get control of your opponent's hips, head, and upper body. * Always have your legs higher up on your opponent's waist, closer to his upper back. When they are higher up it is much harder for him to sit back and get his elbows in. You also have your hips off the ground, which allows for better movement on the bottom. Jason Scully Mon, 19 May 2008 10:08:45 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/21-Tips-to-Improve-Your-Grappling-Game.php Goal oriented training Have a specific technique or area of focus for each rolling session. For example, I will come into training thinking "Today I am going to work on passing the butterfly guard". You may even want to let your training partners know this and start in those positions. Consistent Training Make BJJ a priority in your life, training 3-5 times a week EVERY week. It's no coincidence that the best guys in class also have the best attendance. Set a schedule for yourself and don't let anything that isn't really major interrupt it. Some guys get good really quick, but the best guys have all put in countless hours to get there. You will never see your game improve as fast as it should if you are missing classes or weeks of training. Jason Scully Sat, 10 May 2008 09:32:44 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/Strength-Training-For-Mixed-Martial%20Arts.php When it comes to training for MMA, many athletes are still using outdated training methods that may actually be doing more harm than good. To devise a proper strength and conditioning program for a mixed martial artist we need to look at the specific demands of the sport. During competition a mixed martial artist will find himself making explosive movements such as strikes and takedowns. He will also find himself exerting maximal strength concentrically, eccentrically and probably even more often; isometrically. Lastly, their endurance will be pushed to the limits and beyond. Jason Ferruggia Sat, 03 May 2008 11:08:25 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/Shaolin-Temple-Fighting-Skills-Stamina.php When you are training for a fight, it is vitally important that you build up your stamina. A marathon runner has very good stamina but they would never have the stamina to fight in the ring because a fighter's stamina is totally different. In this article I will concentrate on the first part of a fighter's stamina training; running. In future articles I will concentrate on bag work, pad work, sparring and body conditioningv so that whatever fighting art you practice you can be totally confident that your stamina will really work for you when you go to fight in the ring. Yan Lei Sat, 26 Apr 2008 11:30:37 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/Develop-Jeet-Kune-Do-Punching-Power.php This is perhaps one of the most common questions I am asked after a new student begins training. In Jeet Kune Do, the lead weapons (attacks thrown from the front arm/leg), are the primary weapons. Unlike the boxing jab or the kickboxing lead roundhouse kick which are setup attacks, the JKD frontal attacks are power strikes designed to deliver stunning or even knockout force. As simple as these techniques are, cultivation of adequate power can be challenging. First off, let me elaborate on a few important distinctions: Nhan-esteban Khuong Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:12:33 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/Fighting-Blade-of-the-Samurai.php In the 1200's the popular style of sword was the tachi, which was slung by two hangers at the left side of the waist edge down. In this position the warrior drew the blade in a movement from groin to head. Later style of combat changed and the katana became the main sword of choice. The tachi was still used but in a lesser capacity. Golden Age of sword making (specifically 1294 - 1427) was also the age of the tachi. The tachi was more often seen on the warlords and generals as a highly decorated blade showing their position and power in society. They also favoured it for practical reasons the blade was more curved and made it more effective for them to cut downwards from horseback on to their enemy's. Where as the average samurai would be fighting on foot. During this period five famous schools of sword making arose, their location was based on proximity to the need for swords (centres of administration), easy access to ore and charcoal, a plentiful supply of good water and a cool climate. The five schools were Bizen, Yamashiro, Yamato, Soshu and Mino. Andrew Thomas Sat, 05 Apr 2008 18:14:00 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/Weapon-%20Of-History-The-Scimitar.php The scimitar is one of the most used weapons in hollywood and a mainstay stereotype of all Middle Eastern warriors. In general, a scimitar can include any number of Middle Eastern sword designs such as the Indian talwar, Arabic saif, Persian shamsir, and the Turkish kilij. There are a number of misconceptions people have about the scimitar. The first is the origin of the design. Many people are under the impression that the scimitar design came to be through a smooth evolutionary progression from the Egyptian khopesh because the khopesh stands out as the most notable curved sword design native to the Middle East. The khopesh was a sword that was two and a half to three feet long with a severe curve at the end. It's profile vaguely resembled that of a modern fish-hook. The blade was sharpened on the outside edge of the curve. The unique shape of the weapon enabled it to be used both to strike at lightly armored opponents, and to trap their weapon allowing a strike with another weapon held in the other hand. The truth about the scimitar's origin is that it's design evolved from the Mongol saber, which in turn traces it's origin back to the Chinese broadsword. The extreme curve of the scimitar is far more at home among the blades of the orient than among the typically straight blades of Middle Eastern origin. Steve Masters Sat, 29 Mar 2008 09:34:37 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/7-Basics-For-Bodybuilding-Success.php Whether you are a serious competitor or a casual bodybuilder, your actual muscle building workouts are only a small part of bodybuilding. There are seven basic ingredients required for bodybuilding success with the exercise routines, themselves, making up only a small part - about 20% of your success. You need to pay attention to all seven factors to gain maximum muscle in the shortest time. Gerry Marsh Mon, 24 Mar 2008 12:45:52 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/Martial-Arts-DVD-Review-Lock-On-3-Shoulder-and-Joint-Locking-Techniques-by-Alain-Buresse.php As I sat down to review this DVD in the Lock On series, I found that I was going to have a difficult time writing this review as the basics of this DVD are exactly the same as the previous two volumes, which in and of itself is a fantastic thing. Therefore a lot of my review is going to be a partial repeat of my previous two reviews on volumes one and two in the Lock On series. So without further ado here is my review on this DVD. One of the first things that jumped out at me from the onset when I started watching Alain's "Lock On" series of DVD's was the simple yet effective approach that he took in the production and presentation of this series of DVD's. My initial impression was one of being in an actual seminar environment while Alain was teaching instead of merely watching an instructional DVD. You won't find any pointless or ineffective "bells and whistles" with this series; instead what you will find is good quality instruction covering a wide array of joint locking techniques. This particular DVD focuses on shoulder locking techniques. Shawn Kovacich Sat, 15 Mar 2008 17:40:26 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/A-Case-for-Ninjutsu-Over-Simply-Practicing-Budo-Taijutsu.php This article should probably be called: "What's a master Ninja martial artist - a teacher of the art of ninjutsu - do after surviving a near head-on car crash?" Before I answer that question though, let me tell you what prompted the idea behind what I'm about to say. Since 1997, a little over a decade now, the average martial arts practitioner within the Bujinkan Dojo has been lead to believe that what they are studying is limited to the armed and unarmed martial art skills that everyone sees when training in Japan. In fact, most students have been convinced that the last remaining Ninja in the world, Soke Masaaki Hatsumi, doesn't even teach Ninjutsu, also known as Ninpo in its higher form. Jeffrey Miller Thu, 06 Mar 2008 20:09:06 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/Muay-Thai-The-Unbeatable-Martial-Art.php Muay thai is the form of martial art which began its journey from the Kingdom of Thailand more than 2000 years ago. Now it is popularly known as 'thai boxing' all over the world. Muaythai is the art of fighting without the use of any weapon. Thai boxing can be differentiated from the general form of boxing, as it includes the use of hands, elbow, feet and the knee. It's not only an art of fighting; it is also a form of science, with discipline, knowledge and respect. Jirasak Phuriphanvichai Sat, 01 Mar 2008 09:44:49 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/Develop-Speed-Punches-Muscle-Fatigue-Training.php There are many reasons why martial artists have problems hitting their opponents. One reason is the lack of punch speed. Muscle fatiguing is one way to improve your punch speed. Here's how ... Slow Punches Do you have a lot of power behind your punches? Is every muscle in your arm tight and powerful? If so, then you are probably punching slowly. A lot slower than need be. One of the keys to a successful punch is a punch that only tenses close the point of contact. Any tensing too early slows the velocity of the punch. So, how do you practice loose punching? Keith Pascal Sun, 24 Feb 2008 15:38:52 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/The-History-of-Tai-Chi.php Tai Chi, as it is usually called in the west, or Taijiquan, or Taiji Chuan, as it is also sometimes known (precise translation from Chinese is difficult because the language is so different) traces its roots back to a Taoist master called Zhang San Feng (or Chang San Foong). After completing his kung fu training at the Shaolin temple Zhang San Feng took himself on a retreat up the famous Wudang mountain to continue his Taoist quest for immortality. While there he witnessed a fight between a crane and a snake. Inspired by this, he set about modifying his Shaolin kung fu to create softer and more flowing system which emphasised chi training and meditation. Dean Walsh Tue, 12 Feb 2008 21:32:18 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/Taoist-Tai-Chi-For-a-Change-Getting-Real-Peace.php Taoist Tai Chi is a gentle martial art, (called an internal art in China) which ensures the well-being and health of people of all dispositions. Millions of people both Asian and otherwise are enjoying the health benefits of taoist tai chi practice. It is estimated that there are over 500 specific training sand schools for this particular style located in twenty-five countries from across the world. Although it has been around for hundreds of years in China and Japan taoist tai chi was brought to North America by Master Moy Lin-shin in 1970. Samuel Oliver Wed, 06 Feb 2008 19:37:45 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/Keep-It-Standing-A-Sprawl-and-Brawl-Guide-for-Mixed-Martial-Arts.php Sprawl and Brawl is the hottest thing in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) right now. Just ask fighters like former Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell. A kickboxer who prefers to stand and pick his opponents apart with strikes rather than grapple either standing or on the floor, the 'Iceman' is one of the best no holds barred fighters in the world, and you can bet it's because he knows how to stop the takedown. Glyn Powditch Wed, 30 Jan 2008 19:10:13 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/Using-Martial-Arts-Training-to-Develop-your-Chi.php Many people are involved in the martial arts but believe it or not most of them are not there to learn self defense. They are there to their health, physically and spiritually. All that moving around gives you an aerobic workout, the stretching makes you much more flexible, and the various muscle-building exercises build lean, healthy body tissue for you, as well. However, what many of us don't realize is that the most beneficial gain in health from martial arts comes from the practice of chi development. Tl Kleban Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:20:36 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/Guerrilla-Jiu-Jitsu-A-Review.php Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu is THE book for combining Judo and BJJ - GO BUY IT NOW! For those still not convinced, then read on. Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu caused a storm in the Judo and BJJ world when it was published in 2006 and has been a major reason for the production of this website! Written by Dave Camarillo (and Erich Krauss), it remains the definitive work so far on combining BJJ and Judo. The book begins by explaining that there are three main sections: Glyn Powditch Wens, 23 Jan 2008 13:54:12 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/The-Pursuit-of-Perfection-Part-1.php In the pursuit of perfection of character - the ultimate aim of karate-do - one learns a new mode of self-expression. In this way, verbal and body language take on new forms and meanings. As a result, we may better effect positive changes within - and without - ourselves, as well as more honestly and clearly express our inner hopes and desires. In this light, let us remember that life is a give and take. In all fairness, we must treat others as we would like to be treated. In this way, we are always reminded of the universal good. If we believe in being treated in a 'correct' way - then to believe in an absolute right is the easiest logical assumption to make. Therefore, we must seek the best possible solution in every situation. Studies of ancient wisdom, and hard - yet efficient - training, will provide the answers. Owen Johnston Sun, 20 Jan 2008 12:45:47 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/Krav-Maga-Not-Real-Pretty-But-Real.php Jason Mark is a cop. You need a sense of humor to make it as a cop, and Jason's a funny guy. Most likely he'd chuckle at your "Bad Cop! No Doughnut!" bumper sticker, maybe ask you for a bagel instead. And you can dump the stereotypes; watch what Jason does in his spare time and you might realize that not only is this gym-rat in better shape you'll ever be, he's a martial arts expert capable of kicking your butt twenty which-ways-to-Sunday and you might even feel stupid for having that bumper sticker in the first place. Charles Peeples Sun, 13 Jan 2008 13:22:39 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/Judo-Tips-10-Ways-to-Improve-Your-Groundwork-Ne-Waza.php This short article identifies ten tips to improve your Judo groundwork (Ne Waza) skills. All Judo players could drastically improve their Ne Waza or "groundwork" techniques by attending a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school - you will quickly learn the geographic hierarchy of positions rarely discussed in Judo. Don't start with both knees on the ground - use 'Combat Base' when beginning ground work with one knee down and one knee up. Don't knee fight - in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo it is common to see both partners fighting aggressively from the knees - in reality nobody fights from the knees. Try to co-operate with training partners and take turns for one partner to start in a bottom position. Glyn Powditch Fri, 04 Jan 2008 19:12:31 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2008/Some-Observations-on-Karate-After-25-Years-of-Training.php If you have been studying karate for any length of time now, you have probably come to realize many important insights from your training. From my own study of karate, I have come to notice many interesting lessons. I would like to share some of these insights with you in this article. 1. The most talented students don't always make the best instructors, nor do they even become black belts in many cases, whereas the average skilled but highly committed practitioner often makes it to the higher levels. Paul A. Walker Tue, 01 Jan 2008 13:45:24 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2007/Karate-Uniform-Karate-Gear-What-Does-Your-Karate-Kid-Need-For-Her-First-Class.php So you got your kid enrolled in your local martial arts school, congratulations! This is the first step to a rewarding journey for both you and her. You probably have a few worries about what lies ahead but at the same time you're probably really excited to see your child get into the martial arts. So what equipment, uniform and gear do you need to buy for the first class -- and how much should it cost? One of the great things about the martial arts is that it doesn't cost much to get started compared to other activities. For example a set of good golf clubs can cost as much as $1000 or more. Starting soccer can lead to multiple purchases of a soccer shirt and shorts, socks and cleats, shin pads and of course a good soccer ball. Baseball and football have similar requirements. Dance and ballet can also become quite expensive with all of the different costumes and outfits for the various recitals. You want your child to look good of course so you're willing to buy whatever is necessary. But you don't know much about karate. Paul A. Walker Sun, 30 Dec 2007 11:17:02 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2007/Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu-Technique-The-Guard.php In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and ground-fighting the most common position used is the Guard. In this position the opponent is said to be the guard when one wraps legs around the opponent. This becomes a dominating position as one is on the back of the opponent. In the guard position it is easy to apply joint locks and chokes. With the legs crossed behind the opponents back it is possible to straighten the legs, so as to crush opponents chest. This position could be very uncomfortable for the opponent and obviously make it hard for them to breathe. Gina Dean Thu, 27 Dec 2007 14:27:57 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2007/Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu-Technique-The-Arm-Bar.php In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu techniques, the arm bar is defined as a technique that isolates and hyper-extends the elbow. This technique is also known as 'juji gatame', this position is executed by hyper-extending the elbow and holding the opponent's arm between your legs with the wrist held close to the chest. Gina Dean Mon, 24 Dec 2007 15:41:08 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2007/Finding-the-Right-Martial-Arts-Program-for-Your-Child.php Parents are often time puzzled when they hear their child ask to join a martial arts class. Mostly because they are unfamiliar with much of it. Well to start off it is actually just a a collective term for a grouping of fighting disciplines from Asia. Many parenting experts like the fact this provides children with an outlet for excess energy while giving them self-confidence and a healthy respect for others. Oh yea, it also teaches them how to protect themselves in times of trouble. Where do you find a martial arts school that can meet all of your needs? Finding a quality school is essential if you want them to stick it out with their training. Your kid will be learning new things so they better enjoy it. For you the parent, the school better have vision similar to yours as well as its goals. Here are some other things you may want to know about finding a good martial arts school for your kid: Tl Kleban Sun, 23 Dec 2007 11:37:43 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2007/Brazilian-Jiu-Jitsu-Technique-The-Turtle-Mount.php The turtle mount is also know as rear mount or the back mount - Top. In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu techniques the turtle mount involves one to be behind the opponent, with one's legs hooked around them (the opponent). In this turtle mount position, one has a major advantage over the opponent. It is an excellent position by which one can apply chokes since the opponent is unable to see what you're doing. The back mount is used when the opponent is on all-fours position. It is advised to be sure and confident, and hook your feet around the opponent so that the opponent can't throw you off. This is yet another transition of the turtle mount from behind. In this position the back mount can also be used when one is on their own back. This position arises when the opponent tries to roll you off from the first back mount position. For the turtle mount one should always remember to hook the feet on to the opponents hips and never cross the feet, else this will end up in a nasty foot lock. Gina Dean Fri, 21 Dec 2007 11:44:14 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2007/How-To-Hit-The-Mark-With-Archery.php It's been coming up to Christmas and what with the nights getting colder and colder, its fair to say I have let myself go a bit. This has led me to start thinking about New Years resolutions, so I have been looking at what sports I could be doing to try and get myself back into shape. Anyway to cut a long story short, I did some research and have decided that archery could be the sport for me as it requires a lot of skill, gives you a bit of a work out and I like the idea of being a modern day Robin Hood. As I was looking into the subject I found that there were a number of different types of modern archery and so I thought I'd let you all know whats out there. John Z Birch Wed, 19 Dec 2007 12:42:26 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2007/The-Complete-Guide-to-Becoming-a-Karate-Instructor.php There are a number of reasons why someone would want to become a karate instructor. They are the kind of people who simply enjoying teaching a skill they are knowledgeable of. The most demanding part of teaching martial arts, is the fact you need to be present for all classes. Your constant and regular presence is what drives your students towards success. You need to realize that it takes a sharp mind to come up with an answer to every question about the martial arts. It takes knowledge and technical ability to acquire and hold the respect needed to be a great leader and instructor. In other words, to teach what you know, you must know what you know. Your philosophies must be morally correct since you are responsible for the usage of your teachings. Here are a few ways you can become a karate instructor: Tl Kleban Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:01:31 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2007/Street-Fighting-First-Punch-Tactic.php You are on the street, maybe walking out to your car after eating out. Your martial awareness clues you that all is not right. You notice a big, mean-looking guy about 40 feet away. What's more important is that you realize, he has noticed you. Before you can escape, the aggressor has closed the distance. You are going to have to defend yourself. No question about it. In a second or two, he's in fighting range. Now what? If he's in fighting range, and you know for sure that you can't escape, then you are going to have to make a decision -- will you be the first to hit? Keith Pascal Sun, 16 Dec 2007 11:20:06 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2007/Hamstring-Basics-For-Intermediate-Bodybuilders.php In the early days of bodybuilding, hamstrings were almost ignored by bodybuilders. They did their leg curls and had secondary effects from squats and deadlifts. But for the most part, hamstrings weren't very high on the priority list for bodybuilders. Athletes ignored them, as did judges. They were simply the back of the leg, nothing more. Today's judging standards, just like today's physiques, have evolved. Today you see the genetic freaks as well as hardworking average bodybuilders, with bulging hamstrings, etched with detail. The muscle group used to be a bonus. Now, it is absolutely essential to have fairly developed hamstrings in order to place well at regional or national shows. Dane C. Fletcher Sun, 16 Dec 2007 10:53:38 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2007/Martial-Arts-Book-Review-Championship-Fighting-by-Jack-Dempsey.php If you want to learn how to really punch, and if you can find a copy of the following book in either its original hardback version, or the reprinted paperback version, I strongly recommend that you purchase it and read it. However, be advised that it has been out-of-print for sometime and can be quite expensive if you are lucky enough to find one to purchase in the first place. Just exactly what book am I referring to, well it is the book called "Championship Fighting" by Jack Dempsey and it was originally published back in 1950. The edition I have is the 1983 paperback edition published by Centerline Press. Jack Dempsey, as you may or may not know, was the heavyweight boxing champion of the world in the early 1900's. Being rather small for a heavyweight, Dempsey more than made up for it with the devastating power he had in his punches. Over numerous years both during his boxing career and after, Dempsey kept meticulous track of just exactly how to develop punching power not only through his own training and experience, but also through numerous others. What he discovered is contained within the pages of this book. Shawn Kovacich Thu, 13 Dec 2007 20:33:49 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2007/Martial-Arts-Review-Complete-Krav-Maga-by-Darren-Levine-and-John-Whitman.php I just finished reading "Complete Krav Maga" by Darren Levine and John Whitman for the second time in as many weeks and I have to say that it is a very well done book covering the basic techniques needed to advance through the ranks of Krav Maga from yellow belt all the way up to and including brown belt. However, having said that, it should be noted that as the author so firmly states, "Krav Maga is not a martial art, it is a form of self-defense." I only have one small complaint with this book and that is that in one respect, it is no different from the vast majority of books out there that try and teach you too many things in one volume and don't spend enough time on each individual technique. This one small detractor is greatly overshadowed by the sheer amount of good solid information that it does include, of which the importance of principles being stressed as far more important than technique itself is perhaps the most profound. Shawn Kovacich Tue, 11 Dec 2007 18:01:08 GMT http://www.jkdstreetcombat.co.uk/articles/2007/Uraken-The-Backfist.php The back fist is one of the most fastest hand techniques available. As it uses a snapping motion rather than a thrusting one, (like most other strikes), it can be whipped out in a flash. So why is it not used more frequently by martial artists. Well it is a technique that relies heavily on the striking point to achieve the best results. You must use the actual back part of the knuckles to strike. Seldom people strike with the padded hammer fist or the back of the hand, which will not do much damage at all, but a strike with knuckles to targets such as the eyebrow or upper lip can be very painful. Also when wearing gloves, it is impossible to strike with the boney knuckles, and many fighters tend to disregard the technique because of this. Kyokushinkai fighters although, (who fight without gloves) should use the technique more often. A hard strike in between the ribs can be very painful indeed. Markos Markou Tue, 11 Dec 2007 17:59:19 GMT