A Look at Two Popular Forms of Martial Arts

By Sydney Garrison

Martial arts have existed in one form or another for thousands of years. Today, they are as popular as ever and exist in a variety of methods and schools. The two most popular varieties of martial arts in Northern America are Karate and Tae Kwon Do. While to the amateur eye, these two systems seem extremely similar if not identical, to the trained martial arts enthusiast, there are notable differences between the two.

The version of karate that we have come to know was developed in Japan in the island of Okinawa. It takes a great deal of influence from Chinese martial arts. While there are quite a few different styles of karate, we view them all as Japanese martial arts. Karate utilizes a colored belt system to show the ranks of the karate practitioner. This system ranges from white (the novice) to black belts (instructor levels and above). Black belts come in different degrees depending on the level of mastery you hold. Each time that the practitioner tests and passes to reach the next level, they earn a new color belt.

The martial art of karate uses katas or set routines that simulate fighting against an imaginary opponent. As a general rule, your arms and hands are used mostly for strikes and blocks (approximately 60% of the time), while legs are used primarily for kicking (about 40% of the time). A practitioner must learn blocks to protect themselves before they learn offensive moves.

Our modern form of tae kwon do was developed in Korea using a great deal of influence from Japanese karate. Because of this, it is frequently referred to as Korean Karate. Practitioners of this system use a similar belt system to show level of proficiency. There are two main styles of tae kwon do, one under the International Tae Kwon Do Federation and the other under the World Tae Kwon Do Federation.

Korean Karate differs from karate in the types of moves used for fighting and their frequency. Use of hands and arms in tae kwon do is only about 40% where as legs are used 60% of the time. They also utilize much higher kicks, aiming to the head level. In order to do this, they utilize more jumping and flying kicks. Tae Kwon Do forms are usually shorter and less complex than karate forms, though some schools include karate forms as well.

Whichever system of fighting you choose to learn, they both have far reaching benefits. Either way, you can't go wrong!

Sydney Garrison is an avid cyclist and sports enthusiast. She is also a partner in an online bike carrier store. ------------------------------------------------ For more information and articles on Martial Arts, see www.bestmartialartsource.com.

Principles of Motion Found Within Ed Parker's Kenpo

By Michael Gauthier

Ed Parker, "Father of American Karate" said you can alter and change the way a technique is executed but one must never break the principles of motion. Principles of motion are comprised of Erect Posture, Balance, Relaxation, Speed, Speed Coupled with Accuracy and Power. Each of these principles is taught at each belt rank. That way the student can work to perfect them all by the time they reach the expert stages of the system.

Below is the list of Ed Parker's principles of motion and a detailed explanation.

Erect Posture - Having an erect posture while defending oneself is crucial. Erect posture lead to skeletal alignment, better breathing, the ability to survey the surrounding environment, increased power in one's strikes and physical longevity. The object in winning a fight is for an individual to disrupt the other's posture. Who ever can accomplish that feat typically has the advantage.

Balance - Attaining balance before, during and after strikes, blocks, locks, holds and punches are highly critical in securing a victory. Balance is achieved by keeping proper weight distribution on both feet, keeping one's knees bent and using one's upper body is conjunction with the lower half.

Relaxation - Relaxation is very important in increasing physical and mental speed. The tendency / natural reaction in a physical confrontation is to "tense up". This is due to the adrenaline and excitement. The goal is to maintain proper breathing and only tense up at the moment of contact with a strike. Experience is the best teacher into relaxing when fighting. The more one trains, the better one will be.

Speed - There are three different types of speed: Visual, Mental and Physical. Visual speed is the ability to read an opponent's body when they are launching an attack. Mental speed is the ability to process what type of an attack is being launched and what the best type of defense to use is. Physical speed is how fast / slow one regulates their speed in order to secure the best desired results.

Speed Coupled with Accuracy - To strike an opponent in general is only half the battle. Striking an opponent in the desired targets is the ultimate goal. In Ed Parker's Kenpo, we strike mostly on vital areas that cause as much pain as possible to the assailant. Striking a strong point on an assailant's anatomy is not the most effective way of surviving on the street and getting away safely

Power - Power is derived from many body movements and actions timed together at the point of contact. These include: Settling in to a strong base, utilizing backup mass, proper breathing and use of the kiai, utilizing torque and relaxation to the point of contact are only some of the ways in increasing power.

Please visit http://www.gauthieracademy.com or email at mike@gauthieracademy.com to learn more about martial arts in Danvers, Beverly, Peabody and Salem MA.

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For more information and articles on Kenpo Karate, see www.bestmartialartsource.com.

How to Do a Hook Sweep For Use in Karate Kumite

By Jason R Stanley

The first time I got swept as a result of a hook sweep, I wondered "What the heck was that?"

It seemed that the rug had been pulled from under me and I had no option but to break my fall. Of course my opponent immediately took advantage and nailed me with a punch to the chest as I hit the deck. As I lay there I remember thinking "I've got to learn how to do that, fast!"

So what is a hook sweep exactly?

A hook sweep isn't a regular leg sweep where you make contact with the sole of your foot just behind your opponent's ankle. Nor is it a high sweep where you take your opponent's legs out around the knees. Instead, think of your leg as a fishing hook, where you tilt your foot up at the ankle and bend your toes back towards your shin to form the hook.

The idea is to hook your opponent's front leg at the ankle and pull up and away from them by lifting your knee high to your chest. It's a great karate kumite technique.

Picture your opponent with their LEFT leg forward and you with your RIGHT leg forward. Now slide forward to the outside of their front foot, pivot your body and slip your front foot behind their ankle so your instep/shin is making contact with the back of their calf/ankle. Now that the hook is in place, just lift your knee to your chest as you pull their leg away from them.

Ideally for this sweep to work best, your opponent should have most of their weight on their FRONT foot. It also works best against defensive fighters as setting up the technique usually involves YOU being the INITIATOR. It is possible however to use it against attackers immediately after your counter punch, which should take them by surprise!

The perfect time to do it as a SINGLE TECHNIQUE is when facing a weak opponent who simply doesn't move. Just move across the gap and scoop your opponent's front leg as described above and as they fall down be sure to finish with a well placed technique.

Against advanced fighters you'll have to use your hook sweep as part of an attacking combination where you distract with something else and then finish with the hook sweep.

Stuck for ideas? It's easy to come up with combinations...

Just SUBSTITUTE the hook sweep in place of a kick in your favorite combos. Before you know it you'll have 3 or 4 good ones to use in your next karate kumitesession!

Because the hook sweep isn't a traditional sweep it's the reason it works so well. It's a great technique and once you learn how to do it, you'll score more points than you ever imagined. Ever since I got swept that first time I knew I had to master this technique for myself, and now it's one of my favorites and I'm sure will be one of yours too.

Jason Stanley is an international competitor and instructor holding the rank of yondan (4th dan). He has competed in karate kumite for more than 20 years. Sensei Stanley is also the author of Fighting Secrets Revealed and the KarateTips Newsletter that shares loads of useful training tips, ideas and concepts. ----------------------------------------------------------------- For more Karate Moves, see www.bestmartialartsource.com.