How Learning Martial Arts Changed New York Woman's Life, PART 2

This article tells the story of New York legal assistant who began Brazilian Jiu-jitsu classes to step out of the shadow of her abusive ex-boyfriend and learn confidence once again.

Michelle Cohen* endured an abusive and often physically violent relationship with long-time boyfriend, Darryn*, for five years when she finally decided to take matters into her own hands. She signed up for Brazilian Jiu-jitsu at New York-based academy, which she chose for its core principle that with the right combat technique you can take on an opponent of any size and strength, no matter how small you are. Since Michelle was substantially smaller and weaker than her boyfriend, she believed Brazilian Jiu-jitsu would be the perfect martial art form to train in.

She was right, but she never really thought that her martial arts skills would truly be put to the test....

* Names have been changed to protect the individuals' identity.

The Storm Hits

It was about three weeks after Darryn stormed out of the house in tears that I began receiving plaintive messages and calls from him begging for forgiveness. When I made it clear that I wasn't interested in reconciliation and that we should schedule a time to have him come by and collect all of his belongings, the messages turned ugly. He became more pugnacious than ever - if that were possible - and eventually I felt I had to notify the police of my situation. I wanted someone there on the day Darryn was to come and get his stuff, so I arranged with a local New York cop to drop by and ensure that the collection went smoothly.

Unfortunately, my ex was a day early and caught me by surprise.

I had just come back from my Brazilian Jiu-jitsu class at the New York gym when I saw Darryn's car parked outside my house. It took me several minutes to calm down, remembering my breathing techniques and adopting the meditative state of mind we had been taught in our Brazilian Jiu-jitsu classes. I don't know why I didn't call the cops right away, but a part of me wanted to show Darryn what I had become and that I wasn't a possession he could squash and suffocate anymore. I stepped out of the car feeling strong and yet calm. There was no anger. He saw me coming and approached me, looking me up and down salaciously in my sports gear.

"You started working out or something? Wish you could have done that when we were together. I would have enjoyed this new you."

"What do you want, Darryn. I've made myself perfectly clear over the phone."

"Yeah I know you have. I came to get my stuff."

"You were supposed to come tomorrow."

"What does it matter? Have you got someone new already? Do you want to hide your new boyfriend from me?"

"The only new person in my life is me. I want you to leave now and come back tomorrow as we arranged."

"I think I'll come in now and get my stuff, because I'm here and I'm free right now."

"Darryn, you don't seem to understand. You're not in control anymore. I am. And I'm telling you that I'm not available for you right now. You've got to leave."

"You? In control?"

He spat these last words out and with that, his face darkened… the face I'd seen a thousand times: the face that heralded a violent outburst and a Neanderthal display of strength. Only this time, his backhand seemed to come from miles away.

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu: Engaged in Battle

Without knowing it, my martial arts training had dramatically improved upon my dexterity, alacrity and reflexes with the result that Darryn's assault seemed to happen as though it was under water. It took ages to reach me and when it did, I grabbed his arm and went with its momentum, tipping him off balance and throwing him completely over my shoulder in a move I had practiced again and again at my Brazilian Jiu-jitsu classes in New York. Instead of using the smooth rolling motion I would with a sparring partner, I made sure Darryn had a very bumpy ride and he landed back-first on the pavement, cracking the back of his head against the curb.

The violence of my action shocked me terribly and for an instant, I nauseatingly thought I might have killed the idiot. Instead of hanging around to find out, I fled for my car and raced off to the police station where I shakily explained to the sergeant what had happened. He followed me back to my house only to find that Darryn had left. We did a walk of the perimeter of my house and, much to my relief, discovered that he hadn't left anything destroyed in his wake. It's not often one gets to use Brazilian Jiu-jitsu or any form of martial arts taught in NYC in a real life situation, but when you do… well, let me tell you just how incredible that feeling is!

One Year Later....

I had to move out of my home. I wasn't prepared to wait around for Darryn to plan a counter-move, so I made quick arrangements and put the house on the market. Thankfully, I haven't heard from him since that day I threw him to the pavement; a move I never thought I would be capable of if it weren't for the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu classes at the local New York academy.

Learning martial arts changed my life; it pulled me out of my circumstances and out of my own head, which was as much a prison as my physical life. I don't think there is a better form of exercise or a life philosophy than what is taught in martial arts classes and I can't recommend them highly enough to one and all who find anything lacking in their life, whether it's a little social confidence or the basic human right of feeling safe and protected.

How Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Changed Atlanta Woman’s Life, PART 1

This article tells the story of an Atlanta legal assistant who began Brazilian Jiu-jitsu classes to step out of the shadow of her abusive ex-boyfriend and learn confidence once again.

It took an intimate relationship with the floor and the violence of shattered glass to finally convince Michelle Cohen* that she needed to get out of her abusive relationship. But she knew that simply breaking up with her boyfriend, Darryn*, would only be the start of her struggle and so she began Brazilian Jiu-jitsu at an Atlanta-based academy, which she found online. It was six months later that her classes would pay out in the most deliciously justified way thinkable.

* Names have been changed to protect the individuals’ identity.

Six Months, 27 Days Earlier…

We had been together for five stormy years, of which I probably only spent two being happy. The loss of self-esteem was something that happened over many years and it crept up on me so stealthily, I had no idea I was becoming less and less confident in all aspects of my life. Many of my friends drifted away because they couldn’t identify with me anymore and were frustrated with trying to get me to see the situation for what it was.

I was in an abusive relationship.

But it didn’t end with the mocking, not-so subtle put-downs and patronizing. Darryn became physically abusive sometime after our three-year mark. It didn’t happen often at first, but more and more, his violence found physical outlets that had me replacing more vases, plates, doors and windows than I would ever think possible.

One day, I found myself on the floor with a shattered glass inches from my head. The ‘me’ of five years ago suddenly came roaring back into my body and I found myself thinking with the most clarity I’d had in years: what are you doing here? Do you like it on the floor amongst all this broken glass and the teeth-chattering fear that you are literally going to die today?

No. It was right then and there that I decided to take control.

The Search for Martial Arts Classes in Atlanta Begins

It didn’t take me long to read up about martial arts. The Internet offered lots of information and suggestions and so it was only a week later that I signed up for Brazilian Jiu-jitsu at a local Atlanta gym. I liked the sound of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu because I’m quite small and slim and my boyfriend towers over me at over 6 ft. Brazilian Jiu-jitsu teaches you how to take on opponents bigger and stronger than yourself by taking the fight to the ground. While I had no intention of actually wrestling my boyfriend to the ground during a fight, I did fantasize about landing a couple of well-placed kicks that would force him to think twice about getting aggressive with me.

I began rigorous training at the Brazilian Jiu-jitsu club in Atlanta and after only a couple of classes; I began feeling emotionally stronger and more confident. After four months, I split up with Darryn who never saw it coming at all! At first he was prostrate with tears and grief: apologizing for every bruise, every broken glass and every dented door. When I refused to forgive him, I left abruptly and I didn’t hear from him for two months.

The Eye of the Storm

I changed the locks on the doors and began to grow accustomed to life without an abusive thundercloud living in the house. I continued my martial arts classes at the Atlanta gym and was growing stronger, more muscular and more confident each week. But that wasn’t the last I’d hear from Darryn. Of course it wasn’t. He abused me physically, emotionally and psychologically for five years. I thought it was all over, when in reality, those three blissful weeks were really the eye of the storm…

Stay Tuned for Part 2…

“You? In control?”

“He spat these last words out and with that, his face darkened… the face I’d seen a thousand times: the face that heralded a violent outburst and a Neanderthal display of strength. Only this time, his backhand seemed to come from miles away.”

Krav Maga Takes Off in New York as Citizens Refuse to Play Victim Anymore

This news article reveals that increasing numbers of NYC citizens are becoming trained in the Israeli martial art form of Krav Maga; taking street protection out of the hands of the NYPD and into their own.

It has become one of the most popular forms of martial arts in New York and more and more of the Big Apple’s citizens are signing up for classes that are not only getting them into peak physical condition, but are also arming them with the skills necessary to defend themselves against attack. We’re talking about Krav Maga (pronounced krahv ma-GAH) and if you’re unwilling to feel like a victim at any time of the day or night whilst walking New York’s streets, this might be the martial art for you!

What is Krav Maga?

Krav Maga is a combat system that was developed by the military in a 1940’s war-torn Israel. Its name is derived from the language Hebrew and literally means "contact combat". True to its name, krav maga is an intense and full contact combat NYC martial art that focuses on training students to face very real world situations. In other words, it’s anything but fight choreography and what you learn in Krav Maga classes in New York follows you out onto the street, into the subway and anywhere else you may go.

Krav Maga Classes in New York

Not surprisingly, more and more New Yorkers are signing up for krav maga classes because they want to get in shape and learn the technique necessary to keep them safer on the street. The techniques taught in these classes include a suite of grappling and wrestling moves, as well as kicks, strikes and chokeholds. The emphasis, however, is on the kinds of moves students can use in an urban context involving an attack by a thug, gangster, thief or any aggressor.

Equally as important as delivering quick, decisive and debilitating strikes to an attacker is how to escape joint-locks and chokeholds, since this is often how assailants render victims immobile. By performing the quick and necessary maneuvers to escape being pinned down or choked, you can then turn around and deliver a sharp punch to the bridge of the nose, allowing you crucial time to escape.

Krav Maga on the Streets of New York

Anyone who has spent any amount of time in New York will likely have felt threatened by another person at some time or another. Knowing that you have krav maga classes behind your name does wonders for the confidence and self-esteem with which you might handle such situations. But this is not to say that krav maga classes encourage New York residents to seek out fights! Quite the contrary, the primary rule of this martial art form is to avoid combat unless it is impossible or unsafe to do so. The next rule in line is to debilitate your attacker quickly and mercilessly and then to escape.

Another great benefit of this form of NYC martial arts is that people of all shapes and sizes are able to participate and that, no matter how small or short you are, you can learn the physical skills and combat techniques necessary to protect yourself.

Kickboxing News Chicago: Love of Muay Boran Reignites in Tumultuous Thailand

This news article discusses the resurgence in the popularity of Muay Boran, the predecessor to Muay Thai and how it’s helping bring together a Thailand torn by political instability.

Thailand has been quite heavily featured in the news recently, and it’s not for its gorgeous beaches, surfside resorts and tourist attractions. It’s because of the political turmoil that has engulfed the country, knocking it off the top of the list as one of the world’s most desirable holiday destinations. In spite of the unrest, light urban warfare, demonstrations and blockades, however, Thailand recently held its first ever annual world championship in a martial art form that previously seemed to have faded from media attention.

“Most are familiar with Muay Thai kickboxing,” say Chicago martial arts experts. “It’s national sport of Thailand, but muay boran? Not so much, even though the former is essentially the basis of the latter.”

The recent annual world championship was held in honor of this ancient form of martial art, which has made an astounding comeback in recent years.

About Muay Boran Kickboxing: In Chicago News

“Muay boran is the soil out of which muay thai sprang,” explain kickboxing experts in Chicago. “It is an ancient martial art that is performed without the use of armor or weaponry. The key concepts behind muay boran are very similar to muay thai and not surprisingly since muay thai has borrowed much of its techniques from muay boran. In particular, students are taught to make use of eight ‘limbs’ or contact points for striking: their left and right hands, elbows, knees and feet.”

About the Muay Boran Kickboxing Championship

The recent championship was held in March in the ancient capital city of Thailand – Ayutthaya – and it went off beautifully in spite of the political turmoil that roiled on at the time. At this event, martial arts fighters from more than 15 countries went hand-to-hand at venues located along the banks of one of Thailand’s great rivers: the Chao Phraya River.

“Each fighter is carefully weighed and then divided into classes so that fights are fair and evenly matched,” explain martial arts experts in Chicago. “These divisions also take age into account so that experienced fighters of the same weight aren’t pitted against much younger and less experienced fighters. In addition, all contestants are made to wear special gear to protect their shins, chest, head and elbows. Mouth guards and gloves are also required, while the younger divisions are prohibited from kicking and punching their opponent in the head.”

Kickboxing Tournament Sends Message to the World

Muay boran grandmaster, Chinawut Sirisompan, came out with the following statement: “This tournament is important because people only see bad information in the news about Thailand.”

And he is absolutely right, especially considering the attitude of the returning contestants: “We had heard quite a bit about the political problems Thailand had been having, so we were all a little wary when we arrived for the tournament. However, all we did see is the country’s incredible beauty and a culture of people who are so peace-loving and generous,” says one kickboxing contestant from Chicago. “I only wish I could have stayed longer to see more of Thailand; I will definitely be back again!”

Meridian ATA Martial Arts School in Idaho

Jim and Heather Neitzell are the co-owners of Meridian ATA Martial Arts facility in Idaho. Though they have a number of martial arts schools, but currently putting all their efforts in this facility in Meridian, Idaho. The school serves a number of areas including Boise, Nampa, Eagle and Caldwell. More than 200 students have enrolled in this facility and boasts of advanced infrastructure and amenities. When it comes to trainers and instructors, it has an experienced crew to impart self-defense techniques to both adults and kids. Learners can choose from three diverse disciplines including Taekwondo classes for adults and children, and kickboxing and Krav Maga solely for adults. Pay a visit and look for yourself.

Karate Experts in New York Explain Why Martial Arts Should be a Part of Your Child’s Education, PART 2

This two-part article series explains the many ways martial arts classes can prove to be an extremely beneficial part of any child’s education at school.

Welcome to the second half of this two-part article series on just why it is karate experts in New York believe that children nowadays could stand to benefit more from lessons in the martial arts than they could from most other courses taught in the standard school syllabus. In Part 1, the following important points were made about martial arts classes for kids:

• Discipline and respect are extremely important,
• They teach self-control and focus,
• They encourage students to live in harmony with the internal and external,
• They help kids to cope better with stress,
• Mastering a martial art cultivates greater mental stoicism,
• They arm students with the physical skills to defend themselves.

There are many other reasons why learning a martial art form can become such an integral part of your child’s education, so let’s take a look at those before concluding this two-part article series.

Martial Arts Classes Can Help Bullies

Yes, you read that correctly. According to karate experts in New York, learning martial arts can help kids who are routinely bullied as much as it helps to rehabilitate the aggressors.

“Children who bully are frequently burdened with some sort of psychological pressure, such as instability in the home, which can go as far as violence and abuse. Learning a martial art encourages NYC students to meditate and to become more introspective. It nurtures a much greater harmony between body and mind so that the child thinks before he or she simply reacts,” karate experts in New York.

“Additionally, the exercise and meditation done during a martial arts class can help aggressive kids - who are aggressive because they are stressed - to deal more effectively with stress. So, in many ways martial arts classes can actually help to eliminate the pressures and blind behavioral reactions thereto that may cause an essentially good child to become violent, disobedient and rebellious.”

Physical Benefits of Martial Arts

Martial arts offer NYC students an excellent and really fun form of exercise, which can help them to:

• Get fit and lose unhealthy weight,
• Learn co-ordination,
• Improve balance
• Improve whole body strength and muscle tone,
• Develop speed and dexterity
• Develop flexibility.

Don’t Martial Arts Lessons Encourage Kids to be Violent?

It’s a common misconception that learning martial arts will teach kids to become violent or that it is dangerous because it might encourage them to test out what they have learned on each other. This understandably causes concern, because the last thing a parent wants to hear is that their kid has high-kicked a peer into the hospital, especially if they were just messing about and having a bit of fun.

“The first and most important rule or philosophy taught to students is to never seek a fight and, when possible and safe, to escape danger before confronting it,” explain martial arts experts in NYC. “Martial arts teachers never encourage children to fight or to use their skills against each other. A part of any lesson on how to use your physical power is the message on how to respect it, too.”

“Harmony is of utmost importance and through meditation and lessons in self-control, respect and discipline, children will learn the grave danger behind misusing the combat techniques taught in martial arts classes,” explain karate experts in New York. “In any case, you’ll find that lessons help to alleviate aggression and stress, so kids are far less likely to seek trouble.”

Jiu-Jitsu Experts in NYC Explain Why Martial Arts Should be a Part of Your Child’s Education, PART 1

This two-part article series explains the many ways martial arts classes can prove to be an extremely beneficial part of any child’s education at school.

Mathematics, science, biology, language, history, geography, economics: the subjects taught in primary and secondary schools today are all meant to provide our children with the appreciable intellectual and informative platform necessary to start life as a young adult. But there may be an integral component missing in all of this…

According to Jiu-jitsu experts in NYC, children nowadays could stand to benefit more from lessons in the martial arts than they could from most other courses taught in the standard school syllabus. The reality is, only a fraction of children in New York go on to study mathematics and the sciences at university. The rest will forgot they ever learned about atoms, molecules and Newton’s laws of motion. Martial arts classes could be benefitting them in so many more ways.

So, what does martial arts offer New York’s youngsters that a high school education in physics, geography or chemistry doesn’t? And why might this education be even more beneficial?

The Benefits of Martial Arts for NYC Kids

“Learning a martial art is about infinitely much more than simply learning a couple of cool moves. Any martial art form is a tradition, a philosophy and a corresponding suite of combat techniques,” explain jiu-jitsu experts in NYC. “The children will first and foremost learn the importance of respect, of discipline and of mental stoicism before learning how to take down an opponent. They are taught the importance of applying self-discipline to all aspects of their life and in applying oneself fully and passionately to all of one’s endeavors.”

“In essence, the martial arts are religions without the dogma or judgment. When you fail or fall down, you are not admonished, but rather encouraged to learn an important lesson. Dedicating yourself to mastering a martial art form, whether it’s taekwondo, karate, judo or aikido, nurtures a different world view and one that is more harmonious for yourself and for others around you,” say jiu-jitsu experts in NYC.

On Issues of Respect, Discipline and Self-Defense

“A lack of respect and discipline in school is perhaps one of our country’s biggest problems and it’s one that often begins in home for one reason or another. The martial arts offer New York residents a way to teach their children invaluable life skills that will encourage them to respect their elders and their peers more; to become more focused in class and to learn to cope with stress more effectively,” explain jiu-jitsu experts in NYC.

“Then, of course, there’s the obvious benefit of your child’s ability to defend him or herself against physical threat. This might be experienced at school as a result of bullying or it could be experienced outside of school as your child makes his or her way home using public transportation. Either way, with sufficient training, they will have the combat skills, speed and dexterity necessary to protect themselves against assault and hopefully to escape harm.”

Stay Tuned for Part 2

To learn more about the valuable lessons your children can learn from taking martial arts classes in New York, stay tuned for the second half of this two-part article series.

How to Find Yourself a Truly Great Taekwondo Teacher in New York

Martial arts classes such as Taekwondo have become so popular in New York City that finding a truly great instructor has become somewhat of a conundrum for prospecting students. There are martial arts inspired gym classes, which do nothing more than give you a good workout. And then there are the notorious “McDojos,” which are run by instructors who don’t have much experience at all and who only provide weak training at best: training that is more like fight choreography than it is genuine martial arts and self-defense.

So if you are interested in Taekwondo classes in New York, how can you find yourself a teacher who will provide you with authentic combat skills that can be applied in real world situations requiring self-defense and who will transport you to Korea – the birthplace of this martial art form – during class? This article provides some tips and advice.

What Makes a Master of Martial Arts?

The definition of a good Taekwondo instructor is one who will whip you into shape, teach you excellent combat skills and technique and provide you with the focus, drive and inspiration you need to keep coming back for more. But the definition of a truly great Taekwondo master is one who recognizes the ambitions of his or her students and helps them to achieve them.

“Learning a martial art form is about more than just what happens on the mat or in the dojo,” explains an experienced Taekwondo instructor in New York. “It’s about how you apply what you’ve learned to your life and a truly great instructor will help you achieve just that: apply your lessons to your life in a way that will serve you best. This means you should be learning more than combat technique, but also respect, self-control, discipline, meditation, honor and the achievement of greater harmony and inner peace.”

“The instructor who shows you the way to achieve the best version of YOU is truly a master of his or her martial art.”

How Do I Find a Great Taekwondo Master in New York?

Nowadays, there are a staggering number and variety of martial arts classes in New York City, so finding one for you can prove to be a little daunting. Obviously your primary concern will be convenience and so the dojo (training gym or academy) closest to your place of work or residence will likely get preference. However, it is important that you at least do a little homework on a potential Taekwondo school before simply signing up.

• Is it accredited or registered?
• Does the instructor have a lot of experience?
• Are the students actively involved in tournaments?
• Do the students perform well at these tournaments?
• How many students does the instructor or school have?
• Does the school provide a holistic approach to training in Taekwondo (meditation and lessons in culture and history), or is it purely physical?

The answers to these questions can bring you a long way to choosing the best Taekwondo instructor in New York and the most suitable one for you.

Taekwondo Experts in Houston Reveal Their Favorite Martial Arts Quotes, PART 2

This two-part article series provides a number of inspiring and beautiful martial arts quotes as well as a brief discussion on the take-home message behind these quotes.

Welcome to the second installment of this two-part article series on some of the favorite quotes of Taekwondo experts in Houston. These quotes aren’t only beautiful in their verbiage, but also in the message they portray about the martial arts and their underlying philosophies.

Let’s get right back into it!

Favorite Martial Arts Quotes

“The warrior learns of the spiritual realm by dwelling on the cutting edge of the sword, standing at the edge of the fire pit, venturing right up to the edge of starvation if necessary. Vibrant and intense living is the warrior's form of worship.”

-    Stephen K. Hayes

The Message: “This quote is interesting because it highlights how one seeks greater spiritual and mental enlightenment through pushing the body to its limits,” say Taekwondo experts in Houston. “The focus nowadays with any physical pursuit is to achieve greater physical prowess, rather than develop the mind. This quote beautifully captures how martial arts prioritizes the mind and its development as the end goal.”

“The most difficult part of traditional taekwondo is not learning the first kick or punch. It is not struggling to remember the motions of a poomsae or becoming acquainted with Korean culture. Rather, it is taking the first step across the threshold of the dojang door. This is where roads diverge, where choices are made that will resonate throughout a lifetime.”

-    Doug Cook, Taekwondo - A Path to Excellence

The Message: “Prepare for a journey and your ultimate transformation! Learning a martial arts – not just Taekwondo – will not only change your body and when you leave the dojo you don’t only take sweat home with you,” say martial arts experts in Houston. “Nearly all students I have come across end up showing an intense interest in the culture, language, history and philosophies of the parent country of their martial art of choice. This is because martial arts is born of all these things and they all play an integral role in the core teachings of that particular combat style.”

“The Destructive Arts are exactly like Martial Arts, except they don't have uniforms or usefulness and the end result doesn't resemble art in any way.”

― Jim Benton, Okay, So Maybe I Do Have Superpowers

The Message: “There is a fundamental difference between conflict fighting and martial arts,” say Taekwondo experts in Houston. “Many parents are scared to sign their children up for martial arts because they think it will encourage their children to seek fights and become more aggressive. In reality, martial arts teach students to avoid conflict at all costs and, through the calm and unstressed mind, to remain serene even in the face of bullying and chiding. It’s the destructive arts that prove to end in conflict and injury.”

“The historic beauty of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu rests not with its ability to allow a smaller man to maim a larger man, but with its ability to allow any man of any size to survive.”

― Cameron Conaway, Caged: Memoirs of a Cage-Fighting Poet

The Message: “Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, as with most of the martial arts, empowers people of all shapes and sizes. It equips them with the skills and mental frame of mind necessary to see through the fog of fear and act decisively and effectively,” explain martial art experts in Houston. “With the right training, it doesn’t matter if you’re tall or short, male or female, slim or built. You have the intelligent skills necessary to escape from any real life situation involving danger and – depending on the form of martial arts in which you are trained – to leave your assailant thinking twice about taking anyone on ever again!”

Taekwondo Experts in Las Vegas Reveal Their Favorite Martial Arts Quotes, PART 1

This two-part article series provides a number of inspiring and beautiful martial arts quotes as well as a brief discussion on the take-home message behind these quotes.

Martial arts masters aren’t only highly skilled combat and self-defense machines, it turns out that many of them are poets! The way many have expressed themselves over the centuries has deservedly been captured and preserved in their writing and records. We spoke to a number of Taekwondo experts in Las Vegas and the following two-part article series presents their favorite quotes from martial arts masters around the world. The message behind these quotes can really help us to better understand and appreciate the beauty, philosophy and spirituality of martial arts.

Let’s get started!

Favorite Martial Arts Quotes

“The best fighter is never angry.”

-    Lao Tzu

The Message: “Many of the philosophies underlying the martial arts teach us that an angered, impassioned fighter does not have the crystal clear judgment necessary to win fights against skilled opponents or opponents who are bigger and stronger,” explain Taekwondo experts in Las Vegas. “Learning martial arts is not necessarily about fighting; it’s about neutralizing an attack and there is a significant difference between the two. You do not seek combat; you avoid it. And if you cannot avoid it, you use dexterity, strength, agility and speed to quickly and effectively deal with an attacker.”

“Empty your mind, be formless. Shapeless, like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You put water into a bottle and it becomes the bottle. You put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now, water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend.”

-    Bruce Lee, famous martial artist and Tao of Jeet Kune Do

The Message: “Bruce Lee was a formidable and extraordinary martial artist and one who has been immortalized in the many films in which he starred,” say Las Vegas martial arts experts. “He believed in mastering your body and mind and in developing the kind of control that almost seems to defy physics. Our bodies are 90% water, so if we can learn to move and behave like water – and apply that to combat – you can become virtually indestructible. Bruce Lee’s ideas were revolutionary, so it’s no surprise he developed his own form of martial arts: Wing Chun.”

“To me, the extraordinary aspect of martial arts lies in its simplicity. The easy way is also the right way, and martial arts is nothing at all special; the closer to the true way of martial arts, the less wastage of expression there is.”

                                                          Bruce Lee

The Message: “Another fantastic quote from Bruce Lee. This one illustrates the true humility of any martial arts master,” explain Taekwondo experts in Las Vegas. “You may ask any martial arts master what they call themselves and they will give you their first name. They will never refer to themselves as “master” because that is an honor bestowed unto them by their students and peers. The martial arts are, in so many ways, about the essence of life. This is true even in the combat techniques we teach: it’s about quick, simple movements that achieve maximum outcomes. It’s not about excess, posturing, celebrity or fame.”

Stay Tuned for Part 2

To read more fantastic quotes from Las Vegas martial arts experts, stay tuned for the second installment of this two-part article series.

Martial Arts Teach Las Vegas Residents to Use More Than Just Muscle When Taking On An Opponent

This article explores the many life skills that martial arts training provides students with, from greater mental acuity to self-control and respect.

Martial arts have been immensely popular in Las Vegas since the first black-and-white fight films first made their way here from the East. In these movies, grainy images of fast-talking, fast-moving martial arts masters demonstrated just how dexterous, strong and agile the human body could be. These films awoke the inner desire of many to become skilled in a combat form that would enable us not only to take on opponents stronger than ourselves if necessary, but also to look ridiculously cool while doing it!

What most Las Vegas residents training in any form of martial arts soon discover is that the experience is about more than just mastering the physical techniques, moves and joint locks involved: it’s a way of life, a way of thinking, a new way of seeing the world and a new way of seeing oneself. For example, learning a Japanese martial art, such as judo, aikido or karate, almost always sparks a keen interest in learning more about Japanese culture and language. This is because the martial arts aren’t just about kicking butt… it’s about establishing a much greater harmony between your body and mind and it’s about achieving a new level of respect and self-control.

Martial Arts in Las Vegas: Mastering Your Mind

A part of the training involved in mastering a martial art is meditation and learning to separate yourself from key emotions that could muddy your judgment in real life situations involving an attack and a need for combat. Fear may impede decisive action and anger encumbers movement so that you leave yourself vulnerable to counter-attack and this is something Las Vegas martial arts schools and academies teach students to avoid.

How is it possible to avoid these emotions? Meditation is key in establishing greater self-awareness and control and while it may not be possible to remain completely calm in a dangerous situation, the connection between mind and body can override negative influences stemming from fear and anger. This is why meditation and other mental activities are so important in many of the martial art forms taught in Las Vegas.

It is not the aim of martial arts to encourage students to fight, but rather to avoid conflict. Should this prove to be impossible or unsafe, martial arts training provides Las Vegas residents with the skills to neutralize an attack or an attacker and to escape unharmed.

Other Key Benefits of Las Vegas Martial Arts Classes

In addition to developing your body, your mind and the connection between the two, martial arts boasts a great variety of benefits for students and especially young students. Children are frequently the target of bullying today and martial arts classes can imbue our kids with the confidence, self-esteem and self-defense skills they need to deal effectively with bullies, without necessarily injuring them. Respect for your elders and peers is also a key philosophy underlying Las Vegas martial arts lessons, which can turn around the behavior of bullies themselves, as well as troublesome kids that have discipline issues.

Krav Maga Experts in New York Warn Residents about Martial Arts Fraud

When you sign up for Krav Maga classes in New York, or any martial arts classes in fact, the last possibility on your mind is that you could be getting seriously duped. Instead, you’re focusing on all the cool moves and maneuvers you’re going to learn and about the amazing shape you’re going to get your body into. Perhaps you’re excited to learn more about a totally different culture and about the fierce fighting techniques you will hopefully be able to pull off the next time that homeless guy on the subway tries to separate you from your onion bagel.

What you might actually find yourself in is a glorified gym class for stay-at-home moms. Not exactly the kind of thrilling and real world action you were hoping for, is it?

Martial Arts Fraud in New York

According to Krav Maga experts in New York, martial arts fraud has become a major problem, not only in the Big Apple, but also across the United States. Learning martial arts has become hugely popular in the West because we see the amazing shape those famous martial arts actors are in and we see the amazing physical feats they are capable of and we want to be like them.

But while NYC martial arts classes can offer residents a plethora of fantastic benefits – physical, psychological and spiritual – you have to be careful about where you go to receive your training. Just about anyone with a bare proficiency in a Krav Maga can offer classes and this is not what you want: you want a master of their art who has the experience in and out of the gym to provide you with an expert and holistic learning experience.

What Should I be Looking for in a Martial Arts Instructor?

When it comes to choosing a Krav Maga instructor in New York, experience is absolutely key and you should do a little research to find out if the schools you are considering are the real deal. Remember, if you want to be able to apply your Krav Maga skills in a real world situation, then those Krav Maga inspired fitness classes at the gym simply won’t do. Your instructor needs to be someone with a background in martial arts and who has very real fighting and teaching experience. Ask them the following questions:

• At what NYC Krav Maga school or academy did they train?
• Do they have any accreditations or licensure?
• Have they personally fought in any local, regional, national and/or international tournaments?
• How many students do they currently have?
• Are they actively competing in any tournaments and are they doing well?

Communicate Your Goals with Your Instructor

You should also make it clear to the instructor you wish to choose what your goals are with regards to taking NYC martial arts classes. Is it just for fitness or do you actually wish to learn some valuable self-defense skills? Too many martial art instructors nowadays fail to teach students how to deal with real world situations, which are completely unpredictable and not like some choreographed fight in a movie.

Martial Arts Information for Phoenix Residents: About Aikido

This article talks about the various philosophies and combat techniques employed by the Japanese martial art form known as Aikido.

Aikido is a popular form of Japanese martial arts taught at many of Phoenix’s finest martial arts schools. Roughly translated as “the way of unifying with life energy,” Aikido is an interesting blend of spirituality, philosophy and martial arts that was designed by Morihei Ueshiba. It is the goal of Aikido schools in Phoenix to teach students how to defend themselves against an attacker while at the same time protecting their accoster from harm. In other words, Aikido is about maintaining harmony and peace.

How Does Aikido Work?

The martial art of Aikido essentially involves the neutralization of an attack by rerouting its speed and force. The opponent will therefore make use of the attacker’s impetus and momentum and use it against them. So, instead of meeting an attack in a head-on “collision”, it is peacefully deflected and redirected using simple turning movements. Many martial arts schools in Phoenix also teach students how to neutralize an attacker using certain joint locks and throws. The result is a set of defensive skills that requires little physical strength and yet, can prove highly effective against even large, strong opponents.

The core philosophy of Aikido is to preserve the well being of the attacker and for this reason, is often performed as a beautiful and elegant dance between two competitive opponents, rather than as a defensive skill to be used in situations of real attack. Although, having said this, many martial arts schools in Phoenix also teach students how to perform a suite of throws, joint locks and other defensive techniques that can prove essential in a real life situation involving an attack.

A Brief History of Aikido

As with many of the martial arts, Aikido has developed and evolved since its founding by Ueshiba in the early 20th Century. It has, to a degree, been evolved by many of the students – themselves masters in their own rights now – who were taught by Ueshiba himself. The direction that Aikido was taken by these students depends on when they studied with him and this explains why Aikido exists in a range of styles and techniques.

The rise in popularity of Aikido in the West likely occurred with the general spread of the martial arts as a consequence of their portrayal in popular movies and the media. Aikido has become especially popular amongst Phoenix residents who are more interested in the meditative aspect of this martial art, rather than using it as a form of combat, although learning these skills is a crucial part of Aikido training too.

Aikido Schools and Academies in Phoenix

There are a number of Aikido schools, academies and classes hosted by gyms around Phoenix and they offer residents a fantastic opportunity to master some very useful real-life skills, as well as to improve upon whole body fitness and mental clarity. Meditation is a big part of mastering any form of martial art and students will find themselves improving on all fronts - not just the physical – and even developing an appreciation for and interest in Japanese culture and language.