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One of the most important aspects of martial arts training is proper breathing. However, for practitioners of hard styles, effective breathing methods are often left to the students to figure out on their own. The central principle of breathing is of internal cleansing, getting rid of that which is old, worn out, and stale, and exchanging it for what is new, fresh, and energized. During inhalation we are bringing in fresh oxygen, nutrients, and vital energy. During exhalation we are expelling …

Dojo kun is a term literally meaning (training hall) rules. They are generally posted at the entrance to dojo or at the "front" of the dojo (shomen) and outline behaviour expected and disallowed. In some styles of martial arts they are recited at the beginning or end of a class. Varying translations and interpretations of the dojo kun exist. Each translation differs in the terms used and the interpretations vary regarding the philosophical depth, meaning, and intention. The population of …

Sparring tips: Size up your opponent before you engage. If he strikes first then you know he is an OFFENSIVE fighter. If he waits for your attack then you know he is a DEFENSIVE fighter.Find out what technique your opponent is good at by giving a fake. If your opponent moves his hands then you know he is a puncher. If your opponent moves his leg then you know right away that he is a kicker.Try to get your opponent to attack first, either by a fake or taunt. You will quickly learn what technique …

Knowing When to Buy Quality and When to Save The rolling suitcase felt unstable as I rolled it along at the airport last week. When I looked down, I discovered that a wheel had fallen off. I got my luggage to where I was going and a few days later set out to buy a new suitcase. I went to a local branch of a warehouse store I frequent and found a high quality replacement for the inexpensive one that really hadn’t served me well. What a difference! The new suitcase had compartments for ever …

The primary goal of any beginner or intermediate student of karate is usually to attain the coveted black belt. The black belt represents technical excellence, high ethical standards and the ability of a student to endure a strict and rigorous training regimen. To those "in the know," people with black belts are seen as being more than just average practitioners. They are rightfully seen as being highly disciplined and skillful proponents of the art. So what are the steps that any beginner c …