Essentials of Karate Arts that you need to know

Arts blogger

The Art of Karate can be traced back to an event called ‘Pankration’ held during the first Olympic Games in 776 B.C. This type of Japanese martial arts was developed in the island of Okinawa which was invaded by Japanese in the 17th Century. The invasion involved weapon ban while warrior invaders wore bamboo armor. With the help of Chinese experts on the island,

islanders kick or punch to penetrate such armor and disable the warrior. Since then, they developed karate training which aims to form unarmed combat techniques with hands and feet as lethal weapons.

Karate comes from the Japanese characters which mean “empty hand”. This fighting technique includes kicking, grappling, punching, locks and joint manipulation. It is widely known as an art of self defense and signifies a mysterious way of fighting which enables the executor to cause death or injury even with a single blow.

It doesn’t only focus on physical strength but also polishing inner self and spirit to eliminate weakness and boost strength.

Karate Practice and techniques in Karate training, a mix of extensive physical aspects and incorporation of psychological elements are highlighted. Karatearts is divided into four aspects such the basics, forms, sparring and weapons training.

The basics or kihon involves variety of styles performed in unison or a combination of techniques which is usually executed through pre-arranged drills in small groups or in pairs. Kata, which constitutes forms in Karate,

displays sequence of movements representing a variety of offensive and defensive postures. This concept will lead to real understanding of combat principles while developing correct posture and gracefulness. Sparring or kumite include knockdown karate, kickboxing variants and free sparring.

This technique is mostly notable in tournaments and employs grappling, kicking and punching. Lastly, training of traditional weaponry is the focus of kobudo.

Karate as a sport

The world of sports has witnessed how Karate arts dramatically evolved the last 20 years. With the aid of movies and television, its popularity increased throughout the world and even become part of the Olympic Games. Recognized by the International Olympic Committee, the World Karate Federation facilitates karate competition in the Olympic Games and develop common rules governing all the techniques. Sparring and forms may be demonstrated as a team or by individual. Judging for kata and kobudois through a panel of judges while kumite is judged by a head referee. Karate as a sport is aimed to express and display series of defensive and counter attacking movements. This effectively display how Karate evolved as used in self-defense.

Karate Philosophy

Intensive Karate training incorporates mental refinement and leadership essentials. Anko Itosu, Grandfather of Modern Karate, emphasized the importance of self-discipline and promoted the virtue of personal conviction. This aspect of karate teaches every karateka to practice courtesy, purge selfish thoughts and to be inwardly humble and outwardly gentle. For intent and focus practice, karate will help each karateka to effectively clean one’s mind from evil thought and to never be easily drawn into the fight. Indeed, the world of Karate does not only revolve around physical power and strength. This type of Japanese martial arts promotes the virtues of perseverance and will power. In karate arts, mastery of the craft is not totally physical. A karateka can only be self-improved by keeping within him heart and character.

Finding That Secret Martial Arts Shaolin Technique!

Arts blogger

When I was a child I wanted to learn secret martial arts. I wanted to know those mysterious fighting moves that would enable somebody smaller to smash somebody taller. I wanted to know that hapkido or jujitsu or whatever that would enable me to really trash the bad guys.

I began my study of Ed Parker Kenpo Karate, and the mysteries were at my fingertips. In those whirling movements were hidden fist martial arts, invisible and flaming dragon concepts, and down and dirty, take ’em apart fighting secrets. I was thrilled by the endless forms and techniques…but I couldn’t quite figure out the secrets.

From Chinese Kenpo I switched over to classical Karate. There was a secret Karate had, I just knew it in my bones, and I performed the karate kata until my body trembled. In the end, I could grab hold the dojo mat with my feet, and throw that classical power with the best of them, but there was no real secret to it all.

After Karate I made the transition to Kung Fu, with all those systems and variation there had to be a secret Kung Fu that would make me just really unbeatable! I threw myself into Shaolin Kung Fu and Kung Fu fighting and…I felt like a whirling dervish taking performance enhancers! But, in the end, I didn’t find that secret that would make me more than a superhuman being!

Okay, not just Shaolin, but maybe a specialized type of secret Shaolin! So I went looking for Bruce Lee Wing Chun…I wanted to be a Wing Chun grandmaster! I began beating that wooden dummy like he was yesterday’s eggs, doing the wooden dummy training until he needed bandages…but…I was just working hard, there was no secret gimmick that I could use, there was no…sigh.

So, not some sort of secret Wing Chun, but maybe aderivation on secret Wudan…that had to be the method! I explored Wudan Tai Chi Chuan, searched for secret Bagwa zhang, and spiraled through the world of mystical martial arts like tracers on a battlefield. And, great stuff, I could sink my mysterious and intrinsic energy right to the earth’s center, and spin like a planet full of windmills, but…where was that secret martial arts I needed so bad?

I did everything. Meditations on the secret of intrinsic energy that fueled the mysterious tan tiens and enlightened the glowing chakras of the greater macrocosmic orbit that led to realization in samadhi when I ascended from my skullular brainpan in the higher realms of paradaisical existence. But, and I say this with a bit of self reproach…I can’t find the secret!

I’m not young now, and in great shape, gonna last a long time, and I know there is a secret out there. And I can do martial arts fighting with the best of the young turks, slay herds of secret ninjas if I have to, so nobody can stop me from getting to that secret martial art…if I could only find it. Please…will somebody explain me…what is the secret?

Shashidhar Kote Being As Junior Yesudas (kote Music And Arts Foundation)

Arts blogger

Bengaluru Ratna, Gayana Mantrika, Vishwamanava, Gana Gandharva, Kannada Saarathi…that’s Shashidhar Kote for you.

The Kannada singer talks to Shruti Indira Lakshminarayana about his journey from Dakshina Kannada to Bangalore and being called ‘Junior Yesudas.’

How did music happen to you?

I was exposed to music and Yakshagana at a very young age. As years passed, I realised that I wanted to be a singer. With my father Kote Vasanthkumar’s support I came to Bangalore to live my dreams.

Did you give up your career as a teacher to become a singer?

Yes, I used to teach literature at Mangalore University. But lecturing to a large class meant straining my voice. I couldn’t afford to do that as I wanted to pursue music. It is my lifeblood. In fact, when I was on a past-life regression reality show recently, I saw that even in my previous birth, I was a singer. Apparently I was a singer in the Mysore maharaja’s court and had been honoured by him.

Did you go through formal training?

After coming to Bangalore, I took classical music training from Vid Gurudutt. Before that, I had trained with Satyabhame and Gopalkrishna Iyer. However, it is Balamuralikrishna and Yesudas who have inspired me a lot. Listening to them has been an education in itself.

Have you interacted with your idols?

I met Yesudas 15 years ago. He had liked my voice. I’m yet to meet Balamurali. S P Balasubramanyam is also one of my favourites and I’ve interacted with him when I went as a judge on Yede Tumbi Haduvenu.

How does being called ‘Junior Yesudas’ feel?

God has gifted me with a good voice, but I’m no match for a legend like him. People think I resemble him because I sport a beard too and sing a lot of his songs. But even though the songs are his, the style is mine.

What is Kote style?

Be it Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam or Hindi, when I sing a song, I make it mine. I place utmost importance on presentation. I judge the audience and present songs accordingly. There is always a variety in my programmes — from film hits to folk songs and classical pieces. You’ll find a Vaatapi, Hendati Obbalu and Kuladalli Kilyavudo, all in one programme. I try and make my presentation lively. Also, people feel my pronunciations are clear.

Your ‘Geetha Chitra’ is also unique…

‘Geetha Chitra’ is the coming together of music and painting. Lending support to this concept is B K S Verma. He paints the subject of the song I sing. Take for instance Vaatapi. He’ll paint a picture of Ganesha as I am singing. We are a popular pair in Bangalore, Chennai and Mumbai [ Images ].

You have received several accolades. Which would you rate as your best?

I have given over 4,000 concerts. The compliments I’ve got for them are the true awards. I have had elders falling at my feet. Another unforgettable incident is that of a beggar giving me the alms he had collected. He was that impressed with the programme. It is the love of the people that matters at the end of the day.

Are you saying awards and titles mean nothing to you?

Awards are bought these days. If anything, awards should come looking for you. But recognition pleases me. It encourages me to perform better.

While you have given many stage shows, you are not all that visible in the film circles. Why?

I have lent my voice to Shivaleele and Aiyappa. But today’s music directors want singers to approach them and I have too much self respect for that. Also, I am busy and don’t consider playback singing my ultimate destination. But Kannada youngsters should be given a chance. Why bring Hindi singers when you have so much talent here? Even singers like S P Balasubramanyam have not been utilised properly. How long will Hindi singers remain a trend? Even their Kannada numbers sound so Hindi!

What do you think of the current film music scenario?

Most songs are not backed by good lyrics. Rhythm is ruling over melody. Everyone wants an instant formula. In this bid, capable music directors, singers and lyricists are being ignored. We are not coming out with evergreen songs like Ellelu Sangeethave or Kuladalli Kilyavodo any longer. In comparison, the Malayalam industry manages to churn out tasteful music even now.

What is your take on fusion music?

I see it more as confusion rather than fusion! Half-baked knowledge on part of musicians is responsible for this state.

And what about reality shows?

The SMS-voting system is playing spoil sport. The judges’ words should be final. I have judged shows like Little Star Singer, Sangeetha Lahari, Hadondu Haduvenu and Sangeetha Sambrahma and I can say that what we need is opportunity and not competition, more so in the case of children. It would also do good if the channels popularised folk and classical music, not just film songs through these shows.

Speaking of young talent, both you and your wife are artistes. Is your son Saagar also aspiring to be one?

My wife Seetha is a dancer and a television actor. But that doesn’t mean we expect our son to tread the same path. He has shown interest in music, but he seems more inclined towards direction. As parents, our duty is to support him. All that I tell him is to learn and respect his language — Kannada.

Any word of advice for aspiring musicians?

First of all they should understand that just by singing on S P Balasubramanyam’s show they don’t become SPBs! There is no short cut to success. Dedication and a good teacher are the key words. They should be well-informed about musical notes and grammar, and make music that touches people. Money will follow.

What are your other interests?

I act in television serials. I also endorse products occasionally. Going out with my family and watching movies and cricket with them keep me relaxed. I also follow news keenly. Listening to songs set to my favourite ragas Kalyani, Anandha Bhairavi, Hindola, Karaharapriya and Abhogi also keep me going.

What’s the flipside of being an artiste?

Any artiste’s life is complex and unpredictable. There is too much tension and running around to do. For a singer, maintaining his/her voice is a task in itself. But all the effort seems worth it when you are on stage.

What’s next from your side?

There are a few music albums. One will be a collection of Dasara padas and another of devotional songs. I also want to make an album of Bharatanatyam dance numbers. My big dream is to start a music and dance academy along with my wife and brother.

Literature And Performing Arts School Trips To New York

Arts blogger

Frank Sinatra coined the phrase a city that never sleeps, when he sang New York, New York – and the words sum up the atmosphere of this city. Vibrant, diverse and dynamic, it has been the inspiration for films, plays, novels and poetry for centuries. Whatever genre interests you, school trips to New York will satisfy your interests in literature and the performing arts.

Broadway

Broadway, in Upper Manhattan, is the theatre district of New York and is probably the only one in the world to rival the West End in London. There are forty theatres on Broadway and the diversity of the plays being shown reflects the diversity of the city. Everything from Macbeth to The Lion King is being performed in a theatre on Broadway, and the history of this area has offered up shows from The Ziegfield Follies to plays by Eugene ONeill and Oscar Wilde.

Many playwrights have been praised or pilloried for performances of their work and history has taken place on this street; Abraham Lincoln was shot and killed by the actor John Wilkes Booth in 1865 while he was watching a performance of Our American Cousin by the English playwright Tom Taylor. Arthur Miller was born in New York and his plays The Crucible and Death of a Salesman are as popular today as when he wrote them. He was married to Marilyn Monroe and wrote the film The Misfits, which was the last film Marilyn Monroe appeared in.

New York Novelists

F. Scott Fitzgeralds work has been studied by literature students for many years and school trips to New York would not be complete without exploring his links to the city. Baz Luhrmans recent production of The Great Gatsby has once again brought this wonderful novel back into the public eye, and its depiction of the development of the city of New York is vivid and dramatic. The novel is set in the roaring twenties when prohibition was at its height – which ironically resulted in New York becoming one huge party. F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda were part of New York society at this time and his novels reflect this. Fitzgeralds character in The Great Gatsby, Nick Carraway, describes New York as offering the “first wild promise of all the mystery and the beauty in the world.”

Norman Mailer was brought up in New York and his novels The Naked and the Dead and The Executioners Song raised him to the top echelons of respected writers; he won the Pulitzer Prize for The Executioners Song. He is considered to be one of the founders of the genre “Creative Non-fiction”, which makes narratives out of accurate facts.

New York Poets

The Beat Generation of poets were prolific during the 1940s, 50s and 60s and many of them made their homes in New York. Students can prepare for school trips to the city by reading some of the words these writers used to describer her. Jack Kerouac wrote On the Road while living in Manhattan and the novel examines the diverse social groups that were emerging in post-war America. Other members of the Beat Generation include William S. Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg, both of whom spent time living in New York.

Fortunate students on school trips that focus on literature and the performing arts will be surrounded by the resonance of the words of the wonderful writers who have lived and worked in this city.

Your Life Could Be Saved Someday With Martial Arts And Self Defense Techniques

Arts blogger

The Jiu Jitsu style is old but its methods can be found in other martial arts. With plenty of time and effort, any person can learn Jiu Jitsu by looking for a good school. Jiu Jitsu isn’t a sport like karate or tae kwon do so you will not see any Jiu Jitsu competitive events. The tactics learned in mixed martial arts allows one to instantly switch between defensive to offensive positions. The third bonus shows you how to defend yourself with a knife which is known as ‘Knife Fighting And Knife Self Defense Secrets.’ You could also learn about lethal self defense methods in ‘Martial Arts Pressure Points Defense Secrets.’

Another secret move you can learn is a knee to the stomach move, which will be unknown to your opponent. You could learn all that you should know about protecting yourself with ‘Self Defense And Martial Arts Techniques.’ As you continue to repeat the techniques, you are going to increase your flexibility, muscle tone, speed and power. Several self defense classes teach Jiu Jitsu since anyone can learn it. This martial art was also taught in the armed forces and in the police.

If you wish to study martial arts, you need to take note of the specific formalities of the school, which might include a uniform or addressing the trainer in a certain way. If they are able to enter the championship, their lives will change once and for all. It’s also an excellent form of exercise so your endurance will improve too. If you get started training for mixed martial arts, you are going to develop excellent balance and coordination, build up your staying power and become self-confident. As soon as you learn how to do all of them, you will have to know how to use them alongside one another. You should follow certain rules, such as being dressed in the proper attire and how to address the instructor. Although it has been compared to freestyle wrestling, Judo has a number of the strategies used in Jiu Jitsu. In mixed martial arts contests like the Ultimate Fighting Championships, you will find a lot of fighters utilizing Jiu Jitsu strategies. He has used this strategy to become a professional, and win the first four titles of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. There are varied schools of Jiu Jitsu with different focuses like working with different weapons, learning specific spiritual concepts, or practicing healing strategies like massages. It featured a lot of grappling and striking tactics and grew in popularity the moment people were disallowed from carrying weapons.

In the course, learn about defense strategies against guns and knives, multi-attacker fighting techniques, bodyguard training and strength training. You will be taught how to add a lot more power to punches, which is not known by many people. You’ll get over nine hours worth of training videos as well as over 1000 pages of the top training manuals available. Now that you are more knowledgeable about Jiu Jitsu, and know about its advantages, you might be interested in enrolling in a class. By way of proper timing and leverage, you are able to easily beat the opponent. These methods come from many great martial art forms including jujitsu, judo, aikido and karate. It is considered that mixed martial arts skills are more effective against larger and stronger opponents. If you are interested in this, however, you need to determine what strategy to use.