Martial Arts Equipment For All Styles

Arts blogger

In the “old days,” it was not unusual for jugs of water, bags of rice, and buckets filled with sand to be incorporated into a number of different workout programs. Nowadays, we’re fortunate enough to have access to an excellent selection of martial arts equipment. Because of the effective usage of such equipment, it becomes possible to achieve the most from a structured class or private training.

Of course, this could raise questions regarding the type of martial arts equipment is necessary for the “average” workout. Again, there’s enormous variety available. Below is a brief overview of the martial arts equipment you’ll commonly encounter. Nearly all of it is a must for virtually every martial arts practitioner regardless of style.

Certainly, the common punch bag is a clear must in a dojo or training hall. Punching bags not just give you a definitive target to direct your blows towards. Such bags enhance the possibility to develop solid endurance and cardiovascular conditioning. You can find great variety among the many different punching bags available and they include:

Standard Boxing Size: These would be traditional boxing bags that mimic the shape and size of the torso. They’re primarily for the purpose of punching but mid-line and high line kicks are generally effectively trained on these bags as well.

Banana Bags: Most are thinner punching bags which are the size of the human body. The lower region of the punch bag permits the effective training of leg kicks, knees, and also other strikes.

Light Bags: Light punching bags are low weight (about 1/3 the weight and size of a punching bag) and are designed mainly to give resistance to jabbing style punches as well as hook and uppercut line blows. Some even make use of a lightweight punch bag to train headbutts!

Punching bags may be hanging bags that are affixed to various “hooks” in the ceiling or they may be freestanding. Freestanding bags are, essentially durable base mounts. Such bags are significantly more expensive than a number of the traditional hanging bags but they are much easier to move and store.

While hitting the heavy bag is really a must for effective training, you really do need to hit it in as safe a manner as possible. This will likely require the proper protective gloves essential for hitting an impact target. Including all manner of impact targets – heavy bags, focus mitts, shields, and Muay Thai pads. The knuckles inside the hand are quite small and fragile bones. For this reason reliable gloves – whether they are traditional 12oz, 14oz, or 16oz boxing gloves, boxing bag gloves, or mixed martial arts lightweight finger free gloves – must be worn when hitting a heavy punch bag. For those that enjoy sparring with “point karate” gloves, be mindful of the fact that such gloves aren’t manufactured for hitting impact targets. They will not provide you with the adequate protection you require for such training. Stick with using them for light contact sparring instead.

As most martial artists realize, the hands are not the only area that require protection which explains why a substantial amount of martial arts equipment will provide protection to the feet. Shin pads and point fighting footwear are two of the most common. Some may assume that such equipment is only used in sparring. In actuality, wearing when hitting impact targets is advisable too since this can protect the lower extremities and nerve endings from damage. Really, the perennial running theme here is that most martial arts equipment is intended to enhance safety. Obviously, you can also get some items that serve other purposes as well and they’re well worth a look at too.

Stretching devices can be employed to help you extend the range of motion in the leg ligaments. This will definitely prove helpful for people who would like to enhance their kicking flexibility. Similarly, the “old school” Eagle Catcher is a perfect spring action handheld device designed to build up a great level of gripping stretch. The classic makiwara pad has long since been used to toughen the hands in traditional karate training. Similarly, the kung fu wall bag is a fantastic asset for developing strikes common in the Chinese martial arts. Such older and more traditional training aids definitely have their place in a modern world which is becoming more and more noted for its sportive approach to training. But, whether you are practicing for competition or traditional self-defense, you will need equipment that helps facilitate your goals.

Regardless of the type of martial arts equipment you purchase, you want to make sure it is from a reputable name brand manufacturer. Some will make the error of buying more affordable equipment from a “no frills” manufacturer. Rarely is such equipment worth much of anything. Not only will cheap equipment not deliver on expectations, it can put the user at an injury risk. Certainly, that would not be helpful in any way whatsoever. Keep with reliable name brands for your martial arts equipment needs. Such an approach will assuredly prove significantly more helpful in the end.

Major Attractions of Jaipur in Rajasthan (India) for Foreign Tourists

Arts blogger

The Conde Nast Traveler Readers Choice Survey carried out in 2008 suggested that Jaipur is the 7th best city to visit in Asia. It is also the capital as well as the largest city of Rajasthan. The city is popularly known as the Pink City due to its impressive building painted in pink. The distinct architecture, royal tradition, geography, cuisine, performing arts, temples, forts and monuments attract innumerable foreign visitors in the city. Find out about the different impressive facets of Jaipur Rajasthan India that make it a sought after destination for foreign travelers.

What Do Foreign Visitors Enjoy Most in Jaipur in Rajasthan (India)

Here is the list of major attractions of Jaipur in Rajasthan, India, that invite multitude of foreign visitors to the city:

Monuments:-Hawa Mahal, City Palace, Amber Fort, Jal Mahal, Rambagh Palace and Albert Hall Museum are among the most visited monuments in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Jantar Mantar, an observatory featuring a collection of astronomical equipments built by Maharaja (King) Jai Singh II, is appreciated by increasing number of tourists the entire year. Such monuments represent the intellect and the strategic minds of the royal kings.

Architecture:-The city is well-planned and designed according to the Vastu Shastra (Vedic planning) for the prosperity of the people. The historical glory of the city and the battles can be observed from the embattled walls, rugged hills with ancient forts on the top. Scenic beauty and historical landscape make pleasant subject for the photographers also.

Temples:-Religious centers in Jaipur can be found in every corner of the city. However, Govind Dev Ji temple, Shri Kali temple and Galtaji, are the temples where millions of foreign visitors have been to seek blessing.

Shopping:-The city impresses thousands of foreign visitors with its distinct arts and crafts too. Traditional saree and salwar kameez in fabric accented with crafts, such as bandhani (tie and die), block printing are produced and sold in bulk. Decorative pieces prepared using the art of stone carving, sculpture make important part of interior of almost every house in Jaipur. The city takes pride for its precious silver jewelry, gems, kundan and even meenakari.

Cuisines:-Jaipur, Rajasthan India has introduced mouthwatering cuisine to the world including the famous dish of dal-baati chruma. However, the city is well known for its sweet servings such as ghevar, feeni, moong thal and chauguni ke laddu also.

Festivity:-With the onset of 2012, the city hosted the 6th Jaipur Literature Festival in January 2012. It is considered one of the biggest literary festivals in Asia. World famous celebrities, such as Oprah Winfrey hosted shows and attracted massive crowd. Apart from this, the city celebrates popular events such as Kite festival, Teej festival, Shitla Mata fair (religious) and Elephant fair.

Most entrepreneurs are providing exciting option of home stay vacations in Jaipur (Rajasthan, India). Foreign visitors can relish the rich culture and tradition of the city with a local Indian family. Although the services offered and ambience would be world class, hotel fare is highly affordable.

Local villagers welcome you like their own family; prepare food according to your choice whereas tourism provider would organize traditional entertainment as per the packages you choose.

It is advisable to seek recommendations for reliable and experienced home stay vacation organizers.

If you would like to explore the authentic, traditional, Jaipur Rajasthan in India, you can visit www.cultureaangan.com. The company offers unique travel packages that come with accommodation with the local villagers in well designed farm houses. All their packages are comprehensive in nature and very affordable. Visit the website to seek feedback about their stay touring experiencing with the Culture Aangan.

The Story Of A Real Hollywood Legend And Real Life Martial Arts And Close Combat Hero

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Look at today’s Hollywood Action stars you see a lot of window dressing without a lot of substance. If you’re a patriot, Hollywood can be a pretty lonely place, but during World War II Hollywood’s some of the brightest stars went to war and among them was Douglas Fairbanks. He didn’t serve in the rear either. He chose to take to war to the enemy using deadly close combat techniques that included combat martial arts.

Film legend Douglas Fairbanks Jr is best known for the over a hundred films he made, but many of his real life heroics remain classified by the United States Navy. Fairbanks was among the first to pioneer unconventional warfare tactics and commando training. While you can’t count on celebrities to even make their own court appearances, Fairbanks didn’t back down when his country was at war and he chose to become a clandestine warrior.

At the beginning of the war Fairbanks held a number of important civilian positions before being commissioned a Lieutenant in the United States Navy Reserves. His first assignment was on Lord Mountbatten’s staff in England as part of an exchange program. Mountbatten was a very vocal supporter unconventional warfare, and encouraged all the Allies to create Special Forces units. Fairbanks trained at the H.M.S. Tormentor Advanced Training and Amphibious Operations Base and at the Commando Training School at Ancharry Castle, Scotland. As part of his top secret training Fairbanks learned martial arts, knife fighting, sentry removal, and other close combat techniques from martial arts legend William E. Fairbairn.

After taking part in cross-channel raids with British commandos Fairbanks returned to the United States and organized the Beach Jumpers, a specially trained unit that was designed to deceive and distract enemy forces. The new special boat unit also rescued POWs, and landed commandos. Although he was supposed to be an organizer Fairbanks still participated in operations in the Mediterranean Sea and was decorated multiple times by several countries for his heroics. The Beach jumpers would take part in dangerous operations in the Pacific theater and combat operations in other wars before being incorporated into other units. After the war Fairbanks continued his interest in martial arts and encouraged others to learn the combatives he learned for self defense.

Douglas Fairbanks chose to become an actor, but he could have been successful in any career. Like his father actor Douglas Fairbanks Sr. he was very athletic, and excelled at many sports. He wasn’t just a good athlete. e was an excellent student and well as a successful businessman. In addition to acting, he was also a skilled painter and sculptor. Before the outbreak of WWII he did several films including Catherine the Great, The Prisoner of Zenda, and Gunga Din, a close combat classic, where three British Army officers take on a cult of thieves and assassins who worshiped the Indian blood goddess Kali.
Fairbanks would remain in the reserves after the war until he retired with the rank of captain and continued to work, splitting his time between Hollywood and London. Like most veterans he seldom spoke of his wartime service, and most of the operations Fairbanks took part in remain classified, but it clear that he served bravely and honorably. Fairbanks also saw the potential of martial arts, and summed up his thought when he wrote:

“In the early days of the cattle country, the six-shooter was the means of leveling all men to the same size. Now that the sale of the six-shooter is prohibited, every one should have some knowledge of the art of self-defence in cases of emergency.”

Most people know Douglas Fairbanks for his film work, but his greatest role was as a real life hero. Without seeking reward, or even the applause of an audience he did his part to win the war and showed uncommon valor. He could have taken a non-combat assignment, but instead he took on the most dangerous missions and hardest training. He took on the Nazis using close combat and deception, and proved martial arts could turn an athlete into a warrior

Bullshido Websites Ring Exposed As A Google Adsense Scheme

Arts blogger

After two stories broke one last week and another a couple of months ago the heat on the “Martial Art” website ring of Bullshido dot com, Bullshido dot net and Bullshido dot org, it appears to be clear that the sole purpose of the websites are to rake in Google Adsense pay per clicks. According to reports the web ring leader Neal Fletcher of Missouri and literally a handful of members and paid posters took on the online identity of over one thousand supposed members. With these fabricated identities known as avatars, the posters went on a rampage over several years posting outlandish comments and taking online content from website owners without permission to gain favor with search engines / Google, so that they could be on the first page of every major martial arts teacher in the United States. Once on the first page they could command clicks from those who were interested in taking classes from the newly and in many cases unknowing martial arts schools and teachers. Each click ringing the cash register for Fletcher through his arrangement with Google Adsense advertising.

It is estimated that Neal Fletcher through his web ring and efforts from his tireless bashers have raked in well over two hundred and fifty thousand dollars at the expense of his martial art victims. When approached about the amounts involved Google refused to comment as of course did Fletcher who did not reply to our repeated attempts to contact him at his home where he operates the web ring. Fletcher while having an interest in martial arts has no known rankings and our research only found he was a student of Mixed Martial Arts and has a video on Youtube of him being beaten badly.

Interestingly enough the only martial art to escape being bashed and demeaned are those dong MMA, all others are slandered at will. We also found records of Fletcher doing business as an MMA clothing maker, so this would explain his promotion of Mixed Martial Arts via degradation of all other arts and its teachers.

The abuse of teachers and schools, as well as students, on the Bullshido web ring has become so vile to the public that several websites have started to appear to bring Fletchers nefarious activities into the light of day, and expose him and his Martial Sportists as the Bullshido members are known, to the light of truth. The members on the web ring have little or no formal training in any art, and many were rejected at the schools they attended , hence the name Martial Sportist, as only real students have the title of Martial Artist. You can lean more at http://bullshido.info one of the sites leading the way in educating the public on the hazards of these kinds of for profit hate web rings.

The very worst part of the Bullshido scam is that at times Fletchers group even impersonates the persons being attacked making them look stupid and guilty of whatever the outlandish claim of the moment is being tossed. But as long as shameful and unethical behavior makes money, we will have misleading sites such as these. Maybe someday the U.S Congress will wake up long enough to enact tough legislation to protect our individual rights on the internet. We can only hope.

Powerpanther.orgYour Ever Reliable PHP Link Directory

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The internet is a place where one can have unlimited opportunities to make his business grow. He is directly connected to people from all over the world. However, because of the wide use of the internet, it is most likely to have many competitors as well. You have to be at the top of the list of Search Engines to get lots of traffic towards your web site and hence, increase the revenue of your business online. You can always promote your web site by going to social media sites and introducing your business to the virtual world. However, because you have to get as much revenue as you can, you have to go to numerous sites. The PHP link directory can help you drive traffic into your site.

You do not have to worry about submitting manually, these link directories would give you lots of links to your site or business. With just an input of your URL, and some details about your site, or some introductory articles, you are definitely on your way on making your business earn more in just a matter of days. You just have to be determined to reach your goal of getting your business going towards the direction where you want it to head to. In choosing a Web directory, you have to make sure that you are going for the one that can give you lots of links to your business, one that is reputable and proven to drive traffic fast.

Such PHP link directory would be PowerPanther.org. The site has been in the business for almost a decade already with a page rank of 4. You would definitely have better opportunities for your business because the site boasts of almost twelve thousand unique visits each month and sixty thousand page views every thirty days. You would not run out of opportunities as well because the site hosts almost fourteen thousand links and has nearly seven hundred categories to choose from. You can choose from categories like Arts and Humanities, Blogs, Business and Economy, Computers and Internet, Education, Entertainment, Health, News and Media, Recreation and Sports, Reference, Science and Technology, Shopping and Society. The link directory also has one of the best weighting and credibility, so if you want to get the attention of Search Engines, you have to go for PowePanther.org.

You would also have a great value for your links. You can opt for the High PR Submission, which is reserved for Webmaster of sites that have Page Rank 5. There is also the Regular Link with Reciprocal, for those sites that do not have high Page Rank and need back linking to their site. There is also the Regular Yearly Subscription, where you pay only $9.95 per year to allow you to add your website and give you five Deep Links to five categories, at most. If you want to be Permanently Regular, you can subscribe to this for only $ 19.95 paid one time. There is also the Yearly and Permanent Featured Subscriptions, where you are able to add your site, attain Deep Links, show your link to all links, even those that are not featured, and also show on all pages where you are going to submit, aside from being at the top of any search results where your listing would match. This would only cost you $24.95 for year subscription and only $69.95 one time payment for permanent subscription. You are already getting the best value for the best service for the betterment of your online business.

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