Martial Arts vs. Fitness Programs

 

 

People now days have a wide variety of choices when it comes to getting in better shape. There are a lot of good personal and group fitness programs out there to choose from. Not to mention a host of fitness equipment and gear that one can have in their own home or use at a local gym. And if merely getting in shape is what you are looking for then maybe one of those programs or pieces of equipment are what you need. However, if you are looking to get in fantastic shape and much MORE then consider martial arts.

Our founder Grand Master Park knew the value of time and how important it was to use our time wisely. He saw martial arts as an activity virtually anyone can integrate into their daily routines. And that it was an optimum way to keep in shape while also learning valuable life and self defense skills. He understood that if you used the same amount of time for some fitness program vs. martial arts there was a far greater reward to studying martial arts.

Not only are you learning to defend your self and your loved ones in martial arts, you are also learning many coordinate values and skills than transcend merely going to some gym or staying at home working out.

Martial Arts values (a partial list):

• Self Defense
• Complete and balanced body fitness
• Proper diet (Organic, non-GMO’s, proper food combinations, how to use supplements)
• First Aid, CPR and Eastern Health education
• Character development (reducing traits of the negative ego)
• Whole life philosophy (understanding the complete person, body, mind, spirit, etc)                                      

 

Note: We cannot vouch for all “martial arts” as there are some that do not meet our standards. With anything it is up to you to do the research and comparisons and decide what martial arts you feel is worthy of your time, etc.

 

Dr. Carmack’s Hapkido Dojang Articles – Samples

Three Arrows Around a Balloon – It’s the Little Things That Make a Difference

It had been over 30 years since I shot target with a bow and arrow. With my family recently, I took a formal lesson at a private archery club in our community. The instructors were very knowledgeable and expert archery coaches. The most rewarding part of the day was spending time with my family. However, the experience reminded me of how focus, controlled breathing, repetition, and relaxed physical qualities lead to success.

After approximately 45 minutes, each family member was grouping arrows into small areas of the target. As a beginner, it was interesting to see how little technical skills made a big difference in the final resting place of an arrow. In archery, it’s the little things that make a difference. Have you noticed that “little things” can make a difference in the success of your personal and professional life?

At the end of the archery lesson, just for fun, our archery coaches placed a balloon in the center of our target. My first arrow was high and left. My second arrow was high and right. My next arrow was low and left. Each of the arrows was no more than 1/2″ from the balloon. On my third shot, my coach commented that my left hand was tight and not relaxed. When I relaxed, I finally hit the target.

In professional and personal activities, when we miss our target, it would be wise to look at the fundamentals which lead to success and make necessary adjustments.

What should I do if…?

For classroom teachers, transitions can mean the difference between keeping students engaged or losing the focus of the lesson. Master teachers make it look effortless. They know the importance of connecting one activity to another.  Transitions may look different, but the best teachers use transitions to get results.

During our advanced training seminar (June 13, 2013), several students asked questions which summarized communicated, “What happens if …?”  The answer was simplistic but important. Students must learn how to transition. When an attacker knows a counter or instinctively escapes a martial arts technique, a well-trained martial artist smoothly transitions to the next technique. The very best martial artists don’t think about the next move – it just happens because of hours and hours of training. Just like the master classroom teacher, they make transitioning from one movement to another look effortless but get results.

There are endless “what if’s.” “What if’s” are in our martial arts training and in the real world. We never know what is coming next. Experience and an understanding that transitions are fundamental principles of life will help move you to the next life activity. Be like a master classroom teacher or martial artist. Prepare for the transitions; change is coming. Stay calm, stay positive, and link experiences to the next life activity.

No! You’re Not Taking My Car!

When you are out in public, what is your level of alertness? Are you the type of person who scans the parking lot? Do you go for a run without a headset and music loudly playing? Do you walk down the street with your head up scanning the people around you? Criminals look for weak and easy targets!

Mr. Keith Rudy, a red belt at our academy, recently demonstrated the importance of being aware of surroundings. While leaving a store and walking to his vehicle, he noticed a man walking towards his vehicle. Mr. Rudy probably surprised the man who might have been looking for an easy theft. Criminals love to find open car doors so they can help themselves to whatever is in the car. This is all speculation – no matter what, the man had bad intentions in mind.

Seeing Mr. Rudy, the man probably had to readjust his plan, so he communicated to Mr. Rudy that he was going to take Mr. Rudy’s car. In this type of situation, can you imagine the stress which could easily take over your body and mind? In most cases, victims talk about their complete fixation with the problem. Tunnel vision takes over.

Mr. Rudy did not fall into a state of tunnel vision. He even noticed another vehicle coming in his direction. The man appeared to have a partner.

There are no absolutes in how to defend yourself. Sometimes it’s appropriate to run away from danger.

Mr. Rudy’s alertness helped him assess the situation. He prepared by taking a fighting stance and communicated very forcefully that no one was going to take his car. In no way did he look like an easy victim. He was not perceived as an easy target. In fact, I’m certain the man considered his own safety as an issue. He ran as fast as he could away from Mr. Rudy.

I appreciate Mr. Rudy allowing us to share his “real world” situation. It was clear that his awareness in the parking lot gave him options. By scanning the parking lot, he was not taken by surprise. He also did not freeze and only see one person. He was able to stay calm and notice that the man on foot had a partner. Finally, he made a decision. He decided to communicate firmly by voice and physical posture that he was not going to be a victim.

Stay alert! Never look like a victim.

Little Acts of Honesty

When charged too little at a store, what do you do?

One of our martial arts students was purchasing four subs.  She noticed that the charge was for three subs.  She pointed the mistake out to the cashier.  This was a simple example of integrity.

Little acts of honesty can tell you much about a person.

Recognize and Apply the Strategies Which Help You Learn.

Patterns are everywhere around us. We start learning about patterns early in life. Children play and build with blocks and other objects. They put things together to produce creative works of art. Parents acknowledge enthusiastically that the structures are “works of art.”

Later in life we learn complex systems by utilizing patterns. Scientists understand that symmetry in molecules and patterns in space affect the infrared spectrum. Stock traders are constantly watching patterns in order to make purchasing or selling decisions. Students learn patterns in algebra in order to transition to calculus.

Some people learn by visualizing patterns. While teaching a new form (series of martial arts movements and techniques), Sophie, one of our youth, raised her hand and asked a question, “What is the pattern?” She has awareness that she learns by organizing movements logically through pattern structures.

Understanding your personal learning style, which might include pattern awareness, provides a learning advantage. Who wouldn’t want a learning edge?  Awareness of the principles of patterns has applications inside the martial arts training facility and in the “real world.” Recognize and apply the strategies which help you learn.

Recent Classroom Discussions –”It builds character!”

During recent martial arts training sessions, two adult students, Rich and J.R., spoke of “character building.” They referred to how the training “builds character.” One was challenged by a new tumbling activity. The other referred to physical activity and stresses to the body which accompany martial arts training.

Even the most gifted athletes encounter movements that are not natural, require practice, and cause reasonable strain on the body. Developing new skills requires self-discipline. For people who lack or have not developed self-discipline, the stresses and strains may be the end. Many give up. Look at the health club industry. People enroll and after a few workouts never come back.

Overcoming martial arts challenges helps us overcome challenges in the real world. Learning how to overcome a challenge is as important to our growth as experiencing success. Continuous improvement should be a way of life. The student learning the new tumbling has been experiencing technique problems but will succeed in learning the technique. He continues to improve, because he has the needed self-discipline. He was correct. The technique challenge is a character building experience.

You cannot fake 20 push-ups. You have to put in the time and train your body for 20 push-ups.  Martial arts students at our school are taught the importance of rigorous training. We don’t want students leaving injured, but overcoming fatigue and soreness are normal outcomes of physical activity. Self-discipline is required. When we overcome the pain, fatigue and hard training, we are one step closer in achieving personal goals. Worthwhile accomplishments come from finding ways over, around, or under barriers standing in the way of our goals.

Master Instructor Arthur Y. S. Lee, a martial arts lead instructor in San Francisco, said, “The greatest of all achievements is to master yourself.” Self-discipline is critical to the process of mastering yourself. Knowing how to improve in the dojang (training facility) and outside in the real world are life skills we consider important. They build character!

I offer my sincere thanks to Rich and J.R. for sharing their perspective about character building.

Respectfully,

Chad C. Carmack, Ed. D.

Delaware Hapkido Goal: Self-Discipline

Courage to Take Action

When is it time to step in? Why don’t people do the right thing – the courageous thing – more often?

Jack, one of our youth martial arts students, demonstrated courage. In his school cafeteria, he noticed a student sitting alone. The “popular” kids noticed the loaner. Several of those students began to make fun of the young man.

When this type of bad behavior starts, usually there are followers who begin to join in and neutral people who do nothing.  Also, occasionally, there are courageous people who take action in a positive way. Unfortunately, this doesn’t happen as often as we would like. Jack showed courage. He made the decision to get out of his seat and joined the student who was alone. He sat next to him.

Immediately, the “popular” kids saw this as another opportunity to become even more “popular.” They began to make fun of Jack with negative verbal comments. Jack understands that he can make a choice. He chose to ignore the comments which sent a message to all observers – I’m not going to idly watch this situation.

When I heard the story, I was very proud of Jack. It takes courage to do what’s right. He did not freeze and become one of the neutral observers doing nothing. He knew that the behavior of the harassing students was unacceptable and could not just watch.

Great job Jack! You demonstrated courage!

Find ways to take action and help others in an appropriate way. Do what it takes to make things better.

Chad C. Carmack, Ed. D.

Delaware Hapkido Goal: Self-Identity (awareness that you have a unique identity)

Encouragement

At the end of our last class, one of our new students was struggling with a line drill called shrimping. I noticed three things happening. First, the new student demonstrated to the other 20 students that he was not going to quit. Even though he was tired and challenged with a new movement, giving up was not an option in his mind. Secondly, one of the instructors stayed with him the entire time. Side-by-side she encouraged and coached. The thought of moving forward and finishing the drill – leaving our new student – never entered her mind. Finally, seeing what was happening, the other students began to clap and cheer for the efforts of the new student. All of this happened without instructions from the leaders in class.

The best martial artists take these types of experiences into the real world.

Chad C. Carmack, Ed. D.

Accidents happen!  We can choose how to respond to those accidents.

Delaware Hapkido Goal: Self-Identity (awareness that you have a unique identity)

Last week a novice driver ran over our mailbox. The mailbox had endured many strikes over the last 11 years, but it always withstood physical attacks.

Several years ago another young driver bounced off of one of our cars and slammed into the mailbox. After the accident, with a chain attached to one of our vehicles, we were able to straighten the metal mailbox pole – it looked fairly straight and worked perfectly again. Also, I am certain that our metal mailbox withstood many vandalism strikes, since every mailbox in our neighborhood has been visibly attacked and severely damaged.

This most recent accident completely destroyed our, previously considered indestructible, mailbox. The car bent the metal pole at a 90° angle and ruptured the metal mailbox door – twisting it in an awkward position. Concrete which was two feet below the surface once secured the metal pole. Large chunks of concrete slab were propelled like shrapnel up to 25 yards from the impact point. Although we didn’t get a chance to see the car damage, our neighbor communicated that the collision made a horrendous sound and the vehicle suffered much damage to the front end.

Mrs. Penny Carmack, DE Hapkido black belt and owner of the mailbox, responded immediately with the question, “Is the driver okay?” Her response could have been in anger or frustration since we now have to replace the mailbox. Instead, she was concerned with the safety and well-being of the driver, who was not injured.

Martial arts train which includes meditation and breathing exercises, can instill in a person a sense of calm, awareness, and a clear perspective. Mrs. Carmack demonstrated the ability to empathize, control emotions, and consider someone else prior to considering minor property damage. Her response was commendable.

Chad C. Carmack, Ed. D.

http://www.firststatemartialarts.info

20 Deadly Ingredients To Avoid When You Buy Food

Artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, emulsifiers, sweeteners have saturated the food supply for more than four decades. We are on the precipice of discovering what our toxic food industry has done to our bodies and our environment. There is a heightened awareness and a sense of caution on the minds of most grocery shoppers, so let’s make it easier for them. Here are 20 of the most common toxic ingredients you must avoid in foods. The discovery of even one of these ingredients on a food label means “stay away.”

This list is by no means all inclusive as there are dozens of other culprits, but these are the most commonly used by the food industry with little regard to consumer’s health.

1. Artificial Flavors

Artificial flavorings are derived from chemicals made in a laboratory and offer absolutely no nutritional value and are a magnet for processed foods. They show up in almost everything today, including bread, cereals, flavored yogurt, soups mixes, and cocktail mixers, so they can be hard to avoid. Every single artificial flavor in the food industry has some kind of detrimental health effect. These include neurotoxicity, organ, developmental, reproductive toxicity and cancer.

2. Enriched Wheat

Wheat is already one of those grains that should be avoided, but the key word to watch out for is ‘enrichment’. That means niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid, and iron are added after these and other key nutrients are stripped out in the first place during the refining process. That applies to whether it’s wheat, rye, or other grains. Enriched flour is really just refined flour that has had a few nutrients re-added to it, but not enough to make any food made from this nutritionally worthy.

3. Hydrogentated or Fractionated Oils

Fractionating oil is a process most often used on palm and palm kernel oil that involves heating the oil, then cooling it quickly so that it breaks up into fractions (hence the name). The key thing is that the filtration process separates out most of the liquid part of the oil, leaving a high concentration of solid unhealthy fat behind which is terribly toxic for human consumption.

Hydrogenated oils are oils that are often healthy in their natural state, but are quickly turned into poisons through the manufacturing and processing they undergo. They take these naturally healthy oils such as palm, kernel, soybean, corn oil, canola oil or coconut oil and they heat it anywhere from five hundred to one thousand degrees. They then become fantastic preservatives because all the enzymatic activity in the oil has been neutralized during the hydrogenating process. Hydrogenated oils are the closest thing you can get to plastic sludge running through your body. If you see “hydrogenated” anywhere on an ingredient list, run like the wind.

4. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG)

The food additive “MSG” is a slow poison which hides behind dozens of names, such as natural flavoring, yeast extract, autolyzed yeast extract, disodium guanylate, disodium inosinate, caseinate, textured protein, hydrolyzed pea protein and many others. Currently, labeling standards do not require MSG to be listed in the ingredient list of thousands of foods.

MSG is not a nutrient, vitamin, or mineral and has no health benefits. The part of MSG that negatively affects the human body is the “glutamate”, not the sodium. The bound glutamic acid in certain foods (corn, molasses, wheat) is broken down or made “free” by various processes (hydrolyzed, autolyzed, modified or fermented with strong chemicals, bacteria, or enzymes) and refined to a white crystal that resembles sugar.

There are a growing number of Clinicians and Scientists who are convinced that excitotoxins play a critical role in the development of several neurological disorders, including migraines, seizures, infections, abnormal neural development, certain endocrine disorders, specific types of obesity, and especially the neurodegenerative diseases; a group of diseases which includes: ALS, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and olivopontocerebellar degeneration.

5. Sugar

The single largest source of calories for Americans comes from sugar. Sugar is loaded into your soft drinks, fruit juices, sports drinks, and hidden in almost all processed foods–from bologna to pretzels to Worcestershire sauce to cheese spread. And now most infant formula has the sugar equivalent of one can of Coca-Cola, so babies are being metabolically poisoned from day one if taking formula. Sugar changes metabolism, raises blood pressure, critically alters the signaling of hormones and causes significant damage to the liver — the least understood of sugar’s damages. These health hazards largely mirror the effects of drinking too much alcohol, which they point out in their commentary is the distillation of sugar. If it’s not a natural sugar, it doesn’t belong in your food.

6. High Fructose Corn Syrup

A few years ago, the Corn Refiners Association petitioned the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to allow the term ‘corn sugar’ as an alternative label declaration for high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). The reason? Too many people were finding out how lethal HFCS was for the human body.

HFCS causes insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, increased weight gain, and not to mention manufactured from genetically modified corn.

7. Potassium Benzoate and Sodium Benzoate

Sodium Benzoate can convert into lethal carcinogenic poison when combined with absorbic acid. Professor Peter Piper, a professor of molecular biology and biotechnology, tested the impact of sodium benzoate on living yeast cells in his laboratory. What he found alarmed him: the benzoate was damaging an important area of DNA in the “power station” of cells known as the mitochondria. “These chemicals have the ability to cause severe damage to DNA in the mitochondria to the point that they totally inactivate it: they knock it out altogether.” he stated.

Potassium benzoate often shows up in seemingly innocuous foods such as apple cider, low-fat salad dressings, syrups, jams, olives, and pickles. It is just as hazardous as Sodium Benzoate so read your labels.

8. Artificial Coloring

Food colorings still on the market are linked with cancer. Blue 1 and 2, found in beverages, candy, baked goods and pet food, have been linked to cancer in mice. Red 3, used to dye cherries, fruit cocktail, candy, and baked goods, has been shown to cause thyroid tumors in rats. Green 3, added to candy and beverages, has been linked to bladder cancer. The widely used yellow 6, added to beverages, sausage, gelatin, baked goods, and candy, has been linked to tumors of the adrenal gland and kidney.

9. Acesulfame-K

Acesulfame-K, also known as acesulfame potassium, represents one of the food additives used for sweetening aliments and drinks. It is approved by the FDA, but there are several potential problems correlated with consumption of this food additive. Even though there are many studies that attest its safety, acesulfame potassium is still suspected of causing benign thyroid tumors. In rats, the development of such tumors took only 3 months, a period in which the concentration of this additive in the consumed food was between 1 and 5 percent. This is a very short period of time, so the substance is believed to have significant carcinogenic properties. Methylene chloride, a solvent used in the manufacture of acesulfame potassium, is the substance that may give the food additive its potential carcinogenic characteristics.

10. Sucralose

Splenda/sucralose is simply chlorinated sugar; a chlorocarbon. Common chlorocarbons include carbon tetrachloride, trichlorethelene and methylene chloride, all deadly. Chlorine is nature’s Doberman attack dog, a highly excitable, ferocious atomic element employed as a biocide in bleach, disinfectants, insecticide, WWI poison gas and hydrochloric acid. Chlorocarbons are never nutritionally compatible with our metabolic processes and are wholly incompatible with normal human metabolic functioning. Sucralose is a very common additive in protein mixes and drinks so beware all of you who love to add these into your smoothies.

11. Aspartame

The sale of aspartame, with only four calories per gram and 200 times sweeter than sugar, is sold under the trademarks NutraSweet and Equal. Results indicate that aspartame is a multi-potential carcinogen, even consumed daily at 20 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. That is a lower quantity than the maximum recommended by the FDA. It’s one reason you should never purchase major brands of chewing gums.

12. BHA and BHT

Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydrozyttoluene (BHT) are used to preserve common household foods. Any processed food that has a long shelf life is often filled with BHA. They are found in cereals, chewing gum, potato chips, and vegetable oils. They are oxidants, which form potentially cancer-causing reactive compounds in your body.

13. Propyl Gallate

Another preservative, often used in conjunction with BHA and BHT. It is sometimes found in meat products, chicken soup base, and chewing gum. Animals studies have suggested that it could be linked to cancer.

14. Sodium Chloride

A dash of sodium chloride, more commonly known as salt, is the culprit that the mainstream media and medical community claim we should stay away from. They’re right, but only because it’s not real salt. Common table salt (sodium chloride) has almost nothing in common with traditional rock or sea salt. If a food label lists salt, or sodium chloride as an ingredient, that’s the bad stuff and you need to avoid these foods wherever possible.

15. Soy

Although it’s often lauded as a healthy, cholesterol-free, cheap, low-fat protein alternative to meat, soy is NOT a health food. Any foods that list soy in any form as an ingredient should be avoided. Soy protein, soy isolate, and soy oil are present in about 60 percent of the foods on the market and have been shown to impair fertility and affect estrogen in women, lower sex drive, and trigger puberty early in children. Soy can also add to the imbalance between omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.

The only soy products fit for human consumption are fermented and organic and I can guarantee you will never find this type of soy in any processed foods. The majority of soy is GMO and you can’t get around this. Regardless of who I am speaking with, soy is one of those foods I use to gauge the nutritional IQ of others. You would not believe how many health practitioners and even Naturopathic Doctors still think soy is a health food. Please don’t touch this stuff.

16. Corn

We are at the point where all corn products, including fresh corn should be avoided. The percentage of genetically modified corn is just far too high. You will never know if you are actually consuming organic corn. Modified cornstarch, dextrose, maltodextrin, and corn oil should all be avoided. All are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation, cancer, and heart disease. While your body needs both omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids to perform at its full potential, most experts recommend an omega-6 to omega-3 ratio of 1:1–currently most Americans consume about 15-20 times more omega-6 acids than omega-3s.

17. Potassium Sorbate

As one of the most prolific preservatives in the food industry, it is difficult to find an ice cream without potassium sorbate. However, it is not only recommended to avoid this chemical, it’s a necessity to eliminate it from our foods. The food industry and its scientists will parrot endless myths that potassium sorbate is not a health threat because of its safety record and non-toxic profile. This could not be further from the truth.

Food and chemical toxicology reports have labeled potassium sorbate as a carcinogen, showing positive mutation results in the cells of mammals. Other studies have shown broad systemic and toxic effects on non-reproductive organs in animals. No long term studies have ever been initiated on either animals or humans, so there is simply not enough evidence to theorize what could happen after years of ingesting this preservative. However, based on short-term carcinogenic and toxic effects, is it worth the risk to find out?

18. Soy Lecithin

Soy Lecithin has been lingering around our food supply for over a century. It is an ingredient in literally hundreds of processed foods, and also sold as an over the counter health food supplement. However, most people don’t realize what soy lecithin actually is, and why the dangers of ingesting this additive far exceed its benefits.

Soybean lecithin comes from sludge left after crude soy oil goes through a “degumming” process. It is a waste product containing solvents and pesticides. The toxic hexane extraction process is what is commonly used in soybean oil manufacture today. Another big problem associated with soy lecithin comes from the origin of the soy itself. Look out for this emulsifier in ice creams, chocolate and many processed creams.

19. Polysorbate 80

Polysorbate 80 has been found to negatively affect the immune system and cause severe anaphylactic shock which can kill. Food and Chemical Toxicology has shown that Polysorbate 80 causes infertility. It accelerates maturing, causes changes to the vagina and womb lining, hormonal changes, ovary deformities and degenerative follicles. What is very suspicious about this ingredient is its addition to vaccines. Scientists are obviously aware of its ability to cause infertility yet it continues to appear in children’s vaccines. You will also commonly find this in a child’s favorite treat, ice cream.

20. Canola oil

Canola or rapeseed oil is poisonous to living things and is an excellent insect repellent. It is an industrial oil, not a food. It is a genetically modified plant designed through intensive breeding and genetic engineering techniques. The Canadian government and industry paid the FDA $50 million dollars to have canola oil placed on the (GRAS) List, “Generally Recognized As Safe”. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find products that do not contain Canola oil. Please do not buy any food product containing canola oil.

Marco Torres is a research specialist, writer and consumer advocate for healthy lifestyles. He holds degrees in Public Health and Environmental Science and is a professional speaker on topics such as disease prevention, environmental toxins and health policy.

GMO’s (Genetically Modified Foods)

Are GMO’s Dangerous?

Real Food? (Must Watch!)

MUST WATCH!

For further info http://www.robynobrien.com/

Tai Chi History – Erle’s Story

Erle Montaigue is the source of the Original Old Yang Style Tai Chi that we do here at Park’s Martial Arts. In the following interview Erle, (a non conformist and rebel, but with a good heart), recounts his Tai Chi history.

Part One:

Part Two:

Part Three:

Part Four:

Final:

The Nature of Reality

Physicist and author Tom Campbell offers some intriguing perspectives about the nature of Reality, Consciousness and Evolution. For more information on him go to http://www.my-big-toe.com

NOTE: One of the reasons I chose to post this thread was due to his information regarding the difference between a reality based on love vs. fear. It’s not hard to see that our world operates predominately through a paradigm of fear. It is my hope that this can change. And as always change happens with each individual and their conscious choices.

Thrive (Video)

One of the responsibilities of a martial arts which focuses on a healthy and productive “way of life” is defining what that means.

Please consider taking the time to watch this video in its entirety. Make sure you don’t miss the section on WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW.

If you agree and feel encouraged by the film don’t hesitate to share it since this will be one immediate way you can help others. Best Regards!

NOTE: If the above Full Length Movie THRIVE doesn’t work it is possible that they have removed the free version AGAIN.  If this happens again here are some comments.

Apparently The Thrive Movement via its founder Foster Gamble (of Procter & Gamble) once again feel that they cannot share their film FREELY. Many people find this unfortunate and completely unnecessary. It seems The Thrive Movements need for profit outweighs any urgent concern for getting the important time sensitive message “out there”. Again, this is unfortunate since it has already been proven via another similar film series http://www.zeitgeistmovie.com that FREELY disseminating their films did not stop them from making money through DVD sales, donations, etc. Not to mention how essential it is to get this information out to the people ASAP.

http://thrivemovement.com

Tai Chi or Qigong?

Have you thought about studying Tai Chi or Qigong?  Since there are many styles/systems of Tai Chi and Qigong, are they all equally beneficial or not?  If not, how do we recognize which ones are better than others. This article will briefly explore the CORE answers to these questions.

Qigong:

Qigong has two main components:

1. Health Benefits

2. Meditative (sometimes referred to as Spiritual) Benefits

Qigong is usually recommended when you have specific health concerns which it is designed to address.   Or for people who seek an illness preventive discipline that also reduces stress, has little to no impact and doesn’t teach martial arts.

Valid methods of Qigong work on specific problems within the body via the movements or postures, and breathing, which in turn trigger their corresponding meridians.  So, as long as a person is working on the correct meridian then they can help the specific ailment associated with that meridian. 

Yet, it is important to note that no individual Qigong is a complete system/approach by itself.  This is because one Qigong usually only works on one, or a limited number of meridians.   Therefore, if a Qigong is to be a complete heath system it must offer enough postures/techniques which in turn work on ALL meridians.  But, and this is VITALLY IMPOTANT, these meridians MUST be activated in the correct sequence. 

This “correct sequence” is known as the Qi Cycle or Horary Cycle.  This cycle sequentially depicts the 24 hour flow of Qi in our bodies.  Following this exact meridian sequence is VITAL for our balanced health. 

 

As such, if you are practicing a Qigong which works merely on one or a few meridians you may produce short terms benefits.  Thus we get the claims from people about how specific Qigong’s helped them with this or that problem.  But keep in mind that this is ONLY a short sighted approach and can be detrimental in the long run.  Why?  Because our bodies were meant to work as a complete unit via a holistic approach. If we don’t practice the entire Horary cycle in the correct sequence our intrinsic life force (Qi) we will never be activated in a balanced manner and thus we cannot energetically live in optimal health. 

Yet there is an additional concern even if one practice several Qigong’s that follows the correct Horary cycle.  That is, Qigong in and of itself can be categorized as a Yin system and to be optimally balanced it needs a Yang compliment.  And this Yang compliment is Martial Arts.  Hence the problem with merely practicing Qigong as a way of life.

This is where Tai Chi comes in. Correct Tai Chi IS a Qigong and much more.

Tai Chi:

Tai Chi has three main components:

1. Health Benefits

2. Martial Arts Benefits

3. Spiritual or Meditative Benefits

Let me start by saying that the reasons there are many forms of Tai Chi is complicated.  In some cases it is because there have been people who felt that they could create a better Tai Chi system than the one they initially learned.  Maybe they felt this way because their initial system or instructor was not very good.  Or, maybe they created a new system because they had a strong ego and wanted to be revered or looked up to.  Maybe they wanted to make more money, etc. The reasons are varied.

So, the quickest and best way to identify which Tai Chi system is valid is to examine its components.  It MUST have all three of the above “components” if it is to be a valid Tai Chi system. Yet, virtually any Tai Chi system can make this claim.  So how do we distinguish a valid Tai Chi system from one that is not in our best interest?

To our knowledge there are only two systems of Tai Chi which are complete and valid.  These are:

1. The Original Yang Lu-Ch’an Tai Chi Chuan (Originally known as H’ao Chu’an, translated as “Loose Boxing”)

2. The Yang Cheng-Fu form (which was a watered down version of The Original Yang Lu-Ch’an Tai Chi Chuan) 

(Note: Please refer to this ARTICLE for more details.)

To avoid over complication I’ll focus strictly on the KEY points of what’s makes these Tai Chi systems “valid”.

1. Health – Only these systems follow the Horary Cycle. In other words, the sequential techniques/postures of the forms (with proper breathing and SUNG) activate each meridian in the correct sequence mimicking the 24 hour Horary cycle.  While other forms of Tai Chi DO NOT DO THIS and the end result can only be defeating. 

2.  Martial Arts – Virtually any Tai Chi motion can be manipulated to simulate a defensive technique.  But with the valid systems of Tai Chi you learn more than this, you also learn Dim-Mak.  Dim-Mak (literally meaning death touch) is the art and science of vital point fighting.  Vital points are the vulnerable areas of the body that when struck properly causes, is the best case scenario pain and the body to not function normally, and in the worst case scenario, results in death.

Some vital points are just structurally weak areas in ones anatomical construction (such as the throat, or knee cap, etc).  Most martial arts systems seem to focus on these structurally weak areas.  But there are other vital areas specifically related to points located on the various meridians.  The science of striking these points is a very advanced methodology of fighting.  For more details on Dim-Mak read this ARTICLE.

One of the numerous genius aspects of the valid systems of Tai Chi are that each technique is a finishing blow if used correctly in a fight.  The motions of Tai Chi are designed so that they strike vital points in the correct direction, and in proper succession with other points to optimize their defensive effectiveness.   In other words, one point can be used by itself or enhanced if used as a set up point for another succeeding point(s), etc.

So, Dim-Mak makes Tai Chi one of the world’s most deadly martial arts in that every single move can be a killing motion if, God forbid, such a need arose.   And while some may cringe at the idea of using Tai Chi as a killing system and thus may wish to focus only on its health benefits; well, this is a short sighted approach. It is like taking the Yin out of the Yang, the night from the day, the male from the female. It can’t be done without causing unfortunate side effects.  Therefore, Tai Chi MUST have both the Healing (Yin) and Fighting (Yang) aspect to be Balanced.

And when Tai Chi is practiced as a complete and Balanced discipline its side effect (beyond the above mentioned benefits) produce coordinate spiritual/meditative results often described as “moving meditation”. 

In summary, authentic Tai Chi stands out because:

1. Its techniques follow the Horary Cycle. 

2. Its Martial Arts system is the pinnacle of self defense based on the art/science of Dim-Mak.

3. When both the Health and Martial Arts are unified one attains Balance and gains optimal meditative/spiritual benefits.

Note: There are of course numerous other components of a healthy and holistic lifestyle which include proper diet/nutrition, proper hydration, social interaction, etc.  But Tai Chi is the perfect complement to virtually anyone’s lifestyle if they seek to live in a beneficial and holistic way.

Advanced Vital Point Principles and Applications

            Taekwondo is a very effective martial art with both its Mu Sool (Martial Skills) and moral tenets.  In this paper I will reveal little known advanced principles in Mu Sool vital point striking, many of which can be used effectively in taekwondo.

            Generally, when people think of taekwondo they see a martial art which utilizes phenomenal hand and foot techniques which are applied with focus, timing, speed and power against an attacking opponent’s weak areas (vital points). In this way, the resulting self defense applications have a much greater success in their effectiveness; as opposed to just punching or kicking randomly on the opponent’s body in hopes that you will defeat them.

            The intelligence of utilizing these vital points on the opponent’s body sets apart an advanced taekwondo practitioner from a novice.  But what if there was an even a greater methodology to vital point striking than what is typically known?  If so, this knowledge could further the advanced practitioners skills. Well, there is a more advanced science to vital point striking and to the Chinese it is known as the science of dim-mak.

* * *

 

            In order to accurately comprehend aspects of this paper, one needs to have some understanding of the energetic meridian based system found in traditional oriental medicine. Generally speaking, the human body has 12 bilateral primary meridians (see “Yin/Yang Channels” below). There are also two special vessels (the Conception Vessel – CV and the Governor Vessel – GV) that are not bilateral. These are singular channels, which follow the midline of the body, one in front and one on the back.

There are a number of ways in which the Primary Meridians can be classified. One method is to classify them into two groups, according to their polarity of Yin and Yang. The Chinese determined that some of the meridians are predominantly of Yin energy, and some are predominantly of Yang energy.  We will be referencing certain vital points and their corresponding numbers using the abbreviations found in this meridian system.  

Yin Channels (Organ)	Yang Channels (Organ)
Lung (LU)	Large Intestine (LI)
Spleen (SP)	Stomach (ST)
Heart (HT)	Small Intestine (SI)
Kidneys (KI)	Bladder (BL)
Pericardium (PC)	Triple Heater (TH)
Liver (LV)	Gall Bladder (GB)

 

Number of Points on each Meridian

Governing Vessel = 27

Conception Vessel = 24

Lung = 11

Large Intestine = 20

Spleen = 21

Stomach = 45

Heart = 9

Small Intestine = 19

Kidney = 27

Bladder = 67

Pericardium = 9

Triple Heater = 23

Liver = 14

Gall Bladder = 44

Note:  Certain Meridian’s have more than one name and or abbreviation. Here are some examples:  Triple Heater (TH) could also be Triple Warmer (TW).  Large Intestine (LI) could also be Colon (CO). Bladder (BL) could also be Urinary Bladder (UB).

One additional but critical aspect to meridian vital point striking is in knowing the direction of the strike since different effects are produced depending on the angle of the strike.  This is important for single strikes as well as multiple strikes, and how they affect each other.  (refer to #4 below “Dropping the Heart Rate”). 

In order to have a fundamental understanding of which direction to strike a point, one must first understand that the energy or (Ki) in the posterior meridians on the arms and legs flows in a downward fashion, while the Ki flows in an upwards direction in the anterior regions of the arms and legs. The energy flow in the torso and head can be a bit more complex to follow. 

Note: When one examines the numerical system along each meridian in acupuncture the ascending numbers reflect the direction of the energy (Ki). But with dim-mak vital point striking, one must think of the energy flowing in the opposite direction from acupuncture. For in dim-mak striking we are trying to hurt or kill, not heal.   

Next one must understand what effects the points, used individually or in combinations, have on the attacker. This science is very comprehensive and beyond the scope of this paper. If you would like to study this topic further I recommend the exhaustive works, “The Encyclopedia’s of Dim-Mak”, by Erle Montaigue and Wally Simpson.

* * *

 

There are five ways to cause a knock-out.  These five methods are the same ways one can also kill an opponent. So the utmost caution must be used when applying this knowledge.

Note: It is dangerous to knock someone out regardless of how it is done. We lose a few million-brain cells every time we are knocked out. Not to mention possible long-term damage and or death.

1. Head Trauma Black Out: (Blunt Trauma or Concussion)

Most of us know that a strong percussion type strike anywhere near the head, chin, face, etc., will cause a knock out. This is because these areas are vital to human survival and when struck, the brain simply causes the rest of the body to faint thus saving all of the energy and blood for the affected area. This is the first and most basic of the knock out techniques. This method is often seen in boxing or mixed martial arts fights.

 

2. Air Restriction to Lungs: (Lack of Air)

There are two approaches using this method.  The first one, and the one most often considered, would be to restrict air to lungs by cutting off the airway through a choking, compression, or crushing techniques on a person’s airway (larynx).  The second method causes the muscles around the lungs to constrict violently by going into spasm thus causing the person to black out. With this approach, using the meridian based system; we could, for example, perform strikes to ST 15 or to SI 11.  The strike to SI 11, which is located in the center of the scapular, will have the same effect as a good kick in the gut.

 

3. Stopping Blood Flow to Brain: (Lack of blood)

In this method the blood is restricted or stopped in its ability to get to the brain, such as a squeezing method which cuts off circulation to the carotid artery (a.k.a. the old sleeper hold).  One must be careful since prolonged constriction can cause brain damage or even death whereby the opponent may not revive.

If the person is knocked out or the heart has stopped from a sleeper hold type choke then we can use CPR.  Another approach is to lift him into a sitting position placing our hands under his chest from the rear and jerk him upward while squeezing inward lightly. This should bring him around. If not, a medium slap on the back in between the scapular should work.

 

4. Dropping the Heart Rate: (Shock, or rapid disruption of systems)

With this fourth method we would strike at vital points to cause the heart rate to drop, such as striking the carotid sinus or (ST 9). For another example, envision an attacker who uses a right arm hook punch. In defense, we could use our left palm swinging up and outwards in a blocking type motion striking the attackers point known as Neigwan or (PC 6).  The key to this block/strike, (Note: with dim-mak all blocking motions are in fact strikes or set-ups since blocks are seen more or less as wasted motion which makes one susceptible), is that we hit PC 6 in an adverse direction (against the flow of energy – or in this case, the direction of the attackers wrist) while virtually simultaneously we use our right palm striking to his carotid sinus point (ST 9).

There are three other organs which when struck in certain directions will also cause this blood pressure dropping effect. Gall bladder (or GB) and the intestines are the ones that are the easiest to get at. We have gall bladder points all over our bodies from the feet right up to the head and any of these points will cause the knock out when struck in the correct direction.  Take for example GB 14, located just above the eyebrow in the middle of the forehead.  This point can be struck in three different directions each causing a different effect.  For instance, if we strike with an upward blow to this point it causes what is known as an energy or Ki rush to the head resulting in a knock out or death. (Essentially the brain explodes energetically!) But if we use dim-mak points in a different way, they can also be used to heal. For instance, we know that the antidote for striking GB 14 is the point GB 21 just on the shoulders. If we put pressure onto this point and quickly brush to both sides, this will bring the Qi back down out of the head. And since striking GB 14 results in the exact same symptoms as a person suffering from a bad case of sunstroke, we know that GB 21 can also be used for sunstroke victims. In short, sunstroke and striking GB 14 are the result of too much yang energy in the head.

Another approach for striking GB 14 is to use a set-up point.  For example, if I block a punch by using an inwards strike towards me on the posterior side of the attackers arm, this accelerates the normal Ki flow; in analogy this would be just as if I was pushing water downstream.  This method with both water and Ki basically increases the rate of speed and volume.  Thus by causing the Ki energy flow to increase in the arm when striking a specific point, GB 14 will also become engorged with even more Ki than normal. And if GB 14 is struck at this instant and in an upward fashion, it causes an even greater energy rush type effect than by striking it alone, again resulting in a sunstroke type effect.

In another totally separate example, if I were to strike GB 14 in a downward fashion it would lower the blood pressure, which could cause the heart to slow dramatically or even stop thus causing knock out or death (from the heart not starting up again). And if I used a set-up point in conjunction with this point, the negative effects would be further enhanced.

Dim-mak becomes even more complicated when we learn that there are certain points that when struck will cause seemingly totally unrelated parts of the body to react. For instance, if SP 20 (Spleen 20) is struck in an inward manner, it will cause either the right or left leg (whichever side was struck) to lose control and the person will fall to the ground.

5. Neurological: (Disruption of nervous system)

An example of this type of knock out is an inwards strike to the chin which pushes it back towards the upper spinal cord area.  This causes pressure on the spinal column and results in a momentary blockage of information from the central nervous system to the brain. Neurological shut down is a strange human phenomenon, which the martial artist is able to use to his advantage. There are certain parts of the face which when struck with a slapping motion will cause the whole nervous system to shut down. Martial artists wanting to show off have used this practice for years. However, the dangers of this type of strike are even worse than the others. This is because it seems as if there has been no real damage but years later the recipient of such a strike suffers from mental illness, or in the very least becomes paranoid. Certain nervous disorders will also grow over the years, all of which could have been prevented if the person showing off wasn’t irresponsible or ignorant of the effects of the strikes.

* * *

 

To complete the science of vital points striking one must be knowledgeable of the following:

Location:

            Every vital point, whether it is associated to a meridian point or just some anatomical structure of the body, (the latter being something like the Adams apple), has a precise science on how to locate it. 

            For example, in oriental medicine each person can find points based on their very own anatomical body structure.  One such measurement is the width of one’s thumb (called an accu-inch).  One can therefore use their own accu-inch and measure out each meridian point with complete accuracy.  Suffice to say that no two accu-inches are exactly the same. An interesting side note here is that meridians also change their pathways in the body dependant on numerous factors such as diet, stress, sickness, etc.  In acupuncture these deviations are important to note.  However, the pathways rarely (if ever) deviate beyond the effectiveness of dim-mak.  In dim-mak one does not have to be as precise in relation to a point as say an acupuncturist would need to be.  As long as one strikes in the area around the point approximately the size of a large coin the strike will be effective. 

Connections:

One must learn how strikes (or healing) to certain points/meridians affect other meridians.

Direction of Strike:

            Some points only have one direction (straight in) while others have multiple directions, often with different effects.

Damage:

            Light, moderate and heavy strikes produce different effects. In some cases you may only wish to drain the energy of an opponent, while in other instances you may need to knock out or even kill an opponent.  (Refer to “five ways to cause a knock out”)  

Set-up point:

            Set-up points are those which when struck a split second before another point will enhance the effect of the main strike. These can be found on most of the main points used in real self defense techniques.

Antidote:

            Some points have antidote points which can be used to reverse the effect of the harmful strike. However, some points are so dangerous that there is no antidote.

Healing:

            No art in hurting or killing is complete without knowledge of how to heal. Although a martial artist isn’t a licensed medical doctor, they should have a decent understanding of healing techniques which they can apply in martial arts related situations/scenarios. Obvious approaches such as first aid and CPR are vital to any martial artist. But there are also methodologies whereby one can use meridian points in a healing way, such as using ones fingers, palms, elbows, etc, or even by running ones hands over the body without touching it projecting Ki energy to certain areas.

Applications:

            Finally, one must know effective martial art techniques (blocking, striking, grabbing, kicking, etc) to apply dim-mak.  Consider that many people create martial arts hyung (forms) merely for their dramatic look or beauty.  But serious martial artists know that forms contain real applicable techniques for real fighting.  They know that one technique is followed by another which has a direct subsequent fighting application (block followed by strike, etc). 

Yet in the case of even more highly developed martial arts which use dim-mak forms/techniques, we learn that the hyung strategy is taken to a whole new level. Not only is there a basic block/strike type application available for anyone to learn, there are also hidden applications for those who understand dim-mak.  In these hidden applications, one learns all of the above mentioned specifics (point location, direction of strike, etc).

***

 

            Obviously through learning dim-mak one can decisively enhance their martial art. Yet to truly complete ones martial art journey (“Do” or the Way) one must develop their character, ethics and spiritual values transcending ego, striving and attaining enlightenment.

Some of the major problems with many martial arts today revolve around the over emphasis towards merely pugilistic and strenuous training approaches.  Another major problem lies with instructors who are egotistical and need to be noticed, popular or famous at the expense of the students or art. With the advent and popularity of martial sports, such as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), violent and fantasy martial arts video games/movies, and the overall tendency for instant (albeit superficial) gratification, many martial artists have lost sight of the deeper more perennial aspects of our art. Suffice to say that there is a disdain or just plain apathy towards the “Do” (Way).   

It’s not that hard to hurt or even kill someone with some training.  However ask yourself, can you heal just as well?  How’s your self defense as it pertains to not only your or others physical bodies, but how is your defense against the enemies of your own psyche, emotions and other debilitating faculties?  It is incumbent that we understand the vital points of our inner being and annihilate any area which threatens our inner mastery.  Mastery of one’s self and all else will follow.

References:

1. http://www.yinyanghouse.com/
2. http://www.taijiworld.com/
3. Montaigue, Erle and Simpson, Wally; “The Encyclopedia of Dim-Mak”, Paladin Press, Boulder Co, 1997.
4. Montaigue, Erle, “Dim-Mak: Death Point Striking”, Paladin Press, Boulder Co, 1993.
5. Montaigue, Erle and Simpson, Wally; “The Encyclopedia of Dim-Mak: The Extra Meridians, Points and More”, Paladin Press, Boulder Co, 1997.
6. 6.      Tedeschi, Marc, “Essential Anatomy: for healing and Martial Arts” Weatherhill, 2000.

 

Author: Brian Alexander

October 24, 2009