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To start this off, our objective is to bring together information and articles from different sources that you can use as you start or continue your martial-arts training. It consists of links to selected, specific articles, rather than sites, but all websites are cited with each article. If you have the time, definitely check out the hosting sites - they're the best of the web.
Updated March 15th, 2006
I. Physical Training and Condtioning:
II. Jujutsu / Jiu Jitsu, and Martial-Arts Techniques:|
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Weightlifting and your Martial-Arts
Training:
Perhaps you're thinking that you need to supplement your martial-arts
training with some weight training. You're not wrong: Isao Inokuma complains
in his book Best Judo that some judoka (judo practitioners)
lose to opponents whose strength gives them an advantage. But what weightlifting
should you do?
Beginning
Weight-Lifting for Martial Arts, by Stephan Kesting of grapplearts.com.
Mr. Kesting is a reliable authority on the subject. He's an accomplished
grappler and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioner, and he gives good advice
how to get started with maximum effect, and minimum injury. Check out his
whole website, if you have time - it's time well-spent.
Weight-Training
for Boxers, from ringside.com.
This article is geared to boxers, but it dispels many of the old myths
suggesting that weightlifting slows you down and worsens your flexibility.
Good reading on the subject from the perspective of a striking style of
fighting.
The Right Way to
Train for Boxing, by bodybuilding.com.
Again, this article addresses old theories about weight-training for fighters
and new thinking in the field. This article contains a lot of details,
and makes a lot of sense.
Bodybuilding
101 - A Beginner's Guide, by bodybuilding.com.
Includes photos and videos of how to do your weightlifting exercises properly.
Combat Grip, by Rick Walker for dieselcrew.com, posted on grapplearts.com. This is the article I've been waiting for. This is very complete article, and the best thing is, the techniques can be done with inexpensive equipment. This article will show you how to make your grip so strong that, once you lock on, there is no escape.
'Cardio'
for the Martial Arts, by Stephan Kesting of grapplearts.com.
Once again, Mr. Kesting has great advice on this subject (and many others).
Stair
Routine, from ringside.com. A
good article on how to get good cardio training without the fitness-centre
membership, maybe over at the neighbourhood schoolyard.
Burpee Conditioning,
by Ross Enamait, of rossboxing.com.
Everyone hates to do burpees, because they are so demanding. Which is exactly
why they're so popular among instructors, and so dreaded by students. But
burpees require no equipment, so you can start right now! Mr. Enamait has
a great site, and you'd do well to read what else he has to offer.
Warming Up
and Cooling Down, by Grant Kerr, for rossboxing.com.
A lot of injuries occur because people don't warm up the muscles properly.
Here are some excellent principles for warming up.
A Basic Guide to
Plyometrics, by Ryan Bame, for bodybuilding.com.
Any of the boxing or grappling sites will remind you again of the importance
of plyometrics. What are they? Here's an article explaining it.
Yoga for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: A Personal Challenge, by Rolando Garcia, posted on grapplearts.com.
Nutrition
for Boxers, by Dan Isbell for ringside.com.
This is aimed at serious boxers who train a lot and want to go all the
way in boxing, but it's good advice for those of us who find that we're
not recovering from soreness quickly enough to lead normal lives.
Athletic Supplements,
by Richard Chiang, for ringside.com.
Mr. Chiang has a Master of Science degree, and did an in-depth study of
the various supplements out there, legal and illegal. Let's face it - young
people and some competitive athletes are tempted to do whatever it takes
to be the best. Some supplements are legal but becoming frowned upon. Is
there a magic pill for big muscles and lots of stamina? Check this article
out. It's technical, but a good investment if you're seriously thinking
about taking up a supplement.
Frequently
Asked Questions about Nutrition I and II,
by Richard Chiang, for ringside.com.
He addresses questions like cutting carbs, protein intake, variety of diet,
and many other good questions. Definitely worth the read.
Low-Carbohydrate
Diets, by Richard Chiang, for ringside.com.
Thinking about cutting all your carbs and training like a madman to get
six-pack abs and your black belt at the same time? Read this first for
some sound advice on the subject.
Drinking
Enough Water, A Crucial Factor for Health and Athletic Performance,
by Richard Chiang, for ringside.com.
You hear people harping on this all the time, but are we listening?
Vitamins and
Minerals, by Ross Enamait, of rossboxing.com.
(Webmaster George here: I once heard a doctor say about vitamins and minerals,
"They're certainly not going to hurt you," and that gives them a
one-up on other supplements.) Mr. Enamait enumerates the functions of each
and concludes that taking them is a good idea, just like your mom and dad
probably made you do. Check out the article and you may see your parents
were right.
Overtraining
in Mixed Martial Arts and No-Holds Barred Conditioning, by Stephan
Kesting of grapplearts.com, who
published this in Ultimate Athlete Magazine. Mr. Kesting talks about
exactly the kind of symptoms that indicate overtraining, and he speaks
from experience.
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Classical Jujutsu
There are many different styles or schools of classical Jujutsu, of
which we at the UBC Classical Jujutsu Club study three: Tenjin Shin'yo
Ryu, Takenouchi Ryu, and Daito Ryu. In this section, we'll continue to
include articles about any classical style - the essence of what our club
is about: classical Jujutsu.
UBC CJJC Content! - Submission Grappling vs Classical Jujutsu: when cultures and concepts collide, by Stephan Kesting (Grapplearts) and Alexander Kask (UBC Classical Jujutsu Club). This article was published in the April edition of Black Belt Magazine, in a collaborative effort by our head instructor and his friend, Mr. Kesting. The article traces the history of both classical Jujutsu and submission grappling, selects several cornerstone techniques for discussion, and includes photographic details of side-by-side comparisons of techniques from both arts. UBC Classical Jujutsu is grateful to Mr. Kesting for hosting this article on his website, grapplearts.com.
On Jujutsu and its Modernization, by Kenji Tomiki, posted on The Judo Information Site. This article is a "must-read" for classical Jujutsu practitioners for several reasons. First, its author is a reputed and well-known high-ranking Judo practitioner. Second, its historical account of Jujutsu is credible and a valuable insight for those who would like to see how Jujutsu transformed into Judo. Third, and in my opinion, most importantly, it discusses the tremendous importance of re-vitalizing the practice and effectiveness of Jujutsu and Judo aiki techniques through randori practice. Kata alone are important, and constitute much of the traditional learning base of Jujutsu; however, in order to make the kata useful in self-defence, they should be exercized through randori (freestyle practice).
Interview with Hakaru Mori #1, by Stanley Pranin of the Aikido Journal, Mori-sensei is the head of the Daito-Ryu Takumakai, the dojo where instructor Chad Kohalyk was trained in Daito-Ryu Jujutsu. In this interview, Mori-sensei has interesting things to say about the naming of Daito-Ryu dojos, as well as the history of the art and of the Takumakai dojo. There's also useful discussion of the relationship between the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, and Daito-Ryu practitioners of the time.
Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu Takumakai, by Hakaru Mori and posted on the Aikido Journal. Another discussion of the evolution of the Takumakai dojo, where Jakaru Mori is head instructor. Mori-sensei has a good relationship with the Aikido community in Japan, and he has participated in Aikido demonstrations as a guest several times. Videos of his demonstrations can be found on the Aikido Journal website.
The Tradition of The Takeuchi Ryu, by Wayne Muramoto, posted on on the website of the Shudokan Martial Arts Association. Mr. Muramoto describes some of the earliest history of Jujutsu and the evolution of Takeuchi-ryu.
Grappling Techniques
at Grapplearts.com. Mr. Kesting has an outstanding array of techniques
on his techniques page. Definitely a page to keep checking on for new material.
Techniques at BJJ.org.
Wow. There are well over 100 techniques here, some with videos.
Starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: What to Expect Your First Class, by Matt Kirtley, posted on Grapplearts.com. A comprehensive article that gives good information for those thinking of starting Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Groundfighting Dissected, by Kent Fung. Kent Fung takes issue with claims that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the ultimate martial art, while admitting its tremendous effectiveness and success. While all may not agree with Kent's position, it's worthwhile reading to get a more balanced view of this art, which is taking the world by storm. We have included it simply to provide such balance in your reading.
Jujutsu Becomes Judo, by Jigoro Kano, founder of Judo, as posted on the Judo Information Site. Not all Jujutsu practitioners will agree that, as Kano says, "no one any longer speaks of jujutsu as a contemporary art in Japan," but this is the founder's own words on the evolution of Jujutsu into Judo. Worth a read.
My Judo, by Masahiko Kimura, as posted on the Judo Information Site. Kimura's name should ring a bell in your head if you've ever dabbled in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Master Kimura travelled to Brazil decades ago and had a match against the famous Helio Gracie, head of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Kimura defeated Gracie with a version of Ude-garami, an armlock that went on to be called "the Kimura", and is a top move in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to this very day. Kimura was "old school", and though the article is long, you definitely should read about the hard old days of Japanese Judo.
Judo's Decisive Battle: The Great Tournament of 1886, by Wayne Muramoto of Furyu.com. This is an incredible account of how Kano got Judo on the map in a tournament against the great Jujutsu fighters of the time. Wow. A must-read for Judo and Jujutsu practitioners alike.
Growing Up in Judo and the No-fighting Rule, by Frank Moritsugu, as posted on the Judo Ontario website. An interesting retrospective about Japanese kids growing up in Vancouver, BC (our home!), trying to intergrate into Canadian society during the war years, and trying not to use Judo when they were bullied by Caucasian kids. Needless, when push came to shove, the young Judoka gave their tormentors a few surprises! Fun reading, and a good argument for putting kids in Judo.
Theory and Essence of Judo, by Minoru Mochizuki (trained in Daito-Ryu, Judo, and Aikido, and founder of the Yoseikan Aikibudo style), posted on the Aikido Journal website. This piece is quite philosophical, and is a reputable source. Good background reading for any Judoka or prospective Judoka.
Boxing
The Martial
Art of Boxing, by Tom Shook for rossboxing.com.
Rossboxing is a great place to go for boxing news and training info. Mr.
Shook, an experienced boxer, tried taking up Karate. He had an interesting
experience that highlights the very real value of boxing as a martial art.
Definitely worth the read.
Hitting the
Heavy Bag - the Ultimate De-stressor, by Mike Bresnahan of fitness-boxing-trainer.com,
posted at rossboxing.com. Many
martial artists try to get in some time on the heavy bag, but are you actually
learning anything or developing any skills and stamina? Do it right - here's
how.
Intensifying
the Heavy Bag, by Ross Enamait of rossboxing.com.
What a great article - not only does Mr. Enamait tell you how to get something
new out of your heavy-bag workout, he includes an online instructional
video to show you how to do it. This kind of free, online content is hard
to find; definitely check out what else Ross Enamait has to offer on his
site.
Speed Bag Basics
for the Beginner, by Alan Kahn, posted on rossboxing.com.
It looks easy on TV, but using that little speed bag in real life is a
lot harder than it looks.Check out this article on how to start using it
to some real advantage. And don't be surprised if, after reading the last
four articles on boxing, you feel like hitting the Yellow Pages to find
a boxing gym to join.
Wrap
Your Hands Properly for Boxing: Excellent step-by-step instructions
on the best ways to wrap your hands for safety in training. Don't break
your hands on the heavy bag. Learn to train safely, and you'll keep training.
Muay Thai
The
Knee Strikes of Muay Thai, by Kumron Vaitayanon for Black
Belt Magazine. Muay Thai fighters are famous for their devastating
knee strikes, which are extremely useful and effective in the standing
clinch. This article is a primer.
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Effective Self-Defence?
A lot of people study martial arts because they're intested in self-defence.
Not surprisingly, then, books, magazines, and websites and inundated with
discussions and debates about the matter of how effective martial arts
are for self-defence. We at the UBC Classical Jujutsu Club believe in respecting
all martial arts, so this section is intended to bring together some of
the most reliable web-based commentary on the subject for the erudition
of our readers. Different authors offer different experiences and points
of view on the matter; here's a chance to get a sense of the limits of
this raging debate.
The Aikido
FAQ: Instances in which Aikido was unsuccessful. This is not included
as a slight to Aikido; on the contrary, Aikido is an extremely close relative
of Daito-Ryu Jujutsu. Aikido is also a very widely practised martial art,
and the web resources devoted to it are excellent and extensive. We're
lucky, then, to have this chance to read about the self-defence experiences
of Aikidoka (practitioners). We don't offer this link as instructional
material; rather, we hope it will provide insight into the issue of training
to defend yourself without becoming a street brawler.
The Aikido
FAQ: Real-life stories about Aikido. Although this page is from a message
board, it is moderated at an extremely reputable site; The Aikido FAQ is
a reliable web source about Aikido. UBC CJJ does not offer this page as
advice or instruction. However, it is interesting reading and illuminates
the issue of self-defence in a variety of conditions. Remember, though,
the law: reasonable force, in response to a real threat.
14
year-old girl uses karate chop to escape sexual predator, by Stuff
- New Zealand. Too many times society has been saddened with accounts
of sexual predators who abduct children for wicked purposes. Here is one
true story about a brave and cool-headed young woman and karateka
who gave her attacker more than he bargained for. It proves that martial
arts can work, and is a reminder about the importance of learning
to react to attacks.
Member
of Parliament Foils 4 robbers with karate, posted at GhanaWeb.
This is an amusing story about a Member of Parliament who gave 4 armed
robbers a sound beating. Not recommended that you attempt this, but still
worth a look. There come times when self-defence is the only choice. Still,
escaping is almost always better, if possible.
Judo Throw Saves Man from Bold Bear, posted
in temporary news on The Judo Information
Site. What happens when an Asiatic black bear jumps on a 63-year-old
Japanese Judoka? Self-defence in the wild.
Black
Belt Magazine: Street Proofing a Martial Art, by Marc MacYoung, for
Black
Belt Magazine. Mr. MacYoung is a prolific author on the subject of
realistic self-defence. He writes not from the point of view of a martial
artist, but rather as a street fighter who has found a less violent lifestyle,
and now advises martial artists and martial-arts schools about street effectiveness.
This article for Black Belt Magazine is intersting because it highlights
the need to make the training environment as much like the real self-defence
environment as possible, so that when you find yourself in the real environment
of self-defence, your training is applicable to the situation.
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Women, Self-Defence, and the Martial
Arts
Popular opinion has been that the study of martial arts has been and
remains largely a man's pursuit. But nothing could be further from the
truth - women are attracted to all styles of martial arts from the meditative
to the combative. Many of them want to learn self-defence in a world where
violence against women is far from extinct. But, sometimes, the predominance
of men in a club can intimidate or even alienate women who attempt to join
in the training. For our women readers, we hope these articles will help
you understand any gender-related frustrations you experience, and perhaps
find a school that makes an effort to include you. For our men readers,
we hope these articles will enlighten you to the specific challenges your
female classmates face. Hey - women belong in the dojo. Include them wholeheartedly,
and your dojo/school will be better for it. We at the UBC CJJ Club welcome
women in all parts of our training, and we have had many women members
over the years. Remember - you can e-mail
Webmaster Anne if you have questions about this.
Why Women
(and Men) Should Wield Weapons: by Diane Skoss for furyu.com.
Please note that we do not endorse the carrying of martial arts weapons
in any way contrary to the laws of Canada. This is an informative article,
just remember - laws govern the carrying and use of weapons. Hit the links
page to see an article describing martial-arts weapons and Canadian law.
Karate and
Me: Karate Training from a Woman's Point of View: by Gay Oberloh for
furyu.com.
This is a nice autobiographical piece that addresses many of the issues
that women often face when deciding to train in the martial arts. Also
a good read for men, who should know what unique challenges face their
female classmates.
Putting Up
With Men: Coming to acceptance of training across gender lines: by
Emily Dolan Gordon, for Electronic
Journals of Martial Arts and Sciences. This article was presented at
a martial-arts conference, and it deals with issues that both hinder women
from martial-arts training, and that promote women's interest in the martial
arts. It discusses different motivations for women to study martial arts,
and suggests some advice on how women can get the most out of training.
A good read, again, for men as well.
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Using the Right Training
Weapons to Increase Training Efficacy
Many martial-arts clubs struggle with the decision of what training
equipment to buy. The market for such equipment is huge and often the costs
can add up. Sometimes, also, the equipment available on the market isn't
necessarily the best-suited for your class's needs. Here in this section,
you can read about what equipment you need, and how to save money on what
you buy.
UBC CJJ Content - Safe,
Rugged, Foam-Padded Training Weapons: Make a Set of Six for $12: by
Bruce Lawrence and George Lamont of the UBC Classical Jujutsu (Jiu Jitsu)
Club. In classical Jujutsu, it's common to practise techniques in which
an unarmed person defends against an armed attacker. But training with
wooden or metal weapons can be intimidating and dangerous. Some time ago,
we designed our own rigid, foam-padded weapons and the price was negligible.
Well, we've refined and documented the process, and here it is for you
to see.
