Martial arts styles

An Indian martial art that is similar to Japanese Karate.

AGNI KEMPO

The World Agni Kempo Organization (WAKO) was founded in 1998 as the leading organization that received from the Great Teachers the Knowledge and a right to develop and partially disclose a system of secret martial art of SHAMBHALA - Agni Kempo, to improve old and to develop new methods and techniques, adapting them as much as possible to extreme life conditions of contemporary man. Teachers of Hierarchy of Light advised to denominate this system on the territory of Russia - Russian Kempo, in Ukraine - Old Russian Kempo. Agni Kempo is translated as Fiery, Lucid or Furious fisticuffs, main aspect of which is self-perfection in mastering the psychical energy.

Agni is a term that means psychical energy. WAKO admits as a member everyone, who decided to follow a way of self-perfection for progress of Love, Good and Justice on the Earth.

Any person (or group of people), irrespective of his nationality, colour of skin or religious convictions, may become a WAKO member, if he supports basic principles of the Organization. The main thing is to have great desire to learn depths and heights of Agni Kempo, to improve himself through this martial art.

AIKIDO

Intro:

Aikido emphasizes evasion and circular/spiral redirection of an attacker's aggressive force into throws, pins, and immobilizations as a primary strategy rather than punches and kicks.

Origin: Japan.

History:

Aikido was founded in 1942 by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). Prior to this time, Ueshiba called his art "aikibudo" or "aikinomichi". In developing aikido, Ueshiba was heavily influenced by Daito Ryu Aikijujitsu, several styles of Japanese fencing (kenjutsu), spearfighting (yarijutsu), and by the so- called "new religion": omotokyo. Largely because of his deep interest in omotokyo, Ueshiba came to see his aikido as rooted less in techniques for achieving physical domination over others than in attempting to cultivate a "spirit of loving protection for all things." The extent to which Ueshiba's religious and philosophical convictions influenced the direction of technical developments and changes within the corpus of aikido techniques is not known, but many aikido practitioners believe that perfect mastery of aikido would allow one to defend against an attacker without causing serious or permanent injury.

Descriptions:

The primary strategic foundations of aikido are: (1) moving into a position off the line of attack; (2) seizing control of the attacker's balance by means of leverage and timing; (3) applying a throw, pin, or other sort of immobilization (such as a wrist/arm lock).

Strikes are not altogether absent from the strategic arsenal of the aikidoist, but their use is primarily (though not, perhaps, exclusively) as a means of distraction -- a strike (called "atemi") is delivered in order to provoke a reaction from the aggressor, thereby creating a window of opportunity, facilitating the application of a throw, pin, or other immobilization.

Many aikido schools train (in varying degrees) with weapons. The most commonly used weapons in aikido are the jo (a staff between 4 or 5 feet in length), the bokken (a wooden sword), and the tanto (a knife, usually made of wood, for safety). These weapons are used not only to teach defenses against armed attacks, but also to illustrate principles of aikido movement, distancing, and timing.

Training:

A competitive variant of aikido (Tomiki aikido) holds structured competitions where opponents attempt to score points by stabbing with a foam-rubber knife, or by executing aikido techniques in response to attacks with the knife. Most variants of aikido, however, hold no competitions, matches, or sparring. Instead, techniques are practiced in cooperation with a partner who steadily increases the speed, power, and variety of attacks in accordance with the abilities of the participants. Participants take turns being attacker and defender, usually performing pre-arranged attacks and defenses at the lower levels, gradually working up to full-speed freestyle attacks and defenses.

Sub-Styles:

There are several major variants of aikido. The root variant is the "aikikai", founded by Morihei Ueshiba, and now headed by the founder's son, Kisshomaru Ueshiba. Several organizations in the United States are affiliated with the aikikai, including the United States Aikido Federation, the Aikido Association of America, and Aikido Schools of Ueshiba.

Other major variants include:

* the "ki society", founded by Koichi Tohei, * yoshinkan aikido, founded by Gozo Shioda, * the kokikai organization, headed by Shuji Maruyama, * "Tomiki aikido" named after its founder, Kenji Tomiki.

AIKI JUTSU

Aiki-JUTSU Ancient system of combat based on jujutsu; founded by Shinra Saburo Yoshimitsu during the Kamakura period (1185-1336) in Japan. Also known as aiki-jutjutsu, it is the art from which aikido developed.

Sometime during the 13th century, a school existed to the north of Mt. Fuji that specialized in the teaching of aiki-jutsu. It was kept secret except to a few disciples, for the most part Japanese nobles of ancient lineage. This art had originated from keniutsu, and is said to have gradually become a method of combat superior to jujutsu.

The term Aiki, like ju, indicates a principle, a way of using the body as a weapon of combat. The method of Apiki is to use the coordinated power of kl in harmony with the circumstances of combat; by blending one's strategy with an opponent's, to attain full control over him and over the encounter.

AMERICAN BUSHIDOKAN

In the late 1960's Jim Harrison founded the first Bushidokan school in Kansas City, Kansas. Harrison had studied judo and was top in his league. During this time he had also studied Okinawan Shorin-Ryu Karate and was top at this style as well.

Bushidokan is a combination of Judo, Okinawan Karate and JuJitsu, but it emphasizes a karate which resembles Shotokan. Bushidokan trains students in effective street self defense. Physical conditioning is very important and includes leg stretching and abdominal conditioning. Tournament fighting is also a large of part of Bushidokan training.

Beginning students learn seven basic stances, seven basic strikes (six linear and one circular), seven basic blocks (one of which is circular) and seven basic kicks. They also learn self defense techniques that are not included in the "basic" seven. These techniques include a number of throws, a few soft (redirecting) blocks, and several wrist and hand locks. Two basic self defense strategies, a direct counter and an indirect counter, are taught for each type of attack. Students also learn different sparring techniques which they can use either in no contact or full contact sparring.

Bushidokan has only two "official" katas, but students are encouraged to learn other Shotokan katas as well.

Bushidokan is an external Martial Art with only mild references to the internal arts. At the end of the Taiso which begins each class, Mizu No Kokoro ("mind like water"), is performed.

AMERICAN FREESTYLE KICK BOXING

Introduction

American Freestyle Kick Boxing means, The Boundless System of Fighting.

The style was founded in 1995 by Coach Jason Porter. The first school opened in Endicott, NY in 1998. American Freestyle Kick Boxing is an eclectic, mixed martial art blending the hard and soft aspects from various martial styles that Coach Porter has trained in over the years. Being a student in the martial arts since 1980, Coach Porter has been fortunate enough to train in, and understand, numerous martial styles, and continues to do so today.

Philosophy

American Freestyle Kick Boxing is a boundless system, meaning that it is not limited by style or technique. It is believed that every style has something beneficial and practical to offer, whether it is in terms of technique, training, or philosophy. This system's philosophy is very similar to that of Jeet Kune Do and the late Bruce Lee's philosophy of No Way is the Way. An individual can not depend on one non-eclectic system as containing everything they need to defend themselves in every situation. Understanding of many styles and ranges is necessary to adequately defend oneself.

It is also believed that every action provokes a typical reaction and it is the student's goal to understand these reactions and how to counter them. The opponents attack and the students flow reactions are repeatedly analyzed and trained. However, once a student partakes in reality training and mock combat situations they must rely on trained reaction and learn to naturally flow with their opponent. To teach a student a set way to deal with a particular response is foolish, it is better to teach them to analyze the response in training and then have them flow using the tools they feel most comfortable with. To send an individual out onto the street with a set way to deal with a particular response will only get them hurt. When the unfortunate time comes to defend oneself their adrenaline is racing and it is to hard, if not impossible, to remember exactly, step for step, how to respond to an opponents attack. Many styles teach this approach and it is foolish. The American Freestyle Kick Boxing student is trained to flow with the opponents attack, this way they will be better equipped to deal with the situation and will more than likely come out of the confrontation with little or no personal injury.

The system also believes that people must be well versed in all ranges of self-protection in order to adequately defend themselves in any situation. This is similar in philosophy to No Way is the Way. Learning to defend yourself in just kicking range or punching range or any one range is foolish. No matter how well trained you are in that one range a confrontation can quickly and easily take you out the range your familiar with, then what, your in trouble. You have to be able to effectively protect yourself in all ranges of combat. This will not only make you more effective in defending yourself but will also confuse your attacker when you can so easily flow in and out of ranges.

It is also understood that we are all individuals and because of this everybody will have a particular style of defending themselves. It is believed that everyone is a "toolbox" and through training in American Freestyle Kick Boxing they are given various tools, which tools they use to defend themselves is entirely up to them. The system was designed knowing that everyone is different in body structure and athletic ability. Some people are vary quick, some are rooted, and some are aggressive. Likewise some are big, some small, some tall, some short. For instance, a 20 year old weighing 125 pounds will have a different means of defending themselves than a 20 year old weighing 250 pounds. Regardless of makeup, students are taught to fight within their means. They will learn movements and techniques both inside and outside of their makeup but it is up to them whether or not they feel it is one of their tools. Students will progress and become very effective within their style and athleticism. The system will teach them to be very effective using their tools and their style of self-defense whatever it happens to be.

The system does not promote fighting but it is believed that if one must defend themselves they should be able to do so very effectively, regardless of the situation.

Description

American Freestyle Kick Boxing is an external, hard and soft style that incorporates both linear and circular techniques. In addition, much emphasis is placed on learning to zone on your opponent and learning to flow with whatever your opponent comes at you with. Stopping with one counter hit is not an option, students must learn to aggressively flow until the situation is dissolved and they no longer feel threatened.

The beginning student will focus primarily on the movements and techniques of such hard arts as Western Boxing, Thai Boxing, and Oyama Karate. Experienced students will add more movements and techniques from other various hard arts such as, Kali, Wing Chun, Savate, Penchak Silat and Folkstyle Wrestling. Experienced students will also become more effective using movements from such soft arts as Judo, Aikijutsu,and,Greco-RomanWrestling.

American Freestyle Kick Boxing teaches students how to defend themselves in six ranges of self-defense. These include Kicking, Punching, Trapping, Standing Grappling, Split, and Ground Grappling ranges. Beginning students focus mainly on the Kicking and Punching Ranges and as they progress the other ranges are incorporated. Regardless of experience, all students get some exposure to the various styles and ranges.

This system combines punching techniques with kicking, empty hand striking, trapping, joint manipulation, chokes, sweeps, throwing, pressure points, maneuverability, and positioning. It contains both outfighting and infighting techniques with the goal in most situations being to get inside for close-in striking, locking, and throwing. Students learn to realize that in most situations in order to throw or lock an opponent it is best to first "soften" them up with striking. This is why so much emphasis is put on the striking ranges early on in the students training. Without striking the other aspects are much harder. Joint manipulation and throws are considered ways to finish off the situation if there is an opportunity to do so. Nothing in this system is forced. The student learns to flow with what is offered and take only what they can easily and fluidly get. Don't resist the flow and don't force techniques or movements.

The system stresses following-up with techniques based on an opponent's reaction and not stopping with one hit. Again, students learn to understand how an opponent will typically respond to a specific technique and how they can best flow off of that response into a finish. Students learn to use the opponent's attacks and openings against themselves. Students are also taught to use the entire body when performing a movement or technique in order to provide the most power and leverage into their technique while maintaining control of their own body. Emphasis is put on fluidity, speed, balance, strength, endurance, flexibility,accuracy,and,assertiveness.

There is a colored belt system with a Black Belt typically taking from four to five years. Students are tested for belts with both a written test and a physical test. The written tests are designed to test the student's knowledge of the techniques they have learned. Knowing how to physically do something is not enough students must be able to explain how to perform the technique and why it is performed in a particular way. The physical test is not only testing your ability to perform various techniques but also your ability to spar and your mental toughness. Students do gain peer respect upon completion of testing and as one progresses through the ranks they also progress through a series of titles, titles they have earned through hard work and dedication. In addition to earning more respect from their fellow students, they also are given added responsibility. The titles are as follows: Assistant Instructor, Instructor, Coach, and Professor. Professor takes years to attain, even the founder of the style doesn't feel he is worthy of the Professor title.

Training

American Freestyle Kick Boxing is a mixed martial art designed to deal with today's streets. It is believed that the classical or traditional martial arts are outdated for today's streets. This system is both practical and reality based. The style does not incorporate kata, a.k.a. forms, into the curriculum. Instead of spending time on forms this time is used for bag or pad work, partner drills, or sparring. Because the system is based on practicality an emphasis is put on sparring, which varies in contact depending on the student's ability level. As the student advances they begin to incorporate grappling into their sparring and eventually get to the point where they can effectively defend themselves against multiple attackers. Advanced students also begin dealing with mock combat situations. They learn to analyze various situations and how best to defend themselves in these situations.

Exercise and calisthenics are part of the class structure to insure that the student will be physically capable of defending themselves outside of the school. You must be in better physical and mental shape than the attacker on the street. Through the incorporation of pad work, bag work, and partner drills students do become more physically and mentally fit. Students increase flexibility, endurance, cardio-vascular, and overall health. Advanced classes also focus on standing and ground grappling drills, split range drills, multiple attacker drills and mock combat situations.

AMERICAN VADHA KEMPO KARATE

American Vadha Kempo Karate is a "hybrid" system deriving from the traditional or "mother" art of Vadha. Vadha finds its origins in the ancient himalayas (present day Tibet), over 3,000 years ago. According to one theory of the origin of the martial arts, a form of this ancient style known a Vajramusti was the predecessor to a majority of the martial arts practiced today. Vadha is a system that uses circular principles to redirect an opponents attack. These circular techniques, sometimes called "arcs", allow a student to yield to an opponent's force, ultimately causing that opponent to become unbalanced and vulnerable to multiple counters.

The founder of American Vadha Kempo, Professor and Grand Master John Salvaggio, revolutionized traditional Vadha much in the same way Bruce Lee did Wing Chun or Ed Parker did Chinese Kempo. Professor Salvaggio holds Black Belt rank in Ju Jitsu and Tae Kwon Do; he also has substantial experience in various forms of Kung Fu, Shotokan, Judo, Aikido, Go Ju, Tai Chi and a form of Navy Seal training known as Bukito. Advancing Vadha in many ways, Professor Salvaggio incorporated the term "Kempo" (a term which refers to the blend of hard and soft techniques) into the name of his art to signify the distinction from the traditional form. In blending the most effective aspects of these great art forms, American Vadha Kempo was born

AMSTERDAMS VECHTEN

Unarmed fighting method, known and used on a wide scale in Amsterdam up to the early 20th century.

ANIMAL STYLES

Using the basic principles of the way an animal defends itself for self defense. Here is a partial list of some animal styles, and their technique. Some animals are styles (sub-sets of a system), and others are complete systems. And some animals have different personalities (sub-sets of the style).

* Bear - Mauling grappling style, powerful and overpowering.

* Boar - Rushing and butting, using elbows and knees.

* Bull - Charging and tackling.

* Cobra - Striking vital point, usually upper body.

* Crane - Grace & Balance. The crane is a graceful beautiful bird, whose beauty makes it look helpless. It uses its balance and grace (fluidity) against the opponent. It is good at out-fighting (fighting from a distance), not letting the opponent get too close, but using accuracy to hit with poison hand techniques.

* Deer - Fleet and Agile.

* Dragon - Rides the wind. The dragon flies, swoops, leaps, slashes; known for twirling & spinning motions, uses the momentum and whipping motion of the spin against the opponent. It uses movements and strikes from many other animals, and is difficult to predict.

* Eagle - A style utilizes the "Eagle Claw", a unique attack, usually to soft targets (eyes, throat, groin).

* Eagle Claw (C) - (This is a system of martial arts) This system is similar to jujitsu, trapping incoming strikes and taking down, and locking up the opponent. This is a long fist style (out-fighting), most strikes are aimed at pressure points.

* Leopard - Speed & Power. The leopard is quick and leaping; it likes to lunge in with attacks, and then get clear before the retaliation. It has a lot of in-out attacks using the quick body momentum to add power.

o Leopard (SNOW) - this is a variant of the leapord. The snow leopard walks on snow all day, so its paws are frozen (and more frail). So the snow leopard likes to lunge in like the leopard, but it uses its forearms, elbows & knees to strike (to protect its paws).

* Monkey Kung Fu (a.k.a Tai-Sing Pek Kwar or Ta Sheng Ch'uan) (Tai Sing) - Agile & Tricky. An awkward looking animal at best. It confuses the opponent, using movements that don't look feasible (and therefore weren't planned for) and very low stances. It can put on a showy display to confuse you and then hit you with something simple (or visa-versa). It will roll to absorb a hit or to get inside your guard. It is desceptive and dangerous. There are 5 sub-styles of Monkey Kung Fu, these are:

o Drunken Monkey - See Monkey , but add more desceptive movements, that give the practitioner the appearance of being intoxicated. It is the most difficult of the monkey styles to master.

o Lost Monkey - See Monkey , but add constant movement (changing footwork and direction constantly).

o Standing Monkey - See Monkey , but use more outfighting , more conventional stances , and less rolling (better for taller people).

o Stone Monkey - See Monkey , but add that this practitioner will absorb strikes, and exchange them.

o Wooden Monkey - See Monkey , but add this is the most aggressive of the monkey styles , it will literally jump on an opponent to get at him.

* Panther - Circling, lunging and ripping.

* Praying Mantis (C) (Tong Lun) ; A system that likes to trap oncoming strikes while simultaneously striking with the other hand / foot. And then utilizing many fast handed strikes. A large person in this style is not afraid to use his body (butting , hipping , etc.) while speed will work for the smaller person.

o Eight Steps Praying Mantis ; Utilizes footwork for more in-fighting.

o Northern Praying Mantis ; Utilizes more kicks, more out-fighting.

o Seven Star Praying Mantis ; Translates as "always moving & changing your direction, in order to break down your opponent's guard."

* Praying Mantis (Southern) (C) This system is unrelated to praying mantis, and bears no resemblance to the insect. This is an in-fighting, short hand system, that utilizes quick agressive attacks. This style has no real blocks, it avoids(or absorbs) the first punch and immediately counter attacks with a machine gun barrage of tight punches, and low kicks (often simultaneous). no changing of footwork, no blocking (too slow), just an all out blitz. They are known for their 1 inch punch, pheonix and palm strikes.

* Python - Grappling, crushing. Utilizes locks and holds with chokes.

* Scorpion - Grabs at pressure point or soft targets.

* Snake - Supple & Rythmic endurance. The snake is fluent and supple, it will wrap up your limbs, destroy your balance, and use poison hand techniques. It likes to get in close and use grappling / throwing while striking many times in the process.

* Tiger - Strength & Tenacity. The tiger is good at in-fighting (fighting in close), it likes to maul the opponent, overpower him. The tiger is a strong style (good for stockier people, to use their strength). It throws an opponent one direction, and then uses the opponent's momentum against him.

* Viper - Strikes at vital point, usually lower body.

* White Crane (C) This is a defensive system utilizing long powerful high kicks as well as long arm attacks. There are four basic fist attacks taught (Chuin - straight punch , Pow - uppercut , Kup - circular overhead punch , Chow - roundhouse punch). This system uses the pivot of the whole body to put force behind its strike / kick, all of which are delivered from long range. A lot of quick everchanging footwork.

ANKATHARI

This is one of the aspects of the Indian martial art of Kalarippayat. It involves combat training in weapons like the dagger, sword and shield, spear, mace, and a long flexible sword. Ankathari refers to metal weapons combat. The final stage begins with the mastery of the kattaram or short dagger used in close combat. The weapons used are the urumi or a paper thin sword as well as mace and spear which demand meticulous training because they can hurt the untrained user.

AN YIN KUNG FU

This is a Tibetan Buddhist martial art that emphasizes Meditation above all else. Students learn combat strictly from a defense point of view, since they are not supposed to be aggressive toward any creature.Patience, silence and concentration are considered the hallmarks of any advanced student of An Yin Kung Fu. Any student who as learned this style of combat has already taken a vow of silence for a year. During this year the student dose not speak, read, or receive any form of entertainment, they did this to the point where all they did all day was stare at a blank wall.

ASHIHARA KARATE

Ashihara Karate is named after Kancho Hideyuki Ashihara, a man who has devoted himself to the pursuit of the most rational, logical karate techniques.

The quintessence of Ashihara Karate lies in its innate rationality. It embraces a method which is probably the most scientifically logical. As such, Ashihara Karate is the most vital and practical in real-fight situations. Ashihara Karate can be described as moving in circles. The symbol illustrates the principles of the most efficient movements of the human body. The human body has a natural inclination to move in circles and in three dimensions, this transposes to the movement of a sphere.

Circular movements mean that, rather than meeting an opponent head-on, you move around him, staying at his side or back, deflecting attacks and making yourself a difficult target.

Learning the techniques and forms of this "risk free" karate is pure pleasure. Punch without being punched! Fell your opponent without going down yourself! In striving to achieve the maximum performance of the human body, the chances of being injured are reduced and the probability of victory correspondingly increases. This is the philosophy of Ashihara Fighting Karate.

Hideyuki Ashihara (Ashiwara), the founder of Ashihara Fighting Karate, was born on December 5, 1944, in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan. He opened his first karate school in 1965 and since then, he has devoted himself to the pursuit of the most rational, logical karate techniques. He passed away in 1995.

The ability of Kancho Hideyuki Ashihara in avoiding an attack by moving to the opponents back or blind side made him one of the most sought after teachers. This combination of defence and offence into one he later dubbed Sabaki. In 1980, he founded the New International Karate Organisation - Ashihara School. This school, at the time, grew into one of Japan's largest with member dojo's spread across the world. His karate has been acclaimed as the most practical.

ATEMI

Atemi was developed in Asia thousands of years ago. In China it became known as dim mak, (death touch) while the Japanese, called it Atemi; a system of strikes and painful joint holds aimed at one of the central nervous system's 365 "pressure points." Paradoxically many of these points are also used in the healing art of acupuncture, which began its development at about the same time.

For many years it remained exclusively in China but as Chinese and Japanese cultures intermingled, the art migrated to Japan. The early masters spent many hours researching human anatomy in their quest for atemi perfection. They toiled over anatomical charts and experimented on prisoners of war and criminals. They immersed themselves totally in this learning, committing to memory their secret knowledge, refining it as they progressed and keeping the secrets of Atemi within the confines of their immediate families or clans.

During the 15th century, the samurai warriors began to assimilate Atemi strikes into their systems of battlefield unarmed combat - the martial arts. Atemi strikes gave them several advantages: Atemi strikes require no flamboyant stances, no flashy movement, they are direct and decisive. The samurai could employ a fatal blow quickly to end a life threatening confrontation or a use a quick disabling strike that would render the opponent helpless but alive for interrogation. - minimum power, little effort and maximum effect.