Combat v35i02

ESTD.

1974

THE BEST IN MARTIAL ARTS COVERAGE

WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK

MMA TAKES ON OKINAWA Cage fighting hits the home of Karate!

THE MOST BRUTAL FORM OF ATTACK Muay Thai elbows and why you should use them!

TRAINING SHOULD BE AN ADVENTURE! ‘Way of The Warrior’ TV star Chris Crudelli shows you how!

THE ART OF FIGHTING KUMITE...

From start to street!

9

WAYS TO MOTIVATE YOURSELF TO TRAIN

Top Shaolin training tips to help you get back to the dojo!

FEBRUARY 2009

Vol. 35 No. 2 £3.50 02 9 77095 5 95 1 085

HAV001/10

IT’S COMING...

The The Ultimate Ultimate Guide Guide to to Everything Everything Martial Martial Arts Arts

Will you be in it?

You’d be M A D not to!

For For aa free free information information pack pack e-mail e-mail us us at at MAD@martialartsinprint.com MAD@martialartsinprint.com or or call call us us on: on: 0121-344-3737 0121-344-3737 // 0121-356-7616 0121-356-7616

COMMENT Just as we were about to go to press, news came through of England Rugby player, Matt Stevens’ failed drugs test. Stevens tested positive for cocaine, a recreational drug. It always shocks to hear of someone with the world at their feet, who succumbs to destructive addictions.

The sporting world is blighted by performance enhancing drugs; the motivation to use them is well defined. Recreational drugs are taken for wholly different reasons.

Perhaps Stevens can take some advice from the words of the famous US actor Robert Downey Junior, who, in the nineties, was arrested multiple times for drug and alcohol-related crimes.

Whether it was driving naked with a loaded gun down Sunset Boulevard or breaking into his neighbor’s house by accident, Robert Downey Jr. was out of control.

In 1999, the actor was arrested once more and spent the better part of a year in jail. He was such a loose cannon that filmmakers who wanted to hire him were forced to take out massive insurance policies or withhold his salary to get their films made. He was fired from the tv show Ally McBeal after another drug infraction and chose to take a few years to get his life together and re-evaluate his priorities.

It was during 2002-2003 that he began practicing Wing Chun, a form of kung fu which he credits for giving him the strength to overcome his addictions.

Sometimes referred to as “a martial art for the mind,” Wing Chun is a Chinese art known to increase focus, concentration and relaxation.

In 2003, Downey started working again, and released a string of wellreceived movies like The Singing Detective, Fur and Zodiac before landing the key role of Tony Stark in Iron Man, which was released in May of 2008 to record-shattering returns.

With Iron Man, the resurgence of Robert Downey Jr. is now complete.

He’s on top of the box office with a blockbuster franchise, clean and sober, and happily married.

Wing Chun emphasizes aggressive tactics, direct/scientific movement and realistic training. It prepares its trainees in the subjects of selfdefense, self protection, fighting and combat skills, as well as skills to defend others. A practical and scientific system, Wing Chun teaches how to prevent, deal and overcome all kinds of violence and attacks.

But what really seems to have caught the attention of Robert Downey Jr. is the art’s ability to go well beyond fighting. It encompasses the full mind, body & spirit of martial arts. The concepts and philosophies found through Wing Chun training bring about a new way of looking at life’s challenges helping you to deal with situations in whole new way - things you don’t usually find in other activities.

It seems that whatever you problem; martial arts can help you find the answer!

Editorial Team

NTK001/04

COLUMNISTS

4 COMBAT WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK

Mike Finn Dan Docherty Michael Tse William Sanders Simon Hazeldine Dr. James Fisher Anton Van Thomas Chris Samuel Keith Gilliland Dan Green Don Heatrick Brian Dossett Andy Hopwood Andy Bryant John Graden Nino Bernardo

Sean Viera Paul Allen Richard Dimitri Helen Stranzl Mark Cortnage Kerry Louise Norbury

CONTRIBUTORS Paul Burkinshaw Matt Sylvester Frank Mensah Tom Hibbert Patrick Rault Carl Fisher Mic Clark Rob Nutley

Neville Wray Jim Fung Leon Dogan Peter Lewis Paul Hennesey Iain Abernethy Alfie Lewis Iain Armstrong Julian Dale Danny Guba Richard Thomas Rhee Ki Ha Steve Proctor Neil Holden Gavin Mullholland Ross Iannocarro Cris Janson-Piers Jeffet Jenkins

CONTENTS

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VOLUME 35 NUMBER 2 FEBRUARY 2009

REGULARS

PUBLISHER/MANAGING DIRECTOR Paul Clifton

7 -

MARTIAL ARTS NEWSLINE

16 -

THE WAY OF THE WARRIOR - By Chris Crudelli

22 -

COMBAT FILM

36 -

UNLOCK THE SECRET OF SHAOLIN MOTIVATION With Shifu Yan Lei

48 -

THE NEGOTIATOR - By Aran Dharmeratnam

62 -

MIKE FINN - Magic of martial arts - Part 8

ADVERTISING/SALES

68 -

MUAYTHAI COLUMN - With Bob Spour

72 -

LESSONS FOR THE CAGE - By Gavin Mulholland

Julie Davies (0121) 356 7616

76 -

CHATTERBOX - With world champion Kerry-Louise

82 -

THE FORMS FORUM - With Joe Hallett

89 -

CALENDAR

92 -

BOOK REVIEW - Four Shades of Black

EDITORIAL TEAM 0121 344 3737

SENIOR DESIGNER Mark John Davies 30

HOW TO GET WORK PUBLISHED To have your submission published in COMBAT couldn’t be easier. Supply your written material either on disc (ASCII), typed or on audio tape.

Send it together with a covering letter and some good quality photo’s (digital photographs must be 300dpi) to the Head Office (address below).

123 - CLUBS DIRECTORY & CLASSIFIEDS SECTION

NEWS ITEMS For all news related items, simply mark your envelope “COMBAT NEWSLINE” and together with a photograph (if required) and a covering letter, send it to: COMBAT, Head Office. or E-Mail: combat_news@martialartsinprint.com

FEATURES 21 -

MAF-UK COMPETITION

30 -

WAS BRUCE LEE THE FIRST MIXED MARTIAL ARTIST?

By Damian Ross

32 -

LION DANCE - By Vince Hinde

40 -

WING CHUN KUNG FU More Than Just Chain Punching

42 -

SIGHT IMPROVING EXERCISES

By Zeng Qingnan & Liu Daoqing

44 -

INSTANT FLEXIBILITY FOR MARTIAL ARTS Part 2 by David Bland

52 -

MICHAEL MASON - No Pain - No Gain!

58 -

MASTER AT ARMS JAMES A KEATING, A 13K MILE COMMUTE AND THE RIDDLE OF STEEL! Mark Davies and ‘The Riddle of Steel’

64 -

A LIFETIME IN AMERICAN KENPO - By Kevin Mills

86 -

THE CIMAC SUPERLEAGUE International Fight Night

81 -

FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH A Good Year For World Ringsports Association

94 -

OKINAWA The State of the Arts - MMA Hits Okinawa!

100 - RESPECTING WHAT IS OLD; CREATING WHAT IS NEW With Chris Denwood 104 - KUMITE From Start to Street

108 - TAE GEUK KWON The Four Corners 114 - BACK TO BASICS Article for beginner to black belt and beyond 118 - THE T.A.G.B. TAKES ON DISNEY Report & Results

GRAPHIC DESIGN Kevin Thompson

32

CALENDAR If you have a forthcoming event that you would like published in COMBAT Calendar. Send your entry, giving dates, times, and contact numbers, to “CALENDAR” COMBAT Head Office.

HEAD OFFICE: COMBAT, 135 Aldridge Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham. B42 2ET. Tel: 0121 344 3737 Fax: 0121 356 7300 E-Mail: combat.magazine@btclick.com

CLUBS DIRECTORY Advertise your club, school, group, Association or classes for just £5.00 per word for 12 months!, Simply layout your details (using the current advertisers as an example) including a good example of your logo/emblem if required and send it together with a cheque to the Head Office. Please mark the envelope “Clubs Directory” or E-Mail: combat_clubs@martialartsinprint.com

40

ADVERTISING DETAILS If you would like to advertise in COMBAT write or telephone the Head Office to obtain details, deadline dates and costs.

DISCLAIMER COMBAT is published by Martial Arts Publications, Regent House, 135 Aldridge Road, Perry Barr, Birmingham. The publishers reserve the right to reject editorial and/or advertising material as they see fit.

The Publishers accept no responsibility for the return of unsolicited material. However, the Publishers will endeavour to return such matter providing that it is accompanied by a stamped addressed envelope.

Any material accepted by the Publishers shall be revised or altered should the Publisher deem it necessary to do so. The act of submitting manuscripts and/or materials shall be considered an express warranty that such material is original and in no way infringes upon the rights of others. It is expressly forbidden for any part of the magazine to be reported whatsoever without the permission of Editor / Publishers. The views or comments expressed in these pages are not necessarily those of the editor or Publisher. Distribution by COMAG, Tavistock Works, Tavistock Road, West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 7QE.

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IS THE NAME OF THE GAME

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THE WAY OF THE WARRIOR

By Chris Crudelli

Training should be an adventure Thai Boxing & The Snowdon Oxygen Challenge I recently started running 4 day intensive martial arts courses in Snowdon North Wales based on a principle I learned in a Thai boxing jungle camp.

The course is called ‘Snowdon Oxygen Challenge’ and it’s designed on a high intensity in the morning then low intensity in the evening regimen.

It’s an outdoor training challenge designed for all fitness levels to boost the metabolism, which the ancients point out is vital for health and deliver the feel good factor, encourage lifelong good habits whilst still being fun yet challenging.

16 COMBAT WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK

By Chris Crudelli

WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK COMBAT 17

Each day starts 6-8am with a mid-high intensity 2 hour JFM kung Fu lesson on the beach and then after lunch a low intensity 4 hour, mountain walk/forest cycle or sand dune walk in the afternoon.

Dinner and evening time is socialising time & trainee’s can be as indulgent or hardcore (low fat, low carb, low sugar) as you want to be at the fantastic mountainside local pub.

My love of hiking & training in Snowdon was given to me by an old climbing buddy who had worked as a UK Marine Cor Physical Training Instructor based at the nearby Capel Curig Marine training base, however the high/low intensity training in the ‘Snowdon Oxygen Challenge’ is a combination of both the low intensity constant 36 hour Marine Yomp mentality & the high intensity fight training I received in Thailand.

I first decided to do a months training in a jungle camp in Thailand after writing & filming the BBC3 documentary ‘Kick Ass Miracles’.

Not only did I have fun and boost my own fitness levels through the sheer intensity of each day, but more

18 COMBAT WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK

importantly, I rekindled my love of oxygen, and into the bargain lost some of my preconceptions of what on the outside looks like a brutal, uncompromising & some may even say, macho art form.

Training is 6 days a week 6 hours daily and there are 2 sessions per day, ideal for building fitness fast but not overloading the body and mind, this is why I made the ‘Snowdon Oxygen Challenge’ to also be 6 hours daily.

My Thailand day, along with the local fighters started at 6am, a five mile run for warm ups was followed by 20 steep 200m hill sprints, next it was 20 minute fast skip on concrete, without shoes, followed by 20 minutes jumping in stance’s on an old truck tyre. Then bag work, starting with knee strikes, continuing in 3 sets of 500 places a great deal of stress on the cardiovascular system, but had the added benefit of drilling deep into a tired psyche the tried and tested K.O. knee strikes of the Thai boxing arsenal.

The ‘Snowdon Oxygen camp’ work load is lighter however, with 2 hours of intensive Kung Fu on the beach in the morning, followed by a 4 hour low intensity but constant Mountain hike, Forest treck on bikes, or the notorious 6 mile sand dune walk- you know you’ve earned it at the end of each day.

Back in Thailand after knee work came striking, simple combinations were executed in 3 x 3 minute rounds, trainers yelling in shrill Thai, LOLOLOLO! Keeps the intensity at about 85 %, your body has no

choice but to quickly learn how to adapt, taking the 1 minute breaks to breath deep lung fulls crispy oxygen.

But this is where the fun starts because next, 3 x 3 minute shadow boxing with weights before pad work time, here you are now considered to be warm enough to start hitting hard and moving fast without the fear of injury, this is the time combo’s are called on and again drilled instinctively into your body’s reflexes, a laps in concentration here, even for a split second is rewarded with a clout in the pie hole.

But for me this is the really great part, because just when your body is starting to feel the pace and there is the opportunity to lapse, you know that a split second of lapsing, might mean another man’s big toe jammed into your right eye socket, so that’s where the real mind & focus training takes place.

By the end of this you are 2-3 hours into training and ready to spar, and this is where I really discovered something fascinating about the Muay Thai. Hot and sweaty and a little worse for wear, you step into the big ring and fight 6 x 3 minute rounds with one of the local fighters of similar weight and size who is fresh, they haven’t had the same gruelling work out so they are still razor sharp.

The upside is that you must dig super deep into that oxygen reserve, because at the ding of the bell at round 1, you are only functioning at between 40-60% they are at 100%.

Although the Thai day is 6 hours of high intensity designed to prepare fighters for professional sporting bouts ‘Snowdon oxygen’ 4 day challenge is different. As a combination of high and low intensity activities it means it’s designed for all fitness levels, and alongside good quality martial arts cross training, it will boost the metabolism naturally through constant movement and the intake of the some of the UK’s finest oxygen! a vital ingredient of health and vitality.

In Thailand I’m starting to feel the pressure, now, it’s round five and my arms feel like lead as I chuck out another right, I get an annoying muscle pain, from an old injury, wincing for a second the ref notices and stops the fight, at first quite I am quite unwilling to stop, but to my amazement the ref insisted, called over a massage specialist, stopped the fighting and I was told to rest for this session.

Coming from a traditional Chinese martial arts background, minor sometimes even major injuries during training are common place and we are taught to ignore them, (as a youth my wizened Chinese master once insisted I fight two of his adult Kung Fu master buddies, full contact without pads, and only 5 minutes after breaking my right wrist, to test, he said, my kung fu skill.

On the battlefields of ancient times fighting on with broken bones would have been a requisite to survival, but in Chinatown Birmingham on a wet Wednesday afternoon it was just painful! And still is come to think of it.

In contrast the sensible Thai fighter who want’s to put rice on the table for his family, simply must remain injury free in order to be an effective fighter every Friday night so ‘look after the minor injuries prevent a major ones’ could be the motto of these gentle, yet very brave warriors.

It’s 10 am the tropical sun is belting down onto the tin roof and the temperature is notably uncomfortable, I step out of the ring go out back, where there is an old hose pipe taped tightly onto a cold water tap, I turn it on, sit under it stare out at the lush green banana plantation and consider again the role of oxygen in health, happiness and suc-

cess. Back to my digs now for some breakfast a little sleep before the same 3 hour routine again tonight, look on the bright side!, there’s only 3 more weeks of this left!

Then suddenly it dawns on me, I could do something similar to all this on Mount Snowdon, I will call it the ‘Snowdon Oxygen Challenge’ The first ‘Snowdon Oxygen Challenge’ is 30/03/09 - 02/04/09. Log Cabin accommodation and all training with Chris for 4 nights costs £299 if booked in Feb normal price £349 To book your place on the challenge Contact Jake Aust T: 0754 3415743 E: booking@crudelli.com www.kickassman.com

About the writer Chris Crudelli is a kung fu teacher, cultural explorer, TV presenter & producer, Chinese language translator & best selling international author. He best known for ‘The Way of The Warrior’ DK, & BBC3’s ‘Mind Body & Kick Ass Moves’, & ‘Kick Ass Miracles’

WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK COMBAT 19

MAF001/01

MAF-UK 09

Competition MAF-UK is being held on Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th April 2009 at Parklands Leisure Centre in Leicester. You can win a VIP weekend away for TWO by entering COMBAT’S MAF-UK Competition All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is answer the following question: Where is MAF-UK being held this year?

A) Nottingham B) Leicester C) Birmingham Email your name, address and answer to

MAFUKcomp@martialartsinprint.com (last entries March 16th)

●

● ● ● ●

Winners Prizes:

Weekend V.I.P Tickets for 2 this will allow the bearer to acces all areas including the VIP Champagne Bar at the NEST Stand. This is where all our special guests will be, including; Gok Wan, Silvio Simac, Chris Crudelli & Zara Phythian 1 Night Hotel Accommodation* for 2 *Saturday Night Hotel Accommodation at one of our sponsored Hotels (Marriott’s, Premiere Inn, Regency) MAF-UK 09 Poster, signed by all our celebrity guests (Priceless) Access to All Workshops Access to Saturday “Fight Nite Live!” (See the best semi contact, light continuous and full contact fighters battle it out to become MAF-UK CHAMPIONS) Total prize value £387.50

WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK COMBAT 21

The Marmite of

Filmmakers...

Even the worst film director has an off day and makes a good film. Michael Winner had ‘Death Wish’. Michael Bay directed ‘Bad Boys’. George Lucas managed to direct at least one classic in ‘Star Wars: A New Hope’. Even Edward D Wood Jnr had ‘Plan 9’ which still has some charm. Okay so Uwe Boll is still to make an okay film but I’m sure that ONE DAY he’ll do it...

But what about British director Paul W.S. Anderson, he of ‘Resident Evil’ and ‘Shopping’ fame? Is Anderson an unheralded, unappreciated genius or just a Uwe Boll style hack who has never and will never make a film that would trouble the ‘good’ column of a review scoring?

Well I guess that depends on who you talk to...

Believe it or not, filmmaking isn’t a terribly hard science.

If you put the right ingredients together - the right director with the right cast and the right script - there are only a very few filmmakers who would fail to end up with a film that was at worst above average. Alas Paul W.S Anderson is just that man. Anderson has been a constant source of debate between me and my colleagues and friends. I have spent countless hours debating the lack of merit of his films, whilst others try their hardest to convince me that in fact he’s far better than I give him credit for.

Take my friend Will Strong, who himself has regularly graced the pages of Combat Film regularly as one of our review team. Just this past week we have both sat down to watch Anderson’s latest film Death Race - the remake of the 70’s Roger Corman classic ‘Death Race 2000’. My take? A soulless, hollow ‘best of’ movie with only a few stand out moments. Will’s take? “Death Race did exactly what it said on the tin...stupid but fun”.

Same film, two VERY different points of view.

We had the same debate when Alien Vs Predator was released. I felt it was a terrible film that couldn’t touch what are two of the greatest action films of all time. Will? Well, Will loved it.

Now at this point you probably think I’m one of the many Paul WS Anderson haters out there. Well you’d be wrong. The truth is I really don’t WANT to hate his movies. If you look at his back catalogue, at least on paper, his films are right up my street. Resident Evil?

Zombies. Martial Arts. Hot chicks kicking arse. Perfect.

Soldier? An action packed Sci-Fi film starring Kurt Russell, a man who I’d watch in ANYTHING. Mortal Kombat? Video game martial arts adaptation which provides almost 90 minutes of non stop fighting. Yet all these, as well as his other projects, just left me hollow...

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So is it just me? Well looking at Anderson’s films on the IMDB films it would appear not. Just reading the comments on the internets favourite movie database, you get an idea of just how Anderson splits audiences in two. Whilst ratings for his films aren’t actually that bad, varying from 6.8 out of ten for the recent Death Race down to 5.22 out of ten for his debut Shopping, it’s hard to find overwhelming support for his films with comments ranging from “It is probably not the worst film ever, but it does not impress in any way” (by user John for Mortal Kombat) to “Paul Anderson’s dream came true and he packed this excellent idea perfectly in this movie” (Thunderstorm69 for A.V.P). In fact if you dig deeper and start reading through the thousands upon thousands of comments mostly there is just an overwhelming sense of apathy for his work.

I’ve always said I’d rather a film be laugh out loud bad than just average. Think about it. A REALLY bad film, films like The Happening, Catwoman and even the torrid Batman & Robin at least had the dignity to be unintentionally hilarious and thus provide me with some level of enjoyment for my admission price. But been there done that average movies just make me feel like I’ve wasted my money. Maybe for me that’s why I dislike Anderson’s films so much, for the fact they are never more than just... average. Think about it. Can you name five GREAT moments from any of Anderson’s films? Maybe one or two from Event Horizon. The truck stunt from Death Race... and that’s about it.

What’s frustrating for me is that his films often border on being great fun. But he can’t seal the deal.

Truth is... I’m convinced that somewhere, deep down, he can make that one great movie that every filmmaker has inside them. Hell if the hacks like Michael Bay, Michael Winner and George Lucas can manage it I’m sure Anderson can. So I’ll keep watching, keep paying my admission price and keep waiting for the day that Paul W.S Anderson makes a film that blows me away.

Next Month: The Wonderful World Of Fan Critics

By Phil Hobden http://combatfilm.blogspot.com

COMBAT FILM

Redbelt Reviewed by Chris Regan Picture from Redbelt

David Mamet isn’t the first name that comes to mind when thinking of martial arts movies, but with Chiwetel Ejiofor playing a Jiu-Jitsu teacher and Tim Allen a manipulative Hollywood star, Redbelt is not a film that sticks to the obvious choices. The film follows Ejiofor’s character as he struggles to run a successful business whilst maintaining a strict code of honour and avoiding the prize-fighting circuit - a struggle that becomes increasingly difficult when the entertainment industry takes an interest. Redbelt has talent in every frame - that of Mamet himself both as writer and director and of the ensemble cast. All the familiar Mamet faces are here (Joe Mantegna, Ricky Jay, Rebecca Pidgeon) and deliver their usual best, but Ejiofor is particularly outstanding. It is a performance that carries the film and is consistently both heart-rending and convincing. Action-wise there are only two real fights in the film, both superbly executed if a little short, but the emphasis here is on realism rather than style. This is a film about living by principles, and how difficult it can be to uphold those principles when they are tested to the limit.

FILM - 4/5 ACTION - 2/5 If you liked this try: Glengarry Glen Ross, Homicide, Fearless

WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK COMBAT 23

Sukiyaki Western Django Review by Rich Badley With Kurosawa’s Yojimbo ripped-off across the world, genius (or barking mad) auteur Takashi Miike reclaims it for the Japanese in this fusion of spaghetti western and post-modern grindhouse. The broken English from an all-star cast is largely incomprehensible - though the DVD has handy subtitles - but that doesn’t spoil the brutal gun and sword play. Full of ‘a man’s gotta do’ cliché and bloody showdowns, Miike gleefully exaggerates the genre’s iconography while throwing his own cartoonish ingredients into the Sukiyaki mix (a Japanese beef dish incidentally). Rampaging grannies, schizophrenic sheriffs, even bursts of Shakespeare? Saddle up for another Miike fistful of strangeness... “Djangooooooo!”

FILM - 3/5 ACTION - 4/5 If you liked this try: A Fistful of Dollars, Django, The Good, The Bad and The Weird

Strait Jacket Review by Chris Regan Strait Jacket is an alternate history steampunk action anime with a supernatural edge. As anime goes this one ticks all the familiar boxes- extreme violence, reluctant antihero with a kid sidekick, stupidly large guns, epic battles, robot suits, young girls with big eyes (and stupidly large guns), and even the odd tentacle. The concept and design are excellent and the over-the-top action is fantastic. However the whole thing is let down by the story which is no different from any other robot-suit anime. There is a lot to like here, but hardened anime fans will have seen it all before.

FILM - 3/5 ACTION - 3/5 If you liked this try: Devilman, Steamboy, Urotsukidoji

White Crane Chronicles Review by Richard Hawes If you were left wanting more after David Carradine_s limited screen time in Quentin Tarantino_s Kill Bill then you_ll love this. Originally broadcast as a two-part TV mini-series, under the more crass title of Kung Fu Killer, White Crane Chronicles is actually two separate movies, both set in China in the late 1920s with Carradine as the title character. It_s great to see Carradine in a lead role and he_s as charismatic as ever. He also does an impressive amount of fighting considering he_s over 70. Featuring Kill Bill co-star Daryl Hannah and the impressive Osric Chau, this is a must see.

FILM - 3/5 ACTION - 4/5 If you liked this try Kung Fu: The Movie, The Silent Flute, Big Stan

FILMS YOU SHOULD OWN Each month Richard Hawes takes a look an action film from the past that you SHOULD own.

This month...

Dragons Forever (1988) Starring not one but three Hong Kong legends, Dragons Forever is a curiously plotted but astoundingly impressive example of contemporary kung fu cinema from the 1980s. One of several films which starred Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung and Yuen Biao. Unlike Chan and Hung (whose profile was raised by the TV series Martial Law) Yeun has never become an international star.

Dragons Forever is a great introduction to this talented performer with over 100 credits to his name. Sadly it’s been 20 years since these Three Brothers were on screen together and watching this last collaboration makes one long for a reunion.

NEWS AND RUMOURS UK Action film Ten Dead Men is now available in both France & Japan... ... Stephen Norrington, director of Blade is now looking to remake The Crow. Please don’t... ...Teaser poster is now online for the Isaac Florentine directed Scott Adkins starring Ninja.... ... Maggie Q is now filming Gordon Chan’s live action adaptation of King of Fighters... ...WWE films are now filming a John Cena less sequel to the hit direct to DVD actioner The Marine... ... YesAsia.com now has BluRay releases of the Infernal Affairs films available to order... ...The Karate Kid remake starring Will Smith Jnr is still going ahead...

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By Phil Hobden http://combatfilm.blogspot.com

COMBAT FILM

COMPETITION To coincide with the DVD release of Sukiyaki Western Django we have five copies of the DVD to give away, courtesy of our friends at Contender Home Entertainment.

To win this great prize all you have to do is answer the following question: Which one of these films did Sukiyaki Western Django co star Quentin Tarantino not direct? a) Pulp Fiction b) Hell Boy c) Kill Bill Email your name, address and answer to

djangocomp@martialartsinprint.com Also this month and to coincide with the DVD release of Monkey Magic - The Movie on DVD we have five copies to give away, courtesy of our friends at Showbox Media Group.

To win this great prize all you have to do is answer the following question: Which of these is NOT a type of Monkey? a) Macaque b) Squirrel Monkey c) Elephant Monkey Email your name, address and answer to

monkeycomp@martialartsinprint.com

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Was Bruce Lee Martial Artist?

Despite being dead for over thirty years the name Bruce Lee remains synonymous with perfection in martial arts. While the great martial artist may have gotten it “right”, is his message lost by those who succeeded him?

‘‘

and flexibility workouts. He would run and bike many miles every day. He even did bodybuilding workouts with and without weights. Lee’s training wasn’t limited to physical aspect of martial arts. He also committed himself to a healthy natural diet, and was a heavy advocate of dietary supplements. He believed that with mental, physical and spiritual preparation he could achieve more as both a martial artist and a human being.

There most important element of Bruce Lee’s training was him. He never stopped pushing himself. Every

He earned a degree in philosophy at the University of Washington, and his personal library contained over a thousand books and one student and friend said that Lee had read them all. Through his studies and workouts Lee began to realize martial arts were being taught incorrectly. Sport martial arts and pointless traditions were destroying the combat power of many martial arts.

Lee called his philosophy Jeet Kune Do which means “Way of the Intercepting Fist,” and made it very clear that it was not a new style of martial arts. He wanted practitioners of different martial arts to exchange ideas and train together, and not get caught up in proving whose martial art was “better.” He felt that by learning only one style a student would be bound to it and that would limit them as a warrior. Jeet Kune Do isn’t a martial art, but a way to make your martial arts style better.

Since the great warrior-philosopher’s death there has been much debate about the right way to teach Jeet Kune Do, and who Lee wanted to carry on his work. Jeet Kune Do is a philosophy to be learned, not a style of martial arts and Lee made it clear that he never wanted Jeet Kune Do to have an organizational structure or a syllabus of set moves.

Lee wanted martial artists to work together, but instead now they fight for control of his legacy.

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In the martial arts world you will find references to Bruce Lee everywhere, from people are quoting him to teaching his style, Bruce Lee has become part of the martial arts culture forever. But despite being so well known, few really understand his ideas, and often incorrectly apply his teachings. Bruce Lee was a man who knew that combat martial arts should be kept simple and effective.

He also was a mixed martial artist who saw value in all styles, and didn’t regard one being superior to another. Even though Bruce Lee tried to make martial arts less complicated and mysterious, since his death the martial arts world has never been more divided and confused.

Like many young men Lee began learning martial arts from his father and others in his community in Hong Kong. He first learned Kung Fu, but before leaving home, he also became highly proficient in western boxing and fencing. Unlike many martial artists, Lee was an experienced street fighter, and learned early on that what works in the martial arts school doesn’t necessarily work in real combat.

Once in America he trained with martial artists who practiced many different styles including Judo, Jujutsu, and Greco-Roman wrestling.

Lee wasn’t satisfied with traditional martial arts work outs and believed in total fitness workout that included muscular strength, muscular endurance, cardiovascular endurance,

Training is one of the most neglected phases of athletics. Too much time is given to the development of skill and too little to the development of the individual for participation

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day was a day to improve himself and ever day he pushed himself harder. In his book The Tao of Jeet Kune Do, he wrote “Training is one of the most neglected phases of athletics. Too much time is given to the development of skill and too little to the development of the individual for participation.” While techniques are very important you shouldn’t neglect your physical fitness training. Even when you’re the best there is no replacement for hard work, and because Lee was willing to sacrifice and work hard Bruce Lee became the best.

Though known for his physical prowess Lee also spent a large portion of his time building up his mind.

the first Mixed

By Damian Ross

If you ever meet someone who says they teach Jeet Kune Do as a style don’t assume they know what they are talking about. Before his death Lee said, “Jeet Kune Do is merely a name used, a mirror in which to see ourselves,” and as martial artists we must continue to work to make martial arts more direct and simplistic. If you really want to be more like Bruce Lee, don’t limit yourself to one style, continually train your mind and body, and don’t worry about doing what is “right,” do what works in combat. Bruce Lee cut through the bull, so we all could be better martial artists, and the best way we can pay tribute to him to live his philosophy not be caught up in tradition. http://www.theselfdefenseco.com

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Lion Dance The Lion Dance is an important tradition in China. Usually the dance is part of festivities like Chinese New Year, the openings of restaurants and weddings where the firecrackers and loud music scare off the ‘evil spirits’ allowing the good luck to enter. If well performed, the lion dance is believed to bring luck and happiness. Of course, like all superstitious the ‘lucky’ things can’t be proven but with the Chinese people being so pragmatic they prefer not to take a chance and will have a Lion Dance ‘just in case’ ensuring that it has now become a tradition.

Although lions are not native in China, they probably came to the country via the famous Silk Road. Rulers in what is today Iran and Afghanistan sent lions to Chinese Emperors as gifts in order to get the right to trade with Silk Road merchants. The Lion Dance dates back to the Han Dynasty (205 B.C. to 220 A.D) and was noted during the Tang Dynasty (716-907 A.D.).

Most westerners confuse the Lion Dance with the Dragon Dance (and on pottery, the fu dogs). If I had a pound for every time I have watched a Lion Dance and overheard “Oh there’s the Dragon Dance” I would be a rich man! Yet, they are quite different things.

For a start, the Lion Dance has only

two people working in the costume, there may be others ‘suited up’ with trousers waiting to swap over, but there is only ever two working in the same lion at the same time. A dragon on the other hand can have as many people under the dragon as you have uniform for (provided the dragon’s long enough). There was a 2,008M long Dragon made for the Beijing Olympics which had about 1200 dancers. Another notable Dragon was the ‘Dragon at the Great Wall’ project, which was 3,048M long.

There are many forms of Lion although the main two are Northern Lion and Southern Lion.

The Northern Lion is usually more acrobatic than the Southern and looks a

little like Dougal from the Magic Roundabout. It is characterised by its prancing movement, friendly nature and athleticism.

The Southern Lions in contrast are more vigorous, with strong, sharp movements interspersed with a feline-like cautiousness. Every lion team whilst having some common themes may vary slightly. There are two types more common than others, Fatsan (Fozhuang, Fatshan) and Hoksan (Hokshan); the Hoksan has a squatter head shaped like a duck and a shorter body. There are also hybrid types with short bodies, long bodies etc. I personally prefer the FatHok hybrid with the Fatsan head and the short Hoksan body, that way the rear person is better able to see!

The lion is played by two dancers, one handles the head, made out of strong but light materials like papermache and bamboo while the other plays the tail (body) under a cloth that is attached to the head. Musicians playing a large drum, cymbals and a gong accompany the lion. The head dancer can move the lion’s eyes, mouth and ears for expression of moods.

Sometimes, for added realism, bulbs are fitted to the eyes to make them light up.

A dancer playing a Buddha may also be present who teases and guides the lion with a fan or a giant ball.

The lion dance combines art, history and kung fu moves...

To read more articles like this make sure you get the next issue of Combat available from WH Smiths & all good newsagents 32 COMBAT WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK

By Vince Hinde

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BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BCS001/08 BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM BIRMINGHAM

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SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS

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CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL

SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS

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SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS

MASSIVE STOCKS!!!

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CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL CENTRAL

SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS SPORTS

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Wing Chun Kung Fu More Than Just Chain Punching In this months article I would like to introduce the reader to a number of different Wing Chun hand techniques and their practical use in the art of self defence. Most people have heard of the Wing Chun chain punching techniques also referred to by our American cousins as the straight blast.

Although this method of punching is well known it isn’t the only form of hand techniques that Wing Chun utilises within the system or in combat situations.

In this article I would like to introduce you to three other common hand techniques that are used in Wing Chun and which are just as equally important. They are the palm down knife hand strike (Chon Sau), the palm up knife hand strike (Inverted Chon Sau) and the hacking elbow (Pai Jang).

Pic Pic Pic Pic

1a - Straight Punch 1b - Palm Down Strike 1c - Palm Up Strike 1d - Hacking Elbow

In Wing Chun we refer to the common old saying of using the right tool for the right job. By this we mean that certain techniques will work better in certain situations and 1a

2a

naturally follow when applied one after the other. Below are a couple of practical examples.

Pic 2a - Opponents face off against each other Pic 2b - Attacker attacks with a punch, defender turns off with a Bong Sau Pic 2c - Defender does a Lap Sau and Palm Down Strike Pic 2d - Defender pulls attackers blocking arm and strikes with a palm up strike Pic 2e - Defender performs a neck pull and hacking elbow strike In the above sequence the opponents face off against each other in pre fighting positions. The person on the left attacks with a lead hand

1b

2b

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1c

2c

straight punch. The defender turns off his centre line and executes a right Bong Sau (wing arm block) followed by a Lap Sau and Chon Sau (simultaneous pull down and palm down knife hand strike), the person on the left throws up his arm to protect his wind pipe from the on coming strike which is immediately pulled down to allow and opening for the Wing Chun exponent to execute his Inverted Chon Sau (palm up knife hand strike) to the neck.

From this point the Wing Chun exponent continues his attack by reaching around the opponent’s neck pulling him onto a Pai Jang (hacking elbow).

Below is another example of using the right tool for the right job.

This time it is classical Karate against Wing Chun.

1d

2d

2e

3a

3b

Pic 3a - Opponents face off against each other Pic 3b - Sifu Agar attacks with a head punch, Karate exponent blocks the oncoming attack and gets ready to launch a reverse punch Pic 3c - Karate exponent launches a reverse punch counter, Sifu Agar blocks Di Bong Sau, inverted Chon Sau Pic 3d - Sifu Agar follows up attack with Jut Sau / Chon Sau Pic 3e - Sifu Agar finishes with a rising elbow strike In the above sequence the two opponents once again face each other in a pre fighting position. Sifu Agar launches a straight head punch attack; this is countered with an open hand block followed by a reverse punch. The reverse punch is countered by a simultaneous low Wing Arm Block (Di Bong Sau) and a palm up knife hand block (Inverted Chon Sau) this is immediately followed by a pressing down hand and simultaneous palm down knife hand block(Jut Sau, Chon Sau). Sifu Agar finishes his opponent off with a rising elbow strike (Hay Jang).

3c

3d

Key Points When the Karate exponent in the above sequence throws his reverse punch you must think of smothering his punch and at the same time hitting him with your palm up strike, then immediately drop your left hand down to monitor his arm and strike at the same time, just think drop hit, drop hit!

3e

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Conclusion These are just three of the common techniques used within Wing Chun system. Each strike should be trained repetitively and their offensive and defensive applications should be drilled to make them second nature just like every other technique you practice.

For further information on Sifu Agar or any of his classes/private lessons then please visit www.wingchunnortheastenglandandscotland.co.uk WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK COMBAT 41

No Pain - No Michael Mason - The art of the “shadow warrior” Michael Mason (Renshi), is a personal student of Grandmaster Shoto Tanemura Sensei, and teaches the the art of the “shadow warrior”, Ninpo Taijutsu, the highest level of training that Ninja and Samurai warriors undertook. The Genbukan Ninpo organisation to which Michael belongs, has an unbroken lineage of Grandmasters that stretches back over 1000 years with it’s history of unarmed combat, Ninja and Samurai weapons, strategy, mind control and spiritual growth.

Michael who has over 25 years of martial art training under his belt, was given “Kikaku” as his Dojo name by Grandmaster Shoto Tanemura, with whom he trains regulary in Japan every year. Kikaku was the first martial art name of Grandmaster Takamatsu Sensei (One of Grandmaster Tanemuras teachers), who was the last living combatitive ninja, and it is with great pride that he carries on with this great tradition.

Ninpo Taijutsu in a traditional Japanese system that incorporates modern, reality based Self defence techniques and includes: throwing, arm/leg locks and restraints, striking techniques, pressure point techniques, ground fighting defences and traditional/ modern weapons.

His Genbukan Ninpo Qualifications are: Renshi - (Mastership title awarded by Grandmaster Tanemura Sensei) 5th dan Genbukan Ninpo Tai Jutsu 3rd dan KJJR Ju Jutsu Chuden Menkyo Asayama Ichiden Ryu Shoden Menkyo Takagi Yoshin Ryu Shoden Menkyo Shinden Fudo Ryu

Michael also teaches defensive tactical training to close protection operatives including control and restraint techniques, defensive combat, weapon disarm/retention and handcuffing techniques. He also has extensive close protection experience having been part of high security close protection team for high profile VIP’S. Including being team and event leader for mobile and static security events, events attended by MP’S, Ambassadors and visiting Presidents.

Why did you take up martial art?

Back in 1973/4 I saw the series Kung Fu with David Carradine and was hooked! I loved the jumping kicks and the seemingly superhuman abilities, as well as the whole Oriental thing. I wanted to be like Bruce Lee and I was only 10 when I first read ‘Enter the Dragon’! I even wanted the striped scars Bruce had in the film version.

I dreamed of being a direct disciple of a great Master - as Grasshopper was in the programme - and years later I’m a direct student of Grandmaster Tanemura Shoto. He’s a wonderful awe-inspiring human being who embodies everything I ever wanted in a teacher.

My first instructor was Ron Silverthorne (who is still teaching today). I don’t think there were many karate clubs around then, so Ron’s club was where my Mum dropped me off! I remember that I was the only one in the class with a black gi. Everyone had a white gi except me.

I remember I got Mum to buy me a makiwara board which I put in my bedroom.

Why do you think people generally take up the martial arts?

So many reasons though nowadays we live in a competitive world, so I guess a lot of people take up the martial arts for its competitive side rather than the underlying spiritual principles. Apart from that I think people take up martial arts for self-defence - so in my opinion, whatever you teach has to be reality-based.

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Gain!

Have you studied many arts?

Yes! I’ve studied Shotokan Karate, Chan Chuan Kung Fu, Aikido and Krav Maga. In 1989 I was one the first UK-based Krav Maga instructors.

Is your present martial art the best for you?

Yes it is! It’s what I was always looking for - awesome techniques and an inspirational Grandmaster. It has combat-developed reality-based techniques, weapons training, striking, kicks, throwing, locks, restraint techniques, pressure points. The list just goes on!

We don’t do competition, so nothing is omitted. By which I mean we teach the simple stuff that works - biting, eye gouges and techniques that will save your life! This is what the martial arts are all about! Ninpo is the original reality-based martial art. I work as a bodyguard and teach close protection courses, so that training fits right in!

I teach a whole spectrum of people and builds - from musicians through door supervisors to Special Forces.

For me Ninpo Taijutsu is the ultimate martial art!

Which aspects of training do you most enjoy?

That varies. Sometimes I enjoy training with weapons; other times I prefer empty hand training. Whichever, I enjoy working with techniques that can easily be adapted to today’s environment. Above all I love teaching!

Techniques have many layers and hidden depths that you will never come to know without practising the basics.

There is no easy way to reach a high level except through basics and the more I practise, the more I come to see and understand each technique. Sensei can point me in the right direction but it’s me who needs to practise.

I experienced Kuden (direct teaching from the Grandmaster) when I was in Japan. I discovered that techniques were never shown completely - maybe 90% was shown - but it was that last 10% that made the technique super-effective. If you showed all aspects of a technique to a beginner, they’d never be able to pick it up. As we grow in experience and ability, our techniques may look the same as they did but they are much more effective.

When I teach on my close quarter combat courses for bodyguards, I break the techniques up and explain the various stages before putting it all together.

What successes or promotions have you achieved?

I’m a 5th dan in the Genbukan Ninpo Organisation, 3rd dan in our KJJR Jiu jutsu system and I hold Shodan and Chuden Menkyo status in some of the Ryu Ha we follow.

These include Shinden Fudo Ryu, Takagi Yoshin Ryu and Asayama Ichiden Ryu. None of my grades are honorary!

What does it take to make a success of martial practice?

It takes practice, practice and more practice! Spend lots of time on basics and learn patience. Remember: we can practise in our head, rehearsing techniques and their applications. Having a natural talent is great, but that doesn’t replace determination to succeed!

Determination for me meant getting back up after each hard throw and taking hard knocks...

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By Mike Finn - Leading World Authority

Martial Arts n writing about magic in martial arts I have kept an open mind, but since early times it is an undisputable fact that many classical ryu have used magical rituals. Such renown systems as Katori Shinto Ryu used divination and cast spells. This aspect of combative studies has been a part of fighting skills and warfare that date back beyond the Assyrian and Babylonian era some 3000 years ago. Even the die hard sceptic must wonder why something that has no validity whatsoever, has lasted for so many generations.

In the last article we spoke of the sword called Ameno-murakumo-notsurugi and how it became known as Kusanagi-no-tsurugi in the hands of Yamatotakeru-no-mikoto (prince Yamato-dake). This sword was one of the three sacred treasures that are symbols of the Imperial Throne and reputedly imbued with magical powers. Of course these events are

I

A rare picture of the Chinkomon (gate) at the Atsuta Shrine where the sacred sword was kept

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viewed from the perspective of both historical fact and interpreted tradition, but in keeping an open mind and looking within rather than at these events, we can gain a richer insight. For example: In the reign of Emperor Ri-Chiu, prince Midzu-hawake contrived to make a retainer kill his own master by promising to make him Prime Minister. After the deed, prince Midzu-ha-wake bestowed the honour on the retainer who was called Sobakari, then suggested making a toast to his new position. Midzu-ha-wake had things well planned, the drinking cup almost covered the face, so as Sobaraki put the cup to his lips, he could not see Midzu-ha-wake take his sword from its concealed hiding place. In one stroke the head of Sobaraki was severed from the body. The prince then prayed at the shrine of the ĂŤIso-no-kamiĂ­ who was the deity of the sword, believing the deity assisted his task through the

Part 10

The Magic of

sword. Imbued with magic perhaps - - clever strategy, certainly.

The traditions behind the Kusanagi-no-tsurugi did not end with prince Yamato-dake, in the late 600s the sacred sword was still enshrined at the Atsuta Shrine, and at that time there was an uneasy relationship with the king of Silla (Korea). Little wonder that a Buddhist priest from Silla, by the name of Dogyo tried to steal the sacred sword. According to some accounts he entered the Sacred inner precincts where the sword was kept, concealed it in the folds of his robes and attempted to leave.

The sword mysteriously returned to the shrine and almost eluded him, but with determination on his part, he tried again and eventually got it to his boat and set sail for Silla.

Tradition has it that the spirit of Yamato-dake intervened and the boat hit such wind, rain, and turbulent sea that Dogyo lost his sense of direction, the boat sailed back to Japan, where he was caught and punished. The sword was again returned to the Atsuta shrine. After that incident, tradition maintained that sword the could not be separated from its native land of Japan.

During the reign of emperor Temmu (637-686) against advice, he ordered that the sacred sword was taken from the shrine and kept in his possession. From that time on a number of mishaps occurred, culminating in an illness that fell upon the emperor. The court advisor used divination to determine that the emperorĂ­s problems resulted from the removal of the sword from the

shrine. Upon hearing this the emperor had it immediately reinstated.

The 11th and 12th centuries did not bode well for the Kusanagi-notsurugi. A great battle for power too place between two clans, the Minamoto and Taira. The culmination of this conflict occurred in the straits of Shimonoseki at a place called Dan-no-Ura, where a decisive sea battle took place. Although both sides were equally matched in terms of ships, the tide and weather were against the Taira. The adverse conditions were compounded when Taguchi, a Shikoku samurai and his followers changed sides and went to the Minamoto camp. The leading Taira ship bore the banner of Antoku-Tenno, the 6 year old infant emperor. Taira-no-Munemori had the task of protector and escort to the infant emperor. Apparently before the battle Munemori prayed at the Hachiman shrine (spoken of in previous articles) and received an ominous oracle which foretold the downfall of the Taira clan.

At the height of the sea battle, the ship bearing the infant emperor was heavily under attack, the final outcome appeared obvious, so the widow of Kiyomori (Kiyomori was head of the clan until he was killed by the Minamoto), took the young emperor in her arms and threw herself into the sea. She was followed by the empress Kenrei-mon-in who took the three sacred treasures as she jumped. The emperor drowned, together with KiyomoriĂ­s widow, Kenrei-mon-in survived, along with the sacred mirror and jewels, which were recovered after the battle. The sacred sword Kusanagi-no-tsurugi was lost for ever beneath the waves. This tradition is not unlike the one relating to the death of king Arthur, where, on the demise of the ruler, the sword was returned to the water from whence it came.

The loss of the sacred sword had many repercussions. However, the shrine at Ise had a replica made and blessed, then presented to the Imperial Family. The three sacred treasures were a symbol of the emperorĂ­s temporal and intrinsic power, as protective talisman, and from a pragmatic perspective of leadership, they represented a profound philosophy that was to guide each emperor who ruled Japan.

The Ideology Of The Three Treasures

The sacred sword, lost to the waves, in the straights of Shimonoseki during the battle of Dan no Ura in 1185

THE MIRROR: It was said of the mirror that it neither hides or perverts, it reflects evil qualities as faithfully as good, it is the emblem of honesty and purity, simply reflecting truth.

THE JEWEL: The Jewel signifies the graces of gentleness, softness, amiability and obedience, and is therefore emblematic of benevolence and virtue.

THE SWORD: The sword represents the virtue of strength, sharpness, and practical decision, and it is thus associated with intelligence and knowledge.

These qualities symbolized the discharge of administrative functions, so there could be no misrule.

The three treasures encapsulate wisdom, benevolence, and courage respectively.

Magic in the martial arts takes many forms, often it is the lesson learned from understanding beyond the symbolism and ritual, that holds a greater value than adherence to the written word. In the next article we will look at other aspects of magic in the martial arts.

The leading Taira ship bore the banner of Antoku-Tenno. In the heat of battle the empress, 6 year old emporer, and the three sacred treasures disappereared into the swirling waters

Article By Michael Finn (see club directory Or www.elite-int.com)

Shinto is the ancestral religion of Japan. It has strong shamanic traditions, and beliefs that encompass natural law

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MUAY THAI COLUMN

By Bob Spour

Elbows Getting to the Point!

Without a shadow of a doubt the elbow represents one of the most brutal forms of attack in Muay Thai. Brutal because of the extent of the visible damage it can inflict when used correctly. When an elbow is used correctly and aimed at the bony areas of the head, it will cut...and this is its main purpose. Not only will this technique often stop a fighter from continuing (when successive elbows hit their target) but it will leave a lasting reminder on the fighter in the form of scar tissue.

It is for these very reasons many fighters in the UK and Europe tend not to use them and promoters shy away from the possible effect it has on the sport. This, I believe is short sighted and damaging to the sport. As a Muay Thai teacher I feel that if you don’t fight with elbows you are not representing Muay Thai fairly. Muay Thai is called the Science of 8 Limbs. Two of those weapons are elbows! Use them!

I think that part of the problem is that some trainers do not know how to train the elbows correctly and the defences against elbow attacks; so prefer not to have them in their version of Muay Thai. Some I have heard say that it scares students away!

That is nonsense. We use elbows and we have over 70 clubs worldwide!

Everyone in Thailand trains to fight with elbows. It is true to say that the Thais are not overzealous in their use of this excellent weapon because of the potential for damage but, when one fighter starts using them the other is soon keen to join in! It can often end in a bloodbath!

So how do we use this weapon?

First of all it is generally thought of a close range weapon and often follows the fists and or clinchwork.

Uppercut Elbow

Muay students practicing clinchwork so often forget about the potential of the elbow at this range and when they fight Thai fighters they often fall foul of this error. When you train in clinchwork, train with elbows in mind....Always!

The following outlines and photographs of elbow techniques are not exhaustive and the elbows can work at virtually any angle. Cutting down, across, upward, downwards, jumping and spinning they will come in at all angles. I have even seen some fighters using Short jabbing elbows or even rabbit elbows rotating through a small circle and cutting the cheeks and eyebrows.

The primary target is the head but if you look at some of the older styles of boxing in Thailand such as Muay Boran and Muay Chao Chuerg the body can also be a target too! But these styles of fighting will be the subject of another article in the near future.

The basic elbows are as follows.

Check out the accompanying photos to see just what they should look like. I have included the Thai names for these techniques for those of you

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who wish to gain a greater understanding of Muay Thai.

Side Elbow The Elbow is lifted high, to the side, and then brought downwards at a 45 degree angle aimed toward the eyebrow or cheekbone. The hand of the arm performing the elbow should always be kept open to aid in relaxing the arm. The other hand should be held high protecting the other side of the head . If you are close enough to hit him with an elbow, he is close enough to hit you too. Think of the action of a knife cutting downward across the face. It’s the same action short and to the point!

The defence to this attack is simple. Using a wedge block means you could drive your elbow upward and then in toward the attacker. Of course as with any type of attack you could simply evade.

Uppercut Elbow Slip inside the opponents guard and simply lift the elbow upwards.

I heard one thai teacher say to me ‘throw your hand over your shoulder’...that is essentially how this technique is practised...

Side Elbow

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CHATTERBOX With Kerry-Louise Norbury

Well it’s back to training after a break, which I really feel I deserved this year. It’s now time to step it back up again. Just like me, if you have reduced the amount of training you have done over the New Year Festivities or in some cases, not done any training at all, then you should approach your training steadily and build it back up, certainly take your stretching easy. If you have kept an eye on your weight then there should be no need for drastic dieting either. Also reintroduce any missed or reduced food supplements steadily, building back up to the amounts you usually take. As always if you need any help in these areas I am just an email away! Just go to www.kopro.moonfruit.com and email me from there. My lead in paragraph takes me nicely to a question I was asked through my On to this months questions: web site.

I am only young and I am being bullied, what should I do? I was thinking martial arts could help?

Anonymous

Tell us about your next fight Kerry, will it be domestic or World? Just wondering if you are going to fight under a different system??

David Walker. Again ;-)

Oh dear, this is one of the most frequently asked questions and I will always include questions about this horrible subject in order to keep raising peoples awareness to it. The first thing to do is tell your parents and as you are still at school your parents should make your teacher aware of the situation by arranging a meeting with them. (Which has been done already in this case). Try to not get into confrontations with this bully and try not to seem upset or bothered by them as bullies thrive off this emotion, stay close to your best friends as bullies like picking on individuals. If you go to the web site called MAAB it is especially designed with people in mind who are being bullied. It has links to specialist anti bullying web sites and on hand help. Go to www.maab.co.uk Martial arts classes helped me get over being bullied at school, check out your local classes, if you send me your actual area I will do some research for you and try to put you in touch with a reputable Instructor.

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At the moment in my Thai and K1 style training I feel like a complete beginner. I thought the transition between kickboxing and K1 style would be a lot easier and was expecting to be back in the ring by March, however I think I am looking at the middle to late 2009 before I’m

back in the ring again and hopefully it will be a prestige fight but I am leaving it up to my coach and manager to tell me when I am ready as I trust his judgment. My training will again take me outside of the UK in 2009 and I am very happy having private lessons in Thai also as my learning potential will be very high.

Cris is also conducting several extra classes in the new year exclusively for fighters which will give us all at our camp maximum training benefit.

I have been shin conditioning for This might be a bit vain Kerry but how do we ladies condition our shins and be a couple of months now and have able to still wear a dress for going out? got lumps and bruises all over my shins, but I have been told this will reduce as I go on. I stopped shin conditioning two weeks before my (Chuckle) Yes I understand, my holiday and I was fine. I started shin larger calves, from constant footconditioning by building up to 100 work and movement, usually draw attention to my lower leg in high my whipping actions across the shins with a taught wet towel. Start off heels let alone if my shins are adorned with bruises and lumps and with a low number of reps on each bumps! Basic rules are don’t heavily shin and build them up. Again you condition if you are going to have to can use a large heavy leather filled bag and start with less and lighter wear a shorter dress, however shin kicks and up the number and depending on how serious you are power as you go. Don’t think I will you can wear trousers more as ever face a small pebble filled bag believe me you will need that shin like the men!! conditioning.

Dianne Allsop London

To read the rest of this column why not order a back issue, for details call +44 (0) 121 344 3737 as my job is in the gym. So when I Kerry-Louise how do you fit training have done my work I am free to and working in? I work 9-5 and still struggle, sometimes I don’t feel like it. train and as I am a professional Jamie-Leigh Birmingham.

It’s basically all down to how much you want it and setting your stall out and maybe even rearranging your spare time to suit yourself including others who are important around you. I hear the joking phrase “My wife/husband says she/he is a gym widow”. This is not a funny as it sounds as you cannot afford your training to affect your home life. You need to get this balance or you will not keep your training up. I am lucky

kickboxer it is part of my work. I feel for you though and admire anyone who does work and train but once you have got used to a routine it shouldn’t be so hard for you. Also think of the benefits you get from training. Keep yourself motivated by getting a friend to go with you so you don’t talk yourself out of going.

One of my training partners, World Champion Ryan Hamer goes to our gym sometimes before work if he is running short of time in a day and does fitness and his bagwork.

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FORMS FORUM

By Joe Hallett

Are forms rules too restrictive?

Hello again! The New Year is now underway with major tournaments being held to find fighters and forms competitors to represent Great Britain for the year. Good luck to all of you taking part, lets show the rest of the world what we can do!

Back to the Forms Forum and this month I will be discussing the rules - are they too restrictive?

I have travelled all over the world competing and have seen, first hand, the rules, refereeing and standards. One thing seems to be glaringly obvious with us Brits - we have lost the true meaning of forms compared with other countries. We must bring back martial arts content into forms.

Too many times! I have seen competitors in GB ‘walking’ through forms; lacking aggression, lacking stances, and all done in favour of fancy moves. We must not forget that creative forms are intended look as though you are fighting an opponent.

Rules are in place, but lack guidance so competitors are left to go out there, to do their own thing and hope for the best. * Jewellery - very obvious, no jewellery as this can be dangerous when competing. Some referees apply this rule when it suits them but choose to ignore it when it doesn’t. A rule is there NOT to be broken and should be applied to all competitors. * Length of a form - another rule which needs to be in place and adhered to, I have seen forms lasting 20 seconds and forms lasting 3 minutes. The length of all forms should be similar as this shows the stamina and creativity of you all. Again, however, this rule has been abuse by referees. Make sure you know the rules for the relevant associations, time your form in practice and know its length. If you are marked down for the length of you form and you KNOW it is the correct length, do not be afraid to query the decision. * Gymnastic moves - Most associations in England stick to the three gymnastic move rule; apparently to stop competitors from performing a purely gymnastic routine. Surely the referees should be able to judge whether a routine is martial arts or gymnastics based and score accordingly? This rule is far too restrictive and stops creativity. On my recent visit to USA, I saw the 82 COMBAT WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK

most phenomenal forms, aggressively martial arts based, but using more than three gymnastic moves.

We need to split categories in England into Creative (where no gymnastic moves are allowed), and Extreme (with no holds barred). This would mean that every forms competitor would get the chance to compete on an equal footing, whether they use tricks and flips or not.

At the moment, the same old competitors are winning because they can trick and flip, while a lot of other people are choosing not to compete because they believe they can’t beat the ‘trickers’. Unfortunately, the majority of ‘tricks’ competitors have very little martial arts content in their forms, which can only be changed by new rules and referees who actually score correctly.

Weapons categories need to have the same rules applied. So many times, competitors have won categories because they are quick with their chosen weapon but have no martial arts content. The referees must be judging on martial arts, not on how good a competitor is at baton twirling. Firm rules need to be in place and referees must use these rules, across the board, consistently.

Up to now, no major association has been willing to change categories rules etc, to bring English forms into the 21st Century.

But now for the good news - I am working with a major association to give all competitors equal footing, to change categories, refereeing, rules, in fact a complete make-over.

I hope this will encourage new competitors and make existing ones perform with martial arts at the forefront. To find out more or if you have any views on the forms scene in the UK and to discuss the new rules and to start competing contact me on +44 (0)1935 479520 / +44 (0)786 506 2234 or email me at formsforums@joehallett.co.uk.

Last month I explained that I will be profiling an up and coming forms competitor every month. This month’s interview is a young boy who has recently won a world championships and is getting better every time he competes. This month the forms forum gives you Jack Underwood, from Team Vision.

Name: Jack Underwood Age: 11 Height: 150cm Weight: 41kg Residence: England Style: Kickboxing and Freestyle weapons Grade: Cadet Black belt Years Training: 7 years in kickboxing / 2 years in weapons Instructor: Dave Busby Present Club: Vision Martial Arts Most Valued Title: ISKA World Champion 2008 Other Styles Studied: Seiko-Kai Shito-Ryu Karate/Australia Likes: Trying out new moves, putting together new sets, trick offs and competing at a high standard. Training daily with Dave and Robyn.

Playing on my Xbox when I get any free time between school and training.

Dislikes: Losing and unfair judging. Dropping my staff when I know I can do it.

Pizza and any food containing cheese. People who can’t be bothered to give their all in training.

Hobbies: Kickboxing, using the gym, extreme martial arts, weapons, football, cricket, cross country and any sport really.

Favourite Food: Sunday roast followed by a scrummy pudding.

Favourite Film: Forbidden Kingdom Favourite Martial Artists: My instructor Dave Busby Matt Emig, Phil Campbell and Sam Newell Ambition: To run my own martial arts academy and to maintain / improve my standard at competition level by continuing to hold world titles.

Honours and Achievements: ISKA British Champion 2008 ISKA World Champion 2008 WAKO Judgement Day 2008 / first place SENI Freestyle Championships 2008 / first place WAKO British Championships 2008 / 2nd place ISKA British Open 2007 / third place WAKO Judgement Day 2007 / third place WAKO British Open 2007 / second place And numerous medals and trophy’s for various interclub competitions throughout the two years. Gaining in August 2008 sponsorship from Black Eagle for my training suits.

To read more articles like this make sure you get the next issue of Combat available from WH Smiths & all good newsagents WWW.COMBATMAG.CO.UK COMBAT 83

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