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Riz's Martial Arts Training
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A martial arts blog focusing on Karate and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Includes: Articles, Book Reviews, Techniques, Strategy discussions, self defence tips and information.
Recent Posts Tagged With 'karate'
The Arm Drag
The Arm Drag is a ridiculously simple move, so simple that I don't even like thinking of it as a technique in itself! To perform it, you just need to grab, pull and guide your opponent's leading/attacking arm (yes, with more finesse than I've describ...
Thoughts on Ki
The Ki/Chi debate is all over online messages boards. Personally, I've never bothered to comment on any but I do very much enjoy reading the arguments from both parties (believers and non-believers). The debates do tend to get unnecessarily heated ...
Fighting Fit – Cardio & Conditioning
One of the earliest posts I wrote on this blog was The Triangle Hypothesis, which talked about three facets key to improving as a martial artist or fighter. For those of you who've read it, you may remember that I chose to add 'C' to the 'triangle' t...
Grappling & Ground Fighting in Karate
It's an interesting fact that Karate is widely believed to be an art comprised solely of static punches, kicks and blocks. It seems that no matter how many times I explain the difference between the basics forms, their functions, and their applicatio...
The Heart of Karate-Do
(Original release titled "The Way of Karate: Beyond Technique") I first read this book many years back and I have to say, it has remained one of my favourite guides to Karate to date. The author, Shigeru Egami, studied Karate under Gichin Funokoshi ...
5 Keys to Being a Good Training Partner
Your progress in the martial arts is generally a result of three things: Training, Instruction, and Natural Attributes. This post is relevant to the ‘Training’ aspect, which in my opinion is the most important of the three. Despite what you se...
Sanchin-dachi: "Three Battles Stance"
Sometimes referred to as the “pigeon-toed stance”, sanchin-dachi is a basic Karate stance. When I say ‘basic’, I mean it is a core stance in various styles of Karate that requires years of dedicated effort to truly become proficient in. Regar...
MMA's Contribution to Martial Arts
Following the rise of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), many Traditional Martial Arts fell under heavy scrutiny for their relative inability to prove their effectiveness in what is possibly the closest mainstream simulation to no-holds-barred street fighting...
The Difference Between MMA & Self Defence
Not so long ago, terms such as 'Karate' or 'Kung Fu' were synonymous with self defence. Indeed a black belt was revered as a master of what appeared to be mystical arts showcasing inhuman feats of strength, aggression, and agility - maybe that's a ...
The Heel Hook
The Heel Hook is a leg lock technique affecting multiple joints, applied by transversal foot twist (rotating the heel). The rotation torques the joints (and ligaments) of the ankle and more so, those of the knee - the submission is simple to apply f...
Kata In Karate
Kata (in the context of Karate) can be loosely defined as pre-determined sequences of movements and techniques practiced alone or with a partner. They are commonly believed to simulate combat situations though beliefs of how and how well they s...
Championship Fighting: Explosive Punching & Aggressive Defense
I had originally planned to write and post an article regarding Karate and Bunkai (Application) today but given that since last night, all I can think of is De La Hoya’s performance against Pacquiao, I’ll post a little something about boxing inst...
The Triangle Hypothesis
Over the last decade and a half, I've been fortunate to train under a variety of martial arts instructors - some well-known, others completely unknown. I've been especially fortunate since all of my instructors have been completely open to discussing...
Are you there World?...It's me, Riz......Hi.
Hi and Welcome to my blog! As the more astute of you may have already gathered (by the oh-so-discreet blog title), this blog is primarily a way to keep track of my training and thoughts regarding the martial arts. As it progresses, it will include a...
