Shotokan Karate Distinctives
This blog post outlines unique characteristics of Shotokan Karate. Read on to learn more!
Muay Thai Clinching: The Plum
Attacking and defending “in the clinch” is fundamental to Muay Thai. Unlike Western boxing, and other kickboxing styles, grappling with an opponent in Muay Thai is legal. The Plum (a.k.a., Muay Thai Clinch, Muay Thai Plum, Thai Clinch, Double Collar Tie) is a clinch position where one fighter wraps both hands behind the neck and pinches their forearms in front of the neck of an opponent. This technique can be used to control the posture and movement of, set up knee strikes to, and trip or throw an opponent. Read on to learn more about The Plum!
A Brief History of Taekwondo
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art. The word “Taekwondo” consists of three parts: “tae,” meaning foot, “kwon,” meaning fist or hand, and “do,” meaning way. Although Korea had its own native martial arts for thousands of years, Taekwondo, as we know it today, originated in the 1950s. In this blog, post I provide a concise history of the art.
Krav Maga Grappling: The Side Clinch
In combat sports, or self-defense, “clinching” refers to a category of close-quarters techniques. There are multiple types of clinches: the Muay Thai plumb, the body lock, etc. All of these are used in a standing grappling situation and can be used offensively or defensively. The most common clinch taught in Krav Maga is the “Side Clinch”. This particular technique can be very effective in controlling (and defending oneself against) an attacker and useful in setting up combatives (offensive maneuvers), such as the groin kick or knee strikes. Read on to learn more about the Krav Maga Side Clinch!
Bruce Lee & Nunchaku Pop Culture
The nunchaku may be one of the most widely known Okinawan Kobudo weapons. Nunchaku were popularized in the 1970s thanks to Bruce Lee and his wildly popular martial arts movies. Read on to learn more about how Bruce Lee was introduced to the weapon and incorporated it into his movies.
Kobudo: Okinawan Weapon Arts
Okinawan Kobudo is a traditional martial art from Okinawa, Japan, that focuses on using various weapons for self-defense. “Kobudo” translates to “ancient martial way,” and it encompasses the practice and techniques of weapons such as the bo, sai, tonfa, nunchaku, kama, and other lesser known weapons. Read on to learn more about Okinawan Kobudo!
