The bo, or staff, is one of the most iconic and important weapons in martial arts. The staff has aided mankind throughout history. In many countries, stories have been interwoven into their cultures, handed down over centuries through folklore and tales of triumphant warriors and this multipurpose implement. Read on to learn more about the staff in martial arts cultures from around the world!
Krav Maga is a martial art and self-defense system that was developed in Israel in the 1930s and 1940s. It has since spread worldwide as an effective fighting and self-defense methodology. Read on to learn more about the development, spread and continuing evolution of Krav Maga.
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!
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.
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!
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.
