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The Importance and Hidden Meaning of Large San-Sau in Taijiquan

Many Tai Chi practitioners only see the Large San-sau as a training method to gain the fighting applications of Tai Chi. However, it goes much deeper than that. There are actually three reasons that we must practice Large San-sau. The first reason is the obvious one of purely physical contact and learning about how to […]

Hwa Rang Do – Defend, Take Down, Submit

In Hwa Rang Do: Defend, Take Down, Submit, authors Taejoon Lee (the eldest son of Dr. Joo Bang Lee) and Mark Cheng present a variety of easy-to-understand self-defense combination techniques complete with set-ups and variations for different attack situations. This well-rounded collection of strikes, joint-manipulations, throws, grappling and submission techniques fits beautifully into the 3-step […]

Women In The Martial Arts

1st Lady Assistant to Sensei Henry Ellis Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido I was born in West London in 1963, my father was very involved in the martial arts and a dan grade in Karate and he was also a dealer in ancient Japanese arms and armour. Although my father has an antiques shop in […]

Musha Shugyo and the Warrior Path

In May 2005 I had the privilege of traveling to Japan and training in the Bujinkan Hombu dojo under Soke Masaaki Hatsumi and the top Shihan of the Bujinkan. I say a privilege because when you study the history of the arts of the Bujinkan and then immerse yourself in the training and environment of […]

A Tribute to Matsutro Otani Sensei

Sensei Bill Stopps was a personal aide to Matsutro Otani Sensei from 1947. Privilege and Honour It has been my privilege and honour to have known Mr. Otani for the past thirty years. What can I say about such a man? Reflecting back over the years I well remember my first encounter with him, I […]

Style or Substance

Developing your own style or game in BJJ or Grappling sometimes can be one of the most confusing things for the beginning to intermediate level student. Should I be a guard player and if so open or closed. Or maybe a half guard specialist. What about playing from the top, always keeping the pressure to […]

The Two Ways — Active and Passive Systems of Personal Defense

The Prevalent State of Mind It’s apparent that the prevalent state of mind regarding self defense lies predominantly in the “active” zone. In saying such it should automatically clue us in that there is room for improvement in the so called “passive” zone. Each means and method is unique unto that zone. Neither is better […]

MAIA Inaugural Conference 2005

The Martial Arts Industry Assembly (MAiA) of New Zealand met with representatives from Australian and American martial arts for the Inaugural Conference 2005. The Conference provided information and networking for heads of several national martial arts organisations. Representatives from NZ Police, SPARC, ACC, OSH, ALAC, Optel, Beiersdorf NZ, and others provided up-to-date information and advice. […]

Real Life Experiences

Real Life Stories highlights the experiences of operators and civilians who have had to use the skills they've learnt in self defence or combat. If you have had to defend yourself as a civilian or in the execution of your duties as a service person, then don't hesitate to forward your story. These stories will […]

Electrolyte Replacement Formula

Ever wondered why you consistently cramp after a fight or a training session? Maybe your muscles feel more battered and bruised for lengthier periods of time than you would like after intense exercise. Musashi Electrolyte formula is designed to combat these common problems – and they can become problems if you do not pay attention […]