Okinawa and the Martial Arts

Karate is a superb style of martial art of Okinawan culture that spread across the world because of two primary situations: The japanese welcoming the Okinawans to Tokyo, japan to show and teach their indigenous style of martial art and the existence of United States Of America Army forces on military bases in Okinawa. These situations formed that which was initially an extremely personalized and efficient approach to personal protection and safety into the many styles that nowadays come under the umbrella phrase of martial arts.

A few other blogs that discuss the meaning of the martial arts:

• iamsport.org/pg/blog/ninjawarriorwebsite
• xfire.com/blog/ninjazenfighter
• shinobizenfighter.newsvine.com

A video of the different techniques in Okinawa martial arts:

What Time Do You Train?

I have been talking with lots of different competitors and I am always asking them what time they do most of their training.

I usually do mine in the evening but I notice many people do it in the morning. I am wondering because I want to get the best out of my time training.

So what time do you train?

My Sidekicks Have Been Getting Better

I am so excited. My kicks have been getting higher and stronger. I owe it all to my new stretching routine that I started.

1. First I warm up by doing 50 jumping jacks.
2. 50 hindu push ups
3. 25 mountain climbers
4. 10 side lunges
5. From there I jump on my stretching machine: http://www.bestlegstretchers.com/

After that I go for a 3 mile jog. The jog is really helping bring my muscles that were stretched and make them stronger.
From there I head into the gym and start doing my sidekicks on the heavy bag.

I have found that the kicks are easier to throw and are stronger. Woohoo for me!

Red Ninja Outfits For Valentine

I am considering ordering a cool outfit for my Valentine Day. I know it is a bit early to start considering this - It is only January.

However I thought it would be a good idea to surprise my new girlfriend if I came out with a vase full of roses while I was dressed in a red ninja uniform. Doesn't look like it will cost too much. I plan on getting it from this site I have seen before: http://www.ninjauniform.org/shop/red-modern-ninja-uniform/. I think it would be really cool to dress up as a red ninja - the ninja who stole her heart :)

Modern Kenpo on the East Coast

This is a video of Kenpo Karate as taught on the East Coast of The United States. Some say that Kenpo grows differently in different parts of the U.S.

What Kind Of Sparring Gear To Use?

What type or kind of sparring gear should I use when training? This is a common question when you first start training in the martial arts. From Kenpo to Taekwondo most styles will use a foam type of sparring gear. Occasionally you will see Vinyl gear or perhaps even cloth gear but the industry standard is foam sparring gear (like the ones you see here http://www.taekwondosupplies.org/category/tkd-foam-sparring-gear/).

This type of gear will usually last about 1 year if you are sparring hard but still wiping it down after each use. The constant sweat can eat away at the foam so you will want to have a cloth in your gear bag to wipe down the sweat on the gear.

An example of foam gear:

An example of vinyl sparring gear:

Now these are just examples of the punches but they also have head protectors, foot protectors and chest guards. Of course sizing your sparring gear is important too. Especially if you are ordering online. An easy way to size is to try one someone elses gear that is close to your size. Then just order their size in the same brand.

Nick Cerio's Kenpo - How To Basic Self-Defense

You are in luck. I found this video on youtube. This is a great video by one of the original Kenpo Masters. If you want to know what Kenpo is about you will want to watch this looong video!