Thursday, April 7, 2011

Will the Real Murphy Stand Up, And What Does Murphy's Law Have To Do With The Martial Arts?

By Al Case


Murphy's Law commonly holds that 'Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.' Actually, there are other deviations of this principle, all concise and to the point. The real question, of course, is was there a real person behind this sage advice, and what does his postulate have to do with the Martial Arts.

Murphy's Law supposedly originated with seafarers. Iron men found that during the course of wooden ship travel, everything breaks. Thus, they drilled on fixing everything so they could be prepared for when it did break.

In 1866, in a work titled 'A supplement to the paradoxes,' mathematician Augustus De Morgan made scientific reference of Murphy's Law. He said, "...illustrates a truth of the theory, well confirmed by practice, whatever can happen will happen if we make trials enough." His statement caused him to be considered (erroneously) Murphy.

The next reference to this law of chaos comes from British stage magician Nevil Maskelyne. Mr. Maskelyne stated, "It is an experience common to all men to find that, on any special occasion, such as the production of a magical effect for the first time in public, everything that can go wrong will go wrong. Whether we must attribute this to the malignity of matter or to the total depravity of inanimate things, whether the exciting cause is hurry, worry, or what not, the fact remains."

Still, we have not found the real culprit, the real Mr. Murphy behind this scientific assessment of life. We are getting close, however, when we examine a mountaineering manual by the esteemed Jack Sack. Mr. Sack, in an epigraph to the manual in question, stated that the law was an ancient mountaineering adage.

All the above noted, the real Mr. Murphy was actually Captain Ed Murphy, who worked at Wright Field Aircraft Lab. Frustrated with the wiring of a technician, Capt. Murphy stated, "If there is any way to do it wrong, he will." This is the real Mr. Murphy, and his statement aligns with past descriptions of the dire prophecy of his law.

Now, the importance of this to the martial arts actually stems from military recognition of the law. Simply, war is hell, war is chaos, and if the soldier does enough drilling, he will do something, maybe even something having to do with his military drilling, if he drills enough. The generals know that ammo runs out, people shoot the wrong way, and that everything that can go wrong will go wrong, and that discipline is the only possible way to confront the dreadful chaos of war.

Which brings us to the fact of martial arts training. Simply, when that guy comes at you with a knife, or throws a bicycle at you in a dark alley, Murphy's Law has begun, and you need a plan. That Karate Kata, that Kung Fu pattern, that endless training in martial arts freestyle...that is going to give you a path out of the chaos, and will save your life.




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Wednesday, April 6, 2011

3 Benefits Of Working Out At A Boxing Gym In Indiana

By Marisa Watson


There are so many benefits that come with joining a boxing gym in Indiana. Boxing gyms are great places for meeting and making friends. Contrary to what some might expect, people who go to these gyms are typically very friendly. They don't just want to beat people up. They too are there for all the many benefits of working out at a these gyms.

The first benefit of exercising at a boxing gym is the benefit to ones health. Workouts at these gyms consist of intense cardiovascular exercises. People practice throwing punches, and their movement in the ring. The workouts incorporate things like: crunches, push ups, jumping jacks, and jogging. These workouts give the heart the exercise that it needs to be healthy.

People will also notice weight loss. As their heart rates go up they will be burning fat and working their muscles. A persons overall appearance can improve dramatically in a boxing gym.

The second advantage to exercising in one of these gyms is that one can learn self defense. People learn to throw punches with proper technique and defend themselves from opponents punches properly. They punch bags and learn to dodge punches.

Most importantly they learn to believe in their ability to defend themselves. They can develop their own plan for self defense situations. It is very important that when put into a self defense situation one trust in their ability to protect themselves.

The third reason to go to one of these gyms is for stress relief. Their is no better stress reliever than wailing away on a punching bag with your fist for an hour or two. People who deal with extremely stressful careers would love having one of these gyms to go to when they are feeling frustrated. They get to relieve their frustrations in a form of exercise that is beneficial to them. Additionally this form of stress relief doesn't harm anybody.

A boxing gym in Indiana would be a great idea for anybody looking to get in shape. They would benefit from the training regimen greatly. They would see results such as better health and appearance due to the intensity of cardio boxing workouts. The fat they would burn would leave them looking trim and fit. They would also learn to defend themselves and have confidence in their skills. The gym would even relieve their stresses of everyday life. There is no downside to joining one of these gyms.

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3 Reasons To Go To A Boxing Gym In Indiana

By Marisa Watson


A boxing gym in Indiana is a great place to workout. People who go to these gyms are really friendly. The truth is they don't want to hurt people. These types of gyms are actually great places to make friends. People who attend boxing gyms know first hand the many reasons why people should try one.

The first benefit of exercising at a boxing gym is the benefit to ones health. Workouts at these gyms consist of intense cardiovascular exercises. People practice throwing punches, and their movement in the ring. The workouts incorporate things like: crunches, push ups, jumping jacks, and jogging. These workouts give the heart the exercise that it needs to be healthy.

Not only does the heart stay healthy but the body becomes tone and fit. During the intense workouts fat is burned and muscles are worked. Overall appearance can be greatly improved in these gyms.

The second benefit to exercising at this type of gym is that one will learn self defense. People learn to throw technical punches and how to defend themselves. They practice hitting bags with speed and blocking opponents punches. They can develop a plan for if they are attacked.

The most important thing that a person can learn in one of these gyms is to believe in their ability to defend themselves from attackers. This is essential when put into a self defense situation. People must have a plan for how they will protect themselves.

The third benefit that training at a this type of gym provides is an outlet for stress. There is no better stress reliever than burning up all of ones energy punching a punching bag. People who deal with extreme amounts of stress at work would love training at one of these gym. They could take out their anger and frustrations on the equipment in the gym. A gym is a good outlet for stress. It is a safe and controlled environment where nobody can get hurt.

Training at a boxing gym in Indiana could greatly improve a person's well being. They would develop better health. The intense cardio workouts would get their heart racing and their body burning fat. They would be left with a fit and trim body. They would also learn to defend themselves with special techniques and training. They would feel more confident if ever put into a self defense situation. They would even have a safe outlet for their stress. A place where they can burn all their energy and relieve all their frustrations.

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Protect Your Children from Guns

By Bryce Jackson


A gun can guard your home from bad people but it can also maim or kill the one you love if you are not careful. Many victims are children who don't take guns seriously and can hurt themselves. That's why gun safety should be practiced in every home, more so if you have children.

To prevent gun-related injuries and deaths, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends removing guns from homes. But this may not work for all families where a member is a hunter, a police officer or in a profession where guns are required.

Be aware, however, that many gunshot injuries occur when kids discover loaded guns at home. Since keeping a gun in the house is a serious decision, it is the owner's responsibility to keep it locked in a safe place where kids can't play with it. You can do this with a gun safe. This device will keep your guns away from curious children. Choose one where you can store your gun or firearms properly. Keep the safe locked at all times and hide the key where your kids can't find it. If you use a combination safe, never divulge the code to your kids. Project ChildSafe also provides free gun locks at special fairs or they can be picked up at your local police station.

Educate your children about the dangers of guns. Tell them that you have guns at home but they should never play with them. Never let your child handle a gun even in jest. Don't allow them to touch the gun if you're not with them. A loaded gun in the house is like a ticking time bomb that can explode anytime. Diffuse the bomb with proper gun storage before it's too late!

Eddie Eagle, a program sponsored by the National Rifle Association, says kids should do the following when they find a gun: stop, don't touch, leave the area and tell an adult. This is sensible so tell your children to do the same. Not getting the gun is important but they should also get away and find an adult. This will give the latter a chance to get the gun before it does any harm. Owning a gun is no laughing matter, so don't kid yourself into thinking that your kid can't find it if you keep it in a safe place.

The information found within this article are recommended uses and tips for firearms. If you have any questions about gun safety or for complete, accurate information regarding weapon safety, please visit the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives at http://www.atf.gov.




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Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Keeping Your Kids Safe Around Guns

By Bryce Jackson


A gun can protect your home from criminal elements but it can also hurt or kill the people you love if you're not careful. The usual victims are kids who don't take guns seriously and can injure themselves because of this. That's the reason why gun safety should be a priority in your home, especially if you have children.

To reduce the risk of gun-related injuries and deaths, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests removing guns from homes. But this may not be a feasible option for families where a member is a hunter, a police officer or in a job where guns are needed.

Be aware, however, that many gunshot injuries occur when kids discover loaded guns at home. Since keeping a gun in the house is a serious decision, it is the owner's responsibility to keep it locked in a safe place where kids can't play with it. You can do this with a gun safe. This device will keep your guns away from curious children. Choose one where you can store your gun or firearms properly. Keep the safe locked at all times and hide the key where your kids can't find it. If you use a combination safe, never divulge the code to your kids. Project ChildSafe also provides free gun locks at special fairs or they can be picked up at your local police station.

Teach your kids about the dangers of guns. Inform them that you have guns at home but they should never play with them. Don't let your child handle a gun even when you're joking. Never permit them to touch the gun if you are not with them. A loaded gun lying around the house is like a ticking time bomb that can explode anytime. Stop the bomb by storing your gun properly before it's too late!

Eddie Eagle, a program sponsored by the National Rifle Association, advises kids to do the following when they find a gun: stop, don't touch, leave the area and tell an adult. This makes a lot of sense so instruct your children to do the same. Not holding the gun is important but they should also get away and tell an adult. This will give the latter a chance to hide the gun before someone else plays with it and pulls the trigger. Remember that owning a gun is no laughing matter, so don't kid yourself into thinking that your kid can't reach it if you store it well.

The information found within this article are recommended uses and tips for firearms. If you have any questions about gun safety or for complete, accurate information regarding weapon safety, please visit the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives at http://www.atf.gov.




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Saturday, April 2, 2011

How Long Does It Take To Earn a Black Belt?

By Al Case


The question of how long it takes to earn a black belt in the martial arts is one of the more interesting questions. People have it lodged in their skulls when they first walk into a martial arts dojo. Doesn't matter if it is Krav Maga, or Wudan, or Judo, or whatever...that question is there.

Now, before I tell you something absolutely fascinating about the answer to this question, I have to establish my credibility. I don't do this to hold myself up, but rather to establish a solid footing for what I am about to tell you. You will find that it has much to do with the question we are asking here.

I studied traditional Karate some forty years ago, and have studied just about every art to come down the pike since then. And, as soon as I would learn a martial art, I would turn around and teach it to somebody else. That is the best way to understand something, you see: turn around and share it with somebody else, put yourself on the spot.

And, running out of systems, I began reconfiguring what I had learned. I created different methods, and inherent in these methods was a simple question. Can I make a black belt faster?

I condensed systems, realigned methods, compared and contrasted until I was cross-eyed and dazed. I set up different arrangements of basics, established different ways of doing training drills. And, of course, I did kumite until the cows came home and had breakfast.

Over time, I fair well established what, exactly, the knowledge was that made a black belt. This is a concrete body of knowledge, and I found something interesting occurring. I found that if you taught people the knowledge, they didn't need as much experience.

Yes, the fellow had to get down and dirty, he had to get a fair sampling of bruises and toss downs. But he didn't need as much of this 'experience' as one might think. In fact, he needed about one tenth of what people expected.

In fact, as one accumulated knowledge, the percentage of hard experience went down. Don't get me wrong, it takes sweat and diligent work, and, most important, it takes exactly the correct amount of exact information, which is something that, unfortunately, none of the martial arts systems have today. But, if you do get the right data the question of how long does it take to earn a black belt requires a much shorter answer.




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The Question is How Long Does It Take To Earn a Black Belt?

By Al Case


How long it takes to earn a black belt is one of the more interesting questions. People ask it when they first walk into a martial arts dojo. Doesn't matter if it is Karate, or Kung Fu, or Aikido, or whatever...that question is there.

Now, before I tell you something absolutely fascinating about the answer to this question, I have to establish my credibility. I don't do this to hold myself up, but rather to establish a solid footing for what I am about to tell you. You will find that it has much to do with the question we are asking here.

I studied classical Karate back in the sixties, and have studied just about every art to come down the pike. And, as soon as I would learn something, I would turn around and teach it. That is the best way to understand something, you see: turn around and give it to somebody else, answer their questions, put yourself on the spot.

And, running out of martial arts systems to teach, I began reconfiguring the knowledge I had learned. I created different methods for teaching this knowledge, and inherent in these methods was a simple concern. Can I get somebody to the rank of black belt faster?

I condensed styles, realigned methods, compared and contrasted until I was cross-eyed and dizzy. I set up different arrangements of basic movements, established different ways of doing training drills and techniques. And, of course, I did kumite until the cows came home and went to bed.

Over time, I figured out what, exactly, the knowledge was that made a person into a black belt. This is a concrete block of actual information, and I found something interesting. I found that if you taught people the actual knowledge, they didn't require the years of drilling.

Yes, the fellow had to get down and dirty, he had to get a fair sampling of bruises and toss downs. But he didn't need as much of this 'experience' as one might think. In fact, he needed about one tenth of what people expected.

In fact, as one accumulated knowledge, the percentage of hard experience went down. Don't get me wrong, it takes sweat and diligent work, and, most important, it takes exactly the correct amount of exact information, which is something that, unfortunately, none of the martial arts systems have today. But, if you do get the right data the question of how long does it take to earn a black belt requires a much shorter answer.




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