Philosophy & Training

Here you'll find my own training

 

Tricks & Flashy kicks are probably the hardest elements in a given form. They look really cool if you perform them properly which means that you have to be prepared to work hard and fall a lot, even the best performers on the circuit fall when training these techniques, so don’t worry if your falling all the time, keep at it and you will achieve it. The best advice I could give for trick’s is make sure you have good basic techniques and build on them, try and find someone who knows how the body spins and rotates like a gymnast / dancer or someone who teaches trampolining (they may be able to help you). Mats, crash mats, spring boards etc… are also good for learning new trick’s, but don't get too used to the added height from them as you'll not be competing on or with them. As for trick combo’s they are also hard to achieve. Work on the first technique first, when that is good add the next, then when you can fit the two together well, add the next and so on. Remember a good combination look’s good if it flows well, if the first techniques goes wrong or you haven’t trained it enough there is a good chance that the rest of the combo will go wrong. Keep working hard and stick at it in everything you want to achieve.
Tournaments are not for everybody, but it’s the best feeling you will get. The reason for this is that you are competing against different people all the time by attending different tournaments and you do the best you can to win. All your adrenalin kicks in and gives you a great buzz if the atmosphere is there. Some of us succeed in tournaments and some of us don’t, but it’s not the winning, it’s the taking part and the experience that counts. Also a lot of people get really nervous when competing, don't worry about this because it's normal and the person next to you is probably as nervous as you, and they may even be a top competitor!

Fitness in tournaments is essential. Take this for instance; You are half way through your Form/Kata and you start getting out of breath, your muscles stop working as hard and your techniques are getting sloppy, what are you going to do? It’s not what you are going to do, it’s what haven’t you done? Fitness training! My father has always said that to get fit in any particular area is to train your fitness IN that area. In other words you don’t want to train your fitness like a Marathon runner to compete in Sprinting. Forms/Kata's need explosive power & strength. To train fitness in Martial Arts I usually combine a little circuit training, quite a lot of explosive running for endurance and speed training for my kicks. I weight train for strength & power and most of all fitness & strength/power in the area that I need it most by training my forms with good techniques, power and everything I've got every time! Never Slack!!

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Preparation for Training
While you'll need muscular strength to train in martial arts, true ability is not derived from mere brute strength alone, but also from flexibility. As with any form of physical training, preparation for a Ninjutsu session requires warm-up through various exercises. In this chapter we look at a number of stretching exercises. These exercises are beneficial even if you do not train in martial arts.

The purpose of stretching is not merely to warm up but also to prevent injuries. Remember that an intrinsic martial arts value is self-improvement, rather than deterioration.

Flexibility requires daily stretching exercises. When doing stretching exercises, remember this: Don't strain. While there is some truth to the axiom, "no pain, no gain," it does not apply to warming up. If it hurts, stop! Stretching too far can cause permanent damage.

For the best results, stretch to the point of maximum flexibility (when it begins to get uncomfortable), then stretch slightly beyond maximum flexibility and hold briefly. After a few weeks of practice, you will find that your maximum flexibility point increases a little with each workout. Don't try to do everything in one day. Remember that patience and doing nothing are also spiritual in nature.

Increasing Shoulder Flexibility
This exercise increases shoulder suppleness and free movement.
Begin in a standing position, with arms extended at your side. Raise your hands up to the front of your body with the backs of your hands facing each other. Continue raising your hands and arms over your head and to your back. Stretch as far back as possible. Keep the backs of your hands facing each other. Continue moving in this circular motion until your hands are back down at your sides. Instead of relaxing, reverse the action to the back, repeating the circular motion in reverse. Remember to keep the backs of your hands facing each other. When your hands return to your sides, relax.

Continue for six repetitions, and increase repetitions by two or three other day, as comfortable, until you reach 24 repetitions.

Increasing Hip and Legs Flexibility
These exercises increase hip rotation and the suppleness of the legs, with increased repetition, as above.

Side Bending
Stand in a relaxed position with your fingers interlocked on top of the head. Keep your body straight; do not lean to the side or forward. Bend to the right, then to the left. Do not bend the knees and keep the feet flat on the ground.

Continue for six repetitions, and increase repetitions by two or three every other day, as comfortable, until you reach 24 repetitions.

Side Bending (advanced)
Place your feet about twice as far apart as your shoulder width, with your hands resting at your sides. Hold one ankle with your hands and bring the entire front portion of the body down to your leg, or as far as you can. Repeat to the other side.

Continue for six repetitions, and increase repetitions by two or three every other day, as comfortable, until you reach 24 repetitions.

Squatting
From a standing position, with your legs about l/2 of your shoulder width apart, hands clasped behind your head, keeping your back straight and your feet flat on the ground, squat straight down. Now, continuing to keep the back straight, return to standing position and repeat.

Continue for six repetitions, and increase repetitions by two or three every other day, as comfortable, until you reach 24 repetitions.

Hip Rotation
Stand with your feet slightly farther apart than your shoulder width, your fingers locked behind your head. Stretch your hips by twisting first to the right, next to the left. Make sure your feet stay firmly planted, flat on the floor. Continue for six repetitions, and increase repetitions by two or three every other day, as comfortable, until you reach 24 repetitions.


Forward Lunge
Begin with your feet slightly more than twice your shoulder width apart. Place your left hand on your hip and turn to face your right side, keeping your left leg straight and bending your right leg. Lunge forward, bending your left knee down and raising the right heel so that only the ball of your foot is on the floor. Press diagonally downward and slightly forward with your left hand. Repeat on the opposite side.

Continue for six repetitions, and increase repetitions by two or three every other day, as comfortable, until you reach 24 repetitions.

Split Squat (advanced)
Begin with your legs about twice your shoulder width apart and your hands at your sides. Squat down by bending one leg and keeping the other leg straight. (While performing this exercise try to keep the foot on the bent leg flat on the ground. Do not actually sit on the floor. Use your muscles to keep the buttocks off the ground.) Bend to the side toward the straight leg and bring the entire front portion of your body down on the extended leg. Without moving your feet, wrap your arm around your bent leg for support, and bring the entire front portion of your body forward to the floor.

Continue for six repetitions, and increase repetitions by two or three every other day, as comfortable, until you reach 24 repetitions.

Knee Rotation
Begin with your knees straight and place both hands on them. Your feet should be flat on the floor. Lifting your feet so that only the balls are left on the floor, bend your knees slightly, or about 1/3. Repeat a few times, then turn on the balls of your feet and move your knees clockwise. Repeat in the other direction.

Continue for six repetitions, and increase repetitions by two or three every other day, as comfortable, until you reach 24 repetitions.

One-Leg Stretch
Begin by sitting on the floor with one leg extended and the other tucked in toward the groin. Place your hands on your ankle of the extended leg and bring the entire front portion of your body down on the leg. Return to an erect position and bring the front portion of body forward to the ground. Switch legs to repeat.

Continue for six repetitions, and increase repetitions by two or three every other day, as comfortable, until you reach 24 repetitions.

Increasing Neck Flexibility
This exercise is designed to strengthen the neck muscles.
Begin with your hands on your hips, then bend the head backward to the point of maximum flexibility. Bring your head forward, stretching your neck. Now return your head to an upright position and face to the right, then to the left. Remember to stretch. Return your head to an upright position and relax. Now bring your chin toward your chest and turn around and make a complete circle, taking care to rotate your head and stretch your neck slowly and fully. Now repeat the exercise in a counterclockwise motion.

Continue for six repetitions, and increase repetitions by two or three every other day, as comfortable, until you reach 24 repetitions.

Increasing Flexibility in Entire Body (advanced)

Leg Stretch
Begin in a standing position. Bring one leg up and grasp the bottom of your foot. Now extend the leg. With your grip, pull your leg upward as far as you can. Repeat as often as you can, then switch to the other side.

Hurdler Stretch
Begin in a hurdler's position, with one leg extended and the other bent and extended to the rear. Bring the front portion of your body forward onto the extended leg, then continue to stretch in a large clockwise rotation. Now change directions.

Continue for six repetitions, and increase repetitions by two or three every other day, as comfortable, until you reach 24 repetitions.

Split and Forward Stretch
Making sure to keep the inside of your rear foot on the floor, instead of the instep, begin in a complete sideways split. Now bring the front of your body forward onto your front leg.

Continue for six repetitions, and increase repetitions by two or three every other day, as comfortable, until you reach 24 repetitions.


Stretching in All Angles
Begin a forward split position. If you are a beginner, start by simply placing your feet as far apart as you can while assuming a seated position. Begin stretching by bringing the front portion of your body to the left leg, then to the right leg. The goal, if you can, is to lean sideways, so that you are stretching your side, groin, and upper-thigh muscles. Now bring the entire front of the body to the ground. After a few repetitions, repeat on the other side.

Continue for six repetitions, and increase repetitions by two or three every other day, as comfortable, until you reach 24 repetitions.

Groin Stretch
Begin by bringing the feet (sole to sole) in toward groin. Place one hand on each knee and push the knees downward until they touch the ground. Hold your feet with both knees on the ground and stretch forward. Try to put the entire front of your body on the ground.

Continue for six repetitions, and increase repetitions by two or three every other day, as comfortable, until you reach 24 repetitions.

Extended-Leg Sit-Up
Begin by lying on your back with both arms extended to the rear. Start a typical sit-up movement, but bring your arms overhead and forward to meet your rising legs.

Continue for six repetitions, and increase repetitions by two or three every other day, as comfortable, until you reach 24 repetitions.

Crunches
Lie on your back with fingers locked behind your neck. Begin a typical sit-up movement, but at the same time bring your bent knees forward to meet the front of your body.

Continue for six repetitions, and increase repetitions by two or three every other day, as comfortable, until you reach 24 repetitions.

Making a Commitment
Making a decision to commence martial arts training is making a commitment to change your life. Like most lifestyle changes, martial arts training should not be taken lightly. The full benefits of this way of life can only be realized through total dedication. While (as I've already said) you cannot learn martial arts from a book, you can certainly get a feel for it.

Remember, the level of growth you can achieve depends on the size of your commitment. Like spiritual awareness, in martial arts there is no end to heights you can reach.
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The Ninjutsu training of today is much different from the training of ancient Japan, primarily because there is not nearly as much at stake. And it has also assumed some Western influences of compete-to-win. Except, perhaps, for the military, most people participate in martial arts today as a hobby. However, when you look at martial arts as a way to a better mind and body through enlightenment, it takes on a whole new meaning.

Modern Ninjutsu training is performed on a merit, or hierarchical system with different awards (or belts) marking a student's progress. The basics include learning to kick, breaking your fall, punches, walking in controlled, stealthy ways, and relaxing as much as possible. To achieve even relative success, a high level of all-round fitness is required.

Ninjutsu students need to learn to motivate themselves, to develop their own abilities and rely on their own common sense, rather than being driven into action by emotions.


Much of the Western educational system consists of learning by memory, rather than by using one's own initiative.

The Ninjutsu student studies most of the recognized Japanese martial arts systems. Many techniques similar to jujitsu are also learned, and given the name Tai, which means body, so taijutsu means "body combat art"; the entire body is used as a weapon, and anything it can do to defend and protect itself is legitimate. The physical side of Ninjutsu has no real moral limitations. The fighter is not restricted by self-defeating ideals such as rules of fair play. If saving your life means hitting a man while he's down, then so be it.

Various Ninja Skills
Each dojo teaches differently and from a slightly different set of values. However, for Ninjutsu to be an effective tool for spiritual and mental development, all areas of the ancient training methods should be considered, even though some are no longer taught. In this section we look at some of the different skills and their significance in self-defense. The techniques in this chapter are without weapons. Ninjutsu with weaponry is discussed in the next chapter

For a typical training session for fundamental skills, turn to Appendix A. The appendix contains information on punches, kicks, rolls, and some weaponry: swords, sticks, throwing stars, fishnet throwing and others.


Spiritual Training (Seishin Teki Kyoyo)
The ancient Ninja trained at developing a deep self-knowledge of his own strengths and weaknesses and how his own personal power influenced his destiny. The Ninja needed a clear view of his commitments and motivations. Emotional instability could cause one to lose his life. Exercises in mental endurance, spiritual awareness and controlling one's emotions and attitudes were as important as physical training. By developing a spiritual understanding of the world around him, the ancient Ninja rooted himself in steadfast self-assuredness and tenacity

Unarmed Combat (Taijutsu)
These are the skills that come to most people's mind when they think of martial arts--skills of the Daken Taijutsu which include striking, kicking, and blocking; Jutaijutsu or grappling, choking and escaping the holds of others, and Taihenjutsu or silent movement; rolling, leaping, and tumbling.

Stealth (Shinobi-Iri)
The Ninjas of feudal Japan were masters of silent movement, burglary, and gaining access to seemingly inaccessible areas. Ancient Ninja learned special walking and running methods for covering long distances, moving across floors in silence, and skulking in the shadows

Disguises and Impersonations
(Henso Jutsu)
The Ninja's disguise system involved impersonating the character adopted in all ways, including areas of knowledge, and body dynamics of the identity assumed. He or she literally became the new personality, whether taking the identity of a monk, craftsman, or royalty.


Horsemanship (Ba-Jutsu)
Ancient Ninjas were instructed in horsemanship, including combat skills.

Espionage (Cho-Ho)
The Ancient Ninja perfected various methods of espionage. They included ways of locating and recruiting spies within enemy ranks.

Escape and Camouflage (Inton-Jutsu)
Ninja learned to use nature to conceal themselves, allowing them to vanish at will. The five elements of escape were based on a working familiarity with the creative use of earth, water, fire, metal and wood aspects of nature and of the environment.

Meteorology (Ten-Mon)
Ancient Ninja learned to predict weather and use it to their advantage.

Water Movement (Sui-Ren)
Stealth swimming, silent movement through water, and special boats and floats were used to cross over water. Underwater combat was also taught to Ninja warriors.

Geography (Chi-Mon)
Using the terrain to their advantage was taught to ancient Ninja warriors.

Strategy (Bo-Ryaku)
By employing or influencing seemingly outside forces to bring the enemy around to doing what the Ninja wanted him or her to do, the ancient Ninjas worked their will without drawing undue attention to themselves.

It should be remembered that Sun Tzu in The Art of War stresses a strategy of defeating the enemy with the least amount of force possible, and with the variety of tools and strategies at one's disposal.

In combat the Ninja makes use of all resources necessary to accomplish his goals. Martial arts skills play as vital a role as do physical skills. Ninjas are supposed to know truth and sense falsehood instinctively. Personal power and self-realization plays a substantial role in a Ninja's success or failure.

In combat survival, to win, one makes use of all resources, including the influences of the mind. To increase difficulty for an enemy, ancient Ninjas developed this strategy with the interchange of falsehood and actuality. A strategy for winning that relies on the presentation of truth and falsehood in ways that permit the antagonist to be deceived is the basic approach for all Ninjutsu activities and thinking.

Because the Ninja deals with the concepts of truth and falsehood, adeptly blending one into the other, he or she must be well rooted in reality. To prevent becoming lost, misguided, or engulfed in his or her own deception or awareness-altering, the Ninja must maintain seishin, or purity of heart. The Ninja knows the truth in his or her heart. Intentions remain resolute, though others may have no idea what those intentions are. Because he or she is completely honest with him or herself, he or she can venture into the realm of falsehood without contaminating his own spirit.
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Ninjutsu warriors were well-versed in numerous weapons designed to achieve very specific and often surprising results. Examples of Ninjutsu weaponry are:

The Ninja Sword (Ninja Ken)
The Ninja's sword, a short, straight, single-edged blade, was considered to be his primary fighting tool. He trained in two types of sword skills: A "Fast draw" technique of brandishing the sword and cutting and attacking all in one fluid movement, and fencing skills that required swordsmanship when battling with other armed opponents.

The Throwing Blades (Shuriken-Jutsu)
Today's most controversial weapon of the Ninja is the shuriken also called the "throwing star," "death star" or "Ninja star." Part of other martial arts systems, it was originally a straight piece of metal, with pointed edges at one or both ends, but over the centuries the Ninja and other martial arts masters fashioned it in different ways. Sometimes it was star-shaped, with the number of points varying from region to region. Techniques and methods of use also varied. Sometimes the shurikens were thrown at the opponent, while at other times they were scattered on the ground to trip the enemy's horses.

Perhaps the greatest master of the art is Shirakami Ikku-Ken, author of Shuriken-do - My Study of the Way of the Shuriken. In his book, Shirakami demonstrates the use of the shuriken as a weapon along with the sword. He demonstrates how it may be passed rapidly from one hand to the other and thrown quickly at the enemy.

Throwing blades were carried in concealed pockets and used as harassing weapons. The Togakure ryu Ninja used a special four-pointed throwing star called a senban shuriken, which was constructed from a thin steel plate. The blade was thrown with a flat spinning motion and hit its target with a sawing effect. Bo shuriken or straight shaft darts and spikes, including wrist spikes, were also constructed for throwing.

Spear Fighting (Yari-Jutsu)
Ancient Ninjas were taught to use standard Japanese spears and lances as fighting weapons. Used primarily for stabbing and piercing attacks, they were rarely thrown. The Ninja also used a unique spear weapon called a kama-yari, or "sickle lance," which consisted of a spear blade with a hook at the base. The total length of the weapon was over nine feet. The lance point was used to lunge and stab, and the hook point was used to snag and pull the opponent or his weapon. Both techniques were quite deadly.

For more details about weapons click Here


The Shaolin Legacy

Philosophy of Kung Fu

By examining the philosophical beginnings of Kung Fu and the Taoist influence, we can begin to grasp the philosophies of virtually all martial arts.

Bodhidharma's Contribution
Bodhidharma was primarily concerned with the cultivation of Ch'i (intrinsic energy). Ch'i, derived from atmosphere or matter, is a body element that can be energized by the regulation of breathing. Doing so produces stamina and endurance, along with the feeling of well-being and mental balance.

This emphasis on Ch'i is Bodhidharma's main contribution to the art of empty hand fighting. For without this basic and essential energy source, Kung Fu development would have remained mere calisthenics, lacking mental and spiritual mastery.

"Breath is the flywheel of life," as Chinese cultural historian Huang interprets Bodhidharma's legacy. Every exercise was based on breathing. For example, consider these instructions:

 

Stand in a natural position, hands against the thighs.

Raise your arms slowly to the chest, breathing in.

Push your hands forward, with a stretching movement, until your arms are extended, wrists bent, palms pointing forward and fingers upward, breathing out.

While maintaining the stretch, move your hands fully to the left and right with the palms turning upward.


At the same time, breath in and try to visualize the Ch'i, or vital energy, arriving at the tips of the fingers.

Bodhidharma's, teachings refined by succeeding Ch'an masters, would become the powerful yet graceful Shaolin Temple boxing, sometimes called Shaolin Ch'uan (Shaolin Fist) or Shaolin Ch'uan Fa (Way of the Shaolin Fist). As Shaolin Ch'uan began to become well known, word of its benefits spread to members of another famous Chinese faith, Taoism, which taught avoidance of force through contemplation and reason. Taoist priests became increasingly attracted to the Shaolin system because of its peaceful and non-offensive philosophy.

The Tao and Kung Fu
The approximate literal translation of the "Tao" is the "Way" or "Path," although, according to the Taoist classic literary work Tao-te-ching, its meaning is inexpressible in words: "The Tao that can be named is not the everlasting Tao."

The greatest of all Chinese philosophers to arise out of the centuries of revolutionary instability and excessive treachery was Confucius. He had many powerful followers and was concerned about the spiritual aspects of the life. The most influential, after the Confucians, were the Taoists, who directed their teachings toward the individual search for a higher form of physical and mental existence.

Beauson Tseng, a contemporary Chinese philosopher, summed up the main difference in this manner:

"If the Ways of Heaven of Nature (the Tao) be likened to an ocean, the fellow who exerts himself and makes wise use of his knowledge of hydrodynamics to swim in a beeline to his chosen destination--is a Confucianist. The other fellow, who holds that the most ideal spot for him is where the winds and currents will of themselves carry him to---is a Taoist. The more man lets science have free play, the more science can be made to serve man. Tao behaves much in the same way as science."

Early Taoist thinkers wanted to transcend earthly suffering by withdrawing from civilization and joining (or rejoining) the natural forces of life. They believed that living absolutely detached from organized society as contemplative hermits deeply secluded in the wilderness of the mountains and forests would accomplish this. Unlike Buddhism, Taoism does not promise Nirvana (entry to the Pure Land of Bliss) at the end of a spiritual life. Nor does it offer salvation after death. The Taoists treasure life because living is melodious and wonderful.

Tao is composed of two opposite polar but complimentary forces represented by Yin and Yang. Yin is characterized as the negative force of darkness, coldness and emptiness. Yang is the positive energy which produces light, warmth and fullness. Yin and Yang, together they are called Tao. To the Taoist, the logical elements of all universal being--seven the universe itself--are combined into Tao. They existed before the universe was born. Tao has no limits. Its existence is eternal.

Tao is not a supernatural force; instead it is the ultimate principle of the universe. Tao is the prime element from which everything is created in nature. If this sounds puzzling and abstract in the Western sense, it must be understood that from the Chinese scientific standpoint, Tao makes perfect sense in its description of the universe.

The myriad of things carry Yin and embrace Yang.
Tao-te-ching
Created by the interaction of Yin and Yang, "Te," or "the Power," is the most important element of existence. Every object or substance possesses positive and negative elements. This is how the Taoist explains the opposing forces of life: Birth begets death, a rise includes a fall, day brings night, hot-cold, wet-dry, strength-weakness, and so on.

Lao-Tzu taught the idea of Wu Wei, usually translated as "non-action," to explain man's most conducive relationship with nature. On the surface Wu Wei means "not to do anything" or "to remain totally inactive." To the Taoist, non-action does not mean idleness, apathy or indifference. Rather, it implies the unresisting attitude that he or she adopts while abiding and communing with nature.

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Philosophy of Martial Arts

Each form of martial arts adapted these basic teachings to support their own philosophies. While Kung Fu and Ninjutsu spring from the same well, they have developed very different paths, or teachings. We will be looking into the specific philosophies of each discipline.

The Essence of Buddhism

Buddha was a great teacher who founded the religion called Buddhism. Buddha lived in India 2,500 years ago. His name was originally Siddhartha Gotama (or Gautama). By this name he was known until he was 29 years old. Then he took the title of "Buddha," meaning "the enlightened one." A Buddha is a sort of prophet. Followers of Buddhism believe such Buddha's are born every few generations, to keep the faith of the people alive. Gotama, the Buddha, taught people the meaning of reverence, the love of truth, and the evils of superstition. His followers today number 450 million people, scattered over India, China, Burma, Ceylon, Tibet, Thailand, and Japan, Europe and other countries. He is also honored in the Western world as one of the greatest teachers of all time.

Legend says that Gotama was born the son of a king. When he was 19 he married a beautiful princess, and they had a son. Prince Siddhartha had seen visions that showed him how vain and useless was the life of a prince. Taking a last look at his young son in the arms of his sleeping mother, he departed from the palace, leaving behind his royal name and all the splendor that had gone with it.

He did not return until seven years later. This time he was dressed in a coarse, yellow robe, and begged for food in the streets. He had come back because his father, wishing to see him once more, had sent for him. The king, however, was ashamed of his son's begging and ordered him to stop. Buddha replied, "My noble father, you and your family may claim the privileges of royal descent; my descent is from the prophets of old, and they have always acted so; the customs of the law are good, both for this world and the world that is to come."

He left his home again, and took five pupils with him to study and pray in the wilderness. He fell ill and was believed dead, but he recovered when the kind daughter of a villager brought him food.

His pupils left him, and Buddha himself was tempted by thoughts of his past life, but the religious side of his nature won out in the end. Instead of returning to his old ways, he made up his mind to leave the wilderness and preach to the people. We are told he came to this decision as he sat in the shade of a fig tree, eating the food the village girl had brought him. The people of India call this tree the sacred Bo Tree of Wisdom.

What Buddhism Teaches
Like all great religions, Buddhism teaches the importance of spiritual or holy values. Where it differs from Western philosophy is in the belief that if a person has a pure mind, everything he or she does will be pure and decent, and that if he or she has a pure heart, all happiness will come to him or her. The highest virtue, according to Buddha, is universal charity---giving all you can to anybody who needs help.

Buddhists believe in reincarnation, which is common in the East. It means we are born many times, and in each new life we are better than we were before. According to the teachings of Buddha, the good are rewarded by being born into higher forms of goodness, and those who achieve the highest form of goodness finally escape both life and death. These people, having reached their final stage of goodness, are not born again and therefore do not die again, but remain forever in the Buddhist heaven, called Nirvana.

Buddha taught and preached for many years, wandering from city to city. Many noble youths went with him, including his own son and his brother. He died at the age of eighty, preaching and teaching to the end. He left behind many notable sayings that his followers faithfully wrote down and passed on to others. On one occasion, for instance, Buddha was asked what is the greatest blessing. He listed ten different blessings, some of which follow:

"To serve wise men, and not to serve fools, to give honor to whom honor is due, this is the greatest blessing. To dwell in a pleasant land, to have done good deeds in a former birth, to have the right desires for one's self, this is the greatest blessing. To succor father and mother, to cherish wife and child, to follow a peaceful calling, this is the greatest blessing. To give alms and live righteously, to help one's relatives and do blameless deeds, this is the greatest blessing. They that act like this are invincible on every side, on every side they walk in safety, and theirs is the greatest blessing."

Zen Buddhism
As we've seen, Buddhism was originally an Indian religion. Zen Buddhism, on the other hand, is the Buddhist sect of Japan and China. It is based on the practice of Meditation rather than on adherence to a particular scriptural doctrine. Its founder in China was the legendary Bodhidharma (Remember him? The father of Kung Fu.), who taught "wall-gazing" (a form of meditation where you stare at a bare wall) and followed the Yogacara or Consciousness School of Buddhism, which held consciousness as real, but not its objects.

The characteristic Zen teaching of sudden enlightenment, or Satori, goes back to Hui-Neng, an illiterate master of the 7th century who defined enlightenment as the direct seeing of one's own "original nature.' The golden age of Zen (8th­9th century) developed a unique style of oral instruction, including non rational elements such as the koan, a subject given for meditation, usually in the form of a paradoxical saying, to test the enlightenment of students of Zen. After the persecution of Buddhism in 845, Zen emerged as the dominant Chinese sect. Two main schools, the Lin-chi, emphasizing the koan and satori, and the Ts'Ao-Tung, emphasizing the practice of meditation (Zazen), were transmitted to Japan in the 14th century and greatly influenced politics and culture (e.g., poetry, painting, landscape gardening, the tea ceremony, and flower arranging) before declining in the 16th and 17th century.

Revived in the 18th century, Zen thought was made known in the West by the writings of D.T. Suzuki, and after World War II it attracted interest in the U.S.

Zen Buddhism is passive and peaceful in nature, hardly what you would consider one of the roots of today's perception of martial arts.

The Essence of Taoism
Taoism is a religion and philosophy followed by millions of people in China and other parts of East Asia. The religion is based on a book written more than two thousand years ago, perhaps by Lao-Tzu, whom we shall meet below. The book is called the Tao-te-ching, which might mean The Book of Reason and Virtue. It teaches that Tao is the beginning of all things in the world and must be followed by people who want to live a good life. Yet it never explains just what Tao is, and so many people have called it many different things. Some say it means the Way or the Path, others call it Reason, still others the Word, and some say it means God. Ironically, the Tao-te-ching says that if we do not know what Tao is, we cannot learn it.

Some of the ideas taught in the Tao are very much like those in the Bible. For example, it says that a truly good man loves all men, even those who do not love him, and hates no one. But because Tao is very mysterious, many people came to believe that it taught magic. One of these people, a man called Chang tao-ling who lived about five hundred years after the Tao-te-ching was written, was said to have discovered a drink that would make people live forever. The followers of Taoism, called Taoists, began to worship him.

No one really knows where the Tao-te-ching came from, but this slim volume of about five thousand words is the foundation of Chinese philosophy. Put simply, the Tao Te Ching describes an evolving force called Tao that permeates the universe. One can gain great personal power from being in tune with Tao, a condition known as Te.

During the 2,500 years of its existence, the Tao-te-ching has had literally hundreds of translations and commentaries published about it. Only the Bible has been translated more often. The Tao-te-ching appeals to each generation and never seems to lose its intellectual stimulus. Today, it is being studied by physicists, because it is so amazingly in sync with the current theories of the universe. It is being studied by psychologists and business leaders who hope to understand that quality of the Oriental mind that makes it so centered and insightful in world affairs and economics.

According to legend, the book was written by Lao-Tzu, a scholar who lived about 600 years before Christ, during the Chou Dynasty in China. It was a war-torn, violent time. Realizing the hopelessness of the era, Lao-Tzu retired from his position and prepared to leave the civilized world forever.

Before he was allowed to pass through the gates of the capital into the mountains beyond, Yin Hsi, Keeper of the Gate, insisted that Lao-Tzu write down what he knew for the enlightenment of those left behind; Lao-Tzu wrote the Tao-te-ching, directing it toward those individuals who were in a position to guide others--toward princes and politicians, employers and educators.

In a nutshell, Lao-Tzu's message consists of these points:

Discover who you are.

Learn to sense the world around you directly, and contemplate your impressions deeply.

Do not rely on ideologies, because to do so will rob your life of meaning and make you unfit to lead.

Cultivate and trust your intuition---a leader without intuition cannot predict change.

Cultivate your personal power (Te) though your awareness and knowledge of the physical laws as they operate both in the universe and in the minds of others (Tao) use that power to direct events, without resorting to force. Here is how you can accomplish these lofty goals:

Use attitude instead of action, and lead others by guiding rather than ruling.

Manage people by letting them act upon you, and not the other way around. In this way, your subjects will develop a sense of self-government, and you, as their guide, will be rewarded with their loyalty and cooperation.

Learn to achieve your ends without means, by cultivating a strong vision of the way things must naturally resolve themselves.

Practice simplicity. Continue to grow.

Lao-Tzu taught that the best way to control events was to use passive methods. He realized that excessive force in a particular direction tends to activate an opposing force. Lao-Tzu believed that it was essential for leaders to be ever conscious of the laws of nature--in short, to develop a sophisticated understanding of the ways that matter and energy function in the universe. He called this Tao. He understood that the physical laws of the universe directly affect the way that individuals behave and societies evolve, and that to comprehend these laws could give a person the power (Te) to bring harmony to his world.

Finding Personal Power
Lao-Tzu understood the power sleeping in every individual. This power, Te, awakens when one is in tune with the forces in nature (Tao). The Tao teaches that a constant awareness of the patterns in nature brings us insights into the parallel patterns in human behavior.

Lao-Tzu believed people who do not feel personal power feel fear. They fear the unknown because they do not identify with the world outside themselves. Tyrants do not feel power. They feel frustration and impotency. They wield force, but it is a form of aggression, not authority. On closer inspection, it becomes apparent that individuals who dominate others are, in fact, enslaved by insecurity and are slowly and mysteriously hurt by their own actions. Lao-Tzu attributed most of the world's ills to the fact that people do not feel powerful and independent.

The Power in Nature
Lao-Tzu devoted his intellectual energy to observing nature and its physical laws. He taught that all things are related. Lao-Tzu believed that everything that exists comes into reality through the polarity of yin and yang--the positive and negative forces that govern the universe.

There are two major changes that occur in the lives of individuals who gain personal power--intellectual independence and simplicity. Taoism, a way of viewing the universe, is not based on faith; it is based on experience. Power will not develop in individuals who allow doctrine and dogma to stand between them and direct personal knowledge of the universe.

Simplicity in behavior, beliefs, and environment, moves an individual closer to reality. If you practice simplicity you cannot be used because you already have everything you need. You cannot be lied to because a lie merely reveals another aspect of reality. This is total freedom. Westerners are taught that freedom is something one has, but the Tao teaches that the absence of things brings freedom to the individual and meaning into life. To let go of things--such as unnecessary desires, superfluous possessions---is to have freedom. This is somewhat similar to twelve-step program teaching that you can keep what you have only by giving it away.

Lao-Tzu taught that each life contains the universe. But when individuals develop fixations about certain aspects of their lives---money, power, possessions---they become shallow and off-centered. Desires create a crisis within the mind. As individuals let go of desires, feelings of freedom, security, independence, and power increase.

Like the degrees in martial arts disciplines, the Tao has many levels of understanding. There is always a level waiting just below the one you currently understand. The deeper you penetrate, the more power you develop. The same is true when seeking higher achievements, or belts, in Kung Fu or Ninjutsu. The next belt represents a deeper understanding and increased power. However, you are competing with yourself, striving to get more Te for your own peace of mind, instead of competing against peers for ego gratification. But this search is not a competitive one; rather, it is the pathway to spiritual enlightenment and personal fulfillment.

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Abdullah Minor's Special Training

Remember, training is not recommended at all for those under 16 years of age. Those individuals under 18 years of age must get permission from a parent or guardian before starting training. Always consult a physician before beginning any exercise program. Train at your own risk. These training methods only reflect personal experience, and Wesler's Karate, Inc. cannot be held responsible for any injury resulting from attempting to train in these techniques.

The iron palm method is the hand conditioning regimen that I prefer. I enjoy the set schedule for training, the relaxed method, and most of all, the speedy results. I also prefer this method because it trains the palm heart, or the flat of the palm. In my opinion, the flat palm slap is the trademark strike of fighting gung fu. Iron palm is the essence of the gung fu of legend, not the watered down version that so many modern practitioners bring to fights, only to be crushed.

There is no mistaking an iron palm slap for boxing, karate, or mindless street brawling. As for its application in tameshiwari, the iron palm is unrivaled when it comes to breaking solid objects. Though you might be inclined to think otherwise, it is much easier to break a brick with the iron palm than it is with a punch, chop, hammerfist, or palm heel strike. I know this from experience. Iron palm is also noted for its capability of breaking the bottom brick in a stack without spacers. Such a practice is known as selective breaking.

Ku Yu Cheong, one of the most famous masters of iron palm, reportedly could break bricks selectively in a stack. Iron palm falls short only when it comes to breaking flexible objects (wood, baseball bats) and objects with spacers. I explain it to people with this example- the palm slap can move anything it strikes one half an inch. Since cement cannot flex, it breaks. If the object, such as wood, can flex farther than that, it will not break. This is only an exaggerated example mind you, and only an example of my personal theory at that. As for spacers, the palm has difficulty sending energy through "hollow" area.

There are many variations of the iron palm conditioning process and each usually has a set amount of time for the initial phase. During this first phase, training must be done daily. After that, maintenance training varies. The first phase ranges anywhere from one month to three years or more. There are also advanced levels of the iron palm as well as internal and external conditioning.

The regimen I use is a variation of the traditional 100 day method and combines both internal and external training. This method produced good results for me in minimal time. Many others have also reported favorable results. I will honestly tell you that 100 days is not enough time to produce an invincible palm, but it will create a hand that is dangerous enough for combat, as well as allow you to break red bricks. This regimen conditions the entire hand.

Train at your own risk. I do not recommend training for those under 16 years of age.

Materials Needed:
-10" wide x 24" long (or larger) canvas bag
-approx. 1" round river rocks (enough to fill the bag half way)
-old towel
-cinder blocks (support stand)
-dit da jow

The method is as follows:

Set up the cinder blocks so that you can sit on one and the other(s) create a stand in front of you that is about the height of your naval (while seated). If the surface of your stand is not level due to the shape of the cinder block, you may have to lay an additional concrete slab on the top for a nice flat surface. Place the towel (in single layer) over the support stand. This is your striking surface.

Fill the canvas bag with the rocks and fold the remaining half of the bag over to create a side that is double layered. Tape the bag shut (masking or duct tape will do). Place the bag on the stand and your simple setup is complete.

**When striking for training, it is important to stay relaxed and allow your hand to drop onto the surface.
Do not tense the arm or shoulder, or exert strength while striking. Always breath out as you strike. Exerting strength or failing to breath out is said to stress the heart. Granted, thousands of karateka pound on the makiwara without regard to this and still do not suffer heart attacks. Even so, I choose not to tempt fate and try to keep my arm relaxed as possible. You do what you like at your own risk.

Apply dit da jow to hands and massage before and after each set

PART ONE

1. Drop your flat palm on the bag 30 times, shake out the hand, strike another 20 times, shake out the hand and flex.

2. Drop your knife hand on the bag 30 times, shake, 20 times, shake and flex.

3. Repeat for the palm heel surface.

4. Repeat for the back of the hand.


PART TWO

Remove the bag so that you are now striking the cement/cinder support covered with the towel.

1. Drop your knife hand 30 times, shake, 20 times, shake and flex.

2. Repeat with the palm heel.

3. Repeat with the flat palm.

4. (optional) Strike with backfist 30 times and repeat with straight fist.


Optional training:

You can supplement with a bucket of sand. Straight punch the sand 30 times and repeat with the backfist. Do 100 spearhand thrusts into the sand. You can also rub the sand between you hands to toughen the skin.

Some iron palm practitioners feel that it is unwise to train the knuckles of the fist because of possible long term joint damage. This is fine for strict iron palm fighters, but if you train in any fist striking art, it may be wise to strengthen your knuckles. Chinese acupressure teaches that training the fingertips can weaken the eyes. Take this into consideration when training spearhand but also realize that plenty of karate stylists train fingertips and can see just fine.

Different teachers advocate different numbers of strikes per session. Some use hundreds or even thousands of repetitions. Some say to train three times a day, others say you must train the exact same time everyday without missing a day. Maybe these routines are ideal, but with the method I outlined above, you can train whenever and even miss a day or two. The less days you miss, the better it will be for you. You should achieve impressive results after 100 days of training. At that point, you should be able to break a single patio block with a flat palm slap (use a towel padding at first).

If it helps, mark the days off on your calendar. If you don't keep a record, you may not be training as often as you think. Good Luck!


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SEISHIN TEKI KYOYO
Spiritual refinement is a strange thing, you either believe in it or you don't. If you are a believer then you will quickly increase your internal energies, if you are not a believer then the path is a long and winding one (but not impossible).
Below I will give you instructions in increasing your CHI (internal energy). I will assume nothing and begin as if you are a new student.

Before you start these exercises you must be sure that you will not be disturbed. (later this will not be so important.) You should be relaxed and not under time pressure. The first exercises take only 5 minutes. (but will seem more like 5 hours).

FIRST 2 WEEKS
 This is just a way of practicing the exercise so that you will be relaxed and comfortable with it.
Sit comfortably on the floor, you may use a mat or cushion if you wish but your back must be straight.
You may close your eyes or keep them open.
Place your hands in front of you (palms towards you) with the fingers of the left hand resting in the palm of your right hand. Press your thumb tips lightly together.
Think of some nice things that have happened to you.
Put your tongue on the roof of your mouth.
Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Breathe slowly, each inward breathe should take 7 seconds. Hold the breathe in for 7 seconds. each outward breathe should take 7 seconds. Repeat this for 5 minutes.

You may find it hard to manage even 5 minutes at first but do your best and you will find each time that it is getting easier. Also you may find that you get excess moisture in your mouth, and that it is hard to keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth, this is quite normal.
By the end of the second week you should feel very relaxed with the exercise, you will feel like you are walking taller, that your head is clearer when you think and that you feel much better inside.

 WEEKS 3 AND 4
 In the next 2 weeks just repeat the first exercise but instead of thinking nice things try to clear your mind of everything.
Try to increase the time you meditate to between 10 and 15 minutes.
Imagine that you are looking up into a black night sky. You may see stars or just the blackness. Marvel at how much there is contained within nothing. Look into the blackness at its beauty.
Feel the path of your breathe as it journeys through your nose, down your back under your body and up through your chest and out of your mouth, taking with it all the cosmic energy of the universe.
By now you should find your tongue automatically goes to the roof of your mouth and that your mouth is dry.

 WEEKS 5 AND 6
 Now it is time to increase your inner strength fully and without fear. By now you should be able to empty your mind. You should not be distracted by unnecessary thoughts or feelings. It is time to feel within. With your mind empty you can concentrate on your Spirit.

Within each of us burns a fire, a globe of light and heat. we will now focus on that fire making it burn bright and warm. Increasing its radiance throughout the body.
As you meditate try to imagine this ball of fire deep within you, somewhere between your sternum and your groin (It is different for everyone). As you breathe your breath will be like the air through bellows, fanning the fire, making it flare and glow. This heat will begin to expand outwards from the ball of fire through your body, a little at first, then further and further until it reaches your finger tips. This may take many weeks but you should feel something within days of beginning this training.

Soon you find that you can perform the breathing exercise without the need for sitting and in any environment such as in the car or at work.
You will feel warmer and need to wear less clothes in the winter. You will feel confident and alert. Your hands may feel warm and when you touch others they may comment on this. You may even be more resilient to illness.

To increase the speed at which you develop your Chi there is another way. This exercise must be done for 15 minutes.
While doing the breathing exercise for 5 minutes cup your right hand to your left ear, for the next 5 minutes cup your left hand to your right ear, and for a final 5 minutes cup your right hand to your left ear and your left hand to your right ear. This increases the flow of energies around the body.

These exercises should be carried out at least 3 time every week for the greatest effect, although even once a week will work.

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Introduction to Shaolin Chi Kung

Aims

  1. To have a basic understanding of the meaning and scope of chi kung.

  2. To acquire within a comparatively short time the best available chi kung skills and techniques which a studnet can competently practise on his/her own after the intensive course, for health, vitality, mental freshness and inner peace.

 

Objectives

  1. To have a basic understanding of chi kung.

  2. To learn and be able to practise competently some useful chi kung exercises for health, vitality and longevity.

  3. To acquire the skills of attaining a one-pointed mind and of tapping cosmic energy.

  4. To have an experience of energy flow.

 

Course Content

  1. Deep relaxation.

  2. Unity of form, energy and mind.

  3. Shaolin dynamic chi kung patterns.

  4. Self-manifested chi movement.

  5. Standing meditation.

 

Expected results (during the course itself)

  1. Feel relaxed and fresh.

  2. Experience some chi effects, like warmth over the body, tingling sensations at the fingers or other parts of the body, and ants crawling over his skin.

  3. If a student has some internal injury, which he (or she) may not be aware, he may feel slight pain at the site of the injury. If he does not feel this slight pain at the end of the intensive course, he is likely to feel it later as he continues his practice. This is a sign that his chi kung practise is curing his injury, such as clearing internal energy blockage.

  4. Feel confident that if he (or she) continues his practice at home, chi kung will overcome his degenerative or chronic illness if he has any, or to promote good health and vitality if he is not troubled by any illness.

  5. Experience an increase of energy level.

  6. Usually be amazed at what an intensive course with a master can bring to him (or her).

 

Time-Table

The tours and dinners are complimentary.

  

Note

Many people may amazed that quite a lot can be acheived within a comparative short time. This is possible because

One essential condition is required for participating in this Intensive Shaolin Chi Kung Course, and that is to uphold and practice the Ten Shaolin Laws. Please read and understand the Ten Shaolin Laws carefully. Application for the course is taken to be an indication that you have accepted this condition.

  Application

Apply to The Secretary, stating

  1. the name of this course, i.e. Intensive Chi Kung Course

  2. your full name

  3. your sex and age

  4. your e-mail address

  5. your postal address

  6. your phone and fax numbers, if any

  7. your health problems (briefly), if any

If you are accepted, details will be e-mailed to you.

You do not have to pay any application or booking fees. The course fee of US$1000 (which is the only fee you have to pay) is payable during the course only if you are satisfied.

 

Food and Accomodation

The course will be held in Sungai Petani, Malaysia. The nearest airport is Penang, from where you can take a taxi (about an hour's drive) to Sungai Petani, Malaysia.

You have to pay for your own food and accomodation. You can have your meals or stay wherever you like.

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The Spirit of Liang-I

 

What is a Spirit. . ?

It is that which is at the very core of a person, group of people, family, etc. Or is that which defines and determines the direction, emphasis and path of the person, group and/or club!.

Yes this is a fairly global definition but suffices for the purposes of this and it's content.

Safety, the one

 

and only rule!

The most important aspect of Liang-I is safety! Liang-I Students are taught this one simple and elegant phrase;

If you can hurt yourself or someone else, don't do it!

This guide covers many aspects of Liang-I training and is at the core of the very reason of kung fu. It also differentiates Liang-I Shaolin Kung Fu from most other kung fu styles, where the main focus is to do damage to others effectively as a primary means of defence. Whereas Liang-I Shaolin Kung Fu promotes success by focusing on all aspects and having a short, medium and long-term view;

How do i achieve what i want to achieve,
without hurting my self or any one else!

This than can translate into the whole of life where your success is built on your strengths and abilities; cooperating with others where cooperation is required or beneficial for all or doing your own 'thing' when this is best. It is not to focus on causing someone to fail, so that you can succeed. This is a fundamental difference!

Ahh, you say, what about competitions or where there can only be a winner?

There are many different possible answers to this and two that are one that specifically apply to Liang-I.;

  1. You can not fail/loose if;

  2. You can not fail/loose if your aim was to learn.!

It is important to see this within the context of your life not just the moment; although the moment is just as important!

 

Breath/Chi

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Guide pics

hold the ninja stars ( Here )

throw the ninja stars ( Here )

Hide under water ( Here )

Single stretch training  ( Here )

Stretch trianing with friend ( Here )

Stand on the sticks  ( Here )

Kick & movement on sticks ( Here )

Extreme training ( Here )

Stand up side down on the head( Here )

Stand on the fingers ( Here )

Tricks & Flashy kicks ( Here )

 

Soon

Secret training

Leg & groin stretch

Back stretch

Mind training

Mind , soul , body training

Katas

All ninja training from A to Z

How to deal with ravenous animal

Finally remember

The journey of a thousand miles must Begin with a single step.
 

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