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Topics - Blade~

#21
Philippines / Arnis, Kali or Escrima
February 05, 2017, 10:09:09 PM
Arnis, also known as Eskrima or Kali, is the national sport and martial art of the Philippines. The three are roughly interchangeable umbrella terms for the traditional martial arts of the Philippines ("Filipino Martial Arts," or FMA) that emphasize weapon-based fighting with sticks, knives, bladed weapons and various improvised weapons. It is also known as Estoque (Spanish for rapier), Estocada (Spanish for thrust or stab) and Garrote (Spanish for club). In Luzon they may go by the name of Arnis de Mano.

The indigenous martial art that the Spanish encountered in 1610 was not yet called "arnis" at that time. During those times, this martial art was known as Paccalicali-t to the Ibanags, Didya (later changed to Kabaroan) to the Ilocanos, Sitbatan or Kalirongan to Pangasinenses, Sinawali to the Kapampangans ("to weave"), Calis or Pananandata (use of weapons) to the Tagalogs, Pagaradman to the Ilonggos and Kaliradman to the Cebuanos. Kuntaw and Silat are separate martial arts that are also practiced in the Philippine Archipelago.

Arnis also includes hand-to-hand combat, joint locks, grappling and weapon disarming techniques. Although in general, emphasis is put on weapons for these arts, some systems put empty hands as the primary focus and some old school systems do not teach weapons at all.
#22
Weapons / Traditional Thai Weapons
February 05, 2017, 10:05:24 PM
Some of the Thai traditional weapons. In many cases the traditional Thai swords were used in pairs.
#23
Japan / Kendo 剣道
February 05, 2017, 09:43:29 PM
Kendo (lit. "sword way") is a modern Japanese martial art, which descended from swordsmanship (kenjutsu) and uses bamboo swords (called shinai) and protective armour (bōgu). Today, it is widely practiced within Japan and many other nations across the world.

Kendo is an activity that combines martial arts practices and values with strenuous sport-like physical activity.

Swordsmen in Japan established schools of kenjutsu (the ancestor of kendo), which continued for centuries and which form the basis of kendo practice today. The formal kendo exercises known as kata were developed several centuries ago as kenjutsu practice for warriors. They are still studied today, in a modified form.

The introduction of bamboo practice swords (shinai) and armour (bōgu) to sword training is attributed to Naganuma Shirōzaemon Kunisato during the Shotoku Era (1711-1715). Naganuma developed the use of bōgu and established a training method using the shinai.
#24
Japan / Jiu-Jitsu 柔術
February 05, 2017, 09:39:10 PM
Jiu-jitsu (also spelled Ju-Jutsu or Jiu-jutsu) is a Japanese martial art and a method of close combat for defeating an armed and armored opponent in which one uses no weapon or only a short weapon.

"Jiū" can be translated to mean "gentle, soft, supple, flexible, pliable, or yielding." "Jitsu" can be translated to mean "art" or "technique" and represents manipulating the opponent's force against himself rather than confronting it with one's own force. Jiu-jitsu developed to combat the samurai of feudal Japan as a method for defeating an armed and armored opponent in which one uses no weapon, or only a short weapon. Because striking against an armored opponent proved ineffective, practitioners learned that the most efficient methods for neutralizing an enemy took the form of pins, joint locks, and throws. These techniques were developed around the principle of using an attacker's energy against him, rather than directly opposing it.

There are many variations of the art, which leads to a diversity of approaches. Jiu-jitsu schools (ryū) may utilize all forms of grappling techniques to some degree (i.e. throwing, trapping, joint locks, holds, gouging, biting, disengagements, striking, and kicking). In addition to jiu-jitsu, many schools teach the use of weapons.

Today, ji-jitsu is practiced in both traditional and modern sports forms. Derived sport forms include the Olympic sport and martial art of judo, which was developed by Kanō Jigorō in the late 19th century from several traditional styles of jiu-jitsu, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which was derived from earlier (pre-World War II) versions of Kodokan judo.
#25
Japan / The Ninja 忍者
February 05, 2017, 09:24:26 PM
A ninja 忍者 or shinobi was a covert agent or mercenary in feudal Japan. The functions of the ninja included espionage, sabotage, infiltration, assassination and guerrilla warfare. Their covert methods of waging irregular warfare were deemed "dishonorable" and "beneath" the samurai-caste, who observed strict rules about honor and combat. The shinobi proper, a specially trained group of spies and mercenaries, appeared in the 15th century during the Sengoku period, but antecedents may have existed in the 14th century and possibly in the 12th century (Heian or early Kamakura era).

In the unrest of the Sengoku period (15th and 17th centuries), mercenaries and spies for hire became active in the Iga Province and the adjacent area around the village of Kōga, and it is from the area's clans that much of our knowledge of the ninja is drawn. Following the unification of Japan under the Tokugawa shogunate (17th century), the ninja faded into obscurity. A number of shinobi manuals, often based on Chinese military philosophy, were written in the 17th and 18th centuries, most notably the Bansenshukai (1676).

By the time of the Meiji Restoration (1868), the tradition of the shinobi had become a topic of popular imagination and mystery in Japan. Ninja figured prominently in legend and folklore, where they were associated with legendary abilities such as invisibility, walking on water and control over the natural elements. As a consequence, their perception in popular culture is often based more on such legend and folklore than on the spies of the Sengoku period.
#26
Japan / Sumo 相撲
February 05, 2017, 09:13:39 PM
Sumo wrestling is a competitive full-contact wrestling sport where a wrestler attempts to force another out of a circular ring - called 'dohyō' - or into touching the ground with anything other than the soles of his feet. The characters 相撲 literally mean "striking one another". The sport originated in Japan, still today the only country where it is practiced professionally. It is generally considered a gendai budō (a modern Japanese martial art), but this definition is misleading, as the sport has a history spanning many centuries. Many ancient traditions have been preserved in sumo, and even today the sport includes many ritual elements, such as the use of salt purification, from the days when sumo was used in the Shinto religion. Life as a wrestler is highly regimented, with rules regulated by the Japan Sumo Association. Most sumo wrestlers are required to live in communal sumo training stables, known in Japanese as 'heya', where all aspects of their daily lives from meals to their manner of dresses are dictated by strict tradition.

Despite common beliefs that sumo is a male only competitive sport, female sumo wrestlers also have a long tradition in Japan and there are still many female sumo wrestling contests held.
#27
Weapons / Traditional Indian weapons
December 24, 2016, 07:44:54 PM
Throughout its history India has been engaged in many wars both inside and outside of its borders which lead to the creation a wide variety of traditional weapon arsenal.

Some weapons mostly used in wars are shown on the images below.
#28
Weapons / Traditional weapons
December 24, 2016, 07:36:56 PM
As in many countries among the traditional weapons some other weapons started to appear. One of the main early weapon and favorite among warriors was the sword modeled after the famous Japanese samurai sword which was nearly identical to it, however the Korean versions were often more decorated. It was one of the most widely used from all the earlier weapons. With the advancement of war technology fire arms such as cannons and guns were also introduced and eventually replaced the early weapons.

Jang Chang

The jang chang is a five foot long spear made from the wood of the yew tree. It can also be made from a similarly soft wood, including bamboo in the right climate. It was considered the most effective conventional weapon on the battlefield due to its flexibility and length. The jang chang was widely used in the battle to retake Pyong-yang Fortress during the 1592 war between Chosun (Korea) and Japan.

Juk Jang Chang

The juk jang chang is a twenty foot long spear made of bamboo and tipped with a four inch long blade. The primary advantage of the juk jang chang on the battlefield was its length and sharp blade, making it suitable for fighting many enemies simultaneously.

Kee Chang

The kee chang is a flag spear, a nine foot long staff with a nine inch long blade at the end. The colored flag, attached at the end of the spear just below the blade, was used to create confusion in battle. Troops surrounded the enemy and waved the flags vigorously during an attack. It was also used to encourage the troops, like a rallying cry, in battle. The strength of the kee chang was its ability to make deceptive attacks and sudden directional changes to attack the center of the enemy's line.

Dang Pa

The dang pa is a triple bladed spear, sometimes called a trident. It is between seven feet, six inches and eighteen feet long and has either an iron or wooden tip. The dang pa was a fundamental defensive weapon that was sometimes used to launch fire at enemy troops.

Nang Sun

The nang sun is a fifteen foot long spear made of either bamboo or iron. It has nine to eleven branches extending out from the main shaft, each studded with small metal hooks. This deadly weapon was invented by Chuk Kye-kwang during the 1592 war with Japan.

Ssang Soo Do

The ssang so do is a six foot five inch long sword from Japan. It is so powerful, that it can cut or break another sword upon striking it. Japanese gunmen also used this sword as a sidearm for close range combat. The ssang so do is also known as the jang do, yong gum or pyung gum.

Ye Do

The ye do is a short sword, four feet four inches in length, that is also known as a dan do. It was used for training soldiers in swordsmanship.

Wae Gum

Japanese swordsmanship was clearly recognized as superior to that of the sword techniques of China or Chosun in the 16th century, so King Sukjong ordered Kim Che-gun to acquire the techniques and text books of the Japanese. Four styles of 16th century Japan are recorded in the wae gum section of the Muye Dobo Tongji: Toyu Ryu, Woonkwang Ryu,Chunryu Ryu, and Ryupee Ryu.

Kyo Jun

Kyo jun is a Japanese method of practicing swordsmanship with a training partner. In the original Japanese text book, techniques were documented with a double bladed sword, but Chosun soldiers practiced with the single bladed sword to prevent injury.

Je Dok Gum

Je dok gum, literally translated as the Admiral's sword, is a method of sword combat developed by Chinese Admiral Yi Yu-song. Admiral Yi was a descendant of Korean lineage and was stationed in Korea during King Sinjong's reign. The je dok gum was characterized by spinning movements, which were used to break free when a soldier was encircled on the battlefield.

Bon Kuk Gum

The bon kuk gum is a native Chosun sword style as proven by its mention in the legend of Hwang-chang, a Shilla Hwarang warrior. There is evidence that both Japan and China adapted some of the techniques of the bon kuk gum.

Ssang Gum

The ssang gum are single-bladed twin swords of any length (most commonly short swords, like the yo do). The original swords were two feet, ten inches long, but in later years, there was not a specific type of sword prescribed for practice. The ssang gum were used in such a way, that one sword could be used to block an opponent's attack while the other was used to attack with a counter-strike.

Wol Do

The wol do is a nine foot long crescent sword. Its blade is moon shaped, with a small blade projecting below the main blade. The smaller blade has a feather tied to it. Although a fearsome looking weapon, it was used primarily for practice among infantry soldiers, having been considered too weak for use in battle.

Hyup Do

The hyup do is a spear sword with a three foot long handle. It resembles the wol do but with a single, thinner blade. It was rarely used in battle, because it was considered, like the wol do, to be too weak.

Deung Pae

The deung pae is the sword and shield art. The sword, used for attacking, was primarily a short sword, such as the yo do. The shield was three feet seven inches in diameter and was most commonly made of woven wisteria branches (in the south) or willow branches wrapped in leather (in the north). It was used by the infantry to defend against a variety of weapons including the dart spear and bird gun.

Kwon Bup

Kwon bup is the only empty handed fighting method of the twenty-four. It was practiced as both an empty handed self-defense skill and as preparation for learning the more complicated sword arts. There were both external and internal styles of practice.

Kon Bang

The kon bang is a seven foot long stick with a two inch wide duck bill shaped blade at the end. It was used to stab (like a spear) or strike (like a stick) enemies and was especially effective against the deung pae.

Pyun Gon

The pyun gon is a flail, an eight foot long staff with a two foot long club attached to the end of it by a chain or metal ring. The pyun gon looks similar to a nunchaku except that one segment is much longer than the other whereas the nuchaku's sticks are equal in length. It was often used to club enemies attempting to scale the walls of a castle or fortress.

Ki Chang

Ki chang is the art of using the jang chang (long spear) on horseback. The spear is fifteen feet long and the cavalry troops often practiced for combat by thrusting the spear into rice straw dummies or participating in duels.

Masang Ssang Gum

Masang ssang gum is the use of the twin swords on horseback. Dan dos, short swords carried as side arms, were used. The famous warrior, Jin An, used seven foot long swords in combat on horseback but he was an exception.

Masang Wol Do

Masang wol do is the use of the crescent sword on horseback. In the 16th century war with the Japanese, the masang wol do was instrumental in repelling the Japanese invaders. After the war King Shinjong built a monument in Seoul in memory of General Kwan Woo who was credited with the first use of the wol do.

Masang Pyun Gon

The pyun gon used on horseback has a longer chain than that used by the infantry, allowing the mounted combatant to strike enemies on the ground. The stick at the end of the chain is studded with iron nails or other sharp protrusions to inflict fatal wounds on impact.

Kyuk Koo

Kyuk koo is a game similar to polo. Contestants on horseback use long handled mallets to strike a small leather ball. It was used to train soldiers and horses for mounted combat and to test the skills of the riders. Kyuk koo games were often surrounded by a great deal of ceremony and attended by royalty.

Masang Jae

Masang jae is a system of acrobatic techniques on horseback. The skills were primarily used to deceive the enemy in combat by hiding the body under the horse or playing dead. Other skills were used to allow the rider to attack the enemy, such as standing on the saddle to shoot the enemy with the three muzzle gun. The techniques were originated by Suk Ho-ui who was said to be as agile as a monkey riding a horse.
#29
Korea / Tea Kwon Do 태권도
December 24, 2016, 07:15:32 PM
Taekwondo was developed during the 1940s and 1950s by various martial artists by incorporating elements of Karate and Chinese Martial Arts with indigenous Korean martial arts traditions such as Taekkyeon, Subak, and Gwonbeop. The oldest governing body for taekwondo is the Korea Taekwondo Association, formed in 1959 through a collaborative effort by representatives from the nine original kwans, or martial arts schools, in Korea. The main international organizational bodies for taekwondo today are the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), founded by Choi Hong Hi in 1966, and the partnership of the Kukkiwon and World Taekwondo Federation, founded in 1972 and 1973 respectively by the Korea Taekwondo Association. Gyeorugi, a type of full-contact sparring, has been an Olympic event since 2000. The body known for taekwondo in the Olympics is the World Taekwondo Federation.
#30
Japan / Karate 空手
December 22, 2016, 01:49:01 AM
Despite the common belief by many who do not practice karate that it is an ancient Japanese art, it's rather a new creation. The birth place of Karate is the largest of the Ryukyu islands, Okinawa where Karate was first born. Karate was first brought to Okinawa by merchants who traveled to China and were trained in some of the Chinese martial arts.

Karate was first brought to Japan in the early 1920s when the Japanese Athletic Association held an event and to make it more interesting they invited one of the well know Okinawa Karate masters Funakoshi Gichin. Funakoshi accepted the invitation and compiled a very exciting demonstration. The demonstration was also seen by the found the of Judo, Gigoro Kano who was impressed and asked Funakoshi not to return to Okinawa but rather start teaching the art of Karate in Japan. Funakoshi decided it would be a great opportunity to bring Karate outside of Okinawa and let others know about it. Little did he know at this time that he will never again return to his home land.

Funakoshi began teaching and his school, which he named 'Shotokan', began to grow more and more. Many famous future masters studied in Funakoshi's school but later most created their own styles which often closely resembled Shotokan but with slight variations. Some of the most important changes were in the forms - also known as 'kata' - where most instructor stressed different techniques.

Most Japanese Karate styles root in Shotokan and are the variation of this one style. Image below shows the founder of modern Japanese karate, Funakoshi along with a few old images.
#31
China / The 14 Principles of ancient warfare
July 10, 2016, 06:08:48 PM
14 Principles Of Warfare

Principle # 1 - Confusion: Confuse the enemy so they do not know which way to turn and will not expect what you do next. When a person is confused they hesitate, wondering what will happen and what they should do. In war, hesitation can be fatal when it hands the enemy the initiative, giving them first strike or the choice of the next move. Hesitation by officers has a devastating amongst conscripts who assume that if officers are not sure what is going on then their doom is assured.

   "Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak." ― Sun Tzu
 
Principle # 2 - Demoralization: Drain them of their morale so they do not want to fight. Morale in warfare is a remarkably important thing. An impassioned small force can and has, many times, defeated a much larger force that has been carefully demoralized beforehand. Soldiers who lose the will to fight either fight poorly or throw down their weapons with relatively little encouragement. Commanders who are demoralized will likewise avoid battle and more readily sue for peace.

   "Supreme excellence consists of breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting." ― Sun Tzu

Principle # 3 - Disabling: Gain advantage by removing a key capability. Removing capability creates weakness, which can be taken advantage of in some way. Removing capability also removes threat and can result in them losing a strategic advantage. Blind them by taking out radar and other watching posts. Strike them deaf and dumb by taking out their communication posts and severing their communication lines, etc.

   "When strong, avoid them. If of high morale, depress them. Seem humble to fill them with conceit. If at ease, exhaust them. If united, separate them. Attack their weaknesses. Emerge to their surprise." ― Sun Tzu

Principle # 4 - Discipline: Instill strict discipline in your troops. Disciplined troops are efficient on the march and in camp. They are tidy and sharp in their actions and follow orders with alacrity. Disciplined troops can seem relaxed at times, but they know the importance of rest and recuperation (R&R) yet are always alert and can snap into full action at a moments notice. Discipline is particularly important in retreat, where a pursuing enemy can cause panic and consequent havoc. Like attacks it should be well-practiced.

   "Move swift as the Wind and closely-formed as the Wood. Attack like the Fire and be still as the Mountain." ― Sun Tzu,

Principle # 5 - Division: Divide and conquer. Large, coordinated forces are difficult to defeat. When you separate the enemy into small units you can more easily defeat each one. Separation cuts them off from one another, making communication and coordination difficult. Units which are cut off cannot even call for help. Dividing them also makes supply difficult and some of their units may go hungry or have limited ammunition.

   "If your enemy is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him. If your opponent is temperamental, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. If sovereign and subject are in accord, put division between them. Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected." ― Sun Tzu

Principle # 6 - Distraction: Make them look away so you can act as you wish. The enemy looks where you want them to look, and away from things that you would rather that they did not see. Move troops along unexpected routes. Make a loud noise. Create explosions. Attack from a different direction. Make the area you want to hide uninteresting or unobtrusive. Move stealthily and at night. Use camouflage.

   "Let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt." ― Sun Tzu

Principle # 7 - Fear: Invoke fear in our enemy. Create dread, horror, terror and any other form of fear such that they seek to avoid you and become weaker. One of the basic human fears is the fear of annihilation, which is naturally very prevalent if war. Fear in warfare is a most debilitating condition that leads to abject flight, paralysis and suing for peace. It can also lead to a nothing-to-lose all-out last stand, and so needs to be managed carefully. Sudden fear thus invokes the Fight-or-Flight response. More effective can be the cold, gnawing fear that erodes and saps the will to fight.

   "Be extremely subtle even to the point of formlessness. Be extremely mysterious even to the point of soundlessness. Thereby you can be the director of the opponent s fate." ― Sun Tzu
 
Principle # 8 - Generosity: Be kind to them so they are kind in return. If you are generous towards you enemies then their experience of you may well be opposite to what they were told, where you may well have been portrayed as heartless barbarians. In the face of your kind concern, they will likely develop good feelings towards you, and in doing so will tell others on their side, spreading the word of your good name. As a result, they may fight with less vigor and will give in more easily, secure in the knowledge you will treat them fairly.

   "Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer" ― Sun Tzu

Principle # 9 - Intelligence: The side that knows most wins. Intelligence about your opponents strategy, plans, weaponry, positions, troop movements and soon lets you make effective tactical and strategic decisions and avoid fatal decisions. Managing intelligence includes the supply of disinformation to the other side in order to trick them into making the wrong decisions.

   "If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself,you will succumb in every battle" ― Sun Tzu

Principle # 10 - Overwhelm: Show and use far greater force than the enemy. If you have greater strength than the other person, then by simple application of that strength, you can overwhelm them, as an avalanche overwhelms a forest in its path. Strength can be held in several dimensions, so it is important to use your superiority directly against the opposing weakness. If you have more troops, engage them in hand-to-hand combat. If you have greater firepower, fire upon their artillery. If you have superior technology, use this to attack them with great accuracy from afar.

   "It is the rule in war, if our forces are ten to the enemy's one, to surround him; if five to one, to attack him; if twice as numerous, to divide our army into two." ― Sun Tzu

Principle # 11 - Provocation: Make them angry so they act impetuously. When a person is angry, they will seek to fight, and the more enraged they become, the greater will that desire for battle be. Also, and very importantly, annoyance is usually accompanied by a reduction in rational thinking as the burning desire for battle overwhelms logical considerations as to the wisdom of early conflict.

   "Convince your enemy that he will gain very little by attacking you; this will diminish his enthusiasm" ― Sun Tzu

Principle # 12 - Sacrifice: Do whatever it takes, including giving life. When your opponents show themselves ready to make sacrifices, it can be both bewildering and terrifying. Sacrifice in the form of giving up territory or other gains is confusing as the other side wonders why. Are you giving up from weakness or is it a ploy, perhaps a lure or to attack elsewhere? Sacrifice in terms of giving up life in exchange for military gains shows an ultimate determination that is both fearsome and demoralizing.

   "When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard." ― Sun Tzu

Principle # 13 - Seamlessness: Present no chink in your armor through which the enemy can attack. You are as strong as the weakest link in your defense system. The enemy will prod and probe your defenses to test their efficacy and to seek out the weak points and attack these with vigor. You are also as strong in advance as the weakest part of your attack.

   "In battle, there are not more than two methods of attack: the direct and the indirect; yet these two in combination give rise to an endless series of maneuvers." ― Sun Tzu

Principle # 14 - Speed: Be quicker than them. Be able to react fast. No matter how powerful you are, if you cannot land a punch or the other person gets in first, then you are doomed. Speed conquers might every time, not only allowing its wielder to avoid the attack of others but also to get in effective attacks and then get out again before the other person can respond. Speed also multiples the damage of an attack. Newton noted that force equals mass times acceleration. Speed also increases emotional shock, as the suddenness of your attack causes surprise and fear.

   "If quick, I survive. If not quick, I am lost. This is "death." ― Sun Tzu

"Seizing the enemy without fighting is the most skillful." ― Sun Tzu
#32
MMA / MMA vs. traditional martial arts
February 07, 2016, 04:07:48 PM
Today, without doubt one of the fastest growing martial arts style is mixed martial arts. In the cage it has been proven over and over that mixed martial arts are better than most other traditional styles as just about anybody from traditional styles have tried and failed. However, traditional martial artists argue that their styles weren't created for sports or cage fighting but for military combats at their time or defense against bandits. While mixed martial artists point out that most fight end up on the ground, traditional martial artists say their arts were created for environments were going to the ground meant immediate death.
#33
Health and Fitness / High cholesterol and sugar
February 01, 2016, 06:39:25 PM
Many people today worry about their cholesterol levels which are often linked to high risks of many heart diseases or arterial diseases. From the high levels the cholesterol begins to deposit on the arterial walls, clogging them and depriving tissues or even organs from sufficient oxygen and nutrient exchange. Recent research, however a demonstrated that the root cause of these problems are not in the high cholesterol levels in the blood but rather in the amount of sugar consumption people are taking in today. From the large amount of sugar the arteries will be inflamed and then cholesterol begins sticking to these, slowly building up and clogging them.

Reduce your sugar intake and you'll reduce the chance to arterial blockages.
#34
Traditional Healing / Herbs
December 23, 2015, 06:59:45 PM
Herbs have been used all around the world in just about any ancient cultures as the main treatment methods and herbal treatments are still very much alive today.

Traditional Chinese medicinal herbs are used differently as the traditional western herbs. In China herbs are combined into strong formulas that are a lot more effective as single herbs which where mainly used in the West. Chinese herbal formulas generally contain five to fifteen herbs and they can easily have more added for additional treatment. Although there are patented formulas most formulas are created for the individual and also modified as healing progresses.

Traditional Chinese herbal formulas also differ from their western counterparts because they are used according to their energy properties rather than their chemical effects. Chinese herbology follows the traditional healing principles of treatments and herbologists monitor the patients energy flows instead of the chemical healing effects. The energy meridian (or channel) system is the same as of acupuncture and these are used for both diagnosis as well as for treatments. Herbs are not only used for healing but as for prevention of diseases. They are cooked in food as part of meals or also consumed in teas daily.

Herbs have no or very little side effects making them a favorite method as alternate to conventional drugs.
#35
Traditional Healing / Moxibustion
December 23, 2015, 06:34:53 PM
Moxibustion also originates from China and today also still commonly used even becoming more and more popular world wide. It is an effective natural treatment and also often used as an alternate method to acupuncture for those who are afraid of the traditional acupuncture needles.

Moxibustion very much used the same way as acupuncture but instead of using needles to stimulate acu-points on the body the practitioner uses a stick made out of herbs, very much resembling a large cigar and the slow burning of this herb stick is used to warm up points or areas on the body. The heat also opens up the pores on the body letting in the healing properties of the herbs from the moxa stick, further assisting with treatments.

Moxibustion is very effective for pain and aches, by warming these areas help blood and other body fluids to flow properly assisting the body in healing or slowing down chronic problems.

There are more variations of moxibustion such as combining it with acupuncture needles. In this case the practitioner inserts needles in the body and also applies moxibustion by the needles, increasing the effectiveness of healing and cutting down on healing time.

Moxibustion originates from North China where the weather is harsher and using heat for warming helped with healing even more. It is, however not restricted to colder areas, today it is widely used at any parts of the world and still a preferred method for many people for healing.
#36
Traditional Healing / Cupping
December 23, 2015, 06:16:50 PM
Cupping is part of the traditional Chinese healing methods and it is still widely used as a healing method. Many people also use it as an alternate way for acupuncture mostly due to fears of needles.

Cupping also has a long history and survived the times because it is a proven healing method.

How cupping works?
The most popular method is using glass cups where the practitioner quickly heats up the air inside of and quickly placing the cup on the treated area of the body. The warm air creates vacuum which helps increasing the flow of blood and energies at these areas, thus assisting in healing. Cupping is especially effective for pains and aches.
#37
Traditional Healing / Acupuncture
December 23, 2015, 05:45:34 PM
What is acupuncture, where does it come from and how does it work?

The ancient Chinese theory is that the body has its energies circulating in main channels much like blood does in blood vessels. These energy channels are called meridians and according to the traditional believes these are divided into 12 main channels. Most of them pertain to vital organs in the body such as the heart, the stomach, the liver ... etc. and these regulate different functions in the body. Briefly stated inserting the needle at various points on the body the relating channels energy is affected, regulating the flow to that specific organ thus regulating its function.

Although acupuncture has been used in Asia for thousands of years it is still very much alive and part of the main stream medical treatment. It is also becoming more and more popular in the Western countries and more of them require an actual degree for practitioners to legally treat patients. Acupuncture is natural with no or very little side effects, safe, cost effective and also proven to be effective for a number of illnesses.

Many people who have not much knowledge about acupuncture are afraid of needles mostly due to fear of pain, however acupuncture needles are very fine with thickness as human hair therefore creating no or barely any sensations. Acupuncture is also very effectively used on animals, some race horse owners do not let any other healers to their horses but an acupuncturist.

There are also alternate methods to needles such as laser acupuncture which is widely used for treating addictions such as smoking or drinking or moxibustion or cupping. Please read more about these on our forum.

Some important links:
The Japanese Society of Acupuncture
The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (USA)
Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association
European Traditional Chinese Medicine Association
#38
Japan / Female Samurai
November 16, 2015, 02:03:46 PM
It's a little known fact that in Japan Samurai were not only men but a number of female Samurai also existed. Below are some original pictures of actual women samurais from history. To be able to see pictures please sign up and login.
#39
Japan / Judo 柔道
July 24, 2015, 03:51:03 PM
The founder of Judo is Jigoro Kano who created this style in 1882 as an effective development of the body and mind and also to preserve one's health, longevity and self-control.

Judo's characteristics are differ from many modern Japanese arts as kicks and punches are rarely if at all used and most of the techniques are geared towards to takedowns, throws, locking and submission techniques. The rare kicks and punches are also not allowed during competitions.

The development of Judo roots in the history of the founder who was on a quest to learn Jiu-Jitsu which by his times has started to die down due to Japan's modernization and the wider introduction of firearms which many felt made the hand to hand combats ineffective and old fashioned. With the decreasing popularity of the hand to hand combative arts Kano had hard time to find any instructor. Upon finding a school - which consisted five students at the time - Kano began studying and later became the most able to continue the teachings. Kano decided to yet further his learning and joined another school where he remained another year. In February 1882 he established his first school at a Buddhist temple.

Judo is characterized by three main group of techniques: throwing, grappling and striking. It is mainly characterized by the first two, throwing and grappling and striking is rarely used. Judo practitioners also practice forms - kata - which are almost two men forms, in other words practiced with a partner. A practitioner of Judo is called a 'Judoka'.

Some other variations of it also exists such as the Russian 'Sambo' which became popular in Russia and around the world and became almost a national sport in the founders' country.

Judo is considered as a modern martial arts and today it is also an important competitive sport at the Olympics.

Images below show early Judo training. Note some female practitioners.
#40
Japan / The Samurai 侍
July 24, 2015, 03:46:23 PM
Samurai 侍 were the military nobility and officer caste of medieval and early-modern Japan. In Japanese, they are usually referred to as bushi or buke. According to translator William Scott Wilson: "In Chinese, the character 侍 was originally a verb meaning "to wait upon" or "accompany persons" in the upper ranks of society, and this is also true of the original term in Japanese, saburau. In both countries the terms were nominalized to mean "those who serve in close attendance to the nobility", the pronunciation in Japanese changing to saburai.

By the end of the 12th century, samurai became almost entirely synonymous with bushi, and the word was closely associated with the middle and upper echelons of the warrior class. The samurai were usually associated with a clan and their lord, were trained as officers in military tactics and grand strategy. While the samurai numbered less than 10% of then Japan's population, their teachings can still be found today in both everyday life and in modern Japanese martial arts.