Tai Chi

Tai Chi conjures up images of old folks in a park slooooowly passing the time away doing moves that doesn't seem at all like martial arts.

Wikipedia for more information.

Summary:

There are quite a few "styles" of tai chi. Some consist of very elaborate steps not so easily duplicated by a novice, while others seems easier to learn.

Although it seems like a very non-physical art to master, a person who tries it will know that it is physically demanding to maintain the posture required of the art.

I DO NOT know how effective it is in combat as I have NEVER seen tai chi sparring before. Yes, there are youtube videos of Tai Chi demos but not all out sparring.

Tai Chi vs Boxing, hmmm, not a very pretty picture....until of course, I learnt of COMBAT TAI CHI!!

More tai chi styles at: http://www.vchooz.com/tai_chi.html

Fight Quest - Kyokushin Karate

KYOKUSHIN KARATE
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Masters: Shihan Yuzo Goda/Shihan Isamu Fukuda
Features: Hands, feet, smashing things


My take on this episode -
It looks like it is the toughest of all their assignment. The Japanese did not give them any chance of "winning".

Jimmy and Doug had a tough time but their spirit must be applauded!

What is Kyokushin Karate?
Kyokushin training consists of three main elements: (1) technique, (2) forms, and (3) sparring. These are sometimes referred to as the three "K's" after the Japanese words for them: kihon (technique), kata (forms), and kumite (sparring).

http://www.vchooz.com/kyokushin_karate.html

Kung Fu - 1 versus three

Real fight - 1 guy versus 3 other guys.

Technique used: Kung Fu

Look at how the yellow shirt guy choses his opponent and look at his stance too!

Would Brazilian Jujitsu work better here? I doubt it!

Brazilian Jujitsu

Fight Quest

I will be following the Fight Quest episodes and posting their fights here.

http://www.vchooz.com/discovery_channel.html

First up: Sanda from China

Kendo

Kendo meaning "Way of the Sword", is a modern Japanese martial art of sword-fighting based on traditional Japanese swordsmanship, or Kenjutsu.

Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with sport-like physical elements.

See website for more.

Unarmed combat

This "art", is brutal, cruel and effective...because it is a matter of LIFE AND DEATH while using it!!

Used in varying "styles" by different militaries all over the world and with varying degrees of efficiency in different combat vocations, it is probably the only "pure" fighting art.

In martial arts, you DO NOT want to snuff the life out of your opponent. Especially if you are a shaolin monk, right?

So, most martial arts are there for defence and then to overcome your opponent without much damage to yourself and making your opponent yield.

In unarmed combat, there is no tap out. If you were in the jungle, there are no judges and tap outs. Giving your opponent a 2nd chance probably means death for yourself!

Go to my website for more videos!

Kajukenbo

I had difficulties in catching its name on Fight Quest.

I had the impression that it was a street fighting technique.

Taken from Wikipedia.

Kajukenbo is a hybrid martial art that combines karate, tang soo do, judo, jujutsu, kenpo and kung fu. It was founded in 1947 in Oahu, Hawaii, at the Palama Settlements.

The original purpose of the art was to deal with local crime, and to help the people defend themselves from U.S.

Navy sailors who would drink and start fights. The founders were Sijo ("founder") Adriano Emperado, Peter Young Yil Choo, Joe Holck, Frank Ordonez, and Clarence Chang, who called themselves the Black Belt Society.

Kajukenbo uses hard, fast strikes to vital points throughout the body, takedowns involving high impact throws and many joint and limb destruction techniques--usually as follow-ups to takedowns. There are also many blocks from attacks such as punches and defenses and disarmament of offensive weapons.

My opinion: Sounds alot like Krav Marga. Meaning = practical self defence!

See my website

The demo: