The Belt Colors Of Taekwondo

The belts and their colors that are used with Taekwondo aren't just a random assortment of colors that are used to separate the ranks in the martial art. In Taekwondo, each belt color has a meaning that lets fighters known about their advancement and increasing knowledge. Belts are also great for the stylist, as they let the stylist know just how far they have progressed.

The colors of the belts found in Taekwondo vary, as they represent the advancement of rank, as well as the growth of the student. It can take a long time for students to move up the ranks, all depending on their knowledge and how quite they adapt to the techniques and forms of the art.

Below, are the colors and belts of Taekwondo, along with their meaning.

White belt

A white belt is the symbol of birth, or the beginning for the stylist. Students that wear white belts are just starting out, searching for the knowledge to continue Taekwondo.

Yellow belt

A yellow belt is the first ray of light that shines on the student, giving them new strength to the Taekwondo martial art. Students that have yellow belts have taken a great step in learning, and have opened their mind to new techniques.

Green belt

A green belt is the symbol of growth, or a seed as it sprouts from the ground and begins to grow into a plant. Students with green belts are continuing along the path of Taekwondo, learning to develop further and redefine every technique they have been taught.

Blue belt

A blue belt represents a blue sky, with the plant continuing to grow upwards, heading for the sky. Students with blue belts continue to move higher in ranks, as the plant continues to grow taller. Students at this stage will also be given additional knowledge of Taekwondo so that their mind and body can continue to grow and develop.

Red belt

The red belt is the heat of the sun, with the plant continuing the path upwards toward the sun. Students that possess red belts are higher in rank, as they have acquired a lot of the knowledge in the art of Taekwondo. Red belts also tell the students to be cautious, as they gain more knowledge and their physical techniques increase.

Black belt

A black belt is the best of the best. It symbolizes the darkness that is out there beyond the light of the sun. Once the student is given a black belt and begins to train other students, he will teach all that has been taught to him. Black belts recognize the best students, as they continue to teach others the art of Taekwondo, and continue the never ending cycle of training.

The Basics Of Tae Kwon Do

Tae Kwon Do is a modern martial art, well known all around the world for it’s lightning fast, often high, spectacular spin kicks. Tae Kwon Do has been around for many years, originally founded in Korea. It translates to “the are of punching and kicking”, or the “art of unarmed combat”.

The martial art Tae Kwon Do has four disciplines - patters, self defense, break test, and sparring. It isn’t just one of these disciplines that make up the art, but a combination of them. All 4 of them are important, especially for those looking to advance in belt ranking. To advance in a belt, there are certain tests that students need to pass.

One of the great things about Tae Kwon Do is the fact that there are no age limits, and it can easily be learned by young children. Children of all ages will quickly learn fast reactions playing games, learn respect, and they will also learn their abilities as well as their disabilities.

The competitions however, are a bit different for children than they are for the adults. Even though the participants will wear full body protection, children can only kick and punch to the body, as no shots to the head are allowed. The competitions in Tae Kwon Do is what makes the art so very dominating. A majority of students that practice this martial art do so because of the competitions.

The competitions can be very exciting to watch, as they can get very competitive. Contrary to what many may think, the competitions aren’t deadly, nor are they anywhere close to being as dangerous as Muay Thai fights. Competitors will wear full protection, including head gear. For adults, kicks to the head are allowed, although a majority of stylists can block them before they make impact.

In order to participate in the competitions, stylists will need to have a certain level of experience. It can take years to become good enough, especially for those who win. Competitions are a great way to learn, especially if there are participating fighters from other areas of the world. The skill of a stylist is a very important factor with the competitions and tournaments. If you have a black belt fighter going against a white belt - the results will normally be quite obvious.

All things aside, the art of Tae Kwon Do is a great martial art. Stylists can learn kicking, punching, blocking, and the spectacular movements the art is known for. Tae Kwon Do is practiced all around the world, meaning that there are just as many places to learn this art as there are Karate. For an art that won’t disappoint - Tae Kwon Do teaches self defense and a whole lot more.

Title:

Your Habits Will Determine Your Future

Word Count:

447

Summary:

Find out how your habits will effect your chances of becoming a champion martial artists.

Keywords:

martial arts, martial arts training, martial arts coaching, MMA, NHB

Article Body:

We all have dreams, desires, goals and it’s great to daydream about what it would be like holding that title belt high in the air feeling the energy of the crowd cheering you on. Back to reality now and here’s a question for you. How much time do you put into a day to make that dream come true? The time you spend training or doing something productive to get closer to your goal or dream, compared to sitting on your couch watching TV.

Don’t get me wrong daydreaming can be productive if you know how to creatively visualize. Realize that your habits will determine your future. Successful people have successful habits, unsuccessful people don’t. To get your dream to materialize you need a plan to structure your time into productive slots. All successful people have a plan, follow it, and gauge their progress by it.

Work towards making the majority of your time being productive towards your goal, i.e. training and conditioning, read and view material that is going to help you become a better fighter such as viewing video of your fights and your opponents to see what you need to work on.


IT’S ALL ABOUT WERE YOU PUT YOUR FOCUS



Ninety percent of your focus and energy should be directed at your fight plan and career if you want to succeed in the MMA world or in any goal in life. Instead of coming home from a long day at work kicking back with a beer and watching the game, put on an instructional dvd to help you learn new techniques or improve on your speed or power.

Go to the gym left weights, do cardio, strength train or work on techniques with your sparring partner. During work or on your way home visualize yourself in a match performing a technique you have recently learned, so it becomes ingrained in your subconscious and is in your arsenal. Build on your strengths, not on your weakness.

There are three kinds of people, people that make things happen, people that watch things happen and people who say what just happened. Which one are you? So if you keep asking yourself why your fight career isn’t happening take an honest inventory of yourself because it’s about were we put the focus in our life that determines were we are going.

If you keep on doing what you always done you’ll keep getting what you always got. Making your dreams become reality is not about luck, or “if it’s meant to be it will happen”. It’s not hocus-pocus; it’s all about were you put your focus.

Title:

Why Are Basics So Important In Karate?

Word Count:

632

Summary:

“Do I have to practice this again? I know how to do it already. Why can I not learn the next punch and the next form? Do I still have to do the things that WHITE BELTS do?!?”

Have you ever felt agitated with your instructor for having you drill basics when you already “know” them? You are not alone. “Basics again?” is a common question asked by karate students. In fact, you could probably handle some of the more advanced techniques but slow down “grasshopper”; your sense...

Keywords:

Karate, Martial Arts, Shotokan, Taekwondo,

Article Body:

“Do I have to practice this again? I know how to do it already. Why can I not learn the next punch and the next form? Do I still have to do the things that WHITE BELTS do?!?”

Have you ever felt agitated with your instructor for having you drill basics when you already “know” them? You are not alone. “Basics again?” is a common question asked by karate students. In fact, you could probably handle some of the more advanced techniques but slow down “grasshopper”; your sensei has good reasons for drilling on basics.

After all, who doesn’t remember the classic scene in the movie The Karate Kid where Mr. Miyagi has Daniel-san “wax on and wax off” for hours on end to the point of frustration? Daniel-san is made to polish cars and paint fences until he cannot take it any more. At this point Mr. Miyagi steps in to ‘enlightens’ Daniel-san as to the value of what the young apprentice has just been practicing. Suddenly Daniel-san understands the value of basic training and fundamentals!

Think about building a house. If we had all four walls already measured out and put together and we rested one wall against the other securing each in place we could make other people think that our house was secure. Until the first strong wind came! Suddenly the house is blown down and nothing is left. What do we do? We leave and move somewhere else and try to rebuild.

This whole scenario is much like the Karate student who neglects basics and thinks they know it all. They stay with one club for a while and then they move on to another club, looking for the latest "silver bullet" technique.

So what should we do with our house? First, it is essential to lay the foundations; then build the walls, add the roof, paint it, furnish it, make the outside look good and then live in it. Sometimes we live in our house before any of the inside and outside necessities are done!

In the same way karate practice must begin with basics. With basics, we lay the foundations of our practice. Through consistent practice and hard work, we add the roof so that we have a more sturdy structure for our house (our karate). Then we paint the house and furnish it (we make our karate look good). Then we make the outside of the house look good (we further polish our Karate and iron out the inevitable kinks).

Finally, we live in our house and begin to appreciate its beauty and its value in our lives (now we are able to enjoy and apply our knowledge that we have gained through our training).

Hopefully we live in our house for a long time and we gradually feel more and more “at home” and more and more comfortable with our surroundings (now we are beginning to have a deeper understanding of karate and its application to our lives).

I hope that you live in your house for many years to come, or if you move, I hope that you appreciate the time and effort it takes to build a house. Building your karate is the same! It takes a lot of time and a lot of effort and a lot of practice of basics to make it strong!

For more information on developing and improving your core karate training check out my FREE Report on “Achieving the Black Belt: How to Successfully Take Your Karate to the Next Level”. You can download it at http://www.freekarateinformation.com

Good luck and best wishes on your journey in karate. If there is ever anything that I can do to help you along tghe way, feel free to contact me at paul@freekarateinformation.com.

Title:

Wing Chun - Chinese Martial Art

Word Count:

529

Summary:

Brief History:

Wing Chun (also known as Wing Tsun, Ving Chun or Ving Tsun) is one of the most popular types of Chinese martial arts. Though it’s basically an unarmed combat technique, Wing Chun may include weapons as part of its course. The origin of Wing Chun can be traced back to China, but the real history of its creation has long been a topic of much debate. The most credible suggestion regarding the origin of Wing Chun dates back to 1700 AD in the Henan Shaolin Monast...

Keywords:

wing chun, martial arts, self defense

Article Body:

Brief History:

Wing Chun (also known as Wing Tsun, Ving Chun or Ving Tsun) is one of the most popular types of Chinese martial arts. Though it’s basically an unarmed combat technique, Wing Chun may include weapons as part of its course. The origin of Wing Chun can be traced back to China, but the real history of its creation has long been a topic of much debate. The most credible suggestion regarding the origin of Wing Chun dates back to 1700 AD in the Henan Shaolin Monastery.

When the Qing forces raided and ravaged the Southern Shaolin temple, a nun named Ng Mui fled to the distant Daliang Mountains, the only survivor. Ng Mui already had knowledge of Kung Fu in the Shaolin temple, which she assimilated with a new form she had learnt while observing a battle between a snake and a crane. She taught this new combat style to her adopted daughter whom she named Yimm Wing Chun. The new system was refined and then passed on from generation to generation, and was eventually named Wing Chun, after Yimm.

The modernization of Wing Chun started in Hong Kong during the 1950s under a Grandmaster called Yip Man. The discipline began to gain real popularity in Asia and the West when actor Bruce Lee became one of the most famous Wing Chun practitioners.

The Concept of Wing Chun:

Wing Chun is based on three basic principles - Practicality, Efficiency and Economy of Movement.

1. Practicality: Techniques such as Palm-up Hand (tan sau), Wing Arm (bong sau), Slapping Hand (pak sau) are designed to maim the most sensitive or vulnerable parts of the opponent’s body such as throat, groin, eyes and lower torso. Many movements and techniques in Wing Chun are often meant to be fatal.

2. Efficiency: Wing Chun does not use force against force, in order to gain the most efficient manipulation of the body's energy. It believes in accurately timed and appropriately positioned little movements, and counter-attack is based on the opponent’s own force. This concept is also called Contact Reflexes.

3. Economy of Movement: This is a linear concept in which movements are based on an imaginary pole running vertically through the center of the body. The Center Line spreads out from this Mother Line, and since most of the vital points of the body are located along the Center Line, many offensive and defensive movements are based on this line. The Central Line, on the other hand, is the shortest path between the fighters where most of the combat exchanges take place.

Wing Chun Forms:

There are three basic forms in Wing Chun:

1. Empty Hand Form: This form has three more sub-forms - Siu Nim Tao - the foundation of the art, Chum Kiu - focus on advanced footwork and entry techniques, and Biu Jee - extreme short-range or long-range techniques, low kicks and sweeps, and emergency techniques.

2. Weapon Forms: The Dragon Pole and Butterfly Swords are the two forms of weapons incorporated in Wing Chun, categorized under advanced training.

3. Wooden Dummy or the Muk Yan Jong Form: A dummy made from several wooden posts represents a human opponent. The contraption is used to perfect angle, position, and footwork.

Title:

Yoga, Tai Chi, and the State of Zen

Word Count:

611

Summary:

The article talks about the benefits of Yoga and Tai Chi in one's lifestyle. These exercises and meditative activities may help ease stress, anxiety, and other related illnesses.

Keywords:

anxiety and stress, anxiety relief, stress, anxiety attacks

Article Body:

Some people have a foolish way of not minding, or pretending not to mind, what they eat. For my part, I mind my belly very studiously, and very carefully. For I look upon it, that he who does not mind his belly will hardly mind anything else.--Samuel Johnson (poet, essayist, biographer, lexicographer)

Nowadays, people are so conscious about their health and body figure. Many people regularly visit the gym for weight training, cardiovascular exercise, or to simply have friends who share their passion for fitness. Many fitness gyms offer the latest in weight and cardio-machines. Others specialize in special fitness programs or routines like Pilates, Tae-Bo, Belly Dancing, Hip-Hop Exercises, and even Pole Dancing.

But lately, Yoga and Tai Chi classes have been gaining popularity especially among women and above-40 fitness buffs. These Indian and Chinese methods of meditation and exercise are popular due to the health benefits experienced by those practice them. Many health buffs claim that they now enjoy a stress and anxiety-free lifestyle because of their Tai Chi and Yoga lessons.

Studies show that these kinds of exercise do have beneficial effects on the mind and body. These religious-philosophical movements gave emphasis to the state of Zen. According to Buddhism, the term “zen” refers to the attainment of a stage of “awakening.” This belief was introduced in China by a Buddhist monk named Bodhidharma in A.D. 520. According to studies, people who cling to the teachings of Zen endeavor to achieve “satori” which is also called “nirvana”. “Satori” in general can only be reached through a meditation called “zazen” which, in turn, leads to a state of mushin or “no mind”. Mushin is the ability to see things more clearly mentally. It means that one's judgment will not be blurred with negative thoughts. Although this belief originated from the south, many Western students and practitioners of Yoga and Tai-Chi are satisfied with the health and vitality it brings.

Yoga benefits

Practicing yoga increases flexibility because stretching exercises the different tendons, ligaments, and joints of the body. Studies also say that yoga is probably the only form of activity that massages all the internal organs and glands in the body. These may include the prostate, which according to medical specialists hardly receives stimulation. This massage or stimulation may keep certain individuals from diseases and other forms of illness. Yoga ensures the best supply of blood to the body. This helps detoxify the body of toxins and, in the process, delays aging and renewed energy. Muscles are also toned because of repeated stimulation through yoga.

Tai Chi benefits

Medical researchers and Tai Chi practitioners claim that immediate benefits occur from day one of practice. These may include a more relaxed and clearer mind. Clinical studies in the US show that improved balance and peace of mind took place after only eight weeks of training. These benefits were immediately evident after performing very simple set of movements taken from different Tai Chi styles. Other benefits of this “soft” martial arts include improved internal organ functions, improved breathing, and better sleep. Additional reports show that people who practice Tai Chi enjoyed improved strength and reduced stress, aside from gaining the ability to better deal with anxiety attacks.

However, people with a history of heart disease, back injuries, and those who have undergone recent surgery should consult a physician before starting a Yoga or Tai Chi routine. In general, Tai Chi and Yoga are very effective routines to bring back health and a sense of peace of mind to a devoted practioner. Done properly, these ancient arts of exercise and meditation can help provide anxiety relief and alleviate other forms of stress.

Title:

Why Does It Take So Long To Get A Black Belt In Karate?

Word Count:

586

Summary:

Many of you reading this article may already be well on your way to becoming a black belt in your chosen martial art. Some of you may just be starting out on your journey and others may have reached the coveted black belt and are now working towards higher degrees of the black belt.

How long were you told it should take you to get the black belt? Two years? Three years? Five? Ten? Why does it take so long to get a black belt? This article will help to answer your questions...

Keywords:

Karate, Martial Arts, Shotokan, Taekwondo,

Article Body:

Many of you reading this article may already be well on your way to becoming a black belt in your chosen martial art. Some of you may just be starting out on your journey and others may have reached the coveted black belt and are now working towards higher degrees of the black belt.

How long were you told it should take you to get the black belt? Two years? Three years? Five? Ten? Why does it take so long to get a black belt? This article will help to answer your questions.

In general, it takes about 3 to 5 years to get your black belt in most legitimate martial arts. This timeframe can be shortened or lengthened based on several factors such as your commitment to your training, your overall technical ability, your ability to learn and digest new material, and other factors.

Is three to five years a long time? It depends on how you look at it. If you practice karate twice a week for one hour each session then in three years you will have only done 312 hours of karate practice. That does not sound like a lot of time spent on becoming a black belt over a three-year time span.

Looking at it differently if you practice karate twice a week for 1 ½ hours each session then after four years you will have done 624 hours of karate practice – twice as much as the first example but only one more year of training. This kind of schedule seems to be more acceptable.

The next thing to consider is the curriculum specific to your style of martial arts. If we look at the art of Shotokan Karate as an example, by the time you are black belt you should have a high level of knowledge of about 20 to 25 major techniques that account for your basic punches, blocks, kicks and strikes, about 10 different forms (kata) and 5 major types of sparring drills. These include multiple set defenses that should be memorized and practiced until they become second nature.

These are just the main requirements for the black belt and this does not include some of the additional content that is practiced on the way to black belt. When you put this information into the context of the suggested timeframe above you can probably now see why getting a black belt takes a considerable commitment of time and effort.

Getting a black belt is not intended to be easy. The black belt is an esteemed symbol of a person’s technical skill and martial arts knowledge and is something to be proud of achieving. Ultimately, the time it takes to get your black belt should not be your primary concern. Your focus should center on improving your karate skills and on improving yourself as a person. By doing this it will only be a matter of time before you reach your desired black belt goal and it will not matter to you whether it takes 3 years or 6 years. All that will matter is that you accomplished your goal!

For more specific information on the Black Belt and how to become a Black Belt, check out my FREE report: Achieving the Black Belt: How to Successfully Take Your Karate to the Next Level. You can download it at http://www.freekarateinformation.com

Keep training and good luck on your quest for the black belt. Please contact me at Paul@freekarateinformation.com if you need some encouragement along the way.

Good luck and best wishes on your journey in karate.