Just wanted to let everyone know that this is the last day for guaranteed Christmas Delivery from your favorite martial arts supplies store. After December 14th contact us for special arrangements if your item is needed by the 24th.
Great Gift Items:
Ninja Weapons
VersaFlex – Ultimate Stretching Machine
Wavemaster Gift Set
Ninja Weapon
Thanks,
The MMA Zone
Present by: The MMA Zone
European Martial Arts
The second smallest continent in the world, Europe contains a largely wealthy and extremely diverse community of cultures. In most peoples’ minds, it is probably not a continent particularly associated with indigenous martial arts. However, Europe has a long and fascinating martial arts history. As power-bases among civilizations came and went—often as a result of violent conflict and large-scale warfare—martial arts developed as a response to the environment in which warriors found themselves.
The term martial art comes from Latin—it means “the arts of Mars,” after the Roman god of war—and was coined to celebrate the martial prowess Roman gladiators displayed during their bloody and brutal battles in the arena. And although most popular Western indigenous martial-art forms have gone on to become sports—such as fencing and many forms of boxing they really only represent the tip of the iceberg. The European tradition of martial arts is actually as rich and engaging as that found in Asia, and many European art forms offer their practitioners enhanced self-development capabilities.
The best-known European martial art is pankration, an unarmed combat technique. A combination of Greek boxing, wrestling, and grappling, it focused on the use of knees, elbows, kicks, punches, and chopping movements, alongside joint-locks and choke-holds. It was a brutal, competitive sport and, although eye-gouging and biting were forbidden, pretty much anything else was acceptable. The goal of the game was to force an opponent to submit and, in many ways, this 2,000-year-old art bears a striking resemblance to the modern mixed martial arts and ultimate fighting championship movements prevalent in martial arts today.
Pankration was so effective that the young Alexander the Great, on his conquest to dominate the world,
Pankration Martial Arts
trained his troops rigorously in pankration for close-quarter, hand-to-hand battle with the enemy, along with the use of the spear, the shield, and the sword. His conquest of Asia would certainly have led to a cross-fertilization of fighting techniques between the Greek warriors and the indigenous civilizations with whom they came into contact.
Martial arts were also popular in ancient Rome, not only as a gladiatorial sport but also among civilians of many different social classes, who would engage in knife-fighting for self-defense. Highly codified fighting systems evolved as a result of this fashion and, as the Roman
Knights and Swordsmanship
The knights of the Middle Ages were the romanticized ideal and embodiment of martial arts and chivalry. They developed a staggering array of weapons for combat, training, and sport, such as those used in jousting. Technological advances and improved metal-forging techniques during this period saw drastic improvements in armor and swords, some of which was so well crafted that the United States’ space agency, NASA, still studies medieval plate-armor design when it develops new spacesuits today.
African Martial Arts
Presented by: The MMA Zone
The African continent is rich in history and it is perhaps not surprising that it boasts one of the oldest martial arts in existence. Its varied landscape—the massive expanses of deserts, the lush green jungles, and the amazing vistas and fauna—is reflected in the diversity of its martial arts, which, along with those of the Middle East and central Asia, are arguably among the most captivating in the world.
The earliest evidence of martial arts in Africa was discovered in the Beni Hasan tombs in Egypt, which date back to between 2040 and 1785 BCE, during the Middle Kingdom. In the tombs, archaeologists found paintings of wrestlers displaying techniques such as punching, kicking, throwing, and locking of their opponents’ joints. There is also evidence to suggest that ancient Egyptians performed stick fencing as a tribute to the Pharoah. Modern Egyptian stick fencing—the highly codified system of combat with its own methodology, weaponry, and training syllabus—was developed to keep the Egyptian armed forces trained and ready for battle.
Wrestling and grappling arts are popular throughout Africa and have been likened to European catch
african mixed martial arts
wrestling and pankration. These were traditionally associated with agricultural ceremonies and courtship rituals, most commonly in Nigeria, Sudan, Senegal, Cameroon, and the Gambia.
Tribal fighting arts were originally practiced as a method of survival because, prior to colonization, the greatest danger to sub-Saharan Africans was the threat from other tribes. Tribal rivals would have been equally matched as hunters, gatherers, and fighters. The most renowned of the African warrior tribes was the Zulu of South Africa, who still represent South Africa’s largest ethnic group. Historically, their primary arts included the spear, shield, and club, and they made clever use of all three during strategic advancement.
African tribal weapons were designed for warfare and survival and, as such, were brutal. Historically, the Zulus initiated combat by first throwing their spears from a distance or charging at opponents with them, using their shield as a blocking device. When the use of a spear became impractical at close quarters, they would switch to a club. However, Shaka Zulu, the revolutionary leader of the Zulus during the early 19th century, changed indigenous warfare when he introduced the “iklwa,” a stabbing spear that proved highly effective in combat when combined with a tall shield.
Many other clever instruments of war were developed in Africa. The throwing iron, for example, known as the “mongwanga,” was a spiked weapon throwing implement that could be employed effectively from distances of 82 yd (75 m). When thrown with force at a closer range of 27 yd (25 m), this multi-bladed instrument could easily impale a victim, sometimes with lethal consequences. It also had a handle so that it could be used to stab and thrash at close quarters. Another interesting weapon used by certain tribes was the bladed bracelet – a wrist bracelet with a sharpened outer edge.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of early African martial arts was the reliance on memorizing attacking and defensive maneuvers by setting them to patterns of dance, accompanied by music. These artistic elements of African martial arts have also influenced other arts, such as Capoeira, the Brazilian dance- and music-based martial art, which was originally practiced by African slaves.
Throughout Africa’s long history, martial arts have largely remained unchanged until relatively recently. From the mid-18th century, the European introduction of firearms in exchange for West African slaves threatened the continuation of traditional martial arts in Africa. The introduction of the gun changed the face of warfare entirely, leading to an emphasis on different battlefield skills. Furthermore, in the late 19th century, the Islamic revitalization of many African countries led to the reduction of a lot of martial arts that contained pagan or shamanic elements.
The African continent is rich in history and it is perhaps not surprising that it boasts one of the oldest martial arts in existence. Its varied landscape—the massive expanses of deserts, the lush green jungles, and the amazing vistas and fauna—is reflected in the diversity of its martial arts, which, along with those of the Middle East and central Asia, are arguably among the most captivating in the world.
The earliest evidence of martial arts in Africa was discovered in the Beni Hasan tombs in Egypt, which date back to between 2040 and 1785 BCE, during the Middle Kingdom. In the tombs, archaeologists found paintings of wrestlers displaying techniques such as punching, kicking, throwing, and locking of their opponents’ joints. There is also evidence to suggest that ancient Egyptians performed with weapons made of stick fencing as a tribute to the Pharoah. Modern Egyptian stick fencing—the highly codified system of combat with its own methodology, weaponry, and training syllabus—was developed to keep the Egyptian armed forces trained and ready for battle.
Wrestling and grappling arts are popular throughout Africa and have been likened to European catch wrestling and pankration. These were traditionally associated with agricultural ceremonies and courtship rituals, most commonly in Nigeria, Sudan, Senegal, Cameroon, and the Gambia.
Tribal fighting arts were originally practiced as a method of survival because, prior to colonization, the greatest danger to sub-Saharan Africans was the threat from other tribes. Tribal rivals would have been equally matched as hunters, gatherers, and fighters. The most renowned of the African warrior tribes was the Zulu of South Africa, who still represent South Africa’s largest ethnic group. Historically, their primary arts included the spear, shield, and club, and they made clever use of all three during strategic advancement.
African tribal weapons were designed for warfare and survival and, as such, were brutal. Historically, the
tribal martial arts
Zulus initiated combat by first throwing their spears from a distance or charging at opponents with them, using their shield as a blocking device. When the use of a spear became impractical at close quarters, they would switch to a club. However, Shaka Zulu, the revolutionary leader of the Zulus during the early 19th century, changed indigenous warfare when he introduced the “iklwa,” a stabbing spear that proved highly effective in combat when combined with a tall shield.
Many other clever instruments of war were developed in Africa. The throwing iron, for example, known as the “mongwanga,” was a spiked throwing implement that could be employed effectively from distances of 82 yd (75 m). When thrown with force at a closer range of 27 yd (25 m), this multi-bladed instrument could easily impale a victim, sometimes with lethal consequences. It also had a handle so that it could be used to stab and thrash at close quarters. Another interesting weapon used by certain tribes was the bladed bracelet – a wrist bracelet with a sharpened outer edge.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of early African martial arts was the reliance on memorizing attacking and defensive maneuvers by setting them to patterns of dance, accompanied by music. These artistic elements of African martial arts have also influenced other arts, such as Capoeira, the Brazilian dance- and music-based martial art, which was originally practiced by African slaves.
Throughout Africa’s long history, martial arts have largely remained unchanged until relatively recently. From the mid-18th century, the European introduction of firearms in exchange for West African slaves threatened the continuation of traditional martial arts in Africa. The introduction of the gun as a weapon changed the face of warfare entirely, leading to an emphasis on different battlefield skills. Furthermore, in the late 19th century, the Islamic revitalization of many African countries led to the reduction of a lot of martial arts that contained pagan or shamanic elements.
Posted by: The MMA Zone
American Martial Arts
To most people, the continents of North and South America are not immediately associated with the martial arts. On closer inspection, however, the region reveals itself as a cultural melting pot in which vibrant, indigenous, tribal fighting methods stand side-by-side with martial arts traditions from Europe and Asia. Central and Not America’s most popular martial arts are hybrid systems that have emerged through the continual evolution and amalgamation of indigenous and imported systems.
Martial arts have become an increasingly essential part of the fabric of modern, urban society in many corners of North, Central, and South America. This has been encouraged by the demands of live TV broadcasts that have turned some arts into sports watched by millions—for example, the spectacular mixed-martial-arts competitions of the Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC). Movies, too, have popularized other arts among younger generations eager to learn self-defense techniques or to imitate their screen heroes.
The early martial arts of the Americas emerged among the communities of African slaves who brought their fighting and dancing skills to Brazil and the Caribbean. They created martial arts such as capoeira , which involves a multitude of powerful punches, kicks, and head butts. Capoeira was outlawed, but the slaves continued to practice their art under the guise of music and dance performances—the blows were disguised among hypnotic dance movements. Slave communities also created mani stick fighting in Cuba and calinda in the Caribbean and New Orleans, and these were also fought with a musical accompaniment, often at festivals and carnivals. The no-holds-barred wrestling matches of Brazilian vale tudo and Brazilian jujutsu are forerunners of mixed martial arts, which saw a huge surge in popularity in the early 1990s. All these systems have left an indelible imprint on the martial-arts landscape in the Americas.
Perhaps the best example of the hybrid influences that distinguish a truly American martial art is jeet kune
American Mixed Martial Arts
do. The legendary martial-arts movie star Bruce Lee, who was born in San Francisco and raised in Hong Kong, developed this system from techniques of Chinese wing chun, Japanese judo, Western boxing, European fencing, and Filipino arts. Lee drew on philosophies from around the world to express his thinking. His innovative martial-arts training program was modern and scientific and emphasized the practical value of nonclassical and traditional routines. The US culture of freedom, creativity, and a can-do attitude no doubt played a large part in shaping his thinking. Lee’s legacy also includes a number of hugely successful movies, almost all of which highlight his exceptional physical conditioning and martial-arts prowess.
The proud martial tradition in America extends from collegiate wrestling, which is largely based on catch wrestling from Europe, to the kickboxing phenomena of the 1970s and 80s that transformed the public perception of martial arts. Other examples include lua, a unique and exotic combat art from Hawaii, and American kempo, which is based on Chinese fighting methods but has a purely English-language syllabus, is taught in an American cultural context, and was popular with celebrities such as Elvis Presley.
Martial Arts in America
The success of martial arts in the Americas has extended to the military, security services, and police, all of whom have recognized the benefits of martial techniques in their field of work. The US armed forces have extensively researched and developed a number of noteworthy combat systems. For example, two highly codified, close-quarter combat systems—the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program and the LINE system—are specifically designed for teaching recruits in a limited time-frame and to maximum effect.
As an athlete we need to learn how to run on little or no oxygen especially when we are training or in a competition. When our muscles work they need oxygen to rejuvenate. For MMA training anaerobic training is a must when training. Most of the movements in an mma fight require anaerobic muscle movements like a sprawl, takedowns, or throwing punches and kicks. The only way to progress your anaerobic conditioning is regular training aimed at improving it. Regular mma practice three times a week is usually sufficient for anyone in the first year or two of training, but after that it is usually necessary to dedicate more time and energy if you want to be more competitive.
If you are looking for high kicks there is nothing better out there then a splits machine. Whether you get it at The MMA Zone or any other place it will be well worth the money..
One of our customer went from a 74% splits to 100% splits in less than 2 months. He said he was finally able to do a side kick to the head someone his height. Now thats impressive!
The top rated splits machine is the Pro Leg Stretcher made by Tiger Claw.
Announcement from Sensei Hans Ingebretsen:
Dear Fellow Martial Artists,
I would like to personally invite you to take part in Camp bushido West, the premier judo and ju jitsu summer camp on the West Coat. Each year we host around 100 participants at this week-long training camp, held at the beautiful Old Oak Ranch near Sonora, California. We employ a staff of some of the highest-level instructors, including former Olympic competitors, national and world champions, and teachers from the Kodokan.
This week-long camp is perfect for family vacations, as it is in the Sierra Nevada Gold Country, with many tourist sites nearby, and with Yosemite National Park just a few miles away. Martial artists come from around the United States to attend this camp, with participants coming from as far away as Alaska, Vermont, Colorado, Idaho, Arizona, Ohio, New York, and many other far-flung states. I guarantee your skill level will be elevated from this week-long intensive. With air-conditioned rooms and air-conditioned workout areas, a large swimming pool, paintball, fishing, and hiking, this camp has something for everyone.
Please feel free to contact me at (408) 377-1787 or at hansingebretsen@yahoo.com with any questions regarding the camp. Attached is a camp brochure with information and registration forms.
See you on the mat!
Sensei Hans Ingebretsen
President of Kilohana Martial Arts Association
It was only in the 20th century that kung fu was able to be learned by the masses. Before Kung Fu was only taught to the elitist, whether they were a monk, in the military or member of a powerful family. After the Boxe Rebellion in 1899 when China was at its lowest national moral the government decided to open up Kung Fu to the general public. This coincided with the time that Kung Fu was becoming almost mystical in novels and stories told by the Chinese. Also it was around this time that Kung-Fu organisations started developing of which many are still around today. One of these well known organisations is the Chin Woo Athletic Association which was founded in 1910.
MMA Zone wanted to let everyone know that we have just release several new item in the MMA Supplies section at The MMA Zone. A few of the items are listed, please see the link above for all of the cool other supplies.
Sprawl Gear – Short sleeve Grappling Top
Wavemaster XXL Heavy Training Bag
Training Equipment – Giant Target Mitt
Thanks,
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