World Of Swords

In the martial arts, I don't care if it is UFC based, Tai Chi Chuan, Shotokan, or whatever, there are three key ingredients. These three ingredients are what makes an art stand out, and they are why people study the arts. Oddly, one of the ingredients is usually missing from peoples practice.

One of the ingredients has to do with pure, raw strength. Muscle mags are filled with advice on how to be strong, and everybody obsesses on strength. Oddly, strength is the least important of the three essential techniques I am speaking of.

The most important of the three essentials is technique. Technique is measured by how little you have to work to make a move work. If you need a lot of strength in your move, then your technique is lacking.

The second most important essential to good martial arts, and the one most people ignore, is speed. Interestingly, at least in the beginning, speed is very necessary to make a technique work. Yet strength is what everybody chases.

Yes, people try to get fast, a little bit, but it is an individual effort, and usually put aside in the pursuit of strength. People believe that strength is going to make them faster, you see. Well, it will, but there are flexibility drawbacks, and the speed gained is not always enough.

Speed must be developed in a fashion which aligns with technique. As knowledge of technique rises, so should the ability of the student to have speed. In my over 40 years of martial arts I have found only one drill which actually develops speed in the student.

The Speed Drill is nothing more than a simple slap and grab motion, and yet it is so much more. It makes all techniques as easy as slapping a slow buzzing fly. And every technique can be altered to take advantage of the slap and grab Speed Drill.

So practice the strength of Hung Gar, and build the technique of Tai Chi Chuan. Work the sticky hands of Wing Chun and focus your concentration into the great eternal circleness of Pa Kua Chang. But if you want to build and develop sheer, raw, powerful speed...you need to work on The Speed Drill.

Al Case has analyzed martial arts for 4O+ years. A writer for the magazines, he is the originator of Matrixing Technology and Neutronics. You can learn more about The Speed Drill here, or you can head on over to the main site and pick up his free ebook on Matrixing.

Centuries ago a Ninja warrior's best known weapon was his sword, or Ninjato. The Ninjato was not the only weapon they used. The throwing star, also known as a shuriken, was known to be one of the other weapons used. Today's martial arts training programs often include the use of the throwing star in the curriculum.

Just like dart throwing practice, find yourself a target. It does not have to be a store bought one. You can use a piece of plywood or even an old piece of drywall. Draw a bullseye on it and you have yourself a good throwing star or throwing spikes practice target. Use caution! Make sure there is no one around or that no one could suddenly enter your field of practice. It is a good idea to practice outside away from any thing that could break if you miss. Also, make sure the target is stable.

Next, make sure you choose the best throwing stars for practice. Throwing stars come in many designs with a variety of the number of spikes. If you get ones with more spikes the chances are better they will stick more often. Don't be overly concerned about how sharp the spikes are. In fact, those stars that have a thinner, much duller, edge stick better. The thicker heavier ones can be much more difficult to throw with accuracy.

Don't expect to hit a bullseye from 50 feet on your first throw. Build up the distance from the target as your ninja warrior skills improve. Put the target a distance about 10 or 20 feet from you to start off with. You can increase your distance as you get more accurate with your throws. Remember, safety, safety, safety. Clear your practice area of anything that might break and make sure no one can get hurt.

It will improve your accuracy if you are standing the right way when you release the throwing star. If you will be throwing right handed stand with your feet about shoulder length apart and move your right foot back one step. Do the opposite if throwing left handed. The main principal is to make sure you are balanced and comfortable when you throw.

Next, pick up your throwing star and hold it securely between your thumb and forefinger. Tilt your wrist forward so that the throwing star is now parallel with the ground. Keep your eyes focused on the bullseye of your target. Bring the throwing star toward the right side of your head (if you are throwing with your right hand) and in one smooth motion, shift your weight to your leading foot as you snap your wrist and arm toward your bullseye. You want to release the throwing star when your arm is parallel to the floor. Stretch your throwing arm out completely as if you are quickly pointing towards the bullseye. Do not take your eyes off of the bullseye.

Don't throw the star with the intent of trying to put it through the target. The speed of the star is not the most important thing. It is the amount of spin you are able to put on it. The better your wrist snap when releasing the more spin will be on the star. The more spin you put on the star the more accurate your throw will be.

Remember all those holes in the wall next to your dartboard when you first started throwing darts? Well, don't expect to become an expert at throwing stars right away either. Give it time and a lot of practice and you will see your skills as a ninja warrior improve.

For additional Ninja Warrior weapons visit www.YourGreatestProtection.com. See the various types of quality throwing stars available today.

categories: ninja weapons,throwing stars,ninja gear,ninja,ninja warrior,martial arts,martial arts training

If you're looking for Ninja swords, you'd be happy to learn that there are several high-quality swords available on the internet. This is good news for those collecting different types of Ninja swords since you don't have to go to novelty shops or even fly to faraway Japan in order to locate some of the most authentic Ninja swords today.

Whether these are essentially for your collection or you are a Ninja who wants a real Ninja sword, you can locate whatever type of sword you wish to have over the internet. Now, if you're only beginning to get interested in these Japanese swords, you will find a bit of information about them as well, on the internet.

NINJA SWORDS ON THE INTERNET

With a little bit of research, you can get to learn more about the various kinds of Ninja swords to assist you in deciding which ones you'd like to buy, whether as a present or for yourself; particularly if you are learning Martial Arts.

There are special designs that make each kind even more fascinating. Take for example a special kind of Ninja sword that has a dragon symbol carved in its blade. This is particularly fascinating because there has been a long-standing connection between the dragon and Ninjas and this will truly make you feel more of a Ninja than anything else.

There are naturally the classic Ninja swords ideal for your sword set. Generally, these are made of alloy hence they have a an authentic feel than any kind of steel sword. There are likewise those with tassels if you want to accessorize a bit.

BUYING NINJA SWORDS ONLINE

On the other hand, before you actually make a purchase, you should check the background of these online stores that provide Ninja swords. Others assert that what they offer are authentic; which you would be disappointed to learn later on that they are mediocre copycats - not even acceptable as an authentic replica, if there is such a thing.

You should also check the return policy of these online shops so you can readily send back the Ninja sword if you are unhappy with it. But overall, you will discover that a few of these sites actually have genuine Ninja swords or copies that look so real you can't tell the difference at first glance.

Need to find out more about ninja swords, then have a look at Tiger Claire's page on how to choose the best ninja swords for your needs.