Friday, April 28, 2006

New Chin Na DVD from China

We are expecting to receive a new Chin Na DVD in our next shipment from China, due in next week. Explained and demonstrated by Chen Erhu (the twelfth-generation disciple of Chen-style Taiji Quan) Chin Na is the practical application of push hands. This informative DVD contains 55 movements and demonstrations of the first and second Chen style sets.

Thursday, April 27, 2006

How to determine your ideal fighting weight

Not sure what weight class you should be competing in at your next martial arts tournament? Loren W. Christensen and Wim Demeere, authors of The Fighter's Body, offer this rule of thumb:

Begin by measuring your body fat percentage. It’s recommended that a competitive fighter have less than 15 percent. Now, some fighters feel comfortable carrying more, but they should know it’s useless weight that slows and inhibits their mobility, and decreases their overall effectiveness. “Sure, I got a belly, but I’m really fast,” some argue. Great, but how much faster would they be without the tummy to lug around? Extra weight is something you want your opponent to have, not you.

Seven percent body fat is as low as you should go. Lower, and you risk serious health problems. Yes, competitive bodybuilders often drop to three or four percent, but they remain there for only a few days, sometimes only the day of the contest. Carrying 15 percent is comfortable and easy to maintain.

Tuesday, April 25, 2006

Coming soon: Championship Sambo

Our latest book release, Championship Sambo: Submission Holds and Groundfighting by Steve Scott, is due out in about 4 weeks. The book has just gone off to the printer and will be available for preorder early next week.

The leg and arm locks of sambo are a great addition to every grappler's toolbox. Author Steve Scott covers the essentials with an emphasis on technical precision and developing solid core skills.