New Article: Gripping and Tie-ups in Grappling

We've posted a new article, The Importance of Gripping and Tie Ups in Grappling, by Steve Scott in the Martial Arts Training Tips library.

Preorder and Save: Throws and Takedowns Book

Steve Scott's newest book, Throws and Takedowns for Sambo, Judo, Jujitsu and Submission Grappling, is scheduled for release on September 25th. Learn to dominate opponents with the explosive throws, sweeps and takedowns of Sambo. Coach Steve Scott teaches 75 of the most eff ective ways to put your opponent on the mat and keep him there. Whether you compete in sambo, judo, jujitsu, submission grappling or MMA, the techniques Takedowns and Th rows for Sambo, Judo, Jujitsu and Submission Grappling will arm you with an arsenal of explosive, functional throws and takedowns. Preorder now and pay only $14.95.

Turtle Press on Facebook

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Beginner Karate DVD Set

We've added a new DVD set : The Beginner Karate DVD set is a complete introduction to the basic terminology, strikes, blocks, kicks, combinations, sparring techniques and kata of traditional karate.

Deal of the Day: Ultimate Fitness DVD $14.98

Today's deal of the day is the Ultimate Fitness for Martial Arts DVD. Get over 100 drills, exercises and training methods to develop speed, strength, stamina, agility, balance, coordination and flexibility for martial arts for just $14.98.

Deal of the Day: Korean Kickboxing - $12.48

Today's deal of the day is the Korean Kickboxing: Kyuktooki DVD, one of our series of DVDs on hard to find martial arts. Kyuktooki is a total fighting system that includes punching, kicking, locking, throwing, and choking and many Kyuktooki fighters compete in MMA or K-1 tournaments. This DVD is a great inside look at this little known art and today it's only $12.48.

Deal of the Day: Hapkido Championship DVD $9.98

Today's Deal of the Day is like having a ringside seat at the 2003 Jin Jung Kwan Hapkido National Championship in Incheon, Korea for only $9.98. This action packed DVD has highlights of the self-defense and hapkido sparring competitions plus demonstrations by top Korean hapkido masters.

Deal of the Day: TKD Sparring DVD $14.98

On the Top 100 Taekwondo Scoring Techniques DVD, Sang H. Kim teaches you 100 ways to score on your opponent in TKD competition and today only, you can get the DVD for just $14.98.

Deal of the Day: Junsado DVD $14.98

If you've been wondering what Junsado is, today's Deal of the Day DVD is the perfect introduction to this street oriented fighting art. Junsado Fundamentals, Standing and Ground Combat teaches you over 100 tactics and strategies of realistic unarmed combat and today only it's just $14.98.

Deal of the Day: Ki Training DVD $12.48

Today's Deal of the Day is the Ki: Science of Inner Energy DVD - an introduction to ki development through the emerging Korean training method of GiCheon. Today only, get this fascinating DVD for $12.48.

Deal of the Day: Muay Thai DVD $14.98

Get a crash course in Muay Thai for only $14.98. Today's Deal of the Day DVD is Muay Thai Knockout starring Master Kumron Vaitayanon, a retired professional Muay Thai fighter with over 80 wins in Thailand.

Deal of the Day: Knife Defense Fundamentals DVD - $14.98

Today's Deal of the Day is Sang H.Kim's Knife Defense Fundamentals DVD. Get this complete introduction to defending against the blade for only $14.98.

Deal of the Day: Bo and Sai Kata DVD $14.98

Mike Reeve's Bo and Sai Kata DVD is $14.98 today only. Learn five Isshinryu Kata, three for the bo, one for the sai plus a two person bo set to practice your offense and defense skills. You won't find a better deal on this DVD than the Deal of the Day price of $14.98!

Deal of the Day: Muay Thai Fights DVD $9.98

Today only, get Muay Thai Fights Volume 2 DVD for only $9.98. Muay Thai Fights Volume 2 brings you 6 5-round fights for over 80 minutes of nonstop Thai boxing action filmed in Thailand.

Deal of the Day: Power Breathing DVD $9.98

To celebrate the upcoming release of Sang H. Kim's new Power Breathing book, due out on September 29th, today's Deal of the Day is the Power Breathing DVD for only $9.98!

New Book: Terrorism Awareness

Terrorism is one of the gravest threats facing citizens of the world today, yet few people know what to do in the event of a terrorist hijacking, kidnapping or bombing. TERRORISM AWARENESS: UNDERSTANDING THE THREAT AND HOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOURSELF is a comprehensive guide to how terrorists operate, why you might become a target and how you can take simple, specific steps to reduce your risk and improve your security profile. Whether you work in a high risk job, travel internationally or just want to become a hard target , this book will help you examine every area of your life - home, work, travel - and implement the Individual Protective Measures to safeguard yourself and your family.

In addition to practical advice for protecting yourself and your family, you'll get a thorough introduction to the history, ideologies, tactics and objectives of terrorism. Understanding why terrorism happens will help you understand how you and those around you can decrease your chances of becoming a victim. Odds are you may never be the target of a terrorist, but if you are, this book could save your life.

Deal of the Day: Haedong Kumdo $14.98

Haedong Kumdo is a Korean sword art that is rapidly gaining popularity around the world. Today's deal of the Day, the Haedong Kumdo DVD ($14.98), is a complete introduction to this up and coming martial art.

Deal of the Day: TKD Step Sparring - $14.98

Get today's deal of the day DVD - TKD Step Sparring - for only $14.98. This DVD teaches 30 step sparring combinations plus the complete range of traditional taekwondo blocks, strikes and punches. Review and practice your taekwondo skills at home!

Deal of the Day: Injury Care DVD - $12.48!

If you're a coach, instructor or seasoned black belt, you know that an injury can happen at any time. That's why it's a good idea to have a thorough knowledge of first aid and basic injury care before something happens. On the Martial Arts Injury Care and Prevention DVD, certified athletic trainer and Head Athletic Trainer for Taekwondo USA, Trish Bare Grounds covers the basics - showing you how to prevent injuries and how to care from them when they happen. Don't wait until an injury happens - arm yourself with the knowledge on this DVD so you'll be prepared. And at today's Deal of the Day price of $12.48, this is a steal.

Deal of the Day: Jujitsu #2 DVD $14.98

Jujitsu Volume 2 focuses on controlling your opponent - how to apply submission holds and how to defend against your opponent's attempts to submit you. Learn to use and defeat submission techniques from each of the primary jujitsu positions: the side mount, mount, north/south, back mount and guard position. Today only - get the DVD for $14.98 at www.turtlepress.com.

Deal of the Day: Kickboxing DVD - $14.98

Complete Kickboxing 1 is a introduction to full contact kickboxing for the novice. You get step by step instruction in the fundamental kicks, punches and strategies of kickboxing from 2 pro kickboxers. Even if you don't plan to step in the ring, this DVD is a great way to progressively learn the basics and get a demanding workout.

Deal of the Day: Kumdo DVD - $14.98

Kumdo is the Korean form of the Japanese art of Kendo. Curious? Check out the Kumdo DVD - a great bargain at $14.98 as today's Deal of the Day. This documentary, filmed on location in Korea, gives a thorough overview of an art that is rarely seen outside of Korea.

Deal of the Day: Long Stick DVD - $14.98

Turtlepress.com Deal of the Day - Sang H. Kim's Jangbong Long Stick DVD. Learn this unique Korean style of long stick techniques, including 3 long stick forms and an introduction to combat applications with the staff.

Deal of the Day: TKD Aeorkicks DVD - $14.98

Today's Deal of the Day is the Taekwondo Aerokicks DVD - learn the most advanced kicks of taekwondo including the 540 degree jumping spinning whip kick, jumping split kicks, back flip kicks, and over a dozen ways to execute three, four and even five kicks in a single flying jump. Today only - $14.98!

Deal of the Day: Karate Breaking DVD - $14.98

Today's Deal of the Day DVD is Mike Reeves Secrets of Breaking DVD - a complete home course in breaking, from the basic reverse punch single board break to expert level power breaking techniques to smash through stacks of boards and concrete blocks.

Deal of the Day: Nunchaku DVD - $14.98

Today only, get Young Kil Song's Nunchaku Forms DVD for only $14.98. If you have some basic nunchaku skills, the two original forms taught on this DVD - one double nunchaku and one single nunchaku - will be a great addition to your training.

Deal of the Day: Beginner Karate DVD - $9.98

Looking for the perfect introductory Karate DVD? Pick up Sensei Mike Reeves Beginner Karate DVD for only $9.98. This is a great DVD for anyone who wants to get a taste of what Karate has to offer - a little of everything, including punching, kicking, blocking, sparring and self-defense techniques.

Deal of the Day: Self-defense DVD - $14.98

Today only get Sang H. Kim's Self-defense Encyclopedia DVD for just $14.98. This is an amazing deal on 80 minutes of quality self-defense instruction and safety tips!

Deal of the Day: Tonfa DVD 50% off

Today only get Young Kil Song's Tonfa DVD for just $14.98. Save 50% off the regular price of this complete introduction to the Korean style side-handle baton, commonly called the Tonfa. Learn basic and advanced strikes and blocks, self-defense techniques and a tonfa pattern.

Deal of the Day: Complete Kicking DVD 50% off

Save 50% when you buy the Complete Kicking DVD by Sang H. Kim - just $14.98, today only! Learn all of the kicks required for taekwondo up to black belt and beyond. A complete taekwondo kicking course on one jam packed DVD.

Save 50% on Ultimate Kicking Drills DVD

Today only - the Ultimate Kicking Drills DVD is our Deal of the Day. Save 50% off the regular cover price and pay only $14.98!

Now Available: Acupoints Poster

As a companion to Sang H. Kim's new book, Vital Point Strikes, Turtle Press has created an Acupoints Poster. Easily locate over 400 points on 14 meridians on this full color, anatomically correct set of illustrations. In addition to the clearly illustrated and numbered points, you get the numeric abbreviations and the names of the points in English, Korean and Chinese. This is one of the most comprehensive acupoint posters available in English.

Developing Power in Kung Fu

Noah Knapp, author of Unlocking Kung Fu: A Comprehensive Beginner's Guide, says, "Development of true power in kung fu is neither complicated nor is it difficult. Effective training of force is usually achieved with proper practice of the movements, but there are also alternative methods of amplifying your power. However, there is one most important concept that is essential to proper training; Muscle doesn’t matter. You must understand that there is a very, very large difference between power and strength."

Read more of the Developing Power in Kung Fu article

Just Released: Unlocking Kung Fu book

Noah Knapp's newest book - Unlocking Kung Fu: A Comprehensive Beginner's Guide - has just arrived in our warehouses. In this comprehensive introduction you’ll learn the fundamental stances, blocks, strikes, and kicks of Kung Fu as well as drills you can practice alone and with a partner to improve your skills and learn to channel your internal energy. Unlocking Kung Fu also introduces advanced concepts like generating power, clearing, freestyle practice and combination techniques.

Just Released: Vital Point Strikes book

Sang H. Kim's latest book - Vital Point Strikes - is now available. Vital Point Strikes is a guide to pressure point striking for the average martial artist. Sang H. Kim demystifies the lore of vital point striking and shows you realistic applications of vital point strikes for self-defense and combat sports.

This is one of the most complete and in-depth books available on the art and science of Vital Point Striking.

TurtlePress.com has a New Look!

We've made some big changes at TurtlePress.com - a new look and some exciting new features including a better search engine, a more user friendly checkout and enhanced product descriptions for our books and DVDs. Stop by and check it out today!

Just in: Drills for Grapplers book

Steve Scott's latest book has just hit our warehouses. DRILLS FOR GRAPPLERS is a slim but essential collection of conditioning and skill drills for anyone who practices a grappling style. You get over 50 drills and games for individuals, partners and groups, kids and adults, beginner through elite level. This is an essential book for instructors and coaches and a great way to take your training to the next level.

Just Released: Point Blank Gun Defenses book + DVD

Bob Laronga's new book and DVD set - Point Blank Gun Defenses - has just arrived in our warehouses. If you preordered a copy, it's in the mail!

Point Blank Gun Defenses: More Survival Secrets teaches you how to defend against a point blank gun threat to almost any part of your body. Learn techniques for disarming and incapacitating an attacker who threatens you with a gun to the back of the head, the side of the head, the abdomen, the back, or the side of your body. You’ll even learn variations against both right and left-handed assailants so you’ll be prepared for every imaginable scenario in a point blank attack.

Autographed Copies of Vital Point Strikes sold out

Autographed Copies of Vital Point Strikes sold out

Thank you to everyone who ordered an autographed copy of Sang H. Kim's forthcoming Vital Point Strikes book. The autographed copies are sold out - if you placed your order before Sunday, May 4th, you'll receive a signed copy of the book when it's released in early June.

Signed copies of Sang H. Kim's New Book

Vital Point Strikes: The Art and Science of Striking Vital Targets for Self-defense and Combat Sports is scheduled for release on June 10th. Sang H. Kim has asked Turtle Press to extend a special offer to our customers - the first 250 people who purchase this exciting new title through www.TurtlePress.com will receive a personally autographed book. Order today to ensure that you receive one of these special collector's items and please feel free to include the name you'd like to have your book signed to in the order comments.

More details about Vital Points Striking
Read an excerpt from the book
See the Table of Contents

Preorder and Save: Drills for Grapplers

Steve Scott's newest book, Drills for Grapplers, is available for preorder. Coach Scott teaches you his favorite drills for judo, jujitsu, sambo, submission grappling, mixed martial arts and other submission grappling sports. You get both fitness drills to improve your strength, stamina, coordination, speed and flexibility and skill drills to work specific grappling skills like footwork, position, control, gripping, throwing, locking, pinning, falling, transitions, free practice (randori) and an aggressive attitude.

Video Downloads - Get 'em while they last

We've just gotten word that Brightcove is discontinuing their video download service and so for the new few months, our martial arts video downloads will not be available. If you've had your eye on something, now is the time to rent or buy it because after April 30th, the downloading option will disappear from our website. All of the downloads purchased before April 30th will continue to work and you'll be able to view the files on your computer, but we will no longer be selling or supporting videos after that date. So get 'em while they last!

New Police Training Video Downloads

New police training video downloads now available:

Police Straight Baton video download
Police Handgun Retention and Disarming video download
Police Pressure Point Control video download
Police Ground Combat #1 video download
Police Ground Combat #2 video download
Police Handcuffing and Vehicle Extraction video download
Police Arrest & Control #1 video download
Police Arrest & Control #2 video download

See all Police Training video downloads

Preorder and Save: Point Blank Gun Defenses

Point Blank Gun Defenses: More Survival Secrets by Dr. Bob Laronga teaches you how to defend against a point blank gun threat to almost any part of your body. Learn techniques for disarming and incapacitating an attacker who threatens you with a gun to the back of the head, the side of the head, the abdomen, the back, or the side of your body. You’ll even learn variations against both right and left-handed assailants so you’ll be prepared for every imaginable scenario in a point blank attack. From one of the most advanced styles of martial arts and self-defense techniques, these unarmed gun defenses are the “secret stash” that most instructors share only with their highest ranking black belt students. Save $5.00 when you order before the book is released in May.

Groundfighting Pins & Breakdowns Book Now Available

Steve Scott's latest addition to his line of grappling books has just hit our warehouse. Check out Groundfighting Pins and Breakdowns for a book on a subject that hasn't been covered a whole lot in other grappling titles.

New Jujitsu Video Downloads

Just added - Jujitsu video downloads:

Jujitsu Submissions and Reversals video download
Jujitsu Groundfighting video download
Jujitsu Stand-Up Skills video download

Learn a blend of traditional and modern jujitsu in this complete 3-video course.

New Hapkido Video Downloads

We've added 8 new Hapkido video downloads for puchase and rental:

Hapkido Self-defense Against Kicks and Punches video download Hapkido Throws and Standing Self-defense video download
Hapkido Locking Techniques video download
Hapkido Weapons video download
Hapkido Self-defense & Intiative Techniques video download
Hapkido Self-defense Against Grabs and Holds video download
Hapkido Competition video download
2003 Hapkido Demonstration video download

See all of the martial arts video downloads

New Video Downloads - Kicking and Flexibility

We've added some new instructional video downloads:

Flexibility video download Basic Taekwondo Kicking video download
Intermediate Taekwondo Kicking video download
Advanced Taekwondo Kicking video download

Over 100 more martial arts video downloads at TurtlePress.com

Dynamic Breathing - Ki Breathing Video

We're once again digging through the video archives and have come up with a short dynamic breathing video by Sang H. Kim. This was filmed in the 1980s and is a precursor to his Power Breathing method.

Grappling Practice: Drilling Pins and Breakdowns

In this excerpt from the forthcoming book Groundfighting Pins and Breakdowns, Coach Steve Scott shares his methods for drill-training on breakdowns and pins. This is a great article for students of MMA, jujitsu, judo and sambo looking for a proven way to structure training sessions.

Last Day to Save on ADAPTIVE KENPO DVD

The first DVD in Jerry Meyer's Adaptive Kenpo DVD series has arrived in our warehouse and we're extending the discounted preorder price one more day for anyone who missed out on our first email. The DVD turned out terrific! Jerry's teaching is straightforward and easy to follow and the archival footage of Bruce Lee and Ed Parker is something you won't find anywhere else. Order today and get $5 off this new DVD.

Just in: Secrets of Unarmed Gun Defenses Book + DVD

The Secrets of Unarmed Gun Defenses Books have just arrived in our warehouse and are ready for shipping. Secrets of Unarmed Gun Defenses teaches you how to defend against one of the most common types of gun threats, the gun to the forehead. From one of the most advanced styles of martial arts and self-defense techniques, these unarmed gun defenses are the “secret stash” that most instructors share only with their highest ranking black belt students.

FREE DVD WITH YOUR BOOK! Follow along with the included demonstration DVD as Dr. Bob Laronga demonstrates all of the Gun Defenses taught in this book.

Junsado Officially Recognized by the Korean Government

Korea.net, the official English language website has officially recognized Junsado as a Korean martial art. Founded by Sang H. Kim, Junsado is "the way of the combat expert", a straightforward martial art that emphasizes practical empty hand and stick fighting techniques. Turtle Press is the exclusive producer of Junsado DVDs.

Join Turtle Press on MySpace.com

Check us out on MySpace.com: www.myspace.com/turtlepress

We'll be posting videos, news and fun stuff so add us to your friends list to get bulletins about new additions.

MASuccess Spotlights Power Breathing DVD

MASuccess Magazine features the Power Breathing DVD by Sang H. Kim in it's March 2008 product spotlight. According to the article, "The exercises taught on this DVD would make an excellent addition to adult classes of all skill levels or to your own personal training."

Coming soon: Adaptive Kenpo DVD by Jerry Meyers

On the forthcoming Adaptive Kenpo DVD, Jerry Meyers takes a series of Ed Parker Kenpo techniques and shows you how to adapt them if your opponent disrupts the flow of the technique. For each technique, Jerry demonstrates the original Ed Parker execution and then he shows several possible counters that may interrupt the continuity of your techniques and how to deal with these counters.

Defensive Tactics Books have Shipped

If you preordered Defensive Tactics by Loren Christensen, your book is on the way to you. Due to production delays and the large number of preorders, the books arrived our warehouse later than expected and it took three days for our warehouse staff to work through all of the shipments. But the books turned out terrific and will be landing in mailboxes around the world this coming week!

Martial Arts Drills E-book

By popular request, Turtle Press has released a Martial Arts Drills e-book. Taken from the Martial Arts Instructors Desk Reference, the 30 page e-book has over 300 martial arts drills and games divided into 6 categories:

1. Conditioning: Fun ways to strengthen, stretch and condition the body
2. Basic Movements: New ideas to take the repetition out of practice including drills for individuals, partners and groups
3. Self-Defense: Exciting drills to make self-defense practice more realistic
4. Forms: Unique ways to reduce boredom on the road to perfection
5. Sparring: Exciting tips to pump up sparring practice
6. Mental Training: Unique suggestions for training the mind with the body

At only $4.95 for the downloadable PDF based e-book, this is a great bargain for martial arts instructors.

New Shaolin Kung Fu DVD

As a result of many customer requests, we have added a new Shaolin Kung Fu Three Section Staff DVD to our offerings. The DVD features a 3-section staff form taught by Shi Deci.

Principles of Gun Defenses

Dr. Bob Laronga, author of Secrets of Gun Defense, shares some of the most important Principles of Gun Defenses, including the difference between a revolver and an ACP and the best way to psychologically disarm an a gun wielding attacker.

Just Released: How to be Safe From Crime book

Scott Flint's self-defense book Waking the Tiger Within: How to be Safe From Crime covers all aspects of personal self-defense for the non-martial artist, including ways to crime-proof your daily life and how to defend yourself with confidence. No experience necessary. The self-defense techniques and safety strategies in this book can be used by anyone, regardless of age or gender.

Coming Soon: Secrets of Gun Defenses Book and DVD

Secrets of Unarmed Gun Defenses teaches you how to defend against one of the most common types of gun threat, the gun to the forehead. From one of the most advanced styles of martial arts and self-defense techniques, these unarmed gun defenses are the “secret stash” that most instructors share only with their highest ranking black belt students.

This new book includes a free Demonstration DVD so you can follow along with the included demonstration DVD as Dr. Bob Laronga demonstrates all of the Gun Defenses taught in this book.

Scheduled for release in early February

New Kid's Martial Arts DVD

Harry's First Martial Arts Lesson is an animated DVD for kids who are interested taking up martial arts or just starting out with lessons. Harry is an energetic 6 year old who gets to take his first martial arts lesson. He quickly learns that martial arts is not just about punching and kicking but about treating people with respect and learning self control. His new mentor, Instructor Dan, helps him understand that the keys to learning anything, whether it be martial arts or mathematics, are concentration and self discipline.

This short animated DVD is a great introduction to the principles and values of martial arts for young students and for youngsters who will be starting martial arts lessons.

Just Released: Security Operations Book

Security Operations: Planning and Conducting Private Security Details for High Risk Areas is now available from Turtle Press. SECURITY OPERATIONS is an introduction to conducting private security operations in high risk areas and war zones. Veteran special forces soldier and private security consultant Robert H. Deatherage Jr. provides a broad overview of the many topics related to private security including threat assessment, risk management, client relations, surveillance detection, counter surveillance operations, foot and vehicle movements, building security, and the duties of the various personnel and teams necessary to conducting a successful private security operation. This is an excellent reference for professionals in the private security sector and those who want to get into private security as a career.

Teach your Child to Fight Back Against Bullies

What can you do to help your child if he or she is being bullied? Scott Flint, author of Waking the Tiger Within: How to be Safe from Crime says, "If you are going to choose to under-react or over-react, it's vital that you over-react. Remember, the problem must be stopped immediately."

Talk to your child to find out who the bully is and what he or she has been doing to your child. This may be difficult, because most kids are ashamed to let their parents know what awful things have been done to them. You must press on and find out all the details. Either the same day you find out, or early the next morning go to the school and talk to the highest-ranked person there (probably the principal) and scream bloody murder.

Read more about how to Teach your Child to Fight Back Against Bullies

Do Joint Locks work in Law Enforcement?

Officers who don’t like joint locks say:

• they are mostly ineffective.
• they only work on the training mat.
• they don’t work when the suspect resists intensely.
• they rely too much on fine motor control.
• you have to be too close to the suspect.

Loren Christensen, author of Defensive Tactics, answers: "While there are shades of truth to these under certain circumstances, there are solutions. Here are my quick responses." Read the full joint locks article

Preorder and Save: New Self-defense Book

Over 14,000 violent crimes occur every day in the United States. If you are attacked by a violent criminal, you’ll have only yourself to rely on. Waking the Tiger Within: How to be Safe from Crime teaches you how to defend yourself with confidence and how to "crime-proof" your daily life. Read this book and then share with those you love. Awareness is the most powerful self-defense tool and everyone can use it!

Order today and save $5.00 off the regular price of $14.95.

Balance for Martial Arts

Sang H. Kim, author of Ultimate Fitness Through Martial Arts, shares the following tips to improve your balance for kicking.

For static balance, pay attention to:

1. Correct head placement
2. Correct eye direction
3. Correct body alignment (this is the key to static balance)


For dynamic balance, pay attention to details of your movement.

1. Avoid crossing your legs.
2. Keep your knees slightly bent during movement and landing.
3. Take small, quick steps rather than long strides.



Bottom line:

1. Balance comes from good posture. By aligning your feet, hips, spine and head, you maintain a stable upright posture. Keep your eyes fixed on one spot.

2. The most important sensors are the presence or lack of visual cues. Vision provides your body with a ready means of finding your position relative to the ground. To test the importance of vision, try closing your eyes and standing on one foot. You will feel your body sway and your arms reach out to the side instinctively.

3. Tactile cues are also used to maintain balance. In the pads of your feet are detailed networks of sensors. By sensing the pressure of the ground beneath them, they relay important information to the brain, allowing it to shift your balance as necessary. To test these, try standing on one foot on a soft surface like a mattress or thick mat. As the surface shifts beneath your weight, your body moves in response to the sensations transmitted from your foot pads.

4. Finally, there is the vestibular apparatus, found in the inner ear. The vestibular apparatus controls the "righting reflex," which takes precedence over other sensory and motor systems during disorientation. The righting reflex controls upright posture. Based on input from the visual, tactile and vestibular senses, your body is constantly striving to maintain a specific orientation to gravity. When you lose your balance or become spatially disoriented, your righting reflex takes over to restore an upright posture by first positioning your head, followed by your neck and upper body and finally your lower body.

Conclusion: Chose one target kick (high side kick for instance). Repeat it over and over and eliminate anything that hinders your perfect performance. Keep strengthening the necessary muscles that will help you get better and better.

Preorder and Save: Defensive Tactics Book

preorder Loren Christensen's latest book, Defensive Tactics: Modern Arrest and Control Techniques for Today's Police Warrior, and save $5.00 off the regular cover price.

Whether you’re a law enforcement officer wanting to improve your edge or a martial artist wanting to expand your knowledge of street proven techniques, you will find Defensive Tactics: Modern Arrest and Control Techniques for Today's Police Warrior is filled with invaluable information including:

• Joint manipulation that works
• Leverage control vs. pain control
• Hitting with the hands, feet, forearms and elbows
• Safely and quickly crossing the gap
• Blocking an assailant's strikes
• Using vulnerable points to gain compliance
• Head disorientation
• Safe application of sleeper holds
• Controlling a suspect on the ground
• Arresting big guys
• Fighting concepts to take on patrol
• Weapon retention in close quarters and on the ground

Building Leg Strength for Kicking

"People often ask me how they can hold their leg in a high side kick or roundhouse kick, while maintaining balance and control." says Sang H. Kim. While this isn't a particularly useful skill in terms of fighting, it is something that helps build control and structure for kicking. Below, Sang H. Kim shares some of his personal favorite exercises for building the kind of leg strength necessary for holding a high kick in place:

To maintain your leg in the air, there are a few fundamentals that are required: strong abdominal and thigh muscles as well as the strength of your shin/calf and your toes. Do the following exercises 5 to 8 sets (each set of 15 repetitions) with 30 seconds rest between sets, 3 to 4 times a week, for 12 weeks.

*** Equipment you need: a set of 3 to 5 Lb ankle weights and 2 foot long piece of 2 x 4 wood

1) Stomach Muscle Exercises

There are three types of muscles that you need to improve: low/middle stomach, side stomach (oblique muscles) and back muscles. They need to be strong enough to hold your leg in the air which is quite heavy proportionately speaking.

Exercise #1: Straight sit up (Bend your knee, put your hands on your chest and sit up)

Exercise #2: Diagonal sit up (Turn your body to the side when you come up)

Exercise #3: Back sit up (Lie on your stomach and raise your torso off the floor)

2)Thigh Muscle Exercises

There are three major muscles that you need to work out: Quadriceps, Adductor muscles (inner thigh), Abductor muscles (outer thigh), and Hamstrings. Hamstrings and Quadriceps work hand in hand to stabilize your legs. You need to work them for both strength and flexibility if you want to kick high.

Quadriceps (the front thigh muscle)

Exercise #4: Leg extensions

1. Put on the ankle weights
2. Hold a bar (or wall, chair) and slowly raise your leg for the target kick (front, round, side).
3. Do a set of 15 and repeat it with the other leg. (3-5 sets)


Adductor muscles (inner thigh)

Exercise #5: Scissors

1. Lie on your back with the ankle weights on.
2. Raise your legs two feet and your upper body 6 inches above the floor.
3. Keep your arms in front of you with your elbows bent.
4. Cross your legs in and out slowly


Abductor (outer thigh)

Exercise #6: Leg swing

1. Put on the ankle weights and stand holding a bar or a chair.
2. Stand on one leg and slowly swing the other leg between the chair and the other leg like a pendulum. Do it slowly feeling the effect on your muscles. Go upward very slowly and as high as you can.

Hamstrings

Exercise #7: Rear leg lifting

1. Put on the ankle weights and stand in front of a chair holding it with both hands.
2. Bend one knee slightly and raise the other leg backward slowly 15 times.
3. Repeat it with the other leg.


3) Shin/calf/toe exercises

You can work the three muscles groups at one time.

Exercise #8: Heel drop & raise

1. Put the 2 x 4 one foot away from a wall and stand on your toes on the edge of the 2 x 4.
2. Lower your heels back downward toward the floor stretching the Achilles tendons.

Exercise #9: Single heel drop and raise

1. Repeat Exercise #8 with one leg at a time

Exercise #10: Horse riding stance squat

1. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
2. Keep your arms in fighting position.
3. Squat as low as you can as slowly as possible. Breathe slowly. Hold at the bottom for 5 seconds.
4. Come up slowly. Repeat 15 times.

Article: Roles of Protection Specialist

The close protection provider, static security provider, or personal security detail personnel can have many roles when working with the client that are not directly security but all are security related. In this excerpt from his forthcoming book Security Operations: Planning and Conducting Private Security Details for High Risk Areas, author Bob Deatherage discusses the many roles of a private security provider. Read the article.

Boxing Fundamentals DVD Released

The Boxing Fundamentals DVD has been released. This new DVD is an excellent introduction to the basic skills, drills and training methods for amateur and pro boxing.

Just In: New Taiji DVDs

We've just received 4 new Taiji DVDs in our warehouse:

Taiji Free Fighting Combat Skills DVD
Taiji Capture DVD
Taiji Push Hands Competition Skills DVD
Traditional Taiji Push Hands DVD Set

All 4 of these titles emphasize the use of push hand skills, including competition techniques, self-defense techniques and traditional push hands applications. All are taught by Chinese push hands expert Zhang Dongwu.

Black Belt names Fighter's Fact Book 2 Essential

Black Belt Magazine has selected Fighter's Fact Book 2 as one of their Essential Gear recommendations in the 2008 Black Belt Buyer's Guide, calling it a "must have for self-defense students."

Interview with Noah Knapp

Read an interview with Noah Knapp, author of A Los Angeles Bouncer's Guide to Practical Fighting, about his book, his martial arts philosophy and his work as a bouncer.

Preorder and Save: Security Operations Book

SECURITY OPERATIONS is an introduction to conducting private security operations in high risk areas and war zones. Veteran special forces soldier and private security consultant Robert H. Deatherage Jr. provides a broad overview of the many topics related to private security including threat assessment, risk management, client relations, surveillance detection, counter surveillance operations, foot and vehicle movements, building security, and the duties of the various personnel and teams necessary to conducting a successful private security operation. Also covered are standards of conduct for security professionals, sample site and route surveys, detailed checklists for report preparation and a wealth of "insider" information. This book will be released in late December. Save $5.00 when your order today

Classic Kung Fu Movies from TurtlePress.com

Now available, 2 more classic kung fu movies: 36th Chamber of Shaolin and Circle of Iron 2-Disc Special Edition

Circle of Iron is The Adventure Epic Written By Bruce Lee – His Dream Project He Would Never Live To See! Also know as THE SILENT FLUTE this classic movie has now been remastered in stunning High Definition and remixed in bone-crunching 6.1 DTS-ES and 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround EX. Extras in this new 2-Disc “Kick Ass” Edition include startling interviews with David Carradine, Co-Producer Paul Maslansky, Martial Arts Coordinator Joe Lewis, Co-Writer Stirling Silliphant and much more!

The 36th Chamber of Shaolin takes martial arts fans inside the legendary Shaolin Temple, birthplace of kung fu. This masterful Shaw Brothers classic inspired two wildly successful sequels and influences an entire generation of filmmakers. When Manchu invaders ravage a defenseless village, one wounded and desperate student seeks refuge at the secretive monastery of Shaolin. Fueled by wrath, he undertakes a grueling program of martial arts training that hones his strength, agility, and endurance in order to defeat his enemies.

New MMA DVD Sets

Just in: The Ultimate Fighter Season 4 and Pride Fighting Championships: Pride Fighting Legacy Vol. 5 DVD Set

PRIDE 5 is a collection of 5 DVDs with over 14 hours of bone-crushing action and features the biggest Pride FC superstars including: Dan Henderson, Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic, Quinton Jackson, Wanderlei Silva, Fedor Emelianenko, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Kazuhiro Nakamura and Many More.

Ultimate Fighter Season 4 features sixteen mixed martial artists, who have all fought and lost in the UFC, get a chance to put their careers back on track. The winners will receive $100,000 and a shot at the World Championship in the Welterweight and Middleweight divisions. This boxed set is the most popular Ultimate Fighter Season yet. Save $5 when you order from TurtlePress.com.

Preorder and Save: Boxing Fundamentals DVD

Check out our new Boxing instructional DVD, filmed in Korea and instructed by Korean Bantamweight champ Kim Sung-Kuk and his coach Woo Dae-Shik. This DVD covers the basics of boxing including fundamental punches, stance, footwork, defense, conditioning and training drills. Save $5.00 when you order today. See a video preview and get more details.

Breakin' It: How to Breakdance DVD

Breakin’ It: How to Breakdance Volume 1 is a complete introduction to breakdancing. Learn foundation moves, freezes, power combos and tricks. Start out with basic moves like the 6-Step, Top Rock, Freezes, Hand Stand, Back Spin and K-Kick. Then move on to more advanced moves like Windmills, Flares, Rubber Bands, Jackhammers, Elbow Hops, Swipes, Airtracks and Head Spins. Each move is broken down into easy to follow steps by members of the UHF Krew. Slow motion and multiple camera angles make this a great instructional DVD. Bonus: Learn how to warm-up to prevent injuries and take your moves to the max plus see the UHF Krew in action, combining the moves they teach you into dance routines. Great moves for breakdancing or martial arts freestyling! Check out a video preview:





DVD PREVIEW:

Press the Play button
below to view a preview of this DVD:

Vital Leglocks Released

If you preordered Vital Leglocks, your book is on the way to you. We've seen terrific advance demand for the latest in Steve Scott's series of grappling books. If you didn't preorder, it's not to late get this exciting new title. Check it out here.

Military Discount on Martial Arts Books and DVDs at Turtlepress.com

Turtle Press offers a 10% discount to all active/reservist US military personnel with a valid US military ID, mailing address or email address.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

To whom does this discount apply?

All active/reserve US military personnel. Eligible US military personnel will receive the discount by entering the discount code MILITARY in the coupon code box when ordering online.

Does the discount apply to DOD, civilian contractors, and other affiliated non-military personnel?

No.

How much is the discount?

10% off

What does the discount apply to?

The discount applies to books and DVDs. It does not apply to video downloads or gift certificates. It does apply to sale, preorder or clearance items but it may not be combined with other discount coupons or offers.

How is eligibility verified?

Evidence of eligibility includes a valid military (.mil) email address used to create your account at TurtlePress.com, a valid military shipping address (APO, FPO, or Base address) or a valid military ID faxed to 8515-572-9533. If faxing a copy of your ID, please reference your order on the fax. Orders not meeting one of these eligibility criteria will be placed on hold and the customer contacted for verification.

How long does this discount last?

There is currently no end date for this discount.

Self-defense: Lower Body Defenses

Defending oneself from kicks can be a totally safe practice. I say “can” because all too many times I have seen what should have been an easy block turn into a gross tactical error.

Legs are stronger than arms; no reasonable person will debate this fact. Taking a punch is one thing, but absorbing the raw power of a kick could easily end the fight before it has a chance to begin. There are several time proven methods to deflect, disarm, and diminish the strength of a kick. The purpose of the second part of this chapter is simply that, the complete avoidance of accepting such a devastating blow from your opponent. Lower body attacks create several difficult advantages such as power, speed, & distance, but they steal one vital component of our victory plan: balance.

Read more . . .

Bargain Books: Save Big on Damaged Books

Just in - a shipment of slightly damaged books including Ultimate Flexibility, Solo Training and Martial Arts Instructor's Desk Reference. These books are slightly damaged, usually with shelf wear, damage to the cover or edges of the book. The insides are almost always in excellent to like new condition. Save big on these slightly damaged returns but don't wait because they disappear within days. See all of the bargain basement books.

Preorder and Save: Practical Fighting book

As a bouncer in some of the top night clubs in Los Angeles, Sifu Noah Knapp has seen first hand what works in a street fight and what doesn’t. In fact, he’s used the techniques he teaches in A Los Angeles Bouncer’s Guide to Practical Fighting to subdue violent drunks, disarm knife wielding attackers and break up full scale melees. More importantly, he’s learned to recognize a situation about to go bad and size up an opponent’s strengths and weaknesses in the critical seconds before a fight begins.

In this guide to practical fighting techniques, Sifu Knapp combines his 20+ years of experience in Kung Fu with his knowledge gained as a professional bouncer to create a crash course in surviving a fight without spending years training in the martial arts. Learn how to position yourself so you can easily protect your vital targets, which strikes and kicks work on practically any opponent, how to defend against the most common attacks with simple 2 or 3 step responses, how to escape from headlocks, grabs and chokes, and many more valuable skills that could save your life.

This book is scheduled for release in mid-October. Preorder A Los Angeles Bouncer’s Guide to Practical Fighting now and save 15% off the regular cover price.

How to: Ankle and Foot Lock Fundamentals

When attacking the ankle or foot, the primary point to inflict pain is the ankle, either by twisting it or stretching it. An exception is the heel hook where you control and attack the heel of your opponent, but in reality, this is a variation of an ankle twist. The three most often used foot submissions are the straight ankle lock, the toehold and the heel hook.

Read the full article . . .

Preorder and Save: Vital Leglocks Book

Vital Leglocks, the next book in Steve Scott's popular series of grappling books, is scheduled for release in early October. Learn to apply 65 essential leglocks for jujitsu, judo, sambo and mixed martial arts. Coach Steve Scott teaches you the keys to successfully applying lower body submission techniques and getting your opponent to tap out.

Vital leglocks is divided into the three major categories of lower body submission skills: ankle and foot locks, knee locks and hip/upper leglocks. Learn to successfully use ankle locks, toe holds, heel hooks, knee locks and bars and knee cranks in a variety of grappling situations, including as counters to common holds.

Order Vital Leglocks today and save 20% off the regular price.

Final Copies of Muye Dobo Tongji Hardcover Edition

There are less than 25 copies of the hardcover edition of the Muye Dobo Tongji available and when they're gone, there won't be another print run. There are less than 1000 hardcover books in print and these will be worth far more than their cover value once the print run has sold out. If you've always thought about treating yourself to one of these limited edition collector's copies, now is the time to act.

MMA DVDs Available from TurtlePress.com

Popular MMA fight dvds now available from TurtlePress.com:

UFC 56: Full Force - Nate Quarry tries to dethrone UFC Middleweight Champion Rich Franklin at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, while Matt Hughes takes on Joe Riggs.

UFC Classics #3 - Witness legendary Hall of Famers Royce Gracie and Ken Shamrock at their peak plus classic UFC fights including Royce Gracie vs. Kimo Leopoldo and Emmanuel Yarbrough vs. Keith Hackney.

UFC 68: The Uprising - Heavyweight Champion Tim Sylvia is set to defend his title against Randy Couture, who is coming out of a 12-month retirement.

King of the Cage Highlights DVD - This no-holds-barred fight showcase features 24 fighters in classic matches from the King of Cage fight series, including pioneers Shonie Carter, Ricco Rodriguez, and Dan Severn.

More to come soon including Ultimate Fighter Season 3 DVD Set and more classic UFC matches. See all UFC and MMA DVDs.

Free Self-defense Lessons: Defense against a Grab

In these free self-defense lessons, Sang H. Kim teaches defenses against common grabs:













More self-defense instructional videos

Classic Martial Arts Movies from TurtlePress.com

Martial arts movie classics now available from TurtlePress.com! Check out these introductory titles:

Shaw Brothers classic kung fu movies Duel at the Supreme Gate, Along Comes a Tiger and Elimination Pursuit all for only $9.98 each.

Also just in: the digitally remastered box set Sonny Chiba Mas Oyama Trilogy featuring martial arts star Sonny Chiba playing his mentor, the legendary Karate master Mas Oyama. Hard to find until the release of this 3-dvd set, these movies have been remastered with English subtitles. A great addition to any martial arts movie collection.

More great Shaw Brothers Classics: The One Armed Swordsman, considered the original sword fighting movie, and King Boxer, aka Five Fingers of Death.

US shipping is always free when you order online and we've even found some of the original theater trailers so you can preview the movies before you buy.

Faster Taekwondo Turn Kick

Want to improve the speed and accuracy of your turn kick? Sang H. Kim, star of Complete Taekwondo Kicking, offers this advice:

At the fighting stance, relax your body by lowering your arms slightly lower than usual and relax your shoulders. Bounce up and down lightly so that your entire body is not so tight but loose. Turn your hip first- not your feet. When you turn your hip first, your knee and feet should follow naturally. Hit the target without power. As long as you contact the target nice and smoothly, you will have power and speed in time. So be patient. Let the crossing leg go free in the way your body turns. It's like jumping across stones in a brook. You just touch them and go-not stomp on them. You just use enough force to cross the brook, right? When you can do this, now do the hip turning quickly in one thought. ONE count and turn. Don't worry about the kicking part. When you have a good hip turn, you can have it all. The last one you should know is your eyesight. Quickly turn your head around and spot the target. Someday soon you'll be able to do the kick in one second or less. Practice gradually and internalize the process. Cut out anything that hinders your progress and modify it to fit your movement.

In this free sparring lesson, Sang H. Kim demonstrates how to use the side whip kick in taekwondo sparring




More taekwondo sparring instructional videos

2007 Tae Kwon Do World Championships on DVD

Held in 2007 in Beijing, the 18th WTF Taekwondo World Championships DVD showcases the best taekwondo players in the world today as they begin their quest for Olympic Gold in 2008. You get high quality WTF taekwondo action filmed at ringside. Over 4 hours of footage including all of the men's and women's gold medal matches. See competitors from Korea, USA, Thailand, Mexico, Croatia, Iran, Cuba, Spain, China, Canada, France, and Chinese Taipei compete for the title of 2007 Taekwondo World Champion.

In these free self-defense lessons, Sang H. Kim teaches defenses against a single-hand shoulder grab:













More self-defense instructional videos

Save on New Taekwondo DVD Sets

Save big when you order any of our new taekwondo DVD sets including:

Taekwondo Kicking DVD Set $49

Learn the complete system of taekwondo kicks - over 60 kicks in all including basic kicks, jumping kicks, spinning kicks, double and triple kicks and aerokicks. Over 2 hours of instruction featuring slow motion, multiple angles, applications and training methods.

Taekwondo Sparring 3 DVD Set $75

With over 4 hours of instruction on 3 DVDs, this set takes you from the fundamentals through elite level taekwondo sparring skills, techniques, drills and strategies. This set will provide years of training and a continuing challenge well into the black belt ranks.

Complete Taekwondo Sparring DVD Set $49

A complete course in the fundamentals of full contact taekwondo sparring, this 2 DVD set has nearly 3 hours of progressive instruction from reconized taekwondo expert Sang H. Kim. Learn the essentials of attacking, counterattacking, footwork, combination kicks and training drills.

Ultimate Martial Arts Drills and Conditioning Set $49

Save $10.00 when you buy the Ultimate Fitness DVD and Ultimate Kicking DVD together. Over 200 drills and conditioning exercises on 2 DVDs.

Taegeuk and Black Belt Poomse DVD Set $49

This taekwondo poomse set teaches the 8 Taegeuk Poomse and the 9 WTF Black Belt Poomse. You get over 2 hours of in-depth instruction in the forms required for white belt through 7th degree black belt. Learn each form in detail, including the Korean and English names of every movement, through multiple camera angles and expert instruction.

Palgwe and Black Belt Poomse DVD Set $49

This taekwondo poomse set teaches the 8 Palgwe Poomse and the 9 WTF Black Belt Poomse. You get over 2 hours of in-depth instruction in the forms required for white belt through 7th degree black belt. Learn each form in detail, including the Korean and English names of every movement, through multiple camera angles and expert instruction.

Starter Taekwondo DVD Set $65

Are you a new Taekwondo student? A yellow belt or green belt who likes to practice at home? Looking for a taekwondo course that will take you up to black belt in kicking, blocking and striking? This 3 DVD starter set is a great way to train at home, brush up on new skills or supplement your class instruction.

Beginner Taekwondo Set $29

Just getting started in Taekwondo? This Beginner Taekwondo set is a great home training aid. Learn all of the white belt basics you'll need to know to feel comfortable in class and advance beyond the beginner stage.

Taekwondo Poomse Book and DVD Set $99

This complete taekwondo poomse set teaches all 25 official WTF Taekwondo forms. You get nearly 4 hours of DVD instruction plus over 400 pages of detailed text with over 1000 photos. Learn each form in detail, including the Korean and English names of every movement, the philosophy and meaning of each form, the correct performance standards for competition and testing and a detailed explanation of the theory of taekwondo poomse that you won't find anywhere else.

Interview with Sang H. Kim on Teaching Martial Arts

In this 1993 interview, Sang H. Kim talks about his martial arts teaching philosophy.





Interview footage courtesy of www.turtlepress.com

New Kung Fu DVD Previews added

Just posted - previews for 4 new Shaolin Kung Fu DVDs:

Shaolin Kung Fu Chang Quan Form DVD



Shaolin Chin Na DVD



Shaolin Kung Fu Seven Star Fist Form DVD



Shaolin Kung Fu Fanzi Quan Form DVD




See more Shaolin Kung Fu DVDs at TurtlePress.com

Self-defense Video Lessons: Wrist Grab Defenses

In these free self-defense lessons, Sang H. Kim teaches defenses against the cross hand wrist grab:













More self-defense instructional videos

Sparring Video Lesson: Footwork

In this free sparring lesson, Sang H. Kim demonstrates some offensive and defensive taekwondo sparring footwork:




More taekwondo sparring instructional videos