Sang H. Kim Seminar Video Downloads

Sang H. Kim retired from giving Seminars several years ago, but we have an archive filled with hundreds of hours of seminar footage. So if you never had the chance to attend on of Master Kim's popular seminars, here's your chance to see what you missed. The first of his seminar highlight videos is now available for download - a sparring seminar filmed in 1993 in Hartford CT. Look for more seminar videos on a variety of topics coming soon.

Taekwondo Demo Video

We've opened our video archives and are in the process of reviewing hundreds of hours of seminar, demonstration and competition video. Below -- just a little sampling of what we've found -- are highlights from taekwondo self-defense and breaking demonstrations given by Master Sang H. Kim in 1994. The footage was filmed in Glasgow Scotland and Bristol England during a series of seminars that Master Kim gave there.

Grappling: Defending Against Chokes

While we all may like to think that we’re the ones putting our opponents in bad situations and not having to be defensive very much, the fact remains that being skillful at defending yourself against strangles and chokes is an important aspect of any form of grappling. If you want to be a complete grappler, you need a good defense. Being able to stay in the fight and being well versed in keeping your opponent from tapping you out means that you are competitive and doing what is necessary to try to turn the tables on your opponent. Just like John Saylor said; “Staying out of trouble keeps you in the fight.” As long as you’re in the fight, there’s the possibility that you will win.

read the rest of this article excerpted from Grappler's Guide to Strangles & Chokes by Steve Scott

Preorder & Save: Grappler's Guide to Strangles & Chokes

In The Grappler’s Book of Strangles and Chokes, Steve Scott makes it easy to learn the most effective and popular chokes and strangles of modern grappling. This book is a comprehensive, in-depth look at chokes and strangles that really work in gi and no-gi combat sports, allowing you to use them in a wide variety of situations, including self-defense and street applications. Every set up, application, variation and defense has been used successfully in all levels of competitive judo, submission grappling, sport jujitsu and mixed martial arts.

Preorder now and save $5.00 off the regular price of $18.95.

Preorder & Save: Shotokan Karate Kata DVDs

The first 2 Shotokan Kata DVDs are available for preorder. Save $5 when you order Shotokan Karate Kata Volume 1: Kyu Level Forms
or Shotokan Karate Kata Volume 2: Black Belt Forms

Renshi Steve Flores is a world kata champion and provides expert instruction on the first 17 katas of Shotokan Karate.

Coming soon: Shotokan Kata DVDs

Turtle Press has just filmed a series of Shotokan Kata DVDs with USKA World Champion Renshi Steve Flores. The DVDs will be released in May, but check out the sneak previews below.

Shotokan Kata DVD 1: Kyu Level forms

Learn the following forms: Heian Shodan, Heian Nidan, Heian Sandan, Heian Yodan, Heian Godan, Tekki Shodan, Bassai-Dai and Kanku-Dai






Shotokan Kata DVD 2: Black Belt forms

Learn the following forms: Tekki Nidan, Tekki Sandan, Bassai-Sho, Hangetsu, Kanku-sho, Nijushiho, Jion, Wankan and Gankaku





Shotokan Kata DVD 3: Black Belt forms

Learn the following forms: Unsu, Sochin, Jitte, Giin, Empi, Gojushiho-Dai, Gojushiho-Sho, Chinte and Meikyo

Martial Arts DVD Blowout Sale

From now until March 31st, our most popular DVDs are only $14.98. This is the kind of sale that won't be repeated anytime soon so check out the list of sale DVDs today.

Coming Soon: Ultimate Flexibility DVD by Sang H. Kim

Thanks to many customer requests, Sang H. Kim has created the Ultimate Flexibility DVD as a companion to his popular stretching book. The DVD has 3 follow along workouts of variable difficulty levels as well as tips and exercises for high kicks. The DVD is scheduled for release on April 6th. Only $15.95 when you order now.

New titles shipping today

Zen Buddhism: In Search of Self and Power Breathing are shipping today. If you've ordered either of these new DVDs, look for them in your mailbox soon!

Taekwondo Sparring: Countering against a front leg kick

There are a number of simple ways to counter your opponent's front leg kick in a taekwondo sparring match. Here are two methods:

Sliding back and double kick from closed stance against a front leg atttack.

The korean term is moolo doobal dangsang Chagi. Moolo is back step, doobal dangsang chagi is double kick.

The first step is to read your opponent's innitiative and move your entire body backward by sliding back. The second step is to stop his movement with your double roundhouse kick, by roundhouse kicking first with your rear foot and then throwing a powerful roundhouse with the other leg. The primary target is the middle section.

In competition, you can stop your opponent's innitiative by using cut-kick with your front foot instead of sliding back. Then follow up with a double kick.

Sliding back and turn kick from closed stance against front leg atttack.

The korean term is Moolo momdora chagi. Moolo is sliding back, momdora chagi is turn kick.

The first step is to read your opponent's innitiative and move your entire body backward by sliding back. The second step is to fill the space between you and your opponent by bringing your rear footup and turning into a turning roundhouse kick (turn kick). The primary target is the middle section

In competition, be cautious not to rebound too far since your opponent is comming at you. You just need a short turn kick with a perfect timing.

Get over 50 more counterattacking techniques on the Complete Sparring 2 DVD by Sang H. Kim.

New Martial Arts Video Downloads

Check out the latest martial arts video download titles:

Conditioning videos
Speed, Agility, Timing video download
Power, Strength, Stamina video download


Taekwondo videos
Taekwondo Footwork video download
Taekwondo Scoring Skills 1-25 video download
Taekwondo Scoring Skills 26-50 video download
Taekwondo Scoring Skills 51-75 video download
Taekwondo Scoring Skills 76-100 video download
Taekwondo Hanmadang video download

Weapons videos
Jangbong Fundamentals video download
Jangbong Patterns video download


Kickboxing videos
Kyuktooki: Korean Kickboxing video download
Kickboxing Conditioning video download
Kickboxing Basics video download
Kickboxing Kicking & Defense video download


Tai Chi videos
Yang Tai Chi Simplified 24-Form video download
Chen Tai Chi Broadsword Form video download
Chen Tai Chi 38 Form video download

Power Breathing Website

Check out the Power Breathing for Life website for more detailed information about the Power Breathing DVD, exercises and program. Also, look for a Power Breathing book by author Sang H. Kim in the near future.

Power Breathing DVD Coming Soon

Martial arts expert and Power Breathing for Life creator Sang H. Kim guides you through easy to follow breathing exercises that you can do anywhere, in as little as sixty seconds, to relieve stress, increase your fitness level and feel better instantly. With workouts varying from sixty seconds to 14 minutes, the Power Breathing DVD is an excellent way to add a daily breathing and exercise practice to your life.

Zen Buddhism Documentary

Turtle Press has acquired the distribution rights to a documentary, Zen Buddhism: In Search of Self, filmed and produced in Korea by MBC television. Following a tradition dating back over 1000 years, two dozen Buddhist nuns gather for a ninety day period of meditation, fasting and contemplation deep in the mountains of South Korea. With the singular goal of attaining enlightenment, the women undertake a rigorous schedule of meditation, at one point sitting for seven days without sleep.

In this first ever documentary on the practice of Dong Ahn Geo (Winter Zen Retreat), you’ll be invited into the Baek Hung Buddhist Temple to witness not only the nuns’ strict meditation practice, but their daily lives in which we see not only a deep spiritual discipline but an almost childlike joy and simplicity.

Complete Taekwondo Poomsae book released

Complete Taekwondo Poomsae, the new book by Kyu Hyung Lee and Sang H. Kim, has been released and all of the preorders have been shipped out. If you placed a preorder, you will be arriving soon. Thank you for your patience!

Discontinued Korean Martial Arts Videos available for download

Thanks to numerous customer requests, we've decided to make a number of previously discontinued Korean martial arts videos available as video downloads. Now available for download:

Kyukpa: Taekwondo Power Breaking video download
Kuk Kung: Traditional Korean Archery video download
Ssireum: Traditional Korean Wrestling video download
Yudo: Korean Judo video download

We've also had quite a few requests for Kuk Hyun Chung's Future Champions video, which will son be released on DVD. Watch the New and Coming Soon page for a preorder special toward the end of this month.

Fighter's Fact Book 2 Released

Fighter's Fact 2, Loren W. Christensen's follow-up to his successful Fighter's Fact Book, has been released. Subtitled Street Fighting Essentials, when you've mastered the skills taught in the book you will truly be ready to defend yourself in some of the most desperate situations imaginable.

New Martial Arts Video Downloads

Lots more video downloads have been added in the past week including:

Self-defense:

Use your Keys for Self-defense video download
Self-defense video download
Self-defense Scenario Analysis video download
Knife Defense Fundamentals video download
Advanced Knife Defense video download

Nunchaku:

Single Nunchaku Form video download
Double Nunchaku Form video download

Taekwondo:

Taekwondo Aerokicks video download
Ultimate Kicking Drills video download
Kyukpa: Taekwondo Power Breaking video download

Tang Soo Do:

Tang Soo Do Color Belt Forms 1 video download
Tang Soo Do Color Belt Forms 2 video download
Tang Soo Do Naihanchi Forms video download
Tang Soo Do Black Belt Forms 2 video download
Tang Soo Do Black Belt Forms 3 video download

Championship Sambo DVD released

The Championship Sambo DVD by Steve Scott has been released. Sambo is a rugged Russian style of wrestling that emphasizes practical effective submission holds. As a follow-up to his popular book, veteran sambo coach Steve Scott has put together a collection of proven sambo skills for students of grappling and MMA.

Check out a preview and full description here.

Download a Complete TKD Black Belt Form - only $3.49

Now you can download the instructional video for a single Taekwondo Black Belt form for only $3.49. Just need to learn the next form or want to brush up on your competition form? No need to buy an expensive DVD - get only the poomsae you need instantly, downloaded directly to your computer. Now available:

Poomsae Koryo video download
Poomsae Keumgang video download
Poomsae Taebaek video download

More forms coming soon!

Tour the Kukkiwon: Home of Taekwondo in Korea

Here is a short video that takes you on a tour of the Kukkiwon, home of taekwondo in Seoul, South Korea. Visit the kukkiwon gym, see the children's demonstration team and get a tour of the taekwondo museum.

Updated Shipping Dates

We have received updated shipping dates from our suppliers on some new products for January. Here are the latest release dates:

Championship Sambo DVD > Shipping January 16th
Fighter's Fact Book 2: Street Fighting Essentials > Shipping January 26th
Complete Taekwondo Poomsae > Shipping February 3rd

If you have preordered any of the above titles, you will receive an email when your preordered item ships.

New video downloads added

Five new martial arts video downloads have been added:

Martial Arts Drills: Strength & Reflexes video download
Martial Arts Drills: Speed & Coordination video download
Martial Arts Drills: Power & Agility video download
Taekwondo Step Sparring video download
Taekwondo Hand Skills video download

Coming soon are: Tang Soo Do forms, Taekwondo Black Belt forms, Knife Defense and Self-defense videos.

You can also preview all of the available titles here.

Martial Arts Video Downloads are Here!

By popular request we've begun adding video downloads for purchase and rent. The following titles are available for download now:

Muay Thai Fights #1 video download
Taegeuk Poomsae 1-4 video download
Taegeuk Poomsae 5-8 video download
Palgwe Poomsae 1-4 video download
Palgwe Poomsae 5-8 video download
Beginner Karate video download
Isshinryu Karate Kata video download
Championship Taekwondo Drills video download
Advanced Joongbong Combat video download
Advanced Joongbong Patterns video download
Joongbong Close Combat video download
Junsado Combat Conditioning Workout video download
Junsado Fundamentals video download
Junsado Standing Combat video download
Junsado Ground Combat video download
Ssangbong Fundamentals video download
Ssangbong Combat video download
Ssangbong Patterns video download

M0re titles are being added daily. Is there a title you'd like to see available for download? Send us an email.

Muay Thai Fights #1 DVD shipping today

If you preordered the Muay Thai Fights #1 DVD, it's on the way to you. Volume 2 is expected to ship the day after Christmas. You can still save $5.00 on Volume 2 by ordering now.

New Article: Continuum of Force

In this new article, Loren W. Christensen, author of Fighter's Fact Book 2: Street Fighting Essentials, explains the police and civilian continuum of force models. The Continuum of Force model has been used by law enforcement agencies for years, though many agencies across the country are now moving to a different one, a new and improved version called “Force Options.” Get an overview in this new article and see how it applies to your training.

New Article: Movement Principles of Taekwondo Poomsae

In this new article, excerpted from the forthcoming book Complete Taekwondo Poomsae, Dr. Kyu Hung Lee explains the key Movement Principles of Taekwondo Poomsae.

Final holiday shipping deadlnes

Need your order in time for Christmas?

Thursday, December 14th is the final shipping day for: Priority mail, EMS (international) and UPS ground shipping.

Between December 15th and December 20th, UPS 2nd Day air is the only shipping method that will arrive by December 24th.

Muay Thai Fight DVD previews posted

We've added previews for the soon to be released Muay Thai Fights #1 DVD and Muay Thai Fights #2 DVD.

Both DVDs were filmed on location in Thailand and give you a ringside side for 6 hard hitting Muay Thai bouts. These fighters are determined to impress the crowd and era a ticket to Bangkok so the action is fast and furious.

Zen Man reviewed in Taekwondo People

Zen Man, the debut martial arts movie from Sang H. Kim, is reviewed in the November/December issue of Taekwondo People, the official magazine of the Kukkiwon.

Book Preview Pages

We've begun posting interior pages from our books so you can see the quality and size of photos, amount of information and layout of titles you're interested in. Check out these titles and click on the "LOOK INSIDE" button to see this new feature:

Ultimate Flexibility
Complete Taekwondo Poomsae
Science of Grappling Throws & Takedowns for Self-defense

More coming soon!

New Chinese DVD Previews

The following DVD previews were recently added to our site:

Shaolin Kung Fu Spear DVD
Shaolin Arhat Boxing Form DVD
Chen Tai Chi Old Frame DVD set
Wing Chun Footwork DVD
Wing Chun Seeking Bridge DVD
Wing Chun Biao Zhi DVD
Muay Thai Fights # 1 DVD (improved version of this coming soon)
Bagua Fundamentals DVD
Xing Yi 12 Animal Fists DVD
Choy Li Fut Chi Kung Ball

New DVD: Tai Chi Fan Form

We've just received our newest DVD import from China: Tai Chi 18-form Fan DVD, which combines elements of Yang style Taiji and wushu fan techniques to create a graceful, circular form. Your instructor is Yang Li, creator of the form and a tai chi instructor at China's Beijing College of Physical Education. This is a rare opportunity to learn a form from its originator.

This DVD has English, French, Spanish and Chinese audio tracks as well as a printed booklet (inside the DVD case) with a description of the form in all four languages.

New DVD Previews Posted

We're continuing to add previews for our Chinese martial arts DVDs. The latest additions:

Bagua 8 Door Conditioning DVD Preview
Chinese Wrestling DVD Preview
Southern Style Kung Fu DVD Preview
Bagua Old 8 Palms DVD Preview
Wing Chun Elbow & Kicking DVD Preview
Xing Yi 5 Elements DVD Preview
Tai Chi Fan Form DVD Preview
Bagua Single 8 Forms DVD Preview
Choy Li Fut Chi Kung DVD Preview
Xing Yi 8 Fists DVD Preview

Shaolin Kung Fu Forms DVDs

The Shaolin Kung Fu Forms DVD has been discontinued by the producers, however we have replaced it with the new Shaolin Kung Fu Foundation Form DVD. On this DVD, imported from China,31st generation Shaolin disciple Shi Dejun teaches the Shaolin Kung Fu 13-Form Foundation Quan, one of the essential Shaolin forms. We are expecting the first shipment of these to arrive from China later this week. Order now to reserve your copy.

Just released: Isshinryu Kata DVD

The Isshinryu Kata DVD is shipping today. If you placed a preorder, look for a shipment confirmation email with in the next 24 hours. This completes the Mike Reeves series of Isshinryu Karate DVDs. Look for more Japanese Karate DVDs after the first of the year.

Sang H. Kim Article in January Taekwondo Times

Sang H. Kim is interviewed in the January Taekwondo Times issue, on newstands in early December. In the article he talks about flexibility and the proper way to stretch. In addition to the interview, there are excerpts from Ultimate Flexibility and Martial Arts After 40.

Just released: Beginner Karate DVD

The Beginner Karate DVD was released today. Sensei Mike Reeves teaches you the basics of Isshinryu Karate in an easy to follow format. At $19.95 this hour+ DVD is a great introduction to Karate.

New Book: Complete Taekwondo Poomsae

Complete Taekwondo Poomsae is the most complete reference book availabe on the Taegeuk, Palgwae and Black Belt Poomsae of WTF style Taekwondo. Grandmasters Kyu Hung Lee and Sang H. Kim have combined their extensive taekwondo knowledge to teach you not only the 25 official taekwondo poomsae, but the meaning of the forms, the principles of Poomsae performance and the philosophy that underlies the techniques.

This book will be released in January 2007. Preorder your copy today to save $10 off the regular cover price.

New Chinese Martial Arts DVD Previews added

We're continuing to add previews for our Chinese martial arts DVDs. The latest additions:

Wing Chun Palm Techniques DVD
Bagua Zhang 8 Door Conditioning Exercises DVD
Shuai Jiao: Chinese Wrestling DVD Set
Southern Boxing: Nan Quan Kung Fu DVD

Now available: On Combat

On Combat, the critically acclaimed book from celebrated writers Lt. Col. Dave Grossman and Loren W. Christensen is now available from Turtle Press. Written by two warriors who have been there and done that, On Combat looks at what happens to the human body under the stresses of deadly battle — the impact on the nervous system, heart, breathing, visual and auditory perception, memory - then discusses new research findings as to what measures warriors can take to prevent such debilitations so they can stay in the fight, survive, and win.

Preorder & Save: Championship TKD Drills DVD

Save $5.00 when you preorder Olympic gold medalist Lynnette Love's Championship Taekwondo Drills DVD. Created from her popular taekwondo sparring video series, this one action packed DVD covers all of the best beginner and intermediate level skills and drills from her video series. Whether you are new to sparring or you are looking for a good fundamental sparring workout, this is an excellent addition to your pre-competition workout.

Chinese Martial Arts DVD Previews Added

We are in the process of adding previews for all of our Chinese martial arts DVDs. Previews for the following DVDs were added today:

Choy Li Fut Dragon 18 Form DVD
Choy Li Fut Sparring and Little Arhat Boxing DVD
Muay Thai From Northern Thailand DVD
Wing Chun Little Fist DVD
Bagua Zhang Footwork DVD

More to come next week.

Great news: In just 3 weeks we've had over 30,000 views of our DVD preview clips!

Preorder & Save: Beginner Karate DVD

Save $5.00 when you preorder the new Beginner Karate DVD by Sensei Mike Reeves. Learn the basic blocks, strikes, kicks and sparring techniques of karate from a world champion instructor. At only $14.95 this a great bargain.

Preorder & Save: Isshinryu Kata DVD

Save $5.00 when you preorder Mike Reeves's new Isshinryu Kata DVD. Learn the eight empty hand Isshinryu karate kata on one DVD:

• Seisan Kata
• Seiuchin Kata
• Naihanchi Kata
• Wansu Kata
• Chinto Kata
• Sanchin Kata
• Kusanku Kata
• Sunsu Kata

Weight Training: How often is enough for MMA training?

Here's a question we recently received from a reader and author Loren Christensen's reply:

Question: I train in MA 3 days workouts lasting about 1 1/2 hours since I utilize the jump rope as my warmup, these sessions are also my ONLY cardio work. How many days weekly should I weight train for size and strength without worrying about overtraining? Thanks for your input.

Loren's Answer: First, know that it's a little difficult to put on a lot of size when you're doing a lot of cardio. In bodybuilding, it's recommended that the trainee eliminate cardio during the period in which he is specifically trying to pack on size. The thought is that all energy and calories should go into rebuilding the muscles after a strenuous resistance workout.

But I'm assuming you're not trying to be Mr. Olympia; you want to add some strength and size to give extra authority to your punches, kicks and grappling. That you can do, but you must do it wisely.

• Keep your weight training basic: benches, rowing, curls, triceps and squats.
• Go heavy so that you have to really grunt on your last repetitions, make it the 6th, 7th, and 8th ones.
• Do 3 or 4 sets per exercise, just one exercise per body part.
• Do these twice a week so that each body part is hit two times a week. If one week you can work each body part only once, no problem. You won't lose anything and you’re likely to even gain a little. During one six-month period I lifted only once a week and made nice gains. I've even heard of lifters making gains in their squats lifting once every 10 to 14 days.
• If you want to put on some extra weight, increase your calories by 300 to 500 per day. In a week to 10 days you should be packing around an extra pound.

The nice thing about lifting heavy is that not only will it give you some added size, but it will increase your speed, too. Light weights and high reps stimulate your slow-twitch muscles fibers. But heavy weights and low reps stimulate your fast-twitch fibers, the ones that give you power, strength, explosiveness and speed. So stay away from those pink dumbbells and instead pull those heavy ones off the rack. Oh, be sure to eat healthily and get some extra shuteye.

And don't blame me if you have to buy bigger shirts in three months and you start bursting open heavy bags at their seams. At the risk of sounding commercial, all these tips and a lot more can be found in The Fighter's Body by Wim Demeere and me, available right here at Turtle Press.

Train hard!

Loren

www.lwcbooks.com

New Improved Video Preview

TurtlePress.com has partnered with YouTube.com to create new improved DVD previews for our
most popular titles. Now you can preview dvds right on the product page, with no pop-up windows or special software required. Simply click on the "Preview Now" button right under the DVD cover image and then press the Play button.

Try it out for yourself, by previewing Mike Reeve's upcoming Isshinryu Kata DVD. Just press the play button below.



You can also share DVD previews with your friends by clicking the share button or add them to your favorites or playlists at YouTube.com

Conserve Energy when you Kick

Martina Sprague, author of Fighting Science, offers these tips to conserve energy when kicking:

Kicking takes more energy than striking. This is because the legs are heavier than the arms. Energy, when kicking, is conserved by relying on principles of physics that allow you to use as little effort as possible. Energy is also conserved by kicking when your opponent is moving into the kick’s path of power. This allows you to use less of your own momentum to achieve an overall stronger momentum.

Body mechanics for energy conservation:

1. The side kick takes less effort to land when your opponent is slightly toward your back rather than your front. This is because the kick is usually thrown with your lead leg, with your opponent lined up with your hips.

2. The spinning back kick should be thrown when your opponent is moving into its path of power. Energy is conserved by spinning less than 180 degrees. If you spin more than 180 degrees, you will be chasing your opponent with the kick.

3. If your opponent moves toward your front, it would be economical to throw a round house kick.

4. Energy can be conserved by dropping an axe kick on your opponent’s guard and bringing his upper body forward and into your follow-up strike.

Zen Man Reviewed in Black Belt

Zen Man is reviewed in the October issue of Black Belt magazine. The full page review begins: "Even though Zen Man is a new movie, its plot is an old one. That's not to say the straight-to-DVD action flick is outdated or some sort of remake. Rather, it's a new film that contains some classic Eastern mythology, as well as some enduring contemporary folklore."

The reviewer goes on to give a detailed breakdown of the film's strong and weak points, wrapping up with: "[Sang H.] Kim is the best thing about Zen Man. From his acting to his directing, the martail arts master shows us the potential of what a little money and a lot of passion can breed on-screen. With a bigger budget, better supporting players and help with the writing, Kim should be able to produce a movie to match his versatile skills."

Exclusive Interview with Sang H. Kim :: Part 4

The following is the third in a series of excerpts from an exclusive interview with Sang H. Kim, director of the martial arts action movie, Zen Man.

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Q: In addition to martial arts, Han also practices calligraphy in the movie. Are the two related?

SHK: I'm glad you asked that, because you're right, they are related. Traditional calligraphy is a significant method of mental practice. Taoists believe that writing is a reflection of the mind. Like martial arts, it requires total concentration. Each stroke in calligraphy is like a basic movement in taekwondo, a kick or punch or block. Once you learn the basics, you can combine them freely and create art. Ultimately, the goal is to write whole heartedly but without attachment to the individual strokes just as in sparring or defending yourself, you need to concentrate fully on the moment but be free from your environment. Calligraphy is a kind of moving meditation. It focuses and calms the mind.

Q: There is also a scene in the movie that makes it seem like there is something hidden in the characters that Han writes.

SHK: Many of the characters that he practices, including the one that he teaches Antonio, are actually striking techniques that can be used to attack with the short stick or sword. So while it appears that Han is a man of peace, he is secretly preparing for war.

Q: It's interesting how martial arts are part of everything in the movie, even when people are not fighting.

SHK: For a martial artist, I think our training is part of everything we do in life. I particularly found three elements that were the same in filmmaking and taekwondo. The first is fitness. I trained for over a year specifically for this movie. By the time we started shooting I literally felt like I was in the same shape as when I was competing in my teens and early twenties. Not only was I training for the fight scenes but for the long days on the set and the many repetitions of every scene. Fitness is the foundation – something solid to build everything else upon. The second is techniques or knowledge. Understanding the basic techniques and being able to apply them in a real life situation is essential. So techniques are like wings that give us the ability to fly as high and as far as we desire. And finally there's discipline, which ironically allows us to be free. Some people ask me how can you be free and be disciplined at the same time, but when you think about it, it makes perfect sense.

Q: What is it that you'd like viewers to take away from this movie?

SHK: That true revenge is not accomplished by avenging something but by resolution within yourself.

Exclusive Interview with Sang H. Kim :: Part 3

The following is the third in a series of excerpts from an exclusive interview with Sang H. Kim, director of the martial arts action movie, Zen Man.

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Q: Tell us a little about your martial arts background, especially before you came to the US.

SHK: I began training when I was four years old. I was the fourth of five brothers, so all of my older brothers were already training in wrestling, judo and hapkido. At first I mimicked their movements and tried to fight with them. My serious training began in middle school as a member of Dalsung Taekwondo team, competing against other middle school teams. In high school, when I was a fourth dan black belt, I was very reckless in my training. I had so much energy and athletic ability that I constantly challenging myself but often I ended up injured. For example, when I was training at a Jidokwan school in Daegu, I was practicing jumping spinning whip kick by kicking a piece of bicycle tire inner tube that I'd hung from the ceiling. It was very high and I tried and tried and finally kicked it but at the same time, I got my foot tangled in the tubing and I landed upside down, hitting my head on the concrete floor. Later, some of my fellow black belts found me and rushed me to the hospital.

Q: Did you ever think about quitting after getting seriously injured like that?

SHK: No, in fact in college I became even more interested in taekwondo and began teaching CID (Criminal Investigation Division) agents at Camp Walker in Daegu. Meeting American GIs sparked my interest in Western culture. I was eager to come to America but had to finish my military service first.

Q: Is it true that all Korean military personnel are black belts?

SHK: Yes they are. When I was in the military, we woke up at five AM to run. Then we did taekwondo training for an hour and then in the evening we had small group training for combat specific skills. Since I was a special agent in a counterespionage unit, we trained not only in taekwondo but in firearms and lethal hand-to-hand skills. At one point during my service, I was assigned to a prison detail which was a very dangerous job. There were thousands of violent criminals held in an isolated area in the mountains. During that time, my life was threatened many times and I had almost daily opportunities to use my martial arts skills. It was during this time that I began formulating Junsado, which I used extensively in Zen Man.

Q: What is Junsado?

SHK: Junsado is the way you see a conflict and resolve it efficiently. The means include direct and indirect tactics to neutralize or subdue the opponent. Jun means combat, Sa means expert and Do is the way so it is literally The Way of the Combat Expert. It is about finding the right strategy to resolve the given situation.

Q: Why did you use Junsado in Zen Man?

SHK: In many of the scenes, Han fights against multiple assailants at once. He needs strategy to survive. He uses the terrain and takes advantage of range fighting. Junsado has four ranges: neutral, long, medium and short. At long range, he positions himself to manipulate the formation of the assailants to his advantage. At short range, he uses surprise tactics, for example turning his back on an assailant then thrusting to the rear with his wooden sword. He also uses his Ssang Bong (double sticks), which is a style of using two sticks in a symmetrical way that I've developed over the past twenty years. It's a uniquely Korean style, the only Korean art that uses two sticks at the same time.It's very different from Kali or Arnis because it uses two different grips: one straight grip and one reverse grip. This allows you to initiate action with one stick and then accelerate the movement of your body for the second strike and third strike and so on, making it a fast powerful versatile weapon. It's a very unpredictable way of attacking and defending. Well, if you want to see what I mean, watch the movie.

Exclusive Interview with Sang H. Kim :: Part 2

The following is the second in a series of excerpts from an exclusive interview with Sang H. Kim, director of the martial arts action movie, Zen Man.

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Q: This is your first movie, but you've had a lot of experience in front of and behind the camera, right?

SHK: I've produced over a hundred martial arts instructional DVDs and documentaries and I've made a few short films for classes and workshops, so I'm familiar with the technical aspects of filming but making a movie has been a great change of pace.Writing the script, designing shots, making storyboards, scouting locations, organizing the crew, auditioning actors, supervising the editing and music composition are all very complicated in film production, much more so than any other project I've done to date. It's been a great learning experience and I've gotten to work with a lot of knowledgeable and talented people.

Q: Tell us about the martial arts that you used in the film.

SHK: I used a mixture of taekwondo, which has exciting kicking techniques that look impressive on the screen, and my own system called Junsado. In the beginning of the film, the villain injures Han, taking away the use of his left arm. For two years, he trains with only his right arm using a variety of weapons. For many of the film's fight scenes I was limited to using only one arm. I have been fighting all my life with two arms, so it was strange to do everything with one arm for this role. To move as fast and powerfully as the men I was fighting, I had to adjust my stance and footwork and develop a lot of unorthodox fighting skills. So in the movie, Han's fighting method is very strategic and relies on a mixture of kicking techniques and weapons.

Q: That is an unorthodox mixture.

SHK: It is but it works surprisingly well. I wanted to give the audience an idea of how a skilled martial artist can switch gears fluidly, using whatever is necessary for the situation. Han is not as big or as ruthless as some of the villains he faces, but he gets the job done in the end. A true master should be able to adapt to any situation and use what's at hand to prevail.

Exclusive Interview with Sang H. Kim :: Part 1

The following is the first in a series of excerpts from an exclusive interview with Sang H. Kim, director of the martial arts action movie, Zen Man.

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Q: Tell us a little about your film, Zen Man.

Sang H. Kim: Zen Man is the story of Han who is a master of martial arts and traditional calligraphy. He is living his life in seclusion, taking care of his niece, when the son of one of his former students shows up. The young man, Antonio, is seeking revenge against his father's killer and he asks Han to resume his martial arts training. When Han refuses, Antonio decides to take matters into his own hands and Han is ultimately forced to act before Antonio endangers anyone else.

TKDT: Where did the idea Zen Man come from?

SHK: When I was a little boy, I was hyperactive and sleepless. My grandmother used to tell her bedtime stories to keep my four brothers and me quiet. One of her stories has stuck in my mind for a long time, the story of my grandfather who survived in a foreign and hostile environment in Japan as a Korean traditional master. Based on her story of the heroic actions of my grandfather, I adapted parts of his life for the screen.

TKDT: So this is something that's been a long time in the making.

SHK: I've loved movies since I was a little boy. My father used to show "one penny movies" in many of the villages surrounding ours in the 1960s. He would carry a projector in his truck and set up a white sheet for a screen and charge a penny for admission. Then, when I was a bit older, one of my brothers took me to the theater to see Enter the Dragon, with Bruce Lee and I was fascinated. I was a third degree black belt in taekwondo at the time and I was amazed by Bruce Lee's skills and screen presence. So I guess movie making is something I've wanted to do since childhood, as a dream, and in a professional sense, it's something I've been preparing for over the last 15 years.

Defending against a possible knife attack

Loren Christensen, veteran law enforcement officer and martial artist and co-author of Timing in the Fighting Arts shares this advice about defending against a street thug with a knife:

Say a street person is threatening you and you notice a knife sheath on his right hip. It’s time to move the potential target - your body - but you have to decide in which direction. Since we aren’t there to see all the variables that can affect your decision, here is some food for thought. You can:

• Sidestep to position yourself away from the weapon.

• Since it’s arguably easier for him to slash with the blade across his body than it is to slash to the outside of his body, see if moving to the same side as the weapon is an option.

• Step in close to the weapon in preparation to jam the blade should he reach for it. The negative with this option is that you are close and can be punched with his other hand. No one said life would be easy.

• Look for something you can use for a weapon: chair, lamp, your belt, coat, and so on.

• If your avenue of escape is blocked, assume your deescalation stance and use your verbal judo as you maneuver yourself to where you can flee.

• Consider attacking. If he says he is going to stab you, know that his brain is either occupied with noting your reaction to his threat or with the process of reaching for his weapon. That is the moment you jam his arm and strike his eyes or throat.

• The instant he reaches for the blade and you are close to that side of his body, jam his arm, gouge his eyes or punch his throat. If you are on the other side, out of reach, go for the eyes or throat. In either case, make your move the instant he moves. Don’t wait for him todraw the knife.

Martials Arts DVD Preview Disc

Not sure which DVDs are best for you? Preview 60 of our most popular martial arts instructional DVDs and get a $5.00 coupon good on your next order.

The Turtle Press Preview DVD features a 30-90 second highlight clip from each of 60 martial arts titles. View the complete list here.

New Lower Price: Zen Man 2-DVD Set

The price for the special 2-disc Zen Man DVD set has been reduced to $19.95. In this special 2 disc deluxe edition, you get the full length wide screen version of Zen Man plus a second disc loaded with behind the scenes footage, "making of" featurettes, a look at the martial arts used in the movie and more. Don't miss out on the debut feature film from Sang H. Kim.

Just Arrived - Bargain Basement Books

We've just received a shipment of slightly damaged bargain basement books. If you don't mind a little scuffing, wear, or creasing on the cover of your book, you can pick up some great books at half price or less. But remember, bargain basement books are very limited in number and they go fast. If you see something you want, grab it and head for the checkout. See what's in stock in the Bargain Basement

SAVE 10% ON EVERYTHING WE SELL - NOW THROUGH SUNDAY

It's time for our once a year, end of summer sale - save 10% off all purchases now through midnight Sunday. Just fill up your shopping cart and enter coupon code SAVE06 in the coupon code box below the cart. No limitations! Save on already discounted sets, clearance items, everything on our site! This is a once year sale, so don't miss out. > Start Shopping

New Martial Arts Book and DVD Sets

Jujitsu DVD Set: Instructor James Kodzis teaches the complete art of jujitsu, combining no-nonsense striking skills with highly effective grappling techniques. Nearly 3 hours of systematic instruction in this 2-disc set.

Martial Arts Instructors Book and DVD Set: Hundreds of teaching and school management tips, ideas, strategies and variations you can start using immediately in this 2 book and 1 DVD set.

Martial Science Book Set: Discover the scientific theories that make the martial arts so effective and learn how to apply them in your daily training.

Armlock Encyclopedia book now available

The Armlock Encyclopedia by Steve Scott is now in stock and shipping to those customers who have preordered. If you placed a preorder, your book will be shipping from our CT warehouse tomorrow morning.

Cane for Self-defense DVD Shipping today

If you preordered a Cane for Self-defense DVD, you should be receiving your order in the next 5-10 days. All of the preorders shipped from our warehouse today.

We've moved!

Turtle Press is now located in sunny Santa Fe, NM. New contact information:

Turtle Press
PO Box 34010
Santa Fe NM 87594-4010

phone: 800-778-8785
fax: 815-572-9533

Our website and email contact information remain the same.

Preorder and Save: Cane for Self-defense DVD

Save $5.00 of the regular retail price when your order the Cane for Self-defense DVD before it's release in August. The cane is the only weapon you can legally carry with you everywhere you go and on this comprehensive DVD, Gordon Oster shows you exactly why the common walking cane is one of the most effective self-defense weapons you can learn.

Making Armlocks work in Sport Grappling

Two core skills for every successful armlock are (1) Position and (2) Set-ups. Following is an explanation of these two core skills and why they are so important.

We all have heard the old saying in real estate; if you want to sell property, the three most important things are location, location and location. It’s the same thing in judo, jujitsu, sambo, and any form of grappling. It could also be easily said for any form of personal combat. If you’re not in the right place at the right time, and don’t put your opponent in the wrong place at the wrong time (for him), your throw or hold won’t work...period.

Read the complete Armlock Fundamentals article by Steve Scott, author of the Armlock Encyclopedia.

Preorder and Save: Armlock Encyclopedia

Save $5.00 when you order Steve Scott's new book Armlock Encyclopedia: 85 Armlocks for Jujitsu, Judo, Sambo and Mixed Martial Arts. In a follow-up to his popular Championship Sambo: Submission Holds and Groundfighting, Steve Scott teaches you 85 essential armlocks for jujitsu, judo, sambo and mixed martial arts. The armlocks taught in the Armlock Encyclopedia apply to gi and no-gi combat sports, allowing you to use them in a wide variety of situations, including self-defense and street applications.

Coming soon: Cane for Self-defense

The much awaited Cane for Self-defense DVD is being edited for an August release. Check out a sneak preview here.

What is the difference between pushing kick and front kick?

We recently recieved this question through our author forum:

Master Kim,

I purchased your Complete Kicking DVD. One quick question: The Pushing Kick is not on the DVD, but it is used in the Top 100 DVD that I also have. Is the Pushing Kick really like a front kick but you push the opponent with the entire bottom of the foot? I can't tell from the Top 100 DVD. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks.

Matt

Sang H. Kim answers:

Pushing kick is different from front kick in two ways: Front kick's trajectory is simultaneously circular and upward to the target; pushing kick has two segments - you chamber the leg by bending your knee then push the target with either the ball of the foot or entire bottom of the foot. The targets are the lower stomach, pelvis, or chest.

The variations are: side pushing kick and diagonal pushing kick. The diagonal pushing kick is done from fighting stance by pushing the opponent's thigh with your toes facing out/upward and heel facing down/inward. It is often dangerous to use for your own safety, thus rarely used, but effective. Caution: it can hurt your knee joints and your opponents' too.

7 Scoring Tips for Taekwondo Sparring

Olympic Gold Medalist Kuk Hyun Chung and co-author Kyung Myung Lee share these scoring tips in Taekwondo Kyorugi: Olympic Style Sparring:

1. Counterattacking has a better chance of scoring than attacking for advanced competitors.
   
2. Beginning and intermediate competitors are most likely to score with single direct attacks.
   
3. In a close match, an attacking fighter is more likely to win that a counterattacking fighter unless the counterattacker can score a knockout.
   
4. The most frequently used attacks are roundhouse kick, back kick and axe kick.
5. Successful competitors can effectively counter these kicks.
   
6. The side kick and front kick are rarely used in competition any more and are highly unlikely to score points.
   
7. The roundhouse kick is the preferred kick for scoring, followed by the back kick and axe kick.

New ITF Taekwon-do Patterns DVD Set

Save $10 off the regular price of $49.95 when you order the new ITF Taekwon-do Patterns DVD Set by June 30th. Imported direct from Korea, this 2-disc DVD set teaches the first 18 patterns of the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) Changhon pattern set. Learn all of the patterns up to 4th degree black belt from expert Korean instructors. Multiple views and detailed instruction are excellent for at home practice and review.

Preorder and Save on Tonfa DVD

Save $5 when you order Young Kil Song's new Tonfa DVD. The tonfa (side-handle baton) is traditional weapon that was originally developed in Okinawa. On this DVD, Master Young Kil Song teaches a unique Korean style of Tonfa training with an emphasis on traditional style techniques using a single tonfa.

Zen Man Soundtrack Released

Released by popular demand, the moving and inspirational music of Zen Man is now on CD. Composed by Jason Solowsky, the music of Zen Man is a blend of East and West, action and instrospection. Own the Zen Man Soundtrack today!

Official Limited Edition Zen Man T-shirts

Just released: Official Limited Edition Zen Man movie T-shirts. These cool black T-shirts with a martial arts themed Zen Man logo on the back will only be available for a short time. Get your's now before they're gone!

Forearm Strikes: Drills for the Heavy Bag

"Striking with the inside of the forearm is similar to throwing a roundhouse punch and striking with the outside of the forearm is a similar motion to the backfist," says Loren W. Christensen, author of Solo Training and Fighter's Fact Book. "When striking with either side, it’s imperative that you keep your arm bent to prevent injury to your elbow joint."

Here are two simple forearm strike drills that Loren suggests adding to your heavy bag workout:

Forearm from behind

Face your imaginary opponent in your fighting stance. Step forward and drive a right reverse punch into his chest, followed by a left elbow to his ear. Whip your right arm around behind his head and snap the inside of your forearm into the back of his skull. He can’t defend against the elbow because he can’t see it. Work to make the combination flow smoothly.
Air: 3 sets, 10 reps – both sides
Bag: 3 sets, 10 reps – both sides

Forearm to nose

Face your imaginary opponent in your fighting stance, left leg forward. He throws a reverse punch that you slap to the right with your lead hand, but he continues to move forward, and before you can retract your blocking hand so as to backfist him, he is too close. No problem, you still have the outside of your forearm, which you ram into the point of his nose.
Air: 3 sets, 10 reps – both sides
Bag: 3 sets, 10 reps – both sides

Knee pain after training? Be sure to warm up

One of the source of joint pain in older martial arts students is the lack of a good warm up, says Sang H. Kim, author of Martial Arts After 40. To reduce the incidence of knee pain, he suggests the following simple addition to your warm-up.

1. Sit down on the floor, put your hands behind you on the floor comfortably, and stretch your legs forward.
2. Breathe deeply in and out a few times and shake you legs off by lifting your legs up and down gently. You may begin with the left leg then right leg repeatedly 10 to 15 times.
3. Rotate your legs inward and outward 10 to 15 times.
4. Lie back with your arms wide open on the floor, raise your legs vertically. Wait 10 to 15 seconds and feel the leg muscles starting relaxing.
5. Do bike riding in the air 30 to 60 times according to your inclination of the day.
6. Put down the legs and relax for 60 seconds and breathe deeply.

Sambo Book Released

Championship Sambo, by Steve Scott, has been released. Preorder sales have been brisk and this is proving to be one of our more popular titles. With so little available on the increasingly popular sport of sambo, this book is a much welcome addition to libraries of serious grapplers.

Sparring Combinations: 4 to Get You Started

If you're new to sparring or not sure where to start when it comes to combinations, Sang H. Kim suggests the following four to get started:

1) lead hand jab + rear hand punch + rear leg roundhouse kick
2) front leg roundhouse kick + lead hand punch + rear hand punch
3) front leg roundhouse kick + rear leg roundhouse kick + lead/rear punch combo
4) switch stance + front leg hopping side kick as you progress with your coordination

Practice 3 sets of 10 for each combination 3 times a week. Within 12 weeks you should be able to apply all 4 combinations in sparring with speed and power. Once you have these down, check out Top 100 Scoring Techinques DVD for more advanced combinations.

Push-ups: Max out Your Reps

Are you one of those people who can't seem to get past 50 push-ups or 10 or 100? No matter what your "push-up plateau" is, author Ted Weinmann (Warrior Speed) has some tips to break through to the next level:

1. Start with a good diet and plenty of rest, many people overtrain.
2. Start lifting weights using a weight that enables you to perform at least 4 but not more than 6 reps for the pecs, tris, and delts. Either work them in that order each day you train or train them on different days. (Explanation - if you tire your triceps and then go to bench to work your pecs, you won't be able to give your pecs an adequate workout because your triceps will be the limiting factor in your bench.) Rest 2 to 3 minutes between sets.
3. When you hit a plateau, change the exercises (flys for bench) and/or your schedule (1, 2 or 3 workouts/week per muscle group).
   
4. Keep this up until you hit a final plateau, then add plyometrics and repeat.
5. Next final plateau, add dynamic weight training and repeat.
6. Don't forget mental training. Psyche yourself up. If you did 5 reps the last time, mentally train yourself that night and prior to the set on your next day's training to do 6 reps, or 5 reps with a couple more pounds.
7. If push-ups hurt your wrists, turn your hands out so that the fingers point toward 10:00 and 2:00 o'clock instead of at 12:00.

Zen Man DVDs Shipping Today

The Zen Man 2-disc sets have arrived in our warehouse and will ship out this evening. If you've already ordered, expect to be receiving your DVD shortly. If you haven't, there is one last chance to take advantage of the preorder discount of $5.00 off the regular retail price of $24.95. Order by May 10th and get the 2-disc set for only $19.95. Order here.

New Training Article: Intro to Sambo Groundfighting

Just added to the TurtlePress.com martial arts training tips library: Intro to Sambo Groundfighting, an introductory article with some key tips about winning on the ground in a sambo match.

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.

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.

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.

Martial Arts Injury Care: Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee) & Osgood Schlatter’s Disease

This simple but effective injury care tip comes from Trish Bare Ground's Guide for Martial Arts Injury Care and Prevention:

Many jumping sports get a condition known as patellar tendonitis, or jumper’s knee, from repetively jumping on a hard surface, putting stress and strain on the patellar tendon which attaches the four large quadriceps muscles (on front of the thigh) to a small bump (tibial tuberosity) just below the patella (kneecap). Pain is normally localized around this bump and the space between the patella and the bump just below the patella. Others get a similar pain because the bones of their legs are growing faster than the muscles can accommodate for, causing pain in the knee and just below in the area of the bump that the patellar tendon attaches to. This condition is most often seen in males, ages 10-15 years of age who have had a dramatic growth spurt in a short period of time. Martial artists are prone to both, even though it is not a jumping sport per se. A lot of the agility drills as well as jumping rope, can have the same effect, especially if they also run on a hard surface, such as concrete or asphalt.

Now generally the best thing to do is to rest and ice these injuries, but sometimes practice and competition schedules are not that accommodating, and a pacifier for the injury is needed. You can purchase commercially produced CHO-PAT® straps, those brown straps that you often see basketball players wearing around the leg just under the knee, to help reduce the pain. You can also use pre-wrap, applied before any type of workout using the following technique:

1. Using pre-wrap, circle the leg 10 times just below the patella (kneecap), being careful not to pull tight.

2. Then take your hands and “roll” the pre-wrap down from the top and up from the bottom until you have a “strap”.

3. To loosen, place your fingers between leg and strap and pull, stretching it to your own comfort. Simply tear to remove.

Final VHS Video Clearance Sale

We have a limited number of VHS titles left at clearance prices. Get them while they last:


Power Breaking video $5.95
WTF Black Belt Poomse Vol. 1 video $5.95
WTF Black Belt Poomse Vol. 2 video $7.95 (only 1 left in stock)
Tai Chi: Chen Style video $5.95
Tai Chi:Yang Style video $7.95 (only 1 left in stock)
Power Strength Stamina video $5.95 (only 1 left in stock)
Taekkyon Vol. 1 video $7.95 (only 3 left in stock)
Taekkyon Vol. 2 video $5.95
Muay Thai Knockout 1 video $7.95 (only 3 left in stock)
Traditional Korean Weapons 1 video $7.95 (only 1 left in stock)
Traditional Korean Archery video $7.95
Warrior Arts of Korea video $5.95
Taekwondo Hand Skills video $5.95
Police Tactics One video $5.95
Perfect your Kyorugi Kicking video $5.95
Taekwondo Hanmadang video $7.95 (only 2 left in stock)

Preorder New Martial Arts Movie and Save

Save $5.00 off the regular retail price of $24.95 when you order the Zen Man 2 DVD Set. In his feature film debut, Sang H. Kim brings to life the story of a peace-seeking Zen master named Han who is drawn into a web of revenge by the son of his former student. As elements of his past come back to haunt him, the Zen master faces a choice: kill or be killed. While the young man finally gets his wish, he discovers that we don't know what we have until we destroy it.

In this special 2 disc deluxe edition, you get the full length wide screen version of Zen Man plus a second disc loaded with behind the scenes footage, "making of" featurettes, a look at the martial arts used in the movie and more. Don't miss out on the debut feature film from Sang H. Kim.

Ultimate Flexibility released in Spanish Language

Turtle Press is pleased to announce the publication of FLEXIBILIDAD EXTREMA, the Spanish language edition of Ultimate Flexibility by Sang H. Kim. The book is available for $24.95 from Turtle Press in the United States or 25,00 Euros from Editorial Paidotribo in Spain.

How fast do you lose strength gains?

Getting enough rest between strength training workouts is essential, but so is finding the right frequency of workouts. Most people believe that strength gains start to deteriorate with 2-3 days of inactivity. Not true, say Ted Weimann, author of Warrior Speed. "If you have just completed a high intensity, eccentric workout, it can take 7-9 days for the muscles to repair, rebuild and fully recover. Once recovery is complete, then the clock starts to tick." So don't be afraid to give your muscles enough time to recover between hard workouts, but avoid layoffs of a week or more.

Increase the height of your side kick

Sang H. Kim, author Ultimate Flexiblity, suggests a simple set of exercises to increase the height of your side kick:

1) Do horse riding stance in comfortable position - 1 minute
2) Do horse riding stance in a deep stance (without knee pain) - 2 sets of 30 seconds
3) Squat down and hold your ankles breathing deeply - 2 sets of 30 seconds
4) From #3 posture, put both hands on the floor in front of you, slide your right foot to the right all the way and stretch your right leg, then bring back the right leg and repeat to the left with your left leg - 2 sets of 30 seconds each side
5) Have a rest for 30 seconds - walk around while breathing deeply. You may shake your legs and ankles occasionally to loosen up the muscles and joints.
6) Hold a stable bar, chair or table, and do a slow raising right side kick. Hold in the air as long as you can. Repeat the left side the same way-minimum 3 sets of 15 seconds on both sides.
7) Finish by practicing your normal side kick in the air or to a heavy bag.

I recommend doing the above 3 times a week for 12 weeks. It is important to know your limits and progress from there. Monitor your progress weekly. You may keep a journal and see what you accomplish in about 3 months.

New Book and DVD Sets Offered

This month we have four new book and DVD sets available at special discounts:

• Muay Thai DVD set
• Injury Care and Prevention Book and DVD set
  
• Nunchaku DVD set
• Korean Sword and Weapon Arts Book and DVD set

New DVD set: Shuai Jiao: Chinese Wrestling

We are expecting to receive a shipment of new instructional DVD sets on Shuai Jiao, the Chinese style of wrestling or grappling, within the next few days. This exercises and techniques taught in this little known style are an excellent addition to any grappling, wrestling or strength training workout. With over 3 hours of instruction, this is an in depth look at Shuai Jiao as it's practiced today in China.

Boxing: Cutting off the Ring

According to R. Michael Onello, author of Boxing: A 12 Week Course, shares his strategy for cutting off the ring:

"This technique is used to slow down and contain a fighter (trapping him) with a boxer’s style, so you’re able to catch him. It is very effective at taking the ring away from him, so he is unable to stick-and-move or range fight you. Control the real estate in the ring!"

Tips for cutting off the ring:

• Imagine the ring divided into boxes, like a cross where the lines meet in the center of the ring (+). Never let your opponent turn and cross a line. Cut him off by mirroring, not following him.
• Stay even with him and stop his movement by throwing hooks in the direction he wants to move (hook him off).
• When you have him in the corner think of a triangle and keep him contained in it.
• Also give him small boxes to work in, not allowing room for him to roll out.
• If he turns a corner and passes over your imaginary line, immediately adjust and start a new one.
• Move forward and to the side, not backward.

The Bargain Basement is bursting!

We've received a fairly large shipment of bargain basement titles, which means this is one of the best opportunities you'll have to pick up a slightly damaged discounted copy of just about any title we carry. Check out the full list of titles but don't wait. These bargain books never hang around long.

Visualization exercises not working?

Dr. Jacob Jordan, author of Total MindBody Training, offers this advice if you're struggling with visualization exercises:

I would recommend first taking more time on the first step to effective visualization: relaxation. Go through the exercises listed in the book for step by step relaxation before attempting any visualization. Adequate relaxation is a must to engage the right brain dynamics necessary for this technique.

Second, I would suggest trying to concentrate more on how the mental image feels rather than stressing the actual mental picture. If imaging a kick, try to sense how your supporting leg would feel, how your hips would turn with the action and the position of your back and shoulders. Some practitioners are simply more kinesthetically (physically) oriented and will ingrain techniques more effectively through sensation than by visual cues.

VHS Video clearance sale

We're clearing out our VHS video stock. All VHS titles are $9.95 until March 1st, while supplies last. Complete video list

5 Tips for High Kicks

Excerpted from Ultimate Flexibility: A Complete Guide to Stretching for Martial Artists:

• Build strength with flexibility, both through kicking drills and resistance and flexibility training. One of the primary reasons high kicks are so challenging is the sheer weight of your leg. To propel the full weight of your leg into a vertical side kick relies as much on the strength of the muscles as on their range of motion.
• Bungee cord training (a bungee cord wrapped around your ankle and secured to the floor) builds flexibility in motion. Like running in sand or up hills, this type of training will build the large muscles of the leg in a very specific way. During bungee cord training, 75% of your regular kicking height is a good goal.
• Quick focused kicking movements are better suited to high kicks than large or slow movements. Chamber your leg quickly and compactly.
• The knee of your standing leg should be slightly flexed, both to allow you to kick higher and to prevent knee injuries.
• The maximum force of a high kick is exerted just prior to impact. Whip the target rather than smashing through it. Kicking too hard will disrupt your balance and cause you to lose control of your kick after impact. Withdraw the kick immediately after impact, focusing on a light follow-through after the full dissipation of energy into the target.

New Lower Prices on Many DVDs

Our 4 day sale was so successful last month that we have permanently reduced prices on over a dozen titles including Complete Taekwondo Kicking, Muay Thai Knockout, Complete Sparring and Ultimate Fitness. Visit Turtle Press DVDs for the complete selection.

Sparring Drills: Improve your Reaction Time

There are two ways to respond in a fight, according to Sang H. Kim. "

The first is to respond passively; the second is to do it actively. Passively means just block and hit back. Actively means to counterattack followed by quick bodily movement such as footwork or weaving the body to avoid the opponent's attack then hit back. Moving and hitting happens almost simultaneously. I recommend an active response since it reduces your mental reaction time as well as any physical delay in motion."

Here are three drills to practice active counterattacking and improve your reaction time:

1. From fighting stance, slide back 6 to 12 inches very quickly, then move to the side (to the right if you are right handed fighter) at a 45 degree angle. Do 20 to 30 reps.
2. From fighting stance, slide back as in Drill 1, then make a quick rear leg roundhouse kick to the front. Do 20-30 reps.
3. From fighting stance, side step 45 degree to the right rear, and do the same round house kick as quickly as possible. Do 20-30 reps.
   

If you do these drills 5 days a week for 4 weeks, you'll see a significant change in your reaction time.

Jab Strategy

R. Michael Onello, author of Boxing: A 12 Week Course gives this advice about using the jab stragetically:

1. The jab keeps an opponent in a defensive mode, breaking his rhythm and timing. Throwing it does not alter your defensive position or stance so throw it often.

2. Measure distance or drive opponent back with the jab, keeping him off balance, blocking his vision and setting him up so you can create openings and move in to control the bout.

3. Vary the speed of your jab and the placement (moving it up and down) so your opponent cannot time it; this will confuse him.

4. Thrown in multiples the jab can be effectively used to block your opponent’s vision with the first punch and land the second or third (double / triple jab).

New Review: Tang Soo Do Black Belt Forms DVD

Ko-Reivews.com has this to say about Master Young Kil Song's Tang Soo Do Black Belt Forms DVD:

Master Song, Young Kil is a very technical and strong martial artist. The demonstrations of the forms and the instruction are top rate. His movements are crisp and there is a lot here that is very familiar from Taekwondo. The forms are different but the similarities in the Korean arts are noticable. There are strong hard movements combined with sharp footwork and a great sense of speed. I am not familiar with Tang Soo Do forms, so evaluating a black belt forms DVD is difficult. But I have a strong background in traditional martial arts and I have to say that Song, Young Kil is the real deal. These are not "showy" forms, set to hip hop music. This is real traditional martial arts.

If you are looking for strong and straightforward forms training in Tang Soo Do, this DVD is for you. No frills, but filled with content. This DVD is a great purchase for a new blackbelt or an advanced martial arts who would like a solid reference for home study.

Martial Arts Speed Training: How many reps?

For speed training, quality is more important than quantity, says author and veteran martial artist Sang H. Kim. In Martial Arts After 40, he advises, "For speed training, keep the number of repetitions low - less than 10 per set - but the quality of each repetition high. Perform each rep with complete concentration and commitment, resting between reps. If you start to feel your focus or accuracy slipping, move on to the next set using a different technique."