http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBMMDQIh0HU&feature=g-all-u
Thanks to Sifu Garry Hearfield for the link. Lots of great video to watch here, if you are a fan of Southern Chinese Martial Arts (Yau Kung Mun, Bak Mei, Lung Ying, etc.).
Drop me a line/comment, let me know what you think.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Friday, November 9, 2012
Tactical Flashlight
From The Art of Manliness - How to use a Tactical Flashlight
A small (not too small) flashlight should be part of your everyday carry. I carry one for the mundane tasks of looking under the car seat for items dropped, under furniture, in closets, etc. Generally once a day I use my surefire for something non-tactical.
As with many items, it is a multi-use item. Everyday carry is something to invest a bit of time in - most days (rarely) you do not need a weapon, but there is a much higher usage for lights, first aid kits, etc.
Be prepared for all life is going to dish out.
What Is a Tactical Flashlight?
In today’s post we’re not talking about just any old flashlight. We’re talking about tactical flashlights. What makes a flashlight tactical? A tactical flashlight is simply a flashlight that’s been designed for tactical (i.e. military or police) use. Many tactical flashlights are designed to be mounted to a weapon for low-light shooting. They’re typically smaller than traditional flashlights, emit much more light, and are made of weapon-grade aluminum for maximum durability. While tactical flashlights are designed primarily for military and police units, as we’ll see below, they’re also a really handy everyday and personal defense tool for the average civilian.A small (not too small) flashlight should be part of your everyday carry. I carry one for the mundane tasks of looking under the car seat for items dropped, under furniture, in closets, etc. Generally once a day I use my surefire for something non-tactical.
As with many items, it is a multi-use item. Everyday carry is something to invest a bit of time in - most days (rarely) you do not need a weapon, but there is a much higher usage for lights, first aid kits, etc.
Be prepared for all life is going to dish out.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Video review and youtube video comment
Two items for today - a review of Scott Sonnon's 'Primal Fitness' and a comment on a youtube video site.
Primal Fitness (PF) - the latest product to come out of rmaxinternational.com.
Like TacFit Commando, PF is provided to you via download. There are a lot of downloads with PF - I hope you have a fast Internet connection.
PF is based on the same 4-day wave, combined into 7 cycles for a total of 28 days. There are excellent mobility and cooldown sessions combined with the workouts. Where PF differs from TacFit Commando is that while TacFit Commando is based entirely on the Tabata type exercise session, each wave in PF concentrates on a different method of training - one wave Tabata style, one wave an 'Every minute on the minute' method, etc. The variety makes for an interesting month of training.
One other difference is the emphasis on heart rate and recovery - PF stresses this to a much higher degree than TacFit Commando does. Both are great for providing 'healthy' training, not just fitness. PF explains and emphasizes it more.
I would recommend either course. I feel the Commando option (minus the marketing techniques) is the better 'fitness' routine, the PF a better, long term option. I also feel the Commando option is an easier 'out of the box' system - it takes a bit of tweaking to get into PF - for example, the warmup and cooldown for Commando is available as a separate video clip, with PF you have to decide what you want to do for the warmup. not bad, but with Commando the option is already there for you.
As a public service announcement - sign up for rmax's newsletters - they will keep you up to date on sales and other events.
If this review helps you, drop me a line and let me know.
On to youtube - a friend (thanks, Sean) sent me a link to a fellow performing many gung fu forms, specifically Hung Gar. He writes in the comments about 'original' Hung Gar being played in a tight space, and performs Tid Sin Kuen and Gung Gee in a hallway (and later a Kwan Dao set in an apartment).
Overall, I like his performance - worth a second or third look, in my opinion.
Primal Fitness (PF) - the latest product to come out of rmaxinternational.com.
Like TacFit Commando, PF is provided to you via download. There are a lot of downloads with PF - I hope you have a fast Internet connection.
PF is based on the same 4-day wave, combined into 7 cycles for a total of 28 days. There are excellent mobility and cooldown sessions combined with the workouts. Where PF differs from TacFit Commando is that while TacFit Commando is based entirely on the Tabata type exercise session, each wave in PF concentrates on a different method of training - one wave Tabata style, one wave an 'Every minute on the minute' method, etc. The variety makes for an interesting month of training.
One other difference is the emphasis on heart rate and recovery - PF stresses this to a much higher degree than TacFit Commando does. Both are great for providing 'healthy' training, not just fitness. PF explains and emphasizes it more.
I would recommend either course. I feel the Commando option (minus the marketing techniques) is the better 'fitness' routine, the PF a better, long term option. I also feel the Commando option is an easier 'out of the box' system - it takes a bit of tweaking to get into PF - for example, the warmup and cooldown for Commando is available as a separate video clip, with PF you have to decide what you want to do for the warmup. not bad, but with Commando the option is already there for you.
As a public service announcement - sign up for rmax's newsletters - they will keep you up to date on sales and other events.
If this review helps you, drop me a line and let me know.
On to youtube - a friend (thanks, Sean) sent me a link to a fellow performing many gung fu forms, specifically Hung Gar. He writes in the comments about 'original' Hung Gar being played in a tight space, and performs Tid Sin Kuen and Gung Gee in a hallway (and later a Kwan Dao set in an apartment).
Overall, I like his performance - worth a second or third look, in my opinion.
'International Security' Book Review
The Kindle version of 'International Security, Personal Protection in an Uncertain World" by Orlando Wilson recently came out.
I have waited for this to come out for a while, and was not disappointed. Mr. Wilson has delivered a very good personal security primer here.
Not a book of checklists or esoteric philosophy, Mr. Wilson presents the essentials of security to the reader in a manner that requires the reader to evaluate their own security needs, and take action appropriately. He includes some brief examples from his career in Executive Protection to help illustrate his points.
I feel this would be a very good companion book to 'Escape the Wolf' by Clint Emerson.
I would like to see both books in the future include more personal examples of what to do, such as in this article from HammerHead Combat Systems on using reflections in daily life for situational awareness.
I have waited for this to come out for a while, and was not disappointed. Mr. Wilson has delivered a very good personal security primer here.
Not a book of checklists or esoteric philosophy, Mr. Wilson presents the essentials of security to the reader in a manner that requires the reader to evaluate their own security needs, and take action appropriately. He includes some brief examples from his career in Executive Protection to help illustrate his points.
I feel this would be a very good companion book to 'Escape the Wolf' by Clint Emerson.
I would like to see both books in the future include more personal examples of what to do, such as in this article from HammerHead Combat Systems on using reflections in daily life for situational awareness.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Review - Jik Bo Kuen Applications
As promised, here is the review of Warrior Body Buddha Mind's Omei Bak Mei Jik Bo Kuen Applications video.
As you are aware, I am very pleased with the instructional video and the circling hands video. The Applications video is also a winner.
I like the format the Sifu Christer has put together, breaking the form down segment by segment, and then showing applications (examples) to what he has broken down.
There is a lot of material in the form, and lots of places to pay attention to the smallest details to get the best results. Jik Bo Kuen is considered a beginners form, and also a Master's level form.
There were several key points that Sifu Christer brought out, not directly related to any one technique.
1 - Have faith in the techniques.
2 - Maintain the correct distance when practicing - the 'attacker' needs to feed the punches and grabs realistically (although slowly at first). This trains the eyes to recognize real threats, and also prepares you for the psychological effects of someone in your face.
3 - Have the correct mindset. Don't play patty cake with the arms, seize and strike with body weight. Of course, don't injure your partner - no one will play with you if you keep breaking them.
4 - The form is very strict in its footwork, angles, structures, etc. The applications will not necessarily be as strict. Adapt and become fluid in your actions.
I recommend you purchase all three videos. They will help you understand your respective martial art, and build a firm foundation for learning other sets.
As you are aware, I am very pleased with the instructional video and the circling hands video. The Applications video is also a winner.
I like the format the Sifu Christer has put together, breaking the form down segment by segment, and then showing applications (examples) to what he has broken down.
There is a lot of material in the form, and lots of places to pay attention to the smallest details to get the best results. Jik Bo Kuen is considered a beginners form, and also a Master's level form.
There were several key points that Sifu Christer brought out, not directly related to any one technique.
1 - Have faith in the techniques.
2 - Maintain the correct distance when practicing - the 'attacker' needs to feed the punches and grabs realistically (although slowly at first). This trains the eyes to recognize real threats, and also prepares you for the psychological effects of someone in your face.
3 - Have the correct mindset. Don't play patty cake with the arms, seize and strike with body weight. Of course, don't injure your partner - no one will play with you if you keep breaking them.
4 - The form is very strict in its footwork, angles, structures, etc. The applications will not necessarily be as strict. Adapt and become fluid in your actions.
I recommend you purchase all three videos. They will help you understand your respective martial art, and build a firm foundation for learning other sets.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Omei Bak Mei Circling Hands
I ordered the 'Omei Bak Mei Circling Hands' video (download) from Warrior Body Buddha Mind (WBBM) last week.
Starting with the download itself - what a pain. But this is due to my location (middle of a landlocked, dusty/sandy country with limited bandwidth on the best of days). Sifu Christer was a great asset, being patient with my multiple attempts to get a complete download. I also downloaded the Ly Jik Bo applications video (review coming later).
As noted on their site, the audio quality in a few places was bad - but only in a few small areas. It was a minor distraction, and did not detract from the instructional quality.
I liked the format of the video. With a brief introduction to the circling hands 'training platform' - it was right into the meat of the instruction. I liked the way they took the form Yum Yeung Jik Bo Kuen from beginning to end and how to apply it from the circling hands practice.
The circling hands video compliments the form video - both urging relaxation and use of body (rise/sink/contract/expand) movement and not just arm and shoulder. I also liked the emphasis on it being a developmental drill and not a competition.
If you haven't bought the Yum Yeung Jik Bo Kuen video - do so before getting the circling hands video. It will make understanding both so much easier.
I have had exposure to several methods of 'sensitivity' training - hubud-lubud, Chi Sao, etc. - and like the combatives application that the WBBM bring to the table (mirrors my own ideas/experiences). Rather than focus on a rigid structure of movement, they tend towards a quicker, more dynamic method of movement. Kinda hard to explain in words, but the would rather you get moving and experience the exercise than worry about doing it 'properly'. The other arts tend to take a little longer to get to the useful stages (in my opinion).
Drop a comment, let me know what you think. Tell your other martial arts training partners about my site - the more the merrier.
Starting with the download itself - what a pain. But this is due to my location (middle of a landlocked, dusty/sandy country with limited bandwidth on the best of days). Sifu Christer was a great asset, being patient with my multiple attempts to get a complete download. I also downloaded the Ly Jik Bo applications video (review coming later).
As noted on their site, the audio quality in a few places was bad - but only in a few small areas. It was a minor distraction, and did not detract from the instructional quality.
I liked the format of the video. With a brief introduction to the circling hands 'training platform' - it was right into the meat of the instruction. I liked the way they took the form Yum Yeung Jik Bo Kuen from beginning to end and how to apply it from the circling hands practice.
The circling hands video compliments the form video - both urging relaxation and use of body (rise/sink/contract/expand) movement and not just arm and shoulder. I also liked the emphasis on it being a developmental drill and not a competition.
If you haven't bought the Yum Yeung Jik Bo Kuen video - do so before getting the circling hands video. It will make understanding both so much easier.
I have had exposure to several methods of 'sensitivity' training - hubud-lubud, Chi Sao, etc. - and like the combatives application that the WBBM bring to the table (mirrors my own ideas/experiences). Rather than focus on a rigid structure of movement, they tend towards a quicker, more dynamic method of movement. Kinda hard to explain in words, but the would rather you get moving and experience the exercise than worry about doing it 'properly'. The other arts tend to take a little longer to get to the useful stages (in my opinion).
Drop a comment, let me know what you think. Tell your other martial arts training partners about my site - the more the merrier.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Warrior Body, Buddha Mind
Warrior Body Buddha Mind - not a new site (been around a year or so in its present location - but a treasure trove of information regarding Yau Kung Mun, Bak Mei Pai and other arts.
I like the way that Sifu Garry Hearfield has researched the roots of the various arts, getting to the core methods of them.
I have several of their products, and find them to be extremely helpful in either a) introducing me to concepts I didn't have a grasp on, or b) exposing me to a different way of looking at what I currently train in.
Stop by and check them out.
I have several of their products, and find them to be extremely helpful in either a) introducing me to concepts I didn't have a grasp on, or b) exposing me to a different way of looking at what I currently train in.
Stop by and check them out.
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