The Yakuza Involvement in Japanese Combat Sports
The Yakuza, organised crime syndicates in Japan, have historically had a complex and often controversial involvement in various aspects of Japanese society, including combat sports like boxing, professional wrestling, and mixed martial arts (MMA), particularly Pride FC. While not universally true for all organisations or events, their involvement can be characterised by several key points: […]
Boxing in the UK Prior to the Queensbury Rules
## Introduction Boxing, often heralded as “the sweet science,” has its roots deeply embedded in human history. The traditional form of boxing, known for its strategic elements and cultural significance, has evolved significantly from its early days. In the UK, the sport underwent a series of transformations long before the introduction of the Marquess of […]
The Art of Shuai Jiao: China’s Ancient Wrestling Tradition
Introduction Shuai Jiao, the ancient Chinese martial art of wrestling, embodies a rich history marked by its intricate techniques, deep cultural significance, and martial efficiency. Rooted in China’s millennia-old martial arts heritage, Shuai Jiao has evolved from a battlefield necessity to a modern sport while preserving essential aspects of its traditional roots. This essay aims […]
The History of Sanda/Sanshou
Introduction Sanda, also known as Sanshou, is a Chinese martial art that combines elements of traditional Chinese martial arts with modern combat techniques. It is a full-contact sport that includes striking, grappling, and wrestling techniques. The terms “Sanda” and “Sanshou” are often used interchangeably, with “Sanda” translating to “free fighting” and “Sanshou” to “free hand.” […]
The History of the Shaolin Temple
Introduction The Shaolin Temple, located in the Henan province of China, is renowned worldwide as the birthplace of Chinese martial arts and a symbol of Buddhist culture. Establishing its significance in both religious and martial contexts, the temple’s history stretches back over a millennium. This essay seeks to investigate the origins, evolution, and enduring legacy […]
WW2 – Fairburn Combatives
Fairbairn Combatives is a system of hand-to-hand combat training developed by William E. Fairbairn and Eric Anthony Sykes during World War II. This system was designed to be simple, effective, and easy to learn, making it ideal for soldiers and others who needed to defend themselves in close-quarters combat situations. Fairbairn Combatives is based on […]
Tahtib – The Berber Martial Art
Tahtib is a traditional Berber martial art that has been practiced for centuries in North Africa and Sudan. The art of Tahtib originated as a form of combat training and self-defence for the Berber tribes in the region. Tahtib involves the use of a wooden stick, known as an asa, which is typically made from […]
Mas Oyama’s Zazen
Karate master Mas Oyama emphasised the importance of meditation in karate training. He believed that meditation was essential for developing mental strength, focus, and discipline. Oyama taught his students to practice meditation as a way to center themselves, control their emotions, and improve their overall performance in karate. In Japanese martial arts, meditation is often […]
Zanshin – The art of awareness
Zanshin is a concept in Japanese martial arts that refers to a state of relaxed awareness or alertness. It is the mental state in which a martial artist is fully present, focused, and ready to respond to any potential threats or attacks. Zanshin is often described as a state of mind that is free from […]
Situational Awareness
Self-defence situational awareness is the key to staying safe in any environment. Being aware of your surroundings and potential threats can help you avoid dangerous situations and protect yourself from harm. One of the most important aspects of situational awareness is being mindful of your surroundings at all times. This means paying attention to people […]