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Kickboxing is a sport that is somewhat similar to boxing but allows the use of kicks. This simple change creates many more variables and changes the way a fighter must fight. Kicks can be very devastating, but also tend to be slower than punches. Many of the world’s best kickboxers can deliver lightning fast kicks, and this is how they become the top fighters in their weight class. Your kickboxing drills should stress speed and timing along with raw power. Even if power must be sacrificed, you should always strive for well-timed kicks that actually land on target. A very strong kick that is blocked wastes your energy, inflicts little damage, and scores no points with the judges. Fast kicks that hit their target do a lot of damage even if there is not much power behind the kick. Also, the judges score based on the number of landed strikes, not how strong you are.

Your kickboxing drills should have specific targets that you can kick at full speed. The use of a training partner and pads is the best way to improve your accuracy while boosting your speed. When in a match your opponent will have a certain timing to his movements. It is important to learn how to read the timing of an opponent and throw your kicks at the best moments. Using a punching bag does not help you learn to kick at the right moment, but using a human partner does. Your partner should move like he would in a real match and use arm or hand mounted pads to absorb your kicks. These pads serve as targets for you to hit, and your partner will essentially be a dynamic punching bag that actually reacts like a human would.

Your training partner can also feign strikes at you. This helps you learn to time your attacks along with your blocks and dodges. As your training partner throws a punch you can duck it and then respond with a kick or punch. The goal is to land the strike before his punching arm has time to get back to block. Your training partner should then either absorb your strike with his other arm’s pad, or wear a full body pad to absorb strikes that come too quickly for him. This kickboxing drill helps you learn how to react to an opponent and his timing rather than just learning your blocking and striking separately. In a real match, striking and blocked are interwoven, not separate. Your eventual goal should be that your partner will have to wear full body pads because his hands cannot keep up with your strikes.

Yoshi E Kundagawa is a freelance journalist. He covers the mixed martial arts industry. For a free report on kickboxing drills visit his blog.

By: Yoshi Kundagawa

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First off, let me just remind you that our bodies are never static. This means that sometimes our energy and strength are going to be higher than at other times. When we are feeling low, we should realize that its time to back off, and enter a different phase of training. This is what the old school bodybuilders meant when they preached the saying, “listening to your body.” Your body talks to you in subtle ways. If you learn to listen to your body, you will keep progressing smoothly. Periodization is one way to train that allows you to continue making progress. Periodization is defined as a process of structuring your training into phases.

Begin by dividing a six-month period of time into three 8-week phases. The first 8 weeks is the strength phase. During this time you will train with heavier weights. The second eight-week phase will have you training with weights that will promote muscle growth. The last eight-weeks will act to preserve what muscle you have gained and to rid the body of excess body fat. Your sample six-month plan would look like this:

Phase I: Weeks 1-8, 4-7 Reps
Phase II: Weeks 9-16, 8-11 Reps
Phase III: Weeks 17-24, 12-15 Reps

In phase I, you will split the body into four groups and train each group once per week. This will ensure that you recuperate fully from each workout and maximize your strength gains.

Monday-chest and shoulders
Tuesday-off
Wednesday-back and hamstrings, abs
Thursday-off
Friday-arms
Saturday-off
Sunday-Quads, calves

You may notice that I have divided leg training into two days. The reason is simple–when I train quads hard, I just do not have enough energy left to hit another large body part like hams. In general, perform three sets of three exercises for each body part. The first set will be a warm-up or acclimation set, followed by three working sets. Since this workout plan includes plenty of rest, you should be able to train to failure on each of your work sets and still avoid over-training. Avoid forced repetitions and negatives, however.

Try to improve your performance each week by either doing one more rep with the same weight or by doing the same number of reps but with more weight. Rest up to three minutes between the more complex lifts like squats and two minutes between the less taxing exercises like curls.

Phase II
During weeks 9-16, you will divide the body into four different groups and train using a two days on, one day off schedule. This will have you training each body part a little more frequently to maximize hypertrophy.

Monday: Chest, Shoulders, and Abs
Tuesday: Back and Hams
Wednesday: Off
Thursday: Biceps, Triceps, and Abs
Friday: Quads and Calves
Saturday: Off
Sunday: repeat cycle

The rest period during Phase II should be 90 – 120 seconds between sets.

Phase III
Now it is time to fine-tune that physique by dropping some fat. For starters, you will divide your body into three parts and train using a three on, one off schedule. As you will notice, we are going to train legs in one session. Your workout cycle will look like this:

Monday: Chest, Shoulders, and Triceps
Tuesday: Back and Biceps
Wednesday: Legs (Quads, Hams, and Calves)
Thursday: Off
Friday: repeat cycle

The rest period between exercises for this phase should be limited to between 45 and 90 seconds.

In order to make this program work, your nutrition program must also be a priority. To make this simple, you will periodize the nutrition plan to correspond to the training program. To do so, you basically begin your first phase with a fairly high amount of calories–all from clean food. Then gradually decrease your calories and increase your cardio as you move from phase I-III.

If you are compliant with this program, you will make gains. At the end of phase III, take a week or two off from training. You will have earned it, and it will do your body good!

Until next time, train hard and smart!

By: Dr. Malea Jensen

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Martial Arts refers to a systematic style of personal combat. There are many different variations of the arts. Here is an introduction to the subject.

Any discussion of martial art facts should begin with the meaning of the word itself. The term martial arts comes from the Roman god of war Mars. The phrase arc Martialis actually translates as the “arts of Mars.” Although there is no doubt that martial arts was developed in the beginning as a part of warfare, even from the earliest times it had other purposes. Today, marital arts are used for a wide variety of purposes. Some of them are very spiritual in nature and some are non-spiritual. They include self discipline, mediation, self confidence, and sport.

Although martial arts are thought by many to be almost exclusively of Asian origin, the development of formal systems of self defense actually took place world wide. The Europeans developed several unique styles of fighting including savate, the French kick boxing discipline developed by sailors and street fighters. American Indians and Hawaiian islanders both had their own forms of martial arts.

Although certain people brought knowledge of the Asian forms of martial arts to the West from the very beginning of the contact between Asia and the West, martial arts were basically unknown in the United States until after the 1950’s. An example of this lack of knowledge was given in the popular James Bond movie “GoldFinger”, where Bond who was supposed to be an expert in unarmed combat himself displays at distressing lack of knowledge about the nature of karate and judo.

Some non-Asian forms of unique martial arts include khridoli which is a very ancient Georgian form that used mostly bare hands and Glima, which is an ancient Scandinavian martial art that is thought to date back to the Vikings and is still the National sport of Iceland. Today, many forms of martial arts have become sports. Judo and Tae Kwon Do are both events in the Summer Olympics. Archery, boxing, javelin throw, wrestling and fencing are other Olympic sports that have martial arts roots.

Today, the increased media attention has brought the ancient martial arts to a new level of popularity. Martial arts movies and televised competitions have also helped increased the interest and exposure of martial arts. Although many of the ancient forms of personal combat that were developed over the centuries have been lost, martial arts has experienced a revival through sport and competition.

By: Aazdak Alisimo

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John Dronsfield was thinking of a new idea that would guarantee he would get two pieces of work into an open art competition. This is a similar situation that many artists find themselves pondering. As artists progress through their career they enter competitions and exhibitions, to increase exposure to their work. John came up with an idea that was certainly innovative and caught the eye of curators, critics and members of the public. Painting on toast was born.

That was fifteen years ago, since then the toast has not been seen as frequently, until recently. An organiser of The Art of Caring Exhibition and blog started talking about the artist who paints on toast. A piece of this artistic toast was then sent to be reframed and caused quite a stir. People are still asking about this amazing piece of work. It is not just recognition from the public it has been recognised by the curator of the Stockport Art Gallery and adjudicators. When they all saw the paints they all announced a “Wow, that’s amazing.” The response is still the same today. Unlike many pieces of art these are not just another piece of novelty art. This is important to both artists looking for an original, eye catching idea and collectors / investors wanting a unique and desirable piece. What makes this art on toast standout is obviously the medium being toast, the thing that really makes these special is the quality of the painting, whether it is gouache, watercolour or oil.

This is a great example of art for any collector, investor or a person just looking a piece of art to decorate their home or office. There are numerous artists in the market place, some are good, some are not so good, so what should you be looking for. The number one rule when buying art should be “Buy what you like.” Following this will give you a solid base to work from when buying art.

The next thing to be aware of is, buying gimmicks. There are many out there and the bottom line is they are produced for one purpose only and that is publicity. Looking at John Dronsfields toast, it could be called a gimmick. The only way to find out if it is or is not, is through research. Some of the questions you need to ask are. What is the history of the artist? What I mean is, find out as much as you can about the artist and their previous work. Is it commercial art? This is more relevant to art other than paintings. The point is was the art produced to be sold or to get on the news. Using the example of John Dronsfields toast, it was first produced fifteen years ago and has never been used purely for publicity. Also the toast art looks great with high quality oil, gouache or watercolour painting. In my opinion this is more than any gimmick it is art. It reflect the ingenuity, the fantastic sense of humour and artistic ability of John Dronsfield.

With any art I would recommend that you look at the number of pieces that are being produced. This is more important when the art is slightly different. As with most items to be more collectable you are looking for lower numbers. Again looking at John Dronsfields toast example there have been less than ten pieces produced and is only produced by commission.

Unique work is more highly desirable and for investment makes a purchase have a greater return on investment. This is one of the reasons some people suggest that limited edition prints are not a great investment, I explain why that is not always the case in a previous article. Returning to our toast example the toast is only a base to paint on and the painting on the toast. This painting is original to each piece.

Looking for art whether it is for decoration or investment, should be fun. Whether you are looking for a traditional piece or something a little different, like the toast to be a talking point, it is important to ensure you do the necessary research and get the best piece for you personally.

By: Nic Castle

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The art of knitting is a beautiful endeavor that facilitates the production of clothing from cotton, silk, wool, and many other materials. It can be a hand work as well machine work. Methods of hand work vary to a great extent hence diversity in the end product. Such methods include flat method, Circular and many other methods. Different yarns also dictate on the different methods to be used and so does the diversity of needles, colors ,weight, different products.

For long, hand knitting had been neglected but it hit back and started doing fairly well especially in 2002 and 2004 with an increase of 150%. It’s history goes back to Paris. Techniques and patterns are sometimes shared across the continents. There has even been competitions in relation to the art. Among the many types of knitting techniques include Weft and warp as the major techniques. The weft requires just a single yarn unlike the Warp technique that calls for more than one yarn and can either be by hand or by use of machine. Warp is just done by use of machines.

Other styles include circular, which creates seamless tube. Its done by use of about 5 pointed needles. Flat style on the other hand is used to make rectangular clothes, with the use of 2 needles. The texture also varies accordingly. We have Flat stockinette that is machine made and the most common simple texture is created by use of knit, purl, Arthur stitch, ribbing and moss stitches.

Among the other methods of knitting include the English method where yarn is held in the right hand and continental where the yarn is held on the left hand. They can be done either by the hands or the machine.

By: Peter Gitundu

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I wanted to help you get ready for female bodybuilding competitions. You’re going to have to be extra vigilant to be prepared for this. You have to be incredibly smart and you’re going to need to plan. The reason is because you have a schedule to meet. You have to be at your peak on a certain day and if you’re not, than you’ll probably lose. There is important things you have to catch up on, so you know exactly what your body can take. This will keep you on schedule when it comes to the competitions.

You have to figure out your calorie maintenance on a typical day at your currency working out. A lot of people don’t know what it is, so you’re at a disadvantage. The reason you have to know this is because you can calculate how much you need to eat (exactly) to meet the weight you want. Roughly 3500 calories make up a pound. If your maintenance calorie amount is 1600 calories/day and you want to lose one pound a week, that means you that means you need to cut out 3500 calories from your total weekly diet. That’s roughly 500 calories less. You have to know these things to keep things working on a schedule.

Another important part has to do with the day before a competition. You’re going to have to do things a little different. You want to be able to drop the water out of your body, so that you become practically all muscle. There are various techniques for this, one of which is drinking distilled water.

By: Elle Nash

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If you’re an aspiring art major, there’s little doubt that you’re considering attending one of the many art institutes that are out there. But there are so very many, how can you be sure you choose the right art institute to suit your needs, and meet your goals? There is probably at least one well known art institute in every one of the continental United States, and that’s a lot of art schools to choose from!

Pick a State, Any State!

Just for starters, here is a short list of well known and highly desired art institutes:

Art Institute Of Atlanta

Art Institute Of Boston

Art Institute Of California Los Angeles

Art Institute Of California Orange County

Art Institute Of California San Diego

Art Institute Of California San Francisco

Art Institute Of Charlotte

Art Institute Of Chicago

Art Institute Of Cincinnati

Art Institute Of Colorado

Art Institute Of Dallas

Art Institute Of Denver

Art Institute Of Fort Lauderdale

Art Institute Of Houston

Art Institute Of Las Vegas

Art Institute Of Los Angeles

Art Institute Of Miami

Art Institute Of New York

Art Institute Of Philadelphia

And the list hardly stops there. With so many art institutes and universities to choose from, how does the aspiring art student choose? Well here are a few things to keep in mind that you may not consider, because they are not usually discussed when talking about what art school to attend:

Homesick Sweet Homesick

If you’re going to be selecting an art school that is far from your familiar home surroundings, consider if that is something that will sit well with you or not. You won’t be able to function at peak productivity if you’re constantly pining for familiarity. Attending any university out of town (whether or not it’s an art school) is going to require the student to be willing to explore, make new friends, and otherwise potentially stray outside their comfort zone. Simply running home any time you miss your favorite meal may not be an option if you’re 2000 miles away, for example.

Never Underestimate The Power Of Activism.

Art schools in particular seem to attract more than their fair share of “bleeders”, and by that I mean “bleeding liberals” or “bleeding hearts” or “bleeding radicals” and other such “activists.” These people can get very draining, and have a tendency to stifle the creativity that you expect from an art university. After paying so much money to attend an acclaimed art institute, why would you want someone like that to waste your time? Beware of these people and the reputation you can inherit by association.

Those Who Can, Do. Those Who Can’t, Teach.

The above is perhaps an overly harsh statement in many cases, but when it comes to teachers in an art school environment, I’ve found it to be very true. So many University professors are bitter, washed-up has-beens (or more likely, “never-weres). If they were any good, they’d have been successful artists rather than teachers barely making a living. They can be very bitter if they have a budding protege on their hands in their art classes, and often attempt to crush the creative spirit of the new students. Much like with the bleeders, you must not allow these curmudgeons to get you down. You paid a lot of money (or worked hard for that scholarship) to attend an art institute, and you deserve to get all you can out of it and express your truest, deepest creative spirit!

Bottom Line – It’s Your Art School. Make The Most Of It!

This is your time. Your art. Your school. Your expression. Your future! Make sure your years at art school [http://lasertargeted.com/artinstitute/top-10-art-schools.html] are not wasted. Paint, draw, sculpt, model, program. Whatever your particular form of artistic expression is, the art school is there to nurture and further it. Make sure you get out what you deserve, and light up the world with the art only you can bring to it!

By: Kathy Hildebrand

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Unless you live just outside Timbucktu, there are BBQ competitions going on close to you. The two types of cookoffs are sanctioned (“pro”) and unsanctioned (“backyard cooks”). The sanctioned cookoffs are events that are “certified” by the KCBS (Kandas City BBQ Assoc.), MIM (Memphis im May), FBA (Florida bbq Assoc.) or one of the many other groups that sponser these events. Unsanctioned events are often held in conjunction with town festivals and fairs. These typically have lower entry fees, your food is fed to the public as opposed to certified judges and no “membership” in any organization is necessary.

Most competitors start out in the backyard category before entering the sanctioned events. The experience is so unique and enjoyable that many get hooked right away. I have met some of my best friends, eaten the best food and gotten some awesome bbq tips at cookoffs. Keeping in mind that we are competing against each other for money and bragging rights shows the true spirit of the folks on the circuit.

Getting started competing in sanctioned events is easy. First you have to join the association that holds events in your area. Do a Google search and look at the websites for their schedule. Most sites have a full year’s worth listed for you to see if that is the one you want to join. The KCBS has more events widely scattered across the country than the others. It has the most members, is growing faster, and is the one I belong to. The registration fee is $35 which allows you to compete in any of it’s events (average $250 entry fee), take it’s classes ($35 to $50) and receive the monthly newspaper in the mail.

The first step after registering that I recommend is taking a judging class. The 6 hours you spend learning about required appearance, taste and texture will not only make you a better cook, but certify you to judge others as well. Once you are a certified judge you can offer your “services” to the events in your area. There has long been a shortage of certified judges, typically over 50 are needed for each cookoff, and having “100% certified judges” is the goal of the organizers.

After taking the class, be sure to judge an event or two before competing. This allows you to see what the entrants are turning in, so you know what the judges are seeing. As a competitor, you have no idea what the guy in the next booth is presenting to the judges, and this allows you to get a look at what other cooks are turning in. All top finishing bbq teams have at least one certified judge on them, and this is considered a prerequisite to staying in the top 10.

Now you are ready to enter an event. Make sure to make a list of everything you will need You can find “starter” lists at many bbq websites. Check the weather forecast beforehand and get there early to pick your space. The best spots I have had are on pavement under the afternoon shade. Just because it is under the tree at 8 AM when you choose that site does not mean you will be in the shade that afternoon. Good luck in your venture into our bbq “sub culture”, you will not regret this, believe me!

By: Mike Gerardy

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Kickboxing, as it was known by the name of “Muay Thai”‘, originated as the national sport of Thai society, with competitions held as early as 1257-1377 AD.

You might also say that Muaythai was the sport of kings in its early days. King Pha Chao Sua was so involved in the sport he used to disguise himself as a commoner to participate.

He was further so supportive of the sport he ordered his army to be trained in the art, and interest swelled. In 1774, Nau Khanohm Tom, as a captured prisoner of war, fought his way in contest, defeating 10 of Burma’s very best.

The Burmese king, King Mangra, himself so impressed, applauded his achievements, and granted Nau Khanohm Tom his freedom.

Certainly this may have given Mauythai enormous new attention and status to survive in history over the next centuries.

In 1921, although the fighting style had not changed, new transformations were applied with the inclusion and standardization of the 20 Glove 20ft roped ring.

Gloves were introduced as standard in 1923 by order of the police of the interior ministry.

By the 1930s groin protection was introduced. International enthusiasm grew slowly; it was as late as 1995 when the first world Amateur Muay Thai Championships were held.

As a martial art, there is very little equipment required of participants, although it has come a long way since the early days.

Kick boxers will use hand wraps, i.e. pieces of cloth to wrap around their hand beneath gloves.

Today the gloves are much thicker for the protection of an opponent, but light gloves are also available for training against bags.

Shin guards, and groin protectors are also worn. Female boxers may choose to wear a chest or torso protector, although some discussion about these claim they often do more hurt than give protection.

Certainly uniforms should be worn with pride.

Kickboxing is phenomenally popular today. It is possible to find an active kickboxing school near you. Classes may be offered at your local gymnasium, or police and citizens youth club, alongside all respected martial arts classes.

Certainly a grading system exists today as with other martial arts. Grading and competitions are held regularly.

The grades, called belts, are from white-red-yellow, and then continue to orange-green-purple and blue-brown-back.

You continue to further levels beyond black as a master of the art. Kickboxing as all martial arts, is suitable for everyone from children, to women and men.

Full contact is strictly and safely controlled, and participants do not fight outside of their ability. Certainly kickboxing training is an ideal exercise that can be performed at your own individual pace and ability. Many classes are offered as either contact or non contact training.

The choice to train casually or to enter world class competitive events is yours alone to make.

By: Jacqueline Lloyd

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Born in 1954 in Thua Thien Hue in Vietnam, Do Duy Tuan is one of the most prominent names in the world of Vietnamese fine art. The recent emancipation of Vietnamese fine art from its cloistered provincial existence has given the world a chance to see some truly great works of art by gifted Vietnamese artists. Of these, Do Duy Tuan is a major find. Vietnam, within a span of the last 15 years or so, has truly come to the forefront of the art world. The whole world is its new audience. On one hand, more and more artists from Vietnam are having their artwork exhibited around the world. On the other, local Vietnamese art galleries are witnessing international footfall in increasing number.

The recent renaissance of Vietnamese fine arts has made the world familiar with some of the best names in the area. Names such as Bui Huu Hung, Ho Huu Thu, Nguyen Thanh Binh, Do Xuan Doan, Tran Quang Dinh, Hoang Hai Anh, Quan Tho, Nguyen Thanh Hoa and Do Duy Tuan have become virtually household names with lovers of Asian art. The last name on the list, Do Duy Tuan, is an important one due to his substantial contribution to the growth and development of Vietnamese fine arts. His works now adorn the walls of some of the most prestigious locations in the world.

Do Duy Tuan is one of the most talented artists in the field of contemporary modern art in Vietnam. His distinctive styled artworks feature mostly beautiful women, portraying his female subjects in somber and dreamy like moods, using clever blends of mixed media and oil as his material. He successfully merged both a high degree of delicacy and texture creating effective contrast in his paintings.

He has received numerous awards from competitions and exhibits internationally. Twice, he has received the Certificate of Recognition from the Phillip Morris Group of Companies ASEAN Art Awards. Other accolades include the third prize in Vietnam Association Zone 6 in 1999, the Art National Award 1996-2000 in 2000, the A prize Art National zone 6 in 2001 and the Art Award, Zone 6 in 2003.

Do Duy Tuan has a number of exhibitions to his credit. Among the more significant ones are the First Solo Exhibition in Singapore in 2000, the Nation-wide Art Exhibition 1996-2000 in Hanoi, the International Exhibition “Nude” in Singapore in 2001, Vietnam ASIAN Art Award Exhibition in Hanoi (Phillip Morris), the Phillip Morris ASIAN Art Award Exhibition in Bali, Indonesia and the Vietnam-Korea Art Exhibition in the HCMC Art Museum. In 2003, Do Duy Tuan participated in the Vietnam Art Award Exhibition, Zone 6. Other international participations include an exhibition in Switzerland, Singapore, Hong Kong, Jakarta and in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Asked to speak about his inspiration, Do Duy Tuan says, “I finally found my inner peace, and it reflects in my creations. My art embraces the nostalgic and romantic ambiance of Hue, of the glorious past, and of the divine, dream like beauty that I have yet to reconcile with today’s civilization. My subjects reflect my heart and soul and are not challenging, for I want my viewers to appreciate and enjoy them as if they were actually creating the artworks themselves.” Explore the exciting world of Vietnamese fine art. Start with the enchanting artwork of Do Duy Tuan.

By: Jennifer Salerno

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