The People's Sports Network | War-torn.com

Archive for February, 2011

By the time a skateboarder has refined their techniques and styles to a level that meets all the requirements for competition, they have also had time to amass a whole new language that is understood by all skateboarders around them. As they perform various skateboarding tricks, there are certain terms that they will use to let others know that they bested their best score and feel ready to try something else.

A parent might be totally lost around youngsters as they begin their training, but by the time the adolescent reaches the competitive levels of skateboarding, they are sure to be well-versed in what is said and know enough about the sport to look favorable in the social circles that develop at these events. Some parents have learned to carry a skateboard trick glossary with them, and others simply prefer to keep a skateboard parts glossary in the glove compartment that they can use while shopping for parts to a skateboard.

These reference materials will be very helpful when parents need to find out what was said over the loudspeaker at an event. The strange word might deal with the name of a trick, or the term might be a simple word that skateboarders speak all the time. No parent wants to stand out in the crowd as the one that does not know what is going on, so these parents rely on the handy reference materials to keep them informed.

Some parents find that learning about the differences in wheels will help them when they must shop to replace some. If the skateboarder is kind enough, they might just provide the number which is on the wheel and take all the guess work out of getting the right wheel for the skateboard they use for street skating. Harder wheels stand up better when used on the streets and parents like them more because they do not have to be replaced as often. Some skateboarders will change wheels out just because they want a better grip even though they are using a longboard.

With some type of reference material on hand, it might be impossible for a parent to shop for an axle. They might get word from the skateboarder that the wheels are starting to slide, and they might believe that the wheels need to be replaced. If the parent knew that there were several reasons why this type of slippage could occur, then they might be able to negotiate their way around a sports shop and buy a new truck, or a new hangar if that is the cause of the slippage.

A skateboarder will know the difference between the bushings and the deck, and might even have a favorite brand of grip tape that they want to use. A seasoned skateboarder will be in tune with the sport enough to know when they need new trucks or need to replace the risers and the shock pads. All of these items will keep a skateboarder skating and they make it a point to know the terminology just so they can tell their parents what to pick up at the store.

Choosing the right running shoe can make a all the difference in whether you stay healthy or become injured running and also determine if you will be comfortable or be in pain while running.

Bargain shopping is the numero uno bigtime mistake made by most novice runners. You run out and by the cheapest pair of running shoes you can find. Trust me, you are not going to find a proper running shoe at Walmart!

Thinking cheap will end up making you quit running due to the sheer misery of having bad shoes. Some of those who are more tenacious may wait until they blow out their knee or have major shin splints before they throw in the towel.

With all the choices and high tech shoes available today, choosing the right pair of running shoes for you can be an arduous task at best. But here are some guidelines to help you.

First you need to understand pronation, which is rolling of the foot from heel to toe through the foot strike. A proper or neutral pronation is hitting the outside of the heel and up to ball of your foot evenly across the front. This is how your foot reduces the stress of impact.
Underpronation is not enough evening out so the outside of your foot takes most of the shock instead of finishing in the neutral position.
Overpronation is too much roll across from the outside to the inside of your foot.
To determine your level of pronation, look at your shoes you walk or run in. Most everyone will begin on the outside of the heel, the real indicator would be the wear on the forefoot.
If most of the shoe wear is:
• On the medial (inside) side then you Overpronate
• On the lateral (outside) side then you Underpronate
• Uniform across the forefoot then you have a Neutral Stride

This knowledge will give you the information you know to select the appropriate running shoe for your foot.

What is a martial art?

A martial art can be defined as any skill that can be applied in warfare. The word martial means “military.” So traditionally, a martial art is a military art. The first things that usually come to mind when discussing modern martial arts are leaping, kicking, punching, blocking, inverting elbows, twisting necks, throwing, and weapon fighting. But also horsemanship, javelin throwing, archery, spear fighting, halberd fighting, wrestling, knife fighting, rifle, shotgun and pistol shooting, demolitions, logistics, and battle strategy can all be described as the field of martial arts. Anything that a soldier might do in battle is a martial art. By martial art usually it is meant aikido, arnis, boxing, capoeria, chow gar, choy la fut, hapkido, hsing’i, hun gar, jeet kune do, jow gar, judo, jujitsu, karate, kempo, kick boxing, krav maga, kung fu, pa kua, penjak silat, praying mantis, savate, shaolin, tae kwon do, tai chi, white crane, wing chun, wu shu and more! As you can see the list is quite long and it is actually quite amazing how many martial arts systems there are and how many methods of self defense can be formulated. Often within a martial arts school it is taught that ‘this particular system is the best system and it was created to beat all the others’. Of course every martial artist would have the viewpoint their style is the best because that is the style they have chosen to do, but in reality what they are saying is ‘this is the best style for me as it suits my temperment and I like the teaching environment’.

The changing of the arts

Throughout this history and development of the martial arts and all the combat systems of man our training tools have played a vital part in evolving and perfecting these systems and techniques. All the martial arts have been effected by the role that mechanical devices play whether it be weapons, dojo mats, breaking boards or even the uniforms we wear – all these paraphanialia indentify the martial arts into their systems and style. The main players in shaping our new martial arts would be the traditional wooden dummy, wing chun rings, iron palm ointments and even the system of using forms and karta have developed the martial arts into their current form. Even today modern training tools are common and again the martial arts are under development with new training products such as the Wavemaster, the BOB training dummy, the Focus Master. All with one thing in common, to create a well rounded combat system. Ideally a martial arts solo training tool should be workable for all and based on sound theory and through constant practice develop into sound physical application. The ideology and theory would have to take into account all the history of the combat technology of man and give this competition and street application.

The Martialarm Combat Training Partner

In a martial arts career you can occationally find your self with no school to go to or no one to train with and so out of neccessity the martialarm solo training partner was born. The Martialarm is a Martial Arts training machine used to develop the entry and trapping skills of any martial arts system. It is designed to actually test any techniques so to improve the ability to trap and control your opponents hands and arms. This can be done because the Martialarm moves and reacts like a real opponent. The Martialarm moves and twists up, down, left and right just like a real opponent would – so it can spring forward and it does strike back!. The Martialarm Combat Training Partner was designed and developed on the following theories

Martialarm Theory

#1) Safety – You must maintain 100% safety when entering into the opponents attack range, this means to limit any variables that could occur by covering them. (Methods of entry must be sophisticated yet simple, fast as well as safe!)

#2) Attack – You must have the ability to attack at will, with no concern or hesitation. The attack should incorporate a total control of the opponents weapons. (Attacks must be structured to have within them a 100% defense!)

#3) Adaptability – Techniques, attacks and defenses must flow but not necessarily at a constant pace. Adaptability to choose what’s next is key! Whatever martial arts you choose just be sure you do look at a few before you decide and enqire with the school what martial arts equipment they utilize to get the best from your training.

As summer approaches, we often look for activities to do out on the water. Two of the most popular summertime activities are canoeing and kayaking, mainly because they are safe and easily done by anyone of any age, skill level, or ability. These water sports are very relaxing and provide excellent opportunities for fun in the sun. But if you’ve never set sail for the waters before, you may not know where to begin to plan your canoeing and kayaking adventure. Here’s some helpful advice to help you sort out the details and get out on the water!

There is essentially little or no difference between canoeing and kayaking. Both offer a calming ride on the lake or streams and both are physically undemanding. The best approach to experiencing the excitement of canoeing and kayaking is to scout out guided tours. Unless you plan to visit the lake several times, there is no need to purchase your own canoeing and kayaking equipment. This can rack up quite a large bill, as canoes generally run $800 or higher, and that’s not including other equipment needed such as paddles and clothing. You can look for canoeing and kayaking tours locally or in other parts of the country, depending on your desire to travel. Below is a list of popular locations in the United States for canoeing and kayaking.

1. Medford, Oregon – This is home to Crater Lake National Park and the Rogue River, which is known to be home to some of the best outdoor activities in the United States. The river is Class II-IV rapids, which require little or no experience to enjoy canoeing and kayaking.

2. Haines, Alaska – This is an ideal location for ocean kayaking surrounding Glacier Bay National Park. Here, you have the opportunity to spot bears, manatee, and other arctic wildlife along Alaska’s banks. No experience is required to participate in the guided tours.

3. Miami – Dade County, Florida – An excellent location to experience fun in the sun through canoeing and kayaking, while having the opportunity to snorkel or scuba dive. Coral Gables provides a chance to explore magical sea caves and view underwater aquatic life. Several tour companies are in the area with packages starting as low as $40 per person, $30 per child.

4. San Diego, California – Explore the La Jolla Sea Caves for a glimpse of a true marine paradise. Catch views of sea lions, whales, and occasionally dolphins. No experience is necessary and typical guided tours are two hours long.

Now that you have a few suggestions of where to go, you may be wondering what to bring for your canoeing and kayaking adventure. Be sure to pack quick-drying clothes, such as synthetic shorts, tops, and jackets. Even kayaking in the summertime can lead to unexpected emergencies, and you need to have water-resistant clothes available. Make sure to bring sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen, as the sun is much stronger when reflecting off the water. Pack a couple water bottles and small snacks in case you or a member of your family need a quick energy boost, and always bring along a first aid kit containing instant cold packs, band-aids, gauze, and other small items just in case an emergency arises.