The term 'Kung Fu' does not relate to any specific form of martial art, but rather translates as 'skill' or 'capability'. Scholars believe that the use of Kung Fu to describe the Chinese martial form originated in Hong Kong and Kwangtung province. There are documents of the Jesuit priest, Pere Amiot, writing of the 'remarkable exercises' practised by the Taoist priests of his locality which he called 'Cong Fou'.
Wu Shu is traditionally the term readily used to describe the traditional Chinese martial arts, though other descriptions like Kuo-shu, Kuo-chi, Chien-shu and Tao-fa have also been used every now and then. (Wu Shu is the term these days used for Chinese martial arts by the People's Republic of China).
Precisely when Kung Fu first sprouted is unknown, with historians stating that Chinese martial sets most likely predate recorded history. Since the dawn of time there have been battles between man and animal, warring tribes, etc. during which conflicts combative techniques were executed and accumulated and passed down from generation to generation.
What is particular about the Chinese martial types is that many schools or styles were started by imitating the battling techniques of animals similar to monkeys, lions, tigers, snakes, bears, etc. The adaptation of animal techniques stems from a impression that in order to survive in their severe natural setting, all animals (even birds and insects) were classically endowed with skills for battling.
As a result techniques were born from the tiger's pounce, the eagle's sharp talons and the elusiveness and unpredictability of the monkey. Still, it is existent to accorded a definite date to the definite birth of Kung Fu. Some traditional historians date it as far back as the Shang Dynasty (16th century BC). Others place it in the period of the Contending States (475 - 221 BC) and the Yellow Emperor, Huang Ti. Indeed, it would appear that modern Kung Fu has adapted and evolved from the warring events of China's precedent days, with distinct traces of Mongolian, Tibetan, Indian and other cultural ideologies exhibited in many styles. If there is one common reference point in tracing Kung Fu's history, it is the Shaolin Temple and the voyage of Buddhism from India to China.
Buddhism reached China during the period of the Eastern Han Ming Emperor (58 - 76 Ad) and soon flourished. It is estimated that by 500 Ad there were more than 10,000 Buddhist temples in China and many emperors became devout Buddhists. In 495 Ad the Shaolin Temple was fabricated by the order of Emperor Wei Xiao Wen (471 - 500 Ad). The Temple was built to have room for the teachings of a Buddhist monk named Batuo, who came to China for Buddhist teaching in 464 Ad. As such Batuo might be considered the first Shaolin Temple monk, though there is no record of how or what (471 - 500 Ad). The Temple was built to suit the teachings of a Buddhist monk named Batuo, who came to China for Buddhist teaching in 464 Ad. As such Batuo might be considered the first Shaolin Temple monk, though there is no record of how or what Batuo passed down by the use of religious Qigong practice, just as there is no record of how or when he died.
The most powerful individual in the investigation of Kung Fu's history through the Shaolin Temple is an Indian monk named Da Mo (or Ta Mo). Da Mo, also known as Bodhidarma, had been a small prince of a Southern Indian tribe. He followed the Mahayana school of Buddhism and was appreciated as a bodhisattva - and enlightened being who had renounced nirvana so as to save others. The legends of Da Mo in Chinese mythology are elaborate, to say the least. One legend has Da Mo sitting in a cave where he stared at the wall for nine years in meditation. After by accident falling asleep, he became so angered with himself that he tore off his eyelids and threw them on the ground. Tea shrubs grew from the ground underneath the discarded eyelids and monks have used tea ever since to deter sleep.
http://www.martialarm.com/history/kungfu.html
Free Article Source: http://www.za77.org
About The Author: Peter Sundbye 11yrs studying oriental and occidental arts Complete history of kung fu styles http://www.martialarm.com/history/kungfu.html Martial Arts Home Training Machine http://www.martialarm.com/
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Fishing Season Is Here! Fishing For Beginners
Fishing Season Is Here.
Spring and Summer seasons are prime time fishing months. Fishing can be very relaxing, over-looking the water, whether you're on the beach or on a boat. It is also rewarding if you catch the fish. Whether you throw them back to sea or take them home and eat them, it's a great feeling. Fishing takes time and patience. If you don't have patience I don't recommend fishing. Fishing is not just for one person, it's a great activity for the whole family.
If you are new to fishing there is basic equipment needed to complete your new adventure into fishing.Importantly all equipment must match, knowing the line type and matching the reel. Most fishing rods for beginners are sold as the set. There are many different fishing rods in many sizes, for adults and for children.
When shopping for your fishing rod look for grips, or handles, they either come in cork or foam. The rod will be sold in different lenghths be sure to get the one that is most comfortable for you. Also, slightly bend it to get the feel of it. Look at the reel seat, where the reel is connected. Rember that comfortablity is key.
Rods of any types will work. The best, should be six feet long and medium weight. This should be long, straight and flexible so it won't easily break. The most popular rod is Graphite because it is light but very strong. Wispy rods should be up to 4m long to be used for long casts in moderate winds. There are different fishing lines, they are mostly made of nylon and "monofilament" that comes in spools of different lengths.
There are many fishing lines to choose from and it can be very confusing to find the best. The larger the fishing line the thicker in diameter. If you experience the reel turning into a knotted mess, don't worry, even experienced fishermen go through this now and then.
Don't forget the other basics, a net stringer, line clippers, fishing knife, first aid kit, and a pail of bait. Also you personal basics, sunglasses, suntan lotion, chair to sit on, and most importantly your cooler full of snacks and drinks.
You need to understand the mechanics of the reel and the other equipment. Learning to cast, tie knots and bait are not that complicated. Secondly, you need to learn where to fish. Successful fishermen know where the fish are located. Fish move from place to place and knowledgeable anglers understand these patterns and are able to anticipate where the fish are located.
Free Article Source: http://www.za77.org
About The Author: Michelle Johnson - Visit her review site on Fishing at http://fishing-besthomemadebait.blogspot.com . Keep an eye out more reviews to be coming out soon.
Spring and Summer seasons are prime time fishing months. Fishing can be very relaxing, over-looking the water, whether you're on the beach or on a boat. It is also rewarding if you catch the fish. Whether you throw them back to sea or take them home and eat them, it's a great feeling. Fishing takes time and patience. If you don't have patience I don't recommend fishing. Fishing is not just for one person, it's a great activity for the whole family.
If you are new to fishing there is basic equipment needed to complete your new adventure into fishing.Importantly all equipment must match, knowing the line type and matching the reel. Most fishing rods for beginners are sold as the set. There are many different fishing rods in many sizes, for adults and for children.
When shopping for your fishing rod look for grips, or handles, they either come in cork or foam. The rod will be sold in different lenghths be sure to get the one that is most comfortable for you. Also, slightly bend it to get the feel of it. Look at the reel seat, where the reel is connected. Rember that comfortablity is key.
Rods of any types will work. The best, should be six feet long and medium weight. This should be long, straight and flexible so it won't easily break. The most popular rod is Graphite because it is light but very strong. Wispy rods should be up to 4m long to be used for long casts in moderate winds. There are different fishing lines, they are mostly made of nylon and "monofilament" that comes in spools of different lengths.
There are many fishing lines to choose from and it can be very confusing to find the best. The larger the fishing line the thicker in diameter. If you experience the reel turning into a knotted mess, don't worry, even experienced fishermen go through this now and then.
Don't forget the other basics, a net stringer, line clippers, fishing knife, first aid kit, and a pail of bait. Also you personal basics, sunglasses, suntan lotion, chair to sit on, and most importantly your cooler full of snacks and drinks.
You need to understand the mechanics of the reel and the other equipment. Learning to cast, tie knots and bait are not that complicated. Secondly, you need to learn where to fish. Successful fishermen know where the fish are located. Fish move from place to place and knowledgeable anglers understand these patterns and are able to anticipate where the fish are located.
Free Article Source: http://www.za77.org
About The Author: Michelle Johnson - Visit her review site on Fishing at http://fishing-besthomemadebait.blogspot.com . Keep an eye out more reviews to be coming out soon.
The Anatomy of Golf
Have you ever been invited to play a round of golf, and realized when you got there, you have no idea what you are suppose to do? Well, this will help you know your surroundings when you get to the course so you aren't in the dark about you situation.
The game is played on what is a course, of which I previously said. It consists of 9 or 18 holes. Each hole is the target of your ball and you want to get your ball there in the fewest shots as possible. Each time you hit the golf ball this is called a "Stroke."
Teeing Ground
When you get on the course with your clubs, you start on the first hole at a place called the Tee. Officially it is called the "Teeing Ground," but you are trying to fit in and everyone just uses the shortended version of it. This is the beginning of each hole. It is where you hit the golf ball off a short wooden or plastic peg for a better first shot.
Fairway
The fairway is generally where a player would want to hit on to from their tee shot. If the ball goes off the point of where you wanted it, it could land in a place called the "Rough," which is basically grass that is much higher than that of the fairway. It is much harder to hit out of which is why you would aim for the fairway.
Hazard
Other than the Rough, there are much worse things on a golf course that can cause trouble to the score you are aiming at. These golf course hazards include water hazards like lakes, and rivers. If you hot your ball in to one of those, you will get charged a one stroke penalty. A different hazard is called a bunker or a sand trap. A bunker or a sand trap is exactly what it sounds like. It is a big whole of sand that traps the ball and makes it harder to hit out of. You would generally want to just hit the ball and try not to hit the sand at all. Other hazards include trees, denser vegetation, and bushes.
Putting Green
After getting through the most part of the hole, you come to the nearest part near the actual hole called the "Putting Green." The Putting Green will have the shortest grass on the course and consist of an area where you line up your ball with the hole. But that isn't as easy as it sounds. Each Putting Green is unique with small hills and slopes that can change the direction your ball goes. This is why you must study the hole a bit before attempting to put the all in. Your club, called a putter, will be different from the other clubs. It is a flat faced club which makes the ball roll along the ground towards the hole until the ball comes to rest in the cup.
Scoring
When you play a hole, you want to have your strokes under a certain level depending on the length of the hole. Having an even amount of stoke with out going over is called "Par".
Free Article Source: http://www.za77.org
About The Author: This article was written for our friends at Golfsport to help people better understand the sport of golf. Article written and distributed by Steve Cancel, IT Manager of Michigan Computer Repair.
The game is played on what is a course, of which I previously said. It consists of 9 or 18 holes. Each hole is the target of your ball and you want to get your ball there in the fewest shots as possible. Each time you hit the golf ball this is called a "Stroke."
Teeing Ground
When you get on the course with your clubs, you start on the first hole at a place called the Tee. Officially it is called the "Teeing Ground," but you are trying to fit in and everyone just uses the shortended version of it. This is the beginning of each hole. It is where you hit the golf ball off a short wooden or plastic peg for a better first shot.
Fairway
The fairway is generally where a player would want to hit on to from their tee shot. If the ball goes off the point of where you wanted it, it could land in a place called the "Rough," which is basically grass that is much higher than that of the fairway. It is much harder to hit out of which is why you would aim for the fairway.
Hazard
Other than the Rough, there are much worse things on a golf course that can cause trouble to the score you are aiming at. These golf course hazards include water hazards like lakes, and rivers. If you hot your ball in to one of those, you will get charged a one stroke penalty. A different hazard is called a bunker or a sand trap. A bunker or a sand trap is exactly what it sounds like. It is a big whole of sand that traps the ball and makes it harder to hit out of. You would generally want to just hit the ball and try not to hit the sand at all. Other hazards include trees, denser vegetation, and bushes.
Putting Green
After getting through the most part of the hole, you come to the nearest part near the actual hole called the "Putting Green." The Putting Green will have the shortest grass on the course and consist of an area where you line up your ball with the hole. But that isn't as easy as it sounds. Each Putting Green is unique with small hills and slopes that can change the direction your ball goes. This is why you must study the hole a bit before attempting to put the all in. Your club, called a putter, will be different from the other clubs. It is a flat faced club which makes the ball roll along the ground towards the hole until the ball comes to rest in the cup.
Scoring
When you play a hole, you want to have your strokes under a certain level depending on the length of the hole. Having an even amount of stoke with out going over is called "Par".
Free Article Source: http://www.za77.org
About The Author: This article was written for our friends at Golfsport to help people better understand the sport of golf. Article written and distributed by Steve Cancel, IT Manager of Michigan Computer Repair.
Chipping Basics For Dummies
Most golfers love ripping 250-yard drives down the fairway. But it's the short game that really cuts strokes off your scores. It also helps you slash your golf handicap down to size. Unfortunately, the short game is one phase of the game that players often neglect to practice. The end result is a lack of confidence in this area, as demonstrated by many players who come to me for golf lessons.
One key to short game success is proper technique. Many golfers don't know the proper technique for chipping, pitching, or putting. This lack of knowledge hurts their short games. The other key is confidence. The more confident you are in your short game, the more likely you are to make the kinds of shots you need to minimize your scores and lower your golf handicap.
This article addresses both keys to the short game. In it we provide golf tips on chipping correctly and a couple of drills designed to make practice more interesting. This information helps generate the confidence you need to improve your chipping and lower your scores and golf handicap.
Fundamentals of Chipping
A chip shot is a flat approach shot that hits the green and rolls to the flag. Its use varies depending on the situation, but like a good pitch shot, a good chip shot saves strokes when executed properly. It's ideal when you're on the green's collar or even a few feet away with no obstacles between you and the flag. The key to the shot is selecting a spot on the green and hitting it, letting the ball role to the flag.
You can chip with either an 8 iron or a 9 iron. Take a slightly open address position, with your weight forward. Position the ball closer to your back foot. And place your hands in front of the ball, which "hoods" the clubface, giving you the loft of a 7 iron. Also, grip down on the club 4 or 5 inches for more control.
You can also chip with a lofted wood, as Greg Norman did in the 1994 Dubai Desert Classic. The sole of a lofted wood is flat, making it almost impossible to stub the clubhead into the ground behind the ball. Instead, the club glides across the turf. Thus. you can loft the ball onto the putting surface and let it run to the hole.
Keys to chipping:
1. Set yourself at address
2. Grip down on club
3. Aim for a spot on green
4. Hinge wrist at takeaway
5. Hands lead in hitting zone
6. Keep wrists firm through impact
7. Follow through on shot
Address the ball with a slightly open stance, since that gets your hips out of the way, and gives you a good view to the target line. Now, pick out a spot on the green where you want the ball to land. Aim to strike the ball just above the ball's equator with the leading edge of the clubface. And hinge your wrists slightly during takeaway.
Strike down on the ball crisply, with your hands leading the shot through the hitting zone. Keep the wrists firm through impact. And make sure you don't turn your wrists over during follow-through. Returning the hands and arms to where they were at address helps produce ball-and-turf contact. And stay relaxed and loose throughout the shot.
Approaches To Chipping
Two schools of thought dominate the approach to chipping, both of which I cover in my golf lessons. Some people prefer to use their favorite club, opening the blade to add loft and turning it down to decrease loft. Depending on the shot they either hit the ball harder or softer. This approach works some but not for others. For those players, it's too complicated and has too many variables to take into account.
Other players prefer taking the same swing but changing clubs. In this case you can use anything from a 5-iron to a sand wedge. Take a slightly open stance but position the ball slightly right of your stance. Choke down on the longer clubs for better control. The backswing is about the same length on all the clubs. If you use this approach, keep in mind that the higher the lofted club you use, the more spin on the ball. Spin can be difficult to control.
Drills
Set two parallel rows of tees six inches apart on both sides of the target line. Place a ball between the rows of tees but toward the beginning of the rows. Swing the club between the tees, striking the ball and keeping the clubhead moving on a line toward the target for at least the length of the rows of tees.
Play the ball slightly toward the back in your stance. Practice using just your left had (for right-handers) to hit down on the ball. Use a punching motion and keep the wrist firm throughout the shot. If executed properly, this drill teaches you to trap the ball with a descending blow, rather than scoop the ball away.
Both drills improve your chipping. Practice them diligently. Make sure you vary the distances of the shots for better results. Try hitting some from the rough as well. The key there is not letting the grass interfere with the shot.
The chip shot isn't as dramatic at shot as a 250-yard bomb. But it can be just as satisfying, and more useful, if you execute one well. More importantly, learning how to chip well will shave strokes off your golf handicap.
Copyright (c) 2007 Jack Moorehouse
Free Article Source: http://www.za77.org
About The Author: Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book "How To Break 80 And Shoot Like The Pros." He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicap immediately. He has a free weekly newsletter with the latest golf tips, golf lessons and golf instruction.
One key to short game success is proper technique. Many golfers don't know the proper technique for chipping, pitching, or putting. This lack of knowledge hurts their short games. The other key is confidence. The more confident you are in your short game, the more likely you are to make the kinds of shots you need to minimize your scores and lower your golf handicap.
This article addresses both keys to the short game. In it we provide golf tips on chipping correctly and a couple of drills designed to make practice more interesting. This information helps generate the confidence you need to improve your chipping and lower your scores and golf handicap.
Fundamentals of Chipping
A chip shot is a flat approach shot that hits the green and rolls to the flag. Its use varies depending on the situation, but like a good pitch shot, a good chip shot saves strokes when executed properly. It's ideal when you're on the green's collar or even a few feet away with no obstacles between you and the flag. The key to the shot is selecting a spot on the green and hitting it, letting the ball role to the flag.
You can chip with either an 8 iron or a 9 iron. Take a slightly open address position, with your weight forward. Position the ball closer to your back foot. And place your hands in front of the ball, which "hoods" the clubface, giving you the loft of a 7 iron. Also, grip down on the club 4 or 5 inches for more control.
You can also chip with a lofted wood, as Greg Norman did in the 1994 Dubai Desert Classic. The sole of a lofted wood is flat, making it almost impossible to stub the clubhead into the ground behind the ball. Instead, the club glides across the turf. Thus. you can loft the ball onto the putting surface and let it run to the hole.
Keys to chipping:
1. Set yourself at address
2. Grip down on club
3. Aim for a spot on green
4. Hinge wrist at takeaway
5. Hands lead in hitting zone
6. Keep wrists firm through impact
7. Follow through on shot
Address the ball with a slightly open stance, since that gets your hips out of the way, and gives you a good view to the target line. Now, pick out a spot on the green where you want the ball to land. Aim to strike the ball just above the ball's equator with the leading edge of the clubface. And hinge your wrists slightly during takeaway.
Strike down on the ball crisply, with your hands leading the shot through the hitting zone. Keep the wrists firm through impact. And make sure you don't turn your wrists over during follow-through. Returning the hands and arms to where they were at address helps produce ball-and-turf contact. And stay relaxed and loose throughout the shot.
Approaches To Chipping
Two schools of thought dominate the approach to chipping, both of which I cover in my golf lessons. Some people prefer to use their favorite club, opening the blade to add loft and turning it down to decrease loft. Depending on the shot they either hit the ball harder or softer. This approach works some but not for others. For those players, it's too complicated and has too many variables to take into account.
Other players prefer taking the same swing but changing clubs. In this case you can use anything from a 5-iron to a sand wedge. Take a slightly open stance but position the ball slightly right of your stance. Choke down on the longer clubs for better control. The backswing is about the same length on all the clubs. If you use this approach, keep in mind that the higher the lofted club you use, the more spin on the ball. Spin can be difficult to control.
Drills
Set two parallel rows of tees six inches apart on both sides of the target line. Place a ball between the rows of tees but toward the beginning of the rows. Swing the club between the tees, striking the ball and keeping the clubhead moving on a line toward the target for at least the length of the rows of tees.
Play the ball slightly toward the back in your stance. Practice using just your left had (for right-handers) to hit down on the ball. Use a punching motion and keep the wrist firm throughout the shot. If executed properly, this drill teaches you to trap the ball with a descending blow, rather than scoop the ball away.
Both drills improve your chipping. Practice them diligently. Make sure you vary the distances of the shots for better results. Try hitting some from the rough as well. The key there is not letting the grass interfere with the shot.
The chip shot isn't as dramatic at shot as a 250-yard bomb. But it can be just as satisfying, and more useful, if you execute one well. More importantly, learning how to chip well will shave strokes off your golf handicap.
Copyright (c) 2007 Jack Moorehouse
Free Article Source: http://www.za77.org
About The Author: Jack Moorehouse is the author of the best-selling book "How To Break 80 And Shoot Like The Pros." He is NOT a golf pro, rather a working man that has helped thousands of golfers from all seven continents lower their handicap immediately. He has a free weekly newsletter with the latest golf tips, golf lessons and golf instruction.
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