KALARIPAYATTU

Kalaripayattu is the exclusive martial arts legacy of Kerala, taken to China by the Buddhist monks which became the fabled model for the modern martial arts. All the modern day martial arts such as Kung-Fu, Karate, Judo, Kick-Boxing, Tai-Chi etc are believed to have been originated from Kalaripayattu.

History

The first written records of Indian combat appeared in the Lotus Sutra (600-500 B.C.), which says that nata (a form of boxing) was learned through dancing. Perhaps the first famous warrior of India was Buddha who was an expert fencer and pugilist and was possibly schooled in vajramushti, a brutal fighting art. When vajramushti was combined with Buddhist teachings, it gave birth to yoga and later became the foundation for the fourth-century art of kalaripayattu (aka kalari payat or kalaripayit,) which stressed attacking pressure points, weapons, yoga stretching and pranayama (breath control).

Although it is thought that Sage Parasurama founded kalaripayattu (art of wielding weapon in the arena, i.e., battlefield training) in the Indian state of Kerala, warrior Chieftain Thacholi Othenan, from the North Malabar area of Kerala, popularized the art in the 16th century. The ethnic Indian martial art of Kalari Payat (Kalaripayattu) – meaning ‘Battleground’ or ‘Gymnasium’ – (Kalari), ‘Method’ or ‘Art’ – (Payatt), has a special significance for practitioners of the Tibetan and Chinese martial arts. In tradition, the Shaolin Temple martial art of China was introduced by the Indian Buddhist Patriarch and founder of Ch’an’ (Zen) Buddhism; Bodhidharma (450-523 AD).

Training

Kalari training is traditionally carried out in an enclosure which is 21’ width and 42’ length. Such training grounds are constructed according to Vastu shastra and are considered as pious as a place of worship. The entrance faces the East and the place of deity is to the South West. The deity place has its seven steps symbolizing Strength, Patience, Commanding power, Posture, Training, Expression and Sound. Students attain the power to control the internal energy, breath, mental power and the power to focus by following the rituals and reciting mantras. Students are instructed not to sleep during the day time and are advised to sleep well at night. It is important that the students understand that Kalari is not only a means of self-defense but also a means to becoming determined and self-disciplined.

Kalari training can be started as early as seven years of age. Beginners start with training in balance and body flexibility and then move on to advanced lessons. Kalari requires speed, agility, and co-ordination of body parts. The training to become a Master includes training in Ayurveda and knowledge of human anatomy which helps in understanding vital nervous points.

The combat training can be divided into four categories

Meipayattu

Wearing Katcha or loin cloth and smearing his body with oil, the student after prostrating before the deities and the Gurukkal begins his initial training with Meithari system, which forms the foundation for the entire repertoire of Kalaripayattu training. Every conceivable form of stretching, turning and twisting of the body is mastered by practicing this. The body control exercise include swinging of the legs along with different methods of leaps and jumps. Concentration, agility, confidence, reflex action, physical and mental power are the result of Meithari.

Kolthari

The Second phase is known as Kolthari which involves training in wooden weapons like Kettukari 12 span staff and Cheruvati 3 span staff etc.Ottakkol is a special curved wooden weapon in the Kothari repertoire which serves as a training instrument for co-ordinating the intricate movements of the body and feet and also as a stepping stone to the proper execution of the advanced Kalaripayat techniques. Various sequences of Kolthari lead one to the proper understanding of mind and body in action.

Ankathari

The third and final phase of training is Ankathari or combat training with weapons. This begins with Kattarom or dagger, which is knife shaped metallic weapon for duels at close quarters which includes several locks and many elements of barehanded fighting techniques. Using Sword and shield in an efficient manner is considered to be the peak of perfection in Kalaripayattu. Various methods in the use of sword as a weapon of offence and defence are being practiced today; but most awesome among these is the ‘Puli Ankam‘ where the combatants fight like tigers. An extra ordinary control over the body, agility, a quick eye and a keen presence of mind are necessary for the mastery of the sword fight. Urumi is long flexible sword measuring about 6 feet in length and sharp at both sides. A warrior in mass attack uses this. If the wielding is not perfect, it may cause wounds on the user itself.

Verum Kai

This is the training for defence without using any weapon against an armed or unarmed person. In Verum Kai, different techniques of locking, gripping, throwing are taught. The student also learns the marma treatment as part of Kalari’s advanced study. Verumkai is said to be the advanced stage of Kalari. Master of the martial traditional order will impart this knowledge only to those students who are highly disciplined not only in Kalari but also in their daily life.

Many advanced elements of empty hand fighting is taught in the different sequences of Kathiyum Thalayum, in which one learns to defend onself with a common two meter long cloth on one’s own shoulder called the mundu.

Kalaripayattu has 108 marmas or pressure points. Marmas are actually pockets of Prana or vital energy cross points. You don’t need to strike–you can even frighten a guy to total submission. Basically unarmed Kalaripayattu deals only with Marma Adi–or lethal blows to vital meridian points. Kalari strikes used very little fist and palm. The wrist has too many bones– there is a limit to which a wrist can take stress– after which it pops–and that too permanently.

Kalari warriors wear the Urumi like a hidden belt around their waist. On their knees, they have satchels of coagulant turmeric power based medicine and several tourniquets.

Kalaripayattu helps to gain mental peace, physical strength and flexibility. The training includes exercise to develop sharp reflexes for unarmed combat and techniques of combat using daggers, sticks, sword and shield, long flexible sword called Urumi etc. Kalaripayattu encompasses an invigorating Ayurvedic herbal treatment for chronic ailments like Arthritis and Spondylosis and a massaging regimen which repairs physiological damages and makes the body young and supple. The Uzhichil or oil massage using specially medicated oil enables and enhances proper blood circulation and the removal of excess fat from the body. Kalaripayattu is not only a martial art that is also an Orthopaedic system, massage regimen, Ayurvedic treatment and a cultural experience that teaches self-defence and discipline.

_________________________________________________________________

Reinvent yourself! Take the first step. Sign up https://goo.gl/FWnXfG  with us for your Trial Class.

For more information, visit www.fitnessfightclub.com

Haryana to Rio – Sakshi Malik

From yearning to fly in an aeroplane as a kid to clinching a bronze medal at the Olympics, Haryana wrestler Sakshi Malik has come a long way in her fairy-tale journey to etch her name in the country’s sporting history. Born into a humble family in Mokhra village near Rohtak; Haryana, Sakshi tried playing kabaddi and cricket but wrestling caught her interest and she soon started to win bouts. But little did she and her parents know that one day she would become the first woman wrestler from the country to win an Olympic medal.

According to her father, she was motivated to take up wrestling from seeing her grandfather Badhlu Ram, who was also a wrestler. Coach Ishwar Singh Dahiya still remembers the day when a 12 year old Sakshi accompanied her mother to the Sir Chotu Ram Stadium Wrestling Academy in Rohtak.

“When she had first come to the academy, she would feel nervous initially but her fear disappeared with training and she won medals at the Asian sub-junior level,” her coach said.

She had to train with the boys and fight them in the akhara, in a region where the sport was ‘not for girls’. Sakshi and her family had to fight against all odds.

“She has given befitting reply to people who say that women cannot be wrestlers,” her mother said

On the night of Wednesday, August 17, Sakshi ended the country’s painful wait for a medal at the Rio Olympics by clinching the bronze medal in the 58kg freestyle category, pulling off a sensational 8-5 victory over Aisuluu Tynybekova of Kyrgyzstan in the play-off bout. She scripted history by becoming the first woman wrestler from India to bag an Olympic medal and only fourth female athlete from the country to climb to the podium at the biggest sporting event in the world. Overall, Sakshi has won India’s fifth wrestling medal in the Olympic Games.

Sakshi earned the dramatic win after falling behind 0-5 following the first period in the do-or-die bout. The Indian turned the tables on the Kyrgyzstan wrestler in the dying seconds of the bout as Tynybekova was in complete command inmost part of the clash.

“It’s not easy to come back when you are five points down – and to win the match in the last few seconds! She just kept going and kept trying to go for the shots and eventually she got them. From what I saw, it was pure grit and determination,” Arvind Lalwani, Team Singapore wrestler and head coach at Juggernaut Fight Club told the BBC.

Sakshi had lost 2-9 in the quarter-finals to Russia’s Valeriia Koblova in the fifth bout of the day before getting a second chance in repechage when her conqueror reached the final.

The  journey to Rio

2010: By the age of 18, she had tasted victory at junior-level competitions. She won a Bronze at the 2010 Junior World Championships in the 59kg category.

2014: She first came to the international limelight after taking home the Gold at the Dave Schultz International Wrestling Tournament (60-kg).

July-August 2014: Her professional international career began with a silver medal in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, courtesy two 4-0 bouts.

September 2014: She crashed out in the Quarterfinal at the World Wrestling Championships in Tashkent. But not before beating her Senegalese opponent 4-1 in the Round of 16.

May 2015: Then on to the Senior Asian Wrestling Championships in Doha, where she won the Bronze.

Sakshi was one of three female wrestlers to qualify for the Rio Olympics, each hailing from Haryana, where women have long been treated as second-class citizens and ‘honour killings’ and sex-selective abortions are rife. Sakshi had spent the first seven years of her life in this village and may have travelled down that beaten path had it not been for her parents. In the build-up to the Summer Games, Sakshi had recalled in an interview some of the instances when villagers had sniggered and pointed fingers when she wrestled with boys or wore shorts in a state where women are usually covered head-to-toe and confined to their homes. Her bronze medal is a major victory over sexism in one of India’s most conservative states.

Right after the match, when her mother called to ask her if she was tired, the 23-year-old said that “Nobody feels tired after winning a medal for country”.

This year it has been the female athletes from India who have ruled the roost and made Rio Games their own. From Dipa Karmakar’s death-defying gymnastic moves, to Lalita Babar’s historic track final, to bronze medallist Sakshi Malik’s wrestle against all odds to PV Sindhu’s silver medal – these feats have ensured that women too are eligible of bringing honour and pride to the country.

_________________________________________________________________

Reinvent yourself! Take the first step. Sign up https://goo.gl/FWnXfG  with us for your Trial Class.

For more information, visit www.fitnessfightclub.com

Find your ‘FLOW’ in BJJ

The phrase ‘Flow Rolling’ often gets a bad rap in the grappling world. You know the feeling you go to slap and bump hands and your partner says, “You mind if we just flow?” You’re probably thinking, “Flow? What the hell! I want to fight!” People in the Jiu-Jitsu community often think of flow rolling as something less than live rolling. Some might even think that you only “flow roll” when you’re injured, broken, old, or weak. Flow rolling is a method of sparring that occurs at a lighter, less competitive / more cooperative pace than the regular rolling, involving a give and take in the match where your opponent is allowed to apply their techniques without your full defence and the emphasis is on movement and the exchange of positions. Flowing is when two students train from one movement to one movement without stopping or going for a “tapout.”

With an understanding of it’s definition and the knowledge of the basic movements of BJJ, a student can now flow. A practitioner will first warm up by stretching the legs, groin and later the upper body for a full body warm-up. The practitioner will start in a sit-down pose, on knees, facing his partner who is on their knees as well. They Shake hands and begin the first movement which could be bringing one partner into the guard position. Each partner will take turns and initiate the next move, never forcing a finishing move as the one of the main purpose to flowing is to not stop moving. A partner will move again until reaching a dominant position, like a full mount or knee on stomach. When position is attained the partner will let go of that position, knee on stomach in this case, and move to a side mount, or roll the partner off his back and begin cycle again. This training can go on and on, based on the skilled level of the students and cardio endurance. This flowing back and forth is a psychically a complete workout and mentally reinforces the techniques the students attempt during the flow session.

I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once. But I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times. – Bruce lee

Develop your ‘Flow’

• Practice cyclical flow drills – Use these drills to help you develop more precise, accurate movements and transitions.
• “Dark” rolling (eyes closed) – When you grapple with your eyes closed you narrow your focus to your immediate needs. So instead of being distracted by all of the external stimuli when you grapple with your eyes open, you develop laser point focus on your partner. In addition, you are forced to move slower and with better precision which improves your technique.
• ‘Catch and Release’ flow rolling – This is a great way to move your body in and out of submissions. You want to use as little strength as possible and rely almost exclusively on technique. The goal is to exchange techniques with your partner using continuous movement with no breaks in the rhythm.
• The “right” partner – It’s important to find a partner who moves well. Also, find someone you roll with all the time who is familiar with the way you move. If they are choppy, resistant or in a deep egoic state it will be difficult to flow.

There are limitations to full intensity sparring (especially with evenly matched opponents) where each person will avoid taking chances or trying a new technique for fear of losing position and ending up getting submitted. This is where flow rolling will loosen up your game. Here are 4 ways that flow rolling can improve your jiu-jitsu.

1) Try new positions / develop your weaker positions

One of the ways one is discouraged from incorporating new positions or even attempting to improve your weaker positions is the fear that when your opponent counters the technique, you will lose your position on possibly get submitted. So you tighten up your game and instead restrict yourself to only your tried and true best techniques. But you have failed to try to incorporate that new position into your game and over a period this stifles your progress and growth.

With the cooperative nature of flow rolling you can attempt your triangle and your opponent allows you to lock it up before he starts the correct counter. With repeated attempts in flow rolling, you gain confidence in your ability to apply the triangle and have both added a new submission to your arsenal and corrected a weak spot in your game.

2) Exchange of many different positions

During a 5 min round of intense sparring, each person will attempt to limit the movement of their opponent and control the positions. This results in static matches where each tightens their grips and the movement between positions grinds to a halt. Instead, in flow rolling, you have the option to direct the roll repeatedly to the back position and try choke as many times as you wish. Repetition is the mother of skill and this a great way to get those reps in and make that technique part of your game.

3) Learning opponent reactions

Marcelo Garcia said that a key to getting deadly at submissions was to allow a tight, defensive opponent to move, thereby opening up opportunities for submissions. By the time most BJJ-ers are at bluebelt, they have some idea of their best positions. To bring their level up higher in those already strong positions, flow rolling will build your transitions to get to those strong positions and also build your knowledge of how your opponent counters. When you have a solid idea of how the opponent will counter your favourite technique you can now anticipate their reactions, start to build combinations and re-counters and thus always be one step ahead of your opponent’s defence.

4) Training around injuries

One of the unfortunate realities of bjj is dealing with training injuries. It can be frustrating to sit on the sidelines as you recover and feel that your hard won progress is slipping away. Training around injuries is a skill to keep your jiu-jitsu progressing and providing some mental relief from the frustration of being sidelined. High intensity sparring involves sudden, uncontrolled movements where you are unexpectedly forced to post a hand or shift balance onto your knee to avoid being  swept. Flow rolling will allow you to avoid certain positions that aggravate your injury and still retain your timing and movement.

Flowing helps improve your agility and timing as well as teaches you how to use your momentum when you are training.

_________________________________________________________________

Reinvent yourself! Take the first step. Sign up https://goo.gl/FWnXfG  with us for your Trial Class.

For more information, visit www.fitnessfightclub.com

Daily Cup of Yoga

How we choose to start our day can be a vital factor in determining how the rest of our day would probably turn out. Mornings are a time when we can influence how we are going to think, act and respond for the rest of the day, so it only makes sense to shape that time in a positive and inspiring manner. If I’m rolling out of bed and going straight to work, the first beverage I reach for is a big cup of coffee. It is the way most of us start our day but this widely accepted everyday practice can take a toll on our well being. Too much coffee can lead to sleepless nights, anxiety, anger, and a case of the jitters. So if not for caffeine, what’s the best way to dust the cobwebs off of our brain and get our body ready for the day at hand? Could the magic potion be YOGA?

Practicing Yoga early in the morning has a myriad of benefits. A mere 15 minutes practice of Yoga everyday centers the mind, balances the body, and jolts us awake with more lasting energy than any espresso can provide.

1. Yoga helps us have a good day

The way we wake up sets the floor the rest of our day. If we wake up late, overtired and grumpy, we carry these emotions to the rest of our day, and they create an impact on how we see the world. If we start our day with yoga, we wake up to a dose of positivity. When we centre ourself on the mat, we create a more calm and balanced internal environment that will probably lead to clarity of mind.

2. Early morning Yoga regulates sleep rhythms

An important key to establishing a consistent sleep pattern is to get up every morning at the same time, so that our body can become accustomed to the routine. Getting up every morning to start the day with yoga regulates our circadian sleep rhythms, allowing us to fall asleep more easily, and stay asleep for the duration of the night.

3.  Early morning Yoga has a soothing effect

Do you ever wake up and already have a to-do list running through your head? Start your day with yoga and allow it to clear your mind. Focusing on your breath in conjunction with the movement of your body will relax you and give you a calmer outlook of your day.

4. Morning Yoga increases metabolism and improves digestion

If we start our day with Yoga, it helps regulate our appetite throughout the day. Also, the early morning circulation boost will help nutrients move through our body quickly and jump start our metabolism, and keep it elevated all day. Certain poses stimulate the digestive system and metabolism naturally, particularly twisting postures, throat chakra poses, and dynamic flows. First thing in the morning, before we have eaten or added caffeine to our bodies, we get to fire ourselves up in a completely natural way using breath and conscious movement. Start your day with yoga and burn more calories for the rest of the day.

5.  Morning Yoga lets you make healthy food choices for the day

Once you make it a habit to start your day with Yoga, it’s easier to make healthy choices throughout the day. When it comes to food choices, it easier to stick to the mindset that you wake up with. When you start your day with Yoga, you start your day with a health boost that will keep you going all day. When you have taken time early on to nourish your body and mind with Yoga, you will be less inclined to eat emotionally and far more likely to make balanced and healthy choices throughout the day.

6.  Exercising in the morning builds our discipline

If we exercise in the morning, we are more likely to stick to this routine. Our lives get pretty hectic and if we wake up and think “I’ll do yoga tonight”, a million things might come up that would discourage us from going to class. When our day starts to get demanding, exercise is often the first thing to slip. In the morning, the only thing preventing us from exercise is our discipline. When we start our day with yoga every day, we build discipline that will last throughout the day.

7.  All your exercise for the day is done

Its only 8 am and you are already done sweating it out. This is one of the best parts of exercising in the morning. You can take pride in how much you have already accomplished. Even if nothing else goes well, you can think, “Atleast, I already did yoga today!”At the end of a long and tiring day, it’s all too easy to skip your yoga practice and make a beeline for the couch. Incorporate Yoga in your early morning routine and you can dive onto the couch guilt free.

8. Yoga helps awaken our creative chakras

Poses that stimulate the energy at the ‘Sacral Chakra’ (Swadhisthana) can get our creative juices flowing. We don’t necessarily need to be an artist, writer or musician to appreciate that energy because creative expression can have a positive effect no matter what we do. Bhujangasana (Cobra), Urdhva Mukha Svanasana (Upward Facing Dog), Uttanasana (Standing Forward Fold) and Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Fold) are all sacral chakra poses.

9. We are at our strongest in the morning

We are stronger in the first half of our day, before we become exhausted and weakened from work. Doing Yoga in the morning is a great way to capitalize on this strength, and you may find that your arms and legs are more strong and relaxed.

10. Expansive quality of breath

When we wake up, our body and nervous system are more calm and settled. Without the stimulation of the day, we can float straight into quality, expansive breathing and set ourselves up with plenty of oxygen and prana from the very first moments.

Even on those mornings when you can barely drag yourself out of bed (we have all been there), come to your mat or simply your living room rug and practice simple Yoga sequences (no experience or toe-touching flexibility required). Not only do these feel-good poses perk you up, but they will also open your hips, stretch your shoulders, and lengthen your spine. The result: You will walk away feeling centered, focused, and ready to own the day. So ditch that ‘Cup of Joe’ and get high on Yoga for a dose of wellness!

_________________________________________________________________

Reinvent yourself! Take the first step. Sign up https://goo.gl/FWnXfG  with us for your Trial Class.

For more information, visit www.fitnessfightclub.com

 

Health vs Drugs

“One day, I just found myself sitting in my room. Alone. No job, no family, very few friends or companions. I was very much alone with my drug abuse. I had isolated myself, and had nothing left to lose. I couldn’t descend any further. Maybe I could, but at that point, I had hit rock bottom. I looked in the mirror and gave myself two choices: Do I want to live? Do I want to end my life?”

This is the story of almost everyone who is going or has gone through a phase of drug abuse.

A person who has been on drugs will tell you that it is one of the best feelings in their life. The altered state of consciousness achieved from being on drugs is so much more extreme than regular everyday joy. Once a person feels this extreme and overwhelming pleasure, it’s easy for them to be hooked on to the habit, simply chasing the initial high they once felt. What follows next is a viscous cycle that is extremely difficult to break. The high is as powerful as the low felt when trying to kick the habit. What was once the solution soon becomes the problem.

Drug abuse could destroy relationships, wreck finances, end careers, ruin education and  cause major health complications. Many addicts do not even realise and deny having problems. When you hit rock bottom, the only way left is up, but for every drug user, rock bottom may be the end before they could realize what they have done to themselves. The first thing to do, when you have reached that point, is to take a good look at how you got there, the choices you made and the people you relate to.

Consider the experience of Soldiers, who have been a part of many wars; being deployed, away from family and friends for extended periods of time, being involved in combat, suffering from severe or disabling injuries, and watching fellow soldiers die, can take a toll on them. When these Soldiers return home, they experience dramatically altered lives. The effects of war can result in not only physical injuries but may also include traumatic brain injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To feel better, some soldiers may turn to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate while undergoing a crisis. There are a handful who will decide to get the right help and transition back into the civilian life.

Obviously you will not get over your addiction overnight. You will be scared and upset. You will undergo withdrawal symptoms. But you don’t have to do it alone. Support groups, treatment programs, and sometimes medicines can help. You’ll meet people who understand what you’re going through, who can give you advice and lift you up. Counselors could help you find medicines that could make you feel less sick and to reduce the need to use drugs. They also teach you how to cope with problems but you will have to do your part to stay away from triggers that may urge you to go right back to where you first started.

A few have the misconception that one can’t have fun without drugs or living sober must be miserable and boring. The truth is that there are no shortage of ways to enjoy a drug-free life. Everybody has been offered drugs at some point in their lives, or at least know where they could buy them. One’s life could be very exciting and adventurous for a little while and the experience from using the drugs will be like attaining Nirvana, with all your senses and emotions heightened. Being drug – free may never get one to experience these feelings but one will still be able to have a beautiful life, family, friends, career and health. So think again because you may lose all of the above towards drugs.

An American freestyler who was once addicted to painkillers, struggled with his drug problem for years before seeking help. Once he got out of rehab, he needed an outlet and turned to running long distance.

 “It gave me a natural endorphin high. It’s easy to understand how people replace addiction with exercise.”

Exercise may help addicts stay clean and regulate sleep; a common problem for addicts early in recovery. It can even improve cognitive function, something that’s often impaired by chronic substance abuse. The human brain experiences a chemical reward when we exercise. There is evidence to show that this can be used as an alternative reward for those battling addiction, which can make staying clean easier. Quitting is only the beginning. It’s staying clean that’s the trick, and fitness can be that healthy obsession that helps you get through.

Martial Arts Therapy

The advantages of Martial Arts training are often related to the physical elements of the body. Drug abuse can leave the body in a position of weakness and a poor ability to heal. Applying Martial Arts to the recovery program can help improve physical health and promote healing. Early recovery can be a stressful time. It is often described as an emotional rollercoaster. Any form of Martial Arts gives people the opportunity to release some of their pent up tensions. It is about fast and hard movements, which is ideal for stress relief and clearing the mind of the challenges of fighting addiction.

“I have overdosed twice on heroin, and the second time I almost didn’t make it. Both times I had to be revived by NARCAN (a drug used to revive overdose victims). I didn’t want to do this anymore. I recently took up Mixed Martial Arts as therapy to cope with substance abuse.”

The physical activity and the emotional principles involved in Martial Arts will help fight the cravings associated with drugs. All Martial Arts focus on a combination of clearing the mind, physical movement, proper breathing, and discipline in every area of life.

Who says that a recovering drug addict can’t run a marathon? Or create a work of art? Or lead a normal life? The only thing that restricts a person in recovery are the restrictions that they put on themselves. If you have the right mind-set, then sky is the limit. It’s all about focusing, admitting you have a problem and overcoming the addiction. People in recovery come from all walks of life and success is not easy, but with hard work and the clarity that comes from living sober, anything within reason is very much achievable.

_______________________________________________________________

Sign up here https://goo.gl/FWnXfG  with us for your Trial Class and take the first step towards reinventing yourself.

For more information, visit www.fitnessfightclub.com

Health Benefits of Kick-Boxing

Kickboxing is a group of martial arts and stand-up combat sports based on kicking and punching, historically developed from Karate, Muay Thai and Western boxing. Kickboxing is a comparatively new way of getting both the strength and endurance benefits of a long gym session and the body toning of a run. Burning 800 calories in just 60 minutes and using an array of different punches and kicks, it has all the characteristics of an intensive exercise. Initially considered only as a combative sport, for teaching one the necessary skills to fight, Kickboxing today is rapidly becoming a sought after fitness regime with valued health benefits.

Improves Stamina, Agility and Coordination

Kickboxing is a phenomenal cardio-intensive full body workout and an excellent way to tone the entire body. Kickboxing requires the use of all the muscle groups associated with the upper and lower body, including the core area. The legs become more toned and defined through the kicks and jumping movements. The core and torso area of the body is conditioned through the requirements to rotate, bend and support all movements and sequences that are performed. The back, shoulders and arms are conditioned through the movements that require punching and blocking. This type of a total-body approach works out the body fairly uniformly and produces a well-rounded set of results. The sheer amount of these movements has numerous benefits, ranging from increased flexibility to growths in strength endurance, making other activities easier to perform and injuries from muscle strains and falls less likely.

As a result, it may also help to combat the loss of agility either due to inactivity or ageing. Throughout classes, the experienced Instructors guide class members through stages such as stretching and working the punch bag. Stretching is an important component of a kickboxing routine. This requirement leads to an improvement in muscle, ligament and tendon flexibility, and not only decreases the risk of pulled or strained muscles, but improves blood and oxygen flow as well. The ability to react quickly to instructions and situations enables participants to rapidly improve coordination and reflexes, leaving one feeling sharper than ever.

Kickboxing is beneficial if one is looking to burn those extra calories. A 150 pound person practicing kickboxing for 30 minutes per session can expect to burn between 325 and 450 calories. In many cases, this amount of calories will comprise around one-quarter of that person’s daily caloric intake. Simply put, Kickboxing burns a ton of calories anywhere from 800 to 1000 in an hour. The constant movement and use of our entire body makes it one of the top calorie torchers. This being the case, kickboxing is a highly effective addition to almost anyone’s weight loss program.

Aerobic Effect

Individuals can achieve a very intense aerobic effect through the practice of kickboxing. It works all of the major muscle groups of the body, increases the heart rate and the oxygen intake requirements, thus making it an incredible choice in conditioning the entire cardiovascular system. The large number and diverse combination of muscle groups worked together in kickboxing produces a high caloric expenditure value.

Reduces Stress and Frustration

Kickboxing has splendid physical benefits but one must not overlook the effects it has on the mental well-being of the individuals. Like all forms of exercise, kickboxing releases endorphins into the blood that helps in De-stressing and boosting one’s mood. The act of hitting a punch bag is also a brilliant medium of removing any frustration that may have built up over time, allowing us to be feel reinvigorated by the sessions.

Increases Determination and Self-Confidence

Kickboxing has the potential to give our self-confidence a huge boost, knowing that if the situation does ever arise, we would know the correct self-defence techniques and will have the nerve to use them right. Like Karate, self-discipline has permeated into kickboxing and is acquired by participants throughout sessions. Subsequently, these classes have been known to develop an individual’s inner strength and determination significantly.

Kickboxing is a very intense, vigorous exercise type, so one will need to plan on bringing a high level of motivation and intensity to each workout. In addition, kickboxing offers a large variety of movements and sequences that many individuals find fun and engaging. Kickboxing is a combination of boxing, martial arts and aerobics, and encompasses a large variety of exercise types so the chances of getting bored are slim.

It must be noted that kickboxing weight loss programs incorporate movements from boxing, martial arts and aerobics. Some examples of the types of movements one can expect to perform are punches, kicks and jumps, practiced in a series of sequences and drills, and in some cases on a punching bag.

However, Kickboxing fitness and weight loss programs tend to be a bit more advanced than some other exercise types, so it might not be the best choice for those who have physical limitations or are significantly out-of-shape. Kickboxing is a very vigorous activity and can be frustrating for those who do not have a good range of motion or a fair level of cardiovascular endurance.

However, by continually challenging our body to perform movements that are increasingly difficult, true gains in our overall level of conditioning and fitness are achieved in a relatively short period of time. For individuals that enjoy a fairly aggressive exercise routine that will continually challenge their overall fitness level, improve their coordination and balance, strengthen their cardiovascular system and tone their entire body, a kickboxing exercise program is worth considering.

______________________________________________________

It’s never too late to learn Kickboxing. Sign up here https://goo.gl/FWnXfG  with us for your Trial Class and take the first step towards reinventing yourself.

For more information, visit www.fitnessfightclub.com

Manny Pacquiao People’s Champ

In 2001, an entirely different kind of fighter came through the doors of Freddie Roach’s gym in Hollywood, California. His name was Manny Pacquiao, a 122-pound left-handed featherweight fighter, who had had some success in his native Philippines but was looking for a trainer who could elevate his game to another level. Roach immediately went to mitt work with Pacquiao, and from the first punch he knew something was different about this fighter. Roach made it his goal to transform Pacquiao into a multi-dimensional beast in the ring and thus gave the world of boxing a force to reckon with.

“He walked in; I had no idea who he was, I had never heard of him before,”. “His manager asked if I could work the mitts with him; they had heard I caught punches well. After one round, I went over to my people and said, ‘Wow. This kid can fight.’”

Early Life

Filipino world boxing champion Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao was born on December 17, 1978, to Dionesia Dapidran-Pacquiao and Rosalio Pacquiao in Kibawe, Philippines. When he was a teenager, Pacquiao left his family and boarded a ship to Manila, in hopes of training as a boxer and launching a career in the sport.

Manny Pacquiao ages 12 in General Santos, Philippines

“Manny ran away from home after his father ate his dog and he lived on the street, where he bought doughnuts at a doughnut store and then sold each one for a nickel more to survive,” as revealed by his coach Freddie Roach. “He slept in a cardboard box. He fought his way through all this, and look at the man he is today.“

The Young Boxer

Pacquiao often speaks of his debt to his maternal uncle, Sardo Mejia, who introduced him to boxing after he dropped out of school. According to his autobiography, he describes watching Mike Tyson’s shocking defeat to James “Buster” Douglas in 1990 on television with his uncle as an experience that “changed [his] life forever.” With improvised equipment, Manny soon began showing his potential. He showed so much promise that within a year of starting training, his uncle entered him into an amateur match in their town square. Within minutes upon entering the ring, Manny conquered his opponent using his classic brawling style of boxing. He won 100.00 PHP (the Philippine currency equivalent of $2.00 USD) and marking the start of his career as a pugilist.

Not long after, in January of 1995, his goals gained some traction; when he stepped into the ring for his first professional bout, against Edmund Ignacio. Pacquiao won the fight in four rounds, in a unanimous decision. The victory propelled him on a successful boxing run that would encompass the better part of two decades.

One Mexican Legend After Another

Pacquiao’s first fight in the featherweight division was against the crowd favorite, Marco Antonio Barrera in a spectacular fight. Manny won by technical knockout, the only time Barrera was knocked out in his entire career. This was also the first of two losses Barrera suffered at the hands of Pacquiao as they met four years later to slug it out in the ring again.

Barrera wasn’t the only high-profile boxer Pacquiao met in a grudge match. Manny went up against Erik Morales in the super featherweight division, earning his third career loss. Undeterred, Pacquiao faced Erik Morales two more times. In both instances, the Filipino boxer showed the Mexican pugilist who the better fighter was by defeating Morales twice in a row via TKO and KO respectively. Other Mexican fighters fell to Pacquiao, one after the other, including Hector Velasquez, Oscar Larios and Jorge Solis. The Pacman dealt with all of them in spectacular fashion. By then, he had also gained the nickname “The Mexecutioner” for defeating a quick succession of boxers hailing from Mexico.

Climbing to the Top of the Boxing World

On June 28, 2008, Pacquiao defeated David Díaz in lightweight division via ninth-round knockout and won the WBC Lightweight title. With the victory, Pacquiao emerged as the first and only Filipino and Asian to become a five-division world champion, a fighter who won world titles in five different weight divisions. This victory earned him the title of “The people’s champ” in Philippines.

Ten years after his win against Sasakul, in December 2008, Pacquiao was named victor of an eight-round, non-title welterweight bout against famed American boxer Oscar De La Hoya. The fight generated nearly $70 million from viewers of pay-per-view—the broadcasting format for most of Pacquiao’s fights since the early 2000s.

Pacquiao went on to fight United Kingdom boxing star Ricky Hatton in May 2009, in a light welterweight division bout in Las Vegas. Pacquiao won the fight by a knockout in the second round, taking The Ring’s junior welterweight championship. Later that year, in November, he beat Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto in a 12-round bout, for the World Boxing Organization welterweight title—an honor he defended in 2010, when he outlasted Ghanaian boxer Joshua Clottey in a 12-round fight.

Back-to-Back Losses                 

On June 9, 2012, Pacquiao lost a 12-round bout with American boxer Timothy Bradley, in a 115-113 decision by three judges. The fight was an incredible upset for boxing fans, as Pacquiao had won seven rounds to Bradley’s five. The fight, broadcast on pay-per-view, was watched by thousands of fans worldwide. The judges’ decision spurred wide speculation, as both critics and fans argued that Pacquiao should have been named the victor.

That December, Pacquiao suffered another difficult defeat when he was knocked out by Juan Manuel Marquez in the sixth round of their welterweight bout in Las Vegas. Pacquiao explained his loss by saying “I just got hit by a punch I didn’t see,” according to the New York Daily News. By this time, many of Manny’s detractors were telling him to retire and that he was too old to keep on fighting.

Climbing Back to the Top

Undeterred, Manny Pacquiao started training once again and within a year took on another opponent in a welterweight matchup with Brandon Rios, a young Mexican boxer who many would say learned a neat boxing lesson from a true champion.

After his impressive victory over Rios, Manny Pacquiao got the chance to redeem himself as he was once again pitted against Timothy Bradley. This time, Pacquiao showed Bradley he was the rightful owner of the WBO welterweight title.

Pacquiao VS Mayweather

In February 2015, it was announced that Pacquiao would fight undefeated American Floyd Mayweather at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 2. Billed the “Fight of the Century,” the long-anticipated bout between the era’s two signature boxers brought in a record purse via gate receipts and pay-per-view buys. Despite fighting with an injured right shoulder, Pacquiao gamely went after Mayweather but was unable to land many effective punches. He lost a unanimous decision to drop his record to 57-6-2.

Besides boxing, Pacquiao has participated in basketball, business, acting, music recording and politics. In May 2010, Pacquiao was elected to the House of Representatives in the 15th Congress of the Philippines, representing the province of Sarangani. He was re-elected in 2013 to the 16th Congress of the Philippines.

Pacquiao’s impeccable footwork, speed and quick jabs have kept boxing fans on their feet. And his endearing smile, charm and chiseled physique have only helped to boost his public appeal.

In 2003, he was voted the Philippines’ Person of the Year over President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. He was also named “Fighter of the Decade” for the 2000s by the Boxing Writers Association of America, among various other honors.
_________________________________________________________________

It’s never too late to learn Boxing. Sign up here https://goo.gl/FWnXfG  with us for your Trial Class and take the first step towards reinventing yourself.

For more information, visit www.fitnessfightclub.com

 

 

MUHAMMAD ALI | THE GREATEST | THE PEOPLE’S CHAMPION | THE LOUISVILLE LIP

“It’s a lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believe in myself” – Muhammad Ali, on beating Foreman in Zaire

56 WINS | 37 KO’S | 5 LOSSES

THE BEGINNING – HOW IT ALL STARTED

In 1954, even as a frail 12 year old kid, Cassius Clay was not scared to pick up a fight. He vowed to “Whup” the thief who stole his bike, a new red-and-white Schwinn, gifted to him by his father. A policeman, Joe Martin, told young Cassius Clay that he better learn how to fight before he challenged anyone. After 6 months of training with Joe Martin, Cassius won his debut match in a three-round decision.

After finishing high School 18 year-old Cassius Clay started his journey to greatness at the 1960 Rome Olympics. There is earned the nickname “The Mayor of Olympic Village” because of his personality and larger-than-life spirit. On September 5, 1960, “The Greatest” proved his will in Light Heavyweight Boxing Division by beating Zigzy Pietrzykowski of Poland and bringing home the Olympic Gold Medal. The Boxing Community applauded him for his “supreme confidence” and “intricate dance steps”.

Muhammad Ali participated in light-heavyweight class Golden Gloves tournament for novices in 1956. He took three years but finally in 1959 he was named Golden Gloves Champion and earned the Amateur Athletic Union’s National Title in the light-heavyweight division.

In 1964. Clay broke the record to be the youngest boxer to win the World Heavyweight Championship by defeating another Giant Sonny Liston in a Stunning Upset.

“Boxing was just a means to introduce me to the world”

RETURN TO BOXING

Muhammad Ali refused to be inducted in the Vietnam War citing religious and political beliefs as a result of which he was stripped of his championship titles, passport and boxing licenses. He was sentenced to a 5 year prison term, a verdict which was later overturned.

Eventually through the years as the opposition towards the War grew, Ali’s stance gained support and he staged his comeback. One of his first Victories was against Jerry Quarry in Atlanta, and then Oscar Bonavena at Madison Square Garden. In his next match, billed as “The Fight of the Century”, Ali faced undefeated Champion, Joe Frazier at Madison Square Garden on March 8, 1971.

Months later he won and the Supreme Court reversed his conviction and upheld his conscientious objector claim.

Ali was free of the specter of prison, and once again able to box anywhere in the world.

“MY NAME IS MUHAMMAD ALI”

While training for his title bout against the fearsome heavyweight champion, Sonny Liston, Cassius Clay met Malcolm X. Malcolm became young Clay’s mentor and brought him into the Nation of Islam. Despite the 7-1 odds, Clay defeated Sonny Liston in Miami and became Heavyweight Champion of the world in 1964.

BATTLE WITH PARKINSON’S

Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system mainly affecting the motor system. The motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease result from the death of dopamine-generating cells in the substantia nigra, a region of the midbrain.

In 1984, Muhammad Ali publicly announced that he had Parkinson’s disease, a result of the head traumas he suffered in his boxing career.

Ali remains an active public figure and philanthropist, dedicated to his faith and humanitarian beliefs.

“The more we help others, the more we help ourselves”

THE FAMOUS TECHNIQUES

The Anchor Punch

In Ali’s second fight against Sonny Liston in Lewiston, ME, Ali knocked out Liston in the first round with a fast right. The Los Angeles Times reported that it was ‘no phantom punch.’ And Sports Illustrated wrote, “The blow had so much force it lifted Liston’s left foot, upon which most of his weight was resting, well off the canvas.”

Rope-a-dope

In The Rumble in the Jungle, Ali fought George Foreman in Zaire, Africa. Foreman was known for his strength, while Ali was known for his speed and agility. However, Ali spent most of the match leaned up against the ropes covering up and allowing Foreman to punch his arms and body.

This tactic drained Foreman of his energy with seemingly little impact on Ali. In the 8th round, a tired Foreman once again tried to pin Ali against the ropes. This time, Ali pounced and landed several punches – ultimately knocking down. 

THE LEGENDARY FIGHTS

Clay vs. Liston (Muhammad Ali vs Sonny Liston II – 1965)

 

Rumble in the Jungle (Muhammad Ali vs George Foreman )

 

Fight of the Century (Joe Frazier vs Muhammad Ali, March 8, 1971)

Thrilla in Manilla (Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier 3)

“What keep me going is Goals”

It’s never too late to learn boxing. Sign up here https://goo.gl/FWnXfG  with us for your Trial Class and take the first step towards reinventing yourself.

For more information, visit www.fitnessfightclub.com

Bald & Beautiful | Shave to Support Our Women and Children from Cancer

Be a part of an event that will not only drive change but will impact and inspire lives. Be a part of the BALD & BEAUTIFUL, a noble initiative by the Austin Foundation to lend support to the HEROES battling cancer and to end the fear of the social stigma attached to losing one’s hair to Chemotherapy to build up their confidence.

What is Bald & Beautiful?
Bald & Beautiful is an initiative to provide emotional support for those battling cancer. We hope to bring awareness and to encourage those going through chemotherapy to engage in a social lifestyle.
The event will be held on 6th September 2015, 10 AM to 6 PM, at the UB City, Bangalore. VS – The Austin Foundation will spend Rs. 25,000 per head to purchase cosmetic products, hire make-up artists and image consultants to build confidence into the lives of these brave individuals.

How can You Contribute?
You can choose to be our Main Sponsor or you can choose from our Associate Sponsor Package (for more information click http://goo.gl/0KXFg9 )
Donors will receive Tax Receipts, Certificate of Donation and Tax Rebate under section 80G.
Patrons may also shave their head as a sign of their solidarity towards the fight against cancer and to acknowledge that being bald is beautiful.
Register with us for the event and SHAVE TO SUPPORT OUR WOMEN AND CHILDREN FROM CANCER. Follow the link to register http://tinyurl.com/BaldnBeautiful

Date – 6th September, 2015
Time – 10:00 AM – 6 PM
Venue – UB City, Bangalore

Join us to Encourage the Fighters, Celebrate the Survivors and Honour the Departed.
Let’s come together and make this the largest gathering of its kind in Bangalore and touch a few lives in the process.

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO JOIN FITNESS FIGHT CLUB, BANGALORE

It’s NEVER TOO LATE to start over, It’s NEVER TOO LATE to be what you might have been, It’s NEVER TOO LATE to make things right, It’s NEVER TOO LATE to be FIGHTING FIT!
‘The Arts @ Fitness Fight Club Bangalore’ is all you need to Stay Motivated and Fighting Fit .
Better to Fight for Something than live for Nothing! Never Quit, be a fighter!

(BASIC, ADVANCED & PRO) A great workout that increases speed, strength and stamina, builds a leaner body and is great for self-defense and confidence. 

(BASIC, ADVANCED & PRO) The MMA circuit is a conditioning programme that aims at
increasing speed, strength, power, endurance, cardio and
offers flexibility training. 

The muscle-sculpting kickboxing exercises work your arms,
shoulders, abs, thighs, and butt in one great workout.
The calorie zapping frenzy of this workout will give you
a toned body like no other workout. 

(BASIC, ADVANCED & PRO) Muay Thai boxers are renowned as the best conditioned athletes
in the world and the reason behind it, is their training. Start
losing all the weight you want, tone your muscle mass and have fun while doing it with us today!

A combat sport that focuses on grappling on the ground. The goal is to gain a dominant position and force an opponent to submit/accept defeat using joint locks and chokes. 

Our own patented and unique form of Yoga that includes
the most effective asanas for combat athletes. Great for
isometric strength and flexibility. 

A workout tailored to the needs of competing sportsmen and sportswomen. 

Increases your speed, strength and stamina, this workout helps builds a leaner body and works great for your self-confidence. 

————————————————————-

Learn Boxing, Brazilian Jujitsu, Muay Thai, MMA, or join us for Pro Sports Conditioning, Speed & Strength Training at Fitness Fight Club, Bangalore… get fit doing something fun and different… get toned and add tons of confidence!

Stay Fighting Fit with Fitness Fight Club, Bangalore.
Click here to get in touch with us  http://goo.gl/WrqR33

Visit our website for more details.

Like us on Facebook here or follow us on Twitter here to get all our timely updates.