August 24th, 2012
(center)(img src="http://www.karatemart.com/images/blog/Breaking_Banner.jpg")(/center)(br /)(br /)A recent study performed by British researchers compared the punches of two different groups of martial artists. The first, a group of a dozen black belt karate masters. The second, a group of martial arts novices. The results? The group of black belts were able to produce stronger punches through increased coordination between various body components.(br /)(br /)
Most martial artists already know that the key to a good punch involves a lot more than just a big bicep. Successful coordination between the hand, wrist, shoulder, and even hips are what turns a 'How ya doin'? tap' into a 'Nighty night punch'. But where's the science?(br /)(br /)Upon studying the brains of the two test groups, scientists discovered that the black belts actually had greater changes in their white matter, which is responsible for helping transmit brain signals for processing. What's all that mean? More training = More white matter = Super punch masters.(br /)(br /)It's an interesting study that sheds a little more light on the mysteries of the brain and its link to the martial arts. Check out the original article through the link below.
(br /)(br /)(via (a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/brains-brawn-knockout-karate-punch-scientists-years-martial-arts-training-alter-organ-wiring-article-1.1140349")NY Daily News(/a))
August 22nd, 2012
(center)(a href="http://www.karatemart.com/blog/sleeping-dogs-game-review-more-bark-than-bite")(img src="http://www.karatemart.com/images/blog/Sleeping_Dogs_Review_Banner.jpg")(/a)(/center)(br /)(br /) Last week saw the release of the hotly anticipated sandbox-crime-saga 'Sleeping Dogs' on both the pS2 and Xbox 360. After months of build up, enormous walkthrough videos, and a endorsement from (a href="http://www.karatemart.com/blog/new-sleeping-dogs-trailer-features-martial-arts-master-georges-st-pierre")mixed martial arts legend Georges St-Pierre(/a), we finally find out whether the new game from (i)Square-Enix(/i) has been worth the wait.(br /)(br /)Continue reading for a synopsis of Joystiq's official review (along with the video review) or check out the link below for the real deal.
(br /)(br /)(via (a href="http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/14/sleeping-dogs-review/")Joystiq(/a))
August 21st, 2012
(center)(iframe src='http://widget.newsinc.com/single.html?WID=2015&VID=23781171&freewheel=69016&sitesection=nydailynews' height='320' width='425' scrolling='no' frameborder='0' marginwidth='0' marginheight='0')(/iframe)(/center)(br /)(br /)You may run into the occasional citizen who has foolishly dismissed ninjas as mythical creatures that in no way should be feared. Strangely, these people seem to disappear shortly thereafter... But if they were to stick around long enough, you may want to point them to the video above as proof that ninjas do in fact exist. For how much longer is another matter entirely.(br /)(br /)This all-too-brief interview focuses on one Jinichi Kawakami, a 63-year-old ex-engineer who also happens to be the 21st head of the Ban ninja clan. As of now, he has no interest in training an apprentice to be the 22nd. Kawakami has trained in Ninjutsu since he was 6 years old.(br /)(br /)Check out the link below for more awesome tidbits.
(br /)(br /)(via (a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/meet-japan-ninja-a-63-year-old-engineer-article-1.1140989")New York Daily News(/a))
August 21st, 2012
(center)(iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Ws26XVz7g2w" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen)(/iframe)(/center)(br /)(br /)If you blinked at some point during this past Saturday's Strikeforce mixed martial arts event, chances are you missed the main event. Woe to anyone who thought they could sneak in a quick bathroom break before the fight started. It took Ronda Rousey all of 54 (b)seconds(/b) to cripple her opponent into submission with yet another signature arm-bar move.(br /)(br /)It takes me longer to decide where to grab a burger.(br /)(br /)Whether you love the 'Rowdy' fighter's cocky attitude or not, you simply can not deny the fact that this girl has some serious talent. Hopefully it won't be long before we hear whether Rousey's challenge to Christiane "Cyborg" Santos will be answered or not.
August 17th, 2012
(center)(iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZzmjQBgDLfA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen)(/iframe)(/center)(br /)(br /)Looking for an excellent way to finish a weekend that starts with (i)The Expendables 2(/i)? Saturday's Strikeforce featuring a heavily anticipated bout between Ronda Rousey and veteran Sarah Kaufman should end up being the cherry on the proverbial action-packed cake.(br /)(br /)While Rousey is getting to be the favored fighter of the two, Kaufman's experience (having almost twice the fights of Rousey) should not be overlooked. Fight fans will definitely want to work this into their Saturday schedule when it debuts on (i)Showtime(/i).
