When In Doubt - Choke 'Em Out (With A Gi Choke) - The most Key Yet Most Underated Move In the Martial Arts

Considering the attention of MMA events like the UFC, martial arts like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu have at the same time develop into very popular, due to their proven usefulness in the cage. A lot of folks nonetheless make the error of thinking that since MMA is "for real" then whatever is not used in MMA is not a really beneficial move.

A magnificent case in point is the use of the gi generally speaking, and gi chokes in particular. Many believe that no-gi grappling is just "more useful" because men and women don't go round being dressed in gis on the street, and they unquestionably don't sport them in the cage. Thus they quickly conclude, if you want useful grappling for real life encounters - go with no-gi grappling.

This analysis is unhappily incorrect. While it is a fact that not anyone wears a gi anymore in MMA contest, it is equally the truth that barely anyone goes around sporting only board shorts and MMA gloves. On the street, that is, in cafes, gas stations, Walmarts and so on - people put on CLOTHES. T shirts, jackets, sport coats, leather vests - you name it, many people usually walk around with clothes on.

The probabilities are that in the event that you get into a squabble, both you and your assailant will be sporting CLOTHING of some sort.

Now this uncomplicated truth really should generate someone with an appeal to in self defense to perk up their own ears! Just in case you didn't recognise GI CHOKES, that is, the collar chokes you study in Judo and BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) Function ON ALMOST ANY TYPE OF UPPER BODY CLOTHING. Beyond conceivably a skinny tank top, GI CHOKES WILL Get the job done ON SOMEONE Wearing Tshirts, a jacket, a polo top, a down winter coat, a leather vest or anything.

With that uncomplicated point under consideration, do yourself a favor and remember these 3 items:

First - GI CHOKES WORK Excellent ON "Common Clothing"

Second - GI CHOKES Are generally HIGHLY Reliable!! They can honestly put anybody to sleep without delay and they can be incredibly troublesome if not impossible to escape from once they are locked on.

3rd - GI CHOKES CAN BE VERY SNEAKY!! A lot of men and women (even no-gi grapplers) don't have any thought how to look out for these and stop them from cinching up around their necks!

So if your martial arts workouts is geared towards self defense at all, don't forget about training in gi chokes. Not only are they realistic, and extremely valuable, they are furthermore a lot of fun to practice.

For more important information on gi chokes and additional methods, pay a visit to for a whole DVD set entitled "Stranglehold": A Total Training course In Gi and No-Gi Choking Strategies. If in the Houston vicinity, for martial arts education visit Scott Bam Bam Sullivan's - Bam Bam Martial Arts.

Muay Thai Lessons: 5 Important Tactics To Remember When Practicing the Thai Kick

A decent Thai kick is an extremely good weapon to have in your arsenal. But if you need to have a good kick, you need proper technique.

These are 5 things to remember when throwing your Muay Thai kick:

Tip #1 Correct Distance - To do the Muay Thai kick correctly, you should throw it when your opponent is just beyond your punching range. If you can lean and touch your opponent with your hand, then you know your distance is correct.

Tip #2 Step and Lean - For optimum power, step into the Muay Thai kick at a 45 degree angle with your base leg. Stepping at an angle like this produces a lot more power than does stepping directly forwards. Make certain to step on the balls of your feet.

Tip #3 Rotation - Pivot on your supporting foot. Turn your hips and shoulders together into the Thai kick. Don't allow any twisting in your body. You MUST TURN YOUR HIPS into the kick! Think of it this way, your hips should be turned towards your opponent and your chest facing sideways too when the kick lands. Don't snap the kick, keep the leg loose and swing the whole leg. Your leg should stay relaxed and only slightly bent during the kick. As you rotate and kick, your body should stay leaned away from the kicking leg. This acts as a counterbalance.

Tip #4 Upon Landing - Hit with the shinbone! Also, the follow through is VERY Critical. THE THAI KICK DOES NOT STOP AT IMPACT! MAKE SURE TO FOLLOW THROUGH! The follow through is probably the most important facet of this kick. Make sure you "follow through" and try to kick deep into the target - like swinging a baseball bat, trying to break through everything in its path. Turn your torso into the target (if the kicker had a T-shirt with something written on the back, the pad holder should almost be able to read what it says!).

Tip #5 Hand Placement - Two things here: Keep the rear hand up to protect your face. The lead arm (kicking arm) swings back for balance. Make sure you keep your lead shoulder up though. So remember, rear hand up for protection, lead hand swings back for balance.

The target for this kick can be the inner or outer thigh, body, or head. After impact, use the "rebound" of the impact to get back to your stance.

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