Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Bonsai!
Apparently this man, Pedro Morales, is a world-class bonsai artist. He started off with a powerpoint presentation of what was going on "out there". He said he thought it was important that the group see what others around the world were doing with the bonsai. There started a discussion of the stylistic differences of traditional bonsai vs the new generation bonsai. Is this starting to sound familiar? I thought so.
He touched on competition. There are shows that these people bring their trees to and are judged. He spoke of how he familiarized himself with the style of the judges and worked his creations appropriately, to appeal to their particular tastes. This should be familiar to those of you who have competed in tournaments. I used to do the same thing when I was competing. I wrote about it in my books but here's the gist. I'd harden them up for the karate judges and flow them for the kung-fu people (of which there were not many in the 70's in the Midwest).
Someone asked him why he selected a particular person to go study with. He talked about his teachers and how far he had to travel to work with them. One point he made was about how his teacher told him he needed to do a particular thing and he disagreed, telling him it just wouldn't work, "no way". He decided to comply, even with his misgivings, and was very surprised to find the instructions were correct and it worked beautifully. He was gracious enough to go back and admit he was wrong and passes that information down to others he teaches. How often does this occur in our training; we are told to do something, we have our doubts and after all, it works? Happens all the time.
The demonstration he gave was interesting. I really had no idea of how they train the trees and the complexity of the art. I'm always fascinated by the genesis of these things. Who thought of this and why? Then they worked out how to make it pass. The difference in style, like in our arts, was apparent. The Japanese traditionalist makes the tree tell a story with a minimum of information to the viewer. Chinese, Southeast Asian and European bonsai have a different look. There are styles within the styles - cascade, windswept and others. Some get classified as "landscape" instead of bonsai due to small changes. Technicalities you might say. But we do the same in the martial arts.
He worked a tree and explained what he was doing and why. He got people to picture where that three would be in a year or two or five. It really was interesting. I found that when they say something is true when it is true everywhere, it's true. People are people and the concepts they used in their art are like ours. People talk about tradition vs innovation, interpretation, vision, stylistic variations, appeal to the eye and more. In this, their art is like our art. I'm glad I had the opportunity to see this and listen in.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
US Army changes unarmed combat training
Our military is moving away from the grappling it was focused on as in the Marine Combatives program. The Army says it's going standup.
"3. Combatives are more relevant...and tougher! New instruction has been added which teaches Soldiers to fight from their feet, not wrestle and grip on the ground. Soldiers now attend 22 hours of instruction, which is double the previous requirement at BCT. Additional techniques - wearing full kit - have been added that is more relevant to what Soldiers might be asked to do in a combat situation."
11 hours of instruction was what they got prior. Would YOU go into combat with 11 hours of karate training? That's a yellow belt course if you go twice a week for 45 to 60 minutes a class over 10-12 weeks. This assumes a student will practice over that time span also, so it's contact hours. The new 22 hours is better. And I realize there's quality vs quantity but 22 is still better than 11. I've had yellow belts go in the military and they told me their kenpo training was a real asset. One was a Marine Staff Sergeant who my curriculum as a core for training his guys and brought them all home. He successfully used it at least once in a stand-up grapple situation. He didn't think much of the Marine system - and he was an instructor! There recently was a story about three troops who encountered an insurgent. It got physical and one started rolling with the opponent. The other two stood by to watch since their guy "was winning". The bad guy decided enough was enough, pulled a grenade and blew them both up. My guy told me that when his guys got tied up like that they dropped a "flash-bang" between themselves and the opponent. They knew it was coming and the bad guy would let go long enough for them to escape and take further action. Same tactic, not fatal.
I like the ground stuff. I just don't believe it should be the core of a warrior's training. I use warrior in the military sense. The military has changed the nomenclature over the years from soldier/sailor/marine to warfighter/warrior when using generic terms. I also understand the need for short-term intense basic training for warfighters and police. Most don't practice and need something easy to learn, use and retain. Plus, it's part of a force progression; words, hands, mace, club, gun, for example. And they have gear hanging off themselves that's useful but also an impediment. It's harder to throw and uppercut when you have a gun on your hip and more difficult to roll around wearing a backpack and helmet.
"5. Physical Training is standardized, with scientifically proven techniques that improve conditioning and help prevent injuries. Those returning from combat say "drop the long runs, the repetitive sets of pushups and sit-ups, and volleyball games; instead focus on training the right muscles and energy systems needed in the fight! Prepare your body for walking patrol with SAPI and equipment or hauling your injured buddy out of harm's way!" FM 22-20 has been replaced with TC 3.22-20, and that applies to Soldiers in Basic Combat Training and the entire Army (and, you can get this Training Circular as an app starting in August)! "
6. No more bayonet assault course against rubber tires...but lots more pugil and combatives against a thinking opponent. The bayonet assault course has been a staple of bayonet training since WWI. But that's when bayonets were prevalent on the battlefield! The last time the US had a bayonet assault was in 1951, and the rifle we now use in combat isn't meant for bayonet charges. Now, Soldiers will see more pugil drills in pits and on obstacle courses. This, combined with additional hours in combatives, will "warriorize" our Soldiers. Good for them - times have changed.
"8. We're treating the Soldier as a "Tactical Athlete". The Surgeon General of the Army will begin supplementing initial training units with physical therapists and athletic trainers to prevent injuries and ensure better conditioning. Additionally, we're instituting the "Soldier Fueling" initiative, to teach and enable Soldiers to develop a nutritional lifestyle to counter our societal challenges." Bravo- they caught up with the rest of the world on exercise physiology.
I am pro-military and that does not mean I am pro-war. I hold a field grade rank with the USAF Aux and believe in the best training for our people (civilians, too!) to insure their safety. We have many of our young people enlisting and some are entering our schools prior to going to basic. Don't let them be sloppy, you'll do them a favor. That goes for all your students, anyway.
Tim Walker sent the link in that I took the excerpts from. Read about all the changes there.
http://www.military.com/news/article/army-news/the-top-ten-basic-training-changes.html?ESRC=army-a.nl
"3. Combatives are more relevant...and tougher! New instruction has been added which teaches Soldiers to fight from their feet, not wrestle and grip on the ground. Soldiers now attend 22 hours of instruction, which is double the previous requirement at BCT. Additional techniques - wearing full kit - have been added that is more relevant to what Soldiers might be asked to do in a combat situation."
11 hours of instruction was what they got prior. Would YOU go into combat with 11 hours of karate training? That's a yellow belt course if you go twice a week for 45 to 60 minutes a class over 10-12 weeks. This assumes a student will practice over that time span also, so it's contact hours. The new 22 hours is better. And I realize there's quality vs quantity but 22 is still better than 11. I've had yellow belts go in the military and they told me their kenpo training was a real asset. One was a Marine Staff Sergeant who my curriculum as a core for training his guys and brought them all home. He successfully used it at least once in a stand-up grapple situation. He didn't think much of the Marine system - and he was an instructor! There recently was a story about three troops who encountered an insurgent. It got physical and one started rolling with the opponent. The other two stood by to watch since their guy "was winning". The bad guy decided enough was enough, pulled a grenade and blew them both up. My guy told me that when his guys got tied up like that they dropped a "flash-bang" between themselves and the opponent. They knew it was coming and the bad guy would let go long enough for them to escape and take further action. Same tactic, not fatal.
I like the ground stuff. I just don't believe it should be the core of a warrior's training. I use warrior in the military sense. The military has changed the nomenclature over the years from soldier/sailor/marine to warfighter/warrior when using generic terms. I also understand the need for short-term intense basic training for warfighters and police. Most don't practice and need something easy to learn, use and retain. Plus, it's part of a force progression; words, hands, mace, club, gun, for example. And they have gear hanging off themselves that's useful but also an impediment. It's harder to throw and uppercut when you have a gun on your hip and more difficult to roll around wearing a backpack and helmet.
"5. Physical Training is standardized, with scientifically proven techniques that improve conditioning and help prevent injuries. Those returning from combat say "drop the long runs, the repetitive sets of pushups and sit-ups, and volleyball games; instead focus on training the right muscles and energy systems needed in the fight! Prepare your body for walking patrol with SAPI and equipment or hauling your injured buddy out of harm's way!" FM 22-20 has been replaced with TC 3.22-20, and that applies to Soldiers in Basic Combat Training and the entire Army (and, you can get this Training Circular as an app starting in August)! "
6. No more bayonet assault course against rubber tires...but lots more pugil and combatives against a thinking opponent. The bayonet assault course has been a staple of bayonet training since WWI. But that's when bayonets were prevalent on the battlefield! The last time the US had a bayonet assault was in 1951, and the rifle we now use in combat isn't meant for bayonet charges. Now, Soldiers will see more pugil drills in pits and on obstacle courses. This, combined with additional hours in combatives, will "warriorize" our Soldiers. Good for them - times have changed.
"8. We're treating the Soldier as a "Tactical Athlete". The Surgeon General of the Army will begin supplementing initial training units with physical therapists and athletic trainers to prevent injuries and ensure better conditioning. Additionally, we're instituting the "Soldier Fueling" initiative, to teach and enable Soldiers to develop a nutritional lifestyle to counter our societal challenges." Bravo- they caught up with the rest of the world on exercise physiology.
I am pro-military and that does not mean I am pro-war. I hold a field grade rank with the USAF Aux and believe in the best training for our people (civilians, too!) to insure their safety. We have many of our young people enlisting and some are entering our schools prior to going to basic. Don't let them be sloppy, you'll do them a favor. That goes for all your students, anyway.
Tim Walker sent the link in that I took the excerpts from. Read about all the changes there.
http://www.military.com/news/article/army-news/the-top-ten-basic-training-changes.html?ESRC=army-a.nl
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Technical analysis by video
Distanced from your teacher but still want to progress? Do you have questions about how you’re doing and want or need guidance from a senior instructor? This is for you! Sometimes you’re better than you think and having an outside opinion will verify you’re on the right track. This is NOT a belt program; you won’t get a rank through e-mail.
You can get personalized instruction from Lee Wedlake via video.
Here’s how it works.
Shoot a 4-6 minute video of yourself doing what it is you want critiqued. It does not need to be at lightning speed although fast execution will often reveal how mechanics go awry with too much speed. These clips can be solo, with a partner or both. These will not be posted, they are private and they won’t be returned.
Once received, I will review the video and develop a written report for you. It will include your strong and weak points with recommendations for ways to improve performance where needed. Get your camera out or borrow one. Use a camera that is designed for web videos for best results. Make sure you’re in screen and consider shooting from two angles so you can show what it is you want critiqued. You can ask questions and point out what you need looked at.
The report will be sent to you so you can use it as a tool for improvement. Then repeat the process as you move along.
How do I get it to you?
Send the video by snail mail on a DVD, CD or by the web. Some files are too large to e-mail so think about using www.yousendit.com or something similar that can help you send large files. By mail send it to Lee Wedlake’s Karate, 12451 Metro Pwky #104, Ft. Myers, FL 33907. You can either include a check or money order or send payment by PayPal to lee@leewedlake.com. Web delivery, use the PayPal option.
What does it cost?
This analysis and report costs $50, about the cost of a seminar or a private lesson. Less than group class tuition at the studio and unique to you.
Longer videos will not be accepted. You will be surprised at how much you can put in a short clip. Ready? Let’s get you going!
You can get personalized instruction from Lee Wedlake via video.
Here’s how it works.
Shoot a 4-6 minute video of yourself doing what it is you want critiqued. It does not need to be at lightning speed although fast execution will often reveal how mechanics go awry with too much speed. These clips can be solo, with a partner or both. These will not be posted, they are private and they won’t be returned.
Once received, I will review the video and develop a written report for you. It will include your strong and weak points with recommendations for ways to improve performance where needed. Get your camera out or borrow one. Use a camera that is designed for web videos for best results. Make sure you’re in screen and consider shooting from two angles so you can show what it is you want critiqued. You can ask questions and point out what you need looked at.
The report will be sent to you so you can use it as a tool for improvement. Then repeat the process as you move along.
How do I get it to you?
Send the video by snail mail on a DVD, CD or by the web. Some files are too large to e-mail so think about using www.yousendit.com or something similar that can help you send large files. By mail send it to Lee Wedlake’s Karate, 12451 Metro Pwky #104, Ft. Myers, FL 33907. You can either include a check or money order or send payment by PayPal to lee@leewedlake.com. Web delivery, use the PayPal option.
What does it cost?
This analysis and report costs $50, about the cost of a seminar or a private lesson. Less than group class tuition at the studio and unique to you.
Longer videos will not be accepted. You will be surprised at how much you can put in a short clip. Ready? Let’s get you going!
Online learning site update
We've made further progress toward getting the site up and running. A bug in the program we're using was mucking up the registration process and our testers were frustrated at the access problems but we worked that out. We've got some home page issues that we're working on. Some issues with settings were resolved and I have been going through the videos to make sure everything I uploaded is there and that necessitated filling in some missing material. It's amazing how these mistakes creep in. In addition to the general categories you'll be able to use, playlists are being developed to make navigation easier. You'll be able to find a playlist with, for example, all the clips on Long Two. You could also use the search box to do that or to select a technique and find everything related to it.
The general categories are 1) drills/sets/freestyle 2) Kenpo 101 3) Kenpo 201 4) Kenpo 301 4) Kenpo 401 and 5) Instructing for Instructors. There's over 600 videos up there now with more on the way. Some of the playlists will be structured to match the Web of Knowledge and others will have the techniques in their original 32 order.
We'll have an all access special charter membership for the first 100-200 members that will save you some money, so watch my site and this blog for the opening.
The general categories are 1) drills/sets/freestyle 2) Kenpo 101 3) Kenpo 201 4) Kenpo 301 4) Kenpo 401 and 5) Instructing for Instructors. There's over 600 videos up there now with more on the way. Some of the playlists will be structured to match the Web of Knowledge and others will have the techniques in their original 32 order.
We'll have an all access special charter membership for the first 100-200 members that will save you some money, so watch my site and this blog for the opening.
More on CPR
Lance Soares in MA is one of my black belts who is a Paramedic and former miltary medic. He sent this comment in.
The American Heart Association has been toying with this concept for awhile now. Many of us believe this is the future of CPR for all levels of provider. The Good Samaritan Law however are different from state to state and should be researched by those who learn CPR for their own sake (Here's some info to get started.)
http://firstaid.about.com/od/medicallegal/f/07_good_sam_law.htm
Below are comments from Dr. Rowe, who is also a certified CPR instructor. He's been urging me to get mine but I'm lagging a bit. Several good points here.
Several mechanisms can result in cardiac arrest. If the patient is walking along and suddenly drops (dead)-SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST, the cause is almost always the heart-. The heart has either stopped or is quivering, fibrillating. The red cells are charged up with oxygen because the victim had been breathing right up to the arrest, but the heart is not pumping so the oxygenated blood cannot be delivered, cannot get to the cells. Chest compression squeezes the heart and pumps the already oxygenated blood around so the oxygen can be dumped off to the cells of the brain and heart. Compression works in very effectively when the cause is the heart and the arrest is sudden.
However a second major cause of cardiac arrest is lack of oxygen-hypoxic arrest due to problems with respirations and breathing. Oxygen does not get into the blood and the cells therefore are starved of oxygen. The heart and brain cells are injured and die and the cardiac center in the brain and the heart muscles shut down and the heart stops. This usually takes minutes so the patient does not just suddenly drop. The airway may be blocked, the lungs damaged or ventilation interfered with.-drowning, choking and severe asthma attack are examples. Now you have blue blood-no oxygen in the red cells and dissolved in the blood. Now if you just do compressions you are pumping around unoxygenated blood and the patient will not survive. Here you need classic CPR-breaths and compressions , breaths to charge the blood with oxygen and compression to pump it around.
Since children usually arrest from breathing problems rather than heart problems classic CPR is indicated. Also if you come upon an arrested victim and there are no witnesses or information about the event, you do not know the cause of arrest and you should probably add breathing to resuscitation. Finally the most important action in resuscitation of a drowning victim is what is done immediately at the scene. Studies have shown immediate resuscitation at the scene rather than paramedic ,ER or ICU treatment determines survival . Immediate breathing for the victim at the scene is the single most important thing to do followed by compressions after the blood is oxygenated. Successful resuscitation is often associated with breathing for the victim when they are still in the water. Drowning is a classic example of hypoxic arrest. Bottom line-compression alone is good but one size does not always fit all.
Thanks to both of these professionals for their contributions.
The American Heart Association has been toying with this concept for awhile now. Many of us believe this is the future of CPR for all levels of provider. The Good Samaritan Law however are different from state to state and should be researched by those who learn CPR for their own sake (Here's some info to get started.)
http://firstaid.about.com/od/medicallegal/f/07_good_sam_law.htm
Below are comments from Dr. Rowe, who is also a certified CPR instructor. He's been urging me to get mine but I'm lagging a bit. Several good points here.
Several mechanisms can result in cardiac arrest. If the patient is walking along and suddenly drops (dead)-SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST, the cause is almost always the heart-. The heart has either stopped or is quivering, fibrillating. The red cells are charged up with oxygen because the victim had been breathing right up to the arrest, but the heart is not pumping so the oxygenated blood cannot be delivered, cannot get to the cells. Chest compression squeezes the heart and pumps the already oxygenated blood around so the oxygen can be dumped off to the cells of the brain and heart. Compression works in very effectively when the cause is the heart and the arrest is sudden.
However a second major cause of cardiac arrest is lack of oxygen-hypoxic arrest due to problems with respirations and breathing. Oxygen does not get into the blood and the cells therefore are starved of oxygen. The heart and brain cells are injured and die and the cardiac center in the brain and the heart muscles shut down and the heart stops. This usually takes minutes so the patient does not just suddenly drop. The airway may be blocked, the lungs damaged or ventilation interfered with.-drowning, choking and severe asthma attack are examples. Now you have blue blood-no oxygen in the red cells and dissolved in the blood. Now if you just do compressions you are pumping around unoxygenated blood and the patient will not survive. Here you need classic CPR-breaths and compressions , breaths to charge the blood with oxygen and compression to pump it around.
Since children usually arrest from breathing problems rather than heart problems classic CPR is indicated. Also if you come upon an arrested victim and there are no witnesses or information about the event, you do not know the cause of arrest and you should probably add breathing to resuscitation. Finally the most important action in resuscitation of a drowning victim is what is done immediately at the scene. Studies have shown immediate resuscitation at the scene rather than paramedic ,ER or ICU treatment determines survival . Immediate breathing for the victim at the scene is the single most important thing to do followed by compressions after the blood is oxygenated. Successful resuscitation is often associated with breathing for the victim when they are still in the water. Drowning is a classic example of hypoxic arrest. Bottom line-compression alone is good but one size does not always fit all.
Thanks to both of these professionals for their contributions.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
No-Breaths CPR
I recently renewed my CPR card and was introduced to this method. I maintain that students be trained in CPR and ALL of the instructor staff in a martial arts studio. I know school owners who have had students drop from heart attacks on the mat and CPR kept them alive. I would not be surprised if the states start to mandate automatic defibrillators in our schools. We do an athletic activity and often strike the chest. Do yourself a favor and take a class in CPR.
Learn Sarver Heart Center's Continuous Chest Compression CPR
Every three days, more Americans die from sudden cardiac arrest than the number who died in the 9-11 attacks. You can lessen this recurring loss by learning Continuous Chest Compression CPR, a hands-only CPR method that doubles a person’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest. It’s easy and does not require mouth-to-mouth contact, making it more likely bystanders will try to help, and it was developed at the
University of Arizona College of Medicine.
"This video is worth sharing," said Gordon A. Ewy, MD, director of the UA Sarver Heart Center and one of the research pioneers who developed this method.
Please click on the link below to watch the video.
http://medicine.arizona.edu/spotlight/learn-sarver-heart-centers-continuous-chest-compression-cpr
Learn Sarver Heart Center's Continuous Chest Compression CPR
Every three days, more Americans die from sudden cardiac arrest than the number who died in the 9-11 attacks. You can lessen this recurring loss by learning Continuous Chest Compression CPR, a hands-only CPR method that doubles a person’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest. It’s easy and does not require mouth-to-mouth contact, making it more likely bystanders will try to help, and it was developed at the
University of Arizona College of Medicine.
"This video is worth sharing," said Gordon A. Ewy, MD, director of the UA Sarver Heart Center and one of the research pioneers who developed this method.
Please click on the link below to watch the video.
http://medicine.arizona.edu/spotlight/learn-sarver-heart-centers-continuous-chest-compression-cpr
A Motivational Speech
You have to give him credit...
http://brijux.com/2010/05/20/why-dudes-should-not-give-motivational-speech/
http://brijux.com/2010/05/20/why-dudes-should-not-give-motivational-speech/
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Mike Sanders
Friday, July 16, 2010
Some philosophy
Steve White sent this. I'd seen it before but it's worth reading again.Keep this philosophy in mind the next time you hear, or are about to repeat a rumor or send an e-mail.
In ancient Greece (469 - 399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom. One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance, who ran up to him excitedly and said, "Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students...?"
"Wait a moment," Socrates replied. "Before you tell me, I'd like you to pass a little test. It's called the Test of Three."
"Test of Three?"
"That's correct," Socrates continued. "Before you talk to me about my student let's take a moment to test what you're going to say. The first test is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"
"No," the man replied, "actually I just heard about it." "All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know
if it's true or not. Now let's try the second test, the test of Goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about my student something good?"
"No, on the contrary..." "So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him even though you're not certain it's true?" The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.
Socrates continued, "You may still pass though because there is a third test - the filter of Usefulness. Is what you want to tell me about my student going to be useful to me?" "No, not really..."
"Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is neither True nor Good nor even Useful, why tell it to me at all?"
The man was defeated and ashamed and said no more.
This is the reason Socrates was a great philosopher and held in such high esteem.
Some of you may know the rest about his wife and Plato...
In ancient Greece (469 - 399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom. One day the great philosopher came upon an acquaintance, who ran up to him excitedly and said, "Socrates, do you know what I just heard about one of your students...?"
"Wait a moment," Socrates replied. "Before you tell me, I'd like you to pass a little test. It's called the Test of Three."
"Test of Three?"
"That's correct," Socrates continued. "Before you talk to me about my student let's take a moment to test what you're going to say. The first test is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"
"No," the man replied, "actually I just heard about it." "All right," said Socrates. "So you don't really know
if it's true or not. Now let's try the second test, the test of Goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about my student something good?"
"No, on the contrary..." "So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him even though you're not certain it's true?" The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.
Socrates continued, "You may still pass though because there is a third test - the filter of Usefulness. Is what you want to tell me about my student going to be useful to me?" "No, not really..."
"Well," concluded Socrates, "if what you want to tell me is neither True nor Good nor even Useful, why tell it to me at all?"
The man was defeated and ashamed and said no more.
This is the reason Socrates was a great philosopher and held in such high esteem.
Some of you may know the rest about his wife and Plato...
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Podcast developments
I have uploaded a few more podcasts. One is on resources and another was posted yesterday on breathing. It's an interview with Dr. Rowe, whose name you recognize from "The doctor is in" posts here.
In case you have not subscribed yet, it's free, and the link is http://feed.podcastmachine.com/podcasts/3314/mp3.rss
It's now searchable on iTunes, too!
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=381705015
Thanks to Lenny Steinke and Tom Fanelli for their help in making this happen.
In case you have not subscribed yet, it's free, and the link is http://feed.podcastmachine.com/podcasts/3314/mp3.rss
It's now searchable on iTunes, too!
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=381705015
Thanks to Lenny Steinke and Tom Fanelli for their help in making this happen.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Die, brain cell, die!
We used to think that once brain cells were killed you could not replace them. A joke was that "alcohol kills brain cells but only the weak ones". Science has shown that new brain cells will grow, though. And the excerpt below from an article by Gretchen Reynolds tells of a study that shows exercise promotes their growth. A link to her blog is at the bottom.
So, keep working out. And read the article on her blog about women and exercise recovery.
What goes on inside your brain when you exercise? That question has preoccupied a growing number of scientists in recent years, as well as many of us who exercise. In the late 1990s, Dr. Fred Gage and his colleagues at the Laboratory of Genetics at the Salk Institute in San Diego elegantly proved that human and animal brains produce new brain cells (a process called neurogenesis) and that exercise increases neurogenesis. The brains of mice and rats that were allowed to run on wheels pulsed with vigorous, newly born neurons, and those animals then breezed through mazes and other tests of rodent I.Q., showing that neurogenesis improves thinking.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/author/gretchen-reynolds/
So, keep working out. And read the article on her blog about women and exercise recovery.
What goes on inside your brain when you exercise? That question has preoccupied a growing number of scientists in recent years, as well as many of us who exercise. In the late 1990s, Dr. Fred Gage and his colleagues at the Laboratory of Genetics at the Salk Institute in San Diego elegantly proved that human and animal brains produce new brain cells (a process called neurogenesis) and that exercise increases neurogenesis. The brains of mice and rats that were allowed to run on wheels pulsed with vigorous, newly born neurons, and those animals then breezed through mazes and other tests of rodent I.Q., showing that neurogenesis improves thinking.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/author/gretchen-reynolds/
Monday, July 12, 2010
Online learning site update
We've made some progress working bugs out of the system. There's a glitch in the member registration/subscription system that's causing problems. As far as the video side, we worked out a problem that was preventing testers from seeing everything they should. As of now I have close to 600 video clips uploaded and ready to go. We shot some more yesterday, two hours worth. Here's a recap of what you'll be able to get.
Base package - $30/month and includes basics, 42 self-defense techniques (three clips each), numerous drills, freestyle techniques, sets and the beginner forms. Principles and general rules videos, too.
Median package - includes all of the above, more basics, adds 64 self-defense techniques and forms. More rules of motion and concept clips.
Top package - includes all the above, technique extensions, forms instruction, rules and principles clips and a section for instructors called "Instructing for Instructors".
I'm getting lots of inquirys. We're overdue with getting it launched but we want it to be a trouble-free and easy to use as possible. I'll release the website name shortly. Thanks for your patience.
Base package - $30/month and includes basics, 42 self-defense techniques (three clips each), numerous drills, freestyle techniques, sets and the beginner forms. Principles and general rules videos, too.
Median package - includes all of the above, more basics, adds 64 self-defense techniques and forms. More rules of motion and concept clips.
Top package - includes all the above, technique extensions, forms instruction, rules and principles clips and a section for instructors called "Instructing for Instructors".
I'm getting lots of inquirys. We're overdue with getting it launched but we want it to be a trouble-free and easy to use as possible. I'll release the website name shortly. Thanks for your patience.
Age is just a number
Lenny Steinke at Marc Sigle's school in Esslingen, Germany sent this in. It's a video of a 67 year old man doing a killer workout. Lenny himself is in great shape and I can see him doing this in the future.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WOxdNaOygk&feature=player_embedded#
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WOxdNaOygk&feature=player_embedded#
Thursday, July 8, 2010
New article on breathing
I've posted the July article on my website in the Members Section. Here's an excerpt.
A basic question must be answered. We know why we breathe. But how do we breathe? This is a complex answer and I cannot address all the factors. I’ll distill what I know. I have to credit Dr. Marc Rowe for passing along some valuable information on this. Marc recently asked me why I teach what I teach. As always, his questions are insightful and the main impetus for writing this.
Marc broke it down in great detail but the mechanical basics are this. We inhale (inspiration) and exhale (expiration). We have a diaphragm that is a big player in this and that’s why we emphasize diaphragmatic breathing. It raises consciousness of what it is, where it’s located and what it does. The student can then develop their ability to control it. When the diaphragm pulls down it creates a negative air pressure area in the lungs, like a vacuum, that outside air then seeks to fill (inspiration). When the diaphragm relaxes it creates a positive pressure that empties the lung, essentially squeezing the air out (expiration). As an aside, Ed Parker said there is an opposite and reverse for everything. Think about giving CPR; Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation. The life giving breath is positive pressure that fills the lungs versus the negative pressure in a normal breath. The air is pushed in instead of pulled in.
Now I’m going to take it for granted that you realize that breath is life and have an idea about how the lung processes oxygen and passes it to the blood through the membrane of the lungs. The military “Rule of Three” reinforces the high priority of air. It takes three weeks to starve, three days to dehydrate and three minutes to die from lack of oxygen. You breathe automatically through an autonomic system but also have the ability control when and how you breathe. You have the best of both worlds. Control of your diaphragm is important.
When you breathe in through your nose you take advantage of several built-in characteristics. Outside air is cleaned a bit by the tiny hairs in your nostrils. This helps reduce or prevent the entry of pollutants to the lungs. The air is moistened and warmed as it travels to the lungs. Many of us have experienced how truly cold air is almost painful to breathe, so we know the warming is a good thing. All this helps protect the lungs. I have been told that some Chinese systems call breathing through the mouth “eating dirt”. They realized the lack of cleaning the air by oral inhalation. For these reasons I agree that breathing should be done in and out the nose. I am not dismissing the other methods; this is the method I choose to introduce my students to.
Member subscriptions are $29/year. Register at http://www.leewedlake.com/
A basic question must be answered. We know why we breathe. But how do we breathe? This is a complex answer and I cannot address all the factors. I’ll distill what I know. I have to credit Dr. Marc Rowe for passing along some valuable information on this. Marc recently asked me why I teach what I teach. As always, his questions are insightful and the main impetus for writing this.
Marc broke it down in great detail but the mechanical basics are this. We inhale (inspiration) and exhale (expiration). We have a diaphragm that is a big player in this and that’s why we emphasize diaphragmatic breathing. It raises consciousness of what it is, where it’s located and what it does. The student can then develop their ability to control it. When the diaphragm pulls down it creates a negative air pressure area in the lungs, like a vacuum, that outside air then seeks to fill (inspiration). When the diaphragm relaxes it creates a positive pressure that empties the lung, essentially squeezing the air out (expiration). As an aside, Ed Parker said there is an opposite and reverse for everything. Think about giving CPR; Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation. The life giving breath is positive pressure that fills the lungs versus the negative pressure in a normal breath. The air is pushed in instead of pulled in.
Now I’m going to take it for granted that you realize that breath is life and have an idea about how the lung processes oxygen and passes it to the blood through the membrane of the lungs. The military “Rule of Three” reinforces the high priority of air. It takes three weeks to starve, three days to dehydrate and three minutes to die from lack of oxygen. You breathe automatically through an autonomic system but also have the ability control when and how you breathe. You have the best of both worlds. Control of your diaphragm is important.
When you breathe in through your nose you take advantage of several built-in characteristics. Outside air is cleaned a bit by the tiny hairs in your nostrils. This helps reduce or prevent the entry of pollutants to the lungs. The air is moistened and warmed as it travels to the lungs. Many of us have experienced how truly cold air is almost painful to breathe, so we know the warming is a good thing. All this helps protect the lungs. I have been told that some Chinese systems call breathing through the mouth “eating dirt”. They realized the lack of cleaning the air by oral inhalation. For these reasons I agree that breathing should be done in and out the nose. I am not dismissing the other methods; this is the method I choose to introduce my students to.
Member subscriptions are $29/year. Register at http://www.leewedlake.com/
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
I have Ed Parker's gi top
Use this link to to see the video about how I came to have Ed Parker's gi top.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsBJ8MigDOg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsBJ8MigDOg
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Salute to a Fallen Warrior
Today I was a pallbearer for a man I did not know. He served our country as an Airman in the US Air Force and lost his life. A last-minute call yesterday caused a little more than a dozen of us to attend his service this morning. He had no family, had not married and had no children. His only "family" were those of us who made the trip to Punta Gorda, about 30 miles north of Ft. Myers this morning. There were four civilians there, their connection to him I do not know. The Patriot Guard, a group of motorcyclists who take it upon themselves to stand a flag line for these veterans at times such as these, assembled about a dozen men to stand a line. The local American Legion provided an Honor Guard, rifle squad and bugler to play "Taps".
A representative of the cemetary thanked us all for being there and asked for six of us to act as pallbearers. All of us from the Special Forces Motorcycle Club immediately stepped forward to lay him to rest. Our club founder accepted the ceremonial flag, being that there was no family present.
He was interred on a humid Tuesday morning, seen off by his Brothers-In-Arms. Thank you for your service. Rest in peace.
A representative of the cemetary thanked us all for being there and asked for six of us to act as pallbearers. All of us from the Special Forces Motorcycle Club immediately stepped forward to lay him to rest. Our club founder accepted the ceremonial flag, being that there was no family present.
He was interred on a humid Tuesday morning, seen off by his Brothers-In-Arms. Thank you for your service. Rest in peace.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Writers
I recently received books from two kenpo black belts who are also published writers. The first was from Phil Buck in England. His book is entitled Vision Thing. Phil writes horror and he does a good job of it. I have been teasing him that I am concerned about his mental health. That genre is not my thing but I read his and enjoyed. Wierd stuff. He's working on a second.
The second book I got was from Bill Hayes in California. His is The Original Wild Ones. It's a book about the Boozefighters, one of America's first motorcycle clubs. Bill does a nice job of presenting the history of the club. Who cares, you may ask? The stereotype of the American Biker was generated by an event in California in the 1940's in which the Boozefighters figure prominently. And he shows a side that most people don't look into. It's got some laugh-out-loud moments and if you're into motorcycles you'll appreciate his insight into the perspectives of those of us who ride.
I've added them to my collection of autographed books. Both are available on Amazon.
The second book I got was from Bill Hayes in California. His is The Original Wild Ones. It's a book about the Boozefighters, one of America's first motorcycle clubs. Bill does a nice job of presenting the history of the club. Who cares, you may ask? The stereotype of the American Biker was generated by an event in California in the 1940's in which the Boozefighters figure prominently. And he shows a side that most people don't look into. It's got some laugh-out-loud moments and if you're into motorcycles you'll appreciate his insight into the perspectives of those of us who ride.
I've added them to my collection of autographed books. Both are available on Amazon.
New podcast
I uploaded a new podcast about dealing with firearms. You can listen at:
http://feed.podcastmachine.com/podcasts/3314/mp3.rss
I went from zero to almost 90 subscribers in less than three days. Thank you all.
Please feel free to submit suggestions for topics to lee@leewedlake.com.
http://feed.podcastmachine.com/podcasts/3314/mp3.rss
I went from zero to almost 90 subscribers in less than three days. Thank you all.
Please feel free to submit suggestions for topics to lee@leewedlake.com.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Teaching kids
This may start out reading as a political rant but it's not. It's about teaching kids, so hang with me.
Yesterday I read an article that in a town in Massachusetts they were not allowed to say the Pledge of Allegiance. Sorry, can't understand that. It got me thinking. When I do my monthly lesson plans for the youth class I go through my source books and develop my Lesson of the Week for each of the next four weeks. Often I associate the lesson to an upcoming holiday or special day like Mother's of Fathers Day. These lessons do not have to be "karate" lessons, they are life lessons. We teach our children values we want them to have as the grow up. So, we talk about courage, honesty, dependability and the like. I tied this last class into the 4th of July.
I know many of you overseas read this. And some of you were probably surprised by the Massachusetts thing (not half as much as I was). But I think almost everyone knows that the 4th of July here in the US is a celebration of our independence from Great Britain. It's supposed to be a remembrance but for many it's just a day off and a cookout with some fireworks. I'm getting off track, so let's go back to the kids.
When I teach kids I throw in other stuff with the classes. I have them count their exercises in different languages, just for the experience. I have been hosted in countries where they have been surprised that I knew some numbers and it comes from working with kids. I may ask them to count in German, then ask them if the know the capitol of Germany or who a famous German was and what they accomplished. You get the idea. I asked them what the big deal was with the upcoming 4th of July. They knew but I had to drag it out of them a bit. (They're young guys.) I asked if they knew any of the Founding Fathers and Abraham Lincoln made the list, he was a time traveler you know. They knew a few and where they were from. But that was not the thrust of the lesson.
I asked them if they ever looked at a penny and saw the words "E pluribus unum" and what they mean. No, they hadn't. I explained it was Latin and translated as "From many, one" and is a concept that is a pillar of our philosophy as a nation. Then I related it to the physical actions of kenpo. You start at the foot, add the knee and hip, go on to the shoulders and rotate the arm to make a punch. You gather all the parts of the body to deliver the power - from many, one. They got it.
We did Thundering Hammers and made that first forearm into "The shot heard 'round the world". They got that too after we talked a little bit about Lexington and Concord.
As martial artists we are pursuing an integrated life. We advertise it but too often we don't see it. Martial arts are supposed to subjugate ego but we see too many big-headed practitioners. It's about honesty in many way and yet we see people selling phony rank diplomas. And buying them! I can go on about this. You know what I mean. If you're teaching children I firmly believe you need to do a Lesson of the Week, Message of the Day or Month and focus on values you and their parents want developed. Those kids are future. We are in the business of teaching the future instructors and practitioners of our art and the citizens of tomorrow. It's part of our obligation to do this.
Yesterday I read an article that in a town in Massachusetts they were not allowed to say the Pledge of Allegiance. Sorry, can't understand that. It got me thinking. When I do my monthly lesson plans for the youth class I go through my source books and develop my Lesson of the Week for each of the next four weeks. Often I associate the lesson to an upcoming holiday or special day like Mother's of Fathers Day. These lessons do not have to be "karate" lessons, they are life lessons. We teach our children values we want them to have as the grow up. So, we talk about courage, honesty, dependability and the like. I tied this last class into the 4th of July.
I know many of you overseas read this. And some of you were probably surprised by the Massachusetts thing (not half as much as I was). But I think almost everyone knows that the 4th of July here in the US is a celebration of our independence from Great Britain. It's supposed to be a remembrance but for many it's just a day off and a cookout with some fireworks. I'm getting off track, so let's go back to the kids.
When I teach kids I throw in other stuff with the classes. I have them count their exercises in different languages, just for the experience. I have been hosted in countries where they have been surprised that I knew some numbers and it comes from working with kids. I may ask them to count in German, then ask them if the know the capitol of Germany or who a famous German was and what they accomplished. You get the idea. I asked them what the big deal was with the upcoming 4th of July. They knew but I had to drag it out of them a bit. (They're young guys.) I asked if they knew any of the Founding Fathers and Abraham Lincoln made the list, he was a time traveler you know. They knew a few and where they were from. But that was not the thrust of the lesson.
I asked them if they ever looked at a penny and saw the words "E pluribus unum" and what they mean. No, they hadn't. I explained it was Latin and translated as "From many, one" and is a concept that is a pillar of our philosophy as a nation. Then I related it to the physical actions of kenpo. You start at the foot, add the knee and hip, go on to the shoulders and rotate the arm to make a punch. You gather all the parts of the body to deliver the power - from many, one. They got it.
We did Thundering Hammers and made that first forearm into "The shot heard 'round the world". They got that too after we talked a little bit about Lexington and Concord.
As martial artists we are pursuing an integrated life. We advertise it but too often we don't see it. Martial arts are supposed to subjugate ego but we see too many big-headed practitioners. It's about honesty in many way and yet we see people selling phony rank diplomas. And buying them! I can go on about this. You know what I mean. If you're teaching children I firmly believe you need to do a Lesson of the Week, Message of the Day or Month and focus on values you and their parents want developed. Those kids are future. We are in the business of teaching the future instructors and practitioners of our art and the citizens of tomorrow. It's part of our obligation to do this.
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