IMMORTAL FITNESS MARTIAL ARTS - Latest Blog Entries

Self-Defense Readiness Seminar March 20-2010

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:37:00 -0600

Immortal Fitness Martial Arts presents:

SELF-DEFENSE READINESS

LEARN:
How to Harness
Your Will to Fight

Where and How to
Hit your Attacker

Solutions to Different Levels of Confrontation

How to Detect Potential Threats in People and Environments

WHEN:
Saturday March 20^th, 2010
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

COST:
$100 for single participants
Bring a friend and split the cost
Groups of 3 or more pay $50 per person

Self-Defense Readiness Training Topics

Crime Statistics: Why you Should Fight Back
Psychological and Physiological Responses to Stress
Biomechanical Efficiency and Motor Skill Development
Basic Anatomy for Maximal Damaging Effects
Converting Defensive/Submissive Reactions to Assertive/Aggressive Actions
Choke, Bearhug, Tackle, Strike, and Mount PREVENTION
Choke, Bearhug, Tackle,Strike and Mount Counter-Attacks
Minimizing floor impact when tackled
Basic Rapid Fire Strikes
Basic Ground Fighting Techniques
How to Stay Self-Defense Ready

Space is Limited!

Reserve your spot by Pre-Registering

Pre-Registration requires $50 non-refundable deposit. Click on the paypal button below to reserve your spot today.

New Book and DVD-Chinese Combat Sword for Sport

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 13:35:00 -0600

New Release! The Complete Jianshu by Jason Tsou
Chinese Combat Sword for Sport

Jason Tsou and Arthur Schonfeld
237 pages, photographs, spiral bound for easy display
$44.95 includes Accompanying DVD

This truly lives up to its title as a “complete” presentation of the art of the sword. The manual starts with basic warm ups, progresses through static postures to individual movements and finally to sparring. The best thing about the writing, though, is that it continually circles back to the meaning and the cultural background of the art.

Of great importance, to our minds, is the general growth of the fencing art. We spent some time over ten years ago watching Adam Hsu, from the same lineage as Jason Tsou, doing his best to promote Chinese style weapons sparring. In fact we were some of the first judges certified to do this and we saw that the addition of weapons sparring—which we had tried to promote even earlier—would be an invaluable addition to a real understanding of Chinese Kung Fu. What do we mean by real?...

All of Kung Fu's funny stances and stretched out limbs make one hell of a lot more sense in the context of weapons training. These would allow a practitioner to immediately adapt to either empty hand or weapons at a moment's notice. Weapons training, in Kung Fu history, often took precedence over empty hand training which was sometimes seen only as a foundational method for weapons training. On a higher level there are many special skills which people can use in empty handed combat which originated in the weapons division of the art. Fencing will allow people to see these presently weakened connections.

This book is an important step not only in preserving a great tradition but also a contribution to setting a standard. As weapons sparring progresses we must use the hard-won lessons of hundreds of years of experience to keep the art from disintegrating into smashing one another with plastic poles. Real movements, well explained, with both the Dragon and the Tiger sides shown, footwork clarified and strategy revealed. Not only important, but great fun!

Call today to place your order (619) 917 - 9017

Take Cardio Kickboxing to the Next Level with FitSpar

Thu, 14 Jan 2010 20:31:00 -0600

FitS.P.A.R. is the hottest Mixed Martial Arts workout in San Diego

If you've ever heard of cardio kickboxing, you probably know that it's a fun and exciting workout.

Imagine if cardio kickboxing blended other martial arts techniques to make the workout more exciting while stepping up the challenge. Now imagine that not only does the new regimen give you a great workout, but you are also performing Mixed Martial Arts based movements!

Fit S.P.A.R. stands for fitness speed, power, agility, and reflex training. It is our mixed martial arts based strength and conditioning sports performance program that helps you play for as strong as you can for as long as you can.

Whether you are a combat athlete or a fit fanatic looking for a new and exciting workout, FitSpar will help you gain more energy, burn more calories, and perform stronger.

Both men and women can benefit from FitSpar MMA workouts in San Diego. FitSpar trains specific muscle groups to move in a manner that closely resembles mixed martial arts techniques, but is simple enough that anyone can progress through the various levels of simplicity.

Movements are derived not only from kick boxing, but also from shuai-chiao grappling, judo, jiu-jitsu, and kung fu.

This means that you will be using all your muscle groups in various ranges of motion to keep you muscles from plateauing. Because the intensity and workout constantly change, you will continue to grow stronger, leaner, and faster!

Check out a few of our sample workouts:

Taoist Meditation and Chi Kung January 16-17, 2010

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 02:21:00 -0600

Cloud Hands Qigong Workshop

taught by Master Share K. Lew

Cloud Hands: Is the beginning set of Nui Gung (Internal Cultivation) which builds a foundation for both health and further Nui Gung. The Cloud Hands consists of five relatively non-strenuous movements along with a quiet seated meditation. These Taoist exercises help the body to maintain good health and increase vitality. The time required for practice will fit into anyone’s schedule. This class is open to people of any age.

The Instructor: Master Share K. Lew, a youthful 91, is a Taoist priest with over 70 years experience in the traditional Taoist arts. Part of Master Lew’s education took place at Wong Lung Kwan, a Taoist monastery in the Luo Fo mountains near Canton, China where he studied for 13 years. During that time he trained in the full range of Taoist healing and martial arts. At the core of his training was the secret system of cultivation know as Qigong (Chi kung). Master Lew was the first person to openly teach authentic Taoist Qigong to non-Chinese, beginning in Los Angeles in 1970. Master Lew’s monastery style, the Tao Ahn Pai (Taoist Elixir Style), dates back over 1,300 years to Lu Dung Bin, who was born during the Tang Dynasty, and became one of the Eight Immortals of Taoism

Tuition: $200.

Time: 10 am-12 & 2pm- 4pm

Registration: Preregistration is required with a deposit of $100. Class size will be limited.

Location: 4411 Mercury St., San Diego, Ca

For information call 858-657-0983 email sharelew@netscape.net

Ab and Core Workout for Mixed Martial Arts

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:36:00 -0600

Mixed Martial Arts has a wide variety techniques that create demands to various areas of the abs and core. This video includes functional training techniques to improve your mixed martial arts performance for grappling, throwing and brazilian jiu-jitsu techniques.

1. Shuai chiao break fall to 20 floor slaps. Eyes on the belly button. Strengthens neck and abs.
2. Jack-knife: 20 reps develops core strength for BJJ guard position, forced kimura, etc.
3. Crunches: 20 reps. Develops decelerating strength for break falls and strength endurance for BJJ.
4. Rotations: 10 on each side. Develops oblique strength endurance for forced kimura, technical rise, etc.
5. Technical Rise: 10 on each side. Integrates legs for technical rise, oblique strength endurance, cardio, and circulation.
6. Front Break Fall to Plank: . for 2 minutes Develops shoulder joint strength and stability, and core strength for taking the back, front break fall, etc.

perform 3 sets

Beginners: take a 1 to 2 minute break between sets.
Intermediate: take 30 sec.-1 minute between sets.
Advanced: no break

to break the plateau: perform 6 second reps. for greater time under tension.

Win a Sony PS3 or a Trip to Hawaii

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:31:00 -0600

Refer 2 friends to enroll in a 6 month martial arts program, and get a Sony PS3.

Refer 5 friends to enroll in a 6 month martial arts program, and get a TRIP TO HAWAII!

Unlike a referral contest, our referral rewards program is designed so that everyone has an opportunity to win a PS3 or Trip to Hawaii

*all referrals must enroll within 30 days of your first referral. Referrals must enroll in unlimited martial arts training membership. Each referral qualifies for 1 referral point. When 2 referral points are cashed in for the Sony PS3, your referral points reset to zero.

Brilliant Flu Season Training Supplement

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 13:24:00 -0600

It's bad enough that it's flu and cold season. This year we are also plagued with the fear of the Swine Flu virus. What does it mean for our training? Should we train lighter to keep our immune system from the crippling effects of high intensity?

Being an asthmatic prone to catching the cold AND flu plus all the wonderful conditions associated with both, I've researched immune enhancing products ranging from glutamine to Airborne. Nothing compares to my experience with Cellucor R3.

What is Cellucor R3? Here's a quote from the Cellucor website:

"R3 Extreme is a dietary supplement designed to neutralize compounds that compromise the exercise-recovery process, supply factors that decrease the time needed for recovery, and protect newly growing tissues in the body by enhancing the functions of the immune system.

Through halting the undesired catabolic effects of cortisol, the body’s state of recovery is enhanced and able to constantly progress. When providing the essential building blocks needed for growth and reducing the effects of delayed muscle soreness, the recovery process can occur much more quickly. Additionally, when the functions of the immune system are magnified, the amount of growth that can occur is unlimited while in the anabolic state associated with R3 Extreme supplementation."

I started using Cellucor R3 in the first week of October. I deliberately attempted to overtrain to assess the efficacy of the product. I've notcied considerably less D.O.M.S or delayed onset of muscle soreness, quicker recovery, and although I caught a bit of a nose tickle, my body effectively fought off potential illnesses while those around me caught full on flu symptoms.

The last week of October I decided to train a week without the supplement, and paid the cost. I was significantly sore as I normally would be after high intensity training, and by the weekend I caught all out cold symptoms.

Although my testimony is merely anecdotal evidence, check out the video below then visit the cellucor website:

Because of the efficacy that I experienced with the product, I purchased limited quantities so you can have easy and affordable access to trying the supplement for yourself.

Retail: 59.99
IMFIT price: $49.99

Give us a call to reserve your bottle today (619) 917 - 9017

Integrated Grappling

Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:55:00 -0500

Integrated Grappling is the summation of grappling techniques from Shuai-chiao,Ground Proofing, and Gracie Combatives.

The techniques presented are learned from Tony Puyot, Mike Lomotan, and She-peng Weng, Daniel Weng, and Jan-yu Weng(Shuai-chiao), Tim Cartmell(Ground Proofing), and Matthew Becker (Gracie Combatives).

Video 1 demonstrates Shuai-chiao shaving, fall survival, and ground fight prevention.

Video 2 demonstrates shuai-chiao shaving, fall survival, and hook sweep.

Video 3 demonstrates shuai-chiao shaving-knee sieze combo to side mount, roll prevention, pillow scarf hold, crucifix, to top mount transistion.

San Diego Asian Film Festival

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:10:00 -0500

West Coast premiere

IP MAN is the first film based on real-life martial artist Ip Man, best known as the teacher of martial arts legend Bruce Lee. In 1930's Foshan, martial arts academies thrive and compete. Dignified Wing Chun expert Ip Man (Donnie Yen), while renowned as the top martial artist, chooses to keep a low profile, training with friends and engaging only in closed-door challenges. Independently wealthy, he does not need an academy for financial purposes and his loving wife (Lynn Hung) forces him to balance his training with family life.

Ip Man's life way of life is changed forever by the Japanese occupation of 1937. Stripped of his wealth, he must take a job working in a coal mine to support his family, especially his now very-ill wife. When General Miura (Hiroyuki Ikeuchi), demands that Ip Man teach Wing Chun to the Japanese Army, Ip Man vehemently refuses and instead stands and fights for both his life and the dignity of the Chinese people.

IP MAN is the fourth film collaboration between director Wilson Yip and lead actor Yen, a team best known for the 2005 smash hit Sha Po Lang (SPL). The film reunites the duo with SPL alumni co-star Simon Yam (Election) and the legendary Sammo Hung, who choreographed the fight scenes. Ip Chun, the real Ip Man's eldest son, served as technical consultant.

IP MAN contains some of the most explosively spectacular fight scenes of any recent action film, depending upon choreography and real stunt work instead of camera and editing tricks. Director Yip has truly crafted the finest Asian martial arts film in years by blending a throwback storyline with top cinematography and the aforementioned fight choreography. However, it is an unusually understated and dignified performance by the charismatic Yen and the film's historical context that raise IP MAN to martial arts epic status. IP MAN won the award for Best Picture at the 28th Annual Hong Kong Film Awards. -Gene Huh

Co-presented by:
Immortal Fitness Martial Arts

screenings

7:00 PM Thu, Oct 29
*closing night film

Call (619) 917 - 9017 for discounted tickets.

Cast & Crew

director	Wilson Yip
writer	Edmond Wong

producer	Bak-Ming Wong
Cast	Donnie Yen Simon Yam Siu-Wong Fan

Grappling for Mixed Martial Arts Seminar

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 16:55:00 -0500

Get the competitive edge with

Chinese Grappling

Brought to you by the United States
Shuai-chiao Association

What is Shuai-chiao?

Shuai-chiao is a Chinese Martial Art that emphasizes throwing and grappling and has been practiced for over four thousand years.

Who can Learn Shuai-chiao?

Anyone from all walks of life can benefit from learning Shuai Chiao. The Shuai Chiao system can also be integrated to any style and has been proven to enhance the skill sets of MMA fighters, security and law enforcement personnel.

Will I Get Hurt?
Our progressive training is customized by the individual’s skills and abilities. Beginners will learn basic throws and strengthen the abs, neck, and back while developing falling skills that minimizes the chances of injury. Every student works at their own comfort level to keep the class fun, exciting, and productive.

Train with legendary Shuai-chiao coach Dr. Daniel Weng

Who is Dr. Weng?

Began training Judo at age 11, earned 2nd degree Black Belt
Began training Shuai-chiao in 1968, earned 9th degree Black Belt
2 time national champion of Shuai-chiao Chinain 1969 and 1970
International Coach since 1975 with victories in Paris, China, and Brazil.
Grand Master Chang's assistant at Central Police University Taiwan

Published: A Study on the Comparison Between Shuai-chiao Basic Techniques and Judo Throwing Techniques. Taipei Taiwan: National Taiwan Normal University, 1975
Published Fundamentals of Shuai-chiao. Columbus, Ohio: 1984
PhD in Movement Arts 1987 Ohio State University

Shuai-Chiao BASIC	Shuai-Chiao Tactical
When Saturday October 2, 2009 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Topics Introduction to Shuai-chiao Surviving the Fall Fundamental Footwork Fundamental Throws Self-Defense Applications	When Saturday October 2, 2009 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Topics Introduction to Shuai-chiao Throw Prevention and Countering Throwing Combinations Setups and Counters for MMA Applications Military//Law Enforcement Applications
Tuition:$100 pre-registered, $150 at the door	Tuition:$100 pre-registered, $150 at the door
Attend both seminars for only $150 when you pre-register, $200 at the door
Immortal Fitness Martial Arts 4411 Mercury St. #204 San Diego, CA 92111 www.SanDiegoFitnessMartialArts.com (619) 917- 9017

Technique of the Week- Belt Cracking

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:39:00 -0500

2009 Las Vegas Tournament

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:27:00 -0500

Jan-Yu and Eric Demo

Girls Division

San Diego Fitness-Muscle Maintenence

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 19:12:00 -0500

You've all heard that quote at some point in time. Now, western science is providing detailed explainaitons as to how deep tissue enhances biomechanical efficiency. A recent study from ULM University, Dept. of Physiology and the International Society of Biomechanics has studied Active Facsial Contractility and their influence on musculoskeletal dynamics.

What the heck is Fask-eya?

Myofascial (pronounced my-oh-fash-ah) refers to the body's connective tissue. Connective tissue (aka fascia) is a complex web that goes head to toe, side to side, front to back, and is also in layers. It puts everything in our body (bones, muscles, organs, and joints) in relation to everything else. It is a whole system.

Just like all the membranes of an orange that give the orange its shape, the myofascial web is the stuff that shapes and supports the physical body. It's meant to be fluid, flexible, and resilient. However, it tends to shorten, thicken, or stick to itself in response to emotional, mental, and physical trauma. Trauma in one area sets up a progression of compensation patterns and distortions which, over years, cause further distortions and compensations. This explains how a person can mildly strain his/her back, and, 10 years later, bend over to pick up a pencil and end up with a chronic back problem.

However, with proper posture, corrective excercises, and martial training, we can develop and enhance our fascia tissue to be firm, pliable, and durable!

So what was the study about?

Traditionally, fascial tissue was considered to have a passive role in the transmission of kinetic energy. Think about two kids sitting on the edge of a slide. Fat kid named muscle slides down, bumps the facscia, and out goes the kinetic energy as butters falls off the edge of the slide.

Muscle was thought to have the only contractile elements within the body, with fascia merely absorbing and passing the kinetic energy to the bones. However, new studies have discovered contractile cells within the fascia, resulting in coupled force production. Think of the slide again, only this time fat kid and fascia slide down at the same time! (poor butters)

You may download a copy of the Thesis by clicking Active Fascial Contractility

What does all this mean?

Take care of your fascial tissue. SMFR + Training + Flexibility = Longevity of the fascial tissue, muscles, and joints.

The stronger the fascia, the greater the structural integerity and power of our techniques.

SMFR = Self Myo Fascial Release. We have a foam roller at the wu guan that helps smooth out the knots within our fascial tissue.

Here are a few sample techniques:

	Adductor Self Myofascial Release 1. Extend the thigh and place foam roll in the groin region with body prone (face down) on the floor. 2. Be cautious when rolling near the adductor complex origins at the pelvis. 3. If a "tender point" is located, stop rolling, and rest on the tender point until pain decreases by 75%
Quadriceps Slef Myofascial Release 1. Body is positioned prone (face down) with quadriceps on foam roll 2. It is very important to maintain proper core control (abdominal drawn-in position & tight gluteus) to prevent low back compensations 3. Roll from pelvic bone to knee, emphasizing the lateral (outside) thigh 4. If a "tender point" is located, stop rolling, and rest on the tender point until pain decreases by 75%.
	Iliotibial Band Self Myofascial Release 1. Position yourself on your side lying on foam roll. 2. Bottom leg is raised slightly off floor. 3. Maintain head in "neutral" position with ears aligned with shoulders. 4. This may be PAINFUL for many, and should be done in moderation. 5. Roll just below hip joint down the outside thigh to the knee. 6. If a "tender point" is located, stop rolling, and rest on the tender point until pain decreases by 75%.

San Diego Personal Trainers are available for Postural Assessments, SMFR Instruction, Corrective Training (for joint pains), and Performance Enhancement! Call (619) 917 - 9017 to schedule an appointment!

For more info. on SMFR, simply ask any of our trainers before class or during class breaks.

Technique of the Week- Shuai Jiao Leading Arm Kick

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:40:00 -0500

Coach Jan-Yu Weng teaches the Leading Arm Kick throw from the Chinese Grappling system known as Shuai-chiao. Shuai-chiao is the root of all throwing techniques found in Kung Fu and tai chi, and can be learned here in San Diego.

Bad guy behavior: Bad guy throws a lead hand punch and attempts to posture up to throw the rear hand.

Good guy: Angle of the line of attack and suppress the opponent via pushing on the shoulder or elbow joint, or striking to the jaw. When bad guy attempts to posture up, piggy back on the kinetic energy so that the shoulders move behind the hips and down, step and kick the achilles tendon.

This setup is one of many ways to execute the leading arm kick throw. The indicator is that you are positioned on the dragon gate (back side of the opponent) and the opponent is turning to orient towards you.

*key points:

Posting foot must run parrallel to the opponents swept foot for directional control of the sweep.
Posting foot should step a maximum of 4-5 inches away from the opponents swept foot. Anything greater takes your center mass away from the target resulting in decreased leverage. Stepping within 3-5 inches of the swept foot optimizes power and stability in the sweep.
When kicking, perform an ab crunch to produce greater stability and power.
Put it in your back pocket: the cranking motion of the suppressing/lead hand should loop up then curve towards your rear to pull the opponents hips off their rear leg. This disables their ability to step directly back to avoid falling.

For more informaiton or to setup a trial class, please call:

(619) 917 - 9017

Office Workout

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 02:06:00 -0500

These excercises were created by personal trainers in san diego and can be done by using the water jugs in the break room of your office.

The first exercise is a basic row that you can do in the break room and lets you get the blood moving without drawing too much attention to yourself.

The second exercise is for those who want to really turn up the heat. The water cooler swing and the shoulder press variation both accelerate your heart rate providing more oxygen to the brain and may contribute to a more productive workday.

Online Tai Chi Lesson

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:24:00 -0500

Here is a short video of our Tai Chi applications class in San Diego. The technique is known as "Parting the Wild Horses Mane".

First, a little bit of Taoist culture:

In Taoism, the body is referred to as the vehicle. The vehicle is being powered by a "Wild Horse", which represents emotion. The Wild Horse is being steered by a "Crazy Monkey", which represents the intellect and sensory entertainment.

The "Wild Horse" is driven by emotionally impusive decisions. The goal is to domisticate the horse.

The "Crazy Monkey" is frantic with intecllectual greed. The goal is to balance intellect with experiential intution.

Thus, Parting the Wild Horses Mane referrs to the act of subduing an enraged opponent.

Notes on the defensive "grapvine" circle:

Intercept: The Lead arm engages the oncoming energy
Unbalance: The lead arm continues into a "J" path of the circle to spin the opponent.
Recipericate: Return the opponents kinetic energy at the path of least resistance.

San Diego Native Girl Muay Thai Fighter

Wed, 27 May 2009 17:33:00 -0500

Christine Toledo

Christine Toledo is a Champion Muay Thai fighter born and raised in San Diego.

She is ranked #1 in the USA and #3 in the world.

Her challenges and success is an inspiration to both men and women all across the world.

She will be fighting at The Awakening in San Francisco

Buy tickets at her website:
www.AliasFightWear.com

Shuai-Chiao comes to San Diego

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 14:45:00 -0500

The word "shuai," 摔, stands for "to throw onto the ground", while "Chiao" 跤, stands for "wrestle or trip using the legs". Shuai Chiao has similarities to yet predates judo, jiu-jitsu, sambo, and other wrestling arts by thousands of years.The art has been practiced by soldiers of the Yellow Emperor as early as 2697 BC, and continues to evolve today.

Who can Learn Shuai Chiao?

Will I Get Hurt?

Our progressive training method begins with strengthening the abs, neck, and back while developing falling skills that minimalizes the chances of injury. Every student works at their own comfort level to keep the class fun, exciting, and productive.

Who is Teaching the Shuai-Chiao Class?

We have 3 internatioal black belt champions from the United States Shuai-chiao Association: Mike Lomotan, Allan Lee, and She-Peng (Sean) Weng, son of Dr. Weng.

Class Schedule:

Fridays 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

click here for more information

Tai Chi and Jiu Jitsu Grappling principle

Sun, 05 Apr 2009 15:43:00 -0500

Here is a collection of video's that reveal effortless throwing/counter throwing. The common theme is a principle known as "sinking".

It has been our experience that the word "sink" triggers a proactive action. Therefore, we use the word "melt" to express the passive nature of dissolving the body into dead weight towards the path of least resistance.

Check it out:

collection of what tai chi was initially designed for:
Some good old melting principles":

Guy in white: body and arm melting. Grey: grapevining to crowd the opponent.

uproot and spin

Melting Principle in Judo

Tai Chi as a Martial Art

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 14:21:00 -0500

This video depcits the martial aspect of tai chi.

Tai Chi's forte is that of effortless throwing. It focuses on destabilizing the opponent rather than lifting the opponents weight.

In this video are two techniques from the Tai Chi system:
Needle to the bottom sea to fanning through the back.

For more information, call: