TPN :: Martial Arts Explorer

Martial Arts Explorer - V3 P12

Explorer — Wed, 07 May 2008 15:41:10 +0000

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Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast
Volume 3 Program 12
First, we’re sorry that the last few weeks have been a bit sparse regarding updates. The Podcast Network has been updating it’s servers due to a particularly vicious hack. Things are going quite well now and we’re back to updating the podcasts. A very big thank you to Cameron Reilly for all his hard work this past month!

Please subscribe to this version of the podcast in iTunes by using this link.

Martial Arts Explorer - V3 P11

Explorer — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 09:02:12 +0000

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Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast
Volume 3 Program 11
Chest bumping is an oddity in the Wild Kingdom but it’s certainly common in altercations between young men; we take a look at it in this episode.

Please subscribe to this version of the podcast in iTunes by using this link.

Free?? No catch?? - A viewer with a serious question

Explorer — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 17:02:22 +0000

Jim, from Japan, checked in regarding GreenBackStreet’s Membership Terms of Agreement. My reply follows his note.
——– Original Message ——–

Subject: Free?? No catch?
Date: Thu, April 03, 2008 3:10 am
To: explorer@martialartsexplorer.tv

Hi guys,

I’ve been watching your video podcast from my home in
Japan for nearly 6 months or so. I really like the
content and the professional looking video. Kudos!

The recent advertisement campaign, I understand is a
necessary evil. I can handle that because we all need
to support ourselves. However, looking through the
Greenback Street site made me feel uncomfortable,
particularly when I read what new members signing up
for a free account agree to.

—Quote from Membership Terms of Agreement—-
Membership Fees and Payments
You agree to pay GREENBACKSTREET any membership fees
billed to the credit card or checking account you
provide and authorize for use at time of enrollment.
GREENBACKSTREET’s membership fee is non-refundable
except where state law prohibits. SHOP4ERO reserves
the right to change the amount of any membership fees,
and to institute new fees, without notice. If you
submit your credit card or checking account
information to GREENBACKSTREET upon registration, you
give GREENBACKSTREET permission to charge the
membership fee incurred through your account to the
credit card or checking account you designate on the
Registration Form. If payment cannot be charged to
your credit card or your payment is returned to
GREENBACKSTREET for any reason, GREENBACKSTREET
reserves the right to terminate your account and all
its obligations under this Agreement.
—End Quote—-

Huh? No catch? I suspect your martial defense must be
far better than your legalese defense! I tried to
learn on the site more about a membership fee that
they may be referring but failed to find anything. As
such, I don’t think it prudent to agree to allow
Greenback Street to take money from me and the right
to raise that fee as they see fit. Cash back? More
like cash gone!

Jim

PS. As I live outside the US, I can’t sign up for an
account anyway. I suspect that you have more viewers
in the same boat, like that Tommy guy who has emailed
you frequently.

Hi Jim,

Your’re right to be cautious. I spoke directly with GreenBackStreet and the text you saw is a vestige of the old website. They will be expunging that verbiage from the site asap. I’ve been using GreenBackStreet for a few months now and have seen exactly zero charges for membership. In fact, I was never asked for my credit card information in my sign up. Neither has anyone else who signed up under Martial Arts Explorer.

As for international ordering, any store that would ship internationally should also ship to you in Japan and it really won’t cost you anything to research the retailers and find those that will. Thanks for checking in.

scot

Martial Arts Explorer & GreenBackStreet; a few questions

Explorer — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 01:41:03 +0000

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Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast
Martial Arts Explorer & GreenBackStreet; a few questions

We’re sure a few of you have some questions regarding the partnership between GreenBackStreet and Martial Arts Explorer. So, Mike and Scot sat down for interviews to talk about how cash back online shopping and a martial arts podcast fit together. Please don’t hesitate to ask your own questions via email to explorer@martialartsexplorer.tv

Please subscribe to this version of the podcast in iTunes by using this link.

Non-Combative Self Defense

Explorer — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 14:36:05 +0000

Ed has checked in (thanks Ed!) with a couple of the methods he has used to avoid physical combat.

I have a couple. First one while in 6th grade three guys tried to “beat
me up”. One guy held me while the other two taunted me and other
stuff. I tried everything I could think of to get the guy holding me to
let go. The guy holding me made a mistake by putting his arm in front
of my mouth, and all I had to do is give a toothy smile. He let go
thinking I was going to bite him. Second one was while in the army a
guy found out I was taking tae kwon do and wanted me to fight him. I
told him I didn’t want to fight and continued to read a comic book. He
tried to provoke me by taking a swing at me, but he misjudged his
distance. Instead of coming close to my head he hit my glasses and
face. I proceeded to get up from the ground and purposely complain
about the blood on my shirt. The guy was stunned because I had not been
knocked out and I was laughing at him. I later further defeated by
becoming his friend. Last one was still in the army a bunch of guys
were busting the new guy, I let it go on for about 10 minutes or so. I
then told the guys to cut the bs and go back to their own room( I was
the senor guy). One started a fight with me, and I was okay with this
at first. I was trying out a move I learned in a Kata in which you do a
low spear hand strike and then a down block. I thought it was supposed
to be a groin grab(wrong). He got his arms around me, and was on the
ground. Trying to taunt me he asked”what are you going to do now?”
Thinking for a moment, I then said” give you a kiss.” I then proceeded
to lick him on the nose. He immediately let go and left.

From Edward

Martial Arts Explorer - V3 P10

Explorer — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:28:59 +0000

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Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast

Volume 3 Program 10

In this episode we’re introducing a new concept in advertising we hope you’ll like and Mike shows an interesting ground technique.
Please subscribe to this version of the podcast in iTunes by using this link.

A great idea for avoiding a fight using non-combative techniques

Explorer — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 16:57:40 +0000

There is a very simple technique that I use all the time to
avoid confrontations. As with many simple techniques, it is important
to have the basics down. I call it, the smile. And that’s exactly
what it is–a smile. Let me explain.

I work with a lot of teenagers, and many times fights amongst
teenagers start from some form of disrespect. Often, this disrespect
comes in the form of a stare down (a.k.a. mad-dogging, dogging). Most
of us have experienced this in one form another. This is when one
person stares at another, directly in the eyes with a mean or
aggressive expression in their face. Basically, the aggressor is
trying to get his target to look down or look away in order to–in his
mind–assert his dominance. I’m sure you know the situation to which
I’m referring. I often teach my kids about the technique I use to
avoid a fight arising from this situation.

Now, I could tell them to look the other way, but that would not
fulfill their understandable desire to not be considered weak or
inferior. My technique, helps them “win” in the situation AND avoid a
fight. Here’s how it goes:

A person is staring you down, you respond with a huge smile, a festive
laugh and greeting, and ask the person how they’re doing. Here is the
trick, you need to be sincere. You need to look like you really mean
it. The smile needs to be the same smile and greeting you would offer
a close friend whom you hadn’t seen in years.
Your body language has to be non-aggressive. In short, you need to act
in all facets to convey good will. I have tried this in my life many
times and it has ALWAYS worked. Even a person with real mal intent
will be completely confused by this reaction, which they never
expect. Of course, I imagine this wouldn’t work against psychopaths,
sociopaths etc. But if we’re talking about a regular person, who is
just out trying to show how tough he is, this’ll work.

One central precept in most martial arts involves disrupting your
opponents balance. This technique accomplishes just that. Very few
people are expecting such a reaction to naked aggression; they are not
prepared to deal with it, thus they revert to the default reaction to
such a greeting. That is to say, they respond in kind, asking how you
are doing, or exchanging some other mundane pleasantry. Here’s an
example of how off balance people get as a result of this technique. I
do a roll playing exercise with kids, where I ask one of them to be
that real tough jerk who wants to pick a fight no matter what. And I
just lean against the wall and ask them to walk past me “staring me
down.” Before asking them to do this, I tell them exactly how I’m
going to react. When they play their part, and I react with the smile,
the happy greeting, the non aggressive body language and the sincere
inquiry as to how they are doing, they get confused and just ask me
how I’m doing. Even though they knew what I was going to do, they are
still unable to respond to it aggressively!

I tell the kids, that by doing this, you come out on top. The person
generally ends up feeling ashamed of themselves for trying to pick a
fight with a person who was so kind.

Now let’s say it doesn’t work, you should still be ready to defend
yourself and smiling will give you a second or two, when your opponent
is off balance to figure out what you want to do.

I even extend my right hand to shake when doing this, that way I have
the right side of their face and lower torso completely open to
attacks from my left hand, and I’ve got a hold of their primary
defense for that side of their body–their right hand.

Give it a shot. It works every time!

Mr. Ara Arzumanian
Los Angeles, CA

Martial Arts Explorer - V3 P9

Explorer — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 21:27:17 +0000

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Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast
Volume 3 Program 9
We’ve had a number of request to see Scot on the mat. Here’s the result. We are not responsible for any injuries or damage that may occur when you fall off your chair laughing. Master Chris Thomas also joins us with a segment on back stance. A big thanks to Joe Peterson from the Cho Sun Black Belt Academy; Milwaukee’s finest Tae Kwon Do school. EDITORS NOTE ** We may be a bit biased when it comes to Cho Sun and Mr. Peterson, but we really like those guys!

Please subscribe to this version of the podcast in iTunes by using this link.

Martial Arts Explorer - V3 P8

Explorer — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 05:10:31 +0000

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Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast

Volume 3 Program 8

This time we cover the differences between sport martial arts and self defense and Michael looks at a reversal of the full mount position.
Please subscribe to this version of the podcast in iTunes by using this link.

Using Non-Combative Techniques to Avoid a Fight

Explorer — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 01:31:22 +0000

We’ve been asking for you stories of avoiding a fight using non-combative techniques. Here’s the first from Mike in … Oklahoma … I think. Anyway, his post follows. Thanks for writing in Mike!

Hey there, I dunno if this podcast is an old one or a recent one, I just happened across it when browsing for video podcasts. Here’s my story.

I lived in a really bad part of Oklahoma City off and on for 10 years. I love to take long walks through the city at night, which can at times lead to meetings with unsavory characters. I had just moved into a new apartment after a separation from my wife at the time, and I had nothing to do, little money, and was feeling quite restless. I ended up taking about a 15-mile hike through the city, and didn’t get home until about 4 in the morning. On the way back, I encountered a crackhead with a funny gleam in his eye. He approached me rapidly, and asked “Hey, do you have money?” He was holding a cigar box with one hand inside, up to his chest. I retorted with an indignant “If I had money, do you think I’d be walking out here at 2 in the morning!?” He looked confused, said “good point.”, and shuffled away. I suspected it was possible that he was carrying a weapon of some sort inside the box. Crackheads pretty much lose their reasoning skills and their internal filters after a while, and I think it’s possible that he was asking whether I would be a good victim or not. I once heard a crackhead screaming for someone to call the police because he had just dropped $300 worth of crack in the snow, and wanted the drug dogs to help him find it.

Anyway, the moral of the story is: I’ve learned while living in bad neighborhoods, if you learn how to look like you own the place, and blend a little bit of the local swagger and dialect into your own (don’t overdo it!), look confident, competent, and aware, you can avoid a lot of predators who usually prefer to prey on the weak. I also look everyone in the eye, and treat each like an equal human being, whether they are a bums or supermodels. Excepting lawyers and executives of course hehehe.. But seriously, people don’t often attack someone they like. Sometimes all it takes is a little respect.

Michael

Martial Arts Explorer - V3 P7

Explorer — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 00:22:00 +0000

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Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast
Volume 3 Program 6
A brief discussion on ‘Aliveness’ in martial arts training and using and ‘x-block’ as a throw.

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Martial Arts Explorer - V3 P6

Explorer — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 13:55:26 +0000

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Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast

Volume 3 Program 6

Senior Master Instructor Chris Thomas at a Tae Kwon Do school and a look at using a cross handed technique.
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Martial Arts Explorer - V3 P5

Explorer — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 06:57:53 +0000

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Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast
Volume 3 Program 5
A big thanks to Howard, a question about iPods and a collarbone technique. Sounds like a well rounded show!

Please subscribe to this version of the podcast in iTunes by using this link.

January’s Top 10 List of Countries with the most MAEx viewers

Explorer — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 21:52:16 +0000

It’s fun for us to see all the people from different countries who regularly watch Martial Arts Explorer. So, in honor of our loyal viewers around the world, here is our first Top 10 List of the countries with the most downloads of MAEx.
10 - China

9 – Great Briton

8 – Japan

7 – Spain

6 – Czech Republic

5 – Australia

4 – European Union

3 – Canada

2 – Unknown

1 – United States

Martial Arts Explorer - V3 P4

Explorer — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 03:27:10 +0000

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Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast

Volume 3 Program 4

A discussion about two step blocking, a note from Eugene (the person not the city) and a look at a thumb lock from Seisan.
Please subscribe to this version of the podcast in iTunes by using this link.

A note from Dan regarding his meeting with Master Thomas

Explorer — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 19:25:28 +0000

Scott,Your are totally INSANE !!! ROFLMAO ;-)

I literally fell of my chair laughing at the intro to this week’s podcast. You da’ Man! And yes, Master Thomas spoke highly of Mike and you, it was ‘…flattering and positive’.

And you’re correct, I am an avid viewer and look forward to the weekly installment. Hope you guys get the new Website up soon. I’m looking forward to it and passing the word about the Podcasts.

Good luck and keep up the great work!

Dan

Scot Replies:

Glad you liked it Dan. You gave us the response we were looking for!

Progress on the website is slow (thanks for mentioning it) but we are getting somewhere. Just today I spoke with a partner that will contribute heavily to the success of the website and Martial Arts Explorer in general. We will also offer custom weapons for those practitioners who are serious about their weapons practice. Hand made, first quality weapons tailored to the individual martial artist; sounds good doesn’t it?

Best Wishes,

Scot

Martial Arts Explorer - V3 P3

Explorer — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 22:50:55 +0000

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Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast
Volume 3 Program 3
Michael works on a finger lock combination and Scot offers a correction to an earlier show.

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Martial Arts Explorer - V3 P2

Explorer — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 02:51:24 +0000

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Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast

Volume 3 Program 2

This time we cover some brief Kata Maxims and Master Thomas continues his examination of pressure point basics.
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Martial Arts Explorer - Real Martial Artists of Genius (Parody)

Explorer — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 00:20:07 +0000

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Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast
Real Martial Artists of Genius
We must’ve been bored. However, it was a lot of fun to make.

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An answer to Tommy in Singapore’s question - …the best martial art for a youngster

Explorer — Sun, 06 Jan 2008 17:03:45 +0000

Our Canadian friend, Howard has sent an answer to Tommy in Singapore. Tommy and his friend argue back and forth about the best martial art(s) for kinds growing up. Here’s Howard’s answer:

In my opinion the best martial art is the best martial art for you. It is like saying what is the best car, ice cream flavour, or website (hopefully for martial artists it will be www.martialartsexplorer.tv :). [EDITORS NOTE: Thanks Howard! We continue working on the project which is taking much longer than we anticipated.]

To give you some background on me,

I did Judo in Montreal when I was in grade six, did it for one year and hated it, I was trying to use strength and was too young to understand leverage.
Started Karate (Shorijiryu Kenkokan Karatedo) in grade nine, liked it but had a great deal of difficulty
Three years later got my green belt and had to learn throwing forms, did ok but didn’t like it
Four years later was a shodan candidate, and was told I had to teach throwing forms to the green belts at the university dojo. I had an odd number of students, so the odd man out when they paired up was a large bodybuilder and I had to demo with him. Using pure strength, he was able to throw me like a rag doll (I was only 130 lbs at the time), until one time I got tired of him not listening to me and when he tried to throw me again I reversed it and throw him. I will never forget the look on his face when he landed, it was a cross between utter shock and sudden enlightenment. I loved throwing forms.
A year later I went for my shodan and passed. I loved karate and swear that I would do it the rest of my life.
A year later I quit. We call it the “Black Belt blues”, after getting your shodan you lose a focal point ( nine out of ten shodans quit before sandan). What do you call it? or is this a phenomenon unique to us?
I tried Aikido my last year of university, liked it but always came home exhausted. Did not pursue it after that.
I move to Toronto
Two years later took up tae kwon do, got into a big argument with my instructor at my yellow belt exam and quit
Two years later started to do JKD, loved it, and did it for three years. I found out that the part I liked best was from Wing Chun.
Quit JKD and joined Wing Chun, did this for two years.
Met the woman of my dreams, married her, and had children.
Quit Wing Chun
We move to Ottawa
Nine years later, my oldest daughter decides she wants to do Karate. I research schools in Ottawa and find out there is a dojo teaching my original style. So we decide to go there.
I watched her classes for a year, and get bitten by the bug again, and returned to training.
In the course of the last two year, I have come to realize that everything I was looking for, was always there in my original karate; the locks from Aikido and JKD, the principles from Wing Chun, and our Judo-like breakfalls are evolving to more like Aikido’s.
I am now a nidan candidate and Karate is the bet martial art for me

My answer to Tommy is: you are both right

Cheers
Howard Rosenblum

Martial Arts Explorer - V3 P1 Supplemental

Explorer — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 21:13:44 +0000

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Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast

Volume 3 Program 1 Supplemental

This supplemental podcast spends a little time discussing Oyata Sensei and his importance to Thomas Sensei and the Kyusho Jitsu Kenkyukai. We hope you will find this discussion interesting and enlightening.
Please subscribe to this version of the podcast in iTunes by using this link.

Martial Arts Explorer - V3 P1

Explorer — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 05:17:39 +0000

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Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast
Volume 3 Program 1
Our third season begins with a final word from Tommy in Singapore; plus a beginners look at pressure points by Senior Master Instructor Chris Thomas. We’re uploading a supplemental video as a companion piece. The supplemental podcast gives a quick overview of Oyata Sensei and why he is important to Thomas Sensei and the Kyusho Jitsu Kenkyukai.

Please subscribe to this version of the podcast in iTunes by using this link.

Martial Arts Explorer - V2 P41

Explorer — Mon, 31 Dec 2007 03:21:18 +0000

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Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast

Volume 2 Program 41

We close our second season with even more from Tommy in Singapore; plus a way to use a high/low strike as a shoulder lock.
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Martial Arts Explorer - V2 P40

Explorer — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 08:21:05 +0000

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Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast

Volume 2 Program 40

More from Tommy in Singapore, and a way to use a high/low strike as a throw.

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Martial Arts Explorer - V2 P39

Explorer — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 23:09:07 +0000

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Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast
Volume 2 Program 39
This time an email discussion about maturity and another look at knife hand.
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Martial Arts Explorer - V2 P38

Explorer — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 00:16:01 +0000

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Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast

Volume 2 Program 38

Seeing a chambered knife hand strike in a new way.

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Martial Arts Explorer - V2 P37

Explorer — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 19:41:59 +0000

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Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast
Volume 2 Program 37
Senior Master Instructor Dusty Seale interprets kata from the ground.
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Yet another survey

Explorer — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 04:53:41 +0000

Hi All,

As we mentioned earlier, it’s time again to find out more about our audience and The Podcast Network has a brief survey that will help us get to know you better in order to deliver programs you’re actually interested in. We’d really like you to take the TPN survey. You’ll find it here: http://www.thepodcastnetwork.com/survey
Thanks,
Scot & Michael

Martial Arts Explorer - V2 P36

Explorer — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 09:58:35 +0000

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Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast

Volume 2 Program 36

Detail work on a wrist lock technique.

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Survey Time

Explorer — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 08:15:21 +0000

The audience for Martial Arts Explorer is growing exponentially and it’s time again to find out more about all you good people. Below you’ll find a link to a brief survey that will help us get to know you better and give us vital information about the Martial Arts Explorer audience for potential advertisers.

Thanks,

Michael & Scot

http://www.podtrac.com/audience/start-survey.aspx?ver=2&pid=0xT_yb_6qZI$

Martial Arts Explorer - V2 P35

Explorer — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 07:03:33 +0000

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Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast
Volume 2 Program 35
Senior Master Instructor Dusty Seale is back with a great finger locking technique.
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Martial Arts Explorer - V2 P34

Explorer — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 07:29:29 +0000

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(145Mb)

Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast

Volume 2 Program 34

Using White Crane Kung Fu techniques to interpret Naihanchi Shodan.

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Martial Arts Explorer - V2 P33

Explorer — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 06:40:17 +0000

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Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast

Volume 2 Program 33

A practical use for a down counter performed in a cross legged stance.

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Martial Arts Explorer - V2 P32

Explorer — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 03:30:06 +0000

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Martial Arts Explorer - Video Podcast
Volume 2 Program 32
Two punches from the same hand. Is it really just two punches, or can it be something else? Check out the show and decide for yourself.
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