The enigmatic term “OSS” is often heard in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools and among BJJ practitioners, but its origins and meanings are not widely known. So, what does OSS mean in BJJ? The meaning of OSS is “Osu, Shikaku, Seishin” and is a term used to describe respect and perseverance. It is based on three core … Read more
Kung Fu is a kind of generic name for all Chinese martial arts. And there’s a big difference between different forms of Kung Fu. But does Kung Fu have belts? Belts are used in some Kung Fu styles, such as Shaolin Kung Fu, to indicate the level of skill and experience of the practitioner. Other … Read more
To the uninitiated, martial arts look potentially violent. So if your child is naturally quick-tempered already, it’s common to wonder, “will martial arts make my child more aggressive?” As a general rule, martial arts do not make children more aggressive. Children actually learn valuable self-regulation skills and breathing techniques which result in a calmer and … Read more
Everyone knows Karate. But it’s not just punches and kicks. In fact, there are a number of tools and weapons used by Karate practitioners. But what are the most widely used Karate weapons? Here are some of the most widely used Karate weapons: Bo Staff Nunchaku (nunchuks) Shurikens Tonfa Katana Fukiya Sai But those are … Read more
Kung Fu is the name for ALL forms and styles of Chinese martial arts. As such there are hundreds of different styles of Kung Fu to choose from. But what is the best Kung Fu style? The overall best Kung Fu style for self-defense is Wing Chun which is what Bruce Lee initially practiced. Wing … Read more
Jiu Jitsu and Karate are two of the most renowned martial art styles around, but what makes one different from the other? Is one better than another for self-defense or street fights? Let’s explore Jiu Jitsu vs Karate. Jiu Jitsu and Karate are both Japanese martial arts, but Karate is a stand-up art focused on … Read more
The U.S. military is renowned for its rigorous training, and martial arts play a major role in that preparation. But what martial art does the army use? Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP), Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) – all are part of the US Army’s arsenal when it comes to … Read more
Muay Thai and kickboxing are two popular stand-up combat sports with a focus on fast, furious punches and kicks. But what is the difference between Muay Thai vs kickboxing? Muay Thai is a combat sport from Thailand, while kickboxing is a martial art from Japan. Both involve striking techniques such as punches, kicks, elbows, and … Read more
Taekwondo is known for its fast, powerful kicks. But it’s also a highly competitive sport where practitioners face off against one another in brutal competitions. So is Taekwondo safe for girls? Training Taekwondo is safe for both girls and women, and there are numerous female black belts who are Olympic champions. As with any sport … Read more
Taekwondo sometimes gets a bad rap for being heavily rules-based and handing out black belts very quickly. But if you want to train in it, is Taekwondo effective in a real fight? Taekwondo is effective in a real fight. One learns how to kick, punch, strike, block, and other fighting techniques. And the conditioning that … Read more