Chi is one of the most debated topics in martial arts. At its simplest, some teachers describe it as nothing more than controlling your breathing. At the other extreme, others claim Chi grants them the ability to perform feats like “no-touch knockouts” or even channel mystical powers. But where does the truth actually lie? Let’s start with a definition.

At its core, Chi is often defined as “life force energy”—the vital energy that sustains life. Different cultures use different names: in China it’s Chi (or Qi), in Japan it’s Ki, and in India it’s known as Prana. Beyond martial arts, it has long been part of spiritual and healing practices, making the connection between body, mind, and spirit closer than many might first assume.

When it comes to martial arts, Chi is most commonly expressed through breathing methods. Different breathing patterns can produce different results. The two most common are abdominal breathing and reverse abdominal breathing.

• In abdominal breathing, the stomach expands on inhalation while the chest sinks. This is often used for relaxation and focus.

• In reverse abdominal breathing, the chest expands and the stomach contracts. This creates internal pressure and is typically associated with generating power.

Chart of Abdominal vs Reverse Abdominal breathing.

In my own training, I use abdominal breathing to calm the body and mind, and reverse abdominal breathing to generate strength. In fact, most people naturally switch to reverse abdominal breathing without realizing it. For example, when lifting something heavy or trying to push a stalled car, your body almost automatically engages this type of breathing—even if you’ve never trained in Chi Kung (Qigong).

Chi in Religious and Spiritual Practices

While my focus is martial arts, it’s important to understand that Chi is not limited to fighting or training. Many religious and spiritual traditions also incorporate breathing and energy concepts, though they approach them with different goals in mind.

In Daoism, Chi (Qi) is seen as the natural energy of the universe. Breathing exercises, meditation, and gentle movements (such as Tai Chi and Qigong) are used not only for health but also for spiritual alignment with the Dao, or “the way of nature.”

In Indian traditions, the concept of Prana is central. Breathing practices called Pranayama are designed to control and direct life force energy. These are often used in yoga and meditation to achieve clarity, balance, and spiritual growth.

In Japanese culture, Ki is integrated into practices like Aikido and Reiki. In Aikido, Ki is about harmonizing energy with an opponent rather than clashing against it. Reiki, meanwhile, uses the concept of Ki as a form of spiritual healing through touch.

What ties all of these together is the use of breathing as a bridge between body, mind, and spirit. Whether the goal is healing, meditation, or spiritual enlightenment, breath control is the universal method of cultivating Chi.

From a martial artist’s perspective, we don’t need to dive deep into the theology to appreciate the overlap. The same breathing that helps a monk calm his mind for meditation can also help a fighter steady his nerves before stepping into the ring.

Chi Kung practiced as a moving martial art or a meditation

A Personal Story of Survival

One of the most powerful Chi Kung stories I know isn’t about breaking bricks or knocking someone down without touching them—it’s about survival.

When I was 18, I moved to a new city and went searching for a place to train. Along the way, I met someone who practiced shamanism, and we quickly became friends, sharing ideas on meditation. One day, when he took off his shirt, I noticed his chest was completely caved in. Naturally, I had to ask what had happened.

He told me that years earlier, he had been caught in the middle of a gas station robbery. In the chaos, he was shot in the chest with a shotgun. My first reaction was, “How on earth did you survive that?”

His answer shocked me. He explained that, after being shot, he stood up, pressed his hand firmly against his chest, and told the gunman, “I’m not calling the cops. I just want to walk to the hospital and get help.” Amazingly, the robber let him go.

The nearest hospital was about half a mile away, and he was losing blood fast. To keep himself alive, he said he relied on something he called “The Rain Cloud Meditation.” In this practice, he imagined his life energy (known in some traditions as the Hara or Dan Tian) rising up through his body to the crown of his head, then “raining” back down.

In Kung Fu, I had learned a variation of this called the Small Orbit Meditation—a technique where energy is visualized as circulating throughout the body. The method was different in imagery, but the principle was the same: controlled breath, calm focus, and directing energy inward.

Did Chi magically save his life? No. The more likely explanation is that pressing his hand to his chest slowed the bleeding, while the meditation helped him control panic and keep his heart rate low. A slower heartbeat meant less blood loss, giving him the time he needed to reach medical help.

Fortunately, the doctors in his area were skilled enough not only to save him, but to restore full functionality. Aside from the scar and the caved-in chest, he had no lasting disabilities or health problems.

To me, this story illustrates the true power of Chi practice. It isn’t about supernatural miracles. It’s about how breathing, focus, and mental discipline can make the difference between life and death. In this case, Chi practice helped him survive long enough for science and medicine to do the rest.

Eastern vs Western Medicine

This is the practical side of Chi — breathing, focus, and mental discipline that produce measurable, life-saving results. But Chi also lives in a different conversation: the idea of invisible energies around us — forces we can’t see but that clearly affect the world. In Part 2 I’ll compare Chi to other invisible energies (like electricity, radio waves, and sound), show how those comparisons help us understand what Chi might be, and give simple experiments and drills you can try yourself. If you thought this first post raised more questions than answers, good — we’re just getting started.

How Cross-Training in Different Martial Arts Enhances Your Overall Skill Set: A Strategic Approach

Introduction

In the realm of martial arts, practitioners often find themselves drawn to a single discipline, dedicating their time and effort to mastering its techniques and philosophies. However, a growing body of evidence suggests that cross-training in various forms, such as Kenpo, Wushu, Shotokan, and San Shou, can significantly enhance an individual’s overall skill set. This blog post aims to delve into the analytical benefits of embracing a multifaceted training regimen, illustrating how exposure to diverse martial arts not only broadens a practitioner’s technical expertise but also fosters a deeper understanding of movement, strategy, and self-discipline. By integrating elements from different styles, martial artists can cultivate a more versatile approach to combat and personal growth, ultimately leading to improved performance and fulfillment within their martial journey.

Understanding Different Types of Martial Arts

Traditional Martial Arts

Arts such as Shotokan Karate and Wushu’s traditional forms emphasize discipline, structure, and philosophy. Shotokan develops strong basics, linear power, and mental focus, while Wushu connects practitioners with fluid movement, cultural heritage, and acrobatic expression.

Modern Martial Arts

Systems like Kenpo represent a modern evolution of traditional roots, emphasizing adaptability, speed, and practical combinations that work in real-world settings. San Shou (Sanda), though rooted in Chinese martial traditions, functions as a modern combat sport—mixing striking, throws, and takedowns in a way that mirrors MMA.

Mixed Martial Arts

MMA thrives on combining striking and grappling into a cohesive system. While you may not formally study “MMA” itself, blending arts such as Kenpo for striking, San Shou for takedowns, and Shotokan for timing achieves a similar well-rounded effect.

Self-Defense Systems

Cross-training also sharpens personal safety. For example, Kenpo’s rapid-fire striking and San Shou’s ability to control or throw opponents create a practical, efficient toolkit for real-world encounters.

Picking the Right Art to Meet Your Personal Goals

Identifying Your Objectives

Your choice of arts should reflect your goals:

• Kenpo if you want quick, practical self-defense.

• Wushu if you’re drawn to artistry, movement, and athleticism.

• Shotokan if you want structured basics, discipline, and traditional karate fundamentals.

• San Shou if your focus is on full-contact, sport-oriented fighting that blends striking and grappling.

Evaluating Available Options

Look at what’s accessible locally. Even if all four arts aren’t offered everywhere, combining one or two with what’s available can still create a strong cross-training program.

Consulting Instructors and Practitioners

Talking with experienced martial artists can help you decide how to balance traditional discipline with modern application. Many instructors encourage combining arts like Kenpo and San Shou, since they naturally complement each other.

Training Found in All Martial Arts to Build a Good Foundation

Physical Conditioning

Each art develops conditioning differently:

• Wushu builds flexibility and explosive movement.

• Shotokan develops core strength and stability.

• San Shou enhances agility and endurance.

• Kenpo sharpens coordination and reaction speed.

Together, they form a well-rounded foundation for physical development.

Technical Skills Development

Cross-training expands your toolkit: Kenpo’s flowing hand combinations, Wushu’s dynamic kicks, Shotokan’s precise stances, and San Shou’s throws and sweeps all contribute unique elements to your overall skill set.

Mental Discipline and Focus

Training in multiple arts forces adaptability. Shotokan cultivates patience and focus, Wushu encourages creativity, Kenpo teaches fluid problem-solving, and San Shou instills toughness under pressure.

Consideration of Health Benefits and Risks

Physical Health Benefits

A mix of arts ensures balanced training—improving cardio, strength, flexibility, and joint health. For example, Wushu’s dynamic movements counterbalance the repetitive linear motions of Shotokan, while San Shou’s clinch work adds functional strength.

Mental Health Advantages

Switching between systems prevents burnout and keeps training exciting. Practitioners often find that the variety boosts confidence, reduces stress, and keeps their motivation high.

Understanding Risks and Safety Practices

Every system has its risks—San Shou can be high-impact, Wushu demanding on joints, Shotokan repetitive if overtrained, and Kenpo fast-paced with risk of strain. Awareness and proper recovery practices make long-term progress possible.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the integration of Kenpo, Wushu, Shotokan, and San Shou not only enriches an individual’s skill set but also mirrors the historical evolution of traditional systems like Kung Fu and Karate, which have long benefited from the blending of techniques and philosophies. As the martial arts landscape continues to evolve, practitioners must recognize that their unique goals and aspirations will guide their choice of disciplines. Whether seeking self-defense, competitive success, or personal growth, finding the right martial art is paramount. Moreover, considering health and longevity is essential; selecting a practice that aligns with one’s physical capabilities ensures that the benefits of martial arts can be enjoyed throughout the aging process. Embracing a strategic approach to cross-training fosters a well-rounded martial artist, capable of adapting and thriving in an ever-changing environment.

James Ibrao: The Martial Arts Pioneer Behind Jun Bao Wushu Kung Fu

When talking about martial arts pioneers in America, James Ibrao is a name that deserves recognition. Though not as widely known as Bruce Lee or Ed Parker, Ibrao played a key role in shaping the growth of martial arts in the United States. His legacy lives on through Jun Bao Wushu Kung Fu, a unique system that continues to inspire martial artists today.

Who Was James Ibrao?

James Ibrao began his martial arts journey during a time when Asian martial arts were only beginning to spread across the U.S. He trained under the legendary Ed Parker, the founder of American Kenpo Karate. Ed Parker’s school in Hawaii and later in California became a hub for martial artists, producing students who would help expand martial arts nationwide.

Ibrao rose through the ranks as one of Parker’s black belts, but his martial arts path didn’t stop at Kenpo. He began refining his knowledge and experimenting with new approaches, which eventually led to the creation of his own system.

The Creation of Jun Bao Wushu Kung Fu

The most enduring contribution of James Ibrao is Jun Bao Wushu Kung Fu. “Jun Bao” was Ibrao’s Chinese name, and he used it to represent his personal martial philosophy.

Unlike many traditional systems that feature dozens of long forms, Jun Bao Wushu Kung Fu focuses on five core forms. Each form is packed with techniques, concepts, and principles that guide students from beginner levels all the way to black belt.

This streamlined structure makes the style both approachable and powerful—allowing martial artists to focus deeply on technique, adaptability, and personal growth rather than memorizing endless routines.

Philosophy and Teaching Style

James Ibrao believed that martial arts should go beyond fighting. His approach emphasized discipline, balance, and adaptability. Students were encouraged not only to master techniques but also to understand the deeper principles of movement and self-improvement.

Those who trained with him often remembered his precision, patience, and passion for passing on knowledge. He represented the spirit of martial arts as both a tradition and an evolving practice.

Legacy of James Ibrao

Although James Ibrao may not be as widely recognized as other martial arts figures, his influence is still felt today. His students and their students continue to practice and share Jun Bao Wushu Kung Fu, ensuring that his teachings live on.

He stands as a reminder that martial arts are not just about physical combat—they are about innovation, personal growth, and leaving a legacy for future generations.

Why James Ibrao Matters in Martial Arts History

For martial artists, especially those in Kenpo or Kung Fu traditions, understanding James Ibrao’s contributions gives us a clearer picture of how martial arts evolved in America. His life’s work highlights the importance of both honoring tradition and creating something new.

If you practice Kenpo, Kung Fu, or any other martial art, take a moment to appreciate pioneers like James Ibrao who helped pave the way.

What Is Jun Bao Wushu Kung Fu?

If you’ve looked around this site, you may have noticed a style of Kung Fu that looks a little different from what you’re used to seeing. This system is called Jun Bao Wushu Kung Fu.

“Jun Bao” refers to James Ibrao, the founder of the style. After years of studying Kenpo, he developed this system to focus on the forms he felt offered the greatest benefit to his training and athletic ability.

At its core, Jun Bao Wushu Kung Fu consists of just five forms, often referred to as the “Five Forms to Black Belt System.” Each of these forms has a distinct focus and provides a unique contribution to the practitioner’s skill set. Let’s take a closer look at them.

Gom Gong Kuen (Hard Diamond Form)

The first form, Gom Gong Kuen, means “Hard Diamond Form.” It was the very first Wushu form I (Sifu Kyle Russell) learned.

This form emphasizes hand techniques over footwork, making heavy use of punches and forearm strikes common in southern Chinese martial arts such as Hung Gar and Choy Li Fut. It also introduces several hand positions, including the fist and tiger claw. The primary stances are the horse stance, cat stance, and twisted stance.

Si Ping Kuen (Eight Bridges Form)

The second form, Si Ping Kuen, translates to “Eight Bridges.” In southern Kung Fu, a “bridge” usually refers to using the forearm to connect, block, or set up a strike.

While Gom Gong Kuen focuses on hard, forceful movements, Si Ping Kuen incorporates softer, more fluid techniques. Practitioners will notice an increased use of open-hand strikes, palm blocks, and snake-like movements. The form highlights parries, redirections, palm heel strikes, and ridge hands. It also introduces more dynamic footwork, including stepping in and out of the sitting cross stance.

Book Set (Depressing the Tiger)

Book Set, also known as Bung Gee or “Depressing the Tiger,” has an interesting history. Originally created during Ed Parker’s time in Kenpo, the form was started by Kung Fu instructor James Wing Woo. After a falling out, both men completed the second half of the form separately, resulting in multiple variations that are still practiced today.

This is the first form in the series that can take over three minutes to perform, making it an excellent workout when executed with full intensity. It introduces new hand positions, stances, and strikes, as well as crane-inspired movements and hidden applications.

Gung Gee (Taming the Tiger)

Gung Gee, meaning “Taming the Tiger,” is based on the famous Hung Gar form of the same name. While the Jun Bao version is shorter, it retains many of the signature movements.

Performed along an “I” shape (similar to the Heian/Pinan katas of Karate), this form emphasizes close-range combat skills. It teaches practitioners how to create space, execute throws, and apply evasive footwork. In Hung Gar, Gung Gee is considered the first of the system’s “Four Pillars” and forms the basis of the style.

Tiger and Crane (Fu Hok)

The final form, Tiger and Crane (Fu Hok), is one of the most iconic sets in Hung Gar. Jun Bao’s version differs slightly, incorporating more soft-style elements, but retains the essence of the original.

This form is rich in techniques, including ridge hands, one-finger Zen, golden bridge, eagle claw strikes, tiger claws, and crane beak parries. It also introduces redirections, throws, and more advanced kicks. Many consider Tiger and Crane a complete training system in itself — if you could only practice one form, this would be a strong choice.

Conclusion

The five forms of Jun Bao Wushu Kung Fu provide a solid foundation for anyone studying Chinese martial arts. Together, they teach stances, hand positions, striking methods, and practical self-defense applications. Strongly influenced by Hung Gar — a style historically used by the Chinese military for its effectiveness — these forms balance tradition, athletic development, and real-world fighting skills

🥋 The 5 Most Useful Kicks for Flexibility (And Why You Should Train Them)

When it comes to martial arts, a flexible body isn’t just about looking flashy—it’s about control, range, and the ability to kick without strain. Whether you’re training in Wushu, Taekwondo, or just trying to loosen up tight hips and hamstrings, these five stretch kicks will help you build flexibility and flow.

These are the five I use regularly in my own training—and they’re perfect whether you’re a beginner or just looking to improve your flexibility.

1. Rising Front Kick (Stretch Kick)

This is a fundamental kick used in Wushu and other styles to warm up the hamstrings and open up the hips.

How to do it:

• Keep your upper body upright and swing your leg straight up in front of you.

• Your knee should stay locked and your foot flexed.

• The goal is control, not speed.

Stretch focus: Hamstrings, hip flexors, and lower back.

2. Side Rising Kick

This kick builds flexibility in the hips and inner thighs—great for developing side splits and cleaner side kicks.

How to do it:

• Raise your leg straight out to the side while keeping your supporting leg grounded.

• Don’t lean too much—stay upright and keep your foot flat on the ground.

Stretch focus: Adductors, outer hips, and obliques.

3. Inside Crescent Kick

This kick helps improve groin flexibility and leg control as you swing inward across the body.

How to do it:

• Swing your leg in a tight arc across your centerline.

• Keep your toes pointed upward and your leg as straight as possible.

Stretch focus: Groin, adductors, and hip rotation.

4. Outside Crescent Kick

The outside crescent is excellent for loosening the hips and preparing for spinning or jumping techniques.

How to do it:

• Swing your leg outward in a wide arc, moving from inside to outside.

• Let your arms move naturally with the kick, but keep your posture solid.

Stretch focus: Glutes, outer hips, and lower back.

5. Slap Kick (Tan Tui or Bai Lian Tui)

This one looks cool—and feels even better once you’ve got the timing down. It teaches coordination, balance, and flexibility all in one move.

How to do it:

• Swing your leg up diagonally and slap the foot with your opposite hand.

• Keep your back straight and engage your core.

• The slap should happen at the top of the kick, with control.

Stretch focus: Hamstrings, hip flexors, core.

🧘‍♂️ Training Tip:

You don’t need to throw 100 kicks a day—start with 3 sets of 5–10 reps per leg and work up as your flexibility improves. These are also great to use before forms, sparring, or heavy stretching to prepare the body.

💬 Let’s Connect

If you’re following along with my 30 Days to the Splits challenge or want help refining your kicks, let me know in the comments below—or subscribe to the YouTube channel to train with me weekly.

🔗 Arkansas Wushu on YouTube

Shadow Boxing

Shadow boxing is one of the most effective ways to sharpen your technique, improve cardio, and build muscle memory without the need for a partner. To get the most out of it, you should drill combinations that reinforce proper form, encourage good movement, and simulate real fight scenarios. You should also vary your pace and intensity as you would if you were fighting an opponent. Here are five of the great boxing combinations that you can incorporate into your shadow boxing sessions:

5 Combos you should include in your Shadow Boxing!

1. Jab – Cross (1–2)

• Why it’s great: This classic combo is the foundation of boxing. It teaches distance control, speed, and rhythm.
• Focus on: Snapping your jab, rotating your hips on the cross, and quickly resetting your guard. Make sure not to stand in one place to long and keep circling to work on your foot work.

2. Jab – Cross – Left Hook (1–2–3)

• Why it’s great: Adds variety by combining straight and circular punches, teaching you how to mix up angles.
• Focus on: Turning your lead foot and hip into the hook, keeping your chin tucked, and maintaining balance. Experiment and see how moving left or right affects the power of your hook.

3. Jab – Body Cross – Left Hook (1–2b–3)

• Why it’s great: Simulates attacking high and low, which is useful for breaking an opponent’s guard. You could also mix this up with a low jab and a high cross.
• Focus on: Smoothly lowering your level for the body shot and returning to stance for the hook. Try to keep the distance between your feet roughly the same, avoid letting them get to far apart or to close together.

4. Double Jab – Cross – Roll – Cross – Hook (1–1–2–roll–2–3)

• Why it’s great: Builds offensive flow and defensive timing by incorporating a roll after the initial attack. You can use a rope to roll under to assist you with this drill if you want and try to move forward down the rope.
• Focus on: Keeping your eyes forward during the roll, staying balanced, and coming back with power shots. Make sure to come back to your guard position, it helps to throw a double jab at the end in case there is another attack.

5. Lead Uppercut – Cross – Hook – Pivot Out (5–2–3 + angle)

• Why it’s great: This combo ends with movement, reinforcing the importance of creating angles after throwing punches.
• Focus on: Throwing a tight uppercut, flowing smoothly into the cross and hook, then pivoting or stepping off the center line. Try to find ways to use this both to create distance from an opponent, and close distance to throw a punch of your own.

Final Tips for Shadow Boxing:

• Visualize an opponent in front of you.
• Mix up your tempo with fast and slow combos.
• Integrate footwork, head movement, and defensive slips.
• Breathe with each punch and stay relaxed.

Shadow boxing isn’t just about throwing punches—it’s about developing a fighter’s mindset. Drill these combinations regularly and you’ll notice improvements in your coordination, timing, and overall boxing IQ. Shadowboxing can also be used as a warm up, so you can incorporate it into almost every workout. Work on increasing your intensity and cardio slowly over time. It is a great idea to start out at 3 1-minute rounds and then work up to 3-3 minute rounds when you are throwing with the same intensity as you would in a full contact conflict.

Train smart, stay sharp, and keep moving! Make sure to use dynamic stretching after you warm up and end with some relaxed stretching to prevent any injuries! Add small dumbbells to your workout for better strength building results.

For a beginning challenge, go try throwing each one of these combos for 1 minute straight with a 20 second rest in between!

Beginning Wushu Kung Fu: Where to Start and What You Need to Know

Have you ever wanted to learn Kung Fu but didn’t know where to start? Maybe you’ve watched Wushu performances online — all that explosive movement, acrobatics, and precision — and thought, “That looks amazing, but I don’t live anywhere near a martial arts school.”

You’re not alone.

Whether you’re in a big city or a small town, you can begin your Wushu Kung Fu journey right where you are — no fancy gym or massive training hall required.

What Is Wushu Kung Fu, Exactly?

Wushu is a modern expression of traditional Chinese martial arts. It blends fluid movement, athletic performance, and martial technique into a system that’s both artistic and powerful.

You’ll often see two branches of Wushu:

• Contemporary Wushu – focuses on performance, including jumps, forms, and weapons.

• Traditional Kung Fu – rooted in older fighting systems, emphasizing practical techniques and discipline.

At Arkansas Wushu, we believe in the beauty and discipline of both. Check out our Styles page to see what we have to offer!

Sometimes Wushu is also divided into Northern Styles and Southern Styles. Northern Styles are known for their high kicks, flashy moves, and acrobatics. Southern Styles are known for their powerful movements, deep stances, and intense fighting applications. You have probably seen both many times in the movies without realizing it.

If you are a Bruce Lee fan, than you have seen Wing Chun! This is a southern art known for it’s simplicity. Sammo Hung also practiced a Southern Style of Kung Fu known as Hung Gar. If you are more of a Jet Li fan, than you have seen Northern Wushu! Both Northern and Southern Kung Fu have created great actors and more importantly, legendary martial artist.

Can You Learn Wushu Without a School Nearby?

Absolutely. While training with a master is ideal, many people today start at home with nothing more than:

• A small open space,

• A phone or computer,

• And the right mindset.

💡 Tip: Check out our videos on YouTube to begin your Journey. They’re designed for people training at home with zero experience.

Beginner Wushu Basics You Can Practice Today

Start with stances — the foundation of every movement:

• 🐎 Horse Stance (Mabu) – Builds leg strength and endurance.

• 🏹 Bow Stance (Gongbu) – Trains balance and striking position.

• 🦶 Empty Stance (Xubu) – Great for mobility and transitional movement.

Once you’re comfortable, add:

• Basic punches (like straight punches and palm strikes),

• Kicks (like front kicks and side kicks),

• And eventually, full forms (Taolu).  WuBu Quan is the best place to start!

Daily Training Routine for Wushu Beginners

A 15-30 minute routine is all you need to build a habit:

1. Stretching (5-10 min) – Dynamic Stretching! Especially hips and hamstrings.

2. Stances + Basics (10-15 min) – Focus on form, not speed. Try to get the stances low!

3. Shadow Practice or Forms (5-10 min) – Put movements together.

4. Cool Down (5 min) – Prevent injury and increase flexibility. Use static stretching and controlled breathing.

Recommended Gear (Optional but Helpful)

You don’t need gear to start, but here are some things that can help:

• Lightweight martial arts shoes

• A basic training uniform (or just comfy clothes)

• 

• A practice staff (for traditional weapon forms)

🛒 Check out our recommended beginner gear here:
[Affiliate links to Century Martial Arts or Amazon]

Training Alone? Here’s How to Stay Motivated

• Set a goal like learning one form in 30 days.

• Record your progress (you’ll be shocked at how fast you improve).

• Leave a comment on our videos or message us — you’re not training alone if you’re part of the community.

Final Thoughts

Starting Wushu can feel intimidating, but the most important thing is just to begin. You don’t need a gym, a black belt, or to be in shape — you just need a willingness to move, learn, and grow.

Practical: The Most Miss-Defined Term in Martial Arts

The only way they could prove Kung Fu wasn’t practical, was to try to change the definition of the word!

When it comes to martial arts, few words are more more misunderstood—than “practical.”

In the modern Era where MMA schools are everywhere, you will hear lots of critizism for practicing traditional Karate or Kung Fu.  The argument is always something similar.

“Traditional martial arts are a wast of time, they aren’t practical.”
“You need MMA, Boxing, Jujitsi, or Judo if you actually want to know how to fight.”

But what if we’ve been defining “practical” all wrong?

Besides even if you train MMA, the techniques you are learning, most likely came from some form of traditional martial art or Kung Fu!

What Does “Practical” Even Mean?

By definition, practical means “useful and effective in real life.”
But here’s the question we should all be asking:
Real life for who?

If you’re in law enforcement or the military, then combat-based training might be essential. Even then, there are plenty of people who go through that training and still have no better than your average fighting skills.  For the average person—working a 9-to-5, raising a family, or aging gracefully—physical confrontation generally is not a daily concern.

So if a martial art helps you move better, stay healthy, stay sharp, and live longer… isn’t that more practical?

Which are you more likely to use in your everyday life? That cool flying arm bar the MMA guy taught you? Or the increased range of motion you have from daily stretching?

Traditional Martial Arts Build Real-Life Skills

Here are a few areas where traditional martial arts like Kung Fu, Karate, and Taekwondo offer long-term, real-world value:

• Hand-Eye Coordination: Great for driving, reaction time, sports, or simply not dropping your phone.

• Balance & Body Awareness: Especially important as we age—good balance prevents falls and injuries.

• Focus & Mental Clarity: Training forms (kata, taolu) builds concentration and mindfulness.

• Flexibility & Injury Prevention: Regular training improves mobility and reduces the risk of everyday injuries.

You Can Practice Traditional Arts for a Lifetime

Here’s something rarely talked about:
Combat sports often have an expiration date.

Styles like MMA, boxing, or Muay Thai rely heavily on sparring, explosive power, and full-contact training. These are intense systems that take a toll on the body. That’s why you rarely see 70-year-old MMA fighters.

But traditional martial arts? They’re built differently.
They emphasize flow, breath, posture, coordination, and internal strength—all things that age with you, not against you.

It’s not uncommon to see Kung Fu, Tai Chi, or Karate practitioners training well into their 80s and 90s. That longevity is practical.

“Combat-Only” Isn’t Always the Most Useful Approach

Modern systems like Krav Maga or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are praised for being “reality-based,” but they tend to focus solely on immediate threats—like being attacked in the street.

While this training is undeniably useful, it can overlook the other 99% of life where mental discipline, emotional control, and physical well-being are more important than throwing a punch.

Unfortunately the culture in some of these schools develops undesirable traits. Some MMA schools teach their students to mock other styles or schools, train them to be overconfident, and the fight culture can often lead to health risk.

For example, Jujitsu is great for ground fighting! It can teach you to submit your opponent or get up and get away if you need too! However, most MMA schools won’t tell you some of the hidden risk!

While grappling on the ground, you are in constant contact with your opponent, and can easily cause small abrasion or tears in the skin, which can easily lead to contact of open wounds between fighters!  This means that you can actually spread blood-borne diseases through training the art, possibly including  a STD related illnesses! Is it really practical to train to win a fight that may never come only to risk catching a life threatening disease? Some might consider that training “impractical”.

So… What Is Martial Arts Practical For?

Instead of asking, “Is this style practical?”
Maybe the better question is: “Practical for what?”

If your goal is to:

• Stay active and mobile as you age

• Improve your reaction time and confidence

• Build discipline and emotional control

• Train for life, not just self-defense…

Then traditional martial arts might just be the most practical choice of all.

Train for Life, Not Just for Combat

At Arkansas Wushu, we believe martial arts should improve every aspect of your life—not just prepare you for a rare worst-case scenario.

We blend traditional martial arts with modern understanding to help you build:

• Functional strength

• Everyday balance and coordination

• Calm, focused energy that benefits you at work, at home, and in daily life.

• Combat Application! (yes, we still have those too!)

Recommended Gear for Practical Training

🛡️ Looking for reliable training tools that can grow with you?

We recommend Century Martial Arts gear—durable, affordable, and used in our own training sessions and YouTube tutorials.

For some of our Tutorials, check out our YouTube page!

Final Thoughts

Let’s stop defining “practical” by how hard you can hit someone.
Let’s redefine it by how well you live.

Because if martial arts can help you move better, breathe deeper, and live longer—it might just be the most practical thing you ever do.

The Ultimate Guide to Everyday Self-Defense: Using a Cane, Umbrella, and Other Objects

When Traditional Weapons Aren’t an Option, Bring an Umbrella!

Picture this: You’re traveling, and security confiscates your tactical pen or perhaps you’re walking home, and a police officer questions why you’re carrying a baton. Many traditional self-defense tools such as knives, batons, and  even pepper spray—can be illegal in certain areas or raise suspicion.

In traditional Kung Fu, you would learn 18 different weapons! Obviously, you would never be able to carry that many, especially the long weapons! The idea was by learning the 18 traditional Arms, you could pick up and use just about anything as a weapon!

Smart self-defense isn’t about carrying a lot of self-defense tools—it’s about using everyday objects that blend into your environment. Two of the best tools for this purpose are the cane and an umbrella.

The Cane: A Warrior’s Walking Stick

Why It’s the Ultimate Everyday Weapon

✅ 100% Legal – No permits, no restrictions. You can carry it anywhere.
✅ No Suspicion – It’s just a walking aid. No one questions it.
✅ Surprisingly Devastating – A well-placed strike can break bones or disable an attacker.

Techniques That Give You an Edge

• Deception – Carrying a cane can make you appear weak, making your attacker over confident.

• Hook & Trap – Use the curved handle to control limbs or weapons.

• Long-Range Advantage – Keep attackers at bay with sweeping strikes. Perfect for keeping knives at bay.

💡 Pro Tip: A hardwood or reinforced cane looks unassuming but can take serious impact without breaking.

💡 Pro Tip: Most of the techniques you find in the Chuan Fa style of martial arts can easily be adapted for cane!

The Umbrella: The Forgotten Self-Defense Tool

Why It’s Better Than a Knife in Public

• Never Confiscated – You can take it through TSA without hassle.

• Hidden in Plain Sight – No one expects an umbrella to be a weapon.

• Multi-Use Defense:

  • Thrust → Works like a spear.

  • Swing → Functions like a baton.

  • Open → Becomes a makeshift shield.

Tactical Upgrade: What Separates the Good from the Useless

Most umbrellas snap under pressure. But a Blunt Umbrella (favored by executive protection teams) can withstand 200+ lbs of force—enough to dent a car door. That’s the kind of durability you want. There are also other options such as “The Unbreakable Umbrella”

Other Everyday Objects for Self-Defense

Even if you’re caught without a cane or umbrella, you can still defend yourself with items you already carry.

🔦 Flashlight – A 1000-lumen beam can blind an attacker long enough to counter. A solid metal body adds striking power.

📰 Rolled-Up Magazine – When tightly rolled, it functions like a baton and can fracture ribs. Works in places where weapons are banned.

👖 Belt (The Prison Shiv Technique) – The buckle becomes a striking tool, while the leather strap can entangle an attacker’s limb.

Training Tips: How to Make These Tools Effective

The 5-Second Rule

If you can’t deploy your tool in 5 seconds or less, it’s useless. Practice:
✔️ Quickly moving into positions that let you strike vital points.
✔️ Transitioning between different hand positions while warding off an attack.

“Dirty Tricks” That are Highly Effective!

• Umbrella jab to the groin → follow-up strike to the throat.

• Cane handle to the clavicle → A loud snap means the fight is over.

• “Accidental” trip with the cane → Immediate stomp to end the encounter.

Final Word: Smart Fighters Carry Smart Tools

While others hoard illegal weapons, the smart survivor carries tools that:
✅ Blend into everyday life
✅ Work in any legal jurisdiction
✅ Serve multiple purposes beyond self-defense

Your Next Move:

• Keep a combat-ready umbrella in your car or office.

• Learn three cane strikes this month. (check out a our YouTube video on Cane Defense!

• Train with what you already carry—because the best weapon is the one in your hand.

Would you trust your life to an umbrella or cane? Drop a comment below—we’ll help you get trained.