The 8th House

by Dana Gerhardt

Writing about the 8th house isnt easy. After all, says my friend Geraldine, who truly feels comfortable talking about their experiences of love, death, and
sex outside the privacy of personal conversation?

The 8th comes up in most of my astrology consultations. But usually Ill enter through a side
entrance, discovered in the course of conversation, without announcing Im going in. Ill step out just as gingerly. This is the house of secrets after all. It rules
sex, other peoples money, taxes, debts, loss, and death. As a beginning astrologer, its easy to be intimidated by this house. Planets in a solar return 8th
can make you quiver. Transits to the 8th might suggest years of calamity and doom. Over time, however, this knee-jerk fear gives way to deep respect.
Survive an 8th house transit and youll be reborn. Valuable lessons will be learned. Eventually youll regard the 8th as a kind of spiritual master who only
shatters you for your higher good. Your ego holds no dominion here. In this house greater forces run the show.

Its difficult to talk about the 8th, but we all know 8th house territory. From childhood onward, we crawled through this archetypal jungle on our knees. There
was that mysterious tension in the air whenever your Aunt came to visit. Or how, with a single word, your grandmother could turn your dad into a child. It was
the odd feeling you got when your uncle invited you to sit on his lap. The 8th carries your psychological inheritancethe potent invisible currents that no one
talked about. Here were the electric fences strung across the rooms when your parents argued about money or sex. Here too was the power of your
mothers purse, full of mysterious totems and the smell of money. Maybe you tried a few magic spells to make it come to you. But mostly you were under
others spells here, shaped by rituals and defense mechanisms absorbed without your comprehensionyour fathers deep self-loathing, your mothers rage,
handed from female to female down your family line. In later years, perhaps when a transit touched this house, such legacies might be painfully stripped
away. Buried 8th house secrets might suddenly spring to light. This is the house that keeps the therapists in business.

Transformations here arent always bad. The 8th describes important sexual initiations. A financial
inheritance or an insurance settlement could be indicated by the 8th. Also your first joint bank account, loan approval on your first house. If you practice
divination, the 8th can help you answer questions like Will I get Aunt Melanies millions? But if youre a counseling astrologer, youll likely be working with
the part of this house thats known by feelings more than words, the unspoken contracts, the irrational fears, the pull of the past, its compulsions and
obsessions.

Like the 7th, this is a house of others. In the 8th we can be rocked by our relationshipsinto desire, anger, ecstasy, insecurity, or greed. If the 7th house
describes relationships forged through equality, in the 8th house we suffer (or profit from) relationships based on inequality. When others enter the intimate
waters of this house, they get some power over us. Whether its the bank, our parents, the IRS, our sexual partners, even a stranger who happens to push
our buttons, and lets not forget the scythe-master Deaththrough the 8th we become painfully aware of forces beyond our manipulation and control. In our
struggles here, how should we proceed? Most journeys here require a guide. Along with unflinching, courageous awareness, surrender is the most useful
8th house word.

Monsters in the Closet

I remember a client who used to call me every couple of months, always with the same question. Her progressed Moon was in the 8th house. Is it over yet?
she wanted to know. Rebecca was nervous about spending money; she told me she couldnt afford a session. She just wanted to know which day the Moon
would be out of the 8th and into the 9th. Because Id told her this several times already, I knew shed dialed me up for another reason. She needed to talk.
There were no tangible crises going on in her life, but ever since the progressed Moon had entered her 8th, shed been suffering from anxiety and
depression. The 8th, writes John Frawley, can show fear and anguish of mind.1 Especially with the progressed Moon in this house, the mind can become
ones own worst enemy, particularly when it resists the call to either get help or let go of an attachment.

Rebecca lived alone. Her husband had died years before. Her daughter wanted her to sell her house and move
to a seniors condominium complex. That meant shed have to go through all her old possessions, including her dead husbands things. Shed have to say
good-bye to her garden and her trees. Shed have to deal with loan officers and real estate agents. Shed have to meet new people who might not welcome
her. She didnt have the heart to face any of this. She avoided the decision and tried to go on as usual, which meant she would call me every few months, in
tremendous pain.

The 8th house can describe the monsters hiding in our closets. Im thinking of Mercer Mayers childrens book by the same name (Theres a Monster in My
Closet). A little boy hears a frightful noise, and night after night, quaking in fear, with a flashlight ready, his toy soldiers gathered around him, he barricades
the closet door. His fear only grows bigger. Finally he decides theres nothing left to do but face the beast. The monster is big and scary, but in a surprise
turn, the demon goes jelly-kneed and begs to crawl into bed with the boy. The same can happen with our own 8th house monsters. Our fears want
comforting so they can dissolve. But if we refuse to face them, their power only grows. To deal with 8th house feelings, we may need a Charon (the
mythological guide who ferries souls across the river Styx). Our Charon could appear in the form of a therapist, an astrologer, or a friend whos been there
before. But if, like Rebecca, we stubbornly resist help or change, we will never claim the healing power that lies beneath our fears.

The progressed Moon finally entered Rebeccas 9th house. Six months later I heard from her again: Is it over
yet? she moaned. Nothing had changed. She was still debating whether to sell her house, worrying about all the work it would take, fearful that she wouldnt
be happy in new circumstances. Even though her progressed Moon had entered the more spacious territory of the 9th, Rebecca still wasnt free. She had
never opened the door and released the monster from her closet. For the two years of the Moons progression, she had steadfastly refused to surrender her
old life. That meant a new one couldnt be born.

The last time Rebecca phoned, she had finally put her house on the market. I never heard from her again. I like to think this means she finally sold her
house, cleared her psychic closet, and began to enjoy a new adventure in the 9th. Theres a saying among astrologers, Its a transit; it will pass. The
suggestion is that when the planets move on, so will we. But if we resist the work required, especially in the 8th house, we might remain there long after the
transit has moved on.

Quicksand of the Past

We can resist the 8thbut we can get mired there too. This heavy house can draw us down like quicksand. My friend, astrologer Lucy Pond, tells a story
about one of her clients, Linda, who got stuck in the 8th when Jupiter transited there. It wasnt until Saturn came along that she woke up. Traditional
astrology says Saturn is the ruler of this house. Saturn in his home territory can act as a karmic cop. If weve been evading our responsibilitiesmaterial or
metaphysical, he will bust us. Lucy describes it this way: Saturn in the 8th house is the bill collector. What is hidden will be flushed to the surfaceeven if
that is your own lost self. The following story is in Lucys words. She wrote this for a previous TMA column of mine on the 8th house.2 Its worth reprinting.

LUCYS STORY

A couple years after Linda started working with me, she announced she had taken my advice and found a good therapist; they were dealing with her
repressed memory syndrome. She was remembering having been raped by her father and her two brothers, a recollection that threw her into a tailspin.
Transiting Jupiter had just entered her 8th housea good time to delve into the secrets from the past, especially deeply buried secrets. Pisces was on
Linda's 8th house cusp and repressed memories seemed to fit with her style of dealing with intense emotion. I shared my findings and encouraged her to
stay with her therapist.

As the years moved on and Jupiter entered her 10th house, therapy became Linda's identity. She had recalled the exact details and circumstances of all her
rapes. Though seemingly cut off from the real world, she formed friendships with others in the incest survivors group. She was devoting more and more time
to counseling and almost completely stopped working to pursue what seemed a virtual addiction to therapy. She had passed beyond the door of the 8th
house, but seemed to be stuck there emotionally.

As Linda's astrologer, I was often frustrated with her obsession with the past. Regardless of how I encouraged her to be in the present, she translated all
astrological information as an opportunity to go deeper into the past. I reminded her that she was living through the rear view mirrorthat she had no idea
where she was, or was heading, only where she'd been. There was no "present time" in her life. And because I believe astrology is best used as a tool for
living more fully in the present, I felt futile as a resource.

Several months ago, on the event of transiting Saturn conjuncting her 8th house cusp, Linda asked my astrological advice on falsifying some federal
assistance papers. To remain on the public assistance program that allowed her to pursue therapy rather than working, she had to swear that she received
no outside money. We both knew this was untrue; for the past four years her father-perpetrator had been quietly sending her money.

Among the many meanings of the 8th house is taxes. Frequently, when transiting Saturn is here, a person is audited by the IRS and financial secrets are
brought to the surface. My advice to Linda was "No, don't do it. Don't risk being audited, as you could very possibly be caught."

The next time Linda walked into my office, she was a strikingly different person. She was finally and quite clearly in present time. Rather than her usual
wounded and hidden presence, she seemed fully alive. I could hardly wait for her to sit down. "What's going on with you?" I asked. "You look better than you
have in years."

Linda told me she was being audited by the federal agency that had been providing her benefitsthat the agency did not believe she could exist solely on
the monthly stipend they were sending her. The agency was contacting her neighbors, her landlord, even her parents to discover how she had made
financial ends meet. She was possibly going to be charged with a felonyno joking matter.

Linda was frightened, and with good reason. Yet I was amazed at how whole she now seemed. No spaced-out lost soul here. Linda was scared, but fully
awake. I asked about her various therapies. She said she had cast them all aside. "That's over. I don't need that anymore. I want to get a job, make some
money, and start paying the government back." What a response! She was starting to reclaim her life and live in present time.

Facing Death

The 8th is the house of death. It might seem paradoxical that in this house we can renew our life; yet there is a
connection. According to the Buddhists, nothing gets our spiritual priorities straighter than death. Keep Death to the left, the shaman Don Juan advised
Carlos Castanada. Acknowledging death can be a powerful means for moving us into present time. Almost universally, those whove suffered near-death
experiences report that it blessed them with a keener sense of life.

Modern and traditional astrologers disagree on deaths importance to this house. Dane Rudhyar suggests this meaning is overrated.3 As spokesman for the
traditional view, John Frawley argues otherwise: In any astrology that purports to say anything of concrete and verifiable accuracy, the eighth is the house of
death. This is not death in any poetic or metaphorical sense, as some modern authorities claim. This is death in the very real sense of someone no longer
being alive.4

That a person will die is one prediction we can make with full accuracy. The trick is nailing when. Recently I heard the story of a woman who visited an
astrologer and was told her death was imminent. She was thrown into turmoil. When the time passed and she didnt die, she was relieved, then mighty angry
with the astrologer. Last week a dear friend confessed that on her recent trip to Nepal a palm reader had told her she would die in five years. Choking back
tears, my friend asked if I saw the same thing. I checked her chart. I saw nothing remarkable and she was relieved. Still I wondered, if the time came and I
was wrong, would she go hurtling through the afterworld mighty mad at me?

Frawley suggests that modern astrologers are squeamish about giving their clients anything but happy news. Traditional astrologers were more practical: it
was pointless to predict a clients Wednesday if by Tuesday hed be dead. To locate the time of death, Frawley suggests looking carefully at the 8th house
cusp and ruler, also the condition of the 8th in the solar and lunar returns. Its true that most modern astrologers havent developed this technique. Rarely
does Timing Death appear on conference schedules. When I ask my astrology buddies their means for timing death, their responses are as vague as mine.
The mother of one of my astrologer friends had terminal cancer. We looked at possible times for her inevitable death. We suspected it would happen the
year Pluto squared my friends Moon, but her mother ignored the transit and continued living.

Perhaps as the Buddhists say it is enough to know that we will die, even though the time is uncertain. In the meantime, when my clients show an 8th house
emphasis by transit, progression or solar return, Ive found it useful to suspect that something in their life will die. However poetic and metaphorical my
view, its also practical; the majority of my clients survive these transits and gain new meaning from them. Youll have to decide for yourself whether we
moderns are dumbing down the tradition or expanding the symbols to speak to a contemporary cultures needs.

Planets in the 8th of a solar return can signal a year of crisis or instability. There may be a significant lifestyle change, difficult adjustments to a divorce, a
move, a new job. An emphasized 8th in the solar or by transit or progression can indicate a death or emotional crisis for someone close to us. Often our own
ego gets a traumatic hit, suggesting its time to let go of some notion it holds about itself. Recently my friend, astrologer April Elliott Kent, posted an article on
her website about Saturn transiting through her 8th house. Saturn, she wrote, is stomping through my eighth house like Godzilla humbling Tokyo, holding
up a mirror to my trembling second-house natal Saturn with its many insecurities.5 The 8th house rules our partners money; Aprils husband was currently
without an income. Together they owed the IRS a chunk of change and although their stock portfolio wasnt dead, it was on life support. They also became
victims of credit card fraud. Really, April wrote, eighth house transits dont get a whole lot worse than this. Its enough to make you want to take a nap.
And drink heavily.

April emailed me the day after posting her article. I just received the most mind-blowing email Ive ever received from a reader, accusing me of writing only
about (my) life, (my) house, (my) husband and suggesting that I return to a more generic approach (when did I ever have that?!). You can imagine my
reaction, and my response... I'm considering writing an addendum to the article with this extra illustration of the Saturn opposition at work. Second house
Saturn: You think you're no good, unworthy, your ideas unacceptable? Eighth house transiting Saturn: Well, you're RIGHT!

Heres where its helpful to know astrology: April could lay down and die or recognize something else needed to die. And that's exactly what's coming out of
this, April emailed the next day. It's like a whole lifetime of people picking at my creative efforts with their who do you think you are? attitude is bubbling up
and I'm just standing there and saying, you know what? This is bullshit! Not all 8th house deaths are bad. Because of her courageous awareness, Aprils
insecurities tumbled under the Grim Reapers axe.

What About Sex?

The idea of sex as an eighth-house activity is quite horrific, writes John Frawley.6 Sex in the traditional system is located in the 5th house. Im inclined to
agree. But I have noticed that for the month the Sun passes through the 8th each year, my clients report having the most amazing sex dreams. Or they
discover an unusual jump in phermones making them more attractive to the opposite sex.

Fifth house sex is joyful and full of pleasure. In the traditional view this is Venus realm. This is a house of play and sex is a great way for adults to play with
each other. But 8th house sex is different. Its more complicated and mysterious. Its the kind of sex Pluto had with Persephone (Pluto rules the 8th in modern
astrology). When the 8th is activated, we might identify with one or the other. We could feel possessive and on the prowl like Pluto. Or be innocently picking
flowers like Persephone, heading for a big surprise. As either character, well land in a bed from the underworld.

Eighth house sex is the kind husbands hide from their wives. Or its the kind couples argue about, I want sex this way I need it so many times a week.
This power struggle extends beyond sex and into everything: I hate your mother I dont like the way you spend money. Eighth house sexual struggles are
the ones that appear on Oprah and Dr. Phil. But in the myth, we never get a picture of what Pluto does with Persephone. When myths draw the curtain on
certain scenes, its a clue that experiences here are wildly varied, and that each one of us must navigate this passage on our own.

Yet we cant leave the 8th without hearing at least one sex tale. This one comes from Bronwyn Elko, another astrologer who contributed to my previous 8th
house column (when Saturn was in Pisces). One of the things I especially enjoy is how it proves that even grim Saturn can have a sense of humor. I leave
you with her words.

BROWNWYNS STORY

After I lost my virginity I wrote in my journal, "Today Peter and I made love. Phosphorescene bloomed into visions. Now I know there is a God!" Sacred sex
is my religion, a portal to mystical ecstasy. Never mind the mucky consequences of spiritual pride bound up with intimacy, "healing through sex," sacrifice as
power, and other Pisces/8th house delusions. Some part of me stubbornly believes that the "universe of yoni" (Hindu for vagina) receives a divine spark from
a man's lingham, or "wand of light." The stir of sticky fluids is nectar from the gods which acts like a drug.

All my life I've spontaneously hallucinated during lovemaking. It's as if other worlds breach the
surface of our skins. It sounds crazy, but the universe once enfolded my lover's eyes and biological time flowed backwards into alien landscapes. With natal
Neptune in the 3rd, these visions fuel my fantasy fiction, which is interesting in light of recent events.

Saturn entering my 8th unearthed subterranean Pisces when I became passionately involved with a man whose physical condition prohibited sexual
intercourse! Devastated but determined, I vowed to stick it out. The more I "sacrificed and suffered" the worse things got. A power struggle ensued wherein
we fought to change each other's values. Threatened by his nihilistic vision, I promptly donned savior robes in a hopeless attempt to "redeem" him, the
hidden reflection of my own denied cynicism.

My Aquarius on the 7th was hopelessly "hooked": the guy is the brilliant writer my Saturn in the 3rd yearns to become. But Saturn transiting my 8th forced
back the projection in the most painful way possible (via Neptune square natal Neptune in the 3rd). Can you guess what Piscean currency his Promethean

spirit "stole" from me, the coin Charon demanded I pay in exchange for trying to import his brilliance? In short, the whole episode resulted in a crippling block
which denied allaccess to imagination. I felt dead for months.

But that wasn't all.

Shortly after our breakup I overheard two women talking about him at a writer's party. "Oh," said the blonde, "his writing's so passionate." The other blew a
smoke-ring and replied, "Yeah, he must be great in be

ou wield it. To learn more, go through this article. . .

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A search for a particular deadliest style of martial arts, is unnecessary, as every style can be deadly if used effectively. Every punk round the corner wants to be a
'Human lethal weapon'! Do you think that learning a few tricks or a few moves, from any one art could make you an ace fighter? Any martial art developed by
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Being the best fighter, is not just mastering every move from any one art, rather it is mastering the mind. It is not the goal of a true martial artist to learn to kill
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The best fighter has the ability to combat anyone, anywhere, anytime. Being dangerous or deadly may have nothing to do with what style of martial arts you
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Combat is a mind game first and then a physical game. It is about releasing the animal within you, if need be and also learn to keep him on a leash. Yes, at the
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Martial Arts Styles
Judo
Aikido
Taekwondo
Kick Boxing
Jiu Jitsu
Kung Fu
Karate
About Different Martial Arts Styles
Here is a list of some of the best known martial arts styles. The complete list will be endless, as almost every part of the world has an indigenous martial art
style. The best way to know which is the deadliest style, is to learn every one of them, if possible and decide for yourself! Many prefer mastering just one which is
a deadly enough task in itself!
Judo: Judo was developed as a style in Japan and has slowly become popular world over. The word 'Judo' literally means 'gentleness' or 'suppleness', ironically. It
is a style which involves a lot of throwing, grappling and striking maneuvers along with joint locking and chocking techniques that can subdue an opponent. It
involves powerful kicks and punches along with the use of weapons.
Founded in the 19th century by Kan Jigor, a Japanese martial arts expert and polymath, the central philosophy behind the creation of Judo could be called
'Principle of Least Action'. That is, it's designed to derive maximum efficiency, through as little effort as possible. It teaches you, how to use an opponent's force
against him. Judo is undoubtedly one of the most effective styles, which can give you the edge in any combat scenario.
Aikido: Aikido literally means 'Unifying life force'. This martial arts style is unique in its philosophy. It is developed with the thought of neutralizing one's
opponent, while taking care that he is not injured, as far as possible. An Aikido fighter uses and directs the momentum of an opponent against him. It involves a
lot of grappling and throwing styles as well as joint locks. Developed by Japanese martial arts great Morihei Ueshiba, Aikido is unique in many ways. All the
moves taught as part of Aikido training are such that the opponent's momentum is made to work against him. It consists of a series of attack and defense
techniques which provide a complete arsenal for the peaceful warrior.
Taekwondo: Taekwondo is a Korean martial arts style which literally means 'Way of leg and fist'. It is a holistic martial art style which integrates meditation, sport
and combat as its essential principles. It is one of the most popular arts, practiced world over. It involves almost all the traditional techniques of kicking,
punching as well as joint locking, along with throwing.
Like most martial arts, Taekwondo too, has an origin in the Orient, specifically in the South Korean army. Compared to other arts, Taekwondo places a higher
emphasis on kicking techniques and they form a major part of training. Besides sparring, throwing and self defense techniques, learning to break tiles, ice slabs,
bricks and wooden boards are part of training.
Kick Boxing: Kick boxing, as the name suggests, is boxing integrated with kicking techniques. It is a popular sport in USA and is a good technique for self defense
which involves full body contact. This is a modern self defense technique, created out of an amalgamation of various martial arts styles with various different
regional versions. It fuses the kicking techniques of various arts with the punching techniques of classical boxing, making it a highly potent style of self defense.
Jiu Jitsu: Jiu Jitsu or Jujutsu which literally translates as 'way of yielding', is the original ancient Japanese martial arts style, involving armed and unarmed combat
that was mastered by the 'Samurai'. It is rather a huge family of styles that have evolved from the original Jiu Jitsu. It is the most complete warrior training
program designed to create human lethal weapons!
You could call Jujutsu, the grand daddy of all martial arts that evolved later in the Orient. Jujutsu emerged to serve the fighting techniques of the Samurai.
Immobilization, throwing, strangling, choking, pinning and locking of joints are some of the moves that form the core of Jujutsu moves. It's one of the toughest
arts to master and practitioners invest many years of their life to master it.
Kung Fu: Kung Fu or Wu Shu in Chinese, is a family of Chinese martial arts styles which have evolved over thousands of years as one of the most effective
combative styles. It is a holistic style, that is more of a way of life. It involves the training of mind and body to create harmony of thought and action.
Immortalized by the 'Kung Fu Panda' series of movies, this Chinese martial arts form is the most complete set of techniques that will not only enable you to
defend yourself, but help you connect with the world on a spiritual level.
Karate: One more classic Japanese martial art that involves rapid leg thrusts, punching and open handed combat. Karate is a very aggressive style. Owing its
origin to the Ryukyu islands near Japan, it is one of the most popular martial arts forms, practiced all over the world.
Some of the other modern mixed martial arts techniques are Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Each of these styles have a set of moves and techniques which need
to be mastered one at a time. The most important thing is learning how to direct and divert the flow of energy. The base of all these combat styles is the
development of higher levels of endurance and fitness, which is achieved through rigorous body strengthening exercises. Training the mind is given even greater
importance as combat is all about concentration.
How to Choose a Martial Arts Style
Choose a style that suits your temperament and constitution. Read and gather as much as you can about various styles. Inquire with friends and family. The

dictum 'Go to the Masters' is always profitable. So meet the masters or teachers of a particular style and discuss with them. Attend a try out class for a particular
style.
Check the credentials of the teachers of that style. If you have a good feeling about the way things go about, in a particular class, go for it. No matter which
martial arts style you go for, be mentally prepared for rigorous workouts and subjecting your body to new levels of pain and endurance. Your endurance and pain
threshold will go up if you survive the initial hardcore workout. The goal is to make your body agile, tough and responsive by loosening and strengthening every
muscle. The last criteria is, follow the style which you enjoy the most! Don't choose a style just because your friend is doing so.
So all in all, I cannot say which is the deadliest martial arts style because to me all of them seem equally deadly. Still I can guarantee that mastering any one of
these martial arts styles will make you a formidable fighter to the core. Not only will you be able to deal with bullies, you will also develop a renewed respect for
yourself and gain confidence!
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/deadliest-style-of-martial-arts.html

You are here: Home / Martial arts / The Art Of Hapkido

The Art Of Hapkido

JANUARY 2, 2010 BY ADMIN1 COMMENT

Image by Skokie Public Library via Flickr

The martial art known as Hapkido is an art of complete self defense. Those who study it are
more than capable of defending themselves in any type of situation, being more than able to
apply their confidence and discipline from the art to enhance their lives, protecting
themselves and those that they love as well.
Hapkido teaches students to use minimal force with any stronger opponent. Contrary to
other martial arts, it doesnt involve strength to execute the techniques. To control the
opponent and take him down, Hapkido focuses on pressure points and the impact they have
on opponents. It also involves a very powerful arsenal of thrusts, spin kicks, and sweeps. If
they are executed properly, the moves from this martial art can be very effective against
opponents and attackers.
Along with kicks, punches, and pressure point attacks; Hapkido also uses wrist and joint
manipulation locks, along with several throwing techniques. All together, there are nearly
300 categories of special movements in Hapkido that involve nearly 3,500 techniques.
Hapkido is a very popular martial art, which is mainly due to the fact that just about anyone,
regardless of age or weight can practice the techniques. The martial art also involves
systematic training and stamina exercise, which can improve your health. You dont need to
be in the best shape either, as Hapkido can actually help your body as well as your health.
Hapkido Techniques

Studying Hapkido will also help with developing your muscles, along with your posture,
controlling your weight, developing confidence, self control, even fulfilling your spirit.
Although it is mainly based in self defense techniques, it also teaches you how to become a
better person and get yourself back in health and in touch with your spirit.
Throughout the style, the linear techniques work together to form a solid base in which all of
the circular techniques can be perfected. Everything in Hapkido is tried and tested, in order
to come up with a balanced blend of techniques and skills that are apt for any situation. With
Hapkido being a martial art of self defense, there is a lot of practice involved blocking attacks
in many different situations. This way, the stylist can be more prepared for any situation he
finds himself in.
Today, Hapkido is practiced by men and women of all ages, even little children. It is a very
beneficial martial art, one that can be utilized from nearly any position or direction, such as
lying, sitting, and standing. It is an art of self defense, and can even be deadly if the stylist is
proficient with the techniques. What makes it even more deadly though is the fact that a lot
of people arent familiar with it.
In The World Of Hapkido
What is Hapkido? By Grand Master Dong Kyun Kim
If you visit the American Dragon Martial Arts Academies school in Clermont, Florida you
will see first hand that Hapkido is a Korean martial art of self defense. Hapkido means the
Way of Coordinated Power. Hapkido incorporates many
World Martial Arts Magazine Blog Archive Hapkido is good for
Hapkido class at the American Dragon Martial Arts Academies is more beneficial for most
adults than standard exercise programs. You must experience our Hapkido class in Clermont,
Florida to appreciate the difference.
muay thai: Korean Hapkido Vs Taekwondo?
Korean Hapkido Most physical confrontations take place in certain areas, which are
commonly referred to as kicking, punching, trapping and grappling. I have learned that
fighting skills in one area do not guarantee success in a street

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Top 10 Most Deadly Martial Arts of the

World
With Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fights and demonstrations slowly becoming a worldwide
phenomenon, many have traveled the world to seek out the best martial arts and master the
techniques. Military and police forces all around the world combine martial arts techniques
from different fields to be used during hand-to-hand combat and as part of arrest and selfdefense methods. Martial arts vary in scope and variety; some prioritize striking movements,
grappling maneuvers, with weapons or a combination of all three. While they vary from one
another, they all share the same similarity; when used correctly and with force, martial arts
are deadly. To pick a list of deadliest or strongest martial arts is a subjective matter; debates
have arisen from the topic, many vouching for one martial arts technique over another and
vice versa. We explore some of the more dangerous forms of martial arts practiced by its
practitioners:

Martial Arts Forms

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Kalarippayattu

Kalarippayattu
One of the oldest forms of martial arts in existence, Kalarippayattu originated from Kerala,
in South India. Practitioners seek to instill a high level of intellect and spirituality by utilizing
mantra shastra and tantra shastra. A skilled Kalarippayattu practitioner who has achieved that
high level of spirituality is not only well-versed in striking, grappling and different weaponry
skills but has the ability to sense movements from the opponent and defend before even being
attacked. By developing psychic-like senses and agile movements, Kalarippayattu is quickly
making a comeback in the modern era after being portrayed in a positive light in famous
movies.

Taekwondo
Originated in Korea and the national sport of South Korea, Taekwondo loosely means the
way of the foot and the fist. With over 70 million practitioners and over 4 million black belt
holders worldwide, taekwondo was included in the Summer Olympic Games in Sydney in
2000. Taekwondo is famous for its high impact kicks, with rationale being kicks having a
much longer reach than punching and if executed swiftly, is considered the strongest weapon
for a martial artist.

Karate
Literally meaning hand, karate is a full contact martial art originating from Okinawa
in Japan that incorporates striking, grappling and locks to takedown an opponent.
Practitioners of karate are called karatekas and they number as much as 23 million
worldwide. Made famous by the film The Karate Kid starring Pat Morita as a karate master,
karate is highly deadly martial art technique with current MMA world champions practicing
karate as their main striking ability.

Martial Arts
Sambo
Originated in the Russian Federation in 1938, Sambo is a grappling martial art with origins in
Judo and other Eastern European wrestling techniques. Sambo differs from other martial arts
with its different ranking system. Instead of colored belts, Sambo practitioners are awarded
ratings such as Master of Sports and International of Sports. A special technique of Sambo
called Combat Sambo is extensively used by military and Special Forces worldwide to

neutralize enemies in a close combat situation. With its strong grappling techniques, Sambo
practitioners can takedown opponents and maim a part of their body with a lock in a matter of
mere seconds.

Muay Thai
Thailands national sport is taking the martial arts world by storm. Called the Art of Eight
Limbs, an accomplished Muay Thai practitioner has the prowess and ability to strike using
their shins, elbows, hands and knees instead of four contact points in fists and feet. Mainly a
form of kickboxing, Muay Thai practitioners usually get opponents into a clinch, a hold an
opponent has difficulty to get out of, and kneeing them directly at the heart, downing an
opponent quickly and effectively.

Krav Maga
Literally meaning hand to hand combat and developed as a form of street fighting in Israel,
Krav Maga has become one of the fastest growing martial arts around the globe currently.
Krav Maga focuses more on threat defense instead of offensive attacks, making it ultimately
practical and useful in the current global context. Different variations of Krav Maga are used
in military forces around the world and in Special Forces like Israels Mossad, FBI and the
British SAS.

Wing Chun
Specializing in close combat, Wing Chun practitioners are taught to be efficient, practical and
quick on their feet. Believing the use of the least amount of force is the best way in battle,
Wing Chun practitioners seek out the quickest way to take down an opponent through unique
striking abilities, aiming blows at the throat, shin and sweeping opponents off the ground
quickly with kicks. Wing Chun practitioners also have the ability to chain attacks, making
their attacks deadly if not blocked and stopped prematurely.

Capoeira
Originated in Brazil, Capoeira is unique in the sense that it incorporates music and dance to
the martial art. Used by slaves in the 1800s, it was disguised as a form ofdance moves to trick
slave owners into thinking the practitioners were merely dancing when they were really
mastering techniques and sharpening their Capoeira moves. Capoeira is a form of martial art
that is considered one of the hardest to counter since its moves are unorthodox yet very lethal.
By implementing quick kicks and flowing punches, Capoeira is definitely one of the more
unique martial arts globally.

Martial Arts Warrior Training

Ninjitsu
The way of the ninja. Practiced by shinobis in ancient Japan, Ninjitsu is considered one of the
most unconventional martial arts techniques around the world today. Ninjitsu practitioners in
ancient Japan were assassins and spies; hence their methods were based on stealth and taking
out an opponent when he does not see it coming. Ninjitsu practitioners are taught various
skills and weaponry and are considered guerilla masters of the samurai sword.

Silat
While the origin of Silat is relatively unknown, and the popularity of the martial art is still
considered low, what is known is Silat was created by the Malay people in Southeast Asia.
Used mainly as a war dance and a form of self defense, Silat practitioners are skilled strikers
trained to maintain a strong stance while applying slow and subtle movements with unique
dance-like qualities to trick opponents into believing Silat practitioners were ill-trained and
hence, making mistakes that Silat practitioners can take advantage of.

Martial Arts Odyssey

Boxing
With historical references since the period of ancient Greeks, boxing has been refined and retooled numerous times in the modern context. Boxing in the
modern world now mainly follows the Marquees of Queensberry rules with rounds and a three-round knockout system. Boxing is strictly striking using gloved
fists, with different stances and different methods of strikes involved. A strong knockout boxer, like world famous Muhammad Ali, famous for the catchphrase
Float like a butterfly, Sting like a bee could knock down an opponent and knock their lights out unconscious with a single punch.
With plenty of martial arts techniques around the globe, a martial artist is definitely spoiled for choice. While there will most definitely be debates with regards
to the most deadly martial arts technique known to man, a man who can incorporate several of the above martial arts styles and make it his own would
indeed be one of the most dangerous man alive

- Sun Tzu, master strategist and author of "The Art of War", regarding the human warrior
spirit.
The martial arts are a collection of combat systems, strategies, and philosophies stemming
from ancient techniques of war. Almost all the martial arts were borne from the need to
survive; Capoeira was the African slave's answer to enslavement by Porteugeuse colonists,
while Kali evolved by Filipino natives to repel the Spanish conquistadors from invading their
country.
In recent history when countries were taken over, the occupying countries tended to outlaw
martial arts in order to prevent uprisings, creating a defenseless population. For this reason
arts like Ninjitsu formed to make use of everyday items found in farms such as sickles, sticks,
and home-made weapons such as the sickle on a chain, which could be used as a throwing
weapon.
The world has evolved many different styles of martial arts, from the grappling arts of Judo
and Jiu Jitsu, the striking styles of Karate and Muay Thai, to the weapons-based arts of
Kendo and Iaido. We'll be exploring 10 of the most fascinating styles and their origins in
today's top ten.
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10
Hapkido
Derived from a number of different Asian martial art styles, Hapkido was developed in Korea and literally means "The art of coordination and internal energy."
The style has its roots in another martial art called Daito-Ryu, and slowly developed by incorporating strategies from other fighting styles, mainly Taekwondo and
Judo. Hapkido is unique in the sense that it incorporates a mainly defensive style of fighting, utilising kicks and punches aimed at the lower regions of the body,
and can also be fought with weapons such as the sword, nunchuka and staff.

Today Hapido is taught to US special forces called the Green Beret, as well as CIA operatives and Korean special forces. It's a well-balanced style whose main
goal is to breech the distance to an enemy fighter in order to be able to control the opponent's balance by manipulating the head and torso, and quickly take
them down.
Hapkido Fighting Techniques
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Aikido

Loosely translated as "the way of harmonious spirit", Aikido is considered a relatively new martial art, having been developed some 100 years ago in Japan.
Aikido's founder, Morihei Ueshiba, entered the world of combat as a result of watching his father getting attacked and beaten by local thugs for his political ideas.
Morihei's idea was to develop a form of fighting which could be used in self-defense while at the same time protecting the attacker from injury.
Aikido combines sword-play (Kenjitsu), spear-play (Sojitsu), and Jiu Jitsu, and is considered one of the deadliest martial arts in the world. It relies on powerful
pain control locks such as wrist locks and arm locks to submit an opponent quickly. The idea behind this martial art is to blend with the movements of the
opponent and redirecting the force of their attack, thereby using their force against themselves.
Aikido Demonstration

Karate
Developed in Okinawa, Japan, Karate is perhaps one of the most well-known of the striking arts. Combining many styles of combat such as Wado-Ryu and
Shotokan, Karate uses mainly punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes as well as lightening-fast hand techniques like palm-heel strikes and strikes to vital
points. The martial art started developing around the 1600s at a time when Japan had banned its citizens from the use of all weaponry, except for the Samurai.
This lead to the rapid development of fighting styles which would enable non-Samurai to defend themselves. Even today, the Japanese military and police forces
use Karate for their non-armed combat.
This style was developed mainly as a striking art with techniques such as the sidekick, roundhouse kick, and certain submission methods used for knife and gun
defense. The lack of close-combat grappling techniques means that fighting multiple opponents is possible but disarming and ultimate submission of opponents is
very difficult. Unfortunately Karate is not considered a very diverse martial art because of its lack of close-combat abilities, but it still provides a strong base for
the well-rounded martial artist.
Japan Self Defence Force Karate
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Jiu Jitsu
Founded by Takenouchi Hisamori, a Japanese military strategist, Jiu Jitsu was formed primarily as a form of combat for battlefield warfare in situations where
weapons were ineffective, mainly against well-armored opponents. The word "Ju" can be translated to mean gentle, flexible, or yielding, and "Jutsu" means art or
technique; the name represents a fighting style that seeks to manipulate an opponents force against himself as opposed to applying force from without.
Since this fighting style was developed in the days of the samurai, whose body armor protected against most striking techniques as well as weapons, Jui Jitsu
typically places more emphasis on immobilizing the opponent, pinning, locking, and choking. The style also makes use of very practical knife and gun defense
skills, as well as using the opponent's own body against him. A glaring disadvantage of this fighting style is when faced with multiple opponents, as it's more of a
close-combat, one-on-one style of fighting.
Jiu Jitsu is used as the base for many other martial arts such as Hapkido, Judo, Jeet-Kune-Do, Ninjutsu, and Aikido to name a few.
Jujitsu Demo with Sensei Jeremy Corbell

6
Systema
Being the Russian answer to Kung Fu, Systema literally means "the system" in Russian and
refers to the various systems of the body, namely the nervous system, muscular system,

respiratory system, et al. It's a style tailored to the harsh Russian weather conditions and
excels in dealing with exotic weapons. When Stalin came to power most every national
tradition was suppressed, and Russians studying Sytema were severely punished, leading to
the practise becoming a secret art. Once the goverment realized its combat effectiveness they
decided to encorporate the fighting style into Russian special forces unit like Alpha, GRU
and Vympel.
Having no enforced rules, limitations or even a real structure in its techniques, Systema is
designed to boost the fighter's instinctive reactions, individual strengths, and character.
Because of this lack of structure Systema is usually complimented with another martial art; in
the Russian Special Forces Samba is the preferred choice. Excelling in knife and gun defense
strategies, Systema nevertheless lacks a distinctive striking style, relying more on the natural
instincts of the fighter.
Kung Fu vs Systema Spetsnaz (Special Forces)
0

Muay Thai

Known as the "art of eight weapons", referring to the feet, fists, elbows and knees, Muay Thai was developed in Thailand as a full-contact, unarmed martial art
that was meant to give Thai fighters skills in dealing with armed and armored opponents. The style incorporates punches, kicks, knee and elbow strikes, and is
reknowned for its deadly striking ability. Today, Muay Thai is popular mainly as a competitive sport as the style lends itself to beautiful body motions, almost like
a dance.
According to Thai folklore a number of Thai kickboxers where taken prisoner to Burma when the Siam capital of Ayutthaya was invaded by Burmese troops. The
Burmese King, curious to see how the martial art would fare against the Burmese boxing style of Lethwei, selected one of the Thai fighters to fight against the
Burmese champion, each in his own style. The Thai fighter ended up not only beating the Burmese champ, but also 9 other fighters who were sent at him one
after the other, with no rest in between. The Burmese King was said to be so impressed that he declared, "Every part of the Thai is blessed with venom. Even
with his bare hands, he can fell nine or ten opponents. But his Lord was incompetent and lost the country to the enemy. If he had been any good, there was no
way the City of Ayutthaya would ever have fallen."

Home Entertainment Sports Top 10 Martial Arts and The...

Top 10 Martial Arts and Their Origins

Added by Edan Barak in Sports (martial arts) on Nov 21, 2014
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Don't agree with the list? Vote for an existing item you think should be ranked higher orcreate an account and add a new item for others to vote on.
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Systema
Being the Russian answer to Kung Fu, Systema literally means "the system" in Russian and refers to the various systems of the body, namely the nervous
system, muscular system, respiratory system, et al. It's a style tailored to the harsh Russian weather conditions and excels in dealing with exotic weapons. When
Stalin came to power most every national tradition was suppressed, and Russians studying Sytema were severely punished, leading to the practise becoming a
secret art. Once the goverment realized its combat effectiveness they decided to encorporate the fighting style into Russian special forces unit like Alpha, GRU
and Vympel.

Having no enforced rules, limitations or even a real structure in its techniques, Systema is designed to boost the fighter's instinctive reactions, individual
strengths, and character. Because of this lack of structure Systema is usually complimented with another martial art; in the Russian Special Forces Samba is the
preferred choice. Excelling in knife and gun defense strategies, Systema nevertheless lacks a distinctive striking style, relying more on the natural instincts of the
fighter.
Kung Fu vs Systema Spetsnaz (Special Forces)
0

5
Muay Thai
Known as the "art of eight weapons", referring to the feet, fists, elbows and knees, Muay Thai was developed in Thailand as a full-contact, unarmed martial art
that was meant to give Thai fighters skills in dealing with armed and armored opponents. The style incorporates punches, kicks, knee and elbow strikes, and is
reknowned for its deadly striking ability. Today, Muay Thai is popular mainly as a competitive sport as the style lends itself to beautiful body motions, almost like
a dance.
According to Thai folklore a number of Thai kickboxers where taken prisoner to Burma when the Siam capital of Ayutthaya was invaded by Burmese troops. The
Burmese King, curious to see how the martial art would fare against the Burmese boxing style of Lethwei, selected one of the Thai fighters to fight against the
Burmese champion, each in his own style. The Thai fighter ended up not only beating the Burmese champ, but also 9 other fighters who were sent at him one
after the other, with no rest in between. The Burmese King was said to be so impressed that he declared, "Every part of the Thai is blessed with venom. Even
with his bare hands, he can fell nine or ten opponents. But his Lord was incompetent and lost the country to the enemy. If he had been any good, there was no
way the City of Ayutthaya would ever have fallen."
Most Brutal Muay Thai Fight Ever

Wing Chun
Wing Chun was developed in 17th century China during the Qing Dynasty, and was one of the more complex martial arts taught in the Shaolin Temples of
Southern China. During that time the Shaolin monks supported the Ming dynasty, leading to the inevitable demise of their own temples. Many legends were
spread by the Shaolin as to the origins of the art in order to confuse their enemies, which is why not a lot is known about its origins and creator.
Considered one of the most well balanced martial arts, Wing Chun combines both striking and grappling skills, and specialises in close-range combat. It's used as
a foundation for many offspring arts, such as the Israeli Krav Maga, and enables the fighter to both attack and defend at the same time with the ultimate goal of
closing the distance to the foe as quickly as possible, as close-quarter combat is preferred. The style is well suited for fighting multiple opponents as it has fast
blocking and intervention strikes.
Superb Wing Tsun Chi Sao demonstration
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3
Krav Maga
Developed for the Israeli army by Israeli-Hungarian fighter Imrich Lichtenfeld, Krav Maga is considered an extremely efficient martial art, combining brutal
attacks and aggresive threat neutralization in a style that is a combination of boxing, Muay Thai, Jiu Jitsu and wrestling. It is used extensively in the Israeli army
as well as special forces such as Shin Bet and the Mossad, the Israeli secret service. Krav Maga came about as a way to deal with anti-semetic groups in Eastern
Europe during the early days of World War 2, when Imrich would set out with a group of fighters to defend Jews who were being threatened or hurt.
Having been developed out of necessity for real-world situations, Krav Maga focuses on bringing combat to an end as quickly as possible by attacking the weakest
parts of the body. Using Wing Chun as its primary base for defending against weapons gives Krav Mega an edge against armed opponent. The grappling from Jiu
Jitsu and Judo help establish a balance between striking and takedowns while also enabling high power submissions to defeat the foe.
Krav Maga Demonstration

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Home Entertainment Sports Top 10 Martial Arts and The...

Top 10 Martial Arts and Their Origins

Added by Edan Barak in Sports (martial arts) on Nov 21, 2014
Like
CommentSaveEmail to FriendPrint

Don't agree with the list? Vote for an existing item you think should be ranked higher orcreate an account and add a new item for others to vote on.
1

2
Kali
Kali is a weapons-based art originating in the Philippines at around the 8th century AD according to records held by the Malay Sri Vishaya Empire. The Spaniards
encountered the martial art during the Spanish colonisation of the Philippines. At that time Magellan the pirate wreaked havoc on the Philippine country-folk,
whose cheftain Lapu Lapu helped lead the rebellion against the Spanish pirate using homemade lances, pieces of rattan, and fire-hardened sticks. Magellan was
defeated and a statue was created to honor the great chieftain for defending his people.
Being primarily a weapons-based martial art, Kali is well suited to fighting multiple opponents, while still retaining a strong striking and grappling foundation for
unarmed combat. Sticks, knives and other bladed weapons are the weapons of choice for Kali fighters, although they're also trained in empty handed combat.
Today, Kali is used as a combat art to defend against weapons-based attacks in the Phillipines special forces and military, as well as the US military.
Filipino Martial Arts Close Quarter Combat
5

Sambo
Sambo was developed by the Soviet Red Army in the early 90s in order to improve the army's hand-to-hand combat abilities. In fact the word Sambo is a Russian
acronym which means "self-defence without weapons". The martial art attempts to take the most effective techniques of other martial arts and combine them
into a deadly mix, lending strategies from Judo, Karate and international wrestling styles.
Often paired with Systema for a more balanced combat style, Sambo is considered a great art for both striking and grappling, making it effective both from a
distance and in close-combat and ground-combat situations. Similarly to Judo, Samba makes use of throws, leg locks and arm locks, and relies heavily on upper
body strength.
Sambo Demonstration in Beijing, 2010

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