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TheMartialArtsReporter.com

"Martial Arts News, Updates, Insights, Training Tips & Chat"

Martial Arts

Tennis And The Martial Arts

Most of you already know that besides martial arts, I also enjoy tennis and how martial arts can relate to the game, specifically my game of tennis.

Just the other day, I stumbled across a blog post written by Gary Bala over at TimlessTennis.net that I hope you enjoy as much as I do.

“Fear not the racket, but the player who wields it.”

-A martial arts weapons philosophy showcased in the movie Ninja Assassin, and modified for the game of tennis.

“Most of what I teach comes right out of the martial arts – the physics, the fundamentals, the self-discipline – and your mind is your greatest weapon.”

 -Coach John Nelson, Univ. of Hawaii Men’s Tennis Program, College Coach 26 years, Master’s Degree in Education, 3rd degree Black Belt in Ju Jitsu

I. Introduction: The Brother Disciplines
Since the Bruce Lee movies of the 1970s, the self-discipline of the Martial Arts has captured the public’s imagination. Watching empty hands and feet used as lethal weapons at lightening speed, powered only by the mind’s will, hypnotized modern fans and observers.

The term “martial arts” actually means the “art of war.” And the term can be traced back to the Roman God of War, Mars. Chinese martial arts date back 4000 years ago to the Xia Dynasty. Martial arts is widely considered however both an art and a science. Many forms of martial arts are linked to religious beliefs such as Confucianism or Daoism or follow a code of honor. The purpose of martial arts is self-defense or defense of others. More broadly however, the goal of martial arts is to offer its students self-knowledge and a better understanding of man and nature.

The forms of the martial arts are varied and far-reaching. They are primarily found in the Far East (Japan, Korea, China). But they also touch the Middle East, South Asia and even the Americas and Europe: Ju Jitsu, Karate, Aikido, Judo, Kung Fu & Tai Chi, Tae Kwon Do, Ninjutsu (Ninja fighting), Jeet Kune Do (hybrid form), Pentjak Silat (Thai martial arts), Kalari (Indian martial arts), Hikuta (Egyptian martial arts), Capoeira (Brazilian martial arts dance), Open-handed wrestling (Native American martial arts), Savate (French Kickboxing), and others.

All the martial arts share some common characteristics, among them: balance, posture, control, flexibility, timing, hand-eye-foot coordination, aggression, grace, power, agility, speed, strategy, tactics, and more. Indeed, many of these elements are shared with many other sports and activities such as soccer, basketball, football, even archery.

This article will focus however on aspects of the martial arts which make it unique, and relate them to the game of tennis. These key elements help remind tennis players of the vital parts of our own developing game. And they show how accomplished martial artists and high-level tennis players are learning and refining their craft on a shared platform with common goals – they are truly “brothers-in-arms.”

II. The “Chi” is Universal and The Core is “King”:
In martial arts, it is believed that there is a universal energy or “chi” in all things. “Chi” is thought to be the source of all power and fluidity in martial arts strikes. In the human anatomy, the universal energy is believed to be centered in the navel. In tennis, the human core or trunk is the ultimate source of power and energy into the ball from strokes.

In tennis, power emanates from the ground up. It is created through well-timed use of the kinetic chain from feet, legs, hips, trunk, arms, hands, racket, all applied into the ball. Many call this “core rotation” in high-performance tennis. Compare this with the roundhouse kick in for example Tae Kwon Do. The roundhouse kick rises from the ground in a springing action, the legs and hips pushing through in an acrobatic move, resulting in a well-timed application of force towards the opponent.

The kinetic chain in tennis and the Chi energy release of martial arts are really two forms of the same process – gathering or coiling energy, and then releasing or uncoiling it, either at the tennis ball or at the martial arts opponent. The human anatomy’s coil-and-uncoil mechanism seems to have three axes points: at the shoulders, the hips and the knees. These same human axes points are used in many martial arts strikes.

To maximize the flow of energy and thus power, the marital arts also emphasizes “punching through the strike”. This means visualizing your arm or leg literally pushing through the opponent. In comparison, tennis emphasizes “hitting into and through the line of the shot”, and extending your stroke follow through or finish towards your target.

III. The Universe is Balanced, Rhythmic and Harmonious
For the martial arts, there is a balance, rhythm and harmony to all things in nature. And nature is a source of inspiration. Indeed, many martial arts strikes are in fact taken from the moves of the animals. Kung Fu for example is divided into animal styles (real and mythic): the snake, panther, tiger, crane, and dragon. Fighting styles in Kung Fu include, among others: the praying mantis and the drunken monkey.

One of the keys to the martial arts is the concept of balance and centering of the human body. The Ninja fighters of the discipline of Ninjitsu for example are legendary for their balance skills. They are known to practice their strikes on a balance beam. Similarly, the art of Aikido focuses on the body’s center, and teaches that all power and control protrudes from that center in a relaxed state.

Martial arts is essentially a rhythmic dance of timed strikes from perfect postures. For example in Karate, the kata is a precise, highly-defined and pre-determined sequence of strikes. In Tai Chi, the student learns a continuous pattern of postures that actually form a dance. Countless repetitions of the martial artist’s moves develops timing, rhythm and cadence. Bruce Lee once remarked: “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”

Consider that, in tennis, some of the keys to high-level performance are the same: balance in stroke production, consistency in shot-making, and the rhythm that is offered by for example learning the Wardlaw directionals. Other concepts such as precise timing and good posture in stroke technique, and the value of sound repetitions of strokes, can be taken directly from the martial arts. And if martial arts exercises collectively teach a cadence or dance, then tennis teaches the cadence of the split-step in moving to the ball, which is essentially the “dance of tennis.”

For martial arts, the world is full of harmonious cycles – the changing of the seasons, the cycles of the sun and stars, and the release of human energy and exercise followed by rest and recovery. Both martial arts and tennis instruct students not only about stroke power and energy, but also about the importance of body recovery and healing. Rest, rejuvenation, ice, heat, nutrition, hydration, stretching, and massage are critical to consistent top performance in both disciplines.

IV. The Ready Position
The “get-ready-to-fight” position in martial arts and the “ready” position in tennis are amazingly the same. The feet are spread comfortably shoulder-width apart. The knees are bent. The body’s weight is on the balls of the feet. The arms and elbows are also bent and relaxed. The hands are loosely out in front. Waist, back, neck and head are straight. The student is comfortable, relaxed and ready to move.

V. Watch, Listen and Breathe
In martial arts combat, the student must utilize every form of sensory perception – sight, sound, touch. He must observe, listen and breathe. He must gauge his opponent, anticipating his next move. He must exercise self-control. He focuses on his breathing to help still his mind’s thoughts. He keeps his back straight, his body balanced, and his head stabilized. He moves like the panther and strikes like the cobra.

Compare this with the high-level tennis player in a contested match. He must continuously track the ball, keeping the head stabilized. He must continuously split-step just before the opponent’s racket contacts the ball, so as to move to it with maximum speed and efficiency, appearing to glide on the court. He should seek to hear the sound or “pop” of the ball off of his racket. He may focus on breathing to quiet his anxiety and fears. His body is balanced, back straight and head completely still. His moves are cat-like, and he seeks at first opportunity to go on the offense with his shot.

Both martial arts and tennis encompass the two polar opposite styles of execution or “schools of thought”: in martial arts, the aggressive power style vs. the steady methodical style, and in tennis, the hard court attacking game vs. clay court point construction style. In martial arts, the power style is represented, for example, by aggressive chops of Karate or the flying kicks of Tae Kwon Do. Whereas the steady methodical style is represented, for example, by the graceful flips of Judo or the circular strikes in Aikido. In tennis, professional players divide, among other ways, into groups which excel at the hard court attacking game (Andy Roddick or Taylor Dent) vs. the clay court point construction style (Rafael Nadal or David Ferrer).

VI. The Power of Smooth
The “power of smooth” refers to a relaxed confidence and an unbroken fluidity, resulting in top performance results. It’s about maximum efficiency with minimal effort. It’s about operating with a deliberate unhurried purpose, without appearing pressed or pressured by time, the opponent or conditions.

In martial arts, one noteworthy example of smooth is the discipline of Aikido – known as the “throwing art”. In Aikido, the student learns a fluid, circular and harmonious defense to an attack. The Aikido student blends in with the attacker’s moves, and returns the attack with relaxed, loose circular throws and flips. Even multiple attackers can be repelled by a confident graceful practitioner who can re-direct one opponent’s attack on a fellow attacker.

In tennis, the top professionals exhibit relaxed, loose, graceful strokes with confident purpose. They never look hurried, pressured or off-balance. Indeed, they “play the ball” and do not allow the ball or the opponent to “play them”. They play with soft hands and loose face muscles, especially at the time of split-step and just when the opponent makes contact with the ball. When faced with attacking power, they return the opponent’s power at him. When faced with opportunity such as a short ball, they are deliberate and decisive. They move forward fluidly and cut off angles gracefully.

VII. You are Always the Student Forever
In martial arts as in tennis, you are always the student forever. Coach John Nelson, 26 years college coaching, Master’s Degree in Education, and martial arts black belt, put it this way: “The more you get into the martial arts or tennis, [the more] you realize that you don’t know it all. Anyone who thinks that they know it all is finished. They’re not going to continue to develop. So you always become a student.”

VIII. Victory is Vital, But in the End, More Vital is Your Growth and Passion

Winning is naturally vital in a martial arts contest or a tennis match. But victory will depend in no small part on winning the psychological test of wills against the opponent -who will impose their will on the other? Bill Tilden, in How to Play Better Tennis, wrote pointedly that in a tennis match: “One player…will ultimately impose his tennis personality on the other.” The very same is true in the martial arts.

Both martial arts and tennis are asking the student to test their own outer limits and fulfill their own highest standards. What are the limits of the student’s fatigue, fitness, endurance, flexibility, and strength? What are the student’s highest expectations of his play, his shots, his execution, his strategy, his self-discipline, and his confidence and relaxation?

The final goal, of course, is advancing to a higher level in skill and ability in either the martial arts or tennis. On that score, your worthy opponent makes you better and stronger, as does each of your valuable matches and practice sessions. And your growth and passion for the discipline of the martial arts or tennis is all that can ultimately drive you to a higher level.

IX. The Mental Contest
Andre Agassi, in his autobiography Open, wrote poignantly about the mental battle of tennis. And amazingly the very same applies to the martial arts: “Tennis is the loneliest of sports…In tennis, you’re on an island, with no clock. You can’t sit on a lead. You have to win the last point to win the match. You’re out there, you can’t talk to anybody, you can’t pass the ball, there are no time-outs. There’s no coaching, you don’t have to be good, you have to better than one person and that person is on the other side of the net.”

X. Conclusion
Martial arts and tennis share the loneliness of battle, the fight to the finish, and the solitude of victory or defeat.

Both disciplines are about hard work, self-discipline, and problem-solving.

And both are ultimately about self-knowledge, and your own highest standards for yourself.

…and they are about the lessons of life and the nature of man.

Timeless Tennis: A Blog
www.timelesstennis.net

Sources:
1. Tennis Kung Fu, by Master Bruce Wang, Ph.D. (Lulu.com, 2008)
2. The Complete Martial Arts, by Paul Crompton (McGraw-Hill, 1989)
3. Coach John Nelson, Univ. of Hawaii Men’s Tennis Program, College Coach 26 years, Master’s Degree in Education, and 3rd degree Black Belt in Ju Jitsu
4. Ron Miller, GottaPlayTennis.net, Tennis Instructor 20+ years, and former Martial Arts student of Goju Karate & Aikido

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Wednesday, June 15th, 2011 martial art, Uncategorized 7 Comments

Akshay Kumar Gets Serious About Martial Arts Training In Indian Schools

Akshay Who?

Akshay Kumar is frequently referred to as the Indian Jackie Chan. He has starred in over 100 Indian movies and has made a name for himself as the go-to guy for dangerous stunts in numerous Bollywood productions.

After obtaining Taekwondo black belt status in India, he travelled to Thailand to study Muay Thai.

Upon his return to Mumbai, India, he began teaching martial arts. One of his students, who just so happened to be a photographer, advised him to give it a shot at modelling.

For only two hours of  posing in front of the camera, Kumar got Rs. 5,000, which looked pretty good, considering he previously made Rs. 4,000 a month. After just several months of modelling, he was given the lead role in a major movie.

After 20 years of acting and producing, big-time Indian movie celebrity with nationwide recognition, Kumar Akshay is now making a case for introducing martial arts training and education in schools all across India. 

 In Kumar’s opinion, schools should train kids enough to protect themselves and to deter other forms of danger when India demands it.

Akshay Kumar, who also hosts the Inidan version of Fear Factor which is a stunt based reality show, has announced he would even speak to top ministers and bureaucrats on this topic.

He is taking his own first steps to making his idea a reality: Kumar is using his own money by putting in place an annual karate competition.

I will keep you posted as soon as I learn of any developments in this regard.

All in favor of Akshay Kumar’s push for martial arts training in schools, say ‘aye’.

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Sensational Martial Arts

Thanks for stopping by today.

I was able to compile several video clips that you will hopefully enjoy as much as I did when first viewing them.

The first clip shows a 5-year old wrestler who leaves no doubt who rules the mat when he is involved in this competition.

If he keeps up his training, stays healthy and enthusiastic about wrestling, there is no goal this prodigy can’t achieve.

But don’t take my word for it.

 

And how about kicking like a girl. Not just any girl, but let’s say, Nikki Stanley.

Don’t get in her way:

 

There are martial arts moves and then there martial arts moves.

I remember after having seen a Bruce Lee movie, my buddies and I would head out to somebody’s backyard and we try to emulate what we had seen.

In our minds it looked like this (but now, I am sure it didn’t. Oh, well.):

And because I like cats (and dogs, too. I am actually hanging out with my neighbors’ pooch while writing this post.)

I thought you might enjoy a cat that doesn’t pull punches:

This has been fun. I hope you enjoyed the video clips, too.

Come back to see me again real soon, you hear?!

TheMartialArtsReporter.com is pleased to offer its readers a special deal on karate gear.

Enter the coupon code “karate-gear-summer” (without the quotations) during checkout at karatedepot.com and receive 5% off the price of karate gear purchase! Valid until September 1, 2011.

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Saturday, April 30th, 2011 Nikki Stanley 5 Comments

Do You Believe Martial Arts Can Save A Life?

Well, according to some people in Plano, Texas, that would be affirmative.

I picked up the following story in the Star Local News, written by Chris O’Dell (codell@acnpapers.com), to whom I give all the credit for the write-up.

It also piqued my interest, because Master Dianne Reeves is mentioned in the story and I had to the pleasure writing about her in a post published here about a year ago.

But let’s get back to Chris O’Dell’s intriguing story from the Lone Star State:

“Eight years ago, William Binns III was a promising brown belt under the direction of seven-time U.S. Karate champion Tim Kirby.

Binns was also a bright student at the University of Texas in Austin, majoring in chemical engineering.

However, around that time, the now 32-year-old began a downward spiral that involved drugs and depression. That despondency ultimately led Binns to attempt suicide by way of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head

But Binns survived the incident, sustaining permanent brain damage and paralysis to his right side. The wound also caused multiple strokes and seizures.

“It’s amazing that he’s still alive,” Kirby said. “He’s just an amazing individual that does not know the word can’t.”

Kirby said Binns was as gifted as any student he had before the injury.

“He was truly one of the most talented brown belts in the country,” he said.

Kirby initially trained Binns at Kirby’s Karate and Fitness in Round Rock. The seventh degree black belt owner eventually moved his gym to North Texas though and temporarily fell out of contact with Binns. Not long after the accident, Kirby and Vision Martial Arts owner Diane Reeves decided to reach out to Binns and get him back into the gym after hearing the news of his injury.

“We did a trial class first and he hasn’t quit since,” Reeves said. “He’s an amazing individual. We really enjoy having him here.”

Despite the numerous obstacles that Binns faces every day, he decided to dedicate a majority of his free time to earning the black belt that he was never able to acquire before his injury. He began training regularly at Vision Martial Arts in Plano, working out nearly every day after his first training session.

“His determination is what impresses me the most,” Reeves said. “He is not a quitter. No matter the obstacles, he’s got the perseverance to get through them.”

Binns first had to begin relearning everything he had lost due to the brain damage. His mother, Pearlie, said he always knows what is going on but doesn’t always know how to get it out.

“It’s really frustrating sometimes,” Binns said.

For someone that had to relearn every word, Binns endured major setbacks in his martial arts career. However, progress began to increase with each training session, eventually allowing Binns to have partial use of his right side.

“He improved on just about every level,” Reeves said. “His verbal skills have gotten better and his physical skills have gotten much better.”

The training has also cut down on the number of seizures Binns has suffered in the last several months.

“At first it was ridiculous,” he said. “But it’s gotten a lot better now.”

Along with training at Vision Martial Arts, Binns also participates in the Pate Rehabilitation program, designed specifically for brain injured individuals. The program focuses on returning the injured participants to their highest possible level of independence and quality of life.

“It’s really demanding,” Binns said. “But it’s good for me.”

The hard work eventually paid off for Binns in a big way. On May 20, 2010, the 32-year-old became the proud owner of a black belt in martial arts, joining his instructor in that category.

“There’s no telling that guy no,” Kirby said. “If he’s convinced he’s going to do something then he does it. And this wasn’t an honorary black belt or anything. He earned it as much as anyone ever has.”

Kirby, who has produced 58 black belt students in his career, noted that Binns’ journey stood out above all the rest.

“It’s a heart-warming story,” he said. “It’s heart-wrenching as well. It’s the most inspiring story I’ve ever been a part of.”

Reeves echoed those sentiments.

“I’ve seen people overcome things before,” she said, “but he has definitely overcome more than I’ve ever seen anyone do before.”

Binns currently lives at home with his mother, who helps with his everyday life.

“He’s an absolute joy to be around,” Pearlie said. “I’m glad he’s here with me.”

And the story was only made possible because of a simple motto that Binns now lives by.

“Never stop trying,” he said.

Since Binns has earned his black belt, he can be seen at the gym helping other students in their journey to acquire a black belt. He said teaching the kids is something he truly enjoys doing now.

“I really enjoy helping them out and teaching the others,” Binns said.

Reeves and Kirby now use Binns’ story as motivation for other students who may feel discouraged or upset at times.

“Everybody loves him there,” Reeves said. “He’s a real hero to the kids. We use him as an example all the time by telling them if Will can do it, then they don’t have any excuses.”

I don’t know about you, but I like these kinds of real-life comeback stories with real happy endings.

Have a great weekend!

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Another Reason I Like Guru Dan Inosanto

This has been a pretty busy year for me so far with a lot of travelling and such. And I am grateful for all the experiences.

Thus I have not been able to post as much as you and I  have been accustomed to.

However, I am working on several posts featuring some really inspiring martial arts greats that will be published here during the course of the next few days.

To whet your appetite for more, here is a quote by Guro Dan Inosanto and one that really brings it home:

Talent is God GivenBe Thankful.

Fame is Man GivenBe Humble.

Conceit is Self GivenBe Careful.

Stay tuned.

TheMartialArtsReporter.com is pleased to offer its readers a special deal on nunchaku.

Enter the coupon code “savechucks” (without the quotations) during checkout at karatedepot.com and receive 10% off the price of a nunchaku purchase!

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Thursday, March 3rd, 2011 Dan Inosanto, Martial Arts 1 Comment

One Of The World’s Highest Ranking Karate Masters Just So Happens To Be A Member Of Mensa

Thanks for stopping by again today.

I haven’t posted as regularly as I normally do during the last couple of weeks due to an increased work and travel schedule, but trust me when I say that you were always on my mind!

Just reading today’s subject line and you know I’m up to something, right?!

So what does Karate have to do with Mensa?

Well, if you happen to be Grand Master Sam Pearson that would be a whole lot to be proud of.

First off, you might have heard of Mensa, but so far didn’t really know what they are all about. Let me enlighten you:

Mensa, the high IQ society, provides a forum for intellectual exchange among its members.

There are members in more than 100 countries around the world.

Activities include the exchange of ideas through lectures, discussions, journals, special-interest groups, and local, regional, national and international gatherings; the investigations of members’ opinions and attitudes; and assistance to researchers, inside and outside Mensa, in projects dealing with intelligence or Mensa.

Mensa is open to persons who have attained a score within the upper two percent of the general population on an approved intelligence test that has been properly administered and supervised.

One of their members is Sam Pearson.

And I will be honest with you:  Until this morning I hadn’t heard of him myself.

Grand Master SamPearson is THE man who brought martial arts to the East Carolina town of New Bern in the early 70s.

You have to know that even at the age of 74 he is still a force to reckon with and still works out at the Twin Rivers YMCA.

Sam Pearson was born in 1936. After being raised by his granny in Florida, he was returned to his mom, who according to his own recollection, was on her third husband by then.

His father didn’t play much of role in his upbringing and so as a 17-year old he looked for direction in the outside world.

Thus, in 1953, wanting to change his life and find that direction he was missing, Sam Pearson joined the no-nonsense U.S.  Marines who are known till today for promising their recruits a rough time. A promise made is a promise kept.

Nobody else from his high school at the time joined the Marines. His USMC career would last 20 years.

During a tour in Vietnam he was exposed to the devastating Agent Orange which was used to kill the vegatation so the Viet Cong couldn’t hide in it. Only problem was that our guys were affected by it which was denied by government authorities for way too long.

Like what happened to so many servicemen, the exposure broke down his immune system, causing all kinds of debillitating ailments.

Sam Pearson has battled numerous ailments such as PTSD, diabetes and high blood pressure and even Parkinson’s disease.

Only 3 years ago during a short period, everything seemed to be breaking down, including severly painful shingles across his face.

Things looked very bleak and robbed him of his joy of life. But somehow things turned around and he is doing a lot better today.

Way back in 1974, he introduced martial arts to New Bern, NC.

The current head instructor is his former student and New Bern policeman Ronnie Lovick who is a 7th degree black belt.

During the early 70s, karate and other martial arts started to become really popular in the United States after  many servicemen returned from Asia.

The school was operated at several locations. During the daytime Sam Pearson worked as head of security of a shopping mall.

He ensured that all of his students were worthy of pursuing the martial arts. He looked for honest and dedicated individuals who also did not smoke or drink.

Counting the years that he instructed in the Marines, Sam Pearson has probably taught more than 2,000 students over almost 50 years.

Besides all his great accomplishments, Sam Pearson is most proud of the fact that he is a member in Mensa, the international IQ-society.

Semper Fi, Sam Pearson!

Grand Master Sam Pearson

TheMartialArtsReporter.com is pleased to offer its readers a special deal on nunchaku.

Enter the coupon code “savechucks” (without the quotations) during checkout at karatedepot.com and receive 10% off the price of a nunchaku purchase!

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Tuesday, January 18th, 2011 Sam Pearson, Shorin-Ryu, USMC 13 Comments

Karate, It’s Not Just About Kicking And Punching

For most dedicated karateka and practitioners of other styles it really does go way beyond the dojo.

In many cases it is about acquiring useful life skills, discipline, focus, respect and confidence. Just to name a few.

I heard that Karate USA is challenging their students in a rather interesting way: Before they can graduate to their next belt/level they are required to do something that helps their community.

That means that by the time they reach black belt level, they would have, besides mastering kicks, punches, kata and what have you, organized and executed a number of projects that can make a real difference in their communities.

Some of these projects could be activities such as raising money for the homeless, picking up trash in their community or even helping orphanages in far away corners of the world.

I think this is a noteworthy cause and let’s see if there are some copy-cats out there.

Also, I thought I share their website with you.

Check it out right now:

www.RealKarateKids.com

TheMartialArtsReporter.com is pleased to offer its readers a special deal on nunchaku.

Enter the coupon code “savechucks” (without the quotations) during checkout at karatedepot.com and receive 10% off the price of any nunchaku purchased here!

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Thursday, December 16th, 2010 karate, kata, kicking, Martial Arts, punching 3 Comments

Irish-Polish-Vietnamese-American Martial Arts Action Vixen

What a combination, right!?

Our today’s “person of interest” is someone I happen to get a glimpse of on TV (of which I have reduced watching to begin with for all the right reasons) whenever they are promoting their next episode.

And my reaction has always been something like “I know her from somewhere!”. Okay, not personally, but from seeing her perform either on TV or in a movie.

So, I did some research and found out that the lady in the lead role of the current TV series “Nikita“  is no other than Margaret Denise Quigley or better known as Maggie Q.

It’s amazing in how many movies she has already starred in. But we will get to that later in this post.

The daughter of a Vietnamese mom and an Irish-Polish-American dad grew up in Hawaii and was really into track and field as well as swimming.

She was not even involved in any martial arts training at the time which I find rather noteworthy.

After graduating, Maggie Q started modeling in Japan, Taiwan and the ended up in Hong Kong where she was discovered by the one and only Jackie Chan.  Somehow he encouraged her to get into stunt work (that’s how he got started as you all might know).

In 1998, Maggie Q started her acting career in the very successful Asian TV drama, House of Dragon.

From there she went on to star in Model From Hell and Gen-Y-Cops, only to get the approval from Jackie Chan to be part of the cast of Manhattan Midnight and Rush Hour 2!

She continued getting lead roles in movies such as Naked Weapon, Mission Impossible:III (with Tom Cruise),  Live Free Or Die Hard (with Bruce Willis),  Ball of Fury, Need For Speed Undercover and Deception.

So, I did know her from somewhere.

Check out some of the stunts:

 

 

 

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Sunday, November 21st, 2010 Jackie Chan, Maggie Q 6 Comments

Oops! I Forgot My 1-Year Anniversary

Can you believe it: In all the busyness I actually forgot my 1-year anniversary …..

Don’t worry, not my wedding anniversary, but my 1-year anniversary of the martial arts blog “TheMartialArtsReporter.com”

Time sure flies when you’re having fun (and working your butt off!).

I had to look in the archives and if they are any indication, the first post was on September 28, 2009.

And because it was the first one, it will always be really, really special.

I asked the question: “Was Bruce Lee The World’s First Ulimate Fighter?”

During the last 12 months I have been also very fortunate to make new friends in the arena of martial arts blogging as you can tell in the blog roll. Check them out whenever you can.

Something else that I just noticed:

During that same period I have actually published more than 200 posts!

I hope there is something for everybody.

Stay tuned for more.

Man, how could I have forgotten my 1-year blog anniversary?!

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Friday, October 8th, 2010 Bruce Lee, Martial Arts, Ultimate Fighting 8 Comments

Still One Of The Funniest Kicking Scenes Ever

Who’s with me when it comes to getting a good laugh in combination with martial arts?

Anybody?

Bueller?

I still love to watch a specific funny and entertaining movie which has become a classic throughout the years. It is simply known as ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.’

Check it out if you ever have some downtime and you want to get a good laugh.

Anyway, there is a scene in the movie in which Ferris’s sister, played by Jennifer Grey, who takes out a home intruder.
I think it was the school principal who was trying to prove that Ferris was actually skipping school.

Talk soon.

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Sunday, September 26th, 2010 Uncategorized 2 Comments
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