Martial - Tiger Claw

SUMMER 2007
Editor: Jennifer Oh | Assistant Editor: L. A. Susong
Art Director: Marc Arsenault | Contributors: Gene
Ching, Marcus Callis | Tiger Claw CEO: Thomas Oh
Martial Arts Life, Business & Tournament News Quarterly
Padded Swords
& Demo Uniforms
see page 6
COMPETITION GETS
SERIOUS THIS MAY!
BREAKING UNLIMITED
by MAURICE ELMALEM
THE MYTHBUSTERS
VISIT TIGER CLAW
WEAPONS SPECIAL! Melody Shuman,
Rick Tucci & Mark Shuey on adding
weapons programs to your curriculum
1-800-821-5090
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The Dynamic Art of Breaking
TIGERCLAW’S
by Grand Master Maurice Elmalem
Breaking is one of the most explosive and fascinating facets
of martial arts. Dynamic demonstrations by the world’s best
breakers greatly impress spectators. Breaking is widely
practiced in tae kwon do. Literally, tae kwon do is the art of
kicking and punching. It is a native form of fighting in Korea.
The fighting system in tae kwon do consists of kicking,
punching, blocking, ducking, and parrying. It is a system
that works the entire body. It is an all around system in which
practitioners must develop their entire body to perform the
tae kwon do techniques. Skills and body development come
from regular attendance at a tae kwon do school run by great
masters.
Breaking is also practiced in other martial art forms. In
modern times, hand techniques have become increasingly
important in the world of martial arts. Use of the feet,
however, remains the trademark and beauty of the tae kwon
do style. Tae kwon do students have to practice and devote
substantial time on development of the leg muscles, hip, and
back for performance of these kicks. The first step in training
is stretching exercises specifically designed to limber the
entire body. Developing his or her stretch and strength to
the fullest enables the student to master the positions of tae
kwon do.
My Grand Master, Dr. Richard Chun, 9th degree black belt
and a champion, asked me to write a book to summarize my
knowledge and experience as gained through my training with
him and other Masters in the martial arts. I have experienced
many competitions against the world’s best fighters and
breakers. After almost seven hundred championship
competitions, I am ranked one of the world’s best master
breakers. This book comes from thirty-five years of gathered
competitive experience and knowledge in breaking and from
daily practice and devotion to the martial arts.
striking the target and expelling a loud kiop on contact. Great
reflexes are needed for flying technique and to land safely
without injury to oneself or holders. To execute a successful
break, every break must be practiced until the positions are
perfected, even the steps taken before striking a target. The
mindset must be positive, never allowing for nervousness
or loss of confidence. A successful break is often the result
of ambitious, strong will power, positive, confident thinking
and repeated competitions. Constant training exercises and
stretching techniques are essential. Strength in breaking is
the result of speed and accuracy.
As discussed earlier, some striking techniques include
the front punch, back fist, hammer fist, spear hand thrust,
knife hand strike, ridge hand, palm hand, elbow attacking
forward, upward, backward and downward. The most widely
practiced elbow break is the strike downward.
The front kick is one of the strongest kicks for breaking.
The round house kick, back kick, wheel kick, sidekick, and
crescent kick are done with the outer edge surface of the
foot as the striking surface.
A student must be in good physical health and must practice
his or her conditioning. The use of targets and striking the
surface many times to toughen the areas you wish to use for
breaking is very helpful.
Daily kicking practice includes the roundhouse kick,
sidekick, and front kick. The constant repetition increases
builds speed, reflexes, and strength. Jumping rope will also
build speed and reflexes, creating stronger leg muscles
for high jumping and turning kicks, which help the legs
become accustomed to the shock of the force of breaking
the target.
One of the most helpful exercises to increase stamina is
running. In my book, different subjects are covered which
explain the importance and significance of every movement
in each technique described along with a stretching
exercise for that technique. I discuss the facts and forces
of breaking.
There are two distinct breaking styles. The most common
is the “brutal strength” break done by power breakers. Of
course, anyone can perform a simple break with this method,
but the consequence of achieving perfection by doing this
breaking technique may not be worth it. It may not be safe.
All a power breaker must do is aim at the target on the
floor and strike the object, be it wood or cinder block, with
extreme force. Unfortunately, as his breaks become more
difficult by adding blocks, this results in more long-term
damage to the body. Good strength in breaking starts and
ends with a different kind of power. That is energy + speed
+ force = power.
Don’t try this at home! Grand
Master Elmalem kicks through
several panes of glass barefoot.
The first time I performed a breaking technique in public,
I injured myself. I attempted to break a piece of a tree with a
hammer fist. I almost broke my hand.
Studying with the world’s best breakers I have learned
breaking techniques, history, philosophy, and training.
Breaking is the ability to go through a hard surface such as
brick, board, cement blocks, glass, or roof tiles with bare
hands, feet, or head. Breaking is a power generated from
within oneself, focusing with great concentration, accuracy,
speed, coordination, and confidence. All a breaker’s internal
power is focused on one point, the point of contact between
the object he is breaking and his body.
The breaker sets his mind and controls his body while in
action. It is a must for the body to lock into position while
Students should not practice breaking without consulting
an expert master breaker first. When a martial artist tries to
break using his hand, the smallest resistance could stop his
power to move through the target. The energy must travel
through the target. One must not rely only on strength to
go through. As breaking abilities increase, the martial artist
starts to use different techniques as well as positions.
People think when they see a martial artist break a hard
surface target that possibly it is a trick. True: some martial
arts practitioners have found ways to deceive their audiences
with spectacular breaking techniques. But challenging
breaks performed by jumping, bending, flying sidekicks,
or involving the breaking of glass are difficult techniques to
master. These breaks all require great skill and reflex training,
as well as physical strength and power from within oneself.
Maurice Elmalem is a seven time World Champion and a
6th Dan black belt with World Tae Kwon Do Federation.
He holds five World Records and is a seven time U.S.
Cup Gold Medalist. He is the author of numerous books
including The Will Power, Fighting Dynamics, and Breaking
Unlimited. He lives in New York City, New York.

PA I D A DV E R T I S E M E N T 
TIGERCLAW’S
The Benefits of the American
Cane System by Steve Baker
Grandmaster
Mark Shuey, Sr.
demonstrates
the power of the
American Cane
Master System
with a Cane Master
signature cane.
Two styles of Cane
Masters’ canes are
available from Tiger
Claw
Designed by Grandmaster Mark Shuey, Sr.—who holds
degrees in both Hapkido and Tae Kwon Do as well as
having been inducted into various martial arts halls of
fame including Black Belt Magazine’s Instructor of the
Year—the American Cane System teaches the use of a
cane for both self-defense applications and exercise.
As a traditional weapon, the cane can be taught right
alongside the bo, escrima sticks, jo, or practically any
other martial arts tool as many of the techniques will
cross over.
The beauty of cane training is that canes are legal
to carry anywhere including airports and overseas.
The cane is also extremely easy to teach and, more
importantly, learn. This fact alone makes the cane
applicable to more than martial arts students: senior
citizens, physically challenged, hikers who travel with
walking sticks, and folks from all walks of life can benefit
from the ease of use and power of the cane. People
who need a cane on a daily basis find a new sense of
self-confidence after they have learned that their walking
“partner” is more than just a crutch.
“A key thing I want people to understand is that this
system is designed to add to what you already know,”
said GM Shuey. “We don’t want people to think they’ve
got to start from scratch, and what good would that
be, anyway?”
As an exercise device, the cane can be used either
by itself or in conjunction with a resistance band for
stretching, strengthening, toning, and rehabilitation.
The exercise system has been endorsed by physical
therapists, chiropractors, and physicians worldwide as
an effective and efficient means for total body fitness
as well as for enhancing recovery from injury or illness.
It’s also completely portable and can be used standing,
sitting, or lying down.
Along with introducing a new curriculum, you can
also bring in Cane Masters products. These include
handmade hardwood canes, instructional media in video
and print formats, custom silkscreen or embroidered
clothing, resistance bands, as well as a wide variety of
accessories. Plus, when you sign up to be an official
Cane Masters school, you will be eligible to collect CMIA
student and testing fees in addition to being able to use
the Cane Masters logo in your advertising campaigns.
The crafting expertise really sets Cane Masters canes
apart. Each one is individually made: no jigs or templates
here! Regardless of whether it’s a street cane or a Grand
Master, the same attention to detail goes into each and
very Cane Masters cane.
PAID ADVERTISEMENTS  Become a Claw Marks Advertiser! Call 1-800-821-5090 SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!
By incorporating the American Cane System into your
school, you’ll be sure to make a significant increase in
your revenue and have the satisfaction of knowing you
are teaching a legal and viable means of self-defense
and exercise to your students. For more information,
visit CaneMasters.com
NEW 2-Piece Graphite Competition Staffs with Case
Available in 5 color styles, 3 lengths & 2 thicknesses. Case included. Available now.
Fully threaded steel connections. Sleek metallic finish. Matching-color caps at the ends. Tiger Claw logo on one end.
Velcro®-close nylon case with hanging loop. Case & bolt-protecting foam cap included.
Not recommended
for sparring.
Colors: Red & Blue, Yellow & Navy, Navy, Red, Blue
Lengths: 50" (case 27"), 60" (case 32"), 72" (case 32")
Regular Thickness: Ends 3/4", Center 1"
Skinny Thickness: Ends 5/8", Center 7/8"
Regular Weight: 50" (14.3oz), 60" (16.5oz), 72" (19.3oz)
Skinny Weight: 50" (11.6oz), 60" (13.1oz), 72" (15.2oz)
Tiger Claw Demo Uniforms
These 8 oz. Uniforms are the perfect way to show off your
advanced programs. Attract the attention and admiration
that your students and school deserves. Comes complete
with nylon carrying case. Customized colors and styles are
available, please call for details. Available in sizes 0–8.
11-31N - Black and yellow | 11-32N - Black and blue
11-33N - Red, white, and blue | 11-34 - Red, black, and white
Kenshi Foam-Padded Swords
Our newest padded training weapon, the Kenshi Sword, is made
of a single hard-wood core with dipped-foam coating on the
blade and traditional braiding on the handle. The guard (tsuba)
is also wood. The handle features a hole for easy hanging.
31-18L Large Kenshi Sword 29" Blade, 11" Handle, 1lb 5.5oz.
31-18S Short Kenshi Sword 25" Blade, 10" Handle, 15.9oz.
Tiger Claw disclaims all liability from the purchase and use of martial arts equipment and advocates caution and courtesy in martial arts practice.
Weapons Training & Your
School by Rick Tucci
Weapons training in martial arts further develops many
of the skills gained in empty-hands training. Reflexes,
general speed, and hand-eye coordination must be
quicker in weapons training than in empty-hands training
because of the speed of the weaponry and, obviously,
the danger of getting seriously injured or even killed in a
combat situation.
Everyone in the martial arts community can benefit from
weapons training. Martial arts are about self-defense,
and people from the beginning of time have been using
weapons in self-defense. In my opinion, weapons have to
and should be part of martial arts training.
Anyone can train in weapons regardless of their style of
martial arts. There are enough weaponry systems that
people should be able to train in something that appeals
to them in some form or another.
TIGERCLAW’S
In the event a person wants to begin weapons training
but lacks access to a reputable instructor, there are ways
they can achieve his or her goals. For instance, I have a
training program for people who want to be instructors
and trainers in Kali, the Filipino martial art. He or she
may be able to get at least some portion of weapons
training through videos, DVDs, and even through online
resources.
Kali Sticks available
from Tiger Claw
Adding a whole new program to your school will always
generate excitement. You can adapt weapons training for
children or adult programs, and there’s plenty of material
within the training to keep the excitement going for a long
time.
Stained Rattan
You can implement weapons training in your school for
a very reasonable price. I have a trainers program that
doesn’t give someone a complete certification as an
instructor but very quickly allows him or her to begin
inexpensively sharing the new curriculum with his or her
students.
(26" long, 1¼" diameter) 25-13
Having a weapons program can really help a school
stand out in its community. Marketing your program by
showcasing the enhanced skills gained from weapons
training is also effective because weapons training really
does develop the attributes much more than emptyhands. Also, you have the street aspect of weapons; so
marketing weapons training as a realistic self-defense
system will attract even more students.
Rick Tucci, the director and head instructor at Princeton
Academy of Martial Arts in Princeton, New Jersey, is an
expert in weapons training. He holds many certifications
and is a full instructor in Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do, Kali,
and Maphilindo Silat under Sifu Dan Inosanto. He can
be reached by phone at (609) 452-2208 or email at
[email protected].
Natural Rattan
(26" long, 1" diameter) 25-11
(26" long, 1" diameter) 25-12
Black Hardwood
Black Foam (26" long, 1⅜" diameter) 25-14
Burned Rattan
(28" long, 1⅛" diameter) 25-15
Skinny Burned Rattan
(28¾" long, ⅞" diameter) 25-16
Stick Case
This round black nylon case holds a pair of escrima
sticks. Complete with shoulder strap, convenient handle
and luggage tag. Measures approximately 28" long and
3" in diameter. Weapon not included. 25-27
TIGERCLAW’S
At least 70% of all martial arts schools are running
some type of weapons program. Weapons are
dynamic and exciting for all ages. In this report, we’ve
created a basic outline of how to organize and format
a weapons curriculum and provided you with a sample
of our single nunchaku curriculum.
Introductory Level
Students must know all 3 parts of the Introductory Level
before they can train on Level 1 Beginner.
 Part 1: Basic Warm Ups
1. Left arm forward circle ➔ left arm backward circle
2. Left wrist forward circle ➔ left wrist backward circle
3. Right arm forward circle ➔ right arm forward circle
4. Right wrist forward circle ➔ right wrist backward circle
5. Over and under arm motion
6. Neck stretch
7. Shoulder stretch
8. Chest stretch
9. Torso stretch
 Part 2: 9 Elements of Control
Basic Grips:
1. End grip: hold nunchaku 1 inch from the end
2. Middle grip: hold nunchaku in the middle
3. Double grip: hold nunchaku on both ends with single
or both hands
Basic Rotation
4. Arm rotation: rotate weapon around axis of bicep or
shoulder
5. Waist rotation: rotate weapon around axis of waist
6. Thigh rotation: rotate weapon around axis of thigh
Basic Positions
7. Ready position: legs shoulder-width apart, both hands
holding weapon in middle grip
8. Ready stance: right back stance, right arm over
shoulder holding weapon in the end grip, left arm
crossed over chest, holding other end of weapon under
right arm/shoulder
9. Fighting stance: same as ready stance except left arm
is not holding weapon and is in guarding position in front
of the body
Creating a Weapons Program
That Works by Melody Shuman
 Part 3: 9 Striking Points (using right hand with single end
or middle grip)
1. Shoulder strike right: begin on right side and strike
target in a left-downward angle
2. Shoulder strike left: begin on left side and strike target
in a right-downward angle
3. Rib strike right: begin on right side and strike target in
a left-sideward motion
4. Rib strike left: begin on left side and strike target in a
right-sideward motion
5. Thigh strike right: begin on right side and strike target
in a left-upward angle
6. Thigh strike left: begin on left side and strike target in
a right-upward angle
7. Under strike: begin on right side and strike target in an
upward motion
8. Over strike: begin on right side and strike target in a
downward motion
9. Jab strike: begin in a single-hand double grip and
strike target with a jabbing motion
Twirls
7. Double front twirl: figure 8 twirl
8. Side twirl: spin the weapon either forward or
backward to the side
9. Reverse double front twirl: reverse figure 8 twirl
Level 1 Beginner: Basic Movements
Level 3 Advanced: 9 Advanced Spins
Passes: switching from one hand to the other
1. Underarm pass: arm rotation with a switch of hands at
end of rotation
2. Waist pass: waist rotation with a switch of hands at
end of rotation
3. Thigh pass: thigh rotation with a switch of hands at
end of rotation
Attacks: striking with continued motion before and/
or after the strike
4. Shoulder attack: shoulder strike with the weapon
landing on left side of waist, then rotate across to
the right side of waist, and then rotate up right arm/
shoulder to end on right shoulder.
5. Over-the-head attack: rotate in a full clockwise circle
above the head and then add the shoulder attack
6. 360° over-the-head attack: step forward with right
leg while rotating the weapon clockwise 360° over the
head and turn the entire body 360° and finish with the
shoulder attack
Level 2 Intermediate:
9 Performance Combos
1. Shoulder attack ➔ under arm pass
2. Rib strike ➔ waist pass
3. Thigh strike ➔ thigh pass
4. Shoulder attack ➔ double side twirl
5. Over-the-head attack ➔ double front twirl
6. Underarm strike ➔ double front twirl
7. Reverse double front twirl ➔ rib strike
8. 3 angle attacks: shoulder strike ➔ rib strike ➔ thigh
strike
9. Underline X attack: (double grip weapon with one
single hand) right shoulder strike ➔ left shoulder strike ➔
right rib strike ➔ left rib strike
The advanced spins include a 360° rotation that spins
over the top of the hand. The student must let go of his
or her grip as the weapon spins over the hand. If the
weapon is dropped during a spin, a strike or block must
be executed before picking up the weapon.
1. 360° waist rotation
2. 360° thigh rotation
3. 360° double front twirl
4. 360° reverse double front twirl
5. 360° side twirl
6. 360° over-the-head twirl
7. 360° reverse over-the-head twirl
8. 360° double front and side twirl combination
9. 360° reverse over-the-head twirl and waist rotation
combination
Designing Your Own Weapons Curriculum:
1. Select the weapon to study.
2. Select the 9 best warm-up exercises for that weapon.
3. Select 9 basic elements of control for that weapon.
4. Select 9 basic strikes associated with that weapon.
The more fluid the transitions between strikes are, the
better.
5. Create a chart or lesson plan with the material you’re
selected. This will be considered your introductory
curriculum
6. Select 9 basic movements for the weapon. This is
your Level 1 Beginner curriculum.
7. Select 9 performance combinations for the weapon.
These combinations should be fluid and easy to
learn and perform. This is your Level 2 Intermediate
curriculum.
8. Select 9 advanced movements for the weapon.
These movements should include tricks, spins, and any
motions that are challenging to learn but look dynamic
when correctly performed. This is your Level 3 Advanced
curriculum.
9. The levels can be recognized by placing a stripe on
the weapon for each level or by placing a patch, such as
a chevron, star, or lightning bolt, on the uniform.
Once the curriculum is completed, the next step is to
create drills for each weapons curriculum. Once the
drills are created, the lesson plans must be developed
for each weapon. After the lesson plans are created,
you now have successfully designed your own weapons
program.
Check out the August copy of ClawMarks for part 2 of
Melody Shuman’s article on weapons training. For more
information, visit Melody at: ShumanConcepts.com.
PAID ADVERTISEMENT  Reach over 22,000 Martial Arts Schools! Become a Claw Marks Advertiser! Call 1-800-821-5090  SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS!
TIGERCLAW’S
PA I D A N N O U N C E M E N T S
RUN YOUR TOURNAMENT BANNER
IN CL AWMARKS FOR ONLY $ 50 ! ! !
Reach 21,000+ Martial Arts Schools! Call 1-800-821-5090 to
place your listing. Plain Text listing is $ 5. Bold & Highlighted
l i s t i n g i s $ 2 0 . 5" × ¾" Fu l l - C o l o r B a n n e r A d s a r e $ 5 0 .
Tournaments
Tiger Claw’s Marketing Consultants are here to help you achieve
the professional look you need for today’s competitive marketplace.
Our TCMC consultants are always ready to visit or speak
to school or store owners. They use their knowledge
to make your business appear more professional, boost
enrollment, retain your student base, and increase profits.
To schedule a visit to your school or store,
call 1-800-821-5090 and ask to speak with a
TCMC Representative. It’s the best call you’ll make!
BE JACKIE’S DISCIPLE
On May 27, Wu Chi Kung Fu Academy in Fremont,
California will host the U.S. competition for Jackie
Chan’s new TV series, The Disciple. The show will
be presented in the style of The Apprentice and
America’s Next Top Model and will air in only China.
The winners of the U.S. competition will travel to
Beijing where they will spend their summer training
and competing with 300 contestants from around
the globe. At the end of the series, 10 winners will be
named “Descendants of the Dragon” and receive film
contracts and personal training from Jackie Chan.
From left to right: Peter Heap, Director of Photography; Manny Melendez, Tiger Claw West Coast Manager;
Mythbusters host Adam Savage; Gene Ching, Kung Fu Tai Chi Magazine’s Associate Publisher; Claudia
Katayanagi, Audio Engineer; and, Latrice L. Beal, Field Producer.
NINJAS GET MYTHBUSTED AT TIGER CLAW
Tiger Claw’s own Gigi Oh, publisher of Kung Fu Tai
Chi Magazine, is a member on the U.S. committee
overseeing this event. For more information on The
Disciple, visit long.btv.com.cn. To find out how to
register for the U.S. competition, visit IntMAT.com
or wuchikungfu.com.
Th e D iscover y Cha n n el’s My t hBu s ter s Cr ew S tops by
Our California Headquarters before Busting Ninja My ths
Not only does Tiger Claw supply the martial arts community with gear, we’ve been outfitting Discovery
Channel’s MythBusters with deadly ninja equipment, too! Each week, MythBusters hosts Adam Savage and
Jamie Hyneman tackle three urban legends with modern science and their special effects know-how. When
Adam and Jamie decided to take on the mysteries surrounding the legendary masters of stealth, they came
to Tiger Claw for all their ninja needs.
The mythology surrounding the ninja tradition lends itself nicely to MythBusters. We don’t yet know which
myths were explored, but ninja are said to be able to suppress fire, walk on water, and hypnotize onlookers with
hand signals. Which myths will be deemed busted, plausible, or confirmed? Tune into the Discovery Channel
on April 25th at 9 PM to catch MythBusters: Walking on Water. (Shown again April 30, May 1, 5 and 6)
CELEBRATE 90 YEARS WITH WALLY JAY
On June 16, Professor Wally Jay turns 90, and the Tiger
Claw Foundation encourages you to celebrate with
everyone! Professor Wally Jay’s 90th Birthday Event
will be held June 15–17 in Emeryville and Oakland,
California. On Friday, June 15th, a birthday banquet
will be held at the Hong Kong East Ocean Seafood
Restaurant in Emeryville. The cost is $60 per person,
and registration for the banquet ends on June 8th
or when no more tables are available. On Saturday,
June 16th, the Professor’s birthday, there will be a
Grandmaster Exhibition and Seminar held at the
Oakland Convention Center. Admission is $139 at the
door, but discounts are available for early registration.
A private tour of Professor Wally Jay’s Home Dojo is
available to the first 50 people who pre-register.
Professor Wally Jay is the legendary founder of Small
Circle Jujitsu. He has been active in the martial arts
community since the 1940s. Professor Jay has been a
great friend to Tiger Claw through the years. We wish
him a very Happy 90th Birthday!
For more information, visit FriendsofWallyJay.com.
Presented in conjunction with SmallCircleJujitsu.
com and LeonJay.com.
Next Issue: Summer 2007
The deadline for ads and submissions is June 19, 2007.
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Claw Marks Summer 2007 Copyright © 2007 Tiger Claw. All
rights reserved. The Tiger Claw logo is a registered trademark.
All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.
Claw Marks welcomes any reader contributions
of articles, photos and letters that may be of
interest to the martial arts community. Mail them
to: Tiger Claw, 5613 N. Broadway, Knoxville,
TN, 37918 or email to [email protected]