By Aaron Hoopes

Supplemental Training takes place outside of your normal karate class. Regular group classes are the main focus for many martial artists, but in order to truly excel in your art you must be willing to put in extra time outside of regular practice in order to fully internalize the techniques and movements you are learning.

By John Parke

Six colored belts are used to signify grades in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The belts, in ascending order of grades are: white, blue, purple, brown, black and red. An athlete has to be at least 16 years old to be awarded blue belt. Some academies divide the grading system further into four stages signified by different belt colors - white, yellow, orange and green. Though red is the highest rank in belts, only the Gracie family members, the pioneers in the field of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, are known to have advanced to this level.

By Alexander Popov

Qigong is a general name for the systems of hardening and improvement of body and mind, treatment and health enhancement created in China. They primarily based on the ability to control your own consciousness, mentality and through them all the physiological processes of the organism. Practicing Qigong you can achieve stunning results some of which even the powerful modern science cannot conceive and explain.

By Steve Gib

It doesn't matter if you practice kyokushin karate or taekwondo, a fact that remains with proper execution of reality based self defense techniques remains in the ability to stay focused and calm while in danger.

By John Parke

During my journey into grappling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, I have come across several principles and pieces of advice which have greatly accelerated my progress. I often find myself wondering just how much further ahead I would be today if I had known of them at the start of my training. It is for this reason that I try to ensure that the beginners I teach and my private clients are aware of them at the start of their grappling careers. The tips below are the ones I feel are most significant for the beginner.