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When you think of golf you think it as a game of leisure and played for relaxation. When you watch the professionals play it looks so easy but when you start playing the game for your self you realize the importance of fitness and health for golfers.

To play golf effectively you need to understand the mechanics of the game, you need to concentrate on the game. You also need to have strength, stamina and balance so that you can play your game better. In order to achieve these important factors fitness and health for golfers become very significant.

To improve fitness and health for golfers there is a need to pay attention to what they eat and what kind of exercise routine they undertake. To improve the overall fitness and health, nutrition and exercises are the most significant aspects that need to be looked into.

The common ailments faced by the golfers are back pain, joint pain. These ailments are the result of poor fitness and health for golfers. In order to avoid these disorders they need to take some preventive measures.

Exercise is critical:

Regular exercises such as swimming, sprinting or running should be done to improve the strength in the lower body and hips. You should always remember to do stretching exercises before the start any sort of strenuous work out. These stretches should again be repeated after you finish the work out. This will prevent any injuries. Always start slowly at the beginning otherwise you will hurt yourself while doing your exercises.

To avoid back pain abdominal muscles have to be strengthened. Doing sets of crunches and sit ups will help strengthen the abdominal strength. Riding a stationary bike will improve the strength of the legs.

Regular exercises will help the fitness and health for the golfer. A lot of improvement can be seen and the body will be so flexible due to regular exercise. In order to stay healthy the golfer needs to pay attention to his food intake as well. It is advisable to increase the metabolism by eating 5 to 6 meals a day. They should eat foods which release energy slowly.

Eat the right kinds of foods:

If they eat a bar of chocolate then they will find a surge in blood sugar and feel fine for sometime but half way through the game they will start feeling lethargic and tired. Instead of that they can opt for brown rice, lean meat such as fish, or whole wheat pasta and a couple of portions of vegetables. This will keep their energy levels up till they finish the game. Sometimes the game takes time to finish so they tend to skip a meal. Instead they could pack a snack of dry fruits or a banana in their golf bag which will help them finish the game without starving.

Doing regular exercises and having right kind of nutrition is the key factors in fitness and health for a golfer. It will not only improve the game but will help them handle stress better while playing the game. Eating right and regular work out helps the golfers immune system to stay fit.

Joe is an author and webmaster. Visit his site on golf tips to help you get better at the game. Also be sure to learn about useful golf driving tips to help you hit the ball farther and straighter.

You don’t have to be a Pro or scratch golfer to benefit from from gps golf technology. Even high handicappers can use the Skygolf Skycaddie SG5 gps to really lower scores. As a matter of fact, once you have a general idea of your club distances, you can use the Skygolf Skycaddie SG5 gps to a real advantage. I have read testimonials of golfers with a 34 handicap who have shaved several strokes off their game.

Think about it. How many weekend golfers really know the distance to greens, bunkers and trouble areas? How many of you have taken several extra strokes because you didn’t have the correct distance or landed over the green or into a deep green side bunker? We all have.

What about new courses you never played before. Wouldn’t it be great to really know and understand the hole before each shot? You bet it would! So here are 5 reasons you should use a Skygolf Skycaddie SG5 gps.

1. Improve your drive.

You will have information at your fingertips for distances on the overall length of the course, beginning and end of fairway, fairway bunkers and how far to carry them.

2. Laser target your short game.

This is the biggest benefit of all because a good short game is crucial in lowering your score. The Skygolf Skycaddie SG5 gps is supported by the amazing IntelliGreen technology which allows golfers to get accurate distances for the center, front and back of the green. In addition the Skycaddie SG5 will give the shape of the green from any angle of approach and quickly calculate distances to up to 40 targets at a time, all to help you choose the appropriate club for your best shot.

3. Gain confidence with every club in your bag.

This is a big one for high handicappers because most amateurs think they hit the ball further than they do. With the Skygolf Skycaddie SG5 gps you will no longer have to say “I hit my seven iron about 150 yards.” You will get to know your club distances so much better and eliminate the need to choke down on a club or use a three quarter swing because you simply were not comfortable with the distance and where to land the shot?

4. Take less penalty strokes with wayward shots.

With this gps technology you no longer have to guess at a distance when you miss the fairway or really hook or slice one out there. Now you have the information you need to get you out of trouble and position the next shot.

Now you can play anywhere anytime with confidence. If you happen to be playing at a new course for the first time you have the advantage of not having to worry about distances. With the Skygolf Skycaddie SG5 gps you can downloaded courses as needed. The Skygolf Skycaddie SG5 gps will give you all the feedback you need on the course to play a smarter, better round of golf and you will have more fun too.

Richard is a physical therapist who enjoys golf. Discover 10 Things You Should Know About The Skygolf Skycaddie SG5 gps by visiting http://www.squidoo.com/Skygolf-Skycaddie-SG5-gps today!

Custom and personalised golf balls are the preferred gifts for all golf enthusiasts at “Christmas” or for any special occasion from a corporate golf day to a special golf event such as Nokia’s Golf in the City staged in Canary Wharf, London. As the number of online golf retailers expands – so does the supply of personalisation services such as Golfballs.co.uk who offer the Internet’s best value personalisation service on “golf balls”, bags, caps and towels in addition to low competitive rates on bulk orders for corporate golf days and events.

Historically, personalisation services were restricted to manufacturers like Titleist, Callaway and Srixon. With a ready supply of golf ball printers for small to medium sized companies on the market – the minimum order size has been reduced substantially to a dozen golf balls – suitable for the smallest of corporate events to stag dos, birthdays or even as “Valentines or Christmas” presents. To further increase the accessibility to personalised golf balls, online suppliers have developed their own custom build websites allowing orders to placed with ease – including the upload of images, logos and text with an option to preview before placing the order.

With Christmas fast approaching and everyone feeling the pinch from high inflation order your golf gifts online and make substantial savings compared to the high-street. If you are shopping for a golfer who has everything why not treat them to a customised item of golf equipment such as a personalised golf towel or golf bag? If you’re unsure why not purchase a gift voucher allowing the recipient to purchase at their discretion up to a predefined value you decide upon.

To make an online customised purchase from Golfballs.co.uk simply identify which brand of golf equipment and the quantity – followed by the type of personalisation required (text, logo or photo). Additional selections can also be made for selecting the font style and colour. All “golf balls” used for personalisation are brand new Grade A quality from top brands such as Confidence, Palm Springs, Nike, Callaway, Srixon and Forgan of St. Andrews. Large corporate events can also be catered for with a fast turnaround available on a range of own brands like Confidence and Palm Springs. Smaller orders can usually be despatched the same-day with the option for express next-working day delivery at a small additional cost.

If you’re looking to make an impact at a forthcoming corporate day why not consider kitting out all teams with personalised golf equipment – including company logo and individual names for the personal touch. If the event is offering prizes you should purchase an assortment of gifts from golf caps, shirts and shoes to main prizes of complete golf sets to professional coaching sessions at your local golf course.

Before placing an order for customised golf gifts be sure to ascertain that all products are brand new and grade A quality and above. You can also make substantial savings when purchasing additional golf gifts – many online retailers like Golfballs.co.uk charge one shipping rate for multiple item orders.

David Potts with The Sports HQ provides you best information to choosing golf clubs including junior and ladies golf clubs. He also provides you details on golf clothes, shoes, apparel and caps for men’s ladies and juniors.

Why is Jimi Hendrix such an icon?

Well, there are many reasons and understanding why could just be the key to your tennis success.

I am sure you are eager to know how Jimi Hendrix can help you win more tennis matches aren’t you?

Hang on, I will explain in a minute!

First, a couple of questions!

Q. Do you lose too many matches to players with shots far “worse” than yours?

Q. Do you play better on the practise court?

Q. What about the excuses? I’ve heard them all by the way

“They just got lucky on the day” or “I just never got going” or “I don’t know what happened, I’ve been playing so well in practice” etc.

Has it dawned on you yet that Winning Tennis Matches is NOT all about Hitting Tennis Shots?

Q. Is there a way to stack the match odds in your favour?

Q. And if there is, are you interested?

Listen, sometimes you just don’t play well or your opponent just plays a great game BUT normally the one big factor that decides matches (unless there is a clear gulf in playing standard) is NOT the shots you play (per se) but your MENTAL approach, aptitude and application.

I don’t mean being mentally tough, I mean being mentally SMART!

Or put another way -

The truth is that you are probably spending too much time working on the technical aspects of your game without understanding THE GAME!!

Back To Jimi – Are You Experienced?

In the film “White Men Can’t Jump” Wesley Snipes says to Woody Harrelson “the trouble with you is that you listen to Jimi BUT you don’t HEAR Jimi”.

There is a crucial difference here and if you can understand this difference you can begin to Win More Tennis Matches.

Has the light bulb come on yet?

Let’s go back to what Brad Gilbert said – “it’s about who is doing what to who”.

What does he mean?

Basically he is saying, it’s the person who understands why and where he or she is hitting the ball that controls and will win the match – SIMPLE!

In my e-book Beat All The Tennis Players You Want I outline a 4-STEP MATCHPLAY SYSTEM to help you play BETTER in matches and ultimately WIN more matches!

But I am going to “let you in” on one of the steps that hardly anyone uses at club level that makes a MASSIVE difference in your ability to win matches!

Let’s look at a tournament match that I was involved in to show you how it works!

Here’s my story.

I used to practice with Dave on a fairly regular basis and would normally beat him. Then came the Club championships.

In the quarter finals I was drawn to play – Dave!

Anyway no problem I thought!

It was traditional to play the Club championships on the clay courts at the club. I had mostly played Dave on hard courts but didn’t think it would make much of a difference.

The match started and Dave who was a pretty good volleyer was not coming into the net as he normally did. He was staying back and just keeping the ball high and deep. I played my normal game and struggled a bit to attack and dominate from the net as normal!

The first set was a 6-2 for Dave.

The second set followed a pretty similar pattern with me just playing my normal game and Dave picking me off with his steady play and passing shots to win the second set (and the match) 6-3.

Dave had changed his STRATEGY to suit the slower clay courts, while I had just played my normal game.

It was only afterwards that I realized what had happened. I didn’t take my opponent and court surface into consideration. That is exactly what Dave had done and is exactly why he was into the semi finals.

He Was Experienced!

He knew I didn’t like to stay at the back of the court to rally and the slower higher bouncing clay court helped him keep me on the baseline and away from the net which is where he knew I wanted to be – He took me out of my Comfort Zone and won the match!!

I will say it again!

He had a STRATEGY!

How does this help you?

First realize that - All players (esp. @ club level) have “holes” in their game. You just need to find them.

Then just Exploit and Diffuse

1.Exploit weaknesses

Hone in on areas (shots/situations) where they make errors.

Control play to keep them defensive.

Put your strength up against their weakness.

Mentally put them under pressure from early on.

2.Diffuse strengths.

They have a great forehand – no problem, play on their backhand.

Good from the baseline - bring them to the net.

Powerful serve - block it back.

Great volleys - keep them on the baseline.

Are you beginning to HEAR Jimi or are you still LISTENING?

So here’s what you do!

Figure Out your opponent.

1.Before you play (if possible). Watch them play and take notes (write them down) of what they like AND don’t like doing.

2.In the warm-up - Most players use the warm up as a time to focus on themselves and get themselves ready to play, but you should look at your opponent to pick up clues on the things they like to do and don’t like to do.

3.During the match - During the first few games of the match, take mental (and physical notes – write them down) about your opponents weaknesses (to exploit them) AND strengths (to diffuse).

Another TRUE story to illustrate the point!

I run a great mixed adults group every Saturday. It’s full of great people and I really enjoy coaching it. A few months ago a new guy joined and fitted well into the group (he is now a permanent fixture).

It was weeks after he joined during one particular drill that I thought to myself “no-one realizes he is left handed” and casually walked around the group asking people on a one to one basis about what they were doing. Sure enough nobody mentioned anything about him or his play – in fact they only talked about what THEY were trying to do!

Point proved!

CONCLUSION – Get Out Of The Purple Haze!

Q. If you don’t even know or try to look for something as simple as whether your opponent is left or right handed, what chance have you got to exploit any weakness?

Q. If you have no recognition about what your opponent brings to the match court, how can you expect to be effective?

Q. How can you hit the target if you don’t know where the target is?

Hendrix knew exactly what he wanted his records to be like.

He had a vision (he could see and hear it) so he could go straight for it.

You need to understand what you are trying to achieve in terms of the tennis you want to play As Well As the tennis you want to and Need To play against your opponents.

The reason Hendrix was and will always be such a Superstar is that he “tuned” in to the song he was playing. He didn’t Just play a succession of notes and chords.

You have to do that on the tennis court. Tune into what is happening in the match and adjust accordingly. The sooner you realize that winning tennis matches is not just about hitting a succession of tennis shots, the sooner you will start WINNING MORE OF THEM!

HOW CAN YOU LEARN MORE?

Do you remember back to what I said earlier about the 4 step matchplay system that I have developed?

Well, it takes what you have just read and TURBO charges things up several levels!

I show you how to Take Control of matches with Player Specific strategies!

I show you how to Identify your opponents Weaknesses and how to Exploit them for Your Benefit!

I show you what to do if things aren’t going to plan so that you can Switch things around again!

At this point I would normally wish you GOOD LUCK, but in truth if you implement this stuff, you just WON’T NEED IT!

For more info on the Beat All The Tennis Players You Want Matchplay System and Your FREE Tennis Tips, E-books and E-Zines go to http://www.tennisinfoproducts.com/freetennistips.html

Psst! Tell me something, are you facing a lot of embarrassing moments even after a glorious victory at a MMA tournament, simply due to the stench of perspiration emanating from your MMA gear ? Are your shin, arm, and head guards all stinking REAL bad? In addition, the saddest part to the story perhaps is that you are not aware of the methods to keep them clean and fresh! Below listed are a few things you can do to get rid of the smell after training your training sessions and keep them fresh all through!

Rinse off or clean your MMA gear once you get home before long after a training session or a combat utilizing baby wipes. They work great and are genuinely effective.

Perhaps you could be expending the crap out of your gear. Advantageously you could launder your compression boxer shorts in the washing machine. In case you use that fanny floss athletic supporter straps then you had better check into compression shorts to hold your cup because fanny floss is er…well… a little… ludicrous. As far as your embouchure/mouth guard is related, you may keep it put in a clean container in your refrigerator and launder it off with hydrogen peroxide prior to each usage. If you apply tape then that’s throwaway, but whenever you use 100 ft. hand wrappers then you’ll have to wash those too. Automatic washer acts upon very well for these laundering duties! Your board boxers and/or fight trunks washer in addition to your grapple gloves will cost a bit different game though. You had better care for them like bowling shoes although it may sound a trifle strange! You should spray them subsequently every three or four usages with “Fabreeze”. Users have ascertained that “Fabreeze” acts upon most adept upon grapple gloves (simply spray into the interiors open palm area and nowhere else). Don’t spray them from a forthright range though, hold the pump bottle back aside from your gloves more or less like say 8 to 12 inches approximately, and spray each one about four or five effective sprayings. Leave them set out with the exposed palm face upward and let them dry without heating or a fan, simply permit them dry out easy nightlong.

As For your shin and arm pads, well… Merely spray the “fabreeze” on the interiors of the pads only, avoiding the leather/vinyl whatsoever it is that you use and allow them aerate dry. With these tips, I hope you’ll be able to avoid the embarrassing stench of unclean MMA gear!

For more tips, head to a search engine like Yahoo.com and type in “MMA gear cleaning” and read other helpful articles. Print the articles out and place them in a three-ring binder to keep handy or a notebook folder. Then when your MMA friends need tips for their children, you’ll have a bunch on hand, too. Plus if you volunteer to help during events, they may come in handy as well.

To learn more about mma gear and martial arts equipment visit http://www.mixedmartialartsequipments.com

Were you considering about acquiring few straggle boxer shorts for your MMA? Does your personal combination of MMA include: Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling? Besides, are you in a dilemma wondering as to which would accommodate you more adept the split seams or the closed seams? Go through the following before coming to a decision!

In case, it is a Mixed Martial Arts combo that includes Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling that you practice, it is most effective that you opt for Closed and No split shorts! Since you won’t be executing whatsoever high kicks, besides you will be in constant reach with your adversary, where there is a bit much chance of getting the shorts arrested under your challenger, go for Closed MMA Shorts! Nonetheless, without any split, and all the same to get the maximized total freedom of motility, pick out the briefer shorts which don’t come down onto the thigh the least bit.

In person, a few people favor the ones having no slits but even so come with expansion panels, similar to the variety Clinch gear produces. In them, you have virtually every last the mobility of the split shorts (as 99% of it unless you are doing head kicks with somebody a good deal taller than you); in addition, they don’t have the split that can be grabbed in places.

Many MMA pros also opine that Clinch gear makes the most well fixed fight back shorts of all time to be gotten into. They are bar tacked in strategically places for bestowed enduringness; feature High-density Super Stretch nylon-based expansion panels on the sides and crotch that provides level best tractability; also boasts Triple-needle flat fell (lap seam) stitching on center back, inseam, and sidelong panels for lasting wear!

However, in the end it is up to your own penchant. Many pros have both types. Those who are more frequently a high kicker choose the split shorts. All the same, please note that your antagonist could catch split shorts largely whilst you are grappling. So, while you do just MMA, wear the splits that yield a lot of flexibility; besides, they look stylish if you’re a kicker. You have a bit additional motility in the shorts with split lines. The downside to them is the “flapping” could be caught underneath your opponent.

Moreover, while practicing jiu-jitsu grappling, bear the no split brand!

Other MMA Gear & Resources

Not sure what type of apparel or gear you really need? No problem, head online. Search for MMA forums by opening your browser to Google.com and searching for, “MMA forum” or “ MMA discussion board” and see which ones turn up. Then review ones that look active, meaning there are current posts dated today and daily in the past; i.e. don’t choose an inactive board that only has like 100 posts and no one has been there to continue for three years, etc. That’s a dead board – or a start up, if the dates are current.

Both types bear their disadvantages and vantages, so it’s actually just a matter of personal preference and comfort. To learn more about mma fight shorts and martial arts equipments and gears visit http://www.mixedmartialartsequipments.com

Since hitting the court for the first time, the Duke Blue Devils have been major contenders in the world of NCAA basketball. Certain components have made them winners.

Since 1906, the Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team has mastered the art of slam-dunking the competition. In fact, only three other schools have earned a higher winning percentage: Kansas, North Carolina, and Kentucky. Other teams occasionally feature a star player or earn a spot in the NCAA tournament’s Final Four. However, the Blue Devils have consistently produced quality teams. Here are some of the keys to their success:

1. Coach Mike Krzyzewski

Since the 1980-1981 season, Krzyzewski has served as the general of Duke’s men’s basketball team. The numbers speak for themselves. His accomplishments at Duke include:

• 3 National Championships (1991, 1992, 2001)

• 10 Final Fours

• 23 NCAA Tournament Births

• 10 Number One seeds in the NCAA Tournament

• 21 ACC titles

In 28 seasons, “Coach K” has had 25 winning records, and only three losing records.

2. Outstanding players

Throughout its history on the hard court, Blue Devils men’s basketball has consistently recruited and developed some the country’s top players. The team has retired the jersey numbers of some of the best NCAA basketball players of all time, including:

• Shane Battier - #31

• Johnny Dawkins - #24

• Danny Ferry - #35

• Christian Laettner - #32

• Bobby Hurley - #11

• Grant Hill - #33

• J.J. Reddick - #4

• Jason Williams - #22

To be eligible for this honor, players must graduate from Duke University, and receive national recognition for their basketball excellence (i.e. set an NCAA record or win an award).

Duke Blue Devils players have also received numerous accolades during particular years. Various players have won several National Players of the Year awards. Meanwhile, 11 players have been named ACC Men’s Basketball Player of the Year, and five players have been named ACC Rookie of the Year.

3. NCAA Tournament History

The Duke Blue Devils have not only played extraordinary well during the regular season, but they have continued their winning ways into the annual NCAA men’s basketball tournament. The NCAA has seeded them #1 ten times, #2 seven times, and #3 four times. Under Coach Krzyzewski, the Blue Devils have advanced to at least the Sweet 16 (3rd round), 16 out of 23 years (69%).

4. Duke Blue Devils fans

The student fans of the men’s and women’s Duke basketball teams, have earned the nickname “Cameron Crazies.” The name originates from Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Cameron Crazies “sit” in the stadium’s courtside student section, which can seat 1,200 cheering fans. To show team spirit, the fans have become renowned for painting their faces or bodies blue and white, and wearing various Blue Devils gear. They also shout out cheers and jump up and down, during key points of the basketball game.

Year after year, the Duke Blue Devils men’s basketball team has consistently remained one of the top NCAA teams. When invited to the NCAA tournament, they are nearly always a contender for the NCAA title. Use Duke Blue Devils merchandise to cheer on the team to its fourth championship!

Rick Grantham is an avid sports fan. Most of Rick’s articles focus on UNLV rebels merchandise. Many articles are related to college team memorabilia and other sports related topics. Rick is a contributing author to BooYah Village.

Fans of Florida State Seminoles football are familiar with basic facts regarding the team. However, you might not know these lesser known facts.

Are you a Florida State Seminoles fan? While Florida State has excelled in several sports, its football team in particular has become renowned. During its history, the football squad has won roughly two-thirds of all of its games, has won or tied 22 of 35 Bowl games, and has earned two national championships (1993, 1999). However, here are some lesser-known facts about the football program at Florida State:

1. Florida State was once West Florida Seminary

Football at West Florida Seminary started at 1899 (or earlier). Then in 1901, the school became Florida State College. The college won its first football state championship in 1904. Then in 1905, the school became a women’s college: The Florida State College for Women. Following the end of World War II, Florida’s university system experienced a rearrangement. For the first time since 1905, the newly-named Florida State University admitted men. Along with men, football returned to the university!

2. In 1995 and 1998 the Seminoles were co-conference champions

About 99.9% of Seminoles fans know that their favorite team has won two national championships: in 1993, and 1999. In 1993, Florida finished out the season with a 12-1 record (they lost to Notre Dame 31-24). Then in 1999, Florida earned a flawless 12-0 record.

In addition to their pair of national championships, Florida State has also won Dixie or ACC conference titles, 15 times (they were co-champions in 1995 and 1998). Except for 2005, when their final conference record was 5-3, the Seminoles lost a maximum of one conference game, during their other 14 division championship seasons.

3. FSU has played to two ties in Bowl games

Throughout its history, Florida State has an overall Bowl record of 20-13-2. The first tie was in the Gator Bowl (1967), against Penn State (17-17). Then in 1984, FSU would tie Georgia in the Citrus Bowl-by the same score: 17-17! Furthermore, FSU has never lost in a Gator Bowl, earning a total 5-0-1 record. Interestingly, Florida State has twice clashed with its intrastate rival, the Florida Gators, in Bowl games. In 1995, FSU defeated Florida 23-17 in the Sugar Bowl. However, in 1997, Florida had its revenge in the same Bowl game-dismantling FSU, 52-20.

4. Ed Williamson is the only Seminoles head coach never to win a game

NCAA fans would probably not be surprised to learn that Bobby Bowden has had a higher winning percentage than any other Seminoles coach in the school’s history has had. He has won roughly three-fourths of all his coached games. Meanwhile, Ed Williamson has the worst winning percentage: .000. Florida State won zero of five games under Williamson. Understandably, the Seminoles coach during the next season was NOT Williamson.

Throughout its history, Florida State University has produced numerous quality teams and players. Heisman Trophy winners Charlie Ward (1993) and Chris Weinke (2000) helped to lead FSU to their national championships. Who will be the next FSU all-star? Use Florida State Seminoles merchandise to cheer on FSU to a third national championship!

Rick Grantham is an avid sports fan. Most of Rick’s articles focus on w Michigan broncos merchandise. Many articles are related to ncaa college shop and other sports related topics. Rick is a contributing author to BooYah Village.

Any additional training done for judo ought to be integrated into the judoka’s total training program and indeed his life. More does not always mean better in the context of physical and mental training.

The basis of the training process is stimulus (work done), adaptation (recovery) and improvement, but this is an oversimplification. An important concept anyone involved in sports training ought to understand is that of the General Adaptation Syndrome. This was a term coined by Dr. Hans Selye to describe the theory of biological stress. It offers a useful framework from which most training programs can be designed. Selye proposed a three-stage process which occurs when any living organism is placed in situations that alter its state of homeostasis, its normal physical, mental and emotional state. The stimulus he called a stressor and can take many forms. Any form of physical exertion from a five-mile run to a weight-training session is a stressor. But so too is an influenza bug, a mortgage or a bereavement.

In the case of exercise the stressor should have essentially positive results, the other stressors are more likely to be negative. However, what both stressors have in common is that they initially decrease the body’s capacity to cope with additional stressors. This stage is called the shock or initial alarm stage of GAS. This is followed by counter-shock or the resistance phase of GAS.

When the body has adapted to a given stressor its ability to cope with other stressors is improved too. This is termed cross-resistance and explains why a fit person recovers from an injury or illness quicker than an unfit person. However if multiple stressors, or high intensity stressors beyond the body’s ability to cope with are applied, counter-shock may not occur and deterioration into the third phase of GAS, which is exhaustion, may take place.

This is very easy to understand in terms of simple training overload - train too hard and you become exhausted and you must rest in order to recover. What people often fail to grasp, though is that as well as a specific response to stress, such as a muscle growing bigger and stronger as it adapts to being able to lift a heavier weight, there are non-specific responses to every stressor. Consequently when planning and analyzing training programs and workloads it is prudent to consider other stress factors in the judo player’s life.

Any number of things can adversely affect performance, but if overstress is suspected look for the following tell-tale signs: loss of appetite, weight loss, constant fatigue or ill-health, a succession of minor injuries, sleep disorders or even just a lack of interest in training. The quickest way to cure the problem, if it is a case of the exhaustion phase of adaptation, is to reduce the number of stressors and cut down on the training. In simple terms this can mean reducing the intensity and/or duration of your physical training, cutting back on overtime at work or even taking a holiday vacation.

Troy Macraft Judo Gi Ninja Weapons

The ninja were a group of assassins and spies who fought and hunted in the mountainous regions of Japan. This group was made of a collection of fundamental survivalists who created and practiced many survival techniques. This survival group propagated many legendary myths about themselves, which instilled great fear into their enemies. Those myths still exist today, reinforced by the popular movies like ‘Teenage Ninja Turtles’ and ‘Elektra’.

The ninja symbol is the character “nin,” which means endurance, tolerance, and strength. The pictograph of a knife above a heart represents self-discipline.

The Early history of the Ninja

Practitioners credit the origins of the art to En No Gyoja, a warrior monk who set up a training camp in the Togakure mountain range. The sect existed in isolation for 500 years until 1165, when Daisuke Nishina, a clan member, ran away to the Iga province. There he came under the tutorage of Kain Boshi, a mystic warrior and monk, which greatly influenced his training, adding esoteric philosophies to his fighting and tactical guerrilla skills.

Ninjas Versus the Samurai

In its original form, the art was geared to the needs of the assassin, with a large emphasis on concealment, infiltration, and spying. Opportunities for employment among the ninja peaked during medieval times, when warring factions became better organized and the need for unconventional battle tactics became vital to success.

It is a widely held misconception that the ninja were sworn enemies of the samurai. In fact, many were also samurai who took on assassination jobs or gathered intelligence for opposing samurai clans as a way to raise their status and financial wealth. They actually share many of the same techniques for fighting. However, there were many battles between them, largely instigated by warlords who had gathered samurai militia and felt threatened by the ninja’s expertise in destabilizing power bases.

Teaching and training in Ninjitsu

In the past, the art of ninjutsu was practiced and taught in a strict code of secrecy from master to disciple, and teaching as a profession was discouraged by the ninja until quite recently.

Today, there are many different schools of ninjutsu, the majority of which teach skills that originated from samurai fighting arts: spiritual refinement, armed and unarmed combat, explosives training, stealth, water training, military strategy, escape, horsemanship, espionage, geography, and meteorology.

Principles of Ninjutsu

Ninjutsu’s basic tenets are summed up in a poem, probably composed by a warrior known as Yamabushi.

The Essence of Ninjutsu

My parents are the heaven and earth,

My home is my body,

My power is my loyalty,

My magic is my training,

My life and death is breathing,

My body is control,

My eyes are the sun and the moon,

My ears are sensitivity,

My laws are self protection,

My strength is adaptability,

My ambition is taking every opportunity with fullness,

My friend is my mind,

My enemy is carelessness,

My protection is right action,

My weapons are everything that exists

My strategy is one foot in front of

the other,

My way is ninjutsu.

Troy Macraft Ninja Weapons Martial Arts Supplies