Health, Longevity and the Martial Arts

By Edmund A. Cruz

There are many exercise programs out there to choose from; however, choosing martial arts as that exercise venue is a big decision. As in all sports, dedication and discipline are required in your chosen sport to become good. In choosing the martial arts as your pursuit, that dedication and discipline is at a very high standard. It becomes a lifetime devotion which is geared towards a code of honor, a creed to follow, and responsibility to carry your skills to a higher human level. This book is not just about martial arts or about you making a survival choice regarding a self-defense endeavor; it is also about life and longevity as well as how to stay and maintain that state of physical well-being. This maintenance or balance formulates the essence of “Taijiquan” the philosophical concept for both its defense training and its health benefits. I hope in reading this book it will help you to choose wisely.

What would happen if the masters of different martial art’s academies join forces to devise one master form of martial arts? This should include all the martial arts systems, styles, philosophies, and functionalities and to embrace the hidden secrets of their individual styles and formulate one master super self-defense universal system that is all incorporating and encompassing. A structure in which entails the very essence of human survival. This new system of martial arts would maintain the subsistence for the sacredness and protection of our evolutionary way. This “way” is the continuation of the human-species. Longevity depends on maintaining your survival skills and survival skills depend on maintaining your health. It is all tied together and there is no separation of these factors. This book is about that; to maintain and live a healthy and long life through the use of the martial arts format. I called the union above “The Yoda System.”

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jun 16, 2018
• ISBN: 9781546239796

Edmund A. Cruz

As a young boy, this author had always been very active and has stride to emulate his father who was a professional boxer. Struggling in a myriad of sports endeavors, the author was never able to excel to his father’s expectations. As an amateur boxer in the golden gloves, he, the author, won 46 out-of 54 bouts, was good in high school collegian wrestling, adequate in gymnastics, O.K. in weight-lifting, and great in football. He finally escaped from his father by joining the Air Force where he finally understood what he thought was necessary to become a really good athlete. This author was drawn to science and read a lot about anatomy and physiology, kinesiology, and psychology. It became evident that he was addicted to exercise. After all this, the author still felt that he had no idea what physical fitness was all about. This book is about just that. These are things one should know before starting a physical fitness or sports endeavor. Take the journey to good health!

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Copyright © 2020 Edmund A. Cruz. All rights reserved.

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ISBN: 978-1-5462-3978-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-0118-7 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-3979-6 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018905218

Published by AuthorHouse 09/21/2020

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DISCLAIMER

The information in this transcript is intended to convey information related to health and well-being of the body, mind, and spirit through the use of the martial arts. It will contain information on styles of martial arts and a brief history of its functionality, differences, and similarities. It will go into nutrition centering on basic herbology, food cures, acupuncture, and manipulations of the body, health preparation exercises, and therapies. There will be basic first aid tips more specifically on recognition of possible injury likelihoods, and treatment recommendations. It will also go into a few of the more serious injuries related to sports/martial arts practices. This transcript will deal with general health and physical fitness guidelines, and, I hope, a philosophical debate on the insight into how we came to be who we are today. I do not have the answers to these questions, but I hope others can continue this quest and dogma to further the learning curve. There are many broken pieces and many different pathways in history that time has lost. Some of history appears to have just stood still and/or just disappeared completely which may never be found and may be denied to us. Time is the enemy of history. We need to try to straighten out what we can and put it out there piece by piece sewing them back together stitch by stitch. This is just the start in the historic search in finding the paths to the missing parts of this amazing antiquity. Actually, the pieces are here, there, and all around us. We just have to find and recognize them, placing them together like a historical jigsaw puzzle. That is what this writing material is all about.

What this treatise is not, is a substitute for a qualified and trained professional in nutrition, medical field, or in the sports related realm. It is, again, basic information to help preserve and maintain your health and is not a diagnoses or a treatment for any health condition. Always consult a professional before embarking on any stress related adventure. I disclaim any untoward effects or conditions that this treatise may result, effect and/or happen from the information contained in this writing.

Edmund A. Cruz

CONTENTS

Preface

For the Reader

Chapter 1 The Origins of the Martial Arts and Health

Philosophy, Models, and Concepts of the Martial Arts

What are the True Roots of The Martial Arts?

What Do We Mean By The Martial Arts?

Lopithecus To Humans Today

Martial Arts Scope, Kind, and Dissimilarity

Ancient or Old, Traditional or Historical, and Contemporary or Modern

Summary

Chapter 2 Past Martial Arts

In the Beginning

Who Came First

Brief History of The Martial Arts

Martial Arts as it Relates to India and China

The Path of Kung Fu

In The Beginning: Chinese Martial Arts

Today’s Kung fu

Components of Kung-fu Training

In The Beginning: India’s Martial Arts

The Vedic Period

Mahajanapadas Period

Persian and Greek Conquest Period

Maurya Empire

Findings of History

Kalaripayattu Styles

Northern Kalaripayattu

Southern Kalaripayattu

Central Kalaripayattu

Today’s Kalaripayattu

Methods of Kalaripayattu

Styles of Kalaripayattu

Summary

Chapter 3 Universal Martial Art styles

Lists, Styles, and Forms of the Martial Arts Schools

T’ai Chi Ch’uan

The T’ai Chi Classics

History of Styles in T’ai Chi Ch’uan

The Families of T’ai Chi Ch’uan

Tai Chi Ch’uan Philosophy

T’ai Chi Ch’uan as a Martial Art

Internal Martial Art Features

T’ai Chi Ch’uan Training Strictures

Taekwondo

Taekwondo Practices

Components of the Theory of Power of Taekwondo

Taekwondo Training Program

Shotokan

Shotokan Training Program

Shotokan Philosophy

Capoeira

Brief History of Capoeira

Capoeira Training Program

Style of Capoeira

Capoeira Angola

Capoeira Regional

Capoeira Contempoânea

Bartitsu

Bartitsu Principles

Bartitsu Practice

Canonical Bartitsu

Neo-Bartitsu

Jujutsu

Brief History Jujutsu

Other Styles Using Jujutsu

Aikido

Bartitsu

Judo

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu

Sambo

Sumo Wrestling

Brief History of Sumo Wrestling

Sumo Wrestling Today

Sumo Bout

Boxing

What is Boxing?

Brief History of Boxing

Present Day Boxing

Broughton Rules of Boxing

Marquess of Queensberry Rules of Boxing

Professional vs. Amateur Boxing

Stances and Styles of Boxing

Punches

Defense

Summary

Chapter 4 The Making of a Martial Artist

Personality

What’s Your Personality?

Physicality

Body Type

Body Mass Index (BMI)

What Body Type is Best for the Martial Artist?

Philosophy of the Martial Artists

What does it mean to have a Philosophical Rational?

Poems for the Martial Arts

Summary

Chapter 5 Sports and Martial Arts injuries

Types of Movement

Injury Risk Factors In the Martial Arts and Sports

Common Injuries Linked to Martial Arts/Sports Physical Training

Common Injuries from Aerobic Exercises

Common Types of Aerobic Injuries

Identifying Hall Marks For Safety

Some Signs and Symptoms of Injuries

Types of Pain Associated with Injuries

P.R.I.C.E:

Stages of Healing:

Pain Management:

Summary

Chapter 6 Serious Injuries from Martial Arts and Sports

Concussion Injuries

Mechanism of Injuries

Coup Countrecoup Injuries

Mechanism of Injuries

Le Fort Fracture of the Face/Skull

Mechanism of Injury of to the Face and Skull

Injuries Related to the Neck and Spine

Upper spinal area Neck Injuries

Lower Spinal Area Injuries

Injuries Related to the Shoulder

Mechanism of Impingement Syndrome of the Shoulder

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)

Injuries Related to the Elbows and Arms

When should you see a doctor

Immediate First Aid for Acute Injuries

Injuries to the Hand and Wrist

Forms of Wrist and Hand Injuries

Injuries to the Knee

Forms of Knee Injuries

Injuries to the Pelvis, Hip and Thigh

Injuries of the Ankle and Foot

Summary

Chapter 7 The Age of Enlightenment

The Art and Science of Chinese Medicine

Life Balance:

Chinese Manipulative Therapies (CMT):

What is Chinese Medicine/Therapy?

Acupuncture Therapy:

Fire Cupping Therapy:

Exercise as a Form of Therapy

Summary

Chapter 8 Chinese food cures as Preventive Medicine

Chinese Food Cures as Treatment and Therapy

The Art of Internal Balance

Internal Biology

External Balance

The Balance

Summary

Chapter 9 Eastern Asian Herbology

What is Herbology?

Safety and Affectability of Herbal Medicine

The Use of Herbs

Herb’s as Remedies

The Search Continues

Misconceptions Regarding Herbs

Summary

Chapter 10 The History of massage therapy

Chinese Massage Therapy

What is Message Therapy?

Types of Message Therapy

Chinese Basic types of message Therapy

Chinese Massage Treatment Modalities

Traditional India’s Message Therapy

India’s Massage as a Treatment Modalities

Summary

Chapter 11 History of the philosophy and aim of Yoga

What is Yoga?

Eastern India Yoga

Yoga’s Objective

Schools of Yoga

Chinese Yoga - Taoism

Goal of Tao-yin

Brief History of Qigong

Qigong practice and Forms

Principles of Qigong

Summary

Chapter 12 History of Acupuncture

Function of the Meridians (Jingluo)

The Horary Cycle

Pressure Points of the Human Body

Pressure Points in General

Martial Arts and Pressure Points

Summary

Chapter 13 History of Moxibustion

Moxibustion Therapy

What is Moxa?

Application of Moxa

Summary

Chapter 14 Cupping Therapy

Abbreviated History of Cupping Therapy

What is Cupping Therapy?

Cupping Techniques

Summary

Chapter 15 Gua Sha Therapy

Brief History of Gua Sha

What is Gua Sha therapy?

Tools Used in Gua Sha

Purpose of Gua Sha

Tribo-Effleurage Face/Neck Therapy

Summary

Chapter 16 Reiki healing

Brief History of Reiki Healing

What is Reiki Therapy?

Summary

Chapter 17 The True Dawn of the Human Race

The World as We Know it

Glossary

PREFACE

The martial arts culture is not unique. The reason it’s not unique is because it’s a continuous ongoing evolutionary act of survival. Its development started from the beginning of time and will continue till the end of time. The truth is that the martial arts are still evolving. In saying this, mankind is revolving around its own circumstances. People who are present in this span of time continue to struggle to make life endurable so that we all can progress to the next evolutionary level of time. Albeit, each evolutionary level will bring us to the next level and so on and so forth. What I have to say in these pages may not sit well for many men and women. There have been so many changes in this evolutionary scale that one can very easily become stuck at one evolutionary plateau, philosophy, and style. They may not like what I am going to try and piece together and there may be differences in their ideologies regarding the pros and cons of the separation and secrecy of the martial arts. To others, it may be a groundbreaking concept leading to a revelation in the advancement of their beliefs regarding their form or style of the martial arts.

Self-defense or the martial arts, has a long and lustrous history that has endured for thousands of years and is going to continue for many thousands of years to come. Many little histories are put together to form the present beliefs of history we have today. Throughout the world there have been many people participating in this history and this is what has contributed in so many ways to mankind’s continuous existence. Likewise, historians clarify history in their own way, some choosing to ignore impartiality in favor of dogmatic and religious opinions. It is very hard to separate facts from fiction, but from my point of view, all stories are true, even the ones that are considered false or fairytales. What characterizes man is that he is capable of giving meaning to his history, his actions and his philosophies. All beliefs, be it mythological and philosophical, have some historical truth even when they claim to be the sole possessors of the facts, because they are based on stories passed down to them to give meaning to their specific ideas while pursuing their adjusted or specific goals. The martial arts is like that; all is guided to meet their end, all have a purpose that they wish to convey, and all have good intentions placed upon them by a human factor which is just BEING HUMAN.

My goal is to allow you to either have some access to that understanding and practice in what is called the martial arts and to give you a better consideration of its true purpose. Please understand that I am not trying to change your beliefs but to initialize you in the many styles, techniques, systems, and training paradigms in this energetic domain. Be advised that the learning of the martial arts is vigorous, intense, not easy to learn, and requires your understanding and patience. It also requires repetition, time, and true commitment to whatever system you so choose to practice. You must take a serious approach to learning and practicing with a genuine love for what you are preparing to get yourself into.

Do not just concentrate on the combative aspects of the training. It is important for you to learn the history, philosophy, and the spiritual facets of your chosen system. This will give you a total submergence, a meaning, and a code to follow as well as a moral compass to direct your mind, body, and spirit. Likewise, learning the healing arts will also give you a sense of assurance and some comfort. Starting a true martial art’s program requires you to take the full scope of this great and historical realm of the combative and spiritual kingdom we now call The Martial Arts.

FOR THE READER

This treatise is much different than anything you have read before because the sole purpose is to unite the various martial art systems into one Yoda system. I do not think that this has ever been attempted and so treading very lightly is a key ingredient in this abridge dissertation. Yes, it sounds a bit ominous and a little scary and, yes, it can get rather dry and repetitious at times so I have used coloring of some words, names, and certain phrases. I have even used different fonts so your eyes do not get tired of seeing the same type set in hope it helps to wake you up and stimulate your sense of wonder and interest to continue reading. These notes are going to take you on a long trip through time from the beginning of the human species, our survival through stages in human evolution, and the challenges we have had to make to endure and continue to live on this beautiful earth. It would take you from the ancient, through some migration periods when mankind were nomads, to family circles, to groupings and then larger gatherings of individuals, to the making of a society, and finally to the present civilization. All this was possible because of our will to endure the harshness of the environment and the will to see tomorrow.

Self-defense was the key to this survival mode and is the key to humankind’s continuous existence and growth, mentally, physically and spiritually. Out of the darkness came the light and out of this self-defense or martial arts came about our respect for the continuous life that emerged, our need for unceasing acceptance in the world, our philosophies and values. It brings us to the realization and the nature of whom and what we are in the full spectrum of our life expectancy. The martial arts helped us to survive but it also gave us a purpose to survive. That purpose is to maintain the constant existence of the human evolution. Self-defense is the beginning of survival; survival is just the beginning of enlightenment.

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Mind, Body, Spirit

Edmund A. Cruz

CHAPTER

1

THE ORIGINS OF THE MARTIAL

ARTS AND HEALTH

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A portrait of a modern human and a Homo-Erectus man side-by-side

Each one of us has our own evolution of life, and each one of us goes through different tests

which are unique and challenging. But certain things are common. And we do learn from

each other’s experience. On a spiritual journey, we all have the same destination.

A.R. Rahman

THE ORIGINS OF THE MARTIAL ARTS FOR HEALTH

PHILOSOPHY, MODELS, AND CONCEPTS OF THE MARTIAL ARTS

What are some of the theories and practices of the martial arts and where did it originate from? Some say the answer is not to be found because it has been lost through time. It is certainly among the most ancient, sophisticated, and enduring happenings of our or any generation. The martial arts have deeply influenced our way of thinking regarding health, sports, in the combat spectrum, and in the manner and rules of engagement. It is now utilized in the military and the police force in many countries around the world. So, what do we really mean when we say The Martial Arts?

WHAT ARE THE TRUE ROOTS OF THE MARTIAL ARTS?

Too many of us envision the martial arts to be an ancient way of practicing individual battle or fight, be it armed or unarmed. This usually involves some sort of physical contact or violence which may or may not entail some particular type of weapon. When we talk about martial art weapons, we have to accept the fact that for each classification or system of the martial arts, and they are many, a particular weapon or weapon type of apparatus may be used and knowing this, certain physical techniques have had to be developed and assigned within the body of its teaching. This understanding will incorporate the implementation of strategies, psychological and physiological identification markers, as well as, motivational responsiveness of self-control, and power or strength movements as long as all the elements are balanced and are equal. What we all tend to forget is that this manner of what is now known as the martial arts in ancient times was so much more than just sports, exercises, and combative skills. Martial arts, as it relates to the ancient and traditional forms, integrated a myriad of many other human factors to fulfill its total mind-body philosophy. It unites art in the form of drawings, paintings, sculpturing, poetry, and music not to leave out dance as a unified and equivalent whole. Throughout Asia, the martial art embraces spirituality and meditation which is disseminated and is inseparable in their total beliefs.

In these Asian countries, this spiritualism and meditation is influenced mainly by Hindu-Buddhist philosophies and these ideas and concepts may be used as an aid or a pathway to attaining enlightenment. What is not practiced in the martial arts in the present day is the study of the healing arts and herbal medicine which was a major player in this martial arts spectrum. All of these arts together as stated were a great part of the training in ancient or traditional practice and was the holistic realm of the martial arts influence. This is why, to a great extent, steered the practice to a more religious path or right of experience and so the martial art teacher was held in high esteem and true respect was engendered by the student practitioner’s towards their master or in this case sensei. In fact, this reverence and honor was a form of dying loyalty to their teacher and to the history and art one is taught.

Bear in mind that the information in this present study is for further study on this subject and is not meant to be locked in as a historical conclusion. It is to establish a platform of study and learning as to what is already written by the masters of the martial arts which may be analyzed as expressions of its cultural influence. In this transcript, we will be dealing mainly with the sports and exercise aspects as it relates to self-defense and health. Please keep in mind that through the millennium, there have been numerous forms of self-defense or the martial arts that have been designed throughout Asia and attempts will be made to name and give a very brief overview of just some of the various methods developed over the years. This would entail the integration of the different practices of combat and choices of weaponry which made these techniques relevant and effective for that clan or in-group. After extensive practice and combat training by the master sensei, one felt the need and desire to walk the warrior’s path as a protector of their sensei or teacher. This path also helped the monarchs of the sensei’s realm or district in the training of their soldiers or warriors. This relationship gave the dojo or school special privileges and freedoms passed down to the sensei and his students. Albeit, the aim was primarily to restore a certain balance between the societal clan members and other clans members within the district that had various martial art systems, even if only in an indeterminate historical standpoint. An attempt would be made to bring together the general knowledge and expand the readers understanding of some of the systems of those already in existence. Again, keep in mind, that there are many, many forms of what is known today as The Martial Arts. Some of these forms will be discussed in a very abridged fashion. So, if you want to take a ride through martial arts history, good, just lookout for the speed bumps and hidden paths on our explorations through time.

WHAT DO WE MEAN BY THE MARTIAL ARTS?

The term Martial Arts was originally words used in Europe and referred to the warfare going on during that European span of time. It was first recorded in this form and put together in these words in the year 1550. The term itself means "Arts or Mars" Mars is the Latin Roman mythological God of War, the word Martial means Military, so one can see how the two words became synonyms as a common saying or expression. How these words became symbolic to the Eastern Asian fighting system is still rather vague even though Wu-shu many think, bears a slight resemblance to it. This will be discussed later.

Since the usage