Pool Table Lights Guide: How To Light Up Your Game

The proper pool table lights is critical to playing your best game of pool. The ideal pool table light fixture is attractive, unobtrusive, and provides just enough illumination without creating a glare. Choosing the right pool table lights for your home need not be difficult. Just keep a few points in mind.

The Best Pool Table Lights for the Job

The most effective pool table lights cover the entire length of the table. Measure your pool table before you start shopping. The majority of pool table lights fixtures available have multiple globes in order to direct several points of light at the table, usually two, three, or four globes. Multiple globes on your pool table lights fixture also help to eliminate any glare. Some fixtures contain multiple globes within one larger fixture.

Traditional vs. Contemporary Pool Table Lights

Pool table lights come in a wide variety of styles and finishes. Traditional, Victorian, Tiffany-style lights are popular pool table lights. These fixtures, modeled after designs by the famous glass artist, Louis Comfort Tiffany, are made of small panes of glass joined with lead piping. These colorful glass pieces are put together to form all manner of designs, logos, and slogans.

Tiffany-style pool table lights are available in one long shade with several bulbs inside the globe or in multiple shades along a single, metal bar. They may be elaborate, multi-color showpieces or relatively simple, one-color pool table lights fixtures.

Other traditional fixtures of pool table lights come in black or brown wrought-iron fixture with alabaster glass shades. Most often the pool table lights fixture is crafted into a scrolled design with multiple glass shades. This style of light fixture is also widely available in bronze, brushed pewter, and brass finishes. pool table lights made from ooden fixtures, too, can lend a warm and homey touch to your poolroom.

Contemporary pool table lights can give your room a clean, sleek, modern look. Bar pool table lights in chrome and brass with simple, smoked glass shades can create such a look. Some pool table light fixtures insert a vibrant touch by adding green, red, and blue colored glass shades.

Something a Little Different

Customize your pool table lights by adding a college or professional sports logo. Tiffany-style lights often incorporate the logo into the glass motif whereas solid glass shades can be etched with your favorite team’s logo. Cheer on the “Fighting Irish” of Notre Dame, the Colorado “Avalanche” Hockey team, or the New England “Patriots” right from your recreation room.

Military logos are also popular designs for pool table lights. The Marine Corps, Navy, Army, and Air Force insignia are all available, both in Tiffany lights and in solid etched glass shades. Also consider “Jack Daniels” logo pool table lights or perhaps one with the “Harley Davidson” logo.

The Technical Stuff

Installing your pool table lights should be relatively easy for the weekend home remodeler. There must be a secure place onto which to mount your pool table light fixture and that it has its own separate electrical box. As with any electrical project, turn off the electrical current before you start working on mounting your pool table lights.

The correct light bulbs go a long way to ensuring your pool table lights fixture is safe as well as creating the right mood. 60-watt bulbs are recommended although some of the pool table lights with multiple shades might look better with 40-watt bulbs instead.

Where to Shop

The Internet has made shopping for pool table lights much easier. A typical search yields hundreds of online retailers of pool table lights. Browse through thousands of pool table lights, right in the privacy of your home. Many Web merchants even offer free shipping and live online customer service. Expect to pay from $150 for simple bar pool table lights to over $1000 for an elaborate Tiffany-style light fixture.

The right pool table lights can give your poolroom that ambiance of casual elegance or rustic charm that you desire as well as providing the lighting necessary to play your best game of pool. Shop carefully; consider all your options, and you’ll enjoy your pool table lights fixture for many years to come.

About The Author:

Richard Aubin is the publisher of the bi-weekly pool playing tips newsletter, full of tips, tricks and practical advice you can use to improve your pool game. Get his free 7 day consistency and concentration course - Visit http://poolplayingtips.com

Trekking Poles And Hiking Staffs

Are walking sticks longer than trekking poles? What about hiking staffs and hiking sticks? Whatever you call them, and whatever their differences, they are supposed to help your knees more than anything. This they do very well, at least when you're going downhill.

What else are they good for? They help you keep your balance. You can use them as defense against wild animals as well. I use a walking stick to rest my head on from time to time, and I also use it as a monopod for steadying the camera.

Do You Need Trekking Poles?

What if you don't have knee problems, and you are hiking on level ground? Then maybe there is no point to using trekking poles. They can be just more things to carry.

Do they save energy? They take weight off your joints, but logic says you'll expend more energy by carrying them. I use a walking stick at times, when my knees insist, and it's fun to poke at things, but it's not a necessity. For what it's worth, Ray Jardine, the "father" of ultralight backpacking, doesn't recommend trekking poles.

If you decide to use them, consider the incredible Bozeman Mountain Works Stix Xls Trekking Poles. They're made of a high-strength carbon fiber and weigh 2.7 ounces each! That's is half the weight of the nearest competition.

Walking Sticks and Other Options

I often cut dead sticks and use them until I lose them. I always lose my walking stick - a good reason not to buy the expensive ones. If I do still have it at the end of the trail, I leave it for the next hiker. Hand-cut walking sticks are heavier than high-tech trekking poles, but you can just leave them behind when you get tired of them.

You can use bamboo to make good light hiking staffs. It's stronger than it looks, so use a piece that's only about 3/4" thick. I bought cheap decorative bamboo at Pier One Imports, and cut it to size. You can glue some soft scrap leather on for a comfortable handgrip.

Finally, ski poles work as trekking poles. It's best if you remove the baskets, especially if you're hiking in wooded areas where they may catch on something.

Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of lightweight backpacking. His advice and stories can be found at http://www.TheUltralightBackpackingSite.com

4 Steps to Sure - Fire Basketball Free Throws

NBA Finals, Game 7...Your team is down one point...One second left... A foul and two free throws coming... Who do you want at the charity stripe? Of course, we’d like to have a Reggie Miller or a Larry Bird or even better Michael Jordan at the line to sink those crucial shots. Chances are, though, they’re not on your team. So now what? It’s up to you! So how do you build the skill and confidence needed to win the big games at the charity stripe? 4 simple steps: Ritualize - Visualize - Optimize - Capitalize.

Free throws are an important part of your game. How many times have we seen games come down to the final seconds and either be won or lost at the free throw line? All the time! So learn these 4 timeless secrets and join the ranks of John Stockton and become a Great free throw shooter.

1. Ritualize Ritualize means you create a specific repeating pattern of behavior prior to performance, a regular pre-task routine, which sharpens your focus, concentration and attention. Reggie Miller would step up to the line holding the ball on his hip with his left hand and place his feet about 12-14 inches apart with his right foot slightly forward. He then would raise his arm straight up towards the basket with his hand bent as if he had just released the ball. Then he would take three consecutive dribbles, sit back into a slight crouch and let if fly. Every free throw was exactly the same. Karl Malone could be seen mouthing something to himself (We have no idea what he was saying) right before he shot the ball. Whatever ritual you develop for yourself, know that it’s the most effective device for delivering yourself into the mindset you must be in to sink every free throw. "Repetition brings familiarity, and familiarity is the opposite of the unknown." - Steven Levenkron

2. Visualize Visualize means mentally rehearsing or "seeing" in your mind what you intend to do before you do it. When you visualize perfect form and a flawless shot that draws nothing but the bottom of the net, it becomes exponentially more likely to happen. You’ve heard the saying, "What you see is what you get", haven’t you? Focus on the process and see perfection. You’ll find that visualization is a powerful tool. "I see a mental movie before I hit every shot." - Jack Nicklaus

3. Optimize Optimize means allowing yourself to trust in yourself and your capabilities, to have the self-confidence to pull the ripcord, knowing the parachute will open. Simply put don’t hesitate! Delay does damage. Nike said it best with their million dollar slogan: "Just Do It!" This is when shooting free throws just becomes automatic. "You must seek to have control and then act with abandon!" - Anonymous

4. Capitalize Capitalize means celebrate your success as well as the success of your teammates. Pat yourself on the back with each success at the line. When you make your free throws savor the success, nourish it, grow it, use it - capitalize on it. Allow it to build your confidence in other aspects of your game - defense, offense or whatever. Let this positive energy ooze out all over you and your team. "What I do best is share my enthusiasm."

Bill Gates With these easy-to-follow principles you can become the elite free throw shooter of your team. Actually, you can apply these principles to every part of your game. Whatever you do, keep on shooting! Matt & Dave run http://www.basketball-plays-and-tips.com/freethrow and enjoy teaching basketball players and coaches more about the basketball plays, drills, fundamentals and tips that result in individual and team success.

Baggin' it Right...Raises Your Game

Even the most casual of golfers needs a golf bag. Having the right golf bag is essential. It is another tool to help raise your game. If your clubs and other equipment are stored in an appropriately sized and organized bag, you can concentrate on your game. Otherwise you can be scrambling to find your rain gear when hit by a sudden shower or for another golf ball to replace the one you just hit into the middle of the lake. For anyone looking to purchase a golf bag, there are several things to consider and brand is not necessarily one of them:

Size

When it comes to golf bags, size does matter. Some tour bags seem like they are big enough to double as a shelter in a rainstorm while I have seen golf bags so small they look like they could hold no more than a putter and a driver. So how big of a golf bag do you actually need? Try to determine your present requirements based on current equipment. Then, consider how your equipment list may change and grow over the projected lifetime of the bag.

Durability

The durability of a golf bag depends on design, material and treatment. If you are a casual golfer who stores your golf bag in the house after use, you could enjoy a nylon bag that isn't very expensive.

If you are a more frequent golfer and keep your golf bag in the trunk of your car, then you will probably want a bag made of leather or vinyl. Remember, the golf bag is not just for carrying the clubs, it is also for protecting them.

Style

Depending on how you get around the course, you will want to decide between a carry bag and a cart bag. A cart bag is nice if you use a golf cart frequently. Cart bags are also designed to be used with a pull cart.

When considering a cart bag, consider also the type of pull cart you will use. Test the ease of motion and comfort of the handle at preferred transportation angles. Check if any of the features that help you transport the golf bag are adjustable, as the center of gravity will vary depending on the load in the bag

If you are accustomed to walking, you should look for a golf bag that is comfortable, light weight and ergonomically designed to minimize the stress on your back and shoulders. Many of the new bags have gel carry straps for shoulder comfort.

Depth/Design

If you use extended length shafts...ensure that the golf bag you are considering will adequately protect as much of the shaft as possible and comes with the enough club dividers to satisfy your needs.

Cosmetics

Color and accessories are really a matter of taste, need and how much extra money you are willing to spend. Some golfers want to make their bags unique. Some just want a place to put their clubs.

Storage

It does not matter how often you play golf, at some point that golf bag is going to need to be stored somewhere. Ensure that the size golf bag you purchase will fit in the area where you will be storing it.

Chris Bennett is lifelong golfer who has played extensively in the USA and Europe. He hit his first golf shot at age 4 years old and since then has played golf at every possible opportunity. If he is not playing golf he is watching it, reading about it or most likely writing about it. Read more about golf bags and other equipment at http://www.golf-topics-tips.com

Backpacking Food - What To Pack

Weight is always a concern with backpacking food you'll be carrying everything on your back. Some will tell you to find your weight savings in other areas, and argue for the necessity of healthy, meaning heavy, food. My experience, however, tells me that we can enjoy lighter loads and worry less about healthy food on short trips.

In the Sierra Nevada I ate more than 60 granola bars in five days with no ill effects. No stove meant a lighter pack, and it was very convenient to not cook. Of course, I usually supplement my backpacking diet with berries and other wild foods, so it probably wasn't all that unhealthy.

Different Foods For Different Backpackers

Each of us is unique. I don't suffer when I have no cooked meals, but you may. There isn't a one-size-fits-all solution to the backpacking food question. You have to balance the weight/health/taste/cost issues in your own way. Consider the following points, though, in making your choices.

The lightest food is that which has the most calories per ounce. Pure fat wins the contest (oils), followed by high-fat foods (nuts), low moisture carbohydrates (granola bars), proteins (beef jerky), and then bread, fruit, veggies, etc. Nuts, for example, because of their fat content, have 50% more calories per pound than pure sugar.

Look at the lables. Choose foods you like, but choose the ones that are higher in calories for their weight. In that way, you get what you want, what your body needs for energy, and you keep it light. I usually plan for about 3000 calories a day. This isn't quite enough (I'm 6'3", 160 pounds), so I'll lose a pound or two on a weekend trip.

Bringing high-calorie foods like mixed nuts (2700/pound) and tortilla chips (2100/pound), I can get by with about 20 ounces of food per day. For a four day trip I'll carry around 5 pounds. Eat a big meal before you go, and you can carry less food (although you'll carry it inside you anyhow). You can cut weight if you know which berries to eat along the trail. I've eaten an entire meal of rasberries during one break while hiking in Colorado.

Healthy Backpacking Food

For a healthier trip, try this: Eat a large salad right before you leave, and right after you get back. If you also eat berries and herbs along the way, you can concentrate on bringing only light backpacking food, and your health won't suffer.

A more obvious alternative is to spend some money. Enough money, and you can feast on nutrition-packed, calorie-rich foods the whole time you are hiking. Try bee pollen, spirolina, raw nuts and seeds, molasses, dried papaya - I could go on, but you get the idea.

Finally, don't forget the freeze-dried meals and other traditional backpacking foods. They are not necessasrily healthy, and can be very expensive, but they sure are convenient and tasty. You can always pack ramen noodles if you want cheap food.

Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of lightweight backpacking. His advice and stories, and a backpacking food calorie counter, can be found at http://www.TheUltralightBackpackingSite.com

One Wrong Thought You Must Eliminate From Your Golf Swing

You try your skills at golf and some (or all) of the following results occur:

* You miss the ball * You miss it again and again and…

* You hit the top of the ball

* You correct this mistake and you hit the ground behind the ball

* You see people hitting the ball in the air but your hits cause the ball to bounce along the ground

* Whoops! Where did that big curve in the flight of the ball come from?

* The more you try the more you find yourself creating other poor results

* You finally get a nice hit but you have no idea what you did to get the good result

* You look around and some of your friends and relatives are having the same problems as you

* Grrrr! Why can’t I hit the ball like those people on T.V.?

The slice, duck hook, complete miss, topping the ball, hitting fat (hit the ground behind the ball), and most of the other undesirable results you have experienced or witnessed in other golfers are caused by one incorrect thought.

Replace this thought and you will have much more success with putting, chipping, pitching, and the full swing.

However, this thought is buried deep in your subconscious mind. It is very **logical** to our way of thinking.

To change your approach to your golf swing and your putting you will have to accept an illogical thought. But, when you make the change you will begin executing some of the easiest swings of the golf club you have ever made (and know why this happens.)

Five amazing results in ball flight will occur once you overcome this wrong thought in favor of executing unusual, **illogical** movements.

1. You will finally learn to make a divot like the Pros.

2. You will lift the ball in the air.

3. You will hit the ball straight.

4. You will hit the ball farther.

5. You will get a lot more backspin on your ball.

This "wrong" thought causes movements of various parts of your body in ways which ruin an easy golf swing. These incorrect movements are visible in your hands, forearms, arms, body, hips, and legs.

This thought triggers incorrect movements at various stages of your swing sequence. Wrong body movements can begin as soon as you start taking the club away from the ball until after the ball has been hit.

But, if the ball is gone how can a wrong move affect the result. Simply put, muscles which produce the wrong movement after the ball has been hit have begun to “gather” or bunch-up before the club reaches the ball. This initial bunching of muscles interferes with your intended swing movements. You, or your golf partners, are not aware that this has happened.

Most of my teaching lessons are geared to helping you change from the wrong, logical thought to the correct, but illogical thought. You will learn movements which respond to the correct thought.

Since this wrong thought is logical it is buried in your subconscious. The various views at golf courses, as you try to hit the ball, cause this thought to be more involved in your swing movements.

To toss out this thought from your mind and replace it with the correct thought cannot be done by simply being aware of the correct way of thinking. Even though I am aware of this error the scenery of the golf course or the desire to make a precise hit will cause this wrong thought to reappear to influence my golf swing. I believe it can even affect the best golfers in the world due to the pressures they face in golf tournaments.

Another article will show you a basic step-by-step process of playing any golf swing or putt. I call it “the phases of playing a golf shot”.

By following a regular process of playing a golf shot you will soon develop a new subconscious thought so that you can rid yourself of that one wrong thought.

Oh yeah. Before I forget. What is the **one wrong thought**? A quick story, first.

A few years ago I witnessed a young woman take some golf lessons from the local Pro over a 2 year period. He did a good job at showing her some very good swing skills. But, I saw her continually hitting the ball out the right and she could not hit the ball as far as she was capable. At the beginning of the third year she came for another lesson. I could see from her hand movements that she was saying something like, “I’m still hitting the ball out the right!”

What was happening in that woman’s swing which caused her to hit the ball slightly to the right despite very good swing skills?

Answer: The ball is at point A. The green, flag, and hole are at point B. Logical, subconscious thought tells us that we want to smack the ball from point A to point B. This same thought also convinces us to create movements at some stage of our swing which will cause a forward motion of the golf club through the ball so that it can go from A to B.

But, these forward motions occur at various stages of our swing which cause such a variety of poor results. Forgotten in this thought process is the most important part of the swing.

And that is - apply a blow to the ball so that it can firstly be put in motion to leave the vicinity of point A.

P.S. There are a few “tips” roaming the world which leave wrong ideas in the minds of new golfers. Some of these blatantly interfere with good body movement. Future articles will show you some of the wrong movements used by you or other golfers. You will learn WHY each wrong movement is produced. You will discover why and how to replace these wrong movements with better moves.

P.P.S. There are 2 or 3 lesser faulty thoughts for certain golf situations such as hitting the golf ball over a hill or a tree. Future articles will cover these topics.

Glen Osborne teaches his golf program for Ladysmith, BC Parks & Rec. An expanded version of this article is at http://basicbodymovementforanygolfswing.com .

Controlled Body Movement The Key Essential For Your Golf Game

Basic body movement is essential in any sport. Of course it is also essential for any type of physical activity we do.

As parents, we teach little children how to do the simplest of things. This includes how to move and how to control movements for precision and safety.

Basic body movement also means limiting movement to the essential movement for what you want to do. We control the desired movement. And, we prevent unwanted movement. We learn to keep our movements just firm enough to be coordinated. We also learn to allow just enough relaxation so the movements can flow through their proper range with the most comfort.

For many golfers, if you think about your hands doing something or even have much of your focus on your hands then, usually, you will do something incorrect with your hands.

Basic body movement, under control, is to be your main focus. When you become good at this part of your golf swing then can you try advanced hand movements. But, any of these hand movements should only be done in harmony with the dominant body and upper arm movements.

Even your arm movements need more focus in the early learning stages than any perceived hand movements. And, these arm movements should focus on movements generated in the upper arms which are as close to your body as possible.

A Special Lesson With A Good Golfer

A few years ago I did 2 golf lessons with a man who stood a little over 6 feet tall. He was having trouble spraying his hits with his mid-irons to his woods. I asked him to hit a ball with a wedge. He chose his 64 degree lob wedge and promptly hit a high, 95 yard hit.

What was he doing wanting a lesson from anyone? Answer: He had one wrong move that he wasn't aware he was doing.

I used my interpretation of Fred Couples' looping swing to guide him to the correct arm movement. When he tried my idea of Fred's swing Andy hit the ball higher and 15 yards farther.

He did not want to develop that move but he understood how to correct his error with the proper movement. He hit a lot of good golf balls afterwards and knew why he did so.

Andy's other problem involved chipping. He had a good hand movement in his chipping effort. He had no idea how to use that good movement with the movements of his body. As well, he had no idea of the importance of his body activity during his chipping.

A few minutes into the 2nd lesson he had learned how to time his hand movements with his body movements. He also learned where his hands should be in relation to his spine as he did the hand movements that he wanted.

His chipping improved dramatically within the lesson. His confidence was as high as possible that he could land a golf ball where he wanted. And, all it took was understanding how his arms and hands were to move in harmony with his body and also in relationship to his body position.

How I Developed My Understanding Of Basic Body Movement

I taught physical education from Grades 1 to 9. In one short span of time I could see the development of movement in all stages of growth. I could also see the physical and mental effort carried out by these children as they learned the skills and the games which I taught.

I used to teach the various Grades a level of a game which they could handle. I taught positional play in slow motion and then introduced body movements which enabled the students to move fluently up and down the playing surface. They quickly learned this and asked for more. That is when I taught the various skills. The game was taught first; and then came the skills.

In golf, there are a number of games played during a round.

* We try to get a better score than someone else.

* We try to get a personal best score during a round.

* We try to play against the golf course to get a par round or better.

* We try to get a better score than par on each hole.

BUT, usually forgotten is the game of playing each golf shot as good as we possibly can. It is this last "game" which I teach in my golf lessons.

The free articles combined with the instruction modules will teach you how to win "the game" of playing each hit during your round of golf.

Relating this to teaching golf swing skills I emphasize basic posture, alignment, control, and body movement. Arm and hand activity do not get taught until my students learn basic movements. Because of this, beginners and students who had never hit the ball in the air soon hit draws with even their short irons when they hit the ball over a fence.

You, The Ground, And The Golf Ball

We stand on the ground. The golf ball rests on the ground (er, usually). Before we try to dislodge that golf ball from its place on the ground we should learn a good method of relating what we do from our "perch" on the ground.

Between our connection to the ground and the ball's position on the ground we have a lot of body mass and joints along with that "stick" thing. We need movement to make the golf ball move. Therefore, we swing back and forth to make the golf club move the ball. But, those joints want to do all sorts of contortions during our golf swing efforts.

We need to develop an understanding of how to move at the fewest possible joints and how to control or prevent movements of the rest of our joints. This is basic to anything we do. It is very important to this "confusing" skill called the golf swing.

Glen Osborne teaches his golf program for Ladysmith, BC Parks & Rec. Free articles and info about affordable live lessons, lesson modules, and video based lessons are available at: http://basicbodymovementforanygolfswing.com

Karate - The Way of The Empty Hand

Karate (空手) or karate-dō (空手道) is one of the most fascinating martial art in the world today. For me, there is not any martial art that is as flexible and enjoyable as sport.

Karate as a martial art was developed and diversified from various forms of Chinese Kung-fu on the island of Okinawa and was taken to
Japan in the early years of the twentieth century.

Karate is NOT an expression of aggression. Karate is not about violence at all. It is about respect, disciplin of mind and body, confidence, control of oneself, and ends with courtesy and leads to Wa-No-Michi (peace in one's life).

Ankō Itosu (糸洲 安恒, Itosu Ankō, Itosu Yasutsune in Japanese) is considered by many the father of modern karate, although this title is also often given to Gichin Funakoshi (船越 義珍 Funakoshi Gichin) because the latter spread karate throughout Japan.

Funakoshi Gichin is responsible for changing its emphasis from a method of self defence to a mental and physical discipline.

The five most important styles of Karate are: Shotokan, Goyo ryu, Wado ryu, Shito ryu, and Kyokushinkai.

Modern karate training is commonly divided into kihon (basics or fundamentals techniques: blocking, punching, striking, and kicking), kata (formal exercises which combine basic karate techniques - blocking, punching, striking, and kicking - into a series of predetermined movements. ), and kumite (sparring).

A karate practitioner is called a karateka (空手家). The karateka must apply proper karate techniques, demonstrate correct power and speed, and, above all, exercise good control -- contact is prohibited. The karateka may freely engage his physical and mental powers, but must strictly control his attacks -- contact is prohibited. The karateka must be well-trained and disciplined enough to make a powerful blow that stops just before it reaches its target.

Karate competition has three disciplines: sparring (kumite), empty-handed forms (kata), and weapons forms (kobudō kata). Competitors may enter either as individuals or as part of a team. Evaluation for kata and kobudo is performed by a panel of judges, whereas sparring is judged by a head referee, usually with assistant referees at the side of the sparring area. Sparring matches are typically divided by weight, age, gender, and experience.

Training is important in Karate as well as concentration because while it may be easy to create a centered being when inside a martial arts gym, the same cannot be said of situations and circumstances outside. Controlled breathing is one key to being one with the universe and to center oneself with nature.

Karate is an affective martial arts that can be studied anywhere in the world today. In studying karate-dō (空手道), it is important to remember that along with building physical strength to be able to defeat your opponent the mental capacity should also be developed. Just like in any art, it takes a lot of practice and discipline to perfect the art of Karate (空手). The important thing is the one who wants to get into the art should have determination to give honor to the art by performing it in the best way possible.

It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of martial art is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about martial art.

The Ultimate Collection of Martial Arts and Self-Defence eBooks Pack you will find here: http://www.e-bestsellers.com/gpage38.html. This extremely rare Collection will help you become a master in Martial Arts...

So now you know a little bit about karate-dō (空手道). Even if you don't know everything, you've done something worthwhile: you've expanded your knowledge.

Enjoy, and in the words of Gichin Funakoshi:

"It is important that karate can be practiced by the young and old, men and women alike. That is, since there is no need for a special training place, equipment, or an opponent, a flexibility in training is provided such that the physically and spiritually weak individual can develop his body and mind so gradually and naturally that he himself may not even realize his own great progress... The ultimate aim of the art of karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the characters of its participants... "

The potential offered by this martial art fighting system ultimately depends upon the person learning it. And - in short - karate is no more and no less than what an karateka put into it.

Copyright © Anne-Marie Ronsen

Anne-Marie Ronsen is the author of many wealth and self development books. Download FREE e-books from http://www.e-bestsellers.com, http://www.plrbestsellers.com or http://www.universalpublishingltd.com -You will learn about the best tips and recommendations to improve your health, weight and wealth. You'll also discover FREE Premium content at http://www.ibestof.com/ and Manual Submission Directory at: http://www.webdirectorybank.com

AIKIDO - The Way of Harmonious Spirit

Aikido (合気道, aikidō), a traditional Japanese martial art, was developed in the early part of the 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba (植芝 盛平 Ueshiba Morihei) - (1883-1969). Known as "O Sensei" or the "Great Teacher," Ueshiba made sure to develop a martial art that is based on a purely physical level using movements like throws, joint locks and techniques derived from another martial arts like "Jujitsu" and "Kenjutsu."

When he finally developed the minor and major principles of Aikido, Ueshiba emphasized that the martial art does not only pertain to self-defense techniques but can also play a major role in the enhancement of the practitioner's moral and spiritual aspects eventually leading them to place greater weight on the development and achievement of peace and harmony. In fact, because of the great emphasis in the development of harmony and peace, seasoned aikido practitioners say that "the way of harmony of the spirit" is one phrase that could describe or translate the term "aikido" in English.

It is interesting to note that the word comes from three Japanese words from which one can derive the meaning of the one word. People are often surprised to learn that Aikido means "the way of harmony." "Ki" (pronounced 'key') is the Eastern philosophical concept of the universal creative principle of life - the life force or breath. Ki is at the heart of Aikido - both in concept and in word. When the word is broken down into syllables it reads Ai-Ki-Do.

AI = Harmony / Connection

KI = Spirit / Energy

DO = Way / Path

Aikido focuses on accepting and respecting the energy of life and nature and channeling this harmony onto techniques that expresses this energy in physical forms.

Aikido is the refinement of the techniques that are being taught in traditional martial arts and is combined with a philosophy that calls on for the power of the spirit. In its essence, it is a blending of the body and the mind. Aikido is also used as a way to discover our true paths so that we can develop our individuality. It also teaches its practitioners to unify their body and their mind so that they will become in harmony with the "universe" and with nature. Their power and their strength will come from this balance and harmony.

Training is important in aikido as well as concentration because while it may be easy to create a centered being when inside a martial arts gym, the same cannot be said of situations and circumstances outside. It will not be easy to keep one's composure when faced with extraordinary circumstances. This is actually one of the goals of Aikido training. It aims to teach its practitioners to maintain their composure and their centeredness even in panic situations such as danger and calamities.

"Do not fight force with force," this is the most basic principle of Aikido. Considered as one of the non-aggressive styles in martial arts, Aikido has become popular because it doesn't instigate or provoke any attack. Instead, the force of the attacker is redirected into throws, locks, and several restraining techniques.

Some of the techniques in Aikido include the following. Ikkyo is the first technique. Using this technique you control an opponent by using one hand in holding the elbow and one near the wrist, this action is supposed to make you pin your opponent down in the ground. Nikyo the second technique is when you do an adductive wristlock that enables you to twist the arm of your opponent that will in turn cause enough nerve pressure. The third technique is Sankyo which is a pronating technique that directs upward-spiraling tension throughout the arm, elbow and shoulder. There are many other techniques but the first three should get you started.

One method taught in aikido is to breathe with what is called the seika tanden point. This is the part of the body that can be found two inches below the navel. Controlled breathing is one key to being one with the universe and to center oneself with nature. When a person learns to do this, he or she will feel extraordinary calmness that they can use in the practice of aikido.

What's important is the skilled Aikido practitioner is skilled enough to redirect his or her attacker's energy while keeping him or her in a constant of unbalance.

Mastering each technique involves discipline and dedication. To be a good aikodoka, one must master both the techniques and principle of the marital art.

In Aikido, one is not taught violence instead one is taught to be in harmony with the opponent to be able to defeat. This might seem odd but it actually works. In approaching an opponent, the aim of the Aikido practitioner is to be one with the opponent to be able to attack him where he is weakest and in doing so diver or immobilize him but never to kill. The art of peace as what they call in Aikido is one of the most positive influences of Aikido to its students and to everyone who choose to know about this Japanese martial art.

Although aikido is not about punching or kicking the opponent, it is not considered as a static art. It is still a very effective means of martial arts because it requires the aikido practitioner to use the energy of their opponent so they can gain control over them. When you will look at the martial art closely, you will realize that aikido is not only a means of self-defense technique but can also serve a means of spiritual enlightenment, physical health or exercise or a simple means of attaining peace of mind, concentration, and serenity.

In studying Aikido, it is important to remember that along with building physical strength to be able to defeat your opponent the mental capacity should also be developed. Just like in any art, it takes a lot of practice and discipline to perfect the art of Aikido.

The important thing is the one who wants to get into the art should have determination to give honor to the art by performing it in the best way possible.

Although different aikido styles gives great emphasis on the spiritual aspects to varying levels--some to greater or lesser degrees--the idea that the martial arts was conceptualized in order to achieve peace and harmony remains the most basic ideology of the martial art.

So now you know a little bit about Aikido (合気道, aikidō). Even if you don't know everything, you've done something worthwhile: you've expanded your knowledge.

The Ultimate Collection of Martial Arts and Self-Defence eBooks Pack you will find here: http://www.e-bestsellers.com/gpage38.html. This extremely rare Collection will help you become a master in Martial Arts...

Enjoy, and in the words of Morihei Ueshiba:

"The ART OF PEACE begins with you. Work on yourself and your appointed task in the Art of Peace. Everyone has a spirit that can be refined, a body that can be trained in some manner, a suitable path to follow. You are here for no other purpose than to realize your innate enlightenment. Foster peace in your own life and then apply the Art to all that you encounter. ONE does not need buildings, money, power, or status to practice the Art of Peace. Heaven is right where you are standing, and that is the place to train."

Copyright © 2008 Anne-Marie Ronsen

Great Contemporary Thoroughbred Horse Jockeys

Many sports rival it, but you'd be hard pressed to name any competitive human activity harder than being a jockey. There 's the food deprivation - the constant training - the danger, even likelihood, of bone-crushing accidents. No wonder that of all athletes, jockeys face some of the highest insurance premium costs in sports.

And though Laura Hillenbrand 's bestseller Seabiscuit spotlighted the hardships faced by the jockeys of prewar times, the life of a jockey remains as tough, dramatic, and - for some - irresistible as ever. Herein, some of America 's great contemporary Thoroughbred horse racers.

Julie Krone (1963-) made racing history when, in 1993, she became the first woman winner of a Triple Crown race in US history, taking that year 's Belmont Stakes aback Colonial Affair. The Benton Harbor, Michigan-born athlete then wrote another chapter in that history when she executed a Michael Jordan-style dominate-then-retire-then-return-and-dominate-again maneuver, winning a Breeder 's Cup race (again, the only woman to do so) after she returned from an abortive retirement in 2002. During her career, Krone won over 17% of her races, netted more than $90 million in returns, and left her name in the record books a number of times.

But numbers don't capture the extent of the achievement of a woman who, after all, faced not only the hurdles blocking any would-be jockey from achievement, but also the hostility that so often comes with being a strong woman in a male-dominated field. For example, she once had to pose for a victory photo while blood dripped from her ear - a fellow jockey (who wanted to keep the field restricted to, literally, "fellows") had lashed her during the race. (She bloodied his nose.) She nearly died after an accident at Saratoga in 1993 (the same year as her storied Belmont victory), then broke both hands in a 1995 spill. But she fought on-all the way to another first: the Hall of Fame inducted her in 2000.

All Thoroughbred horses are closely related (hence the name Thoroughbred), and some great horses, such as Man O'War, have given issue to great progeny (such as Seabiscuit), even siring dynasties. Such a scenario is less common among jockeys, but consider Stewart Elliott (1965-), a champion Canadian jockey whose father was a jockey and whose mother gave riding instructions. Years of hard work and solid track performances (many of them at the Philadelphia Park Racetrack) paid off when, in his first Kentucky Derby in 2004, riding Smarty Jones, he won the first rider in twenty-five years to do so. (This victory yielded him a payday of $60,000 - the largest for any jockey in history.) A Preakness victory two weeks later took Elliott and Smarty Jones to within shouting distance of the Triple Crown, but a too-early backstretch kick led to a heartbreaking Belmont loss to Birdstone. But it 's hard to derail a consistent performer for long.

Kent Desormeaux (1970-) learned to love horses while growing up on a farm in Maurice, Louisiana, beginning his racing career as an apprentice jockey in Lafayette. His first victory came at the age of 16, in 1986, when he took Godbey to victory in the Maryland City Handicap.

What has followed is one of the most impressive careers in modern racing history - Desormeaux holds the US record for the greatest number of races won in a single year. In 1989, his annus mirabilis, Desormeaux set that record by winning 598 - five hundred ninety-eight - races. A severe accident in 1992 fractured his skull and left him deaf in one ear, but he still managed to win the Breeders' Cup Turf Race in 1993 and a second Breeders' Cup title in 1995 (riding the filly Desert Stormer).

Finally, there 's Marlon St. Julien (1972-), who joined this esteemed list by riding in the 126th Kentucky Derby - the first African American to do so since 1921, by which time white racism and black migration north had reduced the African American presence in the Derby from dominant to negligible. The Lafayette, Louisiana rider got a late start in horse racing - he had been a footballer, perhaps the least likely former career of any jockey ever - but turned his interest to the sport after his eleventh-grade year. He emerged from a tragic five-horse accident which - among other things - broke his sternum to ride races all over American, including the 1997 inaugural season at Lone Star Park and at the Fair Grounds in Louisiana.

About the Author

TRP Services offers Thoroughbred horse racing and horse racing tips online for horse racing handicapping and those who love thoroughbred horses for the horse racing tracks.

Differences Between Pool And Billiards

Although they look like same but there are some differneces between two games. Both games are interesting to play but are addictive a lot.Yes as addictive as gambling. So here I am giving you some differences by which you can sort out these two games .

Historically the umbrella term for the sport as a whole was billiards. While that familiar name is still employed variably as a generic name for all games, the word's usage has splintered into more inclusive competing meanings among certain groups and geographic regions. For example, in the United Kingdom, billiards refers exclusively to English Billiards, while in the United States it is sometimes used to refer only to carom games and by a minority to eight-ball (being the only cue game known to many players).

In our time, the two can easily be exchanged and mean the same thing. When people refer to one, it is assumed the other is also being included. On the technical side, there is a difference. Billiards is played with smaller balls. In billiards, only three balls are used white, yellow and red and both the white and the yellow ball can act as the strikers. Billiards is basically pool without pockets. Usually the cloth on a billiards table is much faster. The object in billiards (3 cushion billiards) is to hit the object ball then go three rails and hit the other ball, or hit 3 rails and hit both object balls with the cue ball (these are called caroms).

Most of us are familiar with pool and pool tables. Some of us may be aware of the different variations of the pool game, a few being eight-ball, nine-ball and cut throat. As stated above, billiards is played on a table with no pockets. We know that pool tables are constructed with 6 pockets. The game is played with two sets of balls, each containing seven balls, with one set being solid colored and the other striped. The two sets are combined into one set and then completed by a black eight ball. This is a standard set of pool balls, and can be broken up to play different versions of the game.

Though there are vast differences between the two games, they are commonly grouped as one and refered to as cue sports. If someone says they're going to shoot a game of billiards, we all know what they are referring to in general. It all depends on what style of the game you would like to play. Billiards is a form of pool. So perhaps in future reference, it should all be covered by using the term pool, unless you are actually playing by billiards rules and regulations.

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Bass Fishing Boats: Advice For The First Time Buyer

Bass fishing is a great past time that many people, both young and old enjoy. Once you get the taste of bass fishing, you might decide that you want to venture into buying your first bass fishing boat. This is truly an exciting experience, so it is best that you get some advice, being a first time buyer of a bass fishing boat.



One of the first things you want to make sure you have when you go to get your new boat is the right kind of vehicle for towing the boat. There are many vehicles that are just not made for towing something behind them. When you have your boat fully loaded with your gear as well as gas and attach it to your trailer, you can expect to be towing over 3500 lbs. behind your vehicle. You need to be sure to get a car or truck that can take that kind of load and pull it up a mountain or a hill.



When deciding on what size of a boat to get you will want to consider the size of the body of water that you will be fishing in. In larger bodies of water it is best to go with a boat that is at least 19 feet long where as if you are going to be fishing in a smaller body of water then you can go with a smaller outboard motor on a smaller boat. You can also choose which material your boat is made out of. Bass boats are generally made from aluminum or fiberglass. Each type of material has its good points as well as its bad points. For instance, if you were going to be doing most of your fishing in a small lake then you may want to go with the aluminum boat.



You may want to go with a fiberglass boat if you want a smoother ride on larger bodies of water. Fiberglass is generally more expensive then aluminum but not in all cases. The fiberglass boats are sturdier than the aluminum and they will not be blown around with the wind as much. Before making your choice, be sure to way all the options and check the pros and cons of each type to make the best educated decision.



You can buy either a new or used boat but again, there are pros and cons associated with both. Used boats seem to hold their value much longer but you have to keep in mind that outboard motors are generally short lived. If you decide to buy a used boat then you want to check out the motor properly before you use it. Another advantage to buying a used boat is the price. You can get a good deal for a used boat if you look around but keep in mind that you get what you pay for. If you get the boat at a cheap price you may have to be prepared to do some “fixing up” on the boat.



If you decide to go with a new boat then you will have the pleasure of getting a warranty with it. You will not have to worry about working on it and you can just get right to fishing. You will also most likely have more boats to choose from than when you are looking for a used one. No matter which way you decide to go, be sure to check out the vessel thoroughly, so that you know what you are buying.



About the Author: William Scott contributes bass fishing advice to BassFishingAdvice.com, a site dedicated to helping people learn about bass fishing boats .

Basketball Can Make Your Kids Smarter

Yes, folks, that’s right, playing basketball can actually make your kids smarter. No need for long study sessions, expensive tutors or academic camps. Just send them out to the court and worry no more.



When they play basketball, kids learn teamwork. They learn to collaborate on a goal, and how to play their part. This makes them smarter. They will then be able to go to school and organize a cooperative group that will come up with the best Native American project that ever was. Knowing how to work together, able to appreciate the aspects of give and take that is present on the basketball court allows them to work well with the other kids in their classes.



Playing basketball improves a kid’s hand-eye coordination. This in turn stimulates the brain, causing it to work harder and to thus work better. Improved skills of any kind lead to greater brain power, and thus your child will be smarter.



Being able to assess what’s going on around him or her on the court will help them make similar judgments in life. Paying attention to the other guy and knowing how to respond is another skill that, once mastered, will make your child smarter. If they can compare themselves to others, to analyze what the other kids are doing and to improve on that in their own lives, your kids will be smarter. They’ll be savvy and more able to think on their feet.



No kid likes to be told what to do, but a kid who can listen to a coach’s guidance will be more able to learn from others. Hearing what the coach has to say and being able to follow his or her suggestions makes your kids more open to constructive criticism, a must if one is to improve oneself. Being able to learn from the guidance of someone else is a huge benefit. This really helps a kid get smarter – they’re more willing to learn from someone else like a teacher, parent, or even older sibling.



Practicing the sport of basketball, if applied to other aspects of your child’s life can help make them smarter as well. Not having a problem with practicing on the court will most mean that they’ll be more amenable to practicing other things like piano lessons or spelling words. While no one likes to practice all the time, smart people know that it’s the only way to improve. We can’t all be experts the first time we try something, and learning this while on the court makes our kids smarter. Eventually they’ll figure out that they have to practice in other areas of their lives in order to improve and succeed.



In short, playing basketball can make your kid smarter. Practice, listening to the coach, paying attention to what others are doing, and playing on a team will help your kid increase his or her brain power. It’s a given.



Basketball hoops and goals. Click below for a wide selection of outdoor and indoor basketball hoops and goals.



About the Author: Shop basketball hoops and basketball goals at this neat basketball hoop store. Find portable and in ground basketball hoops.

Latest Golf Instruction Books

You have read the all the latest golf instruction books by Stan Utley, Dave Pelz, Fred Shoemaker, etc on different putting theories in an attempt to improve your putting stroke. You have been working and working on your putting motion and you think your it has improved. You are just looking for a way to challenge yourself in your practice. Here are some ideas:



• Take Notes - Keep track of your practice sessions by using The Ultimate Golf Journal or your own notebook. It is also important to keep track of your putting statistics to find out where you need the most practice. To improve your putting you must keep track of the results from your rounds of golf and to improve even faster, keep the statistics from your putting practice sessions as well.



• Take the hole away - Stroke multiple putts to the fringe. With the goal being, to stop the ball where the putting green means the green’s collar. Again, it is very important that you hold your finish for three seconds. When a player has trouble with their lag putting, it is typically due to the putter re-coiling at the end of the putting motion. Stroke putts from different distances to improve your lag putts. This putting drill works on the speed of your putts.



• Keep track of your misses – If you are missing the putting cup more to one side or another, the face of your putter is either opened or closed at impact. You can fix this by putting balls from just two feet from the hole on the practice putting green. In addition, hold your finish for three seconds. The good news is you really have to hit a poor putt to miss from this distance and more importantly you will bee able to see the line of the putt you hit. If your putting line does not improve, look into purchasing a laser pointer that will easily attach to your putter. Most are inexpensive and will give you instant positive feedback.



• Compete against a friend – There is no end to what could happen with this idea. I like playing the game pullback. Pick the amount of holes you are going to play ( I suggest nine hole increments). In this version, we will play nine holes. Decide who will go first. This person will pick a hole and stroke a putt at the determined target. If made, it is one stroke. If it is not made, you must pull it further away from the hole by a putter length and putt again until the ball is holed.



Use this article along with the techniques that you have gained from your reading of Stan Utley, Dave Pelz, Fred Shoemaker, etc. to improve your putting stroke motion. Choose the technique that you think will suit you the best and go to work on the putting green with that information. With just a little work your putting will improve and then get ready to watch your scores get better and better.



About the Author: Latest Golf Instruction Books can be found at www.virtualgolfswing.com.

New York City Marathon Magnificent

Inspiring performances on November 4, 2007 contributed to a classic New York City Marathon. Run on a crisp autumn Sunday, a record 39,085 runners took their positions on Staten Island.

The NYC Marathon began in 1970, a result of the vision of the New York Road Runners, who continue to stage it. The initial race was contained to Central Park. This evolved into the present course, which runs through the five boroughs of New York. There's a buzz throughout these locations each year in the weeks leading up to the event.

This year's race saw Paula Radcliffe of Great Britain emerge as the winner in the women's division. Martin Lel of Kenya was the men's winner. Edith Hunkeler of Switzerland won the women's wheeler division; Kurt Fearnley of Australia won the men's wheeler race for the second year in a row.

Paula Radcliffe's story is particularly noteworthy. She lives in Monaco and on January 17 of this year she gave birth to a baby girl there at the Princess Grace Hospital. Less than ten months later, Radcliffe, 33, crossed the finish line in New York as victor in this race. A late race explosion of energy propelled her ahead of Gete Wami of Ethiopia. Wami had taken the lead earlier from Radcliffe. Radcliffe's winning time clocked in at 2 hours, 23 minutes, and 9 seconds.

The men's race had no lack of drama itself. Martin Lel battled step for step with Abderrahim Goumri well in to the last stage in Central Park. Lel's strong finishing power led him to a 12-second win over the Moroccan. His first-place winning time was 2 hours, 9 minutes, and 4 seconds.

In the women's wheeler division, Edith Hunkeler, 35, broke her previous record for the course in a time of 1 hour, 52 minutes, and 38 seconds. It was a wonderful comeback for her; having severely crushed her leg in a racing accident in 2006.

Kurt Fearnley, 26, won the men's wheeler race in a time of 1 hour, 33 minutes, and 58 seconds. He broke the course record in New York City in 2006.
The New York City Marathon was not without heartfelt emotion and disappointment this year. Aside from the struggles every competitor faces and the fact that some entrants do not finish there were other concerns.

A day earlier, in New York, the U.S runner Ryan Shay, 28, collapsed and died at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials Men's Marathon. This resonated with the runners as they learned of this tragedy in their running fraternity.

Ernst Van Dyk of South Africa could not race in the wheelers division. He had the misfortune of having his chair not arrive on the flight to New York. The world record- holder watched the race from the sidelines instead of participating.

Marathons, in general, are a test of the human spirit. To run 26.2 miles and have enough kick at the end to fight off a competitor is an accomplishment. In the case of the New York City Marathon, it's an even greater accomplishment. The prestige and surrounding hype contribute to its ability to play on the runners' emotions. Add to that the high-caliber athleticism of the contestants and you have a dramatic script already in place. Once the players take the field, an intriguing story develops every year.

In a race that ends in beautiful Central Park the electricity is apparent. That's why it captures the imagination of runners worldwide. In 2006, 93,000 plus applications came in for the race - much more than the slots available.

This year's race was no exception with throngs lining the streets. The weather cooperated as did the staff and volunteers of the New York Road Runners.

From Staten Island, through Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx and then to the thrilling finish in Manhattan, the marathon continues to inspire.

Runners worldwide, as well as 2 million spectators and estimated 315 million television viewers look forward every year to autumn in New York and the November running of the New York Marathon.

More information about Monaco can be found at YourMonaco.com The information about Monaco includes flights to and from NYC plus today's weather in Monaco

What NHL Autographed Memorabilia You Can Find and Get

The National Hockey League is home to heroes and warriors aplenty. With each swerve and drive of the puck through the ice, sticks clash, players dash, and tempers fly. With each score, a player is hailed as a savior and hero. With each miss of the goalkeeper, groans and screams can be heard for miles. Such is the appeal of hockey, whether it is watched in its full glory live, or on television, where viewers can alternate between tearing their hair out and jumping out of their seats.

Hockey, whether played on the grass or on the ice, has legions of fans and viewers. These same fans and viewers are poised to cheer any player on, whether he is the neighborhood hero or Wayne Gretzky himself. They are likewise interested, sometimes even obsessed with finding NHL autographed memorabilia at low prices.

If you are interested in hockey, or if you are new to the game and are planning to collect NHL autographed memorabilia, start inquiring at your local collector’s stores on what NHL autographed memorabilia are available, or what NHL autographed memorabilia you can afford. There are also many online sites where you can buy, auction, or trade NHL autographed memorabilia. Beware of such sites, however: like many other trading sites, there are lurkers and predators aplenty that can promise you wares without sending them to you, or promise to pay you for your NHL autographed memorabilia but do not do so.

Here are a few examples of NHL autographed memorabilia that you can avail of online. Although this list is by no means complete, it can give you a good idea of what most websites will offer. Prices will differ depending on the age of the NHL autographed memorabilia, who signed it, and the quality of the signed merchandise.

- NHL jerseys are the most commonly traded, sold, and bought items online. Signed and autographed by the players themselves, such jerseys become gems to collectors. If you are able to avail yourself of such a jersey, do not simply stash it away or keep it in a box. Frame it, not only to display the signature, but to preserve the autograph and jersey as well.

- NHL hats and caps are also attractive, as they can be used at games to proudly display the autograph of a fan’s favorite player. If you are able to buy autographed hats and caps, do not wear them too often unless you are in an air-conditioned stadium. Acidity and moisture can wear away cap quality and can damage the ink used to sign the autograph. Keep such hats and caps in a glass display box, along with some dehydrating salts, to protect them from humidity.

- Many other autographed NHL memorabilia can come in the forms of photographs, posters, and books. Take care of such memorabilia by either storing them in glass cases, or covering them with protective plastic. Keep any paper away from heat, acidity, and humidity, as these can easily destroy them. Photographs should also be kept away from direct sunlight, as these can cause photographs and the inks used to sign the autograph to fade.

- Hockey pucks and sticks are also available online, and, once signed by hockey players, can become so precious, their owners will refuse to use them to play any amateur game. Such autographed memorabilia should also be kept in glass cases, and should be free form moisture, since humidity can damage puck and stick materials.

- Made of stronger material, signed NHL helmets can withstand humidity, but the ink used to sign the helmet can melt away or fade. Store autographed NHL helmets in glass cases or cardboard boxes, and keep them away from acids or water.

For more information about authentic autographed sports memorabilia and collectibles, visit www.sportscollectionz.com . Read articles from contributing writers in our blog site at sportscollectionz.wordpress.com

The Secrets of Balance Climbing

Balance climbing is used to climb rock formations. As a climber you must study the route you are to travel, to ensure that you have chosen the best route and have the proper equipment. Before setting out, you should mentally climb the route you have chosen to anticipate future events or incidents.

The proper technique of balance climbing involves the following: v Eyes. As a climber, you must observe the entire route selected to climb. Use your eyes to climb the pitch. You should identify handholds and footholds, possible belay positions, alternate routes, rest spots, and a route for down climbing or descending. You must use your eyes continuously to look for subsequent handholds and footholds, and rest positions. As well as to continue planning and revision of the route. v Body Position. As you move and climb, your body must be in balance; that is, your weight must be centred over your feet. Use your hands mainly for balance, and support you body weight with your legs.

If you lean in toward a rock, your feet will not hold well; you must keep your body out and away from the rock to counter the gravitational pull of the body. With your body in balance, move with a slow, rhythmic motion. If possible try to maintain three points of contact with the rock, such as two hands and one foot.

Avoid a spreadeagle position, since you must stretch too far and cannot let go without falling. When you reach a position of security try to rest, since tensed muscles tire quickly. Allow for circulation by keeping your arms as low as possible, and while you relax,take the opportunity to plan your next move.

When selecting handholds, you should keep your hands about waist-to-shoulder level. This allows you the desired upright, balanced position as well as resting your arms. It is better to use small, intermediate holds rather than stretching and clinging to widely separated holds. Handholds may susequently become footholds. Your arms or legs should not be crossed, nor should you use your knees or elbows as handholds or footholds.

There is an acronym that will help you remember the proper procedures during balance climbing. CASHWORTH.

C - Conserve energy.
A - Always test holds.
S - Stand upright on flexed joints.
H - Hands kept low; handholds should be waist-to-shoulder high.
W - Watch your feet.
O - On three points of contact; avoid using knees and elbows; avoid awkward, out of balance positions.
R - Rhythmic movement.
T - Think and plan ahead.
H - Heels kept lower than toes, and pointed inwards.

Learn this and you will be one step ahead of the game.

Chris Haycock is an information publisher, one of whose many hobbies is climbing. With recurring knee problems, including one replacement, making it no longer possible to physically climb, he spends a lot of time researching resources to help other climbers. For details of one amazing resource, go to www.climbingknowledge.com