More Martial Arts and Tai Chi Videos

Martial Arts: The Real Story - Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Army Rangers train in Gracie family jiu jitsu. (00:03:51)

Army Rangers train in Gracie-style Brazilian jui jitsu at Fort Benning, GA.

Instructor Staff Sergeant Matt Larsen explains how learning hand-to-hand combat helps to develop fighting strategy, a vital battlefield skill.

From: Pacific Street Films (DVD)

To watch Brazilian Ju Jitsu and all the other styles in "Martial Arts: The Real Story", click on picture

Martial Arts: The Real Story - Savate with Nicolas Saignac

Savate combines the kicks of Chinese martial arts and English boxing. (00:03:06)

This segment explores the origin and development of Savate (French kickboxing).

It features Nicolas Saignac, a French Cup Champion, who teaches in the Los Angeles California area. We learn about Professor Saignac's early training and fights in France and the need to overcome fear and gain confidence.

From: Pacific Street Films (DVD)

To watch Nicolas Saignac in "Martial Arts: The Real Story", click on picture

Martial Arts: The Real Story - full contents of the DVD >

More martial arts videos from Pacific Street Films.

"Martial Arts: The Real Story" is from a special that originally aired on the Learning Channel. It explores the roots deep in the past of different systems, developed through centuries of experience in life and death struggles.

There are videos of world-renowned martial artists and interviews with experts whose research sheds light on an often murky and misunderstood world and unearths some fascinating and long forgotten stories.

Learn about the rest of Pacific Street Films's martial arts videos

Ken Van Sickle's Yang Sword Form with Tassle

How the tassle adds to Tai Chi Sword Form training. (00:02:16)

As he goes through the Tai Chi sword form, Master Ken Van Sickle explains the point of using the tassle with the sword.

When the sword form is done correctly, the tassle won't slap your wrist, get tangled, or hang limp, and doing the form (and fencing) with a tassle is an advanced technique for further improving Tai Chi skill.

From: Ken Van Sickle and Joseph Zeisky (Feather Sword DVD)

To watch clips of Ken Van Sickle's Tai Chi sword, click on picture

The "Constant Sword" Exercise

For loosening the shoulders, elbows, and wrists, while strengthening the body. (00:00:33)

Master Ken Van Sickle shows a practical exercise for speeding up sword movement and increasing its power while staying relaxed and fluid.

From: Ken Van Sickle and Joseph Zeisky (Feather Sword DVD)

To watch clips of Ken Van Sickle's Tai Chi sword instruction, click on picture

Ken Van Sickle's Tai Chi Sword Form and Exercises - full DVD >

More videos from a senior instructor of Cheng Man-Ching's Sword Form

Master Ken Van Sickle is a leading expert in the Yang Sword Form. He studied Tai Chi Chuan with Professor Cheng Man-Ching for eight years and was his primary photographer and cinematographer.

An experienced martial artist, who studied saber fencing, Master Van Sickle was an expert marksman with pistol and rifle, and had awards in archery and Goju karate, he was a certified teacher for Professor Cheng until his death in 1975 and opened his own school in 1980.

Ken Van Sickle's other Tai Chi sword videos

Balance Disruption Workshop

Demonstrates ways to cause an opponent to lose their balance. (00:20:02)

Guru Mike Casto teaches and shows the techniques for disrupting an opponent's balance. He explains the use of imaginary triangles to determine how to direct a small amount of force to cause a major loss of stability.

Through examples ranging from simple take-downs to pushes and leg sweeps, Guru Mike illustrates basic principles and moves that can be incorporated into any martial art.

From: Mike Casto (DVD)

To watch Mike Casto's balance disruption workshop, click on picture

Mike Casto's Martial Arts Videos - full contents of the DVD >

More videos showing balance disruption and Filipino techniques

Guru Mike Casto is a senior instructor in Filipino and Indonesian martial arts, including Eskrima (7th Degree Black Belt), Kali, Pencak Silat, and Sikal. He specializes in teaching joint locks and balance disruption.

Mike Casto's martial arts videos