Weight lifting is great for getting in shape and improving your strength and fitness, which can be beneficial for lovers of all things martial arts. However, nothing will affect your ability to participate in the sport you love, more than an injury. Here, we look at some general safety guidelines for weightlifters of all levels, which will help you grow stronger, minus any nasty injuries.

Equip Yourself With the Right Equipment

From weightlifting gloves that will protect your hands from callouses and improve your grip on any bars to weight lifting belts that will help protect your back from injuries, lifting weights involves a little more than just walking into the gym and jumping on the bench press.

To ensure you’re kitted out with everything you need to get off to a good start, make sure you grab these items:

A Lifting Belt: Lifting belts are designed to increase the use of your abs and lower back muscles, while also reducing the stress on your spine. Research has also shown that lifting belts have the potential to increase your strength and muscle growth when regularly used during training sessions.

Weight Lifting Gloves: Wearing weight lifting gloves can improve your grip strength, reducing the chances of a bar of weights slipping out of your hands when your palms start to sweat. They’re also handy for keeping callouses at bay.

Lifting Straps: These handy little straps can help you make size and strength gains that will assist you with your weight lifting efforts. This is because they help you fatigue the muscles you’re targeting before your grip starts to slip. This might sound unsafe, but, muscle gains only occur after you fatigue your target muscles, so these straps can help you optimise your strengthening efforts while minimising your chances of injuring yourself.

Wrist Straps: Wrist straps are designed to support your wrist joint while you work out. The pressing movements of overhead weights can stretch and pull your wrist joints, compromising their mechanics and increasing your chances of injuring yourself. Wrist straps can help minimise this risk.

Knee Wraps: These wraps are highly valued by powerlifters, as they allow more weight to be lifted when moving through the squat and lift motion. However, they can also assist with reducing stress and the pulling forces placed on the quadricep tendon, which is attached to the quadriceps and kneecap.

General Safety Guidelines

Great care should always be taken when undertaking any form of weight lifting activity, even if you’re only lifting lighter weights.

• Always warm up and cool down properly for five to ten minutes every session. If you walk straight into the gym and load the bench press to maximum lifting capacity, there’s a very good chance you’ll injure yourself.
• Pay close attention to your form. Make sure you always align your body correctly and move through each exercise smoothly.
• Maintain a safe lifting tempo. For example, count to three when lowering a weight, hold it, and then count to three again when you raise it back up. This will ensure you won’t compromise your strength gains because of your momentum.
• Inhale breath when you release resistance and exhale when you work against resistance by lifting, pushing or pulling.
• Don’t overdo it! This is probably one of the most important tips that apply to all forms of exercise, including weight lifting and martial arts. Always have a rest day, and never push your body past its limit.

Ready to hit the weights? Grab your weight lifting equipment from Giri Martial Arts Supplies today!

Are you looking for the perfect Christmas gift for that special someone but don’t know where to start? Well if they’re a martial arts or fitness enthusiast, these presents are a great solution – even if it seems like they’ve already got everything.

Workout Clothes

When practising martial arts, or just working out in general, comfortable, breathable clothes are a must. From Adidas boxing shorts that are perfect for boxers that already have all of their boxing equipment to sleeveless and long-sleeved hoodies, we’ve got something for everyone.

We even have compression clothing that will help improve performance, without sacrificing comfort.

Gift Cards

If you’re not too sure what equipment your loved one does and doesn’t have, but you know they would love to pick up some new gear, a gift card is a perfect solution!

Available at price points that range from $10 right through to $100 plus, a gift card is a great stocking filler, Kris Kringle gift or a special present for under the tree.

Gear Bags

When you’re practising any form of martial arts, or simply hitting the gym, there’s a good chance you’ll be carrying a lot of your equipment and a change of clothes with you. This is why any sporting aficionado needs a gear bag.

If you’ve noticed your loved one is carting around an old bag, or one that’s not big enough for all of their stuff, why not solve their transportation woes by buying them one of our gear bags for Christmas?

We’ve got a range of the best brands, including Adidas, Everlast and Asics, all of which come in varying sizes and styles.

Books, DVDs and CDs

Instructional books and DVDs, and meditation CDs are perfect for anyone who needs a few workout pointers but want to stay in the privacy of their home, or people who like to listen to some calming music when they go to bed.

We’ve got a comprehensive selection of books, DVDs and CDs online that are filled with useful tips and advice that will prove invaluable to people of all skill levels.

For more Christmas gift inspiration, be sure to visit our online store – your one-stop martial arts equipment and supplies store.

In 2016, the number of violent crimes in Australia rose for the first time in six years. The crimes recorded by Australian police encompass everything from homicides and kidnappings, to sexual assaults and unlawful entry with intent.

Over this period, the number of sexual assaults recorded in Australia rose from 21,948 victims in 2015 to 23,052 victims in 2016, while the number of robbery victims rose by 5 per cent, with 9,403 victims in 2016.

Given these alarming figures, it’s not hard to see how learning martial arts isn’t just beneficial to your health and well-being, it’s also a great way to build up the strength and skills you need to protect yourself.

Here, we look at four popular types of martial arts that can be used for self-defence purposes.

Muay Thai / Kickboxing

Kickboxing is a relatively broad term that covers almost anything that involves punching and kicking, while Muay Thai is a more distinct version of Kickboxing.

The centuries-old practice of Muay Thai comes from Thailand and uses moves that involve knee and elbow strikes, as well as moves that use your feet and fists and a stand-up grappling technique that’s commonly referred to as ‘clinch’.

Is it for You?

If you’re flexible, things will be easier for you getting started, especially when you’re getting used to the kicks. It’s also great if you enjoy competing, while in terms of self-defence it falls somewhere in the middle of the scale of practicality.

KravMaga

The Hebrew translation of KravMaga is ‘battle contact’, which is a fairly accurate description of this martial arts technique. Developed by the Israeli Defense Force with the intention of implementing it in real-life combat situations, this technique encompasses everything from punching, kicking and throwing. KravMaga will also teach you how to disarm an attacker, with tools like rubber knives and guns making an appearance.

Is it for You?

KravMaga training involves a lot of intense workouts and drills and lets you take advantage of what’s usually considered dirty tactics in martial arts, including kicks to the groin and eye pokes. You’ll need to have strong joints, and be okay with lots of contact (prepare to leave training with bruises). Competing isn’t really an option with KravMaga, but it’s an excellent form of self-defence.

Jiu-Jitsu

The main point of Jiu-Jitsu is get your opponent into a submission hold that either knocks them out, or puts them in so much pain that they have to submit. This form of fighting is common in UFC fighting and encompasses a ground-based grappling technique that first came into prominence in the early 1900s.

Is it for You?

From a sporting and fitness perspective, you can’t go past Jiu-Jitsu. In terms of self-defence, if you have space issues, it might not be the best option for you, and precautions will need to be taken, as it can be dangerous to both yourself and your attacker when in an unsupervised environment. However, it’s a handy skill to have up your sleeve.

Tae Kwon Do

Hailing from Korea, Tae Kwon Do is one of the broadest forms of martial arts. Attacks include punches, kicks and throws and it’s so popular, it’s even an Olympic sport.

Is it for You?

Drills and sparring are the name of the game in training, but cardiovascular exercises and breaking stuff with your hands and feet also plays a big role. There’s plenty of opportunity to compete, but you will need to invest in a large amount of martial arts supplies.

Once you’ve decided which type of martial arts you want to take up, check out our range of martial arts equipment online www.giri.com.au, which includes everything from martial arts weapons to clothing and equipment.

Modern day karate is only about 200 years old, however, its roots date as far back as 17^th century Japan. Sadly, little is known about the early origins of karate, however, it can be traced back to its first known appearance in Okinawa (a Japanese island in the East China Sea), thousands of years ago.

What is Karate?

Karate is a form of Japanese martial arts that is practiced as a sport across the world, however, as we delve further into its history, you’ll see how important its teachings are on a social and cultural level, as well as fitness.

This oriental system of unarmed combat takes a lot of dedication to master, as it uses the hands and feet to deliver and block blows. It also encompasses moral and spiritual connotations, which will be discussed in more detail a little later on.

Where did it Originate?

There’s much speculation over the origins of karate, however, it’s believed that Bodhidharma, often referred to, as ‘Daruma’ in Japan is believed to be the source for most martial arts styles. It’s believed this Buddhist Monk, who taught Zen Buddhism, also introduced a systemised set of exercises that were designed to strengthen the mind and body. Allegedly, these exercises sparked the beginning of the Shaolin style of temple boxing.

These teachings would later become the basis of most martial art styles practiced out of China and Japan.

To get a little more specific, Daruma spent many years practicing and sharing these exercises that would later be known as the martial art, karate. This indigenous form of closed fist fighting was developed in Okinawa and was called ‘Te’ or ‘Hand’. During this time period, there were a number of weapon bans imposed on the Okinawans, which resulted in a refinement of empty-hand techniques. This is why there is very little information on the early days of karate, as people were usually forced to practice in private and there are no official records detailing any ‘karate-style’ events.

The art of karate developed over time, as visiting nobles and travel merchants influenced many of the emerging forms of martial arts.

As karate began to spread, it was adopted and adapted by the people in three Okinawan cities, Shuri, Naha and Tomari. These would later become two main types of karate, Shorin-ryu and Shorei-ryu. It’s believed that Shorin-ryu involved quick, linear and natural breathing, while Shorei-ryu emphasised steady, rooted movements with breathing in synchrony with each movement.

Despite the physical aspects of karate, its practice also involves aspects of everyday life, including scholastic endeavours, behaviour and humanity as observed in daily life. This comprises karate’s moral and spiritual connotations.

Flash forward to the present and there are now four main types of karate that are practiced in Asia and across the Western world; Goju-ryu, Shito-ryu, Shotokan and Wado-ryu.

Whether you’re a seasoned karate fighter or are just starting out, Giri Martial Arts Supplies has all of the martial arts equipment you need to expand your karate skills. Visit our online store today!

Have you ever thought about taking up boxing, or at the very least, incorporating it into your workout?

If boxing isn’t already part of your exercise routine, it’s worth looking at adding it, as boxing comes with countless health and fitness benefits that will improve your strength and fitness, as well as your overall health and wellbeing.

Improved Cardiovascular Health/Fitness

We all know that cardio is essential for protecting yourself against heart disease, and to maintain your overall health and fitness. But, did you know that cardio doesn’t have to mean pounding the pavement for hours on end?

Boxing is an excellent form of exercise that challenges your body into making physiologic changes that accommodate higher levels of exercise. As long as you keep your heart rate up during your session, there’s no reason why you can’t kick and punch your way to a healthier you!

Enhanced Total Body Strength

During a boxing session, your upper body, lower body, and core will engage as you punch and kick the bag. You can also increase the intensity of your workout and how demanding it is on your muscles by incorporating strength training moves into your boxing session. It’s not uncommon for boxers to do squats, planks, push ups and weighted medicine ball exercises in between punches and kicks.

Stress Relief

The psychological benefits of boxing are aplenty, as punching a boxing bag is a great way to release any pent up tension, frustration, and anger. You can release any feelings of concern or negativity in a safe, controlled environment, leaving you feeling calm and relaxed afterwards.

Refined Hand-Eye Coordination

Hand-eye coordination is something most us don’t really put much thought into. But did you know that people with good hand-eye coordination tend to have faster reflexes and reaction times, plus better physical coordination as a whole?

Improved hand-eye coordination is particularly beneficial later in life when coordination and balance become compromised. This is because boxing can help you improve your balance, which will in turn lower your risk of falls.

Boxing improves your hand eye coordination because it trains you to see a target, react to it, and hit it, all while the target is constantly moving and changing positions.

Burn Fat, While Increasing Muscle Mass

Boxing is a form of high intensity interval training (HIIT), so it effectively burns calories while you’re training, and will continue to do so for several hours after your training session has ended.

If you’re after a toned physique, boxing is the way to go. Not only will regular boxing increase your strength and stamina, it will also condition the muscles in your arms and shoulders, as well as your abs, so your fat will start to convert to muscle. You’ll also notice that the muscle gained through boxing is often leaner than muscle built through weight lifting, as the exercise is fast and repetitive, rather than slow and intense.

If you want to incorporate boxing into your workout, but don’t have all of the essential gear, check out our comprehensive range of boxing equipment here!

One of our favourite forms of martial arts at the moment is stick fighting. This term is used to reference the different types of martial arts styles from around the world that use sticks in their combat techniques.

From ‘intonga’, an ancient stick fighting martial art that is practiced in South Africa to ‘Canne de combat’ in France, plus many more from across the globe, stick fighting is a phenomenon that has been adopted by cultures from across the world. However, some of the most widespread forms of stick fighting originate from the Fillipino Martial Arts systems, including:

• Kali
• Arnis
• Modern Arnis
• Escrima

Stick Fighting as Self Defence

Stick fighting is commonly used as part of self-defence training. This is because it’s referred to as a form of ‘equaliser’, as wielding a stick makes it easier if you come up against multiple attackers. Sticks are also quite light to wield, yet heavy enough to inflict harm if necessary. A stick is also sturdy enough to deflect weapons, such as knifes.

When used correctly, a martial arts stick can be an excellent tool for both fitness and self-defence, giving you the means you need to surprise any attacker.

Stick Combat Ranges

When mastering the ancient skill of stick fighting, one must learn to wield their stick at an attacker from various distances.

Long Range Stick Combat

This is the furthest you can stand from your assailant when using a stick, as it’s far enough away that you will only be able to strike your opponents hand with your stick.

 Mid Range Stick Combat

An intermediate fighting range, this is when you’ll be able to strike your opponent’s head, arms and body with your stick.

 Close Quarter Stick Combat

As the name suggests, this is when you’re up close to your opponent, and you can fight them off with the butt of your stick using a variety of elbow, knee, and head strikes.

Learning Stick Fighting

Like any other form of martial arts, your local community will have a training centre or martial arts school where you can learn to master the art of stick fighting.

Many of these classes will offer beginner’s training, and won’t require you to be super fit – so they’re perfect for if you’re just starting out. Intermediate and advanced classes should also be available – just check with the class supplier before you enrol.

Anyone can learn to fight with a stick, so regardless of your age gender, or fitness level, you can join in the fun.

Stick Fighting Equipment

 At GIRI Martial Arts Supplies, we stock a range of bo’s and sticks that will ensure you’re learning stick fighting with the highest quality equipment.

From a Bo Rattan with Skin 35mm+ to a Bo 72”x19-25mm Tapered Red Oak, or a rattan Stick with Skin 26”, we’ve got you covered! We also have Joe Varady’s book, The Art and Science of Staff Fighting, available, which will guide you through everything you need to know about this dynamic combat method.

As the largest martial arts supply store in Western Australia, we’ve got everything you need to improve your martial arts training.

With the increasing popularity of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Perth, Australia, and the world… we’ve become accustomed to hearing comments from our customers at Giri Martial Arts Supplies that assume to the fact Jiu-Jitsu originates from Brazil.

This is not the case.

Jiu-Jitsu ‘officially’ originates from Japan, as a Japanese form of martial arts… though the history of these things is all somewhat clouded, as many Japanese martial arts have Chinese influence somewhere along the line… with arguments for the origins of Karate and Kung-Fu also open to debate.

However, for arguments sake… the general rule of thumb is:

• Kung-Fu – Chinese
• Jiu-Jitsu – Japanese
• Karate – (Okinawan) Japanese

With both Jiu-Jitsu and Karate, although influenced and potentially derived from Chinese martial arts techniques, having had enough time and influence to be considered fundamental styles of their own.

Japanese Karate is an offshoot of (Okinawan) Karate… Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an offshoot of (Japanese) Judo… which in itself is the daughter art of (Japanese) Jiu-Jitsu.

It can all get a little confusing…

What we can say with certainty is that Jiu-Jitsu did definitely not originate in Brazil – with popular Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu being a 19th century adaptation of Judo… which like it’s parent martial art, distinguishes itself from older forms of Japanese Jiu-Jitsu in one important way:

It is both a martial art and sport, often used as a method for promoting physical fitness, competition and character building amongst young people.

Luckily for us – as martial arts has comfortably spread to all corners of the globe, we can all enjoy the benefits of practise, regardless of location.

Here at Giri Martial Arts supply, we stock a large range of traditional and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu equipment and accessories – Chinese Kung Fu and Tai Chi essentials – and Karate supplies… all available from our Cannington shop, and shipped locally throughout Perth and WA, and nationally all across Australia.

For further information or enquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact the martial arts professionals at Giri.

The benefits martial arts brings to those on the Autism spectrum is well known by those of us in the martial arts community… and has also gained a lot of research and media attention in recent years.

A 2010 study conducted by the University of Wisconsin officially confirmed that martial arts and autism go well together – with autistic children noticeably improving in physical coordination, as well as self-esteem and social skills.

“You’ll read about these children trying martial arts based on recommendations of a parents support network, but there hadn’t been a science to back it up (until now!),” said John Greany, University of Wisconsin Professor of physical therapy, and Father to a son with autism spectrum disorder.

The benefits of a positive relationship between martial arts and autism that children and their families have recognised include:

Physical

Martial arts practice has been proven to improve the motor skills of those on the autism spectrum, an area that many autistic children struggle with. The ‘motor planning’ involved in martial arts (an instructed cue for a pre-determined action) accesses the areas of the brain that are used for motor skills development.

On top of this, studies conducted by the University of Isfahan found that the repetitive motions involved in learning martial arts help to regulate the frequency in repetitive motion (Stereotpy) that affects the lives of children of autism spectrum disorder.

Mental

One of the hardest challenges faced by children on the autism spectrum is the lack of confidence and self-esteem. Famous stories such as Hunter Vance’s and Ethan Fineshriber’s (who became a Martial Arts World Champion) are examples of the important role martial arts has played in the development of confidence and self-esteem for these children.

Social

Perhaps most difficult of all challenges faced by children on the autism spectrum, tying in to both physical and mental development… is of course fitting in socially.

Martial arts classes are an excellent forum for social development. They require constant interaction between teacher and student, as well as between classmates, with many tasks requiring partnerships or group involvement.

These constant social interactions within a controlled environment offer children of autism spectrum disorder opportunities to develop their social skills, and grow in social confidence and awareness – an important part of a healthy lifestyle for all children.

At Giri, as active member in the martial arts community and Perth’s leading retailer in martial arts supplies, we are extremely proud to play a role in the development of all people who draw benefits from the practice of martial arts… and are passionate about spreading the word of these benefits.

We love to hear your stories about the benefits that you or someone you know has drawn from the practice of martial arts, and encourage you to start a conversation that may touch others in need!

Whether you’re looking to lay some gym flooring, kit out a small grappling area, or furnish a large exercise, training or martial arts facility, Giri have the quality interlocking jigsaw floor mats you need… but if you’re serious about the operation, we’re sure you’ll have a few questions! We hope these help…

1. What are your jigsaw mats made from?

Our jigsaw mats are made from high density Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, or EVA – an elastomeric polymer that produces a rubber-like material, extremely popular in martial arts, exercise or gym flooring for its impact resilience and durability.

2.  Are there different qualities for EVA Jigsaw Mats?

Yes, EVA jigsaw mats can have different degrees of hardness. Our EVA floor mats are 40% Shore A, which is a high quality, and recommended for all sorts of martial arts purposes, as it absorbs high impacts well, whilst being firm enough to guarantee stability and comfort under pressure of moving feet.

3. What are jigsaw mats used for?

Jigsaw mats are multipurpose, used for a whole range of applications where protection from falls is critical, but also stability underfoot is required – such as Gym Floor Mats, Exercise Rooms, Fitness Areas, and Gymnastic Flooring, and of course for Martial Arts Flooring, as:

– Boxing Mats
– MMA Mats
– BJJ Mats
– Judo Mats
– Wrestling Mats
– JiuJitsu Mats
– Hapkido Mats
– Kick Boxing Mats
– Aikido Mats
– Karate Mats
– Taekwondo Mats
– Wing Chun Mats

4. Why Jigsaw Mats?

EVA Jigsaw Mats are popular for their durability, comfortable underfoot and cost effectiveness. They are long-lasting industrial strength style floor mats, that are compact, light, easy to install and flexible.

For martial arts purposes, EVA Jigsaw Mats are preferred because they absorb high impact, are easy on your skin, soften takedowns and falls, whilst remaining firm enough for complete stability underfoot, and come with a firm textured surface for grip. They are also easy to clean, waterproof, and non-slip.

5. How are EVA Jigsaw Mats fitted?

They work as interlocking floor mats, locking together with the jigsaw pattern on the edge, no glue, no Velcro, no adhesive required. The interlocking allows any size to be fitted together to fit a small or large area, and ensures optimal stability across the adjoining edges. Giri’s jigsaw mats come with three edges per mat.

6. What thickness are they?

EVA Jigsaw Mats come in a variety of thicknesses, but the industry standards for Martial Arts purposes is 20mm or 40mm – of which Giri stock both. Thickness can be decided by personal preference and purpose, but generally speaking:

– 20mm (2cm) floor mats are more suited to upright forms of martial arts, such as Karate, Taekwondo and Kick Boxing.

– 40mm (4cm) floor mats are more suited to grappling and floor-based martial arts, such as Judo, JiuJitsu and Wrestling.

7. What colours do they come in?

Keeping in line with the industry standard colours for Martial Arts, red, blue or black, Giri’s Jigsaw floor mats come in two colour combinations – red/blue flip, and black/blue flip.

8. Are there different patterns on the mats?

Yes, Giri’s EVA Jigsaw Mats come in either cross finish or tatami finish patterns – which both provide a non-abrasive, non-slip surface, with just the right amount of grip that wont slow down movements

9. How are the mats cleaned?

EVA Jigsaw Mats can be washed easily with non-bleach detergents and no harmful chemicals, using a soft cloth, soft mop or sponge.

10. What should not be done with these mats?

Although EVA floor mats are strong and durable, some regulations need to be adhered to ensure long-lasting use.

– Do not leave any sharp or heavy items on the mats
– Do not expose to extreme weather conditions
– These mats are for indoor use only
– Mats should be used either barefoot or using non-marking martial arts or wrestling shoes

For further information or enquiries about the EVA Jigsaw Mats we sell at Giri Martial Arts Supply, please contact us today. All our Jigsaw Mats are available online.