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I posted an article a while back on the Herman Digital Trainer and the DVD set, Fit to Defend, that is shipped with the HDT.  The Herman Interactive Training System consists of a control device, sensor, and software programs that measures time and g force impact upon a target that the sensor is affixed to. With this information it can measure power and speed for single and multiple strikes and track this information over a period of time.

I integrated the use of the device into my training on a weekly basis. It was a lot of fun to use and turned just about any work out into a competition. The interface took a bit of getting used to especially since we were only using it on a weekly basis and not quite enough to fully familiarize ourselves with the user interface. There were a few down sides to the product though that kept us from realizing its full potential. The first one was that it ate through batteries. Even when not in use it would tend to drain the batteries. We tried to always remove the batteries when not in use, as the instructions recommended, but we wouldn't always remember to do this, so the next time we would go to use it, the batteries would be dead. The other down side was that it didn't have any way to specify a specific user so if you are working out with someone else, your scores and their scores are all stored in a log together. So, you either have to write down your scores if you want to keep a history (not really that difficult), or offload the log file to a computer before switching users (probably more effort than it is worth). Now if you are a professional (you would be the sole focus of your training) or strict amateur (you don't care to keep that detailed of records) then this probably isn't a big deal to you, but if you are somewhere in between then it could be.

The last big issue that we had with it was that we had to learn to strike and hold targets in a specific way. This was specifically bad with the WaveMaster. The problem was that sometimes it would record the rocking of the bag as a second strike. This meant that the spotter had to hold the target in such a way that it could move enough to register the hit, but not enough so that the targets rebound would cause a second recording of a strike. Alternatively we would have to focus our strikes in such a way as to penetrate the target just enough to deliver our blow, but not so much as to cause the target to rock. This isn't necessarily a bad thing as control is very important in the martial arts, but it was something that we had to get used to.

You may notice that I am speaking in the past tense. This is because one day the device just stopped working. It no longer would record strikes coming from the sensor. I don't know if it was the sensor that went out or the device itself. Although it was a great device, I didn't want to order a second sensor if the device itself was bad and I had no way to test which part of the system had went out. Ultimately it ended up setting on a shelf and forgotten about. Until today. Today I received the following email from Garri Productions, the makers of the HDT...

Garri Productions is pleased to announce that the modified Herman controller starts shipping next week. This new Herman drastically improves the life of the 2 AA batteries. You no longer need to take the batteries out when not using Herman or replace them on a frequent basis. With our improved power firmware, the batteries in Herman will last many months. We will replace your existing Herman with the improved version for free. Simply send us an e-mail with your request and we'll provide instructions for the switch. We're also pleased to tell you that the latest operating system 1.03.09 is now available for download from our site, as are 23 updated workouts, updated instructions, a VISTA download, and a detailed list of the features included in the new operating system. As always, if you ever have any questions, please let us know. Thanks, Gary

Needless to say, I will be sending mine in for an upgrade. If I get it back and it still doesn't work then I won't hesitate to order another sensor or two for the new unit. Sweet!

Originally posted on phildavis.vox.com

As a ten year veteran of the martial arts, people are always coming to me for advice. One of the big questions I always get hit with is what all is required to practice the martial arts. The short answer is a positive mental attitude and a large scoop of persistence. But what people are really asking is how much is it going to cost me and what all equipment do I need to buy. Again, the short answer is that you don't need to buy anything assuming you can find a teacher that teaches for the love of it and not to put food on the table. In reality though if you really love the sport you will want to buy everything related to it.

The cost for attending a dojo will vary from city to city and has doubled in the past ten years. A good rule of thumb is to compare the cost per class with classes taught at other schools, not only martial art schools but universities, colleges, language institutes, YMCA classes, and other long term training centers. You will have to call around and it may be hard to get price estimates in some cases. Many martial arts studios will not give you a price until after two or more introductory lessons. I highly recommend taking the introductory lessons but be forewarned that the instructors are also business men and desperately want your business so when they give you a price they may try to give you a high pressure sale with so much off if you sign now, be sure to look around at several studios before deciding on one. Also the type of facilities will vary and this will need to be taken into consideration when comparing prices.

You will also need to ask the instructor what other fees are involved and how much you will need to anticipate over the first year. Many instructors fail to inform prospective students of incidental fees until after a contract is signed. These fees may include belt exams, protective gear, uniforms, tournament registrations, and other learning materials such as books and videos.

I highly recommend having at least two uniforms. A uniform can usually be worn to two classes before the smell is too overwhelming, but that is with a day of airing out. If classes are too close together, if laundry isn't done regularly, or if one uniform gets damaged then you will need a backup.

Sparing equipment is a necessity for some schools, your instructor will let you know what equipment is required and what is optional. You can check several sites on the web for prices of sparing equipment.

Books can be nice to have but usually aren't directly related to training at the early levels. At first there will be plenty of information presented in class for you to absorb. If, however, you do come across an introductory book for your style of martial arts then I would recommend picking it up as a supplement to the class. A good book would include warm up exercises, all the basic moves for your style and dos and don'ts related to each move, a list of required Kata and step by step instructions for performing those Kata.

Videos are highly recommended, they can be like having the instructor in your own home. They are especially important for learning Katas and can increase the learning curve exponentially. What would take weeks of classes can now be done in an afternoon of training. Although tapes can't correct your stance, technique, or timing, they can get you started with the general pattern of the Kata which can be the most frustrating for students to learn. Once the pattern is down, you can then concentrate on the details. Don't go overboard with buying media though, at first stick with videos that your instructor recommends.Video instruction from different styles will only confuse the beginner and possibly hurt the students overall form. Master one video, and then move on to the next.

	Deodorant - If you don't smell before class, you will during it so a little deodorant will help you smell as good as you can.
Baby Powder - A little bottle of baby powder applied after deodorant can help you stay dry a bit longer and make class just a little more pleasant.
	Fingernail Clippers - You always want to be well groomed during class, you don't want to get to class after vacation and realize your toenails are now doubling as runway strips. You also want to be prepared for hangnails or loose skin which may need to be cut.
Hand Lotion - You will find most dojos have a carpeted floor, for those you will want to apply hand lotion to both your feet and hands. The hand lotion on your hands is to make your opponent in grapples more comfortable, the hand lotion for your feet will keep your feet looking their best over time and minimize rug burn. If you are lucky enough to attend a dojo with a hardwood floor then you may want to use hand lotion after class or add a little baby powder to the feet after applying the hand lotion before class. This will allow you to slide on the wood surface instead of stopping abruptly during maneuvers. You may need to experiment to find out what works best for you.
Towel - After class you will be wet and it will not be water. Once in the changing room you will want to strip down to your underwear and cool down for thirty seconds or so. Remove the sweat with the towel before getting dressed, this will help you smell your best for the rest of the day. If your facilities have a shower and/or sink you may also want to bring a wash rag to wash down with. Showering after class isn't usually necessary and sometimes doesn't help any more than toweling off due to the fact that you will probably be in a hurry to wash and once you are out your body will still be sweating leaving you where you began. Just remember you have the deodorant and baby powder to help.
Aspirin - There is nothing worse than getting to class and having a headache. If you occasionally get headaches or body aches be sure to bring something along that is fairly fast acting. I recommend aspirin as it is also especially good for the circulatory system.
	Small Medical Kit - Few things are worse than a paper cut without a bandage. Be prepared for minor injuries during workouts and even for injuries that may have went untreated before a workout.
Sports Cream - Especially useful when you are first getting into shape. Sports creams are a good alternative to oral remedies for relieving minor muscle aches and pains. They can also help with body odder after a workout.
	Sports Tape - Used to support an injured part of the body, to reduce strain on muscles, tendons and joints and to suppress or reduce swelling by providing localized compression. It can provide firm support and help protect weak and/or injured joints. Not only does it help against injuries and sprains, but it also helps against those nasty rug burns that you may experience in some carpeted (ugh!) dojos. Also doubles as an emergency bandage!

General Information

Title: Ninja: Shadowhand
Author: Dr. Haha Lung & Christopher Prowant
Format: Large format (5.5"x8.5") Paperback
Publisher: Citadel Press Kensington
Publication Date: 2000
Pages: 149
ISBN: 0-8065-2607-6
Price: $13

Summary

Ninjas, pirates, robots, and monkeys. Of these the book only covers the former and the later briefly. When I have thought of ninjas I have usually thought of the mystical term used to describe ancient warriors who had super human abilities. This book gives a brief history of the ninja and an overview of what brought them into being. It broadens the term ninja to also include their counterparts from around the world in both historic and modern times. The book includes a very brief overview of the nine training halls of ninjutsu that includes unarmed combat, combat with wooden weapons, combat with blade weapons, combat with flexible weapons, specialized combat training, the art of disguise, the art of espionage, the art of escape and evasion, and the art of mysticism. It also covers the basics of human sight and how the ninja can use that knowledge towards the quest for invisibility. The book also covers some fighting techniques of ninjutsu, the basic philosophies and credo of the ninja. One interesting thing that the book pointed out was that the ninja would often work as a team, with each individual offering some specialty to the group. Now after reading the book, one of the closest counterparts that I think of is the Navy Seals and the Survival Escape Resistance and Evasion (SERE) program.

High Points

• The Basics of Seeing

• Disguising Weapons

• The Dancing Hand Blind

• The Bibliography

Low Points

• The entire chapter on the quest for invisibility

• No index.

The Scores

Presentation (2.8 out of 4.2): The presentation is so so. The book is a nice size but the white/red/black cover makes it look a bit cheep. I actually had trouble when I first picked it up determining if it was a serious martial arts book or not. The back cover has very descriptive text of the contents of the book but parts of it are difficult to read due to the text on background color schemes, there are no less than 4 different schemes (white on black, black on red, white on black, and red on black).

Clarity (3.2 out of 4.2): The text is comprehensible and clear. The author writes in a very straight forward manner but gets bogged down at times. The chapter on invisibility is an example of this where a point never seems to be made and any real facts are left by the wayside.

Structure (4 out of 4.2): The structure of the book is very good. The book is broken out into 2 parts with a total of seven chapters plus an introduction, conclusion and bibliography. The book is short enough that I will not dock it for lacking an index and chapter summaries, but I would like to see more books offer these.

Examples (3.8 out of 4.2): There are many examples throughout the book which are shown through pictorials along with footnotes. These include Taisavaki-jutsu (Art of Avoidance/camoflage), Ukemi (methods of movement), Daikentaijutsu (striking), Jutaijutsu (grappling), and Kobudo-Jutsu (weapons use). The only draw back I saw was in the methods of movement section where the author chose the use of a direction diamond to show and describe movement. "To help students visualize the methods/directions of movement, shadowhand instructors use a numbered nine-sectioned diamond shape consisting of nine approximately 1-foot squares drawn on the dojo floor." Although the author attempts to explain this diamond in detail, I still had trouble picturing the correct flow of movement using this method.

Exercises (2 out of 4.2): This book is geared towards the history, philosophy and techniques of the ninja and does not contain any significant information on exercises that would help one perfect ninjutsu techniques. A chapter on how ninja practitioners trained and exercises they did may have been helpful.

Completeness (2 out of 4.2): This book is just a bare introduction to the ninja. There is so much more information that could have been included. I could see the author separating out the information in this book and combining it with some of his other books (he has published more than a dozen books on the martial arts) and creating a set of nine books... one for each of the Nine Training Halls. This book focuses mostly on unarmed combat, the art of disguise, and the art of mysticism. But it is not long enough to give even one of these halls justice.

Editing (4.1 out of 4.2): The editing was well done. I found only one minor flaw in the book on first reading.

Entertainment (3.2 out of 4.2): Unlike other books on the martial arts, this book was quite enjoyable in places. The imagery dispersed throughout the book made for an enjoyable diversion to the text and helped make the book a very quick read.

Value (2.9 out of 4.2): At $13 this book is fairly inexpensive but it doesn't contain a lot of information that I will ever need to go back and reference. I would suggest skipping this book in favor of some of Dr. Lungs other books on the subject. If you enjoy them then you may want to come back a revisit this book.

Overall (2.8 out of 4.2): Overall this was a decent book despite first impressions. It gave me a little more respect for the ninja and helped demystify them just a bit. It highlighted their interaction with the Samurai of their time and their ability to work in teams.

"Ninja: Shadowhand" receives a very respectable 29.8 out of a possible 42.

Additional Notes and Comments

"Avoid being seen... Seen, avoid capture... Captured, avoid being held." - Not only was this the credo of the shinobi ninja of medieval Japan, it is also what the modern day SERE program teaches.

"Life is only 10 percent what happens to us. The other 90 percent is how we respond to what happens to us." - Dr. Haha Lung

"How we respond to the curve balls life hurls at us depends in great part on how much 'sweat equity' we've invested into prior study - into acquiring those skills and mastering those arts necessary for turning stumbling blocks into stepping stones and, when necessary, sticks into swords." - Dr. Haha Lung upon elaboration of the saying ki kara saru mo ochiru (even monkeys fall out of trees).

Originally posted on phildavis.vox.com

• I check to see if the book is in audio format. If it is I get it and listen to the entire book all the way through at least once.
• If Cliff Notes are available I will pick these up as well for additional coverage.
• A week before the exam I read the material that the exam will cover, I will also locate and listen to the audio portion if available. During this reading I do not take notes.
• I then go back over the material and locate the main topics. I filter out any topics that I know are not pertinent to the course. Pertinent ideas I write down in outline form (though Concept Mapping(2) may work better for some), trying to keep entire ideas in a compressed and paraphrased notation. After each entry I make sure to write down the page where the idea is expressed for quick reference. I also make sure to label each section with the title and number of the chapter. This helps when reviewing the material in class. If the material wasn't dictated by the class I make sure to record bibliographic information as well.
• I type these up into a very readable document that I can print out if needed or keep on my PDA.
• I review these notes once per day before the exam, this is just a quick read through for repetition (similar to the way I maintain Karate techniques).
• If time permits I read through the material one last time.

Originally posted on phildavis.vox.com

Originally posted on phildavis.vox.com