After hanging out with a number of old friends at seminars who have recently lost a few pounds, and toned up, I've decided that I need to get healthier too... or at least "lose the gut!" I found something that IS working for me, and shared it in an email to my ezine earlier today... without mentioning that this is what I'm actually doing. Anyway, since filters may have blocked a few emails, I wanted to post that note here too: Here is is: Git Off The Couch I'm going to warn you right now, the topic of this e-mail is a bit outside of the ones you usually get from me... And it's a bit long-winded too, but that should just tell you how important I consider the subject... See, here at Limitless Marketing we usually discuss products and services that will help you grow your businesses, and generate killer revenues and profits too. Well, this new service from my friend Glenn Grundberg and his partner Joshua Morris is really NO different. Here's what I mean. As marketers, we sometimes get caught up in the daily whirlwind of marketing and forget one simple truth: It doesn't matter HOW much you make if you're not able to enjoy it! That's why I felt it was so important to get this e-mail to you. Glenn and Josh have developed a powerful and exciting new plan- called Personal Distance Training (PDT)- to Rapidly strip off weight (or put it on, if that's what you need!), and get you fitter and healthier...looking and feeling better...with more energy and stamina than you've felt in years... And do it painlessly, in just minutes a day- and from the comfort of your own home or office! http://TheRealSecrets.com/IronStrongFitness/ At Iron Strong Fitness, they have leveraged their insider knowledge and experience as top-rated, certified and licensed Personal Fitness Trainers... Into an incredible online platform and fitness membership of a scope and quality usually reserved only for celebrities or the very wealthy. Here's how it works: When you join the Iron Strong PDT program, you will be given a powerful set of fitness and weight loss tools, including: * An Exhaustive Fitness Library chock-full of vital health, diet, and workout articles including my favorite, the "15 minute Fat Blaster" ;-)... * Full access to an incredible Video Library of over 100 workout routines and exercises that will show you proper form and safe techniques to explode your results... * Member's ONLY forums keyed to your training level where you will personally interact with not only Iron Strong's Top Trainers, but also Glenn, Josh and Brittany- the guys who TRAIN the trainers... * And much, much more... But the REAL power of this sensational program is this: When you become an Iron Strong Client, you will be assigned to a Real, Live Human. Your Very Own Personal Trainer! Think of what your pals are going to say when you drop THAT one on them at the next gathering ;-) Yup- unlike other online "fitness mills", Iron Strong Fitness Hand-Crafts EVERY client's exercise prescriptions, diet prescriptions and exercise regimens individually-meticulously basing them on each individual client's personal body type, goals, and health history, among other critical factors. Then, once you have your prescriptions and regimens, it doesn't stop there- these guys refuse to just dump you in your living room or on a gym floor somewhere with your prescription print-out clutched in your hot little hand... Oh no- in fact it's just the beginning. You will have a connection to your Trainer via a Secure and Private Messaging System, where you can contact them any time you like- to get answers to your questions, share your concerns, and celebrate your Triumphs! And here's the kicker- while you can contact them any time you like: via PM, on the forums, or even by toll free call if you are in the US or Canada, or Skype if you're not... You may not have to...They are gonna call YOU. That's correct- once you're on the program, you are FAR from forgotten- in fact they claim they are not going to LET you fail. And they back that up with their Iron Strong Guarantee, too. Look- fitness doesn't just happen to you. High energy, the feeling of power, and the satisfaction of looking great doesn't just come over you like magic. There is a bit of effort required. But if you make that effort, the benefits to your health and strength will spill over into Every Area Of Your Life... Even your marketing! So Git Off The Couch, and I'll see you inside :-) Oh, I almost forgot: As a special favor to me, Glenn (who happens to be a TIMIC member :) has agreed to offer you, my valued subscribers, an *exclusive rate* on this phenomenal new membership. You won't find this ANYWHERE else but Right Here, Right Now. Just use coupon code WillieC (case sensitive) at checkout for a nice discount ;-) This link will be good for three days ONLY, until 11:59:59 PM on 5/4/08 so don't delay: save over 30% off the normal rate before Glenn puts the price back to normal and launches this incredible service to the public. http://TheRealSecrets.com/IronStrongFitness/ How Strong Do YOU Want To Be? Willie Crawford PS - The available slots are also limited- due to the insane level of personal service they are offering, they want to make darn sure they have everything just so, and they aren't willing to compromise on quality one little bit, so get over there Right Now and secure your spot! PPS - If by some chance you get this late and miss the boat, don't despair- Glenn and Josh have set up a registered membership that will allow you to benefit from a lot of the resources without the personal training component and some of the premium content while you wait for a spot to become available, so register today. http://TheRealSecrets.com/IronStrongFitness/

Ok! Time in my specific path in life to take on another Martial artto better hone my own skills and Develop My own style. (One hopes)Per Shaolin GongFu Tradition you take on seperate styles.Now these can be other Shaolin Styles however I seek to better understandMartial Arts as a whole and hope my self as well.As such I've decided to branch out into another Martial art all together.Though similar to Shaolin GongFu (it is a Complete Martial Art), it has differenceon their own.I already have practiced shequan for many many years.As well as Dianxue and Chin Na.SO!My Question to everyone to which I hope to receive and AnswerDoes anyone know of Kuk Sool Won - from a personal perspective.I can research it all I want, however I'd very much like others perspective on it.Hope it's not so bold of a QuestionAnywayBe Good , Lemme know Thanks

Here's a nice testimonial that I recently got from a customer after he read my biography. It's both heart-warming and humbling... "Willie, In my 40 some years I have had the opportunity to read many popular "self help" books, such as Psyco-Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz, MD and Dan Kennedy, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill and the Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason. While I must admit I gained a tremendous magnitude of knowledge from each of these books; none of them have moved me as much as "Git Off The Porch." Your story of how you rose from poverty to prosperity is not only uplifting, but also a testimonial to anyone who has an ounce of will to succeed in this thing we call "Life." One may not be able to help the fact that they are born into a family of poverty. However, it is also a well known fact, as 'Git off the Porch" so clearly emphasizes, that you don't have to stay there. You can rise up higher if you have the willpower and desire to do so. Life has so many great things to offer if we are only willing to accept “the gift." Your dedication to your work, family and to God is something to be commended and I offer my utmost respect. Yes, there IS a reason that Willie Crawford is known as "The Most Honest Man In Internet Marketing." I especially related to your “Hit It, And Then Quit” theory. Although it’s something I have known for many years… I certainly needed that reminder. Thank you for sharing your life story with me, having read it... I feel an overwhelming sense of humbleness and know I have emerged a better man because of it. Congratulations on authoring such a well defined piece of work. All the best of success! Ronnie Bussey http://www.ronniebussey.com" You can check out the book that he liked so much at: http://GitOffThePorch.com Willie

I just launched the web site for our Kyokushin karate dojo in Ramat Gan, Israel. The site is in Hebrew, so it is probably of very little use for the majority of this community, but still... http://www.kyokushin.org.il/Update:The visual design of the site is not much, however we have at least one cool picture from the class we did on the roof of 48 store building (Azrieli).P.S. If anybody here runs Kyokushin related web site, I'd be glad to exchange links/banners - we are trying to increase our pagerank :)

Round Rock Bujinkan and the Bujinkan Ninjutsu Club at the University of Texas presentTogakure Ryū Ninpō Taijutsu Seminar with Shihan Rich Cearley Saturday and Sunday, April 26th and 27th, 2008 Overview: Shihan Rich Cearley will be covering Togakure Ryū Ninpō Taijutsu including the Santo Tonko no Kata, Shinobi Gaeshi Gata and Metsubushi.Instructor: Rich Cearley currently holds the rank of 10th Dan and resides in Houston, Texas. He has had the opportunity to train and learn with a variety of teachers including; Masaaki Hatsumi Soke, Nagato Sensei, Noguchi Sensei, Someya Sensei, Seno Sensei, Oguri Sensei, Shiraishi Sensei as well as non-Japanese teachers including Doron Navon, Bill Atkins, Brin Morgan and Natascha, Joeseph Adriance, Jack Hoban, Mark O'Brian, Greg Kowalski and others. Rich believes that while training at home and in seminars is important, it is also important to not overlook training regularly with Hatsumi Sensei and senior instructors in Japan so as to connect with the lineage and feeling. Date: Saturday and Sunday, April 26th and 27th, 2008 Time: Saturday, 10:00 to 6:00 PM Sunday, 9:00 to 1:00 PM Attire: Standard Bujinkan Uniform (gi, tabi, obi) or loose, comfortable clothing. Fee: $85 Location: Acrotex Gymnastics in Round Rock 708 Round Rock West Drive Round Rock, TX 78681 (512) 244-5437 www.acrotex.com Contact:John Hidalgo(512) 656-2836instructor@roundrockbujinkan.com

Product Launch Formula 2.0 is back on the market for another 24 hours My bonus package is still available during that 24 hours, then it's gone FOREVER! I simply cannot offer a solo mailing to 120,000 after this promotion is over. My business partners expect me to promote products that WE have jointly developed :-) As a reminder, my bonus package consists of: 1) A solo mailing to 120,000 2) A live 2-day seminar hosted by Frank Garon and myself in Atlanta, Georgia, May 17 - 18, 2008 3) Two 1-hour one-on-one consulting sessions. You may record the consulting sessions themselves and turn them into a product if you wish. To claim my Product Launch Formula Bonus, you need to: 1) Contact me via my helpdesk at: http://WillieCrawford.com/helpdesk/ to confirm that the product that you are planning on promoting is acceptable. I have to approve all offers to be promoted to my subscribers in advance. 2) Order via this link: http://www.productlaunchformula.com/?1724 Please let me know if you have any questions via my helpdesk. I get notified of tickets posted there instantly if you use the category "Personal For Willie." Please don't miss out on this once in a lifetime Product Launch Formula Bonus. Willie

 More photos here

I have heard a lot of negativity about the state of kyorugi (free sparring) in Taekwondo.  I also tend to believe that things have gone too far in the name of competition.  The rules of competition, and the way it is scored, have begun to change the nature of the martial art.  They have begun to ignore the finer points of the athletic kicks Taekwondo is known for, and have begun to make it about three kicks: round kick, back kick, and front leg fast kick.  Martial arts have always been about the basics.  If you can master the fundamentals, you can truly appreciate the deeper part of the martial art, but the "mastery" of these techniques has been for the sole purpose of winning in the realm of sport.  I thought this was a sort of disgrace, but the deeper I thought about it, the more I realized, this is the nature of Korean martial arts.The history of Korea is complicated by war and hostility, and this is what bore the natural competitive nature of Korean martial arts.  In the early periods of Korean history, the best warrior was chosen to be the king.  This is not uncommon, but the tradition in Korea lasted for an extremely long time.  Those with the greatest physical prowess were the ones chosen to be ruler, because they could protect the kingdom.  This has extended itself into the world of Taekwondo.Kyorugi literally means, "To see who is the best," and it cannot be applied to anything but Taekwondo competition.  This upholds the grand tradition of competition that has always been present in Korean martial arts.  This focus on discovering who is the best fighter is what distinguishes Korean martial arts from the others.  This is their signature if you will.  There is a perfection of mind, body, and spirit, but this is always tested in high level competition.  This is a necessary part of Taekwondo.  It is not a necessary part of Karate, nor is it a necessary part of modern Kung fu.  You can practice these martial arts, and never concentrate on competition.  This is not possible if you are to be a true practitioner of Taekwondo.  You must fight.  It is the nature of the martial art.  The Olympic competition has simply become an extension of a greater past that most fighters do not realize.  Although the kyorugi seems impractical by modern standards, it is an essential part of the Taekwondo identity, and in turn the Korean identity of Taekwondo.

Product Launch Formula & My Bonus Mailing To 120,000 Anticipated To Be Offered For Only A Few Hours! Today at 2pm EST, Jeff Walker launches his Product Launch Formula 2. Jeff only anticipates keeping it open for 6-8 hours because of the number people already on the waiting list, and due to the anticipated demand. My bonus when you buy Product Launch Formula 2.0 through my link is: 1) A solo mailing to 120,000 2) A live 2-day seminar hosted by Frank Garon and myself in Atlanta, Georgia 3) Two 1-hour one-on-one consulting sessions. This bonus package is actually valued at over $27,000 because the solo mailing is so rare, and can literally MAKE many businesses. Few other affiliate have a list of this size... something I've worked on for over a decade. I already have nearly 30 people who have indicated that they "plan on" buying PLF through my link. They've contacted me and some have tentatively locked in mailing dates. If my bonus package interest you, you need to read the full description at: http://WillieCrawford.com Before 2pm EST, you'll need to make sure that you clear your cookies, and then that you are ordering through my link. My link is posted at http://WillieCrawford.com I also have a 2-minute video showing how to clear cookies in Internet Explorer and Fire Fox posted at the link above if you're not sure how to clear cookies. If you don't need to reread the description of my bonus because you've been watching it for a month, then you can also clear your cookies, and then go directly to my link at http://P-L-Formula.com I do have to pre-approve the item and text of your solo mailing. I will not promote things that are questionable to my list. If you have any questions, please contact me via my helpdesk at: http://WillieCrawford.com/helpdesk/ My staff and I will monitor the helpdesk closely today. When you go to order, don't be surprised if Jeff's server is slow or overloaded. We expect VERY heavy traffic when it first opens up. So, please be persistent :-) I anticipate Jeff Walker ending his sale, and me no longer offering my bonuses within the next 12 hours. When Jeff pulls his offer, consider my bonus offer ended too. Please don't miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime Product Launch Formula Bonus. Thank you, Willie Crawford

Is anyone familiar with this particular art? It's something I've always been interested in learning, but haven't been able to find much reliable information on it.  I guess right now I'm still in the research phase, so if anyone has any suggestions on good books/ web resources, etc, or have personal experiences, I'd be happy to hear about it. I'm also interested in learning if there's a standardized system out there, or some sort of regulating body for it. Thanks in advance!

Hello everyone,I've been looking for a good community of non-elitist martial artists and this looks like the place! I've been a fan of the martial arts all my life, though I must admit, until recently my only exposure to it was what I saw on TV and in the movies.  Thanks to my best friend though, I've finally found the right combination of timing, teacher, and school that works for me, and it was the best decision I've ever made. I have been studying traditional Japanese Jujutsu (as well as Ninpo, to a lesser degree, as they are closely related) in the Genbukan/KJJR system for close to 2 years now and I really love it.  I think all martial arts have something to contribute though, and am always interested in seeing others thoughts and viewpoints; I am probably a student first and foremost, I love learning.  Our group in this area recently had our regional seminar, and my friends and I (along with many others from across the US and some from even further abroad) passed our first tests in bikenjutsu and bojutsu.  I've been working on it for about a year now, so it was nice to have the work pay off. :) Best regards, and I wish all of you the best in your training!~KJ

Hi everyone-I will be spending the coming summer in Pittsburgh, PA, and I guess it's time to start looking for a place to train at while I'm there. Hopefully there are people from Pittsburgh reading this community...I have been training in Kun Khmer/Boxkator (though I am not Cambodian myself). Given how uncommon this art is, I understand it may not be able to find any place that teaches it in Pitt, so I am open to trying something similar, perhaps Muay Thai or Lethwei. However, I would prefer to stay away from MMA clubs and would like find a club that has more focus. A friendly environment and good people (read: not egomaniacs that come in to beat the crap out of each other) are also important.As an alternative, since I am forced to look for a new school anyway, I am thinking of using this opportunity to explore a different type of art and learn some grappling and ground fighting techniques, so judo or jujitsu clubs are also of interest.I am thinking it may be a good idea to try to join a club at one of the local universities (UPitt or CMU?) - if anyone happens to have any personal experience with any of them, please share!Generally speaking, I am mostly interested in practical training - i.e., learning something that could be applied in real life situations (as opposed to strictly competition-focused training or conditioning-type workouts).Any ideas and feedback are welcome.Thank you!

Hello (안녕하세요!), my name is Richard.  I grew up in Wisconsin (I'm an adoptee), but moved to New York for college.  I am currently in my final semester at NYU, and I suppose I should discuss my martial arts background.  I started Isshin-ryu Karate when I was 5.  My parents wanted to give me something to do.  I didn't like Boy Scouts, but my parent found an ad for a Karate school.  This was the beginning of my life-long journey in the martial arts.  In August, I will have been practicing Isshin-ryu Karate for 17 years.  It makes me feel quite old haha.  My instructor also holds a a 3rd degree black belt in Aikido, so it was a large part of our curriculum.  I also practiced Judo with a local man and his son to supplement my training.  I would say that I have been doing these two for about 12 years, but I have not received a formal ranking.  Currently, I am still involved and practicing Isshin-ryu Karate, but I discovered my cultural heritage in Taekwondo.  For me, Taekwondo has been a great way to express myself in the Korean realm.  It is difficult for adoptees to move into this realm, because people do not respect your lineage.  Through Taekwondo, I have been able to gain this respect for myself.  Or it feels a bit like that.  I look forward to the discussions, and I hope I can learn much from the rest of the people in the community.  I thank you in advance.

Round Rock Bujinkan and the Bujinkan Ninjutsu Club at the University of Texas presentTogakure Ryū Ninpō Taijutsu Seminar with Shihan Rich Cearley Saturday and Sunday, April 26th and 27th, 2008 Overview: Shihan Rich Cearley will be covering Togakure Ryū Ninpō Taijutsu including the Santo Tonko no Kata, Shinobi Gaeshi Gata and Metsubushi.Instructor: Rich Cearley currently holds the rank of 10th Dan and resides in Houston, Texas. He has had the opportunity to train and learn with a variety of teachers including; Masaaki Hatsumi Soke, Nagato Sensei, Noguchi Sensei, Someya Sensei, Seno Sensei, Oguri Sensei, Shiraishi Sensei as well as non-Japanese teachers including Doron Navon, Bill Atkins, Brin Morgan and Natascha, Joeseph Adriance, Jack Hoban, Mark O'Brian, Greg Kowalski and others. Rich believes that while training at home and in seminars is important, it is also important to not overlook training regularly with Hatsumi Sensei and senior instructors in Japan so as to connect with the lineage and feeling. Date: Saturday and Sunday, April 26th and 27th, 2008 Time: Saturday, 10:00 to 6:00 PM Sunday, 9:00 to 1:00 PM Attire: Standard Bujinkan Uniform (gi, tabi, obi) or loose, comfortable clothing. Fee: $85 Location: Acrotex Gymnastics in Round Rock 708 Round Rock West Drive Round Rock, TX 78681 (512) 244-5437 www.acrotex.com Contact:John Hidalgo(512) 656-2836instructor@roundrockbujinkan.com

Thursday night in Karate class we warmed up with basic kata. To my dismay, I found that not only was I rusty on most beginner katas, I had absolutely no recollection of Hien Yondan. That really opened my eyes to how far I have to go to prepare for my my BB exam.After kata, we sparred. There is one Purple belt in the class. I admit, I may have had some animosity toward him because he dissed me once, and I admit I might have been a little afraid to let a Purple belt make me look bad, but after watching the superb control of a BB in his drills, I realized I had no excuse for hitting Mr Purple belt in the face. Which is what I did. Hard.I was embarrassed. He was pissed. He glared at me as I walked by and I knew he would be gunning for me. Sure enough, in the next drill we faced each other again. I hurled myself against him repeatedly, like a bee against glass and after a few moments he hit me in the face. My first thought was "Ok now we're even". I kept attacking. I was exhausted by the time the instructor called my next opponent. My heart sank when I saw it was the BB and I signaled for a break to catch my breath. My mind immediately screamed "What are you doing?! This is just like a real fight. There are no breaks!" and I resumed the drill. Any insights I may have gleaned observing his previous rounds were lost in the haze of adrenaline and fear. He owned me from the beginning. Thank goodness he maintained more control than I showed Mr Purple belt. Midway through the round I became aware that I was experiencing all the old, uncomfortable, sensations I had felt in the few street fights of my youth. That queasy, breathless, fear and adrenaline. I embraced it. I had two more rounds to finish the drill. I didn't let myself quit.Afterward, I felt really good about the drill. I had actively participated and I realized my ambivalence toward sparring is not from any lack of ability but from the discomfort caused by fear. Quite a revelation.

Hello All,I'm asking about any work out routines you have used to get 'back on the horse'. Since I've come to college a couple months ago I've gained some weight and feel like I've lost my way. Over the summer, I studied books and worked out regularly, but since I've started college I've been a bit overwhelmed. I guess the problem for me lies in the fact I get so frustrated with starting slow. I was at a good place over the summer, then fall and winter hit me like a ton of bricks and I've gone down a couple steps in my fitness and up a few holes in my belt.Also, does anyone know any good tutorials for weapons training? I know that I can read all the books on martial arts and philosophy I want and it still doesn't replace a teacher, but like in my prior posts, a mentor is simply something I cannot find.Everywhere around me is essentially elitist ...MMA essentially the 'DESTROY THEM NO MATTER WHAT!!!!!' kind of fightclub training(which always lacks discipline, integrity, honor, and all the philosophy I love to think about). I know of atleast two places I have not checked out yet but I know for a fact they have nothing to do with weapons. When I  younger I ate up books on katanas and used bokken and so forth,but now I'm interested in something even more difficult to find training in. Namely any kind of pole arm.I also noticed a lot of jabbing techniques apply to the fantasy battle group Dagorhir. So I figured learning about real spears or glaives could imbue me with knowledge for using replicas.

After a much too long break, due to illness, vacation and apathy I returned to class. In a sparring drill I partnered up with a kid much smaller than I am but he has a brown belt, so I figured "what the heck". His body language suggested he did not want to be sparring me so I resolved to take it easy on him. So much for judging by appearances. He charged out after me and didn't let up. He pushed me to aerobic failure and I stopped to take a break. The drill ended moments later and I realized I had squandered a great opportunity to work under stressed conditions. I mean after all, will an attacker on the street wait for me to catch my breath? Of course not. I blew the opportunity to push against my aerobic limit. I also squandered the opportunity to work with psychological fear. Fear of puking, fear of not performing well and fear of getting hit. I realized it immediately but the drill was over. I often forget that although I may go to class regularly, each moment on the floor lasts only for that moment. The next week when I felt myself running out of gas again, I said, "wait wait, use this, work with it". I felt much better about things. After I caught my breath ;-)

Here is the best bonus offered with Jeff Walker's Product Launch Formula 2.0. The Product Launch Formula Bonus package includes: 1) A solo mailing to a list of 120,000 2) Attendance at a live seminar in Atlanta, Georgia 3) 2 1-hour one-on-one consultations With this product launch bonus offered by joint venture broker, and product launch expert, Willie Crawford, you'll definitely get the most of Jeff Walker's Product Launch Formula. Click here to read all about these Product Launch Formula Bonuses, and to get at the front of the line for the solo mailing. Willie Crawford

I started learning wado ryu in 1993, took occasional time off in high school, four years for college, life, work, etc... So, it's been a long time coming, but after a grueling exam Saturday I was promoted to black belt! Yay! :)(I'm the gal in the middle)