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Ryoshin-Kan Martial Arts Styles, Karate Creed, Terms, Anatomy 101, Belt Tying

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Ryoshin-Kan Karate School 
"Dragon Spirit Training Hall"
Founded in 1980 by Sensei Tim Thompson.
 
Ryoshin-Kan Karate School Mascot is a Dragon. 

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Karate Creed
  • I shall Conduct myself in a manner which reflects credit upon myself and society.
  • I shall be Loyal to my School and the Art it Teaches.
  • I shall be Honest and exercise Integrity with the purpose of developing Cooperation and Trust among my fellow Karateka and my Instructors.
  • I shall exercise Restraint in the use of my Karate Knowledge, employing it only in fair competition and in defense of my Life, my Family and my Country.

Dojo Principles

Patience - Courtesy - Endeavor
 

Ryoshin-Kan Motto

"Optimi Optimorum"
(Latin for "The Best of the Best")

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Ryoshin-Kan Martial Arts Association (R.M.A.A.)

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World College & Martial Arts Hall of Fame

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  • Shihan Tim Thompson is a Hachidan (8th Degree Black Belt). He Established the Ryoshin-Kan Karate School and the Dragon Force National Karate Demo Team in 1980. Team Dragon Force has Won 15 World and National Martial Arts Championships.
  • The Ryoshin-Kan Karate School, the Dragon Force National Karate Demo Team and Shihan Thompson are members / affiliated with International All Style Budo Federation (IASBF), World Cup Martial Arts Organization (WCMAO), World Karate Union (WKUHOF), World College & World Martial Arts (WMAHOF), Open Martial Arts Assoc(OMAA), Ryoshin-Kan Martial Arts Assoc (RMAA), Black Belt International Assoc / Registry (BBI), British MA Assoc (BNMAA), World Black Belt MA (WBBMAHOF), International Martial Arts University and World Stuntmans Association (WSA) organizations.

  • Shihan Tim Thompson is the Virginia State Director for the O.M.A.A. Open Martial Arts Association, He is the USA National Representative for the International All Style Budo Federation (IASBF), Founder and Director of the Ryoshin-Kan Karate School, R.M.A.A. Ryoshin-Kan Martial Arts Association, Dragon Force National Karate Demo Team and the Ryoshin-Kan Goshinjitsu System. He is an Official Member of the World Stuntmans Association.
     
  • Shihan Tim Thompson is a distinguished Member of the Scientific Council of First International MA University. He received his Doctorate in Sciences (Ph.D / DMS) Martial Science in 2006.
    "Best of the Best"
  • See below information on the Ryoshin-Kan Martial Arts styles that are taught by the best instructor in the Nation. If you have any questions visit our Links / Contact page and send us an e-mail. Thank you.

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    (I.) Ryoshin-Kan Karate School Styles

    Ryoshin-Kan (Dragon Spirit Training Hall) Dojo Style of Martial Arts are a unique blend of Sensei Tim Thompson's studies of Shorin-Ryu, Shito-Ryu, Goshinjitsu, Jiu-Jitsu, Kobudo, Kenjitsu and his career military background. His teachings include traditional training and Sports Martial Arts, as well as practical applications of these disciplines.

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    Karate-Do

    Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do This system stems from the lineage of Anko Itosu by way of Chosin Chibana and Shoguro Nakazato (Small Forest Way). The identifying techniques include blocks, punches, kicks, Open hand strikes, elbow strikes, tuite,traditional stances and Tameshiwari, but is best known for it's fast and penetrating multiple hand strikes.

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    Kobudo & Kenjitsu

    Okinawan/Japanese Kobudo The study of Okinawan farm tools used as weapons. Includes the bo, tonfa, nunchaku, sai and kama as well as the jo, handbo, pr24, baton, double sticks and others.

    Tsuru-Ha Kobudo A Shito-Ryu weapon system influenced by Soke Kuniba and taught by its founder Shihan / Dr. James Herndon.

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    The Five Main Weapons of Okinawan Kobudo

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    Goshin-Jitsu

    Ryoshin-Kan Goshin-Jitsu

    (from the Japanese words Goshin meaning "protection of the body" and Jitsu meaning "techniques") is an Award winning and very unique, advanced Self-Defense system created by Shihan Tim Thompson. The system has earn National Championship and Hall of Fame Status. This Goshin-jitsu system consist of a blending of traditional & modern martial arts utilizing strikes, punches, full range of kicks, joint locks, trapping, Scissor Takedowns, submissions, various takedowns, sweeps, reaps, throws, disarment, falling and rolling techniques. It is well known for its multiple hand strikes that are fast and penetrating followed by a take down. Goshin-Jitsu's purpose is to teach effective Self-Defense to students of different skill levels for a wide range of real world scenarios. The concepts and techniques of Goshin-Jitsu originate from a number of Martial Arts styles, from which the best and most effective techniques were taken. These skills are integrated so that the elements build upon and incorporate one another to form a comprehensive and effective system of advance Self-Defense. Goshin-Jitsu emphasizes techniques that can be used effectively in the real world as a means of self-protection for Men, Women and Children. This Style of Goshin-Jitsu is also popular for those that like to do Demos and Tournaments. Shihan Thompson has incorporated all of his knowledge, training, championships, seminars, clinics, Hall of Fames, and experience from the last thirty plus years into this Ryoshin-Kan Goshin-Jitsu System. The Three Levels of Ryoshin-Kan Goshin-Jitsu are Basic, Black Belt & Specialized.

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    Ryoshin-Kan Kenjutsu (Kenjitsu): "Art of the Samurai sword." An aggressive method of swordsmanship practiced by the Japanese Samurai in which the combatants pitted naked blade against naked blade. The Samurai Sword was called a Katana and it had a curved, single-edged blade twenty-four to thirty-six inches long.The Ryoshin-Kan Kenjutsu was developed by Sensei Tim Thompson and it is a combination of Samurai Sword Techniques / philosophies from The Kuniba-Ha and Yamashita –Ha systems. The Ryoshin-Kan Kenjutsu system has Sword Cuts, sets, Kata and complexes. Kenjutsu practice has many things to offer, it may not seem very practical by looking at the surface. It is true that you will probably never get in a sword fight. But learning how to use the sword has many other benefits, besides fantasizing about being a samurai and fighting a duel to the death. The Practice of Kenjutsu will improve your Kime (focus) as well as stances; foot work, physical conditioning and Self-Defense Awareness.

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    KENJITSU

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    Click photo to visit Demo Team Page

    Ryoshin-Kan

    X-Treme Martial Arts
    A very unique and dynamic System created by Sensei Tim Thompson, that blends Martial Arts with dynamic Acrobatics. This system is designed for Sports Martial Arts Tournaments and Demo Teams. Students that perform well in both the traditional and Sports Martial Arts are allowed to try out for the Dragon Force National Karate Demo Team.

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    Breaking Team and Clinics
    Tameshiwari -“Breaking” The practice of destroying bricks, boards, and other resistant materials with empty hand and foot techniques of the martial arts. Usually as a test of kime / power and a display of showmanship at demos.
  • Breaking Clinics are conducted each month at the Ryoshin-Kan Dojo in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The Participants are taught and perform breaking on wood boards, bricks, patio blocks etc... All Students are taught Shihan Thompson's "Four Dynamics of Breaking, known as the F.I.S.T. Principle."
    F.I.S.T. stands for
    1. Focus/ Concentration
    2. Intensity / Kiai
    3. Speed / Snap
    4. Technique / Follow Through
  • Breaking Team Practices and Competes at Martial Arts Tournaments.
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    (II.) Basic Martial Arts Terminology
    Ryoshin-Kan - "Dragon Spirit Training Hall" Founded in 1980 by Sensei Tim Thompson. The Ryoshin-Kan Karate School Mascot is a Dragon. 
    Ryoshin-Kan Motto - "Optimi Optimorum"  that is Latin for "The Best of the Best."
    Dragonology - The Science and Study of Dragons.
    Karate-Do – "Way of the empty hands” Although the art of karate or karate-do dates back over a thousand years, it was in 1936 that the name was decided on. This was a result of a meeting between masters Chomo Hanshiro, Choki Motobu, Chojun Miyagi and Chotoku Kyan. Until this time, the art was at times called karate as well as To-te (Chinese hands).
    Karateka – “student” A karateka is a person who studies or practices the art of karate.
    Dojo – "Place that you learn the Way"  A dojo is the area karate is taught. Because it is a ““sacred hall of learning”, respect and reverence should be awarded it at all times.  To bow in karate is a sign of respect and many of the traditional instructors will require students to bow upon entering the school.
    Shihan - Master Instructor
    Sensei – “honorable teacher” A sensei is the senior instructor of a dojo. In Chinese style dojos the term is “sifu”
    Sempai - Senior Student
    Kyoshi - "Grand Master" - Teacher Grade / Expert Instructor, A Japanese Martial Arts Teacher who is 7th or 8th Dan (Degree Black Belt).
    Hanshi - "Master of the Style" - A Japanese Martial Arts Teacher who is 9th or 10th Dan (Degree Black Belt).
    Kata – “forms” A stylized set of movements that use a variety of blocks and strikes against an invisible opponent. A kata is used to perfect style, learn focus as well as demonstrating attack, defense and counter attacks.
    "The First move in every Kata is a Block, symbolizing Self-Defense."
  • Basic Kata introduces the new student to a styles fundamental stepping, stancework, striking, and other inherent principles. They teach one to look, adjust, then execute, rather than hurrying and rushing things.
  • Intermediate Kata introduces the student to broken rhythm, varied stepping, angling, body and foot movement, sweeps, throws, locks, chokes and even groundfighting (or tuite).
  • Advance Kata introduces the student to the internal arts. This influence in advance karate forms teach relaxation, fluidity, whipping power, speed / power in every movement, advance multiple techniques, increased breath control, and Ki.
    The empty hand Kata taught at the Ryoshin-Kan Karate School are:>>> Numbered School Kata 1 to 10. Kihon (Basics) Sho, Ni, San, Yon, Go and Rokudan. Fugyugata (Basic Kata) ichi & Ni. Empi ropu (Elbow Routine). Shuto Kata (Knife hand). T-Kata (Basic) Pinon (Peaceful movement)Shodan, Nidan, Sandan, Yondan and Godan. Naihanchi (Iron Horse) Shodan, Nidan, Sandan. Saifa (smash & tear). Getsuryu (Moon Dragon) Shodan & Nidan. Jitte (10 Hands). Nijushiho (24 moves). Chinto (Crane on a rock). Rohai (Vision of a Crane). Tamari Bassai(Tamari style Penetrate a fortress). Passai (Penetrate a fortress)sho & dai. Kurunfa (Look-stop-Break)Kusanku (Chinese Master)sho & dai, Kogaryu (Black Dragon).
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    Animal Forms:
    Monkey = coordination
    Tiger = power
    Praying Mantis = Trapping
    Crane = Balance
    Snake = speed
    Dragon = spirit

    Kihon - Basics - The Kihon forms 1-6 are instrumental in teaching the beginning student the flavor and technique of Kobayashi Shorinryu.
    FUGYUGATA ichi & Ni: (Fukyu kata) The word Fugyugata (fukyu) means fundamental / Basics. These are two basic kata practiced by Okinawan Karate stylist. These katas are basic Shorin Ryu katas that introduce the student to basic block, punches, takedowns and defense of central ground. This Kata also introduces the concept of defending all sides. Defense movements are at 90 degree turns and 180 degree turns.
    Fugyugata HISTORY: First Nagamine and Miyagi were asked to create two beginning forms. The result was the Fugyugata Sho and Ni kata. Fugyugata Ichi is Shosin Nagamine's (founder of Matsubayashi Shorinryu) invention and contribution to karate-do. Fugyugata Ni is Miyagi's creation and is referred to as Gekisai Sho (to destroy) in Goju Ryu.
    Kumite-“free fighting” Kumite or “sparring” is when a two or more martial artists fight each other.
    Tameshiwari -“Breaking” The practice of destroying bricks, boards, and other resistant materials eith empty hand and foot techniques of the martial arts. Usually as a test of kime / power and a display of showmanship at demos.
    Ghi – “uniform” There are different styles of a ghi depending on whether you are studying Karate, Judo, or Aikido.
    Obi - Karate Belt denotes rank (White, Gold, Purple, Green, Blue, Brown, Black)
    Hachimaki - Karate Headband
    Kiai – A forceful, deep-throated yell used to intimidate an opponent and focus your power. Often used during katas to emphasize a technique.
    Budo - Martial Arts
    Bushido- “way of the warrior” An unwritten code of ethics, that is believed to have been inspired by the samurai, Yoko Yamagei. It is similar to the European knight’s code for acts of chilvary.
    Goshin-Jitsu - from the Japanese words Goshin meaning "protection of the body" and Jitsu meaning "techniques" i.e. Advanced Self-Defense.

    Kobudo - "Weapons" When Japan conquered Okinawa in the 1600s, the emperor forced the people to give up all weapons. Having no way to defend themselves against the Samurai, they developed ways of using farm implements for weapons. Most of the traditional martial arts weapons are still used for farming to this day. Nunchaku – “flail” The nunchaku is without doubt the most well known of the weapons. It is basically two sticks connected to each other by a string or chain. Their farming use was to beat the rice so it can be tossed on a large screen or piece of material to allow the wind to blow away the husks. The nunchaku can be used as both an offensive and defensive weapon. Bo-“staff” The Bo is a long wooden staff for herding livestock, guiding boats or used as a way of carrying supplies in baskets. In this instance the bo was placed across the shoulders and the baskets would hang from either side. Average length is 6’ with a diameter of 3.5 inches. There are two styles of the bo. The Chinese bo keeps an equal diameter along its entire length where as the Okinawan style tapers at each end. Regardless of the style, its ends are used to strike an opponent’s eyes, throat, and solar plexus of groin. It can also be used to block an attack as well as to sweep the feet. Tonfa- Developed as a grinder for rice in Japan and soybeans in Okinawa, the Tonfa was found to be affective when laid across the forearm as a way to block a sword or bo attack. Tonfas are made of hardwood, approximately 17 inches long with a 4.5 to 5 inch long handle near one end. The Tonfa is usually about 2 inches thick and has gained immense popularity among law enforcement agencies. The police issue PR-24 are carried by countless police officers as a nightstick. Kama – A razor sharp sickle that has a half-moon shaped blade and wooden handle. The Kama is still used by farmers to cut rice and grass but is seldom taught as a weapon due to its dangerous nature. The kama is a defensive weapon that was used against sword and bo attacks. It also becomes deadly when used as an extension of the users hands. In hand to hand fighting, the kama is used to block a punch or kick but as it does so, the sickle blade can slash deeply into the arm or leg. Sai- (pronounced sigh) The sai was developed for planting rice or vegetable seeds. It resembles a trident and has central, rounded or octagonal shaped steel blade approximately 16 inches long. On either side of the blade there are two prongs that are wrist guards. Sais can be used for a number of things such as stabbing, slashing, punching, blocking, and even throwing. It is believed that farmers who used the sai would carry three at a time. One sai for each hand and one was kept in the belt to throw if necessary. Legend states a strap of some sort was occasionally tied to the handle so the farmer could retrieve it. Not all weapons found in a dojo started out as farm tools. Jo – “short staff” Developed by Muso Gonnosuke after suffering a defeat by swordsman Minamoto Muashi in the early 1600s. It is made of hard wood and is 4 feet in length. This shorter length allowed close fighting with possibilities the longer bo can’t allow. The jo can be used to choke, pin, lock, and throw an opponent. Years after his defeat, Muso once again faced Muashi and came out of the match the victor. Manrikigusari- This weapon is a chain, which is usually 12 inches long. It has weights on each end that resemble handles. A samurai by the name of Masaki developed the weapon as a way to kill an opponent without bloodshed. This bloodless killing was important because it was sacrilege to spill blood on palace grounds. The manrikigusari can be used to block, choke, strike, and throw an opponent. Shuriken – One of the most popular of weapons is also known as the ninja throwing star. Initially developed to provide a distraction and not a weapon of attack. Regardless of Hollywood magic, shurikens can injure but not penetrate deeply enough to kill. The most popular of shuriken styles come in four to twelve points per star.

    Kobujitsu – Okinawan term for fighting with weapons. Once a weapon is picked up, the art is no longer karate because the hands are no longer empty.
    Kenjitsu - "Art of the Samurai Sword (Katana)
    • Chiburi: chi (blood) buri (flick). It is the techniques / process by which one removes blood from their Katana (Samurai Sword). This is done before placing the blade back into the scabbard (known as noto).
    Kyu – “boy” A Kyu is anyone who holds a level below black belt.
    Dan – “man” Dan is used in regards to anyone who is a black belt. There are several grades of dan.
    KIME - Focus
    OSU - Push ahead and never give up
    Tournament - An event where martial artists of varying styles can come together to compete in Kata, Kobudo, Tameshiwari, Kumite and Team events. In many tournaments the competitors will be broken up into rank classes with trophies, medals, cash and other awards may be given to the winners.

    COMMANDS:
    Kiotsuke - Attention
    Suwatte - Sit
    Rei - Bow
    Tatte - Stand
    Yoi - Ready Position
    Hajime - Begin
    Yame - Stop

    TECHNIQUES (Waza):
    Dachi - Stance
    UKE - Block
    Tsuki / Ken - Punch
    Uchi - Strike
    Keri / Geri - Kick

    LEVELS:
    Gedan - Low
    Chudan - Middle
    Jodan - High

    DIRECTIONS:
    Mae - Front
    Yoko - Side
    Ushiro - Rear
    Mawashi - Roundhouse

    Stances

  • Heisoku Dachi

    Closed foot stance (feet together)

    Musubi Dachi

    Formal attention stance (heels together, feet at an angle)

    Heiko Dachi

    Parallel stance (feet shoulder width apart)

    Migi Heiko Dachi

    Right foot forward Heiko Dachi

    Hachiji Dachi

    Natural stance (feet shoulder width apart, toes pointed slightly out)

    Uchi Hachiji Dachi

    Natural stance with heels out and toes in

    Shiko Dachi

    Straddle leg stance

    Naname Shiko Dachi

    Diagonal straddle leg stance

    Kiba Dachi

    Horse riding stance

    Sanchin Dachi

    Hourglass stance

    Zenkutsu Dachi

    Front stance

    HanZenkutsu Dachi

    Half front stance

    Fudo Dachi

    Free stance

    Kokutsu Dachi

    Back stance

    Neko Ashi Dachi

    Cat foot stance

    Renoji Dachi

    The letter "Re" stance (or "L" stance)

    Sesan Dachi

    Side facing straddle stance

    Sagiashi Dachi

    Heron stance

    Bensoku Dachi.

    Cross-legged stance (also known as female horse stance or Kosa Dachi)

    Naihanchi Dachi

    Kiba Dachi with the heels out and toes in

    Blocks

    Gedan Barai

    Downward block

    Uchi Uke.

    Inside forearm block

    Soto Uke

    Outside forearm  block

    Chudan Uke

    Inside circular block

    Jodan Uke

    Upward block

    Age Uke

    Rising block

    Shuto Uke

    Knife hand block

    Shotei Uke

    Palm heel block

    Shotei Otoshi Uke

    Open hand dropping block

    Yoko Uke

    Circular block

    Hiki Uke

    Pulling/grasping block

    Ko Uke

    Wrist block

    Gedan Uchi Barai

    Outside downward block (open hand)

    Ura Uke

    Back hand block

    Hiji Uke

    Elbow block

    Mawashi Uke

    Round house block

    Morote Uke

    Augmented block

    Sukui Uke

    Scooping block

    Nagashi Uke

    Sweeping block

    Kosa Uke

    Cross block

    Hiza Uke.

    Knee block

    Sokutei Osae Uke

    Pressing block with the sole of the foot

    Sokutei Harai Uke

    Sole of the foot block

    Haisoku Barai

    Instep block

     Hand Techniques (strikes and punches)

    Seiken Tsuki

    Fore fist strike

    Oi Tsuki

    Lunge punch

    Gyaku Tsuki

    Reverse punch

    Age Tsuki

    Rising punch

    Nihon Tsuki

    Double punch

    Sanbon Tsuki

    Triple punch

    Kagi Tsuki

    Hook punch

    Yama Tsuki

    Mountain punch

    Awase Tsuki

    U-punch

    Heiko Tsuki

    Parallel punch

    Hasami Tsuki

    Scissors punch

    Nagashi Tsuki

    Flowing punch

    Nakadaka Ken

    Middle finger knuckle fist

    Ko Uchi

    Bent wrist strike

    Kote Uchi

    Forearm strike

    Kama-De

    Bear hand

    Washi-De

    Eagle hand

    Empi Uchi

    Elbow strike

    Choku Tsuki

    Straight punch

    Ura Tsuki

    Short punch (palm side up)

    Uraken Uchi

    Back fist strike

    Shuto Uchi

    Knife hand strike

    Haito Uchi

    Ridge hand strike

    Hiji Uchi

    Elbow strike

    Tettsui Uchi

    Bottom fist strike (or hammer fist strike)

    Nukite Tsuki

    Finger thrust

    Shotei Uchi

    Palm heel strike

    Shotei Tsuki

    Palm heel thrust

    Keikoken Tsuki

    One knuckle fist

    Kaikoken Tsuki

    Crab shell fist

    Boshiken Tsuki

    Thumb fist

    Furi Tsuki

    Circular punch

    Mawashi Tsuki

    Round hook punch

    Tate Tsuki

    Vertical punch

    Kizami Tsuki

    Leading punch, or jab

     Foot Techniques

    Mae Geri Keage

    Front snap kick

    Mae Geri Kekomi

    Front thrust kick

    Yoko Geri Keage

    Side snap kick

    Yoko Geri Kekomi

    Side thrust kick

    Mawashi Geri

    Round house kick

    Ushiro Mawashi Geri

    Round house to the rear kick

    Gyaku Mawashi Geri

    Reverse round house kick

    Ushiro Geri

    Back thrust kick

    Kanketsu Geri

    Stamping kick, joint kick

    Hiza Geri

    Knee kick (also called Hiza Ate)

    Nidan Geri

    Double front snap kick (back leg first)

    Ren Geri

    Double front snap kick (front leg first)

    Ashi Barai

    Foot sweep

    Mae Tobi Geri

    Jumping front kick

    Tobi Nidan Geri

    Jumping double kick

    Yoko Tobi Geri

    Jumping side thrust kick

    Kakato Geri

    Heel kick

    Fumikomi Geri

    Stamping kick

    Tsumasaki Geri

    Kicking with the tips of the toes

    Haisoku Geri

    Kicking with the instep

    Sokuto Geri

    Kicking with the foot edge

    BASIC KICK (Geri)Terms:
    Hiza-Geri (knee kick)
    Mae-Geri (front kick)
    Yoko-Geri (side kick)
    Mawashi-Geri (roundhouse kick)
    Ushiro-Geri (back kick)
    Tobi-Geri (jump / fly kick)
    Yoko-Tobi-Geri (Jump / Fly Side Kick)

    Japanese Numbers - Ichi (one) Ni (two) San (three) Shi (four) Go (five) Roku (six) Shichi (seven) Hachi (eight) Ku (nine) Ju (ten)
  • (III.) Martial Arts Anatomy 101
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    Click for larger Picture

    Click on the Skeleton to see a larger Picture.

    The Human Skeletal System
    The Skeletal System serves many important functions; it provides the shape and form for our bodies in addition to supporting, protecting, allowing bodily movement, producing blood for the body, and storing minerals.
  • The 206 bones in the Human Body form a rigid framework to which the softer tissues and organs of the body are attached.
  • Vital organs are protected by the skeletal system. The brain is protected by the surrounding skull as the heart and lungs are encased by the sternum and rib cage.
  • Bodily movement is carried out by the interaction of the muscular and skeletal systems. For this reason, they are often grouped together as the musculo-skeletal system.
  • Muscles are connected to bones by tendons.
  • Bones are connected to each other by ligaments.
  • Where bones meet one another is typically called a joint.
  • Muscles which cause movement of a joint are connected to two different bones and contract to pull them together. An example would be the contraction of the biceps and a relaxation of the triceps. This produces a bend at the elbow. The contraction of the triceps and relaxation of the biceps produces the effect of straightening the arm.
  • Blood cells are produced by the marrow located in some bones. An average of 2.6 million red blood cells are produced each second by the bone marrow to replace those worn out and destroyed by the liver.
  • Bones serve as a storage area for minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. When an excess is present in the blood, buildup will occur within the bones. When the supply of these minerals within the blood is low, it will be withdrawn from the bones to replenish the supply.
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    "BEST OF THE BEST"
    Ryoshin-Kan Karate School
    "Home of the Dragon Force Demo Team."
    (757) 468-1643

    Click to play the Midi file.