Learn All About the Emperor Kang-Si Sword

The Emperor Kang-Si, or Kangxi, ruled China for 61 years and the battle styled weapon, the Emperor KangSi Sword was created in his honor boasting an exquisite design with a 440 stainless steel blade. This sword was created to honor the reign of Kang-si (1654 - 1722) from 1661 to 1722 which makes him the longest reigning Chinese emperor throughout history as well as one of the longest ruling monarchs of all time.

Successful Expansion

Although he ascended the throne at age seven, rule was administered by four guardians and his grandmother until he came of age. One of the reasons a sword was created in his honor is because he is considered one of the greatest of Chinese emperors directing battles that ultimately led to long-term peace and stability that also fostered great prosperity.

A rebellion by Chahar Mongols began in 1675 and persisted for more than 20 years until Kang-si took field command in 1696 leading Chinese forces to victory. Kang-si controlled all of China proper in the latter part of his reign along with parts of present-day Russia, Mongolia, Korea and Taiwan. He blocked Tzarist Russia territorial expansion at the Amur River while expanding the Chinese Empire to the northwest. His notable military accomplishments also paved way for creation of the Emperor KangSi Sword.

Cultural Developments

All honor heading toward Kang-si is not derived from military conquests alone. He was the first emperor to compile a Chinese dictionary of characters called the Kangxi Dictionary. The story is told he conducted this lengthy task over several decades to win over the academicians in Chinese society who at first when he became emperor refused to serve the new dynasty. He persuaded thousands of scholars to work on the new dictionary without ever formally asking them to serve the new Qing Dynasty.

Little by little these same scholars took on more empire responsibilities slowly becoming court officials. He is also noted for directing the creation of other literary works that included compilation of Tang Dynasty poetry. He also tried to embrace more Western technology as trade with Europe increased during his reign.

This was accomplished through imperial invitation to many missionary organizations like the Jesuits and others who introduced European art and music to China. Many Chinese were, indeed, converted to Christianity - Roman Catholicism in particular - and it was during his reign that Pope Clement XII sent ordained Chinese priests back to the empire and they were welcomed by Kang-si. The emperor was the first Chinese to learn to play the piano. Additionally, he invented a Chinese calendar.

Own the Sword

Ownership of the Emperor KangSi Sword allows you to possess an exquisite display item that sits imperially upon a black lacquered stand. It does emit an aura of imperialism and importance evident in its wooden scabbard that is of imitation snakeskin decorated with sculpted cast metal fittings. The sword has sharply defined detail in the sculpturing that attached to the metal fittings. It wields an overall length of 31 inches; a 20 inch blade length that is 3/16 inch thick made of 440 stainless steel.

mini tennis live boxing

Mixed Martial Arts Legend-Randy The Natural Couture Back in The UFC

Randy "The Natural" Couture is returning to the Octagon on March 3, 2007 to face heavyweight champion Tim "The Mainiac" Silvia in a battle for the UFC heavyweight belt. There are two questions on everybody's mind about this match up. First, does Randy have a chance? More importantly, is Randy risking his health?

I personally thought that Randy Couture got out of the MMA fight game just in time. He left with class after a second consecutive loss to Chuck Liddell in the UFC light heavyweight division. People respect Randy Couture, even more people like Randy Couture. Why on earth would he consider returning now?

Randy says he's returning because he misses the fight game, because he believes that he is a better fighter than when he last stepped into the Octagon on February 4th, 2006. I think that the real reason that Randy is returning is that he is likely disgusted by the lackluster performance of the UFC heavyweight division. I read that Randy is negotiating a multi fight contract with the UFC, this is a big mistake in my opinion. I believe that Randy might have the tools needed to defeat Tim Silvia, but there is no way I want to see Randy fight Mirko Cro Cop.

Randy, if you have any sense at all, get in there, finish Tim Silvia and retire again. You are an absolute phenom as an athlete and an inspiration to those of us in our forties, but everyone has their time and MMA isn't boxing. I've never seen you come into a fight in less than stellar condition and I've never seen you in a fight that wasn't worth watching, that is the Randy Couture I want to remember. I don't want to remember Randy Couture being knocked cold by a Mirko Cro Cop left high kick, then being taken out on a stretcher.

Enough of the pleas to have Randy cut this return short, let's take a look at how this fight breaks down.

Starting with the stand up abilities of both fighters. It is tempting to look at this and say that Tim Silvia's reach advantage and raw power will give him the edge in the stand up. True enough, but lets not forget that Randy has been in there with the likes of Chuck Liddell, Tito Ortiz and Vitor Belfor, all good to great stand up fighters in their own right. I put the stand up between Randy and Tim at dead even.

Moving on, lets talk about take downs. There is no way that Tim Silvia is going to take Randy Couture down, the only way Randy will end up on his back with Tim Silvia is if Tim knocks him down with a punch, then jumps on him. On the other hand, Randy's strong wrestling background will certainly give him the advantage in take downs.

What about submission wrestling, grappling, or overall ground game? I have to give Randy the advantage in this area as well, even though Tim Silvia did look good on the ground against Jeff Monson, but Randy Couture is not Jeff Monson.

In the area of conditioning, there isn't a better conditioned athlete on the planet than Randy Couture, one look at Tim Silvia's physique tells us that he doesn't spend the time in the gym that Randy does. Oh, I'm sure he's at the gym, eating chicken wings and watching other guys spar. Okay, the last line was just a joke, Tim certainly trains hard and he didn't gas against Jeff Monson. He also didn't finish Monson either when he should have been able to. I give Randy the edge in conditioning.

So there you have it, Tim Silvia is stronger, Randy is better. We'll see who comes out on top on March 3rd. My prediction, Randy Couture by decision.

lycra rash guard mini tennis

Humongous Pharaoh Ceremonial Dagger Review

The Ancient Egyptians, whose culture is one of the oldest on earth, reigned supreme in the then-known world. They set out to impress all who entered their kingdom with architecture of staggering proportions, the display of stupendous wealth, and also by wearing breath taking ceremonial accoutrements like this humongous Pharaoh ceremonial dagger. While it isn't known precisely what function these ceremonial weapons served, it is a good bet that one was worn by Ahmose during his negotiations with Moses.

Of course, ceremonial blades were far more ornate than were the workaday bronze-age tools of evisceration. The humongous Pharaoh ceremonial dagger here depicts activities and symbols important to the Egyptians. For example, archery is represented on the sheath in the form of a hunt.

Archery was not merely a sport to Pharaoh, but a use of a military technology which had helped to seal the Egyptians' victory over, and dominance of, the ancient Persians ( who at the time did not possess the bow and arrow ). The archer in this case is represented hunting game from a chariot, with his entourage following behind. This might also at the same time be interpreted as a representation of armed conflict; note that members of the entourage are carrying lances and shields.

One can also see the depictions of priestly conference present on the handle, no doubt there to support Pharaoh's status as a deity. This concept of royal divinity was essential to the continuance of stability within the Egyptian government and society. Egyptians were far more likely to maintain their loyalty to a king who was viewed as a god.

His status compared to that of competing monarchs from neighboring realms would be assured. This, together with the concept of ma'at, or balance in the world, reflected the perception that stability derived from the head of state. The ceremonial dagger was simply one more component of the mythology developed in order to focus authority on the seat of power.

These impressive blades, richly decorated and elaborately adorned with familial and cultural symbols, certainly were meant to both represent and project the power of the wearer. Their design and craftsmanship were intended to draw the eye and influence the mind of anyone observing them. This humongous Pharaoh ceremonial dagger would undoubtedly have served the purpose well, managing to impress any but God Himself.

This dagger is 14" long, with a sheath and a very handsome stand. It is clad in black, with gold and silver detail. Also included is a chain suitable for use in wearing the dagger. It would be a very handsome adornment for any mantelpiece, bookshelf, or display case. This humongous Pharaoh ceremonial dagger would also make a wonderful gift for anyone who appreciates beautifully crafted display weaponry.

lycra rash guard tennis canada mini tennis

Jeff Hardy Returns in WWE NXT ?

Jeff Hardy Returns in WWE NXT ? (HD) Jeff Hardy Returns in WWE NXT ? Jeff Hardy Returns in WWE NXT ? Jeff Hardy Returns in WWE NXT ? Jeff Hardy Returns in WWE NXT ? WWE SmackDown 2/19/10

boxing scene karate school

CM Punk impersonates Jeff Hardy

CM Punk impersonates Jeff Hardy on WWE Friday Night SmackDown 2009-09-04.

mini tennis northern karate

Humongous 66 Inch Full Tang Nodachi Sword Review

An Ashigaru would be the owner of the ancient Nodashi swords or great swords. These were the province of the lowly foot soldier who were looked down upon by the Samarai. These foot warriors were common born and often conscripted and poorly trained. They were rewarded only in loot at the end of a successful campaign and even carried in their own food.

While the high born Samarai looked down on the Ashigaru and felt they had nothing of worth to contribute, the longer reach of a sword such as Humongous 66 Inch Full Tang Nodachi Sword, put them further away from the ravaging Mongols than the mounted Samurai with their lighter though usually much better made Japanese Longbow and katana.

While the Samurai could and did certainly confuse the Mongol horde by approaching and reciting a record of his ancestry, his deeds, and challenging and individual opponent, this method of warfare was impractical against the Mongols who simply tossed bombs at them and rained arrows before his recitation was finished. The way of honor of a Samurai was impractical a longer reach was necessary.

Perhaps the Ashigaru were lowborn and unwilling participants with little skill at first but they eventually mastered the way of the sword and wore such great swords as the Humongous 66 Inch Full Tang Nodachi Sword slung over their back as a sign of status and fought with increasing skill.

Although the Japanese foot soldier and his great sword may have been considered lowly, and with little to contribute, times changed and the Ashigaru gradually gained status as battle tactics changed and some even rose to prominence. When warfare changed from the l one on one battles by mounted Samurai,to group attacks by massed foot soldiers, the lightly armored Ashigaru became the main force of the battles.

Such legendary sword makers such as Goro Nyudo Masamune may not have made a sword for a lowly Japanese foot soldier such as the Humongous 66 Inch Full Tang Nodachi Sword, but his contributions to Japanese sword making changed the way swords were made and he introduced double quenching increasing the tensile strength of the swords he made. Such swords were works of art as the Samurai demanded beauty as well as practicality. Swords made after his innovations were stronger, more deadly and less likely to rust.

The Ashigaru as foot soldiers required longer weapons that would be impractical for the mounted Samurai to carry, and these lightly armored soldiers might wear only a Jingasa (hardened leather hat) and a breastplate. Sometimes the Ashigaru, might have been armed with a Naginata, which was a pole weapon.

Still, they were effective Japanese soldiers and later rigorously trained and successful, with success and results among the Japanese warlords, came rewards and power, and the first to rise from these ranks was Toyotomi Hideyoshi. He was born of a peasant warrior with no Samurai ancestry as far as records indicate, but after his ride to prominence, he raised his soldier followers to Samurai status.

mini tennis karate school

HBK/Y2J/Jeff Hardy vs Snitsky/Umaga/JBL 1/2

An argument about bringing momentum at NWO 2008 leads to a huge 6 man tag team match. Awesome match. HBK/Y2J/Jeff Hardy vs Snitsky/Umaga/JBL HBK/Y2J/Jeff Hardy vs Snitsky/Umaga/JBL HBK/Y2J/Jeff Hardy vs Snitsky/Umaga/JBL HBK/Y2J/Jeff Hardy vs Snitsky/Umaga/JBL HBK/Y2J/Jeff Hardy vs...

live boxing

Asian Weapons - 2 Uncommon Asian Weapons

Zhanmadao Chinese Sabre

The Zhanmadao is a Sabre with a large, one-sided blade as well as a lengthy handle which was made to be used with both hands. This Battle Weapon was specifically designed to be used against enemy troops on Horseback and has been known to be used before 1100 AD. This weapon is similar to the Nagamaki regarding its design. The handle was 37cm so it was easy to grab it with both hands. The blade was 114cm and was straight, however, the last 50% of the blade was indeed curved. The Miao Dao, Changdao and Wodao were all somewhat similar Chinese Swords.

The Zanbato was a Chinese Weapon that was created a little later. Many believe that the Zhanmadao had a lot of influence on the development of the Zanbato. Reason being that you could use both of these Battle Weapons to execute the enemy as well as his horse with one swing of this sword. The Western equivalent of this sword would be the Zweihander. Their troops were set into formations of Pikemen, whose purpose was to cut the front legs of horses off using the Zweihander. Please note however that many historians still belabor the accuracy of this data.

Southeast Asian Golok Broadsword

The concept of the Golok Broadsword came out of Southeast Asia. It is also considered a style of Machete. The origin of this Battle Weapon is from Indonesia. However, it has been known to be used in Malaysia as well as the Philippines as well. Another name Malaysians give this weapon is the Parang. This weapon isn't locked into one particular blade size. Also they are known to have different sizes and weights. However these weapons do have the tendency to be shorter as well as heavier than the standard machete.

They are commonly used for cutting down bushes and branches. The Edgewise Taper or Primary Grind, which is the part of the knife blade that starts to display its cutting edge, has a much lower probability to get stuck in green wood than a standard Machete with a Flat Sided Blade does. The Golok is typically constructed with Springy Carbon Steel Sword Blade and is usually manufactured with softer heat treatment than other large knives do. Because of this, Goloks are easier to sharpen in the field.

lycra rash guard tennis canada karate school

Planting Flower Seeds In The Fall

Spring has always been said to be the season for planting flower seeds. In actual fact however, the fall is also a great time for such activities. As it is colder during the fall, planting works are easier as compared to during the hot weather in the late spring and summer. Besides, the fall also makes for an excellent time for the various types of flower seed to build their roots before spring comes along. As they get ample time to adjust to the climate, some types of perennial flower seeds work out nicely when planted in the fall. Most types of perennial do not instantly grow in the fall when planted, however during these time they establish roots, until the weather is fit for above ground growth.

Contrary to the common understanding, some annual flower seeds can also be planted in the fall. These hardy annuals, capable of enduring cold weathers, are usually planted as seeds in the fall and start to grow when spring comes. As planting the seeds in the fall gives an early start for the flower seeds to grow, the plants will grow faster compared to those planted in spring, as they already have root systems intact. Gardeners are usually keen on having their flowering plants to flower as soon as possible, and are willing to pay more to get this result. They can also still achieve this result by using cheap seeds to plant with during the fall, as an alternative to buying seedlings to transplant.

The natural cycle of flower seeds starts in the fall, making it rather not that unusual to be planting flower seeds in the fall. The flowers lifespan reaches its end during fall, and the flowers get ready to drop off their seeds in autumn. The seeds will then search for receptive grounds and be prepared for spring rains next. Knowing this, gardeners can take advantage by planting the seeds right when the ground is receptive for new seeds, which can be before or after frost. However this depends on the local weather too. For areas that are particularly cold, it is best to start planting when it started to frost, but for areas that do not freeze, hardy wildflower seeds can be planted as pleased in the month of fall or winter.

The annual, perennial or wildflower seeds will need some special care when planted in the winter. The dry, cold ground of the fall will need to be watered in order to make it more hospitable to the new flower seeds. Using some potting soil or other organic matter will also help to give the seeds a fertile nesting ground. The seeds will need to have plenty of organic matter and water before the ground has frozen. The watering should be done on a regular basis until the soil freezes. In areas where the ground freezes, the seeds will need some protection to keep the new roots from being frozen and thawed repeatedly throughout the winter. Mulch applied to the soil can keep the temperature more constant for the new flower seeds.

northern karate lycra rash guard live boxing

Jeff Hardy vs. Umaga Part 1

RAW Roulette 01/07/08 Steel Cage

tennis canada lycra rash guard karate school

Zack Tempest-Loaded (Jeff Hardy's Old Theme)

Jeff Hardy's old Theme before EndeverafteR-No more Words

best kites northern karate

THS -(The US Show)-(S7 E1) Matt Hardy Jeff Hardy

Season 7 Episode 1 "The US Show" - What would happen if there wasn't a Core Group to entertain everyone on The Hardy SHow? That appeared to be the case following "The War" episode- or is it? The souls of Matt, Jeff, and Shannon certainly won't rest in peace! This is a can't miss episode!

best kites tennis canada

Combat Sports - Japanese Shoot Wrestling

Shoot wrestling is a relatively new Japanese combat sport that began in the 1970s and had its origins in Japan's Pro Wrestling circuit. This sport employed more full contact moves at the time since they wanted to add more excitement to this sport. The term "Shoot Wrestling" is derived from the term Shoot which means any unrehearsed occurence that happens within any rehearsed wrestling match. This term was widely used in the United Kingdom however they called it Catch Wrestling. Catch Wrestling was common at the end of the 19th Century.

Shoot Wrestling is a broad term and can be used to describe a myriad of Hybrid Fighting Systems like Shoot Boxing as well as Shoot Fighting. There were also several Martial Arts Styles that had great influence on this Combat Sport. Greco-Roman Wrestling, Muay Thai and Judo were just a few of them. One of the most highly touted figures in this sport was a man named Karl Gotch. He was able to find some success in American Wrestling. However it wasn't until he visited Japan that the beginning of this sport sprang to life.

Billy Riley was a very well known Catch Wrestler who was the owner of the Snake Pit Gym where Karl was a student. Karl Gotch mastered Catch Wrestling here. He also went to India to learn Pehlwani. The status that Karl received in Japan was legendary and took on the name of Kamisama which means the God of Wrestling. In 1984, a lot more wrestlers wanted to get involved in a more competitive style of this sport. This is how and why the Universal Wrestling Federation or UWF was formed.

The UWF played a major role in promoting Shoot Style Wrestling. What this Self Defense discipline is based on is applying certain Martial Arts Movements with lots of force. The UWF also coordinated and promoted some MMA Matches. This allowed Combat Sport Athletes to test their styles and compare them with opponents with other Martial Arts Backgrounds. The UWF eventually broke up. After it did, variations of Shoot Wrestling were broken off and amalgamated with several other Self Defense disciplines.

live boxing lycra rash guard best kites

Raw 3/17/08- Randy Orton and Cena Vs. Raw Roster Part 2

SUBSCRIBE ME WHEN YOU WANT TO SEE MORE GREAT MATCHES OF EDGE ORTON OR OTHERS!!! More Tags: Flag of United States Trevor Murdoch (Trevor Rhodes) * Flag of United States Johnny Nitro (John Hennigan) * Flag of Samoa Umaga (Eddie Fatu) * Flag of United States Val Venis (Sean Morley) * Flag of United States Viscera (Nelson Frazier, Jr.) Referees * Flag of United States Mike Chioda - Senior Official * Flag of United States Jack Doan * Flag of United States Marty Elias (Marty Rubalcaba) * Flag of United States Chad Patton Other on-air talent * Flag of United States Max Bretos - Backstage interviewer * Flag of United States Jonathan Coachman - Executive Assistant for Mr. McMahon * Flag of United States Armando Estrada (Hazem Ali) - Manager of Umaga * Flag of United States Todd Grisham - Backstage interviewer and occasional ring announcer * Flag of United States Jerry Lawler - Color commentator of RAW and occasional wrestler * Flag of United States Shane McMahon - Executive Vice President of Global Media, Head of Media Relations Department, Occasional wrestler * Flag of United States Jim Ross - Play-by-play commentator of RAW and Executive Vice President of Business Strategies * Flag of United States Ron Simmons - Occasional appearances Inactive talent * Flag of United States Lilian Garcia - Ring announcer * Flag of Mexico Super Crazy (Francisco Pantoja Islas) - Torn MCL suffered during European tour * Flag of United States Triple H (Paul Levesque) - Recovering from a torn ...

northern karate live boxing