sensei8

I suppose those untrained in the MA might see the slight discoloration, to bruising and all sorts of bumps and callouses, and might say..."Gross"..."O-K?!?"..."WOW"...or they might not think about it at all; not ever crossed their minds at all. When I first saw Morio Higaonna developments, I thought to myself..."That's some serious training there!" I still think that about him. I respect him for that dedication; it's not for me. I train hard, and my hands will display that. I've not had many people approach me to enquire as to the who, what, where, when, why, and how about the conditions my hands are in, and for those who have, I let them know that I'm ok, and I leave it at that. An explanation is sought after, but I've no the inclination to answer, nor do I have to. "I'm OK!!" is all they need to know!!

I suppose I'm concerned that I feel that I don't want members here, or anywhere, to think that I act like a know-it-all. Like I said, it appears to me that I seem to have something to say just about anything posted; that's never been my intent. I just like to have conversations, and help, if I can!!

Solid post!!

Well, if we're discussing attacking the neck/throat. And in that, open or closed hand... A fist isn't too wide of a target providing that the chin isn't down. Just have to wait for the opportunity that the throat is more upward, like when the head is held in its natural posture. Then, there's room to accommodate a fist. However, size of ones fist makes a difference. If your hand is as large as The Big Show from WWE, well, the chin will have to be up first to accommodate. Some speed wouldn't hurt because a lowered chin can guard the throat. Open hand techniques serve better opportunities to target the throat. One of the most devastating open hand techniques, imho, is a ridge hand, as opposed to a knife hand, to the side of the neck; it'll drop an opponent quick. The ridge was a favored knock out technique in the days of the PKA [Professional Karate Association] back in the late 70's and early 80's. Other open handed techniques can be prerequisites for targeting the neck, and then some. In Shindokan, these type of techniques are known as Off Buttons: A thumb...a finger(s)!! These type of open hand techniques can create openings as well as effect the opponents breath, and can be fatal. Thumb: Not just the end, but the knuckle of the thumb. The thumb tip to the front or either side of the windpipe will get your opponents attention. Depending on how hard I strike either of these targets, will determine if I've created an opening or a set up or an end to the attack. Thumb Knuckle: Let's be frank, anything that contacts the throat will not be good for the receiver. Having said that, the thumb knuckle, with the thumb tip tucked into the first and second joint of the index finger, and yes, it's not really the thumb knuckle, but it's the thumb joint. For grins and giggles, thumb knuckle sounds better than thumb joint, imho. Thumb knuckle to the throat area can achieve the same results as the thumb tip and finger(s) tip(s) as well as the rabbit punch. Strike the side of the neck, results will vary, but a result will affect your attacker, regardless. Strike just below/behind the ear, unsettling results will occur for your attacker. You don't have to strike too hard to achieve desired results. But let me be honest, if one's not going to strike/hit/etc. hard, then why at all?!? Finger(s): The beauty of finger strikes is one irrefutable fact...the finger is smaller than the closed fist!! Concentrating on the neck/throat area, results will mimic the thumb knuckle strike. However, I can use one finger [index] or I can use two fingers [index and middle] or four fingers [Hand posture would be the one used to knife hand strike, except, the fingers are the weapon of choice]. Middle finger: No, the use of it isn't an obscene gesture, like one might use it to indicate frustration/anger/etc.. No! Place your middle finger against the bottom of the thumb, the same area one uses to take a thumb print. Looks like the "OK" sign, but it's not with the index finger, but with the middle finger. Now...when appropriate, flick, yes...flick, your attackers throat. I can do this at will to an unsuspected attacker; no ones suspecting this, in the first place. While the middle finger flick seems a waste, it's not. It can be the momentum changer that one needs! What do most people do if the throat is attacked? They raise one of two hand up to the throat, especially if it's done with an unresolved intent. In short, it will get their attention just long enough for you to set up your next attack. The mind is saying..."Hey, I don't like that!!" And while their mind is processing what just happened, you're all over your attacker like beans over rice. I do realize what a well placed knife hand strike can do if struck to the side of the neck or to the back of the neck or to the throat. Experiment with the three I've explained briefly, and you just might add it to your arsenal. I'll take maybe over a sound NO anytime. Personally, if my attacker gives me a split second, I'll take him/her to places that they've only considered in their worse nightmares. In football language...give me a yard...I'll take 100!! Taste, and see that they're good options to consider.

Either way, I wish you a speedy recovery!! Hang in there...the floor will still be there!!

Thanks, Bulltahr, for the info; I'll check it out, for sure!! It's great if you like to play games on your PC Bob. Wait for the sales to buy games as most get discounted by 75% if not more. Games are also tied to your account so you can play them on any pc or laptop as long as you log in. Thanks, Danielle!! I prefer to not play on my PC/laptop because I'm afraid that something bad will happen to those devices; I've not, as you know, had the greatest luck with either of them. I own a Xbox 360, I know, it's an antique, nowadays!!

This is absolutely...GREAT!! Glad to hear that your MA batteries are well charged and that the floor is a welcomed friend!!

SING WITH ME...EVERYBODY... Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday to you...Happy Birthday, Danielle...Happy Birthday to you...and many more!!

Cool; I'll watch it when it comes out! Thanks for sharing that, Patrick!!..

Too the positive, right!?!

I'd go see a doctor ASAP; after all, you heard a crack...better safe than sorry!! Any discolorations? Are you limping? Any swelling, YET? Does it hurt to wear/put on shoes? Please, visit your doctor to be sure!

Of all of the bags that I've beat the tar out of, I must have the most densest bag known to man. Anything less, is unsatisfying for me; I hit like a mule! I've trained with the bag you're interested in, and I liked it, but it wasn't of the dense quality that I insist upon. Hopefully, you'll find the bag that serves your every MA need!!

Still...solid training is at your door...knocking loud and clear. Now, just answer that knocking and a door of quality training will open.

Then there's this... http://soobahkdo.com/is-tang-soo-do-the-same-as-soo-bahk-do/

We're glad that you're here; you bring quality!! Thank you, JR 137!!

I'm not shocked about how easily your daughter took to the Karate training because kids are sponges and they've no preconceived notions about anything that's the MA. Good to hear that things are working out. Even if your Sensei's student body increases, as it should, you can still see if your Sensei is willing to teach you in a private lesson. Until your Sensei's student body grows to 6 or more, you're STILL receiving private lessons. My private lessons are 1-5 students, after 5, it turns into a group lesson, albeit a small group, but a group nonetheless. If your Sensei is willing to teach private lessons, be prepared for your monthly tuition to increase...maybe...not all, but most charge more for private lessons. Train hard and train well, you and your daughter!! You'll both be just fine!!

Thanks for sharing the article!! That, while Kata was important, just as important as Kihon and Kumite is, Kihon was trained in great depth; understand the Kihon before training in Kata and Kumite; there will be time for those after Kihon has be absorbed...and not before than. After all, the three K's is, in this order: Kihon Kata Kumite If they're placed in this order whenever listed, then it's sensible to train in them in that order, and not to train in the next one listed until the time is more appropriate for that. One would train first in Kihon, and nothing else until the Sensei said so. Then, Kata, while continuing perfecting Kihon through the Kata. Then, Kumite, while continuing Kihon and Kata; each compliments the other!!

I know what you mean! On a few occasions, I have had 5th and 6th dan instructors with 40+ years of experience attend classes I am teaching. That's pretty awkward for me, to say the least! Thankfully, they have always been great Yeah, I wouldn't be hurt either if I was told to not ever wear my gi/belt ever again. After all, I won't be wearing my gi and/or belt on the street if I ever have to defend myself; that wouldn't be practical and sensible of me. I too have had Senior Dan rank on the floor while I was teaching, and at first, I was nervous, but in short time, it was cool, but no big deal. All ranks just want to train, and that's what I do, and that's what other Senior Dan ranks do when they line up...they want to train/learn!!

Thank you, Danielle. With your quote of Socrates and The Oracle of Delphi, I suppose I'm in good company...I suppose. As Shultz, from Hogan's Hero's puts it..."I know nothing!!"

Congrats JR 137!! Well done; well deserved!!

...but...I don't know everything...about a lot of things...including the MA!! No matter the venue, it is not of my intentions to appear to others that I know everything...cause I just don't. At KF, I've done my share of posting on practically every forum found here, but it's not that I want to stick my chest out and pound on it and roar for all to see and hear. I don't like the sound of my own voice in any venue!! I've been around the MA for quite some time, and I've travelled in many circles and I've trained with a many practitioners from quite a wide scope of MA...If I may borrow a line from Scent of a Woman, starring Al Pacino..."I've been around, you know?!" I chime in a lot of forums/threads here at KF, yet, I don't always post anything because of what this thread is about. I don't know everything, and when I do know something, I won't post because I don't like to leave an impression that I'm showing off and/or acting like I know everything about everything. Perception is reality!! I sincerely believe in this!! I embarrass myself here, and else where by speaking about any given subject; instead of listening, and allowing others to speak about any given subject. I post a lot, not because I'm this and that, and a bag of chips, because I'M NOT!! Albeit, KF is blessed with some pretty knowledgeable members from all walks of lives, as well as those in the MA that are beginners, intermediate, advanced, and from those who are not MAists. One and all, they have become the pulse...the living blood...the beating heart of KF. It is them that give me the opportunity to share what little that I do know. And if I don't know...I say so, without any ambiguity whatsoever!! I also pray that I've not left an impression with any KF members that I show off with my rank or titles or positions; please believe me, this is NOT ME!! I state facts about what I do know, and I pray that I've shared them with you all in a very humble and respectful way. I've shared with you many of things, both professional and personal about me. Not to show off, but to vent and/or discuss one thing or another. I've been blessed to have had the MA journey that I've had, and I'm fortunate enough to have had KF and its members, that shoulder to cry on and that ear to listen to whatever concerns me, at that given moment. Thank you all, for putting up with my many faults!! In closing, if I've made it seem that I act like a know-it-all, then please, forgive me; that was never ever my intentions. KF is my escape from the Shindokan circles...a sigh of relieve!!

Well...I'd say...No, they're not! They both might be kin in the scope of lineage and all that, but I'd say that they both have their own methodologies as well as their own ideology. Imho!!

In short, parameters within any given situation dictate the chosen weapon!! Imho!

This is a very nice way of describing the ranking system; short, solid, and to the point. JR 137 wrote: AND... Kanku65 wrote: I've seen them both ways myself across the wild and wide sea of the MA. Albeit, the highest ranked is most often up front and center; that position isn't lining up at all, for some obvious reason. However, in rare occasions, I've seen the highest ranked line up, in that, far left of the Shomen. Insomuch, I've also seen, and I've done this several times, the highest ranked will sit in the far right rear of the Shomen, or in the very back behind the last line. The highest rank doesn't always run the class. At my former school, we had a noon class twice a week run by a Nidan. There was a godan and yondan who frequented the class. I always wondered how she truly felt about "teaching" people with significantly higher rank, experience and ability. It was a class focused on kumite and conditioning. I miss those guys beating up on me (in a good way). During the summer, those were the classes that you could wring your gi out after you were done. The daytime classes were more of workout classes, while the evening classes were more instructional. To the bold type above... That's very true!! Schedules and restraints can prevent the highest ranked to run the class. In my case, I'm thankful that I had a capable instructor staff to teach many classes for whatever the reason(s) preventing me from running any particular class on that days class schedule. For the most part, I run 85% of the classes, both in my own dojo and at the Hombu. Yet, there were times when I was part of the class, but not as the instructor of a particular class. Why? Sometimes, you know, I just want to train with the students! After all, I'm a student too!!

Thanks, Bulltahr, for the info; I'll check it out, for sure!!