sensei8

Many laypersons are under the impression that if one's hands, etc. don't display some visual indications, then that person isn't a MAist or hasn't been training long.

Our new Hombu location within Van Nuys, CA is surrounded by all types of MA; it's no surprise because, and it's not intentional, from any compass point, one will find quite a lot of MA schools on the way to our Hombu. San Fernando Valley is literally a wash of MA schools, in short, they're EVERYWHERE!! One would trip over one without trying to.

Ice...ice...ice...ice...ice........................What an amazing thing hard frozen water is; what an invention that it is. Whoever thought of it...is a genius!!

Proper breathing techniques oxygenate your muscles, and this is important because if your going to perform your body needs to get oxygen to the muscles or they will stop working, and that's just not good for a MAist. Imho!!

Which bag are you referring to? Kind of reminded me of the Right Guard commercials in the 80s - "Anything less would be uncivilized." Sorry, I'm slow...but I don't understand the question...trust me...it's me, NOT you!!

Solid post!! The bold type above spoke in volumes!!

No, there's no mention of Kumite, but I was just mentioning it in my post what I consider a natural progression from one, Kihon to Kata, to another. This is what I was thinking while I read it.

Watch a JKA Kumite, match, like on YouTube, for example, and you'll see them in a Fighting Stance, a more upright stance, but when they execute technique, they'll transition into the more formal stances. Those Shotokan practitioners that I've crossed trained with for many years will do the same very thing...fighting stance, then formal stance at the technique.

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!!