humble monk

I think you did really well. As I said, learn from this, the video is a good tool. Nothing to be ashamed of here, though. Good job!

Michelle Yeoh. Again, purely for her MA talents, not because she's hot or anything.

I agree. Not done carefully, you will crush, not break, but crush a bone. And it doesn't take a whole lot. I was formally taught all the twirly stuff, but discovered your "nutcracker" technique in an old book. For my money, the trap and crush is where this weapon shines.

I think that's how they are most effective, and it seems in most systems that is seldom taught.

An exercise that changed my perspective was actually striking a heavy bag. The bounceback was completely unexpected, and impossible to control. I reccomend anyone who considers these for self defense try hitting something solid first, you may not like what you find. Of course, do so safely.

So what is it about the arts that causes people to develop these unique friendships? The people I have relationships with at the school are unlike relationships in any other corner of my life. Not neccesarily deeper, but no other group relates in this particular way. Things seem more honest in the dojang. And we seem to be equals, despite everyones station in life outside the dojang. And it carries over. We all bow to each other in the grocery store, and laugh about it.

I don't even know what some of this stuff is, but I want it! Regret posting this already, I'm about to go broke. And the neighbors already had raised eyebrows when I was doing simple staff forms in the backyard. This will confirm that I'm crazy to them. But thanks!

Bushido Man is wise, as usual. I think we, and the general public, maybe put a little too much faith in our ability to control every outcome. I was talking to a guy the other day about the arts, and when he discovered I had a black belt, he insisted the law was my hands had to registered as lethal weapons. The more I tried to dispel the myth, the more he insisted it was true. Sadly, when I asked him where he got this, he replied that he had taken some classes, and the instructor told him this. Unless Joe has incredible control of his emotions, and is completely infalible, he is putting himself and the cashier at risk. I personally would have to be completely confident that I could pull this off without injury to the cashier before I'd consider the move.

Thanks! My credit cards are about to hate you, though!

Since back in the day when I would mail order shuriken with my allowance, I've wondered if there was a company that produced authentic MA weapons. Especially Chinese. I am curious what would actually pass as acceptable in a dojo in Japan. I think a nunchaku wiyh a silkscreened ninja on them could get me into trouble.

Not to try to hijack this, but since there are knoledgable people on this subject here, 1) Does a rapier have an edge (edges), or is it solely a thrusting weapon? I've seen museum pieces that appeared to be triangular bars with a point, but no edge. Of course, in the movies, you can slash ropes, candles, etc. with its razor sharp edge. I'm confused. 2) Is there a manufacturer who makes historically accurate yet functional swords. I'm interested in collecting a variety of styles, but not the fantasy/ wallhanger trash. Thanks guys.

I appreciate the comments. Now if I could just figure out how to throw the fireballs, I'd be okay with everything.

Thanks. Afterall, sometimes justice is blind, but that doesn't mean we can't be it's seeing-eye dog.

Good point. I think the head kick KO (sloppy or not) draws an OOOOH from the crowd, as if to say "I can't believe that worked", whereas the side kick that takes out the guy doing the 720 triple spin flying hook kick draws an AWWW, as if to say "You should have known that wouldn't work, but thanks for the effort."

Randy Couture