rhilllakefield

As far as the martial arts go, as others have said, its up to the individual. I've met untrained people who are just plain scary, and could take down an army of trained martial artists. I've also met Karate, Muay Thai, Taekwondo and boxing practisioners who are very dangerous and well trained. Karate especially is really up to the individual as to how effective it is. When I was younger I didnt have much use for Kata and traditional work, now I see how beneficial it is for core strength, balance, fitness etc... Now that I'm older, I've supplemented Karate with hard sparring in kickboxing and also added weight training to the mix. Karate will also be my base. It's really all up to you, but there aren't many martial arts that aren't proven, and have a solid base. You just have to make them work for you. There's also a big difference between fighting ability and self defence ability. Ryan

I would supplement with a good quality whey protein while you're dieting. It'll help you burn fat, and maintain muscle. Keep you meals small but consistent. Dont go longer than 3 hours with a snack, and always include some form of protein with each meal. Keep us posted!

Hi folks, Any of you run into knee or joint issues after years of Karate, or other martial arts training? I have essentially what is Patella Femoral Syndrome or runners knee. I know its caused by a muscle embalance which I exersize for. Otherwise I just have joints that pop and crack, not a ton of pain really, other than my knee after a few days of hard training. Other than glucosamine and warmups, do any of you have tips for healthy joints? I'm 33, so still relatively young. I'm aiming to traing as long as possible, but man, its not like it was when I was 18. Thanks, Ryan

If you're doing a competition or grading, its always a good idea to run an iron over your gi to make it crisp. Also, for the Kata itself, practise practise practise! Work on timing and fluidity. All Katas have individual timing, work on that, and it'll show.

Tallgeese, I dont completely dissagree with your dissagreement. lol. If I was backed into a corner, and had time to draw a knife, I'd sure be happy to have it. The problem is, according to statistics, there's rarely time to draw a knife, and the victim usually doesnt know there has been a knife involved until after the attack. If Ive got time to draw a blade, the situation could probably be de-escalated.

tallgeese I dont totally dissagree. I agree, that technically a knife is a great equalizer. AND I agree, that if a knife is pulled and there is time, I'd be reeeeeally happy to have brought my knife along. the problem with this is, there usually isnt time. I think the ideal weapon for someone who is out to do more than scare you, should already be in your hand. Most attackers only want to scare you out of yoru money, or car etc.... I'd be happy to oblidge, and get the F out of dodge. If they are out to kill you, 9 times out of ten, you wont see it coming, and will have your hands full before you can grab your blade. Like I mentioned, I dont dissagree under the right circumstances, but it would be fairly rare. IMO. Ryan

Hi Montana, thanks for the reply. I whole heartedly agree with what you've said. If someone wants my wallet and is armed, especially if Im with my wife.....Its all theirs. Also, I agree with being unarmed vs. a knife as it frees up both of your hands, vs one of his. I was looking at worst case scenario stuff, and wondering if anyone had any arguments for using a knife. A lot of guys like carrying them, but the reality is, there are so few times it would be a wise decision to draw it, it makes them one of the worst options out there. Just my 2 cents, but you summed it up. Also, I study Ishinryu Karate, not the Okinawan style but the British style. Its a hard style based on a blend of Shotokan, Kuokushin and Goju Ryu.

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, no gun carry is legal in Canada. Also, any type of cane, you'd have to be faking a limp, and I'm not sure I want to do that everywhere I go! The keys used as a flail actually work if their swung properly. A 10" section of paracord with a mitt full of keys would be absolutely brutal across the face or arm. Are there any arguments as to why a knife is the RIGHT weapon to carry against another knife? I've sort of ruled it out, after having thought about it. But it seems like the strongest weapon that is easy to carry, and is legal as long as you're smart with selection.

Okay, this might be a long one. There have been a few knife attacks lately in our home town, and someone actually dies from their injuries last night. I'm essentially a life long martial artist, although I am quite realistic about knife defense and the odds of coming out with all limbs intact. We are quite restricted in Canada with what we can carry, and I'm not sure another knife is the answer. They are slow to draw if you don't have it in your hand already. They escalate a situation that might be solved with simply handing over a wallet. With someone intent on doing damage, they only result in two guys getting bloody, hospitalized....dead. They also pull your focus away from your attackers knife if you're trying to fish for it, and will also take away one hand used for grapling, striking etc...... My wife carries dog spray which is perfectly legal here. We live in the country with Coyotes, other dogs etc.... so its justified. I've ordered a long paracord lanyard with a solid clip, with enough room for 6-7 keys on the end. I've been thinking distance, kicks, distraction etc... is the key to surivival, and not dragging the attacker into close range. any thoughts? Are their any arguments for knife vs. knife? deployment time etc..... I like the keys, due to distance and the availability (you usually have them in your hand) I just wanted to open this up and get some thoughts. Please, no commandos, Ryan

hi guys, thanks for that. LOL, unfortuntely no concealed carry in Canada. I will look that up in the toronto area though. I beleive theres is a Japanese swordsmanship school here in town as well. click-pow haha, that one got me.

Hi guys, havent posted in a good long while. does anyone near Toronto know of any knife training or knife defense clinics/ classes near the GTA? I've been invloved in the martial arts for most of my life, its one thing I'm still scared of! thanks, Ryan