Iron Arahat

I feel that tradition is important, and tazee is right on the money when he states that martial arts have been diluted enough. Thank you kickchick for the info, I'm learning more about TKD everyday... I think that instructors who don't know the history, tradition, and the language that revolves around their system need to find their roots, as they are cheating many of their students.

I'd pay to see you do that Ken.

Let's put it this way Ken if your car was broken and I decided to take it to a mechanic. He pops open the hood, and says "yeah I can fix it there something wrong with the thingy." And you respond by saying "whats the 'thingy'?" The mechanic points to the distributor, and says "That thingy, I'm not sure what it's called, but I know how to fix it." Most people would take their car somewhere else I'm sure...as his credentials go down the tube. You don't have to learn the whole language, just know what you are talking about. And to answer your question - No someone cannot become a valid judo instructor without knowing the appropriate japanese terminology (not the whole language) in most countries that I know. This Message was edited by: Iron Arahat on Aug 15, 2001 2:04pm

OC Spray is an effective tool if you are trained properly to use it, and is not lethal by any means. My warning though is get training to use it, OC can splash back into your face, and can be a rude awakening if you have never been sprayed before. I also advise ladies to get (if legal) the dye foam OC spray. If you are attacked, and use it it is easy for the authorities to identify the assailant and arrest them. It's actually comical as they will have a blue or green dyed face...

I know we are all from different countries here; however I am sure that everywhere we have the problem of unqualified instructors teaching martial arts. With comments like "mcdojo" and "partial artists" floating around the board, it leads me to believe that this may be a common problem everywhere. In many asian countries regardless of style you are required to be certified by law to teach your art to the public, as a means of maintaining high standards in practice and morals. Without an instructors licience you are not permitted to teach as it is the LAW. Anyone in the USA can claim to be an instructor with enough cash, the same in Canada. I know the Koreans try to maintain standards through certification by the Kokkikwon (I learnt this through the belt discussion on the board). What do you think about tighter restrictions on martial arts training. I believe there is nothing to fear so long as your standards are high.

I was wondering what you guys think of the use of the original language to identify techniques or forms? If you learn TKD do they have an english translation for patterns that you learn? For example Taeguek (Sorry for mistakes I don't speak Koren and have limited TKD knowledge). I know Kung-Fu you are usually shown the Chinese first then english maybe if it translates well. Judo as well you are taught the Japanese name. In muay thai I asked Ken what Sok Hud, Kao Tone, and Sok Ku were. No reply, yet he teaches the "art". What would you think of TKD without teaching the "art", diconnect all ties to it's korean roots, or karate without acknowledging it's japanese roots. Kung-fu without China, etc.

Your right Ken it would be sad to learn Tae Kwon Do and call the first pattern something other than Taegeuk (I apoligize to any TKD if I'm mistaken with spelling or example), just because it's a Korean word. Maybe it would be like doing judo and not knowing what the throws are called. Alot of times you will find instructors in this world who are poorly trained from the start. Many people open schools, because they can...not because they should. In some asian countries it is required that you have an instructors licence before you teach (a requirement by law). In the USA anyone with enough cash can. I gave you three basic techniques (you should know the tai), go ask your instructor, if he's worth his salt he'll know. BJJ, Muay Thai, Kali, Silat, Jun Fan what do you actually teach Ken? How much experience do you have? I still think you are probable very inexperienced, hence the often beligerant answers you post as replies.

MuayTB1 please do not lower yourself (I'm sure some guys are just fishing/trolling and that is unfortunate), iamrushman is right...I am here because I like to share information, and gain new perspectives. Yes I like to debate, and I respect others opinions, regardless if I agree or not. Although Ken the questions are here in my pevious post and I'm sure that clarification is needed...

Well Ken I guess you have no real experience with Muay Thai thinking that those words are what Korean? I'm glad that you are the moderator for the Muay Thai portion of the board as your experience is becoming more evident to me now.... Quick quiz for you hotshot... Sok Hud - what is it Ken (I'll give you a hint there are no sock puppets involved). Kao Tone -what is this Ken (Not a pizza that is a Calzone) Sok Ku - what is this Ken (No it's not a profanity alternate like your "chi"-hole comment about China). My guess is that you don't know...or you'll need to go ask someone to keep your credibility. Go young apprentice find the answers...

Scorpion Kung-Fu is just a Shaolin set. I have seen it performed once...but very rare. I can honestly say I don't know anyone who teaches the hand set. I'd be intrested to know who is teaching this style. Many people have taken a hand set and based an entire style around it.

At 31 I've been training for the past 16 years, and have been running my own school for the past two years, as I unfortunately moved to a different city than my sifu (although I still go and train there when I can). The school I run teaches Shaolin Wushu (traditional) and is a non-profit organization, I charge enough to sometimes cover rent, no belt fees (no belts - traditional). I teach tai chi/ qi gong in the community for free.

Has nobody gone and seen these shows? I though for sure somebody would have had a comment about the series. They actually have Cung Le playing in episode 2 Death vs. Kung Fu Carwash. Cung plays death.

I was just curious, as many of the monks do teach at schools surrounding the temple. I was lucky enough to have Shi De Qian and Shi Xing Qian visit us in Canada. The skills of these guy are amazing.

Fair enough, but be careful with your posts as you could really offend some people. We are here for martial arts not political or social commentary of that sort.

You can do it slim...I am 31 years old and still compete. I also had a student who after 6 months who won a full contact event. He was 29. Just train hard and the sky is the limit. Look at Maurice Smith...still fightining at 39 and winning. Thats who I look when I feel like I'm getting to old to fight. The time it takes depends on you, how hard you train, how good your instructor is, your desire, and your base fitness level. Could take you 6 months or longer....

The Smith and Wesson will also most likely land you in jail. My advice is it's best to carry nothing, and rely on your other skills. In a court of law, by carrying what is regarded as an offensive weapon, can show intent, even if used in self defense. However if you need to carry something it is better to use common every day objects ie. belt instead of whip chain, magazine instead of kuboton, etc. It is less aggressive, and less likely to send you to jail.

Who was running the classes at this school? Just curious as we have close ties to Shaolin.

Sounding a little racist there Damo....

I have tried it, on a tournament format...I've consistantly medalled at national selection events since 1997. I'm curious though to peoples experiences with the specific sanctioning bodies.

June this year in the the Canadian National San Shou Team Selections. I lost by decision, and ended up with bronze. A very disappointing finish for myself. Next fight is most likely going to be in November, and most likely in Vancouver.

I know that there have been alot of problems with promoting any kind of fight other than boxing, in Canada. In Ontario there is no San Shou events because of the tight regulation by the boxing commission (not allowing below the waist kicks). Also in Canada the law on the books making "prizefighting illegal". I know that the police rounded up guys fighting in the Battlecade Extreme fighting Challenge years ago, when they fought on the Mohawk reserve. I must admit though it is getting better, I know in Calgary now they are promoting full muay thai bouts with elbows permitted. Something that was never allowed in the past.

I only wish we had televised events weekly. I have to get my fix watching boxing and the odd muay thai event on TSN. I have never seen a broadcast San Shou event other than the Canadian National Team Selections, outside of China. China has a huge broadcast of pro San Shou events, the problem is that alot of what happens in China stays in China. I agree that Muay Thai probably has a larger network following which has grown over the past decade, and I believe somewhat helped by the K-1 series. As for Cung Le he has done very well for himself in the promotion department, and he will pick his fights from now on very carefully to maintain the positive media attention. He is the only San Shou fighter to gain this type of recognition in North America (being in California doesn't hurt either). His last fight was a demo against Rudy Ott in July. I don't know if he is actively fighting or what. I wish I could have attended the San Jose event, just to see what was going on (I was recovering from an injury). Cung is also apparently training now with Frank Shamrock...which makes me wonder if he is looking to go into NHB events.

You have to utilize strengths in your style. I don't think there is a single style that doesn't preach using the opponents weight against them. It's about fighting smart, not size. I'm not the largest guy in the world anymore, but because of my work I have some serious disadvantages when it comes to size. If you fight smart size becomes less of a factor. There are "conflict models" that actually look at the issue of size, and the bottom line is that if two people of equal skill fight, the person of greater size has a better chance of winning. Of coure the variable here is skill, andit is difficult to detemine what would be considered equal skill.

Has anyone done ice breaks here? I'm just curious what it's like in comparison to concrete. I like how it looks when you break ice, but I have a feeling it isn't much of a feat in comparison to concrete. The problem I think is just getting those big slabs of ice to break. Or one of those ice swans you see at those fancy sunday brunches at the country club, might be even cooler. Seriously has anyone done this (I mean the ice slabs not the swan)?

I would add "Drunken Master II" starring Jackie Chan. Probably his best movie ever for martial arts action. I especially love the Knife vs. Spear sequence at the beginning. Also "Fist of Legend" by Jet Li. Has an awsome fight between Jet and an entire Karate Dojo, better than the one in "Kiss of the Dragon". This is probably my favorite movie. I saw it originally in the movie theatre, but now own the DVD. I also enjoy the Kwoon episodes (https://www.thekwoon.com), they are pretty funny. As they put it "Kick your A.. Funny".