Chunmonchek

Each of the above resonates with me. To me...Chi...or whatever you want to call it...is all about attaining efficiency...doing more with less... I find the problem is that the issue is that it's an experiential thing. In other words, unless there is a similar or common experience, words will not suffice...

Give a Man a fish and you feed him for a day; Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime...

Congratulations!!!

I buy my gi's large, and wash them in hot water, and throw them in the dryer a few times. I Shrink to fit so I don't have to worry about accidentally shrinking in the future. It takes a bit of experimenting to get it right.

Greetings!!!

I'm 57 and am still training regularly, but have backed off a bit on some stuff. For instance, I don't train ground work too much anymore, as we don't use mats. I'm probably more at risk of injury skiing or long-boarding...

In a perfect world, there would be no "men" or "women" on the floor, only juniors and seniors. My dojo is a bit unusual. I have about 10 students, the majority of which have been with me for over 20 years and are yudansha. About half of them are women...but not when in gi. If you take it easy on any of my yudansha, they tend to take it as an insult, and will hit you harder and faster until you get the message.

Not sure how close or far these are, but I've had the opportunity to train with both of these Sensei and can vouch for their knowledge and quality of instruction: http://co.shobukan.org/index.html http://www.shinyokai.com/ Please note that neither are what most would consider "mainstream" martial arts...but with respect to these guys, I think that's a big plus...

My extremely biased opinion is that training solely self defense applications will give you only/just that..a limited response...and this is fine and good if that's all one wants. Training the "Art" should provide more than just a physical fighting response to a discreet attack. Training the Art provides (or should provide) the means to cultivate the Mind, Body and Spirit... It should improve ones overall physical, mental and emotional health... and It should provide one with the means to grow old gracefully. If you train correctly long enough, you transcend "applications" as all movements and responses should be pure martial movement and intent.

Welcome Back!!! It sounds like you've found a good dojo. There are some really great Sensei around the Denver area.

It's been decades since I've done any sport martial arts, and have since been training traditional Karate-do and Kobudo. I think that Sport Karate has its place, and hopefully it will lead the way to Budo. I just hope that Sport/Olympic karate "doesn't bury the lede".

Happy Birthday!!!

Congratulations!!!

YP are all online now!

If you're willing to look beyond Gung Fu, you may want to check out Capoeira.

Our groundwork...falls, rolls and dives...are all trained without mats or tatami I do have a fair amount of Judo and JuJutsu training on mats though

Is part of your goal to improve her atemi/focus? If so, I would recommend Kata Gekisai Dai Ichi and Gekisai Dai Ni. Their benefits include: 1. They are recognized and well known kata 2. They were originally formulated to bridge the gap/give common ground to both Goju Ryu and Shorin Ryu practitioners, but did not, in my mind, accomplish their original purpose. 3. While fairly simple in practice, they are very practical in nature. 4. They are a great platform to improve/enhance the "snap" in striking, blocking and kicking.

I live pretty close, but don't know of any. Anymore, I train and teach...and have ceased visiting/searching.

I know. Many, many teachers teach this technique against a knife. Many high grade teachers swear by it. But they have never put it to use in real life. If utilized against a novice it may work but the chances are high you get cut. Used against someone with any level of training... well lets just say that will at the very least end up in the hospital with stitches, that's if the attacker is squeamish and stops after seeing your blood. Don't take my word for it. Attend any knife fighting class and you will realize that, blocking in general, against a skilled person with a blade ends in tragedy. Have your Uke attack you at full speed and tell them to make it real. Use a lower grade with little experience, give them a marker, and just see what happens. I think you'll be surprised how many times they tag you. Don't wear your nice new Gi. To be honest I was taught the same thing but after my time in the Corps and studying under a Filipino knife fighter I was able to convince my Shinshii to remove these techniques. If you block an experienced knife fighter they will rip back as soon as they experience resistance and both of your arms/hands will be shredded. Hard to defend yourself at that point. Solid post!! I'd never ever use many blocking techniques against a knife, for the many reasons that you speak about here. Without a knife or the like, I'd use the upper x-block because it transitions into other applications. I was once told by a knife guy that there are no blocks other than mental blocks....

"Stomp the groin"

Fame and Fortune... Fair enough. Allow me to ask somewhat differently.... What's not important, things that are specific MA related, in the MA?? Gi, Obi, Hojo Undo equipment, makiwara...while all are "important", I could (and have) train and teach without these...

Fame and Fortune...

Domo

While Goju Ryu is right side dominant, we train both sides. And some of us train Kata "lefty".

Ha Ha!!! You know who I am!!!