Harkon72

When you buy a new gi it can be pot luck unless you get to try it first. But as quoted, it matters more what is in it than who made it.

This looks really interesting, but I admit, I have never seen fencing tournaments using Longswords here in the UK. I'm jealous and very curious. I must make some inquiries. Thank you!

Thank you that is a very interesting video, I will try and get in touch with some people that do this kind of MA. I too think that my sword was meant to be admired.

Welcome! Osu!

My Favorite technique is a step through Oia Zuki Jodan, time it right with hip, applied to the temple, jaw or nose area; it can be devastating.

Thanks Guys, I ware the belt with pride. Osu!

It's designed to be "Thrown", never to leave you hands but to be cast towards the target. Only the first foot or so of the blade was sharpened, it was common to hold the sword one hand either side of the guard and use it as a short spear. Spanish Steel was harder than the native blades in Britain, they learnt to forge it from the Moors. Crushing weapons were popular with the trend for plate armor but B*astard swords were used until the mid sixteenth century.

I was gifted a Medieval Sword last week, a Hand and a Half, or B*stard Sword. The measure in the title refers to the length of the handle, and it is a hybrid of a one handed sword and a two handed broadsword. I know there are Medieval Re-enactors in my area, does anyone know if I can learn to use this Weapon? It would be very physically demanding, it's big and heavy. It has a beautiful etched blade and a crussiform decorated with dragons. I'm very lucky to have it but want to do more with it than just admire it. I would like to meet a contemporary Medieval Sword master, but I suspect this will only happen in my dreams. I have to realize I suppose that teachers of western historical martial arts are very rare, and authentic ones rarer still.

Deep stances work when you need to bee rooted to the ground. With high stance you may be able to move quicker, but you can be moved quicker too. Thanks for the Vid MP, I enjoyed it.

Thanks DQ, I'm in illustrious Company! Osu!

A good cardio exercise is essential, like a quality rowing machine, say twice a week. Also remember to stretch muscles as well was build them, so pushups, squats and chrunches 4 times a week is a good plan.

Being a young style, Shukokai is still evolving from Shito Ryu and other influences such as sport karate and modern sports science. What I love is the root tradition, but I feel that our attitude to that is moving forward too.

In a good school, the higher the grade, the safer the sparring. It's always the beginners that hurt you. Good Post MP.

There's an old Saying that "any fool can pull a trigger"; in one sense it's true in another wielding deadly force takes guts, you might not be fully aware of the consequences in the heat of the moment but a firearm has something quite final about it. In the UK there is a gun culture but not so much in the mainstream as other countries. I have been trained a little in anti firearm tactics, but never to use one aggressively. Target shooting is all we can justify here in Wales.

I agree, if it's part of a draconian regime and is over used to the detriment of the Karate; then like all distractions, it is a waste of time.

Hello, and Welcome!

They can punish me all they want, I'll just get fitter!

In our school, 3rd Kyu and above wear all Black Gi. Never thought why.

My Father's blade training was with the British Special Forces in Malaya. They used Kukri and the Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife. I was just taught the reality that if you see it, you have a chance. If he waives it about in front of your face, keep your head and you will likely survive.

Holding stances like Kiba Dachi and Kokutsu Dachi can be training in them selves.

Stance is a position for launching technique and to recover from them. Bruce Lee didn't believe in them though

Hi Jeff! Welcome!

Kata is a Physical and Mental Exercise that has a Spiritual aura for me. You can have a Profound insight focusing on a candle flame so they say, or even imagining yourself as a tree.

Not really, but I'm aware of my Id, Ego and Super-Ego. Even these have their sub-archetypes, some see them as animals others as elemental facets of the human existence; just pick your philosophy - most are based on our experience, many have truths that are consistent with timeless ideas. Facts change, the Truth is an illusion.

They are outlawed in the UK too. I think their reputation and style vastly underestimates their vale as a weapon.