delta1

OK, I don't want to hijack this thread, and I certainly don't want to get into a gun control debate (and won't, should any one try to). But this is a weapons forum, and there are some statements in the following post that I consider dangerously wrong. If you ever find yourself in a confrontation where one or more firearms are present, whether you have one or are facing one, these misconceptions could get ypu killed. That concept has been around since the first weapon was created. And some people do have that idea about firearms. They are wrong! It takes skill to use a firearm- skill that is only gained through study and practice. As martial artists, if we are going to use a firearm I think we should go at it with the idea of learning those skills as well as any others. To do less is exactly like picking up a sword and swinging it wildly; you may feel invincable, and you may even be able to do in your opponent, unlesss he knows what he's diong. You can also hurt yourself or get yourself killed with your own sword or gun. Neither a pistol or a sword can teach you anything. But both can be used as vehicles to teach those values. It is your morals, not the weapons in either case, that determines how they are used. Goes for ma skills of all types. Pointing and clicking means missing. Again, the skills of aquireing a target and squeezing off a round in a controled manner requires practice to ingrain them into muscle memory. You have to do it right, without thinking! No, there are techniques to protect a weapon, as well as to deploy it under attack,from any range or direction. If you are going to carry, plan on a lot more training. I'll let everyone here decide for themselves how they choose to defend their home. But if you do opt for a firearm, you need to choose the right one for the job (more study and research). Also, the right ammunition so that it doesn't overpennetrate structures. And everyone in the house must be trained in how to react with the firearm present (or sword, if you choose that). And combat in a building is a whole nuther animal (you guessed it, more study and training). Oh, and in this case, I don't care what the law says, if anyone is stupid enought to keep a home defense weapon locked up, with a trigger guard, and unloaded..., well, Darwin wasn't all wrong. Agreed. The misconception here is that if you have a gun, you'll stand and fight regardless. Part of our Old West heritage, I guess. But that comes from too many movies. There was actually only one documented case where two gunfighters squared off on the streets in the classic shootout (and it was not the OK Corral). Leaving with your family intact is best when you can. But if you can't, use whatever advantage you have. And even when you can, it would be best to have someone who knows how to use a gun covering your rear as you retreat. Treat any weapon, and any opponent, with respect, whether training or useing it. Guns are no exception. But never pick one up and think you can use it because it is so simple. Pointing and clicking a gun is like young Zoro telling old Zorro "The pointy end (of the sword) goes in the other man... ." Right!

I'm not a fan of the SCARS System, but I do have their gun defense tapes. Good info, techniques work and are adaptable (at least they adapted well to Kenpo), and well done. A lot of the stuff on the market will likely get you killed, including the Krav Maga I've seen (though I'm not that familiar with the system- I didn't like what I saw of it so never persued it further). Knives- pass it to the inside and go to work: even if you have to pass it out first, bring it back in so you are outside. Like the military, at this point your sole purpose for existing is to kill the enemy and break things. To tell the truth, I'd sooner face a gun at close range than a knife. Given a little distance and my opinion might change. But in close, nothing beats a knife. It can do a lot of dammage with minimum effort, cuts comeing and going, in any direction, and continually. A gun can't do that. And a knife fighter knows he's in a fight, where someone holding a gun on you expects it to control the situation. Completely different mindset, the knife is combat, the gun may be control. The knife guy has the upper hand, mentally speaking.

True, true. Very true. I just thought I'd play devils advocate. Beer night, you know...

Weeeellllll..., yes and no. A sword could be an effective in home defense tool. Gns- much as I love the things, they aren't allways the best choice for personal carry defense weapons: Can't take them everywhere, even with a permit. Carying them and deploying them is an art in itself, and as critical as shooting them effectively. They control your mindset as much as the opponents. In a grappling situation, he may have better access to your weapon than you do. There is no longer any such thing as a minor altercation when you are armed. Pull it late, you may be dead- pull it early, and no mattefr what happened before, you are the aggressor in a deadly force situation. Just because you point it and pull the trigger, doesn't mean you'll hit your target. For that matter, just because you pull the trigger, doesn't mean the thing will fire either. Useing one effectively requires a lot of practice. They require maintenance, and sometimes repair, like any mechanical device. Carrying one may be a real comfort to your mind, but it will be a major pain in the butt. And, everyone, everywhere, can't get a permit or legally carry a gun. Not saying they aren't good and useful tools when you need one. But they aren't a solution to all your problems, and carry a few problems of their own. Some good points in your post. And, when you really need a gun nothing else will do. But it isn't a decission to be made without adequate knowlege and consideration.

There are a few Kenpo orgs with 'International' in their title. If you can find out the particulars (name of organization, instructor, location, etc.) I'll see if I can find out about them. This could take some time. Where to start... First, the thing that sets it apart from everything else, in my opinion, is that no other art I've seen or heard about gives as good a grounding and understanding in principles and concepts. AK doesn't just want you to know how to do it correctly, they want you to understand and be able to articulate why. AK's training methods are a little different. We use techniques as the primary training tool to teach movement and principles. Each is like a mini kata. We also have forms and sets, drills, offensive moves, and a lot of basics, like anyone else. It was designed to be readily understandable to the Western mind, but never forgets its Oriental roots. Primarily of Chinese origins, it has a lot in common with the other Kempo systems that came from the same base. Sort of a first cousin to them. Most people who see AK in action comment that it moves and flows. There is no wasted motion, and every move leads logically to the next. Those who spar against AK tend to comment on its speed and power, and the fact we're slippery devils, all of which come from understanding and adherence to the principles. The system fights at all ranges, and has one of the most complete arsenals of natural weapons. It employs both soft and hard, circular and linear moves. It strives to completely control the fight, and the opponent(s) from start to finish. A lot of people find it brutal, but in actuality it gives you the option to establish more benign control, mitigate your force, or to totally devastate your opponent if the situation warrants it. There's a lot more to it, obviously, but to really appreciate it you have to experience it. I'd recomend trying to get a trial lesson or two (some schools let you have a couple free to see if you like it). That goes for any prospective style or school, by the way. I've said here many times before that AK isn't for everyone, and it isn't the only effective style out there. But I'd recomend checking it out and comparing it to other styles in your area and see what you think you'd like. One thing about it, if you start AK then decide to change to something else, the grounding in principles will put you far ahead of the game in any other art.

Coordination is good. Try reading things like The Art of War, Book of Five Rings, etc. Start a program of meditation. You may still be able to do some light stretching and work out some with bunjee chords. But don't overdo it. Most importantly, since you don't yet have a style or school, use the time to research. Find and visit all the schools in your area. Look into their history and their reputation. Decide what you want out of an art and see if you can find it locally. And, make sure you tell us all about what you are doing, so we can dump on you and ... Just kidding. One of the reasons I chose this forum is that there is a lot less chest thumping and putting others down than any of the others I've seen. You can get a lot of good advice here. There are a lot of styles represented, and some good experience. SO ask. We'll tell you something, whether we know or not!

You might try these schools, though I don't have any personal experience with them. Rick Fowler's American Kenpo Karate 5443 N. MacArthur Irving, TX 75038 972-753-0002 Rick Fowler, 7th Deg. Black Belt Ed Parker's American Kenpo, Planas Lineage Assocation: SWKKA Website: Rick Fowler's American Kenpo Academy of Kenpo Karate 3325 W. Rochelle Rd., Irving, TX 75062 214-256-3969 Tim Bulot, 5th Deg. Black Belt Ed Parker's American Kenpo, Larry Tatum Associations: LTKKA , KKIA Nick Chamberlain's Kenpo Karate Studio 14444 Dallas Parkway, Ste. 115 Dallas, TX 75240-8362 972-789-1234 972-789-1589 (Fax) Nick Chamberlain, 5th Deg. Black Belt Nick Cerio's Kenpo Associations: NCIMMA Also studying Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu, and Machado Jiujitsu. United Family Karate Academy 3455 North Beltine Rd., Ste. 103 Irving, TX 75062 972-252-7600 Jay McKey, 3rd Deg. Black Belt Kenpo; 1st Dan Taekwondo Ed Parker's American Kenpo Website: Family Karate North Texas Kenpo Institute Dallas / Fort Worth, TX Tommy Burks Ed Parker's American Kenpo Associations: AKTS Irving, TX 972-506-7788 David E. Stanley, 3rd Deg. Black Belt Ed Parker's American Kenpo Associations: CKF Mr. Stanley trains and "teaches" at at Colleyville Family Karate . Email Address: Mr. Stanley dstanley@optelnow.net> Website: TCB Kenpo - under construction I put the associations that I know or have heard are good in bold type. Give 'em a try, see what you think.

Same with you. Welcome!

Muscle tone is important to supporting all joints, and your back has a whole bunch of critical ones. It also gets a lot of stress put on it, so I'd say developing back strength is an important part of an overall fitness program. I'm with Red, tom, Bret, and jON.

A lot will depend on the school, and you, especially when it comes to fitness. But if there is an American Kenpo school near you I'd check it out. Also, look into any Fillipino Martial Arts schools. Both are serious, effective martial arts. Grappling tends to get you into shape as good as anything, better than most. But I'd pick a style or school that also does a lot of standup work if you want real effectiveness.

I voted All The Above (or I would have if there was such a category). Depends on what I'm doing. I don't really like the foam dipped gloves much. I prefer a glove that lets you grab, shape different hand strikes, do finger techniques, and generally gives a more natural use of the hand. While you can do those things to an extent with foam diped gloves, they are still a little more restrictive than the Kenpo style glove. Even the Harbinger bag glove is less restrictive and more versatile, and protects well enough for light to moderate contact. But everything has its use.

AK would call that moving or attacking through a zone of obscurity. But I don't think that is what a shadowless kick is, at least not as I've heard it used. I allways thought of it as a kick with no signature. No movement in the uper body to give it away. I used to spar with a girl who had long legs, more flexability than is really possible, and perfect ballance. If you let her get in close without keeping her busy, she'd set you up and launch a kick to the head, and you'd never see it comeing. Not even a small movement to telegraph. The only 'shadow' you saw was the shadow of doom just before the foot connected. That is what I think of when I hear the term 'shadowless kick.'

Good style- sort of a distant cousin.

If you can do that, trust me, you didn't have it bad! I remember meeting one girl about a week after we broke up. She touched my hand, and I swear, I nearly went through a cinder block wall! I didn't know whether to melt or destroy the building (it took a lot of self control- and some confusion, but I just stood there like an idiot). A couple of months later I drove past her house with some friends (actually, one of them was driving- I'd been avoiding the area), and someone elses car was parked out front. I swear I could have killed right then (figuratively speaking), but that is what friends are for. They found out later that it was her cousin, so I'd have made a real (!) out of myself if I'd have done anything. But, I eventually got over it. So, when it really happens, you'll survive that just like the rest of us. But it will take a lot more than 2 days.

I don't know about 'favoite', but I have several improvised gadgets that I like. I make dummies from almost anything. Pipe frames covered with foam, carpet, and duct tape. Fire hose. Old folding ladders. Old tires. Padded posts. Coveralls that shrunk a few years back, stuffed with rags and rolls of carpet. My matt is a large rug over a roll of carpet padding I picked up off the side of the freeway. I found a bunch of colored tennis balls strung on bunjee cords in the pet section of the dollar store. I strung some together, left some single, and added chord to some of them. I hang them around any area I want to work out in and use them for focus bals. The ones with extra chord are good double end balls. I mounted my 50# bag on a swinging arm made from salvaged pipe and channel iron. I can lock it into place, or let it swing freely so I get a lot of movement. It traverses, and also, being a light bag, it sways and bounces as I strike. Can also be set up as a double ender. I hung a leather shop apron in one of the utility rooms at work. No one has asked why it is hung where it is, and they havn't bothered it, so that is where I go for breaks when I'm there. I've kicked it, struck it, beat it with sticks, and run techniques on it. (Good thing no one times my breaks ). Pads can be made from old seat cushions. Old car seats can be a good kicking shield. Sticks, of course, can be picked up everywhere. But I shaped several on a grinder so I have an assortment of training knives in different sizes and styles. Your immagination is the limmit when it comes to improvised training gadgets! Anyone else have any ideas? I'm allways looking for something else. And, as gifts, they go back to a tradition of making the gifts you give someone. Says a lot more than shopping the sales and giving something everyone has.

In this day of politically correctness, I'd say probably not. I wish it were so. But you made some good points and suggestions. afitzwater, you don't mention your style or if you are a member of any associations. If you have any affiliations, you could make them the heavy and say they have minimum standards for rank and testing that you have to adhere to. Beaurocrats tend to understand the appeal to authority better than some minion that they think they control trying to impose standards they cannot begin to comprehend. Another suggestion might be to go with a phase program instead of belts. When you think they are ready, the student moves up to the next phase. No tests, no expectations for regular advancement. Either they can handle the intensity of the next level, or they stay at the lower level until they can. If the city insists on running your program, and you can't do away with the belts, then I'd say run two programs; one regular program where the students pay for and get their belts like any good McD- the second, by invitation only, should be a group of your seriouse students who want to learn the art, not dress up their uniform with a piece of cloth. Take those (probably very few) students who agree to higher standards and who work hard, and give them extra instruction outside the regular class. I wouldn't allow them any privilages that set them apart in class, other than the extra work. You'll get blasted by the same beaurocrats, insisting that everyone has the 'right' to be in this group. Wouldn't want to hurt someones self esteem, would you?

Mine are Century. I'd recomend them.

Website with books: http://www.ryukyu.com/id145.html Can't recomend any of them personally, but you might find something there. Another possibility would be to develope some police contacts and see if any of them need an ma type dummy to practice on. But, I ought to warn you, it @#^* well hurts!

I know everyone (me included) says "don't try to learn a martial art from videos," but as a 4th deg bb with 15 yrs experience, I think you can handle it. Try these guys out: http://www.ikca-kenpo.com/ It's like an abbreviated Parker based system, done by two of his senior students. I don't know, but I hear they give a good foundation in principles. I guarantee that learning the principles involved will give you a whole new view of TKD, and nothing teaches principles like Parker Kenpo. Other options might be grappling (stand up and/or ground), a soft art (Taiji is great), or a weapons art (FMA's are a lot of fun).

blitz, you will get over it. But it is rough when you go through it. Go out, raise a little cain, get a little wild for a while, and forget her. Someone better will come along eventually. You'll probably look back on her fondly later on, but you'll be glad it didn't work out.

This sort of blows me away that one org doesn't punch or guard, but does kick the fool out of each other, while the other org uses hands but not to the head. What's the point? I understand the sport aspect might have a lot to do with it, but the few tournaments I've been to used hands as well as feet, and the head was a target. Maybe it's just my narrow minded aproach, but I think of the entire body as a weapons system, defense system, and target, all in one convenient package. This is especially true if you ever want to use your skills for defense. I don't know,... maybe I need to get out and mix more, but I just don't see the reasoning.

Why am i tempted to say something here? Obviously, your self control is superb, or you would have said something!

Absolutely not! Large organizations are not necessary to validate anything, and in some cases may even devalue a system. When large orgs set standards it can be a two edged sword. While it is a good thing to have to meet a set of minimum standards, these often are not set to the high end of the spectrum, catering to the mediocre more than the excellent. Too often, expecting excellence does not make them large organisations in the first place! They are good for recognition in a mobile society where a student may want to retain rank if they move, or might need to train in more than one geographical area. Larger organizations may also have a better infrastructure to support their schools. Things like locking in good seminars so all their schools have access to good extra training. Again, absolutely not! Many are more credible because they refuse to limmit themselves to someones elses standards. On the other hand, there are those who don't want to meet even a low minimum standard while ripping off their students.

I laugh, but just in case- do you know of such an art? PM me the sign up info!

Bait! Disdain, psych, and there are some moves that work from this position. But you're right, it isn't a good habbit, and it can easily be turned against you if he's better than you thought- or, more likely, you aren't as good as you thought!