Luther unleashed

Thanks man for the compliment! Also, thanks for the good luck.

I don't know why but the forms list breaks up and only part of the link is clickable, have to copy whole link and paste I guess, SORRY

Been a while since I have posted... My style is "tong che bahk do" which is simply a name for a system of different martial arts for each level essentially! We practice tang soo do/ shotokan karate, meaning we learn both, they are so close and basically learn the small differences. After blackbelt we train for second degree tong che bahk do, which in that level we learn Hun gar Kung fu exclusively. I enjoy that it isn't a mixture, it's more specifically full styles at different levels. We incorporate tai chi, boxing, northern long fist Kung fu, and more tang soo do as the levels progress. Sorry to rant about my style but i felt it was pertinent info based on our forms. Our forms are as shown to my level and beyond are... https://onedrive.live.com/redir?resid=2CDCEF3404FC5CB6!5244&authkey=!AGPIFWF_oZNLFk4&ithint=file%2cpdf I'm testing for black belt in September, my testing form is "bassai dae". At the risk of criticism of my style, or technique, here is me practicing bassai dae at my school. Never mind the kid in the background lol. http://youtu.be/hF5emVDiFZo Others should post videos, if there isn't a place for them already that is, I think it's a fun, interesting and trusting thing to do 😜

Sensei8, no need for a bag over your head emoticon lol! Great post and I appreciate the time you spent breaking it down. I get where your coming from, if one is passionate about somthing, it is difficult to see somebody do it just to say they did it, I get it. I mostly enjoy the feeling of a healthy relationship of my mind and body, general health, self defense AND a passion that just loves it for god knows why haha. I'm not the "to say I did it type" which is why I get your emotions surrounding it. I agree with your post about being serious, I feel there is a time to be serious and a time to screw around a bit so I can certainly appreciate that approach. Kinda falling asleep buddy so not writing more tonight but saw you posted and didn't want to leave you hanging that all, take care!

However, said MA should be effective before it becomes different, imho. Otherwise, it's just different the wrong way. Ahh, but the question is... Effective for what?some people take martial arts purely for fun, or health, or to say "I DID IT"! I totally agree, but what makes I effective? An example if I may, First I take haidong gumdo, Korean sword (not sure if you saw the video I posted in Korean section, but you should check it out if not) it is useless without a sword, making it not effective at all to me BECAUSE it's extremely unlikely I'll ever pull out a sword for any reason! I already practice a martial art for self defense, focus, and many other benefits, BUT, sword adds an element of more focus, beauty, and strength training that builds strength in a different way then karate thus making it effective for what I want to get out go it! Therefore, the effectiveness is in the eye of the practitioner IMHO To the bold type above... Effective for ones sake!! Being a proponent of the MA because it's fun or healthy or "I did it", imho, is a waste of valuable time that could've been used for something else, other than the MA. Interesting, I generally agree wholeheartedly with your posts, I am taken back that you feel that for an individual to train in a martial art for fun or health, is a waist of time. You know it is the number one reason people enroll their kids, actual self defense is not the reason. Martial arts to me offer different things, as do the different martial arts I practice. Some are what I consider to be less effective, but very good for strength building, or focus, or fun... Are you suggesting that the only reason to take martial arts is self defense? Are you saying that it's the mental approach that must be one of a serious manner and strict discipline? Help me out buddy, I really am interested in this.

I'm curious as this word gets used to frequently, what is the general consensus (if there is one) as to what exact ally a McDojo is! I have been to a few schools and checked out many, in my years iv felt there were always students passing that could make your place look like a mcdojo! We have some in mine, and some with handicaps, like autism, and other mental disabilities which make it harder for the practitioner to look polished in their movements! I have come to believe VERY MUCH that it's not who gives you a belt, or rank, it's the person who holds it, and their abilities! Any school from chuck Norris's past, or Bruce lee's past would sound like a real good school, and prolly not referred to as mcdojos, or at least more tentatively. How do you guys feel, am I in a mcdojo because I moved through ranks quickly, does my previous experience justify this, is there no grey area? Just curious if there is a middle ground that everybody can agree on, or if the opinion about what a mcdojo is, is very different! Should be fun working this one out

However, said MA should be effective before it becomes different, imho. Otherwise, it's just different the wrong way. Ahh, but the question is... Effective for what?some people take martial arts purely for fun, or health, or to say "I DID IT"! I totally agree, but what makes I effective? An example if I may, First I take haidong gumdo, Korean sword (not sure if you saw the video I posted in Korean section, but you should check it out if not) it is useless without a sword, making it not effective at all to me BECAUSE it's extremely unlikely I'll ever pull out a sword for any reason! I already practice a martial art for self defense, focus, and many other benefits, BUT, sword adds an element of more focus, beauty, and strength training that builds strength in a different way then karate thus making it effective for what I want to get out go it! Therefore, the effectiveness is in the eye of the practitioner IMHO

VERY we'll written, and extremely accurately described.

This is a good question. I think it was answered for the most part , although in my experience I held rank (5th rank) in tae Kwon do and had to start at white in tang soo do! My testing shave been progressively faster then most there though, because I didn't have to learn low level material outside do forms, because I knew how to throw a roundhouse we'll and a side kick and so on. Took me only 6 months or so to achieve the same rank I was at! I see some others that iv passed, but if a persons abilities and work ethic are stronger then they should progress at that pace. So, even if you can't transfer, often times you can progress faster, which is close to the same thing. If instructirs want to stay instructing they would be silly to ignore your martial arts experience!

I'm 36, I bought a book when I was 19 called "Tao of jeet June do"! The main thing I left with after reading it, besides a really nice view into Bruce lee's mind, was the fact that jeet June do was actually a CONCEPT not a specific style, and that was stated by Bruce many times! He laid down a base because he said it was better to have a fundamental base but the art itself was formless! So, having said that I mean no disrespect BUT although the material iv seen from so called jeet June do stylists, seems to look like good, effective techniques, I feel that if it's being taught as A SPECIFIC WAY, or style, then it shouldn't be called jkd! Respect to you guys/girls that train in jkd, hopefully you can understand my perception on jkd! Not a judgment, more of a perception.

A lot of great styles mentioned. I "cross train" in haidong gumdo! I have always had a passion for karate and boxing styles but haidong gumdo is an incredible art for leg strength and focus. Also very good for upper body as we'll. haidong gumdo is Korean swordsmanship for those that don't know! I think the important thing is IF your going to cross train in an art it should be as different as possible, IF it is going to have the maximum benefit!

I'm 36, iv broken knuckle doing a board break, torn a thigh muscle (likely dehydrated that day big time), iv reinjured a previously broken toe, and more recently I overextended my shoulder and seemingly tore something. My point is simply that I break easier now then at 26, you have to listen to your body. Also take time to rest and don't take too long to get aback to it. Keep the muscles around the injuries strong! Just so e advice from my experiences!

It is not who/where you get your belt from, it is the abilities of the person that holds the belt that earns the rank! I absolutely think children as young as three SHOULD earn rank, but a "kiddie" rank if you will. Little dragons, tigers, whatever. My son is in tigers, apon black belt he will have to start from scratch to even get a jr black belt (he's only 7) but I think it's how it should be. My school has an age limit of thirteen to enroll in the adult program. I think that's a fair assessment of a kid being able to START learning, but why hold back from the valuable lessons and culture that can be attained from training, givem kids level belts!

Boy, that little bounce they are doing is really hilarious! Like they are trying to replicate a fighter bouncing on their feet, moving around.... Really cute!

And Sensai8, thanks for the nice post compliment. Your post was very solid as we'll. is there no way to "like" a post, or no "thanks" button? Weird!

I took itf tae Kwon do when I was 17 and did it a few years on and off. I also did tae Kwon do "wtf" more recently and I currently do "basically" a tang soo do/shotokan mixture. Almost no difference other then stances so I essentially learn both. As to the question, it's the same but different. Ways to throw blocks, punches, are different in many ways. Kicks are very similar as they are Korean based, and Koreans are noted for using hips we'll to generate power in kicks. Actually only kick that's different that I can think of is front snap kick. Tang soo do is more of a push while leaning back and thrusting hips forward, tkd is more common kick which essentially is just thrown in an upward motion with little hip involvement. Forms are forms and they all feel like forms, but again different techniques, directions, and pace. The thing I enjoy about tang soo do forms (actually hated forms until learning tang soo do) is they have a jumbled rhythm. They don't have a set rhythm like tkd, they have slow parts, and very often explosive parts, which to me symbolizes yin/yang or (balance) in the forms movements. I enjoy tang soo do much more then tkd! Same BUT different.

Hey man, thanks for the welcome. Yeah, your right you have to know what good looks like, but I guess to me there is a good deal of instructors that make it easy to see what good looks like if compared to them, which is why I think shopping around always pays off! As far as the offer for the sparring seminar, thanks for the offer man.i personally don't have time for stuff like that at the moment. I'm at the dojo many hours a week right now for various reasons. Plus I have 4 children so times pretty tight lol! Where is your school located, I'm assuming by your comment it's on the east side? Thanks again man!

Btw I like your signature, I completely agree and state it often myself, my % is slightly more lopsided though lol, training on your own being highly important!

Agreed... I think mainly the stand I was intending to take on that was simply that in Kung fu, vs karate and tae Kwon do (as en example) students "or" those looking to become students seem to need an explanation of what association clubs are with, more then Kung fu. I wrote it based on a thread in Korean martial arts about "should I train here" and the topic of Association came up which is what sparked this thought from me. Just seems to be a bit more political in these styles... My personal experience of course but ALSO what iv read in the small time iv been a member here! For some reason it always seems to be the thought process! (Authentic instruction = part of a federation). UNFORTUNATELY!

Here's what my experience has thought me... It's NOT the style, it's the teacher that matters! We'll same holds true for associassions. There are many people that can teach you out there that are NOT with a federation of any type. There are a lot of instructors out there that can NOT teach you proper Techniques even though they ARE part of an Association/federation! All that means is that they pay money to be a part of that organization. I walked into my karate school, I watched a class. The interaction from my master (master guffey) was like I'd never seen before. The way he SHOWED the way to do things was more important then his digital trail. He's an incredible teacher. He's an incredible martial artist with years of strength and Technique that you can SEE! This is how you should chose a school. Forget the politics of paperwork. If you can see he's good, then learn from a teacher that's good, it's simple. Iv seen some cheesy teachers that have world tang soo do federation on there walls and certificates that I would never take a lesson from, because it was that bad. You should be able to see what your looking at, when you see it. Kung fu does not typically have this paper/accosiation problem. The goal was always supposed to be to learn from a good teacher that teaches well, and knows their stuff we'll, not who he pays to use a federation name! Style, should be treated the same way. All styles have their goods and bads. It's the instruction that matters most, espesially these days when there are so many schools that don't have a really good instructor. Hope this helps anybody looking to find a school, take care!

Yeah it's not the most known martial art that's for sure! It comes from a Japanese sword art. Most Korean martial arts are derivatives of Japanese arts. Tang soo do as an example is primarily what I practice outside of sword. Obviously it's almost identical to shotokan! I never cared for sword but I tried it and got hooked. Although it looks easy I would describe it as twice as hard as my karate training. If you ever have the opportunity you should see a demonstration. It's really fun to watch!

Nobody? We'll here's a quick video, this happens to be my master, he is my master in karate AND haidong gumdo. Posting a video so people who may have never heard of it can see what it is. http://youtu.be/f8iKUvLEM1w

Anybody do this martial art? I practice primarily tang soo do, but I take sword as an incredible strength cross training martial art. I recently tested on my first belt, it's a slow process just because karate has always been my first love so I can only fit so much in a week. Figured I'd just see how many practitioners are on the forum. Take care!

We'll all the answers here are good. The main thing that I think matters most has already been stated. How much work you put in is how fast you can move. If 4 years is average then I must be training the way I do for nothing lol. Most schools on the west coast seem to be around two. Most schools are 2 days a week for 45 min each. That's next to nothing. It's completely up to the students to practice. At least an hour a day can improve grading speeds but only in a school that doesn't have time required rank. My school has no time required in each rank, grading is each month and most students will test every two months. Some students who train hard, and the master can see it, will skip a belt on occasion. There are too many politics in martial arts, and everybody moves at a different pace, certainly not all people train as much as would be required to advance quickly. But a handful train enough to advance quickly and I'd hate to think we are so wrapped up in a standard, that we lose sight of the individual who may excel, only to hold him back because of a standard that we base off of the general work ethic!

Sorry guys only third post in the forum, I'll fix the period I seemed to add accidentally. Yeah the guy in the black head gear in the beginning is pretty good, he was a bit off his game and in some pain. The other guy is a cop and is tough, skills aren't at the same level though. Out of curiosity does anybody do continuous sparring like this, or just point sparring. Even on days when we do sparring it's always continous, never point sparred but there's a competition coming up soon and I'll have my chance, apparently there's point sparring.