Archimoto

Speaks to the notion that fighting is only one of many aspects of being a martial artist.

I completely agree and would add that it also depends on the application of the kick. Therefore I don't see the point in comparing power between a crescent and a spinning side kick. They are totally different kicks meant to be used in very different situations. So both are powerful in their own way. That applies to the Muay Thai kick and all strikes for that matter. IMHO

I heard something similar in salsa dancing class! Especially about my deep musculature! Ok just kidding sorry. Sounds like a long way of saying it's in the hips...

Lmao, all my lolz go to you I'll take it thank you !!!

Welcome and congratulations !!!

how can something slower and lighter hit harder? a rear cross uses most of your body weight, and travels really fast, a donkey kick uses very little body weight and travels at a slower speed, how can the donkey kick do more damage in some cases and about the same in other cases? Because the force of the impact isn't only supplied by you, it is also supplied by the person being struck. Typically back kicks are only landed or effective against someone who is moving towards you. They themselves are supplying lots of mass and velocity. Of course, any strike will be more effective when the opponent is moving into it, but it is pretty much the only way to hurt someone with a back kick, short of using a spin, or a specific and specialized kind of switch. This is easily demonstrated by back kicking a stationary heavy bag, then back kicking it again as it swings in to meet your kick. The kick has significantly more impact when the bag (our hapless opponent) swings into it. I would also like to point out that it is the acceleration of tissue caused by the force that hurts people, and I think you will get a better grip on this if you learn about acceleration and vectors in general. Solid post!! Ditto!!! I totally agree also that 'how' you do it directly affects the equation of POWER. For instance, physical characteristics (ie, weight) can inform the MASS in a strike, delivery of a strike can inform its VELOCITY (most practitioners tense when trying to throw fast when in fact it's best to stay loose and relaxed). I also would like to emphasize EFFICACY because power without efficacy in the martial arts is relatively pointless. In this regard the practitioner and their execution of a technique and understanding it's proper Timing and RANGE is hugely important. That is why I love sparring because it helps hone all of the above. In MA delivering proper POWER to a moving and fully uncooperative object is in itself a science.

Ditto !!

There are a few dead giveaways but otherwise it's very hard to tell. Besides, you're not supposed to judge a book by its cover. For instance, I'm not convinced that everyone wearing an Affliction shirt or a Tapout shirt is a martial artist...

I don't know ... I think folks are looking at this in the worst possible light. I agree that "don't you know who I am" may be a poor choice of words but at the same time she just threw his gear on the floor. I like Sensei8's advice. At the same time, to me it speaks volumes that he has his sensai's support - I suspect there are dynamics to this encounter that are not communicated in the post. Just a thought.

So true !!!

I think that says it all. Sounds to me like she was way out of line. Actually sounds like she has some serious nerve. Great job in not getting too defensive and yet letting her know exactly how you feel. ***golf clap***

Unfortunately it boils down to simple supply and demand theory. Shorts cuts are in high demand - shockingly even if they're too good to be true! I'm not condoning or encouraging - I'm just not surprised these programs exist and succeed. It's the same dynamic that allows hocus pocus fad diets and devices to make billions.

But it's in the 10 years of forms where you'll find your answer. I feel like your question may seem specific to you but it's open ended in my opinion. Imagine asking someone to list techniques you need in order to surf a wave, to play improvisational jazz, or to dance ballet? Where does one start, where does one end? The beauty of tai chi is that there may not be a direct answer to your question....

I say train to your heart's content and the rank will work itself out...it always does

Ditto on all counts!!! Take care of yourself and don't give up on MA! This is your biggest belt test yet - listen to your doctors and come back when you're ready!!

I love it! It looks terrific!

I tried several TC classes a few years back and thoroughly enjoyed them. I am not a TC expert by any stretch, not even a novice, but I would recommend trying a few classes if you're that curious. I never intended to stick with TC, I was simply curious. In my limited time I learned that many of the precepts that apply to other arts apply to TC, some of which - like the meditative arts - are applied to an infinite degree. I still remember my first class completely wore me out (in a good way) I recall all of the movements and drills requiring a complete and total synchronicity of my entire body, every muscle, every joint, everything. Completely focused on this type of movement my mind was completely enveloped. I can't even imagine the mind-body connection that develops over a lifetime of practicing TC!

What I did was more dumb, than awkward, however, in the aftermath of it, I felt quite awkward for having done something so, well, stupid... http://www.karateforums.com/the-day-i-knocked-myself-out-vt36200.html?highlight=head+roof After 50 years, I've had my share of awkward and aha and stupid and then some moments. Some I vividly remember, and others, well, I'd rather forget them. That is absolutely HILARIOUS!!! It seems so ENTER THE DOJO !!!

Great Story, Lucky you didn't run into one of those farmers that shoot shot guns at anything that goes on their property, hahha. So true!!!

Word!

100% agree!

Great work!

Wow!

In my early twenties I was reading a book on pressure points and one night, during a long drive home after class I was practicing on myself - while driving - I thought this was a good way to make good use of my commute! Train and drive at the same time!!! How awesome was I?!?!?!?!!!! So I'm rocking out to some music, driving on a long isolated country road, and practicing pressure points around my face and neck...when all of a sudden *boink* I hit a sweet spot !!! Flash forward a few seconds and I'm regaining my senses and I'm - trudging through a corn field!!! Slam on the breaks, throw my Volkswagen in reverse and backed out. Luckily I only got a few yards in. On a subsequent commute I stopped by and offered to pay for the damage, the farmer laughed it off and bid me well. My wife still cracks up every time that story comes up. Needless to say I no longer practice pressure points alone!

Speak for yourself! Everybody learns at different paces. I totally agree - in fact, it's the difficulty or struggle that in my opinion helps develop the humility found in a true master!