Spartacus Maximus

One of the key strategy points of Shorin ryu is continuity of strikes. Punches and kicks are delivered in rapid succession to overwhelm and wear down the attacker with more than one aimed at the same target. The analogy used to explain this is that of the waterfall with the water falling onto rocks below and eventually piercing through. There are others, but that is the one my instructor repeats the most often.

The cane is what I would choose if I were my instructor's age. It is a very elegant accessory as well as a versatile tool and defensive weapon. The only thing that could be said against it is that it must be in hand to be useful. Like anything that cannot be attached to one's person or in a pocket, there is the risk of forgetting to take it along or simply leaving it somewhere in a moments distraction. If not a cane, what else is suitable?

It is highly likely that rules about grading are the product of martial arts governing bodies or "style" associations. It seems that the bigger the governing body is, the stricter or more defined the promotion rule. An independent instructor teaching privately or in a school not affiliated with any association is probably free to evaluate in whatever way works best. In such a case, many seek the opinion of peers skilled in the same system if only for the sake of having an objective view.

How are things done in your organization? In mine, I train at the main dojo under the chief instructor who is a 9th Dan. He has graded some of his students up to 8th Dan. A dan evaluation is usually conducted by him and at least two of the highest grades available to attend at the time plus anyone who has had said grade for more than one year. The input of all the observers and panel members is considered, but the final decision is his.

There are more than a few opinions on how much training is over training. Constantly aiming for improvement by doing just a little more for a little longer is good, but what exactly is too much? What is your defenition?

If it is not an explicit rule, is it just the way your governing body has always done it?

Some governing bodies and schools have certain rules or conventions about how far an instructor can personally judge, evaluate or grade their students. How many here know of such a rule? Is it half the instructors dan grade(i.e: 6 Dan may only promote up to 3dan) or does every level require a grading panel of several seniors as well as the chief instructor of the governing body? What are you familiar with?

The state of mind often commonly called moving zen or meditation is not as complicated or esoteric as many seem to make it out to be. It is simply the highest level of mental concentration and physical awareness. This is what happens when trained movements are executed as natural reflexes while the person's mind remains aware of the wider environment. It allows training to "take over". Although it is often mentioned in the context of martial arts or combat, it is not limited to this field. This type of focused awareness is also experienced by professional athletes or surgeons or any other people requiring a high level of concentration and relying on trained, automated ingrained techniques.

To be an instructor it is not enough to have skills and passion for what one trains. It requires a high degree of observational skills to evaluate and adjust how to teach different types of people who respond to different methods. Just repeating the same explanation or demonstration will not always have the desired results. Someone who can break down, explain and demonstrate a single point in a variety of ways makes a great instructor. Such a person will likely reach a wider audience and have more successful students than an instructor who just repeats without ever trying to understand "why can't they get this?"

Perhaps one reason why testing and gradings and ceremonies exist is that they are a way for the students to attach some kind of tangible value and be recognized for their efforts. In short it is a reward, just like the belt and fancy paper certificate. Students need this to feel that they have achieved something. It is somewhat akin to free instruction versus instruction for a fee. People always value something more if it is presented as a reward. An experienced and trained instructor may be able to see even the slightest improvement, but the student often does not notice or realize it unless he is explicitly told how, what and where these are. For many, if not most this translates to doubting one's progress.

Belt/rank tests are as arbitrary as the belts themselves. The only thing that is of any relevance is whether or not the candidate has improved and progressed in skills and understanding of what said person trains. Having a formal grading ceremony following hours of intense drills and kata to exhaustion does not make one grading more meaningful than another. Like many other things about martial arts, there is no standard way of conducting a test or grading and the is an immense scope of variety from dojo to dojo. Even within the same style or organization. It depends entirely on the instructor in charge.

Historical accounts of reknowned masters mention several masters who carried something for personal defense. Given the cultural and historical context of these stories there are not so many that would be advisable for anyone to emulate. Besides the very versatile stick or cane, I have known at least of two elderly experts who carried a folding iron fan. The only disadvantage of such an item is probably the weight. Unlike a cane, it can easily be concealed or stored in a pocket.

Too many karateka get stuck with the idea that this or that application or technique is the right one. Often it is just the one or two examples demonstrated by a senior instructor. This is usually the oyo bunkai or oyo kumite as it is sometimes called. What Mr. Merriman means by the need to explore is that each kata has a set of principles. An application or bunkai only makes sense and is only effective if it follows these principles and the strategy of the kata. A simple example of a principle is to "stun and unbalance before a throw or a takedown". If a technique is meant to be takedown or throw, it will not work if it is not preceded by a strike to disrupt and a move to unbalance the attacker.

Getting a place before having people to fill it with can be somewhat risky. Especially if one has spent a considerable amount for the cost of it. If there is no other possible option, it is best to find a free or very minimal cost space to start and move to a more suitable place after building up to a few students. Community centres or other similar public facilities are usually free or very cheap. If one has a suitable space at home it can also be done there, even if it is just one or two persons at a time.

Great ideas. Does anyone else know of any old or elderly (as in over 70) martial arts experts who carry some kind of defensive weapon despite still being more than capable to defend themselves at their age? It still seems like sort of an odd idea for an exceptionally skilled, strong and healthy person to carry anything at all. Is it because at that age, decades of daily training can no longer be relied upon?

Yes, a cane is probably the most obvious choice. Canes can also have all sorts of surprises from weights to blades. From what I could gather, something lighter and less cumbersome than a cane would be preferable.

Aging affects everyone and no matter how strong and healthy one might be there comes a time when skills may not be enough. In a recent discussion with my instructor he mentioned that he was considering carrying some kind of defensive weapon in a few years because of his age. It is very hard to imagine why he would need anything other than his hands, feet and decades of daily training. He may not be what he used to be, but even at nearly 70 and a 9th dan, I pitty whoever is foolish enough to attack him. More puzzling is the fact that besides the odd blade, weapons are very rare where he resides and usually are improvised objects(firearms and knives are illegal). What kind of defensive weapon might be ideal for an old man to carry? Any ideas?

The poll seems to be begging for a simple, one-dimensional answer to a very complex question. The answer cannot be any one of the choice answers alone and is always a combination of two or more of them. "Why do some people attack others" sounds simple, but it is a very difficult question. It depends on the specific condition of the attacker. Mental and emotional state at the time etc, etc. In the most general and broad terms, one reason: Want. People will attack others because of want things. Usually it boils down to material and influence/power. Every single violent attack can be defined in those to fundamental motivations. Consider these simple examples: A mugger will attack because he wants the victims valuables A gangster will attack because he wants to keep or expand power/influence A rapist will attack because he wants power by forcing the victim to accept his will and submit A religious or ideological fanatic will attack because he wants power to forcefully impose his vision.

After a while any pure cotton canvas gi becomes impossible to keep completely white. It is frustrating to end up with those yellowish stains that never completely disappear no matter how one tries to wash them out.

"This no tournament, this for real!" Mister Miyagi in Karate Kid 2

Nothing beats getting blisters on callouses, nothing other than maybe bursting a blister and finding out only after training is over.

What is truly amazing and interesting with sword play is the strength and flexibility of limbs needed to effectively wield a sword. Unlike modern fencing, the replica swords are anything but light. Training develops great arm, and especially wrist strength. Agility is another great ability that is stressed in this art. As for Systema, there is so much variety in the skill level of instructors that it can be difficult to find quality. When it is found though, it is well worth the trouble.

Settling on a single choice takes a long time to think over. This is why seminars and camps are useful. They are one of the best ways to try several things in different systems when there is no single choice to be made. It also allows focus on a single aspect. As for a personal recommendation, I might suggest fencing. Not the olympic sport, mind you, but as it is recreated and taught based on training manuals from the 17th-18th centuries with replica swords. Another would be the Russian art Systema, which offers a very peculiar way of moving and striking.

It might be slightly more productive to compare systems of the same time period. The karate brought to Japan by Funakoshi and his peers in the early 1900 was already different from what was practised by those who remained in Okinawa. By 1922, it was again different from the original. Modern Korean arts originating in the early 20th century might be Korean but the Japanese influence is absolutely undeniable. As undeniable and obvious as the Chinese influence on karate in Okinawa and nearly every system that came out of East Asia.

Sensei8 was quicker to reply, but his point expresses my thoughts also. Even if the rules are set to sanction, regulate or forbid contact, it cannot be completely avoided. Contact might be intentional or accidental but it is in the nature of the activity. This is also true of team sports and any other activity where one must struggle against another person. The possibility of getting hit somehow somewhere is high and must be considered by those who engage in said activity. One will get hit at some point and denying that is a foolish expectation. How hard one might get hit is just a variable and it depends on how seriously one trains as well as several other factors.