CrazyAZNRocker

Actually, improvements on classes and using the skills in a different way are both accepted ideas. Any ideas to help improve Tae Kwon Do stylists will help, there are really no wrong answers, as the integrity of the arts is maintained.

Thanks Doug for understanding, however I'm having faith that there won't be any biased remarks here, for and against Tae Kwon Do.

I have read many posts on Tae Kwon Do's Ineffectiveness in a real fighting situation. How Tae Kwon Do is only for sports and useless in any other situation. However the facts and statistics of Tae Kwon Do's credibility is far from great. I have read articles explaining how Tae Kwon Do was indeed an art for combat, however the case isn't the same today now. There are indeed many lousy Tae Kwon Do schools that water down the art. Then the question is, how was Tae Kwon Do taught in the time of yesteryear that had made it combat worthy, if it was taught differently? Was it different as it is today, or is it the same. So here is the Topic at hand, and it comes in 2 questions... If in the past, Tae Kwon Do's training ways were different in the past, how different, what were the differences? OR If Tae Kwon Do hasn't changed in its many years of existance, and was doomed for failure in terms of combat, what would you ((the other martial artist)) propose should be done to improve the system, while keeping the traditional roots and integrity of the style? ((meaning the emphasis on stikes, stand up, and the increased use of kicks)) ((I hope this doesn't get moved into the Korean Martial arts forum, I really think that the post will get the most out of it if we can get opinions on many other practitioners.))

Well its a long story but to put it simply, during a fight Kenshins "wife" got in the way of kenshins opponent in order for him to make a killing strike without Kenshin dieing. A real tragedy I would make it more clear but i think you should all go and see the OVAs Buy it or DL it, its good stuff

I'm sorry, but i have to say, that the lil black cat looks more like a muay thai practioner :P hehe

There is a possibility that you overheard a group of people talking about a japanese anime series called Rurouni Kenshin, where the main character, Kenshin, wields a sakabatou, or reverse blade katana. The blade of the sword is on the wrong side, making the front of the sword dull and unable to cut. Wether an actual reverse blade sword exist, I'm not sure since I have never seen one.

Indeed a good explination both Ryno and Treebranch, A better explination than mind I would say.

Hey thats one of my favorites too. Its all about Ukyo and Nakoruru

Well, though that is very much true, however you might want to try employing hip motion into Wing Chun techniques. Just because Wing Chun doesn't have hip motions orignally, doesn't mean you can't add it in. I have studied a little bit of Wing Chun, and in my techniques, I added the hip motions. When I used the hips, power in those techniques were more effective than just using arm strength and feet pivoting alone. I also think that is why Bruce Lee incorporated hip movements in his techniques. I read over my previous posting as well, and I wish to re-word this. The one inch punch is not to demonstrate martial arts teachings or styles, but rather the idea of expanding on martial arts instead of sticking to what was taught or what is traditional. It is to demonstrate hip motion with a style that was not originally taught with hip use, which when added can show aweing effects. It was made to open up eyes, to incorporate anything that can make one a better fighter even if it was not taught traditionally. I hope this clears up on what I was trying to get at. Even though hip motion with Wing Chun is effective when I incorporate it, it may not be favored with everyone. It is simply recommened. Its not a matter of right and wrong in martial arts in my opinion.

Ohh wow this is totally for real, I think I should sign up. No joking, this is the ultimate Martial Arts, There is no way they are faking this. Don't make fun of this people, I mean look at them, it's so cool. Why punch when you can yell at them really loud. With 30 thou people joining it, I mean it must be for real. Distance training, WOW, this is what I have been waiting for. Much better than that Tae Kwon Do, or that Muay Thai... I'm serious... No Really... HAH YEA RIGHT!!! I KNOW A FOOL WHEN I SEE ONE, AND I SEE 30,000 OF THEM!!!

What makes the one inch punch able to excert that kind of power because of the principle of using the hips in not only punches, but in every technique. When one punches, one musn't punch with the arm. The performer must use the arm as an extention of the hip. With good and strong hip control, distance becomes irrelevant for pulling for powerful techniques. Whether one is in close or long range, the use of the hip is the most important priciple in martial arts. When the hips are used, all techniques will become devestating, punches, kicks, and blocking alike. In grappling, rotation of hips are important for throws and take downs. That is why I think that the one inch punch priciples don't only to demonstrate chinese martial arts, but to demonstrate to ALL martial arts in general. In terms of physical principles, I'm sure that Bruce Lee wanted to show the importance of hip and to show that legs and arms are extensions for the hip motion, which then result in devestating effects.

Yes Hanwei swords are part of the Chen Collection. As the reason why stainless steel swords are so inneffective is because stainless steel is plain old weaker. Stainless steel swords are basically large butter knives. Though its possible to cut with them, the blade will end up a total mess, and will possibly even snap. What you seriously want is a sword that is hand made, and made of carbon steel ((In terms of blades)). Like i said, the hand forged swords are really good for the money, and will cut very well. However in terms of longevity, its best to get a folded blade. Paul Chen also has some folded blades, but the site that tommarker had suggested is a great site as well, since you can custom make the sword to your liking. Prices are some where of the line like this Forged 200-800 $ Folded 900-2000 $ Custom 2000 +

Well, matters what kind of swords training you want to do. You can train in Iaido, which consist mainly of Katas and forms, or cutting exercises. However if you choose to do either one, you will need to get the sword re-knitted for sure. With Iaido most people will train with aluminum blades with shorter hilts for kata's. The blades are also non sharpened, but feel and weight is that of a real sword. For cutting practices, you will need a carbon steel blade, and should be hand made and make sure the sword is not stainless steel. You can tell usually buy looking if the blade has been lubricated or not. A lubricated sword is the carbon steel one. Also examine the blade carfully, and look for any "stainless steel" working, or "Made in" or any sort of that kind of writing on the blade. Of course then you'll have to make sure that the sword is well maintained, since even a drop of sweat on a carbon steel blade can result in immediate rusting. Also there are the pins too, as you have to make sure those are in nice and snug, or you'll have a loose blade that can have nasty results. If you need a new sword, i would recommend swords from Paul Chen. He has created some very beutiful swords and are as affordable as they are effective. I would recommend the practical katana by Paul Chen as its unbelievably cheap, and I have heard nothing but good things about it, even if the sword is forged and not folded ((folded costs 1000+, while forged is 200-500)). I hoped any of this helps. And if there are any errors in my information, please do so to correct me.

Well I read through some of the posts here in the weapons area, and most of the posts are on eastern asian weapons. Though i do indeed the asian weapons, as well as being asian myself, I have also studied many European weapons. I actually really like some of them. And i have to say that the Renessaince rapier has got to be my favorite weapon because of its light weight, presicion, piercing and slashing potential. Many other European weapons like War swords caught my attention and also war hammers and maces were quite interesting. I would like to know what others think of western european weapons, and if you would like compare them to Asian weapons please do. Also if you can also inform me on fencing information, please post that aswell, since I am very much so interested in fencing. Thank you

There are more than just the bokken, there is also the Saburito which is just a much bigger bokken. 45 inches and very think and heavy, used for exersices not for combat, to heavy.

I think the reason why some martial artists lose street fights becuase they are too dependant on what they have learned, and think way too much on what they are going to do instead of just doing it. I think an effective martial artist should be crafty and smart. One must use what was learned to find what will work for you, and how you want to use it. The instructor gives you the techniques and the suggestions on how one should execute them. In the end, its your body, and you can choose on how you want to use the techniques presented to you. In a real fight as well, one doesn't want to think, simply because one doesn't have time to think. The problem with some martial artists is because they think too much in the fight. One can't think, one has to take action. Observe than execute, don't process what is seen, don't try and figure out what the opponent is going to do, don't try and figure out what technique is best, don't figure out what direction you want to go, just don't think one doesn't have time for that in a real fight. Just use one, and connect. If one thinks too long, then the opponent would have already made a desicion, and then one would have to observe again. You have to fight with gut decisions and instinct, not only with your mind

I really like a requirement my master put on us (the students) for the black belt rank, which was to attend the 12 hour first aid and CPR class. It is really important incase of emergancies, and most martial artists from the old days are also great healers.

Hello there fellow martial artists, I was here reading alot of the forums here, and I thought I should get some other peoples insights. I'm obviously new to the forums, but I would like to post this Topic for you fighters to discuss. I have my own opinion on what i think the martial arts is about, however i love hearing others on what they think whether or not I agree with them or not. The mind versus the body. what do you people, martial artist actually, think on this subject matter? Both are obviously very much important to martial atis, but which one is more important in your personal philosophies? Is a solid body with powerful muscles and a six foot height more to a fighters advantage? Or is it the understanding of martial arts and the intellectual part that goes into a fight and training that is more important? I have my own opinions on this, however i want to hear from others. I also do not want to wade the thoughts of others. All I feel as the Topic presenter, that i should only present the topic. I feel there are no wrong answers, that each persons' thoughts are to be considered. I'm very anxious to here some responces from my fellow martial artists. -SW, CrazyAZNRocker

First, try running, seriously to the nearest place with people, got yourself out of that situation... WORST CASE SCENARIO YOU CAN'T RUN: find a large wall, and get you back to it. If you have a wall back to you, then you don't have to worry about some getting you from behind. Then fight defencivly and you have to and I mean have to take each one out very fast. Or even better if you can get the groupe in a tight area then you can take each one of them one by one in a line, but you still have to stop them fast. Use objects you see, like bottles, chairs. Extend your attack range. You pretty much have to be very aware of your surroundings and use all elements to your advantage. And ofcourse, if you see a chance to run, Take it. This strategy seems to be the most logical. Its advice, so you can take it or not, I for one have yet to try the above Worst Case Scenario, its just what I had thought up when examining an empty cafeteriem.

Personally, I think one should cross train constantly. To learn other styles, then find what you like from each one, then incorporate them into your own "style" without boundries of disiplines. In styles, you will never like everything, you might not like how shotokan kicks are performed, but you like how punches are executed. Then try out Muy Thai style for kicking, or perhaps Tae Kwon Do. Perhaps you need a better understanding of grappling, take on Aikido, or even Shoot wrestling. Maybe you want to understand the physics of soft and hard and revolutions of circular movements, Kung Fu or Tai Chi are excellent for that kind of training. You have to search in every style, to find what suites oneself best so that you can define your own fighting way, and also have a broader understanding of the martial arts.

Go with the second one to get down the basics of martial arts, and to also get into a good physical shape. You will also learn right from the start with out the ridiculous cerimonies. Learn what you think is important, then incoporate off that. Once you think you have absorbed what you think you needed, then try and move on to the first place and see if its what you want. Remember, you can quit to find a better place at anytime, and don;t be held down by one perticular style. You should learn various styles and incorporate what you like from it, and leave out anything you don;t deem important. Its your body and your money, don't let the teacher tell you whats important either, you have to choose.

If anyone was to look at the martial arts, passed all the honor codes, passed all the flowery words, passed all the teachings of self confidence and disipline, passed all the character devolopment, passed all the BS basically, the purest form of martial arts is simply this... When one learns the martial arts, one learns to kill the enemy in the shortest time possible. That is the purest form of martial arts. That is why the martial arts have been taught to armies of yesteryear. Like the ancient samurai for example. Sure the samurai had a huge honor code, and they were well taught and educated, but the main job of the samurai, was to use there martial arts of swordsplay, to kill the enemy. Ninja's learned the ways of moving in the shadows, and for what? To kill. And todays soldiers like the Marines or the Navy, they are trained in martial arts, though it may not seem like martial arts to some, it truely is. They learn the basics of striking the enemy armed or with barehands. And what are soldiers? They are trained professional killers. Now I can truely understand the thought of some that armed combat, and empty hand are different in terms of martial arts, and that would be false. If one is taught to kill, then one is a martial artist. To truely grasp that philosophy however, is to find that beast inside of oneself, and to find that killing instinct. Not many martial artists in the common world have that killing instinct. However their are people with that instinct. If you look into the eyes of soldiers at this time, when the world might go to war, you can see some of them, the fire in their eyes. They are protecting there contries, but they are going to kill to do it, and they are willing to do so without a blink of an eye, whether be a gun, knife, or there bare hands. That is the truest form, the purest form of martial arts, to kill.