Alan Armstrong

Thank you! For the health and fitness award. A little twist on a Bruce Lee quote: ~ Don't pray for an easy 2022, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one ~ HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Thank you for the advice BulltahrWith just recently a few weeks ago, started a new YouTube channel called STARTSHIP DJS with only 42 views thus far, that isn't necessarily a very important factor right now. It is a Sci fi Rock Opera Music Odyssey, an outlet for my creative ideas and inspirations. Learning new things daily on getting it right with not infringing copyrights and keeping within uploading guidelines. As fnally found where to put tags for the vids and just recently found an app to be able to reduce the MB sizes of them (as there is a limit to which they can upload without special permission) and at the same time improve upone the quality. Point being there is a learning phase on YT where getting to know the ins and outs takes time and plenty of patience. Once knowing well enough the YT territory and making sure the i's are dotted and the t's are crossed, then with confidence SEO search engine optimization. Just like martial arts, step by step. For me to keep striving for improving quality content and to find ways to make my videos worthwhile watching are important factors to always consider when making them. As SEO is really taking the luck and chance out of the equation and giving a video its best chance of being seen by those that want to see it.

Incredible SLK59 with all you have endured and continued with your MA journey. It really goes to show how your spirit is a winning one.

2000 steps = 1 mile- Appropriately 1500 steps = 1 kilometre - Approximately For me: 11 x 2 = 22 steps Approximately - From couch to refrigerator and back. Appropriately: 68 Trips in Kilometres 90 Trips in Miles As I walk 20 miles a day, this equals 20 Miles x 90 Trips back and forth from couch to refrigerator = 1800 So their you have it, for me, I need to take 1800 trips from my couch to my refrigerator and back to the couch, to get my daily 20 mile walk. Just putting things in perspective, no calories were consumed in this exercise. How many trips are you making to your refrigerator and back in a day?

Confucius he say - when man at home in self isolation also need social distancing from refrigerator.

You might want to put a note inside your refrigerator that reads.Are you hungry or bored? Have a Merry Hibernation DWx

Worth remembering. Quote- "Time spent on self improvement is time never wasted!" I was told these words by a gymnastics teacher near 50 years ago. Amazing how just a few words of encouragement can make such a huge difference to one's outlook on life. Thank you all for sharing your journey together we will go far.

Mine is to walk 100 miles a week spread over 5 days. Am finding out that if not having or keeping proper posture my hips will start aching. Do you have a fitness challenge and how is it working out for you?

Yes you are correct many of them are from his channel.I have alresdy tried to promote his channel here on KF a while back https://www.karateforums.com/1-boxing-coach-marvin-cook-vt53172.html .................................................................... However these are very much spread out amongst many other types of martial artists and disciplines. https://www.karateforums.com/twelve-2hr-lessons-in-martial-arts-vt53031.html

@bushido_man96 I like his style of teaching (in these latest videos) as there is a lot of sense to what he is saying. As if he is giving a chance to learn some incredibly important lessons, that are truly worthwhile learning. Wheras for myself, with linking videos: Than continually repeating or re-wording the source was thinking more on the lines of giving credit where credit is due, to those that I have found to be of great benefit to myself and hopefully to others by sharing and passing on my personal martial art preferences. Getting the information from the horses mouth (so to speak) than from my interpretations, as I hoped it would be more beneficial for all this way. As not wanting to seem pretentious but rather to be taking a transparent approach to this topic. As I am not claiming to be anything but a martial art enthusiast, as am not qualified in any system or style or belonging to any martial art organisation at this present time. As for my own intentions here in, are purely academic hobbyist in nature, as am at retirement age, my competition days are over for me, also financial motivation has never been an issue as have always taught martial arts for free to those havinng the willingness to practice with me. Thefore my only noticeable intent is to continue learning and sharing opinions about martial arts and to be practicing with other people that care to do so with me. Just clearing the air here, hope you are not too disappointed with the unexpected synopsis?

Trying out these techniques and making them work on bigger, younger, faster opponent's for me is proof enough that they work. As the surprise on their faces by using these techniques whilst sparring is also rewarding, as confirming and knowing that when putting theory in to practice, that it is bringing these ideas in to the realm of reality. The positive response from others that learn from these sparring encounters is also rewarding for me, in knowing that another person is walking away having grown from the experience. Where the gratification from peaceful learning practice is mutual as for me to have tried out a new technique that passes the test and for the sparring partner that now knows something new and worthwhile developing. Thanks for asking bushido_man96 here is: [ The two step reverse punch manoeuvre ] Any more requests am pleased to oblige?

It doesn't take long to see how effective these simple combat aspects are.Also how many high ranking fighters are obviously unaware of their existence that are not be able to utilising them. Obviously no fighter is perfect especially when under pressure in a bout but overlooking these aspect discussed here are truly beneficial for any type of fighter. However when viewing professionals missing these simple aspects in combat, it does make me wonder whether they have big gaps in knowledge that need to be resolved. Because when newbies make simple mistakes it is understandable but when title holders make them, I kinda wonder how they reached such great heights when missing some very basic fighting skills?

@bushido_man96 The answer why to [ Hide the foot (rear) show the (front) hand ] Hope this explanation helps? Any more question's happy to do my best to explain and elaborate more on them if possible?

The pedantic version. [ Cross Hairs always looking horizontally and vertically at opponent ] is just one element part of a whole. To be constantly keeping your opponent in your cross hair sights as if looking down the barrel of a gun. Seeing the fight while in the fight by maintaining and staying in constant visual contact with the opponent. Viewing the opponent as the target whilst being the weapon, not only helps to spot openings but can also create a psychological influence over the opponent's performance. Maximising ones own weapons with accuracy and efficiency due to being a diligently active participant focusing on hitting than defending. Maintaining and adjusting oneself accordingly to always be in an optimal firing range to see and strike without compromising other elements, such as speed, balance and power. More in depth analysis of the Cross Hairs concept in fighting.

In a nutshell: To be a marksman martial artist.

If their are no telegraphing movements for peripheral vision fighters to pick up on then stopping the opponent from scoring will present difficulties. Hope this answer's your question and opens up the possibilities for others?

Thanks for asking, here is a brief explanation. First on peripheral vision and telegraphing: If a shot (punch or kick) is fired straight on (directly) down the pipe so to speak or down the barrel of a rifle, peripheral vision isn't easily going to be noticeable spotted as it is not coming from the outside. Also the less telegraphing the shot is the more difficult it will be to detect it, where being totally peripheral as in looking and behaving like a motion detector, will usually have trouble with objects coming forward and towards head on. Where peripheral vision is helpful in detecting many unaware telegraphing opponents, however those that are not so obvious that are clean and direct with techniques, this is going to need a more accurate view point. Colour cannot be seen so easily with peripheral vision therefore when colour gloves are worn this can cause some fighters to have a problem with differentiating between their own colour of gloves and the opponent's. Peripheral vision being helpful for movements on the outside have difficulties that are obvious when driving spotting vehicles in front of you for instance, on the motorway, seemingly (the illusion of) if it is coming towards you (becomes gradually larger) is very subtle or moving away it will (seem to be getting gradually smaller) This is why taillights being red really help to decipher being behind and a stopping vehicle that go bright red and also backup lights are white to help spot that the other car is moving towards you instead. This is all due to the directness of movement, these lights that being colour coded are very helpful to dectect which way a vehicle is moving towards or moving away. Where when sparring avoiding helpful signals to the opponent means being a none telegraphing fighter. Getting to back on track, focusing on the Cross Hairs: The idea here is to be looking at the opponent as if holding a rifle and looking through the cross hairs. Constantly adjusting oneself to the movements of the opponent (no matter how small) which is keeping the opponent in one's sights at all times both horizontally and vertically. Having the opponent in your line of sight in front of you (peripherally or otherwise) isn't the same as having them in your cross hair sights. As just having the opponent in your line of sight or somewhere in your scope or vision can give a false sense of security as opposed to having them directly and always in your cross hair. Where keeping the opponent always in your cross hair sights (always) with your guard up ready to fire off your shots, combined with mobility and controlling the distance. Just as if looking through the telescope of a rifle you have a vertical line and a horizontal line, where they cross is the target. Whereas when the opponent tries to do a flanking manouevre to one side or another, the opponent is still in the horizontal line but lost in the vertical; then that this is a problem! If the opponent ducks then is still in the vertical line but lost on the horizontal; then that is also a problem! [ Cross Hairs always looking horizontally and vertically at opponent ] As just like shooting a moving or stationary target the bullet will only hit what both hair lines, horizontal and vertical are lined up to. Therfore to always keep your opponent in your cross hair sights with your weapons aimed directly at the target, this also helps in being the weapon and not the target. As once having lost sight of the opponent their will always be consequences to pay. Hope this answers your question?

Martial Art Six S's: Stamina - Speed - Strength - Skill - Strategy - Spirit Cross Hairs always looking horizontally and vertically at opponent Hide the foot (rear) show the (front) hand Taking the blame or giving credit when getting hit? Fight like a title holder Make'm mis make'm Pay The two step reverse punch manoeuvre The blind man stance Blind elbow/Cover the opponent's eyes with the forearm Don't give the credit to the other guy for making your mistakes Adapt and take away what is working for the other guy Peek-a-Boo Blind spot are like blinkers for a horse No pawing or touching the rifle allowed Push block with guard as if punching one side only The trick to move to the right Send out jab Reset Feet first n Jab There is One real type of Jab Stay behind your Jab Capping the Jab to stop combinations Cap the Jab run your offence Create motion from the waist down Gunner & Driver each have their own job to do Shoulders not to help movements Overriding natural movements to reach and swing Don't open and close Stepping use the half step only Maintaining balance n moving enabling appropriate actions Concentrate on the movement not thrown off by momentum Form power speed keep them together, varying them with control Step step - is better than dragging or spinning Feet placement not dragging, move as a unit Hip stacking: Round House - Knee. Side Kick - Heel. Hook Kick - Shin Throw combinations but always stay under yourself being composed Don't compromise anything just to make contact with opponent One-Two-Combo- Lateral movement- RearFoot replaces FrontFoot- With both punches travelling along the same line of attack Don't punctuate combinations or pause be fluid keep moving Any questions, as am more than willing to explain and elaborate on any aspect that you are interested in. Here are lessons 1 to 16 https://www.karateforums.com/twelve-2hr-lessons-in-martial-arts-vt53031.html

Thanks for asking Patrick, hope all is well on your side.Covid-19 personally has affected my Martial Art journey on a profound level lowering teaching standards in some aspects and has given me a chance and challenge to raise them in other areas. Sure the Initial lockdowns was a short term challenge however turning in to a long term issue with social distancing, reality resistance training for me has become a problem to maintain as next to near none existence. Where teaching in the local exercise park, even with light sparring has come under fire by passers by as seemingly looking dangerous on a contagious level to each other and to others. Where I am living and training out doors, their is the stay well away from each other mentality at all costs and on the other side of this coin, is from the school of thought, that being that, the real way to fight or beat this pandemic is to be fit and strong including being athletic by exercising and eating healthy. As for this year, have been tested negative in all respects of not having or never had this virus; ironically having not been ill for the whole year, as with wearing a mask outside has helped with dealing with tree allergies, which has been a blessing in disguise; excuse the pun! With lowering standards, those I have had light sparring with it has been far less physical than the pre Covid days, not feeling as natural as it once was. Therefore my standards have lowered twofold as for self defence where people are avoiding close contact for self preservation just breathing on someone is enough for them to panic and the downturn in training close to reality is very much frowned upone as being considered irresponsible. Obviously tension is high among the general population where the situation of this Covid isn't looking to be fixed overnight and getting back to normal as we know it could be just a thing of the past. So in my situation lowering standards is in the way of lacking resistance in sparring and a lot less chances to spar. Having more time to explore and to add to my curriculum as to refine it, has been a way to raise my standards towards teaching others, where learning new skills for me is very satisfying and rewarding. Whereas physically raising my standards has been mostly focusing on and improving my own cardio and endurance, as when or if training sessions resume, I will be able to continue teaching martial arts confidently, knowing that I havent lost my athleticism due to circumstances we all find ourselves in. As I am only lowering standards that I have no real control over as for those areas that are truly beneficial and possible, raising standards is very important to help stay motivated on a day to day basis for both physical and mental wellbeing. Hope everyone reading this little rant of mine can find your own ways to out think this situation we all find ourselves in and come out the over end in better shape than when it all started.

As an Instructor are you raising your standards with your students or lowering them if so why?

Common sense from a teacher to me would say to learn one style sufficiently enough first before exploring other ones. As it is a journey of learning, wherby giving a system the adequate amount of time and attention to learn properly is needed. Training in different styles can be or seem contradictory in the moment as methods and techniques can be very difficult to understand, as well seeming confusing. As for round house kicks can be different from one style to another, where each considers theirs to be right and all others to be not as right as their own A system should be when a set of something fit together, ie imagine trying to mix Lego ® with Maccano ® building games they don't work together but it is still possible to build things with both but separately, with one not being better than the other, where constructive ideas can be explored separately. My personal problem became apparent when using Wing Chun in a karate tournament, as what I was doing didn't score points. Learning that... Therfore it is in the combative competitive arena depending on the ground rules either (karate, Boxing, Judo, Muay Thai, UFC) will not be scoring or getting disqualified, where kicking, choke holds or throwing will definitely depend on the rules of the match. In the past it has often been said that when training in many styles and or systems will lead to becoming a Master of none. This view however is becoming outdated with many martial artists cross training in many different disciplines from stand up to grappling where aiming to become a more rounded player or fighter. Pointing being that it is a choice for each individual to decide whether sticking to one system or mixing them up. Hopefully their are more opinions to be made here on this very intersting topic, as I am just touching on a far larger picture that is out there.

The best boxing coach I have ever known in my entire life is Marvin Cook He has started posting his boxing videos again after an 8 year gap. His fans are over the moon of his return, myself included. This is probably the reason why he is so important to those that practice boxing. As he is the type of boxing coach you wished you had when was younger but yet again if still hungry to learn how to box or improve upone it here is your chance. What do you think?

Oftern times bigger opponents can have an advatage of size, here is a way and training method to even up the situation IMHO Was this helpful?

Yes aurik you are right. Also attacking or tackling a problem from different perspectives, directions or angles is admirable when teaching.This could be also more noticeable when doing kicks in a kata for judges to see in a tournament as kicks are thrown differently when in a sparring competition aiming to score points. A student having a teacher that can teach them the differences between the two will excel further than the one that teaches kicks the same way for both. As the kick will be generic in nature if not adapted for the situation or event at hand.

No!! I dictate the teaching methods and attitudes in class...in my dojo, no one else. The style or the system, to me, are just a tangible thing that made the core...the building blocks...the foundation...but never the end of its own means. Imho. A TaiChi class taught like a Muay Thai or Grappling class would surely run in to problems very quickly; don't you think?