Alan Armstrong

Binomials are word pairs that go together, expressing an idea, that most native English speakers use on a daily basis, they are far from creative but do serve a purpose as in being "short n' sweet" and to the point. Short cliche Idioms included, meaning commonly known phrases, as they could also be binomials, also added are puns that have more than one meaning. Either training in the boxing gym or dojo, in the ring or on the mat, these binomials have a home, here is a short list, please add your favourites, as this is your chance to "Rise n' shine" as it is "Now or Never" to put "Pen to paper" These "short but sweet" phases are also used in the business world to denote what they are doing in their respective positions for or against the competition. As for business people time is money, thefore having these "off the cuff" verb phrases at hand, they are easy to say, remember and understand, from the shop floor to the top floor executive offices. Romance, once a beauty and now perhaps a beast, also borrow from the deep psychological pains, explaining conflicts between lovers and relationships, as shot through the heart, with terms generally used in combat, that can help explain when the relationship is "on the ropes" as we might have experienced, that "love is a battle field" that doesn't take prisoners. As am only guessing, that relationship councillors will use terms such as "if your marriage doesn't kill you, then it will only make you stronger as a couple" With cutting to the chase for explanations, in short phrases, are economically effective and efficient due to the time that would otherwise be used up explaining instead of practicing. Motivation while in training sessions, with a few well placed words of encouragement can help with focusing energy in the right direction "through the toughest times and the best of times". None native speakers, learning English, that are also martial artists, will without a doubt appreciate this topic immensely. Please note the use of "n' "conjunction instead of "and" to make proper use of colloquial pronunciation, including contractions of some words. There are rhymes and reasons why these short sentences or proverbs, made up of such few words, that go so well together, as similar to punching, they do the job like a quick and simple boxing jab combination, hitting straight and direct, to the main point of the targe or subject. As a last resort. A strangle hold. All over the place. A past master. A one-two punch. A kick in the teeth. Achilles heel. All out war. Arm bar. A friendly bout. A flash n' the pan. At the drop of a hat. A rough diamond. A cut above the rest. At full strength. Axe to grind. All or nothing. Aches n' pains. Alive n' kicking. Action faster than reaction. Armed and ready. As a rule. Bobbin n' Weavin. Beat the odds. Black n' blue. Bad t' the bone. Best of the best. Bold n' beautiful. Best never rest. Blood bath. Between a rock and a sword. Blood n' guts. Bumps n' bruises. Brains vs brawn. Back to basics. Blood sweat n' tears. Bite the bullet. Backwards n' forwards. Be all you can be. Bit by bit. Be prepared. Be all n' end all. Below the belt. Bend over backwards. Bits n' pieces. Bring it on. Bear the brunt. Beat about the bush. Bull in a China shop. Blind side. By n' large. Block n' parry. Blow for blow. Burn the candle at both ends. Break the ice. Blow hot n' cold. Beside the point. By leaps n' bounds. Balance n' stability. Boxing manoeuvre. Balance n' mass. Courage to fail. Get in to one's stride. Cold war. Courage to continue. Cool calm n' collected. Crossing swords. Claim to fame. Cease and desist. Cause n' effect. Cuts n' bruises. Close call. Child's play. Chop n' change. Call it a day. Cut n' thrust. Cold feet. Cat n' mouse. Cut man. Conditioned reflex. Create opportunities. Centre line. Day after day. Dish it out. Donkeys work. Dressed to kill. Do the business. Dyed in the wool. Do one's stuff. Duke it out. Don't be a pushover. Done n' dusted. Duck n' dive. Do the unexpected. Do or die. Dos n' don'ts. Dirty fighter. Eye fa' n' Eye. Element of surprise. Eye opener. Easy peasy Japanesy. Finishin' touches. Fast n' lose. Fend for oneself. Fish out of water. Full tilt. Fight for all one's worth. Fit to drop. Fly off the handle. For kicks. Face the music. Foul play. Fair play. Follow up Fists of fury. Fast n' furious. Fight or flight. Firm but fare. Face ta' face. Friend or foe. Fair n' square. Focused n' confident. Fisty cuffs. Focus n' hitting. For or against. Feel the burn. Few n' far between. Full of beans. Fight shy. Flank the enemy. Face your fears. Good n' ready. Ground n' pound. Give n' take. Ginja Ninja. Going for gold. Grin n' bear. Give way. Go off the deep end. Grabbin' n' controllin'. Go against the grain. Go for the kill. Go it alone. Go by the book. Get on top. Getting down n' dirty. Go through the motions. Get a move on. Giving someone a run for their money. Get stuck in. Get in get out. Giving the slip. Glass jaw. Go down swinging. Get to grips. Heavy hitter. Head hunter. Heads up. Hands up. Hit on the kisser. Here n' there. Here there n' everywhere. High n' dry. Hold off hold on. Hold one's own. Hit n' run. Hope against hope. Hope n' glory. Hit the nail on the head. Hand over fist. Hand in glove. Hammer n' tongs. Hands on experience. Head in the clouds. Health n' safety. Hard n' fast. Hit or miss. In n' out. Iron palm. In principle. In the moment. In a tight corner. In a nutshell. In good shape. In full swing. In the octagon In for a penny in for a pound. Judge n' jury. Jab n' move. Judges decision. Killer instinct. Knuckle down. Knock about. Killin' machine. Knock back. Knock down. Knock out. Knock together. Knuckle sandwiche. Knock up. Know how. Kick the bucket. Kickin' n' screamin' Kiss n' makeup. Keep one's distance. Keep at it. Kick off. Know by sight. Keep one's shirt on. Kick up a fuss. Losing face. Law of the jungle. Lone wolf. Lame duck. Love n' war. Landing punches. Lay down the law. Live or die. Latest n' greatest. Lockin' n' brakin' Lock n' load. Lay it on thick n' heavy. Last man standing. Low blow. Man to man. Master of disaster. Make hay while the sun shines. Move it or loose it. Make the grade. Miss the bus. Make oneself scarce. Make rings around. No picknick. Neither here nor there. Neck n' neck. Now n' then. Now or never. No pain no gain. Need fa' speed. No bars hold. On one's toes. Off beat. Once bitten twice shy. Out of bounds. Off beat. Old school. Open up. Out of order. Out n' away. Out of it. One track mind. Over n' above. On principle. On the ball. One hit wonder. On the ropes. Out for the count. Put of sorts. Off the record. Offensive defence. Pullin' punches. Playing it safe. Punches en' bunches. Pound fa' pound. Patience to practice. Push n' shove. Preparation is everything. Prepare for glory. Precision n' power. Put your best foot forward. Play the game. Pinned down. Practice makes perfect. Put the cart before the horse. Past it. Pin down.. Pep talk. Pick on. Pay through the nose. Punching bag. Press on. Pull it off. Punch drunk. Pros n' cons. Pull oneself together. Push on. Plain sailing. Prize fighter. Quick to react. Quick n' slow. Rough and tough. Rough n' ready. Ranting and raving. Road to victory. Ring side seat. Rules n' regulations. Ready ta' rumble. Rude awakening. Rumble n' da jungle. Rise to the occasion. Rough it. Round n' round. Read the riot act. Rope a' dope. Roll with the punches. Rear naked choke. Self defence. Stick it out till the end. Side kicks. Sticky hand. Slice n' dice. Sucker punch. Scrapes n' bruises. Spirit before technique. Son of a gun. Splits for kicks. Show time. Sore loser. Spirit to try. Snooze you lose. Sticks n' stones. Scream n' shout. Show n' tell. Slap fest. Step by step. Stay sharp. Slap happy. Strength n' honour. Speed n' endurance. Strong n' healthy. Super foot. Sour grapes. Stick to one's guns. Sit on the fence. Sparring partner. Scotch kiss. Saved by the bell. Seize up. Slugger. Set back. Set up. Shake off. Step in the ring. Square off. Square up. Straight from the shoulder. Show off. Show down. Sit it out. Size up. Slip n' slide. Stand down. Stand up for yourself. Survival of the fittest. Toe to toe. The gloves are off. Touch n' speed. The kiss of death. The kiss of life. Tooth n' nail. Time and place. Touch n' go. Tug n' pull. Through thick n' thin. Time n' effort. Tried n' tested. Twistin' n' pulling. Trippin' n' trappin. Throwin' n' rollin'. The boot is on the other foot. Take the bull by the horns. Tools of the trade. Take it easy. Throw in the towel. Throw in the sponge. The kiss of death. Take it lying down. Toe the line. The long n' the short of it. Take down a peg. The powers that be. Take it on the chin. Take a dive. Tap out. Time out. Touch gloves come out fighting. Under dog. Up n' down. Up to scratch. Up in arms. Use it or lose it. Up against it. Victim of circumstances. Vicious circle. Wind up. Work out. Walk over. Wolf in sheep's clothing. Warm up n' cool down. Wear down. Winners never quit. Win or lose. Watch n' win. Words of wisdom. Wax on Wax off. War n' peace. When push comes to shove. Work it! Walk the walk talk the talk. With a vengeance. Weigh in. Wear n' tear. Young n' restless. Yin n' Yang. Zig zag. As the list is getting larger, I am putting it in alphabetical order, as not to make doubles. (More to be added to this list, stay tuned)

The realistic outlook for what I teach is to make proper use of what works without hesitation. As in, believing in the technique or principle in practice, that are becoming part of the muscle memory mechanics for each individual. A "wax on wax off moment" epiphany such as in the "Karate Kid" sand a floor and paint de fence. As my base MA system is Wing Chun, yet I draw from which ever source available from my past associations of other MA systems. Principles and concepts that deems to work no matter which system put claims on them first, that are worth teaching, should be used to enrich a student's knowledge and understanding, without any doubts, ifs or buts. As my primary concern is to arm the student with the right information and practice, towards defending one's self, in the most effective and efficient way possible. As for the student, to not be caught up in the politics and nonsense, that can very quickly develop if not careful, a false sense of confidence that in the long run is counterproductive. Having seen enough videos of naive maists, thrown into the pit or pierpressred to fight against seasoned fighters (purists vs realists) declaring style vs style, which is totally manic and absurd, as the outcome is predetermined IMHO The CI's that endanger their novice students, having them fight when notably unprepared, (similar to bringing a plastic knife to a gun fight) should be seen as being very irresponsible and unnecessarily reckless to those that believe in them.

The approach to combat and everyday life should be the same: Miyamoto musashi

Well done Spartacus Maximus, nice and concise explanation!

When the student is ready to learn martial arts, the master will appear! https://youtu.be/mp-uDe4-qg8

Timing and distancing itself is not limited to MA as it is a part of every day living from walking in the street to driving any type of vehicle, therefore it is an easy concept to grasp for most people.If a person cannot grasp the concept of timing then they will be either late or too soon in everything they do, missing optimal opportunities whenever they are available and also avoiding costly mistakes. Also if a person cannot grasp the concept of distancing, then they will not know when to be close or when to be far away to take proper advantage or use of spacial awareness and not likely be able to strike or defend themselves effectively. Thefore coordinate your movements, timing and distance with your opponent, so as to strike at an advantage and not to be hit, this usually takes place at the borders (reach) of combatants by baiting them to hit and counterattacking on their withdrawals. As the expert can strike the opponent at will and not be hit, this would be considered to be controlling the fight with good timing and distance. SDA, single direct attack, is a prime example of using timing and distance as a ...

Have been attending one of the latest fitness trends for one month now, that is called body balance, containing a mix of Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates and Meditation. A 90 minute class once a week, not sure of how useful or helpful it would be, but gave it a try anyway. Being the only Male in the class is the most obvious thing but no one seems to mind so far, including the female instructor. Skeptical at first, standing on one leg in different positions and holding low stances, with a few classic yoga poses, then a little meditation, there seems to be nothing out of the ordinary for a maist, except that it is practiced as being complete in itself for reliving stress and relaxing and not as a prelude to something else. Practiced with chilling out music, low lighting with soft spoken instructions and commentary during the meditation at the final stage of the class. I asked myself, why keep going to a class that doesn't have anything apparently new for me, to be something useful, except that balance is a very important ingredient or factor for maists to have. By focusing my energy on balance for one class a week has been surprisingly worthwhile for improving techniques throughout the rest of the week. The most impressive thing in my mind is the instructor, a none maist, that can perform all of the movements to perfection, without a single wobble, something which anyone would appreciate having. Here is an example of what body balance looks like: https://youtu.be/zF4EkZuOmzU What is your experience or opinion on this topic, is this body balance really a trend or is it possibly something more than a fad maybe functionally something very sound?

Great response sensei8, agree with you 100% on this one.

Well said Nidan Melbourne. As in the gym I go to many of the personal trainers smoke, which tells me that as they may look fit they are in fact not healthy.

Some certain things such as: Recovery time using heavy weights can be an issue as there are those that like to train on a daily basis and will use kettlebell weights instead as they are lighter and there are many exercises that can help with increasing strength training with versatility in motion. Also during recovery time due to using heavy weights can be considered to be a vulnerable moment for some, as it can interfere with resistance training sessions against live opponent's. Personally I just ignore the recovery time issues and get on with it, of course when or if exhausted or fatigued next to failure, I will take a few well deserved days off.

I believe it is important to explain techniques with the original indigenous terminology, as difficult it is to learn, it will make perfect sense eventually. As there might be English equivalents to many techniques, there are still many that are not easily translatable, which can cause gaps of understanding for students. Principles and concepts that define a system of how it came in to being, its roots, myths and legends are important factors for students to learn and understand as they contain valuable information and knowledge uniquely it's own. Pedantic teachers can become very boring (as the information can be top notch) as they can lack the alive and dynamic aspects that keeps a student on their toes As the opposite that teach very fast and seems that everything taught becomes a blur, having the student involved in the process of what is being taught by being interactive with them is not only fun but is also useful indeed for remembering the lesson first hand.

Record on video what you are doing alone, show it to your Sensei for pointers and suggestions to improve upone, train, enjoy, improve, repeat.

If I ever thought that not alot of advice can be given on kumite through words, then I would quit this forum in an instant. If Miyamoto Musashi thought that his words were nothing more than words, then he would have never written "The Book Of Fiive Rings" this would have been a great lose to the martial art world for many people over centuries past, present and future.

As my own philosophy is to teach students what they need to know without betraying or changing my chosen discipline. I will however adapt and adopt other systems concepts, principles or techniques that are effective and efficient towards becoming a proficient maist and teach them openly. As when starting my MA journey in the late 1970,s in Shotokan as this was the curriculum, yet on the floor the higher belts were using many techniques, notably having nothing to do with what was being taught. As over time was noticing that this was part of the advantage, that the higher ranks had over the lower ones, they were not purists they were however realists. How far are you willing to change or adopt other systems to your teaching, that are not part of your curriculum?

If a person is not accustomed to stretching then practicing pandiculation might be a good way to start and building upone from there.

One of the most important aspects of a martial art is its application from learning the forms or katas, which in Wing Chun they are often overlooked, here are some insightful teachers in this respect on Youtube. North York Wing Chun. Greenville Academy of Martial Arts. Simply Wing Chun Kuen.

Perserverance is an attitude, to continue despite the consequences or difficulties ahead. To have a positive attitude towards improving one's self, to do the right things at the right time, as in training smart. As was told by a gymnast once many many years ago " Time spent improving oneself is time never wasted" There is a tendency in our modern culture to look for the easy way or solutions, yet training sessions that are truly challenging or difficult are usually more important, beneficial, worthwhile and rewarding. Personally this has been a rewarding week, due to surpassing last week's results for strength, flexibility and improving the quality of my techniques. This has encouraged and helped me mentally to try and do even better for the next upcoming week ahead, probably will be working on speed and endurance, also learning new techniques.

I'm looking to go to Sweden this year, perhaps you would like a visitor from this forum to visit your dojo?

Mystery of Taijiquqn. A few stories that should make for some interesting ideas for fellow maists.

Here is a good start for you Wayofaswede. Adam Mizner, Song Kwa: Adam Mizner, Song and Ting: Adam Mizner, Hwa and Fa: Adam Mizner, Pluck: Adam Mizner, Tsai and Lieh: Adam Mizner, Revisited part 1 Adam Mizner, Revisited part 2 Hope these links are useful towards answering your question. Mark Rasmus, centre of mass centre of balance:

In the meantime, here are some experts that are worth looking (on youtube) at that have very insightful opinions, that would be helpful towards answering your question Wayofaswede. Perhaps asking them all the same question might reveal many profound answers. Adam Mizner, Liang del Hua, Mark Rasmus. Chen Zhonghua, Damon Mitchell, Arthur Roenfeld, Bruce Frantzis.

Keeping the dantian horizontal, would be similar to a conveyor belt, or diagonal like an escalator or vertical like an elevator, there is a mechanical efficiency to them all, then a gyroscope would be fitting, however combining the human element of self expression is a very important ingredient including the dantian. Thanks for elaborating, tanden has indeed become a central concept through my MA years and I usually try to start every technique "from tanden" (somewhat like the "wave motion" in breakdance), at least mentally. Would be interesting to hear your thoughts about using tanden as starting point and trying to "connect" with the opponent's/partner's tanden? Yes wayofaswede, I can explain it for you, dantian to dantian, through the fascia, which belongs mainly to the Tai Chi Chuan. Takes alot of practice with a partner and understanding to do this effectively, not a very important ingredient to main stream martial arts. For me personally I practice it, as it is useful to stay balanced and neutral. Time for training, will do some elaborating with videos, very soon for you.

Keeping the dantian horizontal, would be similar to a conveyor belt, or diagonal like an escalator or vertical like an elevator, there is a mechanical efficiency to them all, then a gyroscope would be fitting, however combining the human element of self expression is a very important ingredient including the dantian.

The glass of water analogy comes from Bagua, as waiters that practice this martial art system, carrying drinks from bar to patron would involve having to manage to avoid spilling the drinks whilst moving very fast around many people, tables, chairs... None maists are not usually interested in their own dantian. As the dantian is mysterious, it alludes being something concrete. Learning and being connected with one's own dantian (Tai Chi Chuan) as a maist is helpful in providing answers to using one's own enegy and replenishing it. Also having self awarness of the dantian developes ones own balance in motion and for maintaing structure (these for maists are important factors) whilst combating. The dantian core is connected to the core of Earth, knowing and developing this connection, is to make techniques effective for developing the ability to generate more power and to increase one's own structural integrity (not rigidity) and balance. For instance the idea (for the most part) of always having at least one foot grounded while in motion makes perfect sense, as it is easy to be swept off one's feet if not. In the Kata, be aware of in your minds eye. First attacking the opponent's structure and balance (striking first at the body) whilst maintaining one's own with strategic stepping (using pain responses to capitalise on) is of great significance (as this lowers the opponent's head) and a good start or way towards becoming an effective maist (as follow up techniques) of controlling the head and limbs are available for the finishing touches. Secondly, (stay united) dividing the opponent in two vertically (this gives a 2 to 1 advantage) by angling or flanking the opponent's blind side (united you stand "divide they fall") by controlling the distance (as in you can strike at will whilst they cannot) and possible lines of attacks making openings for yourself and closing those of the opponent (minimal effort with maximum effect) by using trapping techniques. Thirdly katas are not to be taken literally, meaning that you are not to serve the kata as it was originally made towards serving you! "A nod is as good as a wink to a blind man" in other words, your opponent will never know if you changed one manoeuvre for another. You could be fighting on a boat, forest, street, rope bridge, in water, on rocks, or in a confined space such as in a public convenience, as your combat skills will need to meet the expectations of the environment, therefore becoming more aware of the strengths and limitations of you and your kata(s) is important, therefore if the opportunity arises to practice somewhere different than usual, accept the challenge to learn from the experience. The need to practice with weapons (karate) "empty hand" this implies the none use of weapons, but training with them is a good way of knowing and understanding of how to fight without the need for them in combat, as learning from weaponry teaches us that the way of duality "full hand" is equally important to be proficient at both. In other words training with and without weapons will complement your martial betterment in totality, as practing and moving with a weapon can develop equally your skills, when one is not at hand.

Keeping it level makes things look "clean," but I find it can actually be detrimental to the generation of power for some of your techniques. Our Naihanchi kata do this, because they are focused on rotational power, but the rest of our kata feature some degree of level change. I also practice a version of Naihanchi from KishimotoDi, which very specifically incorporates level change (using shiko-dachi, actually) As repeating what I said (Also in regards to movement habits in the kata, is to practice as if the Dantian is a glass of water (as not to spill anything) as this will make the techniques look and feel balanced and maintain the equilibrium (centre of balance) needed throughout the form) Nothing I have said is about keeping the dantian horizontal or on one level, as this would be an interpretation only. "Movinging a glass of water around involves level changes" Will do some elaborating on my statements regarding this topic very soon but first need to go training.