Alan Armstrong

A class on the uses of the scotch kiss.No teeth were lost in the making of this video

For sword play, with entertainment value and not with anything more than that, this would be one of my picks; also not for everyone. As the real meaning of karate is different for everyone, that share this subject, respecting differences should become more important than the knowledge that it contains, on or off the floor.

The hand/fist on the hip might look like something out dated or useless, to some. With further investigation it has its uses and purposes as pointed out here by many experienced martial artists. From my perspective, from what I've seen, students can develop a lazy hand syndrome, that just hangs to their side, that could be put to better use than doing nothing at all. With the facing upward fist on the hip, then with a simple twist upward from the wrist, will tighten up the whole arm very easily, protecting it from a very hard strike. There is a (hiden) strength to having the fist close to the side of the body, that can shoot out in a variety of ways from the hip, also passing through the center dantien area, which incorporates/focuses the entire body (mostly from the thrust of the hip and twist of the spine) in to the strike or block.

Being able to use both sides of the body equally, with martial art techniques, is efficient.

What is the real meaning of karate? Perhaps this is? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=C797tXi_Y5I

With these three tutorial, it gives a good inside perspective of how efficiency works in the Wing Chun system. Black Flag Wing Chun tutorial 1 Black Flag Wing Chun tutorial 2 Black Flag Wimg Chun tutorial 3

Thank you Spartacus Maximus and JR 137 for your contribution to this topic Getting the same desired effect while doing less. Getting a better at something could be considered as becoming more efficient at it, but how? As Bruce Lee liked to say "Hack away the unessentials" Efficiency, is very applicable today with the modern day pace of life. Martial art training with less time to practice points towards efficiency as the way to go. With fighting techniques that need to be practical and effective, once again, efficiency cannot be ignored. Has your discipline of fighting and training been modified towards efficiency and what improvements have been made from doing it differently? As Jakie Chan was asked in a TV interview "What do you do different than Bruce Lee"? He Jackie answered something similar to this "What I do in 5 or 6 moves, he does in 1 or 2" There is alot of controversy over Wing Chun and JKD when it comes to efficiency, something I will introduce to this topic...

Optimum body positioning, putting yourself in good position while the opponent is in a bad one. How much of your martial art training is focused on optimizing body positioning? Being in the right place at the right time, can have a great advantage over an opponent, have you developed this area with ease and confidence when sparring?

Maximum efficiency could be described as, the best way to do something. Is maximum efficiency emphasized in your martial art discipline, style or system? Or is maximum efficiency just assumed to develops by itself naturally with plenty of practice? Is maximum efficiency possible for all martial artists to achieve? How do you use maximum efficiency when sparring?

Kettle bells are becoming more popular, due to being able to do a variety of exercises that are beneficial for overall combative strengthening. Thick rubber bands are also becoming a part of martial artists conditioning routines, adding strength and flexibility. For personal use, I use a bar with handles on both ends with a thick spring in the middle. A pull up bar, is also quick and convenient to use, that just hooks on to a doorway frame. Dumbbells and ankle weights, playing catch with sand bags... Obviously, boxers are in danger of wrist injuries and do need to condition them, even still, accidents happen.

Here is a video with a short explanation about a few ways of attacking the balance of an opponent. SHOCK POWER disrupting balance https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KcM7KLIy4E0 GRECO ROMAN off balancing drills https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XNq-K6J64vM

Lee Morrison hosting two videos demonstrating flanking. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7bQDQRb-l-U https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TPVchUHyKlE Hoping these videos will help create some interesting conversation; what do you think about flanking methods?

I've trained traditional type Taekwondo for over 3 years.. Not hitting mitts is not an option. You having trained in TKD (Traditional) for 3 years, then I don't understand why you have weak wrists?Three years is surely enough time to have strengthened your wrists in this time frame, while in class isn't there any type of wrist exercises such as push ups, handstands against a wall and wheelbarrow walking with s partner? King Fu Iron palm can be practiced on a mitt, very useful to know. Iron palm slap Iron palm conditioning Iron palm vs boxing https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EE-9IDbgaS0

A few form pointers. Most forms finish in the same place that was started in, also pay attention to the correct angles. Form follows function, in ether an offensive or defensive technique; think of the moves being used against an imaginary opponent. Using the correct pauses in each stance which is connected with keeping good balance throughout the form. Each technique should stand out from the next, all the while maintaining harmony from start to finish, with experience, pauses and timing becomes less exaggerated. Conserving muscle energy by using maximum power and minimal effort, achieved with breathing control, using forceful outward exhalation on each block and strike. Kee-ahps are unique to each person, by contracting the abdomial muscles, will help in generating a forceful exploding sound. Practice the form with just a few of these pointers at a time, then add more when needed

You certainly have set the bar high for yourself singularity6 congrats for that A few suggestions: Practice your kicks in a swimming pool. Practice your kicks on a sandy beach. Pick up a very small trampoline to bounce on. Practice hoping on one foot and one foot squats. Reduce your weight if you have any to give up. Practice your kicks with someone that can do what you want to do!

WOW Tempest, 10 out of 10 for your answer But does every maist know this? No. But not every martial art is attempting to accomplish the same thing in the same way. I don't necessarily need to off balance someone to stab them with my rapier. It makes it more effective, but it isn't necessary. In Judo, and Jiu-Jitsu though, it is a fundamental part of what we are doing, so in that context it becomes paramount. Agree with all you have stated here Tempest Perhaps it is more obvious to attack the balance within the grappling arts but it is also just as important for stand up fighter also. Attacking the balance of the opponent has controlling benefits, that can be used against most people, especially more effective if they are unaware of the consequences contained within. Just for starters, by attacking the balance and controlling the opponent, as they can both drastically improve a fighters chances of success when used correctly; of course in conjunction with techniques that fit the moment best.

Can I recommend not hitting anything hard including boxing bags, not until you fully understand proper empty hand striking techniques. If a person does have weak wrists, then strengthening them up gradually and safely really needs professional advice. Wrist strengthening techniques isn't so important for those that are using them within their working professions, but for others, working in an office for instance, auxiliary exercises are highly recommended. All martial art disciplines will have wrist strengthening exercises, that are highly beneficial, so as to do MA techniques properly and safely. Many Kung Fu and karate systems stress wrist conditioning exercises, well worth investigation; especially: Eagle/Dragon/Tiger Claw, Chin Na, Aikido... all grappling arts. Just needs to be said; all martial artists benefit from having strong wrists.

WOW Tempest, 10 out of 10 for your answer But does every maist know this?

Strategies and sparring concepts takes time and patience to learn. As your CI which ones are right for you to focus on for your grade and system. The are plenty of ideas in the strategy and tactics section here on KF worth looking in to; that is why it is there to help.

Doing a karate bow in a kung fu school might not look like a sign of respect, it could however have the reverse effect. Also, going bare footed in a kung fu school, wearing a karate gi, might not go over very well either. Martial art etiquette does need reviewing, prior to visiting unknown or unfamiliar schools.

How important is it to you, attacking the opponent's balance when sparing?

Does a colored belt in martial arts represent both rank and grade, also an identification of knowledge and skill in a singular system or style? Could this type of system be considered to be similar to a pyramid money making scheme?

Having a better awareness of foods consumed is always worthwhile; taking it to the next level to improve upon, that could become a positive way of promoting a healthy lifestyle.HAPPY DIETING Kyonovice

Light contact as in sparring and half speed has its interpretations. As light contact could feel like hard to other students and half speed to one person could feel like full speed to another. Regarding, having responsible and respectful sparring practice, with care due and attention, might be more productive for everyone. There are some that don't or cannot show or practice self control, where as their sparring on switch is always near full on at full speed; what makes this worse is that (from my experience) the CI doesn't intercept this behavior.

Some Chinese clubs use the older/younger brother or sister system where the CI is the father/mother figure. New students are the younger brother or sister and those who were there first are the older brother or sister. A Confucius influence in martial arts.