Alan Armstrong

It seems to me that the human body is made up of pumps and filters. When these pumps and filters stop functioning then we no longer stay alive. As martial artists, we can use this pump and filter concept to our advantage in training and in combat, also in other areas related to health and longevity. All martial arts rely on momentum, combined with our biological pumps and filters, how does it effect your understanding of staying healthy? Would it be fair to say, that the healthier our pumps and filters are, the better our martial art performance will be?

What is your chosen style, OOPS! or should I say system, OMG it's neither as it's a concept; apologies!!! Now we have "Free Style" as with Mr McGregor; is he a concept fighter? Perhaps you are practicing a mixture of the three/four with 60% 10% 20% with 10% uncertain. As Wing Chun isn't a style because it's a system and JKD isn't a system as it's a concept that contains a part of a system; with many little parts of styles. Does any martial artist have a clear perspective about what is what with styles, systems and concepts, as I most definitely haven't caught on to this completely?

??????????? How can a marker be likened to a pistol? And for what intended purpose in training. I can see a practice, maybe rubber, pistol to practice striking an opponent once you are out of rounds but how does a marker fit into this equation? I gotta say I'm not following. Clarification: The idea is when a pistol is held as close to the body and is fired at 0 distance. Also, a felt tip marker isn't as damaging to a student as a blunt knife can be. Everything has its place as when throwing knifes a sharp point is appropriate and throwing markers would be pointless; excuse the pun:)

Flexibility or the lack of is everywhere. Must admit I'm a tad obsessive on the subject of flexibility; most likely due to the health and safety benefits, also the enhanced performance from practicing it. Flexibility, has been said from health experts "Stretching excerciese should be prescribed like pills from the doctor" but they don't say how. Meaning that not all stretching exercises are necessary and that doing them at the right time is also recommended; somewhat like taking medication before bedtime or after meals, or on a full stomach... "Then how can we self medicate ourselves for gaining flexibility or is it even possible" I believe we can self prescribe flexibility exercises, due to understanding and assessing ourselves on a daily basis. By using the analogy of bicycle spokes. If all the bicycle spokes are representing different muscles in our body, then making the wheel turn properly is a matter of choosing which ones need adjusting, similar to muscles and those that don't. We as creatures of habit can unbalance ourselves with routines, till eventually, very gradually, starting to walk lopsided, with bad posture, with aches and pains everywhere. Without becoming health experts, we can adjust ourselves on a daily/hourly basis with great benefits. Just by understanding the basic bicycle spoke analogy for muscles. The idea is to adjust the wheel spokes so as to be strong and not to wobble when in motion. If for instance you are not gaining flexibility from stretching a certain way or becoming less flexible, then this is a clue that you should be stretching the opposite muscles instead. For me, I only stretch tight muscles that need to be stretched and if they are tight from exercises, then to massage them is better. Muscles tighten up while sleeping and this is when they are repairing, therefore a little light stretch before bed is recommend. We are born pliable, the real idea here is to keep ourselves pliable throughout our life, it's as easy as bicycle spoke maintenance. Feel free to jump in and share your thoughts, as this is a learning and improving by sharing topic.

Having flexibility issues, let's see how we can improve upone them together!

Just to clarify, the red marker idea, that isn't the one and end all that stops there training method, it is just a way to show that where it touched shows red like blood; similar to shooting with paint balls. The other idea, is that being just fixated on just knifes is very limiting, as other/many hand held objects can also do alot of damage; therefore the red maker isn't just representing knifes but hopefully all sharp and potentially dangerous weapons, including a pistol.

The most noticeable problem with Aikido, is that the attacker ironically accommodates the defender. When in reality, attackers are usually unpredictable and are behaving in a difficult manner, the defender needs to use countering techniques that are realistic. The Aikido uniform hides the legs from the waist down in the Dojo but on the street everything is a target. Those that wear an Aikido uniform when practicing self defense will be out of touch with reality when the groin, knees, shins and feet are valid targets for other people to attack; even more so if a knife is involved, such as the thigh, calf and Achilles tendon become targets also. Those that know how to knife fight, can use the snooker player mentality, that every shot lines up for the next, then the next and so on; The ABC principle of "Attack By Combination" There are other ways to use a knife other than cut/slash/stab; such as hooking/ripping/skewing/pounding/throwing. Even more techniques, especially if the knife is designed to have a bouble cutting edge capability, also the handle butt can be utilized, in conjunction with the blades. As mentioned earlier about using the knife on "vulnerability targets" wouldn't get too wrapped up on that topic, as those that are knife fighting specialists, know exactly where they all are.

Yes the Uke idea is part of the Aikido way of training/learning but to become ingrained as a crash test dummy isn't right either.

The idea with the red marker is intended as a wake up call for the student; as every fight taking place on the street, should be aware that an edged blade could be present and used without notice.Sometimes without notice, while sparring, I will pull out a rubber knife, and stab the student with it; or sometimes pull out a rubber gun on them. Knife attacking and defending takes alot of practice to master, far more than many people might realize. Fist fights can very easily turn in to a knife fight, this is reality based thinking self defense

Teach a student how to fight should by default build a student's confidence and self esteem. If it doesn't, then perhaps the student needs more insightful fighting skills, that are more suitable for that individual, to give a better fighting chance, than they would otherwise have. This is where words of wisdom and encouragement plays and important part in a student's self esteem, that needs to be included in every martial artist's development.

The element I see missing is that, the older one becomes, the more effort is involved in staying fit and healthy. Especially in the areas of food and exercises need to be constantly modified towards making minor or sometimes drastic improvements. Renewing oneself takes alot of effort, but it is possible and well worth all the time that goes in to making it happen.

It's held for almost 25 years against everything that folks could throw at it. The truth is that there are not that many martial arts that teach the elements of aliveness in training. When you ask why, you get told nonsensical answers about tradition and the toughness of the masters in "real fighting", but it still doesn't change the fact that without aliveness, THEY, and their students, can't fight. It is painful to contemplate that reality, but without that element of aliveness, it doesn't matter what the techniques are, it only matters that the fighters in question lack the delivery system to make them work against an intelligently resisting opponent. And if you have the elements of aliveness in your training, then there should be no problem with you going in to competitions and seeing where you fall out. Or your students, if your age is a factor. I have a lot more respect for guys that get in there and lose, than I do for people who never compete at all. I'm for aliveness; I'm not for assuming that others don't.It is however sensible to train safely, by wearing protective gear if possible. I like to use an idea for knife fight sparring with red magic markers while wearing a white T-shirt. It is alot more realistic and safer this way, as it shows what touched with the marker point instead of a steel knife point. My techniques have been criticized for being too reality based. There are those that teach gun virtual based self defense; good luck with that one; as reality based is alot different than the popular fantasyland version. Cool idea, except that knives don't work that way. Knives are dangerous, but they aren't cyanide coated light-sabers. If you want to train with weapons, it does take a bit of understanding of the real thing. Get a sharp and practice "test cutting" on a good cutting medium so you understand what real sharp blades do. Also helpful is to study crime reports and historical combat reports so you can understand what types of wounds are "disabling". Then, get a blunt simulator and spar with contact. You will need some safety gear to avoid broken bones and damage at this point. See, the thing with the markers is that 1. It doesn't show how much MORE damage a stab can do than a cut, and 2. It makes it seem like lots of shallow cuts that would turn that t-shirt in to a paint canvas are much more effective than they are. It's close, but still not REALLY aliveness because it doesn't allow for realistic movement under pressure. The issue is, to clarify, for instance, that a cut that wouldn't cut through the denim on my jeans will make a white t-shirt look like a paint canvas with a marker. Still, it's better than just paired drills. Just, not good enough. Especially when you are talking about training with deadly force in mind. Want to train with firearms? Cool. Get some firearms and some simu-nitions. Train with firearms. Simulators are good to start out with, but you need to walk as close to the line of reality in your training as is feasible. Because one day, it might be real. And even if it's not, it might be real for one of your students. You can't just stop at level 1 and say, that's good enough, I will start teaching now and telling people I can teach them to defend themselves in these circumstances. Well, you can if you want, but it doesn't make it so. For example, the guys that I trust in the area of firearms expertise have 25+years experience carrying guns professionally, but the reason I trust them is that their main concern is STILL how much more there is to learn and trying to get every good training opportunity they can. Don't stop learning. None of us knows it all. But ALWAYS work towards aliveness as an ideal, and remember that while safety is important, it should not come at the cost of adrenal stress and realistic movement under stress. Fighting is an inherently dangerous activity that isn't for everyone. Easier said than done to teach aliveness to students; as there are those that have never tasted the real thing.A while back, some twenty years ago, in an Aikido academy, tried to teach some reality based martial arts; was surprised how they behaved like crash test dummies; no offense intended to the Aikidoist but just telling it the way I've seen it. One student in particular, wouldn't do as I asked of him, he ended up being very badly bruised. He was actually proud of his bruises; they were a novelty for him. This particular Aikido group were very out of touch with reality based martial arts. I set up a seminar with my Sifu and his Sifu, as they are both experts in Chinese military combat and hand held weapons, in hopes of instilling some realistic elements in to the Aikidoists. Training in the past would be considered abusive compared to today's standards, as cuts and bruises or broken bones, was a part of the consequences of being a martial artist; things have changed. I have come to the conclusion that, be it vitual or reality based martial arts, it is up to each individual to make their choice and not for me to choose for them.

It's held for almost 25 years against everything that folks could throw at it. The truth is that there are not that many martial arts that teach the elements of aliveness in training. When you ask why, you get told nonsensical answers about tradition and the toughness of the masters in "real fighting", but it still doesn't change the fact that without aliveness, THEY, and their students, can't fight. It is painful to contemplate that reality, but without that element of aliveness, it doesn't matter what the techniques are, it only matters that the fighters in question lack the delivery system to make them work against an intelligently resisting opponent. And if you have the elements of aliveness in your training, then there should be no problem with you going in to competitions and seeing where you fall out. Or your students, if your age is a factor. I have a lot more respect for guys that get in there and lose, than I do for people who never compete at all. I'm for aliveness; I'm not for assuming that others don't.It is however sensible to train safely, by wearing protective gear if possible. I like to use an idea for knife fight sparring with red magic markers while wearing a white T-shirt. It is alot more realistic and safer this way, as it shows what touched with the marker point instead of a steel knife point. My techniques have been criticized for being too reality based. There are those that teach gun virtual based self defense; good luck with that one; as reality based is alot different than the popular fantasyland version.

Don't loose heart sensei8. The heart is a type of pump, yours isn't regulating properly and neither is mine. By under or over working the heart; it is as if it has a mind of its own with uncertainty. As martial artists, we can overcome pain due to conditioning and ignoring it; but pain is our body communicating that something is wrong. Having heart issues, being in pain or not, the issue remains; not to be ignored but understanding how to coexist with care due and attention. Having heart issues, during my next workout, I can induce a heart attack by crossing the line in to the Red Danger Zone, but by choice I stay in the Green Safe Zone. The way I stay in the Green Zone is by doing everything that I usually do in the Red Zone, by either doing it twice as long or half as difficult twice as much. Example: Doing 100 kicks, instead of all in a row break it up in to 2 sets of 50 and take twice as long to perform them. The sudden starting and stopping when exercising and over straining the body is dangerous, therefore I manually regulate my actions and movements accordingly. I love and appreciate my workouts more now than ever before my four heart attacks from eight years ago; being too weak to do anything but living in a hospital bed. I have thyroid issues also another regulator for the body to contend with and to learn from. As martial artists, we really do have a health advantage over all other activities due to the centuries of wisdom attached to it, if we choose to use it wisely; considering Taoist concepts for health and harmony.

Full fight https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=QAIvfWQsP5c McGregor for not being a boxer fighting against the greatest boxer; it is too bad that the fight was stopped before the scheduled 12; as McGregor was winning by points; at least for the first three rounds, being the most dangerous ones for Floyd. The referee couldn't wait to stop the fight in Mayweather's favor, would he have done the same for McGregor? Everything including the referee was in Mayweather's favor, except the notorious McGregor; Well done Conor!!!

To the bold type above... Every step of the way?? E-V-E-R-Y...S-T-E-P?!?! That's going to be quite a large order to fulfill. And to me, JKD isn't that important, past, present, and/or future, enough for me to include JKD into my MA betterment. After all, my core is Shindokan, and not one iota of JKD is found in Shindokan, nor do I want/need JKD to be so. I can do with or without the influences of JKD in any aspect of my MA betterment, and live a satisfied MA existence. JKD is effective!! But to me, it's not the end-of-all things in the MA, and quite frankly, neither is any style of the MA. JKD, to me, is just another thing; nothing more and nothing less. The difference between a karate punch and a JKD punch.https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Aiy8bBVF0qE What is Shindokan? What is JKD? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Lzikg6TWyJk

JKD cannot die, due to being always allowed to be reborn, transform or adapt, whenever needed or possible. As long as martial artists are seeking the truth and freedom of expression, then JKD will be with them every step of the way.

It wasn't that simple. Sure, its nice to read his words, see his ideas, and say that it is just that easy, as say, throwing out a hook kick because I can't do it. But it wasn't all as simple as that. One has to train and be exposed to different things in applications, and then decide through training and experience if something is worth keeping or not. He gathered a lot of concepts from other styles, especially Boxing and Fencing, and he also had Wing Chun training. It appears he experimented with varying concepts from other styles and melded it into what he had learned, and apparently decided to keep, from his JKD days. And, he felt inclined to pass this on to some students. I imagine his classes had some structure to them, and not just a bunch of people showing up and doing whatever they wanted, adding and discarding, adding and discarding, especially with so little knowledge to begin with. Yeah, well, he did kind of die rather early. He probably wasn't planning on that. Bruce Lee didn't look like he was happy enough to hand over his legacy before he died.1973(Age 33) Bruce orders all three of his Jeet Kune Do schools closed in six months. He did not approve of some teaching methods in his absence and he felt others were taking advantage of him in some way. source: http://asiajeetkunedo.com/about_lee.php

How so? At one point I was training in TKD, Aikdio, and at out Defensive Tactics Club. I was not internally conflicted. I consider it one boat: Martial Arts. I've trained TKD from my middle school years until present. There is no grappling in TKD. None. There is some standing joint manipulation, but it is not grappling. So naturally, to fill this void, I have to cross-train in grappling. Now, does that mean I was not taught TKD adequately, because I have to seek out grappling training? True. Having a race car makes one a race car driver. Kids around here can start racing dirt track as early as 14. What it takes is time, money, equipment, and experience. Its not so much that "I will eat a few shots to get a takedown," but more "I know I can eat some shots if I have to when securing a takedown." There's a difference. Why eat what you don't need to?

"Too close to the trees to see the forest" Assumptions, assumptions and more assumptions. Painting the martial art world with one brush stroke is easy to do, without using the right paint, it will not stick or hold up for very long.

McGregor wins against Mayweather by knockout!

ORIGINAL TOPIC: Disqualifications in MMA is the reality on the streets. It has often been said that "traditional martial artistsis are no match for MMA fighters" when in fact traditionalists learn to fight and defend on the street. Timidity is a disqualification in MMA for MMA fighters, on the street timidity isn't really a worthwhile strategy to take advantage of, due to getting oneself terribly injured or even killed. MMA fighters are being elevated too high, from experience I know what goes up must come down; just a matter of time. Traditional martial arts has being compared to as a babysitter service or virtual martial arts with acrobatic dance gymnastic also described as exercises for the elderly public. Has the fighting spirit of traditional martial arts been consumed by the MMA mania?

The question needs to be asked, how would you feel, being the child left behind? Perhaps helping those weaker or less intelligent is more important than being on top. Kids that do well in school unusually have private tutoring at home also; maybe if this tutoring was made available for the weakest link, it might even out the imbalance.

If there is such a thing as an appropriate starting age, then there must also be an inappropriate starting age also; or is age irrelevant in both ends of the spectrum?

How would you build confidence in a student?