Alan Armstrong

Thanks JR 137.For the most, sports medicine is a grey area. The way I understand it, is that, as the general population will decrease in sports activities, the larger problem will not be from active people becoming injured but from those that are none active, developing diseases due to inactivity and poor eating habits. With this is mind, perhaps sports medicine is a more important subject than just helping the injured and preventing the overachievers from damaging themselves. Sports medicine could very well be the answer/cure, to helping people lead a more happier, healthier active life. I'd say wellness advocates rather than sports medicine to get people up, moving, and eating better. I earned a masters in physical education about 10 years ago now. We were discussing the state of physical activity and wellness today be previous generations and eras. It was a very eye opening topic... There's not much of a happy medium anymore. Some kids are pushed too hard to be involved in everything or are playing the same sport year round and parents are chasing some elusive full athletic scholarship. Most others are allowed to sit around all day and stare at a computer or tv screen, eating and drinking everything and anything they want. Physical education in schools has always served the same purpose from the dawn of time until quite recently (the last 20 or so years) - to physically prepare students for military service. Today's focus in physical education to get get them interested in anything physical. Introduce them to a variety of activities and teach them very basic skills in them so that they have a little confidence in their ability so they'll hopefully pursue something after they graduate and aren't forced against their will to be active for 30 minutes 3x a week. High school physical education tries to (or at least is supposed to try to) focus on the lifelong physical activities like yoga, golf, etc., or as a former student put it "old people stuff." I tried to focus on stuff like that and rec league stuff for high school seniors, and would make it a point to give them assignments where they had look up different activities and present where they could find them, how often they met, costs, etc. When I graduated, that would've been a waste of time because we already knew; today it's a waste of time because 99% of them don't care and are just doing it out of obligation. More great points to ponder. I like the military analogy used here JR 137Just moments ago finished watching the movie "An Officer and a Gentleman" Starring Richard Gere. The basic training in the movie and the (karate) martial art scenes were interesting. Running the gauntlet in the assault course looked like fun. In army cadets as a young teen, we had access to the army's. As a pre teen I was also in the Navy and Air cadets they had different activities that involved canoes and parachutes. So I can relate to the priming kids for war. But for me, I broke away from the military option as a career due to having too much of it, at a young age.

Watching with a different perspective is advisable. Recognizing movements from different styles and similarities is all a part of the grand martial art journey. Exercises are also worth noting from different sports. All of this, deepens a martial artist knowledge and understanding. I do find this subject to be very fascinating. A recent similarity for me, was with Wing Chun and Ballet.

Is an iPod the way to go, to listen to music while working out alone? My last two devices for working out with were Walkmans, both broken and the cassette tapes broken; just a mess. Are you laughing yet... ? If not it gets better/funnier. Before the Walkmans, I was binging a radio/cassette recorder to the neighborhood sports park, with headphones, and a large amount of fat batteries; far from a practical setup. Before that a pocket radio, but the stations fading in and out, sometime I could pick up two stations at the same time, just wasn't working out due to all that and to top it off, the static was interfering with my nervous system. So can you help me out? Is an iPod the way to go? Just need some basic information, on having music while working out in public; any tips?

Thanks JR 137.For the most, sports medicine is a grey area. The way I understand it, is that, as the general population will decrease in sports activities, the larger problem will not be from active people becoming injured but from those that are none active, developing diseases due to inactivity and poor eating habits. With this is mind, perhaps sports medicine is a more important subject than just helping the injured and preventing the overachievers from damaging themselves. Sports medicine could very well be the answer/cure, to helping people lead a more happier, healthier active life.

WOW! Great Explanations from the both of you, DWx and MatsuShinsii!

In the mid 1970's the secrets back then of Chi Kung Training, was seeping in to the Western World. Some forty years later, people couldn't care less, due to the few capitalizing and spreading false representational opinions on the subject. Here is another perspective on Chi Kung Training, know it or not, it is very dangerous; especially for those that have medical heart issues. One examples of CKT is "The Plank Position" nothing menacing or dangerous about doing this exercise, as many people practice it. But what if you hold that position for thirty minutes or one hour or longer? An important factor of doing CKT is about holding the body in irregular or difficult positions for long periods of time. The action movie star "Jet Li" mentioned during an interview about his early martial art training with a master. The master told "Jet Li" to hold his leg up high against a wall, the master left the room and "Jet Li" was afraid to put his leg down and held it there, for a considerably long time. CKT puts a considerable strain on the body and yes the saying "What doesn't kill you, will make you stronger" is very relevant and applicable to Chi Kung Training. This then is reasonable to assume, why Chi Kung Training never caught on in the West, while Yoga and Pilate has.

Having some KM experience: Use what ever is available to you in the situation to survive and use every bit of knowledge and experience against the enemy, such as if they have facial hair or long hair; use it against them by holding on to it, controlling and seizing the moment. If you are facing the opponent during the day, keep the sun on your back, so as the sun shines in their eyes and not yours. Footwear can be an advantage or a disadvantage, make sure you are not wearing beach sandals while the opponent is wearing combat boots. Improvisational weapons is a subject worth investigating, as everyday items can be utilized and disguised, such as holding a brown paper bag that contains a hammer. Holding a hammer could seem to be threatening but holding a hammer in a brown paper bag isn't; just a part of the element of surprise tactics...

There is an episode of "Lexx" called "The Game" that can be viewed on YouTube; well worth the time to watch, if you like chess!Where the characters of the TV show become chess pieces. It is a surreal perspective of chess, as all the pieces have their personal perspectives and biases throughout the game (Personified chess pieces) Perhaps as martial artists, we can feel as if we are sometimes chess pieces, that are moved on a board.

My understanding is that sports medicine is both preventative and restorative. Basically they teach you how to move, the stretch based on the activity, anaerobic vs. aerobic training for said activity to prevent injuries and the same to strengthen and get you back to your activities after you injure yourself. But since this was not a big thing when I was a kid, I'm just going off what I have heard from others. Sports medicine wasn't heard of for me neither as a kid.As athletes can become very wealthy these days, they certainly do need knowledgeable people to keep and put them back on track. As the strain on the human body at a world class level of competition must be maxed out, their careers will be shorter but more intense. Sports medicine must be a science similar to formula racing in this day and age; by getting the most out of the least. Genetic engineering of humans, will eventually become a part of sports medicine, just like it has been for a long time with selective horse breeding practices. I see this already happening in Hollywood when famous actors and actresses tie the knot; they are known as power couples and their offspring's become the stars of tomorrow by default. With athletes having such a great advantage from the sports world doctors and therapist, is there any chance that the martial artists of today can tap in to this vast amout of knowledge, apart from the bits and bobs found on YouTube?

Precision practice, in my mind is better to be practiced first, as resistance is equally important but can hinder accuracy if used in the beginning. In other words knife throwing is better to be practiced first then heavy rock throwing second. Or focus pad work first and heavy bag work second. On a week to week basis, I try to start the Monday being more accurate and by Friday the training has changed to complete resistance activities; from accuracy to strength.

Sports medicine, not exactly sure what this stands for? Is it to help cure only sports related injuries? Is sports medicine a type of preventative approach to being athletic also? Mother nature, is always there, a type of onboard healthcare system built in to us; surely sports medicine also needs her also? Where does sports medicine start and end or is it an overlapping subject that has no borders?

Thanks sensei8.Yes always seek for the optimal potential for the day. I quit when I'm ahead. It could be doing more sit-up or kicks or sprinting, just doing something that beats my personal best. When I've reached my optimal potential for the day, it's time to hit the shower, eat and have a nap. Then looking forward to doing it all over again the next day, with a different optimal potential in mind.

Thanks sensei8.I'm 6 decades young. Had days like Uma Thurman in the movie "Kill Bill" starting out the day by trying to move my big toe. Then about five hours later I'm staircase sprinting. It really is mind over matter. As martial artists we can overcome many obstacles, that are placed in front of us. Age is an obstacle for many people; if they choose to give in to it. I have taken command of my own vessel, by living a healthy lifestyle; this is the true essence of a master; to have mastery over oneself. Luckily enough having time on my hands to observe people and to see that many have lost or never had a healthy lifestyle. Flexibility isn't really about having high kicks. It is about enjoying a high quality of life with the simple joy of moving without unnecessary aches and pains. I do of course have stiff muscles and joints from being physically active but this soon dissipates (due to lactic acid buildup) then I'm back at it again ASAP.

A funny situation in the sports park today. Found an excellent new spot for working out, incorporating a cement ramp with handrails on either side. Attaching thick Thera Bands for stretching, to the handrails and some leg exercises ballet style. This must have been very amusing for some, as there were two couples (Very muscular) were out to do some sun tanning. The men started to mimic my movements to make the girls laugh. OK I'm fine with that. But it seems that their joking backfired when I started working on the slow high kicks and the girls were waiting for them to try and copy them also. As they became the butt of their own joke and the girls were laughing at them and not with them. Of course they quickly reverted from trying to copy my kicking compilations and started doing bodybuilding poses. Slow or fast kicking with control does take time learn. I spend about three to four hours a day conditioning myself to do this. I'm still along way away from my personal goal in the kicking Dept but hey, I do at least get a kick out of practicing and a laugh now and then from onlookers.

My understanding is that stretching isn't the answer to fixing it, strengthening however is recommend.Collagen supplements taken internally and creams externally are known to be beneficial. Correcting techniques closer to perfection is another route, due to muscles could be unevenly conditioned as some are stronger or weaker than others. Unknowingly cheating on techniques, that have not been detected can cause clicking in hips. Having an experienced spotter at hand to readjust the kicking and supporting leg, is highly recommended; also paying attention to hip placement and correct body alignment. As being aware of everything all of the time is highly unlikely. Having kicks on video, can help to find and fix the problem with an outside to inside perspective. We are only as strong as our weakest link; in this case, it is to have equal muscle strength around the hips, equalizing the force surrounding them more efficiently and effectively.

I believe incorporating ballet conditioning techniques and understanding their methodologies are worthwhile investigating for martial artists.A few areas that martial artists can benefit from ballet are: The in-depth attention to body structure and alignment, correct use of muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons. The attention spent on strength and balance, in particular "Ballet extensions" which is raising one leg high for at least four seconds. The Ballet hip turnout, which prevents knee and ankle injuries, by utilizing the body mechanics of the hips, ball and socket. Ankles and toes conditioning to developed extraordinary strength in the lower extremities. There is also ballet gracefulness and ease that martial artists can draw from. Ballet dancers are switched on to the continually conditioning mindset, something hobby martial artists could benefit from. The unethical aspect I was referring to was with freestyle katas. As yes, ballet does make katas look interesting, they do how ever lack in what katas were designed for, as in self-defense applications. Also martial artists competing against fusion type katas could be unequipped to compete against ballerinas.

"Turning the other cheek" is up for interpretation. My interpretation is, on the contrary "A cheek for a cheek" or an "Eye for an Eye" would be talking about taking revenge. Problem with this, is that with this methodology, society as we know it, would change to become a vengeful one. The best form of revenge, is to be successful; this is another way to turn the other cheek, by doing the opposite of doing something right in the situations that doing wrong feels right, but is temporary or short lived satisfaction. Yet with the being successful approach, it has its satisfaction without harming anyone or anything. Know it or not, we create our enemies, due to being ignorant or unaware to the many facets of rivalry. Apologies and saying sorry can end many conflicts, it is for some, a very difficult thing to do.

With the ballet exercises; they are different than what martial artists do.Ballet focus on the hip turnout and extensions also the feet are pointed. In ballet, they are very intellectual about developing themselves physically. About which muscles do what and strive to do doing everything correctly. Ballet dancers don't stack the hips as martial artists do they actually keep the hips horizontally aligned. (Keep up with the bo staff work. I use a 6 kilo metal bar to practice with, hit the shins with it and only make the mistake once LOL) The "Extensions" is something else they do differently in ballet, as they hold difficult poses with the leg raised high for four seconds. Pointing the toes correctly is another thing they do very well as they need extremely strong feet and ankles to stand on "Points" their toes. As martial artists tend to be more flat footed for stability and use the side of the foot. Martial artists and Ballet dancers take a very different path than the general public; developing themselves in extraordinary ways.

Freezing up or panicking in a confrontation, does seem to be a problem for some and over reacting fueled with anger for others. This is where knowing oneself is important because each individual is different and so will everyone's reactions will be varied, depending on the situation. Many martial art styles will teach you things/ techniques but everyone needs to know and to be honest with themselves, that when push comes to shove, that they will use it. My personal view is, that if you protect what you love or care about, oneself included, a person will do what needs to be done without hesitation; in other words, belive in your own actions, to do the right thing at the right time.

Hi brennan the rabbit: Learning Wing Chun from two different schools can be very different. Just as different as a Wing Chun school will be with a karate school. I am sure you would know this, from having 3 years of Wing Chun training. Enjoying training in Wing Chun and Karate, seems that the training aspects seem more appealing than the styles. You are more important than the style, never forget that! Practicing both Wing Chun and Karate, back to back isn't a sin, you might become, somewhat contaminated as some none cross training stylists, might view it this way. We are in the age of open mindedness, expanding our conciseness through communication with the world of differences. Those that are not open to world, will become stale and inbred martial artists. Having a base style and building or adding to it with other styles is fine. Martial art fusions of styles are also fine. Choosing four different styles that cover: stand up fighting, ground fighting, weapons and self-defense is also a way to expand a martial artists awareness. It all really boils down to, what works best for you and without experiencing a few styles, you will never know.

Came across Chloe Bruce's unique "Canon Kick" about four months ago; I was totally impressed!!!So I thought, this would be so impressive to do, as I do get asked from time to time to show something that martial artists do. I have broken down this kick into different exercises. First exercise is the shuffling. Second is the hip stacking and flexing. Third is the pump kick. I'm 6 decades old, still up to the challenge of mastering this kick. I do have TKD experice, it is however very rusty from 20 years ago. I have however been using a few secret weapons, to help with the challenge. Ballet exercises, Yoga poses, TKD conditioning and thick thera band resistance training for 20 hours a week is absolutely, a working strategy for success. This "Canon kick" challenge has most definitely pointed out some of my weakness that need to be fixed. Such as more height in the stacked knee and also more turnout in the hips. Apart from that; yes my "Canon kick" challenge is coming along nicely. Thanks for asking Wisky147 How are you challenging yourself these days as a martial artist?

Have not thrown away my ankle weights, but what I have done is to rubber cement the leaks and have used thick black socks as well. The nice thing about using the sock ankle weight covers is that they make a nice neck supports for when doing reclining exercises. As much of my exercises are done outside on concrete, the sock covered ankle weights used as a neck support (when on my back) are very comfortable and convenient to use.

Good answer by the IC. Knife defense awareness is beneficial. Being confident against a knife wielding attacker, has many variables, personally and preferably I would be more confident holding a loaded gun. The problem with many knife defense classes, are that they seem to be designed to disarm slow moving attackers that move in telegraphing motions. Whereas in real life, the multiple thrusting pump action use of a knife is stealthily employed in to the kidney area. Also knifes are silent killing weapons good against guards, as not to alert unnecessary noises. Knifes are close range weapons that are good for assignations, difficult to defend against, depending on the proficiency of the user.

Shotokan and Aikido are as complimentary as you make them to be. Both are Japanese of origin, enjoy and appreciate the similarities and differences. The knee walking and the Aikido shoulder first type rolling are martial art treasures. Learning the effectiveness of Akido's soft flowing off line techniques (with the opponent) combined with the hard direct line of Shotokan (against the opponent) are both valid ways of dealing with a situation; depending how severe your intent is, against your adversaries.

Do you feel the knife defence aspects of KM to be more realistic or more vertual?