Alan Armstrong

Hve you evaluated your precision activities vs your resistance practice? Training with resistance be it rubber bands, people or horse riding is very different compared to precision: tennis, boxing or golf How do you compliment or balance out your activities?

Have you ever had clicking or clanking hips? If so, do you have remedies or suggestions on how to fix it? It seems that if clicking or clanking hips continue then pain will follow, is this true? The remedy for this cause and effect in the hips, is due to insufficient strength in some muscles and more in others. This implies a lack of proper conditioning. As this is not something that can be fixed with stretching alone. I believe the remedy of strength conditioning to be true as opposed to the flexibility theory. What are your thoughts and experience with this clicking and clanky hip topic?

Have you considered the differences between Ballet and Karate? They both use all the same muscles to move with, the only real difference is Ballet is not used for fighting whereas karate is? Some belive Ballet was a fighting style in the past and a sword was used in conjunction with its graceful moves; does this seem possible? Many coaches from different sports have turned to Ballet for inspiration. Trying to instill in to players to be more graceful or move with (at the very least) a little finesse; is this a viable idea? Could some Ballet training help a person that is serious about Karate? There is alot of talk about cross training between martial art styles, how about cross training with Ballet and Karate? Perhaps taking the idea one step further and creating a hybrid ballet/karate style, is not out of the question? There are martial artists that borrow from ballet, using many of the highly demanding conditioning exercises and incorporate them in to freestyle katas; is this ethical?

Everything should be earned (Including a white belt) as it is an integral part of respect and appreciation.

Thanks for the thumbs up sensei8 of this topic.Also thanks for the positive rebounds. Looking at the subject of chess once again, there are similarities to the a Yin/Yang, Bagua and I Ching. With the Black and White pieces, also the checkered board, relating to Yin/Yang. The Bagua connected to 8 and the 8x8= 64 that correlates with the 64 hexigrams of I Ching Trigrams and hexigrams from the l Ching are also known to have fighting strategies associated to them in a type of code, denoting zones, also attacking and defending combinations. The stop clock in chess is also an important element in the strategy of battles. As strategists like to use the term "Timing is everything" Everything changes over time and because of time (I Ching is the book of changes) Everything in our known universe can be explained in terms of Yin/Yang, martial arts has cleverly adopted this symbol, control zones awarenes of defending and attacking concepts can be played out on a chess board or in a dojo. The Olympic games, why isn't it called the Olympic sports? As in our known universe, everything is being "played out" in every conceivable way possible that is known to man, devoid of any sportsmanship interference from nature. Those that play or gamble against nature ultimately loose and those that go with nature, that learn to harmonizes are rewarded by the simple joy of association.

Ethnicity differences in multicultural countries would make obesity standards for that country to be inconsistent. Also food is a social activity, connected to most festivities, not eating more than one should is easier said than done. Junk food sponsorship in athletic events and the food served during is something societies need to deal with eventually.

Especially chosen for you sensei8These three videos are diversities of the same style concerning zones when defending and attacking; hopping that they will stir up some healthy controversy. This first video wouldn't link for me so perhaps you could google it first to make it work. Wing Chun High Skill Natural Fighting youtube Why were they chosen for me?? Had an idea that they could interest you; if not; no harm done!

I think this is it really. Larger body mass puts more strain on the heart, lungs and other organs. I'm overweight, I know it. I've run half marathons and score pretty decently when it comes to strength standards or fitness standards like the Bleep test. But am I healthy? Honestly the answer is no. One of the examples I always see for "fat but fit" is rugby players. Many of these guys are overweight or obese yet can spend 90 minutes sprinting and tackling. Where does this stop though? Do we consider strongmen, many of whom are overweight, fit? How about sumo? A quick Google search on Sumo wrestlers life expectancy is 63 years.Youngest died at 22 oldest 91 Average life expectancy of Japanese men is 78 A Sumo wrestlers life expectancy is 15 years shorter than the average Japanese male.

Especially chosen for you sensei8These three videos are diversities of the same style concerning zones when defending and attacking; hopping that they will stir up some healthy controversy. This first video wouldn't link for me so perhaps you could google it first to make it work. Wing Chun High Skill Natural Fighting youtube

Do zones need to be protected or are some zones self-sufficient???Good question sensei8 My chosen base style utilizes zones in many ways for both attacking and defending. To simultaneously defend one's own zones and attack others zones is an intelligent strategy to build upon. In the past castles or fortresses were build for this very reason, to attack and defend (zones) simultaneously. Over time, due to better weapons and strategies, castles become more vulnerable. Catapults and waiting outside of a castle (doing nothing) while those inside began to starve due to being cut off from supplies. These ideas and strategies changed castle designs, having wells inside castle walls and tunnels, so secret escape routes could be utilized. Strategies and zones are important fundamentals in the art of war. For martial art porpoises, if an opponent is pinned, standing or on the ground, and defenseless, whereas the other opponent still has weapons such as fists, feet and elbows to attack with, then zones and strategies become very important to understand and very useful knowledge to have. We all have zones and we all have weaknesses, finding one's own weakness and fortifying them is advisable and find the opponent's weaknesses and focusing on them and capitalizing on them also are winning strategies. A chess board is divided in to zones and the same can be done with the human anatomy. The game of chess has moving parts in pairs and some important parts are singular. Same applies once again with the human anatomy with moving parts legs and arms and the king is the brain. All the talk about martial arts and chess games are intended to develop this mindset. Being always two moves ahead of the opponent. Controlling the centre of the board. Castling escape routes. Simultaneous attacking and defending. Positioning is another chess piece strategy that needs to be introduced to this topic. Wherever my opponent is that is were I want to be. In other words, take away the opponent's space by occupying it. If you need to move in a fight, place yourself in a better position to counter attack. Attack with the weapon that are closer to the opponent's unprotected areas. Battle zones and strategies need to be understood by the generals of a war to win battles. Generals are named for their generalizations in strategies in times of war. Battalions are the groups in battles that do the fighting. We as martial artists do make many generalization all the time also, about stand up fighting and ground fighting, this is the general in our brain that is working out battle plans; this is necessary. Each side in a battle should be trying to capture the opposing side's generals, in our case as martial artists, it is to knockout or chokeout the opponent, to capture and control the opponent's "general brain" In chess, it is to capture and control the king or brains that moves the army on the board or checkered zones.

Would this sticking hand practice work against precision strikers that don't stick to their opponents with contact pressures, but only strike at targets accurately?

Being loyal to one's self, is similar to be true to one's self. As it is possible to fool most of the people most of the time, but to try to fool oneself, just erodes self respect and self esteem.Having no loyalty is just a reaction to it. Having blind loyalty is behaving like a puppet. Having loyalty to maintaing family health and wellbeing is a good a place as any to start using it effectively. Having loyalty to a single martial art style isn't necessarily doing what works for oneself, it could actually be a limiting position; perhaps being good at one move, is the reality for many. Here alot about using the right tool for the situation, but in reality many martial artists fall back on using one technique and one tool for all occasions, the tried and tested "Reverse Punch" comes to mind.

Are the words "perfection" and "excellence" hyperboles? These words and similar ones such as "fantastic" and "incredible" are they over used by the teaching professions? Practice makes perfect. Excellence takes time. Had a fantastic time on holiday. Went to an incredible restaurant. Seems we don't eventually reach perfection or excellence or become fantastic or incredible, due to the fact we are fully aware of our inadequacies and shortfalls. Each of us are wonders of nature. Each of us are as unique as a snowflake. Each of us are special with hidden talents. "In a perfect world everything is perfect" As we all eventually realize that this world isn't perfect. When undertakers ask "How are you feeling?" response "Excellent" The truth of the matter is as humans, the tendency is to want or have more or better of everything. There is another way and that is the right way. Chinese call it Tao.

Why is sensitivity so important to the Wing Chun style? It is not as if, the most sensitive opponent wins a fight; or perhaps they do? Is to be sensitive an advantage or a disadvantage for a fighter? What other martial art style uses sensitivity as an important aspect to fighting? Sensitivity is often looked upon as a sign of weakness and not a strength; could Wing Chun be an exception to this assumption?

Change is the only real thing that stays consistent. Neglecting your martial art doesn't seem to be a problem; being in two or more places at the same time, perhaps. All the best to you tallgeese!

Do you know your control zone? This "Control Zone" is where you do things according to your capabilities and not someone elses. We do need to understand our control zones and that others have theirs also. Staying or stuck within one's own control zone can also be considered "The comfort zone" On the contrary, those that like to take chances and to learn new things are progressive but over reaching without understanding their own control zone, often lands them in trouble, especially when hitting a makawara board for the first time. Zones also refers to boundaries that are visually invisible but nonetheless are still there. We as martial artists do need to push our boundaries, eventually it bcomes a force of habit. Yet this control zone, like all boundaries has its limits. Some have limited stance depth when doing katas and others having high kicks, are just a few examples of many. Pushing the boundaries too quickly can lead to unnecessary accidents. With time, a martial artist (consciously or unconsciously) will sense these zones in other people. The information gathered instantly to your brain will be something like; win, loose or draw. As you are matching your capabilities zone with the opponent(s) There are thousands of minor zone reflections happening constantly during the day for everyone; animals included. If this control zone miraculously disappeared, we would all become simultaneously accident prone. Mindfulness of ourselves and others capabilities can be misleading. Example a martial artist that for instance trained in grappling will have difficulties in stand up fighting and the same applies to stand up fighters that start to learn grappling. Two different disciplines yet both are martial arts; it would be very easy for one to knock out the other, as the other would go for a choke. There is no real starting or stopping point to this topic, only that to be aware that these "Control zones" exist. Go easy when training with someone for the first time; looks can be deceiving; good sparring partners don't usually want to come back especially after being damaged. Many sport fighting events start off with this "Control zone awareness" in the beginning rounds... by feeling the opponent out! This topic could also be about knowing one's own strengths and weaknesses and those of the opponent. This topic of zone awareness control, is like a big umbrella, that covers many topics, I've touched on only a few; the rest is up to you on how good yours stands up to others. To psyche out an opponent, also falls in to this category, as your zone awareness control, can decide a fight, before it starts.

Loyalty to a style also involves commitment, that this is not just a "Come and perhaps I'll stay maybe not attitude" Also loyalty to a style involves the "Stick to it attitude" no matter how difficult the road ahead is, to keep moving forward with perseverance. Loyalty includes a certain amount of dedication, to put the time and effort in, to show up for class, even if there is a larg distance to travel, sometimes the most difficult part of martial arts can be simply be to attend the class. Loyalty fused with determination, using the strength and willpower to succeed, "Mind over matter" to overcome difficulties as nothing of value has ever been gained with out it. Focused loyalty to a worthy cause can move mountains; by doing the right things for the right reasons, believing in something higher than oneself can achieve wondrous results. Commitment Perseverance Dedication Endurance Determination Focused Loyalty has many associations with virtues of doing good, consequently loyalty can be a tool for also doing bad; tools are not good or bad, it very much depends on the handler.

Knees are a valid target in martial arts and keeping them healthy should be a priority as they are also an integral part of attacking or defending with. The knee is a hinged joint as opposed to the hip which is a ball and socket joint. The knee has about 5% twisting range of motion. Martial artists that do not incorporate "The Ballet hip turnout" will consequently suffer with damaged knees in the long and or short run. There are "Ballet turnout disks" that help to train the hips to turnout instead of the knees and ankles. Collagen food supplements can also help to strengthen cartilage. Usally made from pig bones. Supplements containing collagen also can contain magnesium and vitamin C. Most of the vitamin D we need for healthy bones comes from the Sun. Places that lack sunshine, add vitmin D to foods to compensate and any little bit of sunshine available, people want to soak it up. Ironically studies have shown that people from sunny place, have lower vitmin D intake due to indoor work environments and to avoid the heat, taking refuge from the high temperatures. There are simple tests to determine if a person's vitamin D level is satisfactory. Maintaining knees should be high on the priority list for martial artists due to the pounding they take internally and externally. Another irony about "The Internal" martial arts and how much this subject as been twisted and bent out of shape. Caring for, strengthening and maintaining knees is a part of the internal martial art wisdom. A person is only as strong as the weakest link and for most of us mortals it's the knees.

Obese but fit? Yes, for how long? Anorexic but fit? Yes, for how long? Obesity and anorexia are both killers due to eating disorders. My knowlege with both, is the amount of suffering both conditions entail. Food is intended to keep us alive and give us the nutrients we need to help us live a full and happy life. In this case, over doing or under doing is unhealthy. Emotional reason seem to trigger eating disorders, as happiness is associated with eating and not eating can be found to be caused due to not being loved. There is a self image issue that could cause abnormalities as being big is better and skinny is beautiful. We are supposedly in for a big change when we hit our forties, muscles start to reduce in size and fat is more difficult to burn up. This can be balanced out by changing diet as we age. Eating the same amount of food/calories from being a teen, to old age isn't going to work, due to the simple fact, as that when inactivity usually increases, without cutting back on food consumption, there is little if any compensation for adjusting accordingly to age and reduced physical activities. Being fat and fit is a short lived lifestyle that needs to be adjusted ASAP to better sustain a quality of life (with food) and not quantity (of food) conducive to a healthy fit and happy life.

If a person has martial artist blood flowing through their veins, then, all of the movements during the day will reflect it. The way a martial artist: walk's, stand's and sit's can be incorporate in everyday movements. The ABC mindset of "Always Be Conditioning" can be utilized. The fighting Shaolin Monks, don't go to a kwoon or Dojo twice a week for two hours at a time; their conditioning is constant during the day, (in and around their temple) simultaneously combining martial arts in everything they do. So when the monks do practice forms or sparring they are conditioned and ready to go, as all martial artists, should be ready also. Imagine for a moment, that a martial artist takes a year off from practicing or conditioning, it's going to take alot of effort to make up for lost time. I have employed martial artists in the past, they stretched out during their coffee breaks. When I couldn't workout due to work responsibilities, I would wear ankle weights hidden under my clothing. If the wearing of weights idea isn't possible at work, then how about when grocery shopping. Staircases are great to use for stretching and climbing; stance traing while alone in an elevators is also possible. ABC method can be done while in church on Sundays. Personally I'm standing on my toes during the service and stretching my quads when kneeling, or simply arching my feet or pressing down on my calves when sitting, a nice little stretching workout 52 weeks of the year; nobody really cares or realizes what I'm doing, except me and my maker, that has never complained to me thus far. It is not always advisable to train for many hours during the work week, often quality can be more beneficial than quantity. Martial artists are not immune to the "life happens while making plans" principle. Therefore stay connected to martial arts even though it doesn't seem apparent to every one else. Instead of putting your martial arts to one side due to your work commitments, incorporate it in to your work. Many martial artists use martial art strategies and principals in their work and or business. If your work is physical, then be even more physical so you become stronger. If it is seemingly impossible to use martial arts in your work time, then focus on your health instead, this is something, you should never compromise on and there is always room for improvement in this area. Remember the original karate kid movie, with Daniel Son; simply hammering a nail in to wood can be transferred in to a martial art lesson of efficiency, focus and accuracy. Creative martial art training or conditioning that fits into your life style is your responsibility, make it interesting and challenging; never give up adapting and believing in yourself. Difficulty comes in many shapes and forms, these are hurdles and stepping stones that we need face, so as to mature and grow due to challenges and adversities, how boring life would be without them? If having children is stopping your training, then train with them. If you have one thing or another stopping you from your martial arts (with the best excuses available) be it family, work or health, bad things happen to the best of us, perhaps the strength you need to get you through these times, is when your martial arts training starts working at its best, to pull you through it all, keeping you alive.

bushidoman_96I; already do the 500 kick a day workout, but must admit some/many days, I do them on the couch (hoping that sitting/laying on the "doing couch kicks" becomes an Olympic sport one day) while watching MA, fitness motivationals or Yoga type videos.Which might not be such a challenge to most youngsters (That practice extreme martial arts) but as I am an oldie, must show to be a good example to the next generation; staying alive and still kicking. Beware anyone that tries to attack me while I'm on my couch!!!!! One thing in my favor is, that perhaps I'm not a born fighter but I am a born fidget, couldn't sit still for five minutes without doing or moving something (might as well be stretching and kicking) even if you payed me!

Hope this answers your questions DWx

Yeah but the heart and soul of boxing is sparring. If you don't spar, you don't know boxing. I didn't say that you wouldn't spar. Just that it might not be the main focus. But, I've never had the opportunity to train in a Boxing gym, either, so all my speculation is based off things I've read or heard.Sure- if its any consolation I've never "officially" done boxing either- just thai boxing and MMA. Its also a fair statement to also say that its not about whether you "know" or "dont know" boxing, but how well you know it- its a matter of degree rather a yes or no question. People are just creatures of habit, and one of the most difficult things to learn when boxing is how to keep your composure, balance, and guard while someone is punching you. Just like a tournament will, active sparring can help weed out the weak point in your game and will give you something to work on. One doesnt need to be a pro fighter or train like one in order to become proficient- if you boxed twice a week and sparred once a week (say 4-5 rounds) or even every other week, you'd gradually build up a good repoire over time (say 2-3 years). Also, while you will be getting punched in the head there are degrees of sparring as well- theres the type where you're getting ready for a fight and theres the type where you're moving around just as well, but using less intensity. Conditioning combined with inspiration and motivation at an early age, to become a boxer is a great advantage over the competition.I agree with the (2 or 3 years) as this video illustrates. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z477UBwhVuM

The Canon kick LEG CONDITIONING/CONTROL/BALANCE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGjoelv4ffU

All martial art styles are intended to give a person an edge over their would be opponent(s) Apparently some edges are more important and effective than others. Depending on the aggressiveness and effectiveness of their marketing sales department.