Alan Armstrong

It is one thing obtaining a belt ranking but another story or thing maintaining it. Use it or lose it! I believe that the efforts require towards obtaining a belt rank needs to be maintained, otherwise why bother? The skills developed up hill to that point of reaching a higher rank, will slip away down the other side of that hill, till eventual back to novice level. As there seems to be a hurry to gain a higher rank but what is the urgency if not willing to maintain it. Martial arts and maintaining it is a commitment and an investment in one's self. Gaining a high belt ranking is an achievement well worth while maintaining throughout a lifetime. Happy training Now an another example, this time with a lot more practice and maintenance Old is Gold 94 year old practicing martial artist

Propreoceptive Exercise & Training For Better Body Control JKD Karate Boxing https://youtu.be/3VVgC0i9djM TKD MMA Judo Proprioception is an important part of all martial arts, then why not embrace it and understand the benefits that are truly important factors to make your movements work even better. Is proprioception training a part of your martial art system or routine?

...H.A.P.P.Y... B.I.R.T.H.D.A.Y...sensei8

Lifting weights also includes food, muscle, fat and health. Looking at three different perspectives. What do you think of them? Why lifting weights could extend your life DXA Scanner + DNA fit Burning fat and keeping muscle Fasting v Eating less Why it is easier to be thin in Japan

It might be ironically worth pointing out that, if not for accidents in some karate tournaments, then no one would get hurt. Perhaps in the future there will be a none contact UFC tournament that looks like this

Bare knuckle karate where punching to the head is illegal but kneeing to the head is legit. Ironically that a knee strike to the head (which is legal) can be a lot more powerful than a punch, Where when the opponent is knocked down or out the other Kneels down showing the back. It is interesting for me, to see how many variations there are in karate tournament rules, where depending on the organization, being declared the winner for doing the same thing but for different reasons

Kenisis machine Ground and pound https://youtu.be/dhkcBVdOtWM Wrestling https://youtu.be/RaSPHcrKtAs What I like the most about this cable machine, is that it can be used in all pulling and pushing motions, including cross overs or curved circular motions also in all directions. Or using one or two arms separately, pulling and pushing or both hands pulling on the same grip. With adjustable weight variations that can be increased or reduced very quickly. Performing exercises on the machine when laying down, standing or sitting on a physio ball or bench; wobble boards also. Squatting, standing, twisting, bending or leaning with resistance, doing rowing or reaching motions " functional training" It easy to see the benefits for punching, as there are two horizontal over head grips, two lower grips and two vertical to train with; that can be used while in stances or moving, or just focusing on specific muscles. Using the machine for endurance punching purposes works well also, as tired arms when punching n a bout, tends to lower them. No need for a spotter, no set up or preparing to do, except the weight adjustment pins, easy to use, from start till finish. Can focus on core exercises, also while standing or laying flat. I see that this machine has many benefits, when challenging the body, vigorously or gently, as another option to make proper use of, that can be used together with many other types of exercises, with this machine however, everything is relatively very safe. Regarding strength According to Spartan training, gymnastic type agility, endurance and irregularities (as not living a life of routine) were more important than strength and athleticism. As athletes needed strict diets and proper rest periods, unlike the Spartan soldier that lack these things, as warrior were fierce, unyielding and mentally and physically resilient.

Within the karate circuit "the appearing" to have is very important. Appearing to have made a killer blow or not appearing to hit the opponent intentionally. As in this case not appearing to protect one's self and consequently getting struck in the head, that appears to look like an accident. Thompson has what I would call long (range) gangly (in and out) point scoring movements, whilst Pokorny has short (range) crisp (in fighting) ones, as this is why the clash happened; as he closed the gap on Thompson and shut him down; which works perfectly for real full contact fights. However, this not a real fight, as full contact was not permitted. Thompson was playing the point game where Porkorny wasn't.

Reiterating what I wrote earlier "As aggressors consider themselves to be a type of hammer and those they attack as a type of nail, by changing one's self as a type of hammer breaker, changes everything" Here is an example Bullies getting shut down

Then there is no real clear cut winner or loser, only the external power that be, judged from their perspective and rules, to say who is victorious?Another point about this bout, is that the combatant that caused the injury, did not kneel down, showing his back to the injured opponent. I find this to be disrespectful? Which is another reason why this person should have been disqualified, due to adding insult to injury.

But does it mess with the technique of the punches? At what point does too much weight or resistance get added and ends up messing with the actual technical delivery of the punches? That's where the line between training and practice comes in. Better to build overall strength through barbell training, and develop skill in punching with practice. Barbell training is also one of the best ways to train very functional movements for everyday living. The deadlift is a very useful movement pattern, as in picking heavy things up off the ground. The squat is very useful, being able to stand up out of a chair (or get off the toilet) unassisted, especially in older ages. The press is extremely useful as a movement pattern, as picking up heavy objects and putting them on a shelf overhead is a common thing. The squat and the deadlift also build a strong back, which is something that most of the population could benefit from. What I do doesn't mess with punches as variety is the spice of life and also how I train.To list everything I do and how I train would start sounding pedantic and very boring. So just for a quick look... Training without a live resistance partner is mimicking actual fighting, which could be termed as, virtual fight training. As noticeable, many fighters are stop and punch fighters, being that they need to be in a stationary stance before punching ; perhaps this is due to standing in front of a bag or post of some type or another; point being I don't. Coordinating moving footwork with punches and kicking, takes a lot of practice and concentration to do, therefore being as dynamic as possible when training, which has other benefits such as improving not just strength but also momentum and timing Therefore when ever training muscle memory and strength on the kenisis machine, I am not exactly stationary, as the cables can be stretched in many directions, where the resistance is not just localized in my arms but my entire body. Also practicing good form on the kenisis with as next to perfect body mechanics and positioning as possible, including my rear guard hand near my chin, turning with the hip and pivoting. Again on the heavy bag moving around it and striking silmutaniosly practicing timing and distancing. I have a type of hollow metal rectangular beam that I can strike three sides on, that mimics close range punching combinations, which is similar to a three sided makawari; this is my jumping from one side to the other hard hitting setup In a type of one hand pushed up position I use dumbbells 10kilos or heavier kettle bells up to 20kilos, as this mimics ground and pounding. Also hand stands with alternate one arm raises with 10 kilo dumbbells. I hang a thera band at head height that is knotted at one end of it, where I can fire off different types of jabs practicing accuracy and speed while moving as fast as possible, this would be similar to trying to extinguish a candle flame training. Hanging bag, the size of a soccer ball practicing bobbin and weavin while punching. Double sided bag also moving striking around at different angles. Bobin, weavin punching in a straight line training by using a string stretched out and attached at both ends. Shadow boxing while moving either, pivoting left, right, back and forth and in a variety of angles, while maintaining proper balance and stability; also micking being hit and counter punching; adding somtimes elbows and knees. Use a variety of thera bands also when punching usually for limbering up articulations and light stretching of joints. Everything I do while training is towards improving performance to fight and not functional as to lift myself off the toilet. As the saying goes, all roads lead to Rome; well all my roads lead to combat applications with the sole purpose to fight. In doing so I am always fight ready; which does sound like being a bit of a head case but I do enjoy fight training. Which works out to be about 36hrs a week physical training in 10 sessions, also studying martial art theory and principles. I train to be lean, toned, fast, flexible, towards improving "functional fighting" skill. Having plenty of time on my hands gives me the opportunity to reflect and refine my training sessions. Some could argue from afar, that what I do is wrong but to spend a day with me in my shoes, might change that opinion. Perhaps to be totally honest, it is that my abilities "for my age" that could be considered outstanding, where I personally strive to be outstanding no matter at what age. I get some very big compliments, that I would be embarrassed to talk about here. So my bottom line is; Train as if your life depended on it.

Light contact or semi contact karate tournaments are for me are a grey area or issue. As it is possible to knock someone out "accidentally" and win technically. However can lose and be disqualified for excessive contact, yet pulling punches and kicks that don't land are awarded points but only if they look authentic or could look to be damaging; as combinations cannot possibly happen in real combat situations but where one strike well placed is more feasible; hmmm! Where let's say one combatant is similar to the Tiger out for blood, while the other is like the Crane and is not out for blood. Sooner or later the Tiger will kill the Crane, while the Crane will never kill the Tiger, due to each one's intent is very different. None contact or semi contact tournaments, for me are similar to the Crane' intent, not to harm each other and whilst full contact tournaments are like the Tiger, out for blood. While this bout in question, both combatants are not wearing head protection, yet a serious head injury has occurred. If one believes that there is no such thing as accidents only negligence, then the one that was knocked out due to, not properly protecting himself at all times is to blame. Then this is a negligence issue and not an accident. So the one that struck his knee in to face of the other, didn't do it accidentally, as it happend due to negligence of being in striking distance of an incoming knee. So the point being, in this tournament, that it is okay to accidentally hurt the opponent and knock that person out, but make it look like negligence. Making it appear as, it is due to the lack of care and attention of the recipient, otherwise it will look like excessive contact from the other.

Warrior conditioning kept simple. Warm up Fight Cool down Sleep Recover Study Warm up Practice Strengthening Cool down Recover Simply stated: Fight Recover Study Practice This is necessary for conditioning. Fight dynamically Recover quickly Study intelligently Practise diligently A warrior conditions the body and mind for maximised effectiveness and efficiency. A warrior leaves behind what is unnecessary and only brings what is useful. A warrior notices strengths and weaknesses where others do not. A warrior knows that an untrained person can kill just as easily as one that has a lifetime of training. A warrior knows that having the right key can open any lock. Warrior's condition themselves like warriors should, without doubt or hesitation. Are you conditioning yourself as well as you should? Warrior attributes: Fortitude, cunnineess, diversity, wit, courage, adaptability, stamina, skill, resilience, agility, determination, strength, speed, accuracy, perserverance, stelthnes, tactical, sense of timing, survivalist... Spartan training Spartan Military Training 10 greatest warriors in history https://youtu.be/D6RPgaI7lTU Police officers banned from warrior training What is training for warriors? Zulu Warrior training When looking in to the lives of warriors the training was oftern more brutal than the fighting. Perhaps this is why it is better to; Sweat more when training than it is to bleed when fighting. As ancient warriors condition were harsh when training, perhaps to learn from this. To consider ourselves to be very lucky in comparison and not to be concered about sweating the small stuff, as those warriors in the past paved the way for you and me today.

Are you becoming like your Sensei? If you are becoming like your Sensei, then what percentage would you guess that to be? Also what aspects do you feel similar to your Sensei, as in speed, strength, attitude, movements Ect??? Today Personally, I feel that the (1st) strength attribute is similar to that of my Sensei (2nd) movements (3rd) attitude. Considering my student teacher relationships with my Sensei ended about 40 years ago and still the connection grows stronger; is this normal? How about you? Are you forever connected to your Sensei and how?

Mexican Aikido (is real) it works in the streets

You be the judge, what would you do? Do you agree or disagree with the judges decision? Regarding a knockout at a karate tournament. I think that the wrong person won this bout. I don't see how a person can win a bout due to an accident! At the least, call it a draw. Or consider how each fighter performed prior to the accident and judge which person was best up until that point, then base a who won decision from that. I am in favour, in disqualifying the person that used an illegal technique. How would you score it, if you were the judge at this tournament?

In the not so distant past, the term functional training was not used, it was just called PE Physical education. Do I do functional training Yes and No. As sometimes I do physical things just for the fun of doing it! As without considering if they are functional or not, such as dancing. In martial arts, axillary exercises, or Chi kung, designed specifically to enhance and improve performance. What is functional training? Chi Kung focusing on: Preventative and enhancement exercises, intended to balance and harmonise the body internally and externally, in doing so promoting health and performance. Breathing Speed Endurance Precision Flexibility Balance Coordination Energies Tension & Relaxation Sensitivitities Sharp ballistic and soft flowing movement Chi kung: Promoting good health with the use Yin-Yang Harmony. Focusing on correct form and technique. Harmonising internal and external strengths. Similar to tuning the strings of a guitar, not being so tight as the strings will break and not so loose as the strings cannot be played, this takes developing an awareness of ones own human guitar. With this simple approach, it is forever practical and self sufficient. Functional training means, useful exercise for each person's specific needs or wants to improve functionality; form follows function. As sky diving will most likely not help a person become a better swimmer but you never know LOL Functional training is a waste of everybody's time Vs As opposed to confusing misleading terminology. What does functional training really mean? Functional Training sounds just like an Euphemism Some examples PE is functional training I like to use ankle weights while training for kicks (contrary to the opinion of others) such as this example, that explains how and why Of course without strengthening the knees with Chi Kung or some other type of strengthening method, then expect to destroy your knees, or blow out a kneecap. As this aspect of damaging oneself applies to all types of martial art techniques, when not properly prepared or conditioned appropriately; as what seemingly works for one maist doesn't necessarily mean that it will work out well for another.

On another level, one opponent or both are attacking another person's health, or trying to cause bodily harm, damage or illness. Self defence or preservation goes far beyond just opponent's, but all types of possible attacks, that can lower the health level of any individual; which could also involve the spirit. "Letting one's health go" as mentioned earlier is lowering one's guard down and leaving oneself vulnerable. Nutrition is self defence, just that it isn't usually viewed as such. Physical exrcise is important not just for the body but also for the mind:) Being frail and weak isn't really necessary for many people, but many take that path through life out of poor life choices. While others will over indulge lacking self discipline and cause many illnesses for themselves due to poor eating habits and noticeably not exercising.

Thanks for the explanation I am all up for functional training. Example: I use a kinesis machine to strengthen my punching muscles. Mimicking straight punches, hooks and uppercuts. Not limiting my training to one method but using a variety of perspectives all aimed at improving performance.

The quality of your health will determine your martial art. Catch a cold of contract a flu virus, then no martial arts for you for a little while. Training injuries, then there is a need to take time out to heal properly. Conditioning oneself prevents injuries and illnesses, by making the body resilient types of ailments. Having a healthy diet and lifestyle also helps to stay strong. I believe that health is the basis for martial arts, as without health, it is not possible to become a proficient maist for very long. This is why, that those maists that maintain their health in to old age, in doing so, can continue to practice martial arts. While those that continue with martial arts in their later years and give up their health and being polite to say "let themselves go" martial arts for them becomes a daily challenge. Discounting those maists that have health issues, due to circumstances that are out of their control. Martial arts health benefits of staying youthful and mobil, minimizing injuries, including preventable aches and pains is possible, when reaching old age. Just for a moment to consider on, how to improve your martial arts, strength and performance instantly. The answer is, to improve the "quality" of everything you are doing now. From the "quality" of air you breathe, to the "quality" water you drink, to the "quality" food you eat. There is no extra need for training sessions, only to improve the "quality" when doing them. Improve the quality of your kicks and punches, will make them faster and stronger. As rushing at anything will loose the "quality" aspect. Always triving for "quality" will lead to a "quality" healthy life. Wanting to make something of "quality" then "quality" materials are needed. If what goes in to you is "quality" then what comes out of you will be also. Not having much time for training martial arts, then use some little time you have, to practice some discipline and stop doing something that can be improved on and replace it wity something better. Such as replacing sweetners, white sugar for brown, next improvement would lead to only using honey. Multiple this one sweetener example aspect in other areas of your life, will improve the entire "quality" of life you are leading now. As the saying goes "there is always room for improvement" Instead of just sitting and watching super heroes train like them instead. Is this making sense? Comments? Suggestions? Likes? Dislikes?

Cannot agree with you more Spartacus Maximus, excellent explanation. These two words are like music to my ears, distance and timing.

Okay you got me again bushido_man96, as your explanation is more of the same as in the article and I'm still not getting the drift of it.Maybe putting the opposings point across in a different way would help. As I have the patience to learn and understand but more like these people in this video So please try and explain the article in the simplest way possible; thanks!

There is a fuzzy line in martial arts and that is differentiating between what works and what doesn't in self defence. Of course there are the obvious examples of what doesn't work and those that don't. As all martial arts involves sone kind of self defence mechanisms; including those that are sport driven. Here is a short video that tries to explain the differences ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, How I view self defence with just a few points to consider. As really what works and what doesn't in a self defence situation, relies mainly on how the individual handles the moment correctly. Personally in self defence situation I have encountered, I have remained calm. I quickly estimate if the odds are drastically against me. If the odds are considerably unfavourable due to being out numbered, then drag the moment out and stay calm no matter what happens, often times this lulls the atmosphere and the aggressors, walk away. Staying calm means not to be drawn in to a fight and not to become overly excited or panicked. As oftern times there is an intimidation provoking factor that tests your calmness trying to encourage you to fight. Interesting enough calmness can be very intimidating, as it shows that there is an inner strength of confidence that awaits, which puts an element of doubt into the aggressors. Calmness and also ready at a moment's notice, as all it takes is the flick of a switch, to fight or flight, if the need really reaches that point. Calmness in stressful situations is a very good thing to have in times oftern when most people panic. Self defence is viewed, most oftern as being a victim or a target, where the aggressor is a type of weapon. As aggressors consider themselves to be a type of hammer and those they attack as a type of nail, by changing one's self as a type of hammer breaker, changes everything. As self defence is to not being any type of target moving or standing, instead to be a type of weapon, moving or standing, that meets the situation. There is a knowing oneself well enough of what to do and not to do in a self defence situation, prior to a self defence scenerio, it is understanding and coming to terms what cowardice really is, which by knowing oneself is half the battle already won. https://youtu.be/lHQAv2Mj-zk Agree or disagree, what really matters is understanding what can best be done right when in the wrong predicament?

The article in question, for me personally, contains far too many technical concepts and hypotheses, that go far beyond my comprehension as this present time. Perhaps if the article was written in a less academic and clinical fashion, then far more people could benefit from the information conveyed. Let the discussion continue

I don't know why they are separated but I know why they should not be! The Shaolin system originally was only 18 exercises or techniques, that was given to them by Bodhidharma; to promote health and strength; included were some self defence techniques. When, Zhue Yuen met Li Sou, who introduced him to Bai Yu Feng, all famous martial artists. The three returned to the Shaolin temple and founded the Five Animal Form. Bai Yu Feng increasing the 18 movements to 128, then those movements were divided in to the 5 separate animal imitations. Tiger, Leopard, Crane, Snake, Dragon. As they all have very distinctive attributes. Bai Yu Feng believed that everybody must develope these five aspect (strengths) to condition the body. 1) Physical strength. 2) Bone development. 3) Chi development. 4) Libido. 5) Internal spirit. Also believing that, when all (strengths) combined would result in a superior type of martial artist. The Shaolin five animal form was created to help develope these five strengths. Not five different animal forms, but only one form, which includes the five animals.