Alan Armstrong

All stand up styles could benefit from BJJ not just JKD. Some of the 'rolling' at the end involved some very good body mechanics. Nice work! Thanks for sharing.

Your character may or may not be suitable for Shotokan. You will need to try it out for yourself for a least three months. The martial art you decide to practice and study need's careful consideration. Shotokan steps nicely in to kick boxing and MMA. Body building and Shotokan are also compatible. Shotokan and self-defense also work well together. All traditional Japanese hand held weapons will also work well with Shotokan. There are no short cuts in learning Shotokan. What you put in to it is all you will get out of it. Results will only come with hard work; good luck!

Muay Thai elbow strikes can also be used in every direction humanly possible. That about covers it ...

Had another issue with another ma school and style. This time with JKD. The teacher brought in some large pads for us to kick on. While one student held the pad low to his leg while the other person kicking it Muay Thai style (round house kick) While I was kicking the pad the senior student kept telling me not look at the pad while kicking it. I told him that I didn't want to do that. He insisted and I insisted, eventually I gave in and stopped looking at the pad while kicking. Did my kicks on the pad full power. without looking at the pad. Well to cut a long story short. My knees were so badly damaged from that session that I could hardly walk for three months. Had to quit JKD. Lots of time off work. Plenty of pain and suffering. The proper kicking apparatus should have been a stationery car tire setup. Instead of an over sized stiff vinyl pad. Should have done the kicking my way. I know it is wrong to kick and look and perhaps not great technique. I don't kick looking at the opponent's leg but kicking something that isn't designed for it, I was being careful not to damage myself. Problem was that I had more experience than the senior student in this regard and trying to fit in and being respectful, cost me alot of un necessary problems by conforming. Would have been better off making my own car tire kicking setup without all the hassle and problems that occurred.

Point to remember that Wing Chun is a close combat style. Side and back kicks (from long legged fighters) usually work well against (slim but well proportional) Wing Chun stylists and (short muscular) grapplers fair even better. Kicking styles utilize their hips for kicking with and grapplers control their opponents hips. While in Wing Chun hips are utilized to throw a plentitude amount of punches with; you do the math. Must keep in mind that not every Wing Chun fighter has popped out of the same (Ip Man) cracker jack box. Skill levels differ from one individual fighter to the next. Bruce Lee would change his fighting style in mid stream. This is how the JKD concept came about (to intercept) use what worked in the moment and not echoing techniques from the past, hoping they would succeed. Bruce Lee used the term "organized despair' for martial artists that practiced a style that was not capable of being efficient or effective in reality. Nothing wrong with Wing Chun, maybe just to consider to adapt it to the 21st Century surroundings, that could have more open space (than Wing Chun was developed for) to fight in a larger place than a telephone booth and perhaps to suppose that the opponent could be aiming to slam dunk your face in to the concrete pavement, while you are not given the chance to utilize your sensitivity (touch and speed) Chi Sao skills. Maybe Bruce Lee had foreseen the future within Wing Chun's limitations and then used Wing Chun as his foundation for JKD. Just as 'Chi' cannot be separated from blood. JKD cannot be separated from Wing Chun. Certainly not advocating mixing caffeine with Wing Chun, even if it does make chain punching technique faster; Bruce Lee would never condone it so neither should you.

Learning Tai Chi Chuan, was one of the most rewarding periods, in my many years of learning and practicing martial arts. Really understanding and applying yinyang (is just a way to explain the known universe in simple terms) these principles can help us in many aspects in our lives, including martial arts. Chi is just another word for energy, it is broad ancient chinese view point for understanding, how to use, recognize and store (vital) energy effectively, for health and longevity; also being aware of flowing and stagnant energy in our surroundings. Sports medicine and psychology is all Greek to me. Although chi is a way to understand Chinese wisdom.

Being self taught might have some positive aspects to it also. Example, I learned and had a knack for the spinning back fist from karate. A quick jab lined up nicely for my spinning backfist with the right. It was an instant knockout technique; loved it! Switched to TKD used the spinning backist in class. The instructor told me to stop flailing. I eventually lost my lust for this technique that worked so well for me. I have brought this topic up because. just the other day on YouTube, I watched a bout between karate and TKD. The match was won by karate man using a spinning backfist. knocked the TKD fighter out cold. Teachers can hinder a student's progress as well as help, a trade off. Style is more important than the individual. Bruce Lee got it right when he said "No way as way" Could include the self taught individuals also.

Being completely self taught ma and isolated from any type of contact does seem a bit strange. Maybe not being formally taught ma, is a better way of defining the question. Being a self taught martial artist would have it's issues with trying to enter in to a ma tournament and belt ranking placement complications would compound problems also. Street fighting is far different than class room fighting. As street fighters are not formally taught, someone is ultimately giving them a lesson in the moment and for real! The idea of tapping out of a fight "What's that" getting knocked out more like. When I switched from street fighting to class room fighting, I remember feeling very vulnerable, trying to defend myself in uncomfortable posses and positions. I remember very clearly thinking during "the transition" of street fighting to dojo sparring 'Don't get caught up in a street brawl or I'm going to get beaten up badly. The transition from street to dojo was a feeling of total vulnerability! Not good at one or the other, was a great motivator to train hard and fast to overcome the insecuritys. Stretching leg muscles was a very un-street like thing to do. All of a sudden there was a uniform and mats, mouth guards and padded gloves... instructors that pushed me beyond my own self imposed limitations. Instructors that could do seemingly impossible fighting technique's with ease. After some of my first Karate workouts, I could hardly move the next day from sore aching muscles. Never would have pushed myself as hard as my Sensei did. Never new that I had so many muscles that could hurt at the same time. As street fighting was very different, I found myself still getting hurt but from a more experienced person/s. Thinking back I'm not sure why I subjected myself to being beaten up very often "formally" Street fighter types learn from everyone at anytime and not twice a week in a gym. It is either (flight or fight) sprinting away as not to get beaten up or getting stuck in fighting as fast as possible. Self taught street fighters do develope their fighting skills naturally. Only thing is that is it a path to hospital and or prison time. Or more drastically lose of life either way. Personally self taught fighting equals getting arrested or worse, so I joined a karate club instead. Street fighters (self taught) are not usally living in isolation, they are usually affiliated with a gang or group. Knives or sharp objects do creep in to street fights and they can get used against you, usually from someone other than the person you are fighting with. I found that gangs and ma clubs still are both group based but the ma clubs types of people were more helpful and law abiding. This issue was the most defining factor for me to give up being self taught and pursue instruction. Never will I give up my (self taught) street fighting background and as I enjoy teaching self defence (with self taught fighting experience) seems like I will never need to.

Different ma styles attract and drraw people that they feel comfortable with, as birds of a feather stick together. Aikido attracts more peacful people, so does Tai Chi. Some ma styles are violent and other styles promote peace and harmony. Success is a matter of opinion and perspective. What seems like success to one style seems like faliure to another.

Front kick knockout, the way to go https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gMNM51Bwcgg UFC one kick knockouts, THE KARATE KICK front kicks included. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Gvv9urOC7s

As martial arts is a learned skill, something that we were not born with, instruction is needed. Quality instruction is paramount. It will enhance progress. Save on getting injured. Will instill positive habits. Positive habits in training will bring about good results in techniques. Negative habits will interfere with having good results and will hinder progress. Better not to start something without being informed by someone qualified. Quality advice is paramount.

As martial artists the leading leg front kick should be used as quick as or used like a front jab. Rear leg front kick like a reverse punch with power. That's just the basics. Counter kicking techniques are great with front kicks; it is also the most versatile weapon from the waist down. Front kicks can be effective when standing still or moving, in the air or when ground fighting. Front kicks any time any place, has the possibilities to end a fight with one kick to the: groin, stomach, solar-plexus, larynx, jaw, nose... The human body is designed perfectly for front kicks. The human leg (from the knee) doesn't bend left or right or forward, but works perfectly for bending backwards for walking and with practice; front kicking. Front kicks: Snapping Thrusting Jumping Pushing Sticking Deceptive Flying Deflective Low Medium High Sliding Single Double Multiple Pendulum Rising Reaching Blocking Combination and variations there of...

Wow Shotokan katas, those were the days in the late 70s. Getting that GI to snap with a Kiai! My advice is to make your kata mistakes as most do. Then understand what your technique are supposed to be doing and not just doing the moves. Usually katas and forms have been designed so as to remember self defence techniques. Learn and practice with a partner the kata and the applications. Every move has a purpose, have your partner to attack you as you do the form. If you are going to learn the katas correctly you will also have to know the applications correctly also. Good luck and have fun doing it!

As for Aikido demonstrations there is an entertainment value for the public. Using Ki power. This unrealistic look and feel does create skepticism to none Aikido martial artists, the public accepts it all, why? If the rest of the none Aikido martial artists have strong reservations on the validity of it's style, then how is it that it has such a high rating with public support? Policeman are known to use Aikido techniques to detain a suspect, would the police be better prepared using BJJ or any other style of ma? Do the police use Aikido because weapon defence is a part of the Aikodo way, wear as BJJ or other grappling styles are not weapon oriented?

With Aikido it is blending with the opponent's committed strength and then controlling it. Using circular motion, gravity and momentum's in Aikdo techniques. Most informed martial artist don't usually fight by throwing their weight around (over committing) perhapse crazy attackers do. Aikido works best against those that commit their energy in techniques. Hypothetically Aikido would work well against Muay Thai boxers; do you think this is true? Wing Chun is a none committed style and there techniques are quick. An Akidoist would have a difficult time trying to control a Wing Chun man. I know this from personal experience. Have you had a similar experience? Aikido conditioning is a valuable asset for any martial artist. It is very different than other styles of conditioning. I learned that my Aikido training and conditioning was an asset while attending a JKD academy. As many styles of martial arts seem to think that they have an advantage with grabbing or controlling an opponent physically, this might not hold up to be true against an Aikido specialist. This conditioning being different can give an Aikidoist a surprising advantage over other styles, especially in the area of self defense. I believe most Aikido practioners are perhaps unaware of their strong points. This is only due to not cross training with other styles. All martial art style's suffer a bit from too much of a good thing from their constant practice with their own kind or style. As what is seen of Aikido is usally the moves and applications. Conditioning for Aikido is not often seen. Are you aware of Aikido conditioning?

As guird pointed out the quality control aspect of Wing Chun. There is controversy over 'Chi Sao' in the Wing Chun community. Some say that Chi Sao is too sensitive of a training exercise to be viable. To practice it for fun only. Others belive Chi Sao is totally unrealistic and not to bother practicing it at all. Reason being no one fights this way. Standing in a stationery rolling arms with an opponent trying to sense an opening is never going to happen in reality. While others have become so good at using Chi Sao that it has become like a type of sparring and in doing so has replaced sparring altogether. Chi Sao and Centre line theory is what makes Wing Chun unique, different from all other styles. Without these aspects, it cannot be or call itself Wing Chun. Another aspect of Wing Chun controversy within it's community is the weight distribution in stances. As in using 50/50 at all times and the 30/70 traditional view point. The hoping forward is also under scrutiny because of the being unbalanced on one foot lacks power and stability in offensive and defensive situations. All of these issues with Wing Chun in my eyes are normal. It is not a rigid or regimented style. All arts have a foundation but it is the personal interpretations and individual uniqueness combined with that art is what brings it to life. Reason is no one is built the same. Wrestlers for example might find that Chi Sao practice is too sensitive for their fighting game and would prefer to slam the opponent to the ground instead. Whereas as slimmer person is unrealistically going to slam someone to the ground that is double their own body weight. Yet have a better fighting chance using deflecting and countering techniques found in Chi Sao. Also late starters to Wing Chun and or have practiced other styles previously have already wired and sealed their fighting skills. Trying to adopt another style may seem awkward or not totally compatible. As Bruce Lee was always seeking the truth in his martial art life. To strip away the unessentials. To practice what works for you and build upon that. That the individual is more important than the style. To be like water and adapt oneself. Bruce Lee highlighted Wing Chun's potential as a formidable fighting style to the world. It has grown up and developed for over 300 years in relative obscurity. Even now it is still evolving and adapting to the needs of the 21st Century fighters. What we may call traditional Wing Chun or classical Wing Chun is very recent, probably from Ip Man's interpretations. Wing Chun is very rich in many aspects. If practiced traditionally or adapted as Bruce Lee did. There are many layers of understanding in the Wing Chun system or style. Just depends how far a person wants to go to seek out and explore the Wing Chun enigmas close up in person.

Thank you Wado for your in-depth views and participation on this topic. Having watched the Wing Chun anti grappling video, it would be more interesting to hear what grapplers have to say about it. My opinion on the video is, the person supposedly attacking as a would be grappler is a Wing Chun man. This looses credibility with me instantly, maybe this view of mine is being a bit too harsh but I would prefer not to sugar coat this issue. Also in the video, regarding the anti grappling techniques used on the attacker 'grappler" he didn't retaliated whatsoever and had ample opportunitys to do so. There was a type of realistic street brawling aspect to some of the video footage, which seem plausible in street fighting scenarios. Should be noted that the Wing Chun fighting style has a back alley history attached to it and not an octagon, with lights, music, action, money! I am aware that Wing Chun has anti grappling techniques but if they are practiced only against other Wing Chun grapplers then it is training to be defeated by real grapplers. What grappling has that Wing Chun hasn't is the rolling techniques. The anti grappling Wing Chun needs to address this fact and incorporate 'Rolling' As Wado suggested (I agree) a few years training in grappling is needed for the Wing Chun fighter. Grappling is far more sophisticated than it seems; having said that Wing Chun is also more sophisticated than it seems also. Personally I liked the Koppo video that you (Wado) made a link to, as viewing and incorporating different styles is a part of my game. Thanks for that! Grapplers don't fall nicely in to a pre arranged style so (Stand Up) fighters can defeat them; far from it. JKD concepts tried to address this type of issue and it came down to the man and not the style will be the victor. The idea of combining Muay Thai to Wing Chun has been kicking around for some time now. Perhaps this is the right time in martial art history to combine Wing Chun-Muay Thai with Jujitsu. We now live MMA (mixed martial arts) times and the days of the best martial art style is over. Delusional or virtual martial arts, it is now the actual that wins the credit and respect of the majority.

I do suppose all stand up styles could benefit from grappling skills, not just singling out Wing Chun. If grappling was to become part of the Wing Chun curriculum then the clothes would need to be changed to a tougher material. Also mats would need to be introduced in to the equation. It does take certain body types to be able to grapple effectively. As Wing Chun practioners are not all up to rolling as grapplers do, it could be a stumbling block for many to learn. I don't foresee Wing Chun grappling but I do believe an anti gappling strategy my evolve to plug the gap! As the stand up fighter is generally about hitting or attacking the face of the opponent, it might be more advisable to attack areas that grapplers need to attack you with. Attack the muscles and body parts that grapplers need to do damage to you with, it stands to reason. The grappler needs arms to do most of the grappling techniques, anything from the shoulder down to the fingertips should be targeted. This strategy of limb (arm) destruction, places time more in your favor, because more blows you can land to the limbs less strength they will have on squeezing the life out of you later. As martial artists do, we have a tendency to defend our style (comfort zone) with "I will deal with it when it happens" or "I am confident to be able to defend myself" We all need a reality check sometimes, this (post) might be applicable to you. Personally I know the odds are on my side if I remain fighting standing up and my odds of winning diminish significantly if the fight ends up rolling on the ground. Time is in favor of the grappler and not in favor for the stand up fighter. This is why it is important to end a fight as quickly and as efficiently as possible, no matter who you are fighting; that other person could be a grappler. If a stand up fighters looked at their opponent (grappler) as a potential 'Boa Constrictor' snake, they might have a better chance of defeating the threat more wisely. The snake is associated with some Wing Chun techniques, however the grappling snake is using coiling constrictions vs speed and cunning sensitivity tricks. Against an experienced grappler, I know my only chance of winning is before the fight has been taken to the ground. So my best strategy is to do as much damage (while still standing) with fast precision striking and counter evasive (distancing) takedown maneuvers. Knowingly having some minimal ground fighting skills would come in handy, if the need would ever arise. I don't see how an experienced standup fighter can (realistically) manage to win against an experienced grappler. Because the grappler still needs stand up fighting skills and has learned them as a part of the grappling style. While on the other hand the stand up fighter just thinks on his/her feet. There are stand up styles that have some grappling-locking techniques/throws/takedowns but if the fight gets stretched out the rolling skills and experience grapplers practice far outweighs everything else the stand up fighter has.

A few more qualities that bicycles have in common with martial arts. Balance is all important to keep it while in motion. The motion keeps us in balance on the bicycle. Keeping oneself balance is crucially important for martial artists. Unbalancing the opponent is very effective also. There is a center line that needs to be maintained while bicycling other wise we would fall off. Understanding center line theory in martial arts adds a whole new dimension for the user. Adding power to one's own techniques and countering when the opponent crosses their own centre line. The rear wheel power and the rear foot power, both combined with gravity and momentum propelling the user forward. Bicycles work for us humans because we can (with practice) integrate our body mechanics with that of a mechanism designed specifically for our body movements. Amazingly bicycling makes us stronger and fitter just like martial arts. Just as damaging when falling down also. Martial arts works for us because just like the bicycle it can propel us in extra ordinary ways. The wheel is mankind's greatest invention... maybe bicycles belong in the dojo after all; certainty bicycle theory is welcome.

Keeping up with times and not falling behind for Wing Chun practioners could be a challenge. Choosing to do things differently as to add grappling techniques that don't have a kata or a form opens up a new world for the Wing Chun man or woman. One of the concept's or idea's for Wing Chun is that it should or must be tested. Wing Chun Grappling. The Wing Chun practioner rolling against grapplers might be the next best thing in martial arts. What are your thoughts?

Self taught, training alone, that person will ultimately mis out on the experience and transferred qualities a teacher can offer. Repetitive techniques practiced with an experienced teacher is simply irreplaceable. Techniques practiced constantly wrong alone or with another novice no matter how determined, will develope bad habits, that will be almost impossible to correct later. There is no real substitute to learning martial arts other than with a master. Someone with at least thirty years experience would be an asset. Or someone highly dedicated as a martial artist with fewer years experience is OK also. Or there are those that come from a family backgroud of martial arts and are young, still would qualify as a master; in my eyes. I have seen many practice boxing with experienced boxers and some get the boxing idea eventually but the majority don't. Could be because only a few want to learn how to fight and many others just want to burn fat and get in to shape. Having said all that, videos presented by masters outweigh being taught by inexperienced martial art instructors.

Every part of the human body is a target from a martial artist's point of view. Just depends on what part of my own body I use as a weapon on these parts. We all must eventually learn which part hurts when injured more than other parts through experience. Also developing an understanding of our own pain thresholds in different areas also. An understanding of body mechanics seems more appropriate for martial artists than GP knowledge. Body builders on going experience of using strength and leverage. Combined with therapy and massage experience puts them in a more focused position to use anatomy for or against another person. There are Specialists in the medical field that learn a martial art to improve their practice and not the other way around. Some specialist in the medical profession use auto mechanics to help them understand how the human body functions in a more basic way. So it seems to me that information on human bio mechanics doctor or martial artist would be an advantage. To target a single muscle or a joint and nerves in a fight is highly intellectual, it can increases the odds of wining a fight over brute strength. UFC for Doctors my be a reality some day, until then it is a wait and see...

To twist the foot when punching with full power takes and uses alot of energy; maybe that energy could be better spent earning points. Also if it misses, it is very obvious and the fighter can become quickly off balanced (by pivoting from the front foot) and also makes the fighter seem vulnerable to counter attacks. Landing a heavy twisting punch on another conditioned fighter isn't as effective as it is on a novice. Pivoting on the ball of the foot is used more effectively to finish off the opponent (close in) with obvious punishing low twisting full power blows.

There was a bicycle in the dojo. So I used it's dynamics as an example for using martial arts in one on one confrontation. Many Chinese ma styles use animals and draw from their virtues. why not bicycle virtues also. The bicycle design has not changed that much from it's conception. Yes lots of changes and improvements but the overall two wheels and a framework. A seat and stearing has kept in line with the bicycling concept. One aspect of the bicycle has changed considerably and that is the gear system. Timing in martial arts is crucial to succeed. Changing one's speed to be faster and striking more, just as if trying to go up hill on a bicycle and it is getting too difficult to move, changing gears helps to peddle faster. Same holds true slowing down but delivering more power in kicks and punches. Having control of one's own gear system, has to be advantage to better combative abilities. Another bicycle analogy for fighting is to use the continuous rotation of the front wheel, to continuously barrage the opponent, as when using a variety of techniques in a succession. The momentum of the moment and movements let's the techniques flow naturally and effortlessly. Also each spoke of the wheel represents a punch or elbow strike, knee strike and so on ... that holds together your intent, that being you are the hub of the wheel. The handlebars are always pointing in the direction that you are traveling in. Something to keep in mind when sparring with feet and hands. Personally I try to have everything aimed or pointed at my opponent, including focused intent. The rear suspension and seat compresses and releases giving a smoother ride, same holds true when switching sides for compressing and releasing punches and the like. As this topic can get dragged out too far, I'll try and keep this topic to the point. That being virtues are abundant, some of the simplistic things have deeper meanings. Yinyang principle are often explained with the pedaling aspect of a bicycle, as one foot releases the other foot presses down to complete the cycle. Perhaps you have a comparison that you use to explain martial art concepts. Would like to hear your versions also.

In the 1970's it was not uncommon to know of 'punch drunk' boxers' They were just hit in the head too many times. An unexpected punch to the stomach can still kill a professional fighter. Even if they are conditioned to take punches. This is how Houdini died. As an older martial artist, I keep up with the tuffer is better principles. Doesn't make me invincible. Just gives me a few more seconds to endure punishment and return the favor with 'Instant karma'