WolverineGuy

Here is a letter my Master Instructor wrote in response to the bible-truths.org website: Hello, I just finished reading an article on your website about the "truth" behind Martial Arts. I had to send this e-mail to express my feelings about it. Let me first say that I am a born again, bible believing Christian. Let me next say that I am also a Martial Artist, and have been for a long time now. I was very disappointed to find myself reading yet another poorly written, poorly researched commentary on the Martial Arts as a whole. It is a fact that many of the Martial Arts being practiced today have incorporated everything the author of this article said; however, to say that ALL Martial Arts are evil because of that is plain silly. There are many people who train in the Martial Arts who do not do any of these evil things the author mentions. The Martial Arts are even practiced in many places with a Christian, bible-based philosophy behind the teachings. You do not have to study Eastern religion, worship foreign deities, or work towards any kind of spiritual realm while practicing the Martial Arts. Some people choose to do this, others find those practices abhorrent. I would challenge anyone to extend the research of the Martial Arts beyond the stereotypical view expressed in this article, to a more realistic view of the Martial Arts as a whole. I am certain that, like almost everything else, there are both good and bad things to be found. I would also challenge anyone to consider what this kind of article, labeling the whole for the sins of the part, make Christians look like. It is my belief that opinions like the one expressed in this article are a part of the problem Christians face today. Our message is largely ignored because we are seen as extremists who are out of touch with reality. We are labeled radicals who will call something evil without even looking to see if it really is. Articles like this one end up being a bad witness because they do not look at the whole picture, just a part. The author of this article could easily have pointed out all of the things that he did and warn people to be on the lookout for them, instead of simply calling an entire art evil. In writing the article as an informational piece and including all of the facts that he did, he would have been doing a great service to those who practice the Martial Arts with a non-Christian view. Sadly the only thing I am afraid most practitioners of the Martial Arts will have gotten from the article as written is a negative view of Christianity, and not of the evils inherent in SOME Martial Arts. Respectfully yours in Christ, NAME WITHELD BY POSTER 4th degree black belt, master instructor

I personally was just disappointed in the SHOW itself. The XMA team is a fantastic example of martial arts. Yes, I just said martial arts. Because when it comes down to it, martial arts over all is about MOVEMENT. These guys have that one mastered. Its the way they apply it that seems to have people down on them, but I have total respect for what they do.

No no, this was good...unless of course, you WANT to give me what you do in class. I'm just looking for a good workout, in addition to becoming a more complete fighter, so I want to know what others do.

Its amazing how some of you can analyze that from a post. I'm such a visual person...oy. That's why I'm all about martial arts books that have full color vivid pictures...I can't do anything with the black and white cheap pics that don't have enough detail. doesn't help me at all.

Well, that was the major reasoning behind the UFC. The Gracies wanted a worldwide showcase for what they were doing. I probably wouldn't be nearly as into grappling as I am if it weren't for UFC

My first reaction would be to pass the guard. If they're a skilled grappler, I'm looking for openings to elbow/knee them. If not, then I'd just use the BJJ/Judo that I know and find some way out of it without hurting the guy too bad.

Welcome aboard!

Wlecome aboard. Let us know how you did!

Welcome to the board!

Hey Wolves, welcome to the forum.

I would imagine grappling is a bit easier, but it all depends on the book

I've never really thought about it...my right cross came fairly easy to me, thank God. I keep my chin tucked, left hand up, and on the ball of my rear foot. Snap it out, make sure to snap it back.

Right on, I'll be waiting.

I'm a singer, so I can't be as subtle with the spit valve...I just have to hock one on the person in front of me.

My school isn't big on gi's; but I wear middle or heavy when I grapple. I prefer middleweight overall.

Out of curiosity, who here competes MMA? What is your training regimen like?

Agreed. I was highly disappointed in the show, especially with their focus on tournament/sport karate. Since it was advertised as martial arts in general, that should have been limited to a section. I do have to say, I've seen the XMA team in action, so I kind of expected what they had done, but was still hoping for more.

There is no spoon.

Looked interesting...wish I had a joystick to get a little better control. But a cool idea.

It all comes back to whether or not you are capable of thinking "outside the box." There are many styles that encourage training for specific situations, and this cripples you in a fight. This is one reason that I'm gonna go with it NOT being all about the individual.

I love my style because we try to be all encompassing...any area of interest in martial arts is covered.

Personally, I would add Brazillian Jiu Jitsu: Theory and Technique by Royler and Renzo Gracie Brazillian Jiu Jitsu: Black Belt Techniques by Jean Jaques Machado Passing the Guard: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Details and Techniques by Ed Beneville, Tim Cartmell For just general martial arts, the Tao of Jeet Kune Do, even though its been said, the book is required reading. I was also intrigued by Paul Vunak's Anatomy of a Streetfight, but I haven't read it thoroughly, just skimmed it.

Ack, didn't see that...yeah, if that's all you get to train, that kinda sucks big booty.

Interesting...but I see no evidence of what exactly it is that they train in. Check it out...the premise sounds nice.

Personally, I've never heard of it...do they have a website?