Martial Artist

Yes, I know how to avoid confrontation, but it isnt always possible

pinning the opponents foot to the floor and then punching the solar plexus or face

Of course. Praying Mantis kungfu has always been fascinating to me - especially your use of the crane strike so creatively - entrapments and jointlocks and such. I'd bet that alone is damn effective.

Haha sorry about that. I spent this week backpacking, and thus had no internet connection lol

Holy cow 8? Yea. See thats actually why my board screen name is "Martial Artist." I do not consider myself a Karateka or a Aikidoka or a... basically, I learn from every martial art that I can to gain the knowledge from them. Ok so that made sense in my head - its like one martial art cannot teach you everything, so I looked elsewhere (no I'm not claiming I know everything) to become a more rounded fighter. Karate and Kung Fu teach punching kicking and such, tai chi and aikido and wing chun teaches chi/ki, aikido and jujitsu teaches throws locks and take downs, kick boxing teaches endurance and speed. Ok so here's my average weekly schedule (except for this last week since I've been backpacking)... Monday: Wing Chun @ 3:30, Kick Boxing @ 6:15, Karate @ 7:20 Tuesday: Kick Boxing @ 6:15, Aikido and Jujitsu @ 7:20 Wednesday: Wing Chun @ 3:30, Wu Shu @ 5:00, Kick Boxing @ 6:15, Karate @ 7:20 Thursday: Karate @ noon, Kick Boxing @ 6:15, Aikido and Jujitsu @ 7:20 Friday: Kobudo @ 5:30, Black Belt class @ 6:15, Karate @ 7:20 (I go to both classes - black belt class refines technique and teaches the new, the karate class is for the regular colored belts, i go to further refine techniques and to assist in teaching) Saturday: Kick Boxing, Tai Chi Chuan and Wu Shu... this goes from about 8:30 in the AM to 2:00 in the after noon. Not all of its class time, there is room in there for me and my dojo buddies to goof off and spar or whatever. Sunday I avoid martial arts since I spend most of the day at my church running a sound and video mixer. Hehe, God did say he rested on the seventh day, and its nice to have a break once a week. Now the schedule stays fairly constant, but I still have no clue how I find time to see my girlfriend 3 times a week and hold a job at a computer store... lets just say the hours are funny. As for the belts and time... Karate took me 5 years, and the kobudo black belt was included. Aikido and Jujitsu took me roughly... 7 years. Wing Chun and Wu Shu took 11. I am currently 24 years old. I started Martial Arts at the age of 13, with Wu Shu and Wing Chun. When I turned 16, I began to study Jujitsu, and later Aikido (roughly around my 17th birthday). I decided to take up Aikido because sometimes Jujitsu can be overkill - smashing someone's head on the gound is not cool. At the age of 18, a friend of mine at church introduced me to Shuri-Ryu Karate, so I began training in this art. I can't remember when i started Kick Boxing... just that its a good work out - builds speed and endurance - and calloused knuckles. I began studying Tai Chi along with Aikido, since they both shared many similarities, in that both are internal arts. As for a special diet? No not really... although I eat around 3500 calories a day because I burn so much working out all the time. But its a pretty normal diet - food pyramid all the way. I do try to intake as much protein as I can in the mornings (aka 3 scrambled eggs, some energy drinks) to give me the energy I need. I eat a lot of sushi and rice tho... so I guess it isnt entirely your average "American" diet. Also, I eat a LOT of meat... like... um, A LOT. Yea. Good energy food, tastes good AND fills you up real quick. Yea its funny - 3500 cals a day, and I am still 6'4" at 190 pounds. As for my future in martial arts, I think I will continue in my current training, and maybe take up a few more weapons styles. I have always wannted to learn more about the Escrima/Kali sticks and the Chinese weapons I haven't practiced with. I've also thought that Iaido would be a fun art. Who knows. And I've always been fascinated with ninjas, so I want to check out Ninjutsu some time. Hmm maybe its just the fact that I'm a guy, but I think that would be cool. One things for sure tho - NO TAE KWON DO FOR ME. Hehe. I am a bit curious about Hapkido though, one of my school teachers in high school trained in it, and was one of the reasons I took up Aikido. As for the comments by "from the ground up," good point. Wu Shu is taught at the same school as Wing Chun, so when I say kung fu to my friends I mean both arts. You are right however, it isnt really kung fu, it is but it isnt. Its kind of a funny contrast - Wu Shu is all show-y, and Wing Chun is a lot slower and more combat practical. If the truth be known, I started with Wu Shu simply because it looked (and is) fun. Yes there is a dislike, but, I wanted to broaden my horizons and learn more. I'll update my profile on that one there, hehe big typo . It is actually a school of various chinese martial arts and thus teaches different styles.

White: Tai Kyoku Exercises (Teach, Tarch and Meach) Yellow: Wunsu Blue: Anaku Green: Empi Sho, Dan Enn Sho Purple: San Chin, Heian Shodan, O' Naihanchi Sho Brown: O'Naihanchi Ni and San, Heian Nidan, Sandan, Yondan, Basai Dai, Go Pei Sho Shodan: Basai Dai, Kan Ku Sho and Kan Ku Dai, Te-Katana (Sai From), Kwanmu Katas (Sho, Ni and San) Nidan: Shudo So Sandan: Further mastery of all of the above, Ten Sho Yondan: Ten Dai And of course the TONS of weapons katas and the Ippons and Taezus and Shaolin Animal Forms.

Shuri Ryu

Shuri-Ryu Karate is VERY effective. Speed, power, control. See, we hit so hard so fast people don't even know what hit them till they wake up in an E.R. having their jaw wired shut. We do this by complete relaxation so the attacker can't see muscle tensation before the strike. Then, we tense up just as we hit, and throw our entire body weight and hip action into the shot. We don't deal with niceties - block, punch HARD, run away. No fance spinny kicks or crazy blocking sequences. EXAMPLE: I was at school (This was when i was a BLUE belt), someone pulled a knife one me and tried to stab me in the gut. I grabbed his hand, yanked him towards me and vertical fisted him right below the nose strait into the mouth. I broke 6 of his teeth and nocked 8 more out of his head, fractured his jaw and his nise in several places and knocked him out. ONE punch, ended it fast. And no I did not over react - he attacked with a LETHAL weapon, so I responded in like kind. Now as for self defense of say choking attacks and headlocks and whatnot... also effective. Again, we use speed and power to defuse the situation and cause mondo hurt on the attacker in a swift manner. EXAMPLE: I was in Canada a few days ago (Just got back), and I was attacked whilst walking through an alley. The attacker attempted a front choke attack and puched me back. I pinned his left arm to my chest with my right, wrapped my left over it and spun about. This forced him to let go, broke both of his wrists and elbows and rammed his face into a nearby dumpster. I left him and ran. How can that NOT be effective?

Yea basics are drilled for the first few months... as for power in a punch, rotate the hip as you punch... this was like class one in Shuri-Ryu Karate, sadly many Karate styles don't teach hip action till around blue or green belt.

Basically, in Aikido, we use a "Ski" (um i hope i spelled that right), that is, a hand extended and teh other bent next to and behind it. This represents something coming at you - a knife, fist, club... whatever. So in this sense, its pretty much defensive only, but isnt that the point of most martial arts? a means of self defense from one or more attackers?

That knowledge will come in time. Things like pressure points, merridiens and triggerpoints should really be taught by your Sifu, since its hard to explain on a BBS... you need a person to use the techniques on. I didn't startlearning too much about these things until around red and brown sash a few years ago... it REALLY kicks in around 2nd and 3rd degree black sash... well, it did in my Wing Chun system. May be different for you.

I've been to China and Okinawa a few times. I love it there.. great environbment, EXCEPTIONAL instructors (well duh, they are the masters of their respective systems eh?)

Actually not too much. It is still a fighting art - yes, we have a lot of flashy showy things, but we know that this is traditional and NOT GOOD FOR HAND TO HAND COMBAT. We still have your standard punches and kicks and animal strikes and grappling movements and Chi work. Good stuff. HOWEVER, teh other Kung Fu style I study, Wing Chun, is quite a bit more effective than Wu Shu.

Whoa, TKD runs the Basai katas... err.. "forms?" COOL, I didn't know that. Is it just Dai, or do you also do Sho (Since its a 4 part Kata: Basai Sho, Basai Dai, Basai San and Basai Tamari). Either way, thats cool. Good strong Chinese/Okinawan kata.

Whoa this is a GOOD thread, very common questions. I myself am a Christian, and struggled a bit with the whole concept of "Chi" and such in the beginning of my training many years ago. Obviously, the concpets were very alien to me, living in the western part of the world, and, they seemed potentially "demonic." HOWEVER I got over this very quickly. Once I learned more about Chi/Qi/Ki, I became more comfortable with it. Its actually not terribly "spiritual" in nature. Chi is a part of every person, martial arts just helps you learn to use it and to cultivate and control it. Now, I do not believe that Martial Arts are a religion, but, that they are certainly a way of life. Ever heard the Karatedo? Literally translated this means "The Empty Handed Way of Life." Karate is not merely a sport (hell, with the exception of certain styles of TKD and boxing, NO martial arts are "sports," they are killing and fighting/military arts), more than a self defense training ground, it IS a way of life. Same with all other genuine martial arts. Also, look at the Bible. It clearly states that the body is a temple for the Holy Spirit, and that we are to take care of it. The Martial Arts are easily the best method of staying in good physical condition (well thats my opinion anyway cuz I don't play sports). And, its not like you are worshipping Buddha or whoever... well, usually not but hey. Just remember to keep God first in your life. If you honor him, he will honor you. Seems pretty strait forward doesn't it?

I study Okinawan Shuri-Ryu Karate. I practice with the Bo, Sai, Nunchaku, Kama, Tonfa, Nagitana and Eku. Additionally, Aikido teaches the Jo and Bokken. I'd go Okinawan if you want weapons... thats where most of the weapons were developed, and the katas are damn effective - little to no flash, just effective movements. Good work out too, especially with the Eku, since its heavier and bulkier than a Bo, and the Sai are great for forearm workouts.

Yea, they are illegal to carry, but they are DAMN effective. Someone broke into my house a while ago, armed with a crowbar (most likely used as an entrance tool). I heard him, grabbed my sais (closest weapons at hand) and took a look. He swung down, I blocked with one, and used the other to strike him with. I broke his jaw, 8 ribs and bruised him up pretty nicely. Even better, the cops didn't care... just arrested the mofo... after he went to the hospital of course. The Sai are DAMN effective weapons.

Ok... this is really embarassing, but, funny as hell. Also, this applies to guys.. Anyway. Any of you guys notice that whenever you go to an Aikido or Jujitsu class, you SOMEHOW wind up wearing the one pair of underwear in the pack that must have someow missed the inspector? You know - either its too loose or too tight? Damn. Well, a few months ago, Sensei was out of town, so he left me in charge of class. I've assisted many times, but never lead my own class, except in Kick Boxing. To make things more interesting, there were NO OTHER GUYS IN THE DOJO- a rarety. I'm thinking, "Ok, remember... take it easy, these are girls." So, I begin the class running drills, and I partner up with a girl to run trough some excercises. She manaed to throw me down HARD... REALLY hard... she dazed me for a second. The rather noticeable thud brought silence to the class. Everyone asked, "Are you ok sir?" I popped up, said and "Hei." Now, here's where the underwear comes into play. Lets just say that a slight adjustment needed to be made, and, that I forgot (don't know why) that there were no guys there, and, that the girls were still looking right at me. Oops. Yet again, an akward silence. A few moments later, I heard giggling, then all out laughter. Needless to say, this was quite awkward, especially because I had a crush on my partner who was now rolling on the floor in laughter. Actually, it wasn't too embarassing... but... I swear... I AM GOING TO KILL INSPECTOR NUMBER 322! Good thing is now I have a fun story to tell.

LMAO OMG TAHTS HILARIOUS! I've been practicing Tai Chi Chuan for a long time... that was pretyy well doen lol!

"Vegetables used to be alive to, you know!" "Mean Pople suck..." "BAD COP!!! NO DONUT!"

Heres the list... Impact Weapons: -4 Jo's -8 Bo's -10 Escrima -3 Shinnai -3 Bokken sets (wakizashi & tanto as well) -1 Tri-Sectional Staff -2 Pair of Tonfa (wood) -2 pair of Octagonal Sai, 1 pair of round Sai -7 pair of chain Nunchakus, 2 pair of string Nunchakus (wood) -2 "7 Section" Whip Chains Bladed Weapons: (All swords are full-tang, traditional, sharpened) -12 Katana's -7 Wakizahi -7 Tanto -4 Pair of Kama (3 wood handled, 1 metal handled) -2 Pair of Meridian Axes -3 Pair of Butterfly Knives (*the Kung Fu Swords) -2 Nagitana's -3 Pu Dao's -1 Kwan Dao -3 Monk's Spade Spears -2 Tiger Fork spears -4 "Tai Chi Swords" -3 "9 Ring" Broadswords -10 pairs of Emei Piercers -5 Flying Darts (Kung Fu Weapon) -God knows how many throwing weapons... geeze... have fun reading through it? Sorry if it was too long.

DEFINITELY the Kama. Ever since I had that little mishap, I have LOVED the Kama. Here's the story. Me and my dojo buddy (meaning, my best friend there, we train together every day for about 8 hours) wnt to his house. He had a pair of Kama sitting on his desk. I had practiced with teh Kama in a previous system, and was fairly knowledgable with them. Oh yes, this was several years ago by the way... he was a purple belt, I was a... blue belt or a green belt.. can't remember exactly. Anyway, I started running through a few Kihons (basic movements, for those who don't know), and James decided to ball-tag me with his belt. I wont explain what "bal-tagging" is, lets just say that I felt a bit violated... and it hurt like a mofo. He laughed, I grunted and kept going. He then decided to ask the stupid question of, "lets play a game, ok?" Followed by an evil smirk. Basically, He wanted me to try to cut his belt (an old one, not his purple belt... hell, not even from the system) with teh Kama... while i was in a crane stance. Oh, did I mention - these Kama were really old and dinged up - but SHARP. Needless to say, I sliced him. I cut through about a quarter of an inch deep by say.. an inch or so long of teh flesh on his hand. Ow. Yea... you could see the fat. The weird thing, it COMPLETELY MISSED anything vital. James now has a real nice scar, but his hand is fine. Since then, I have loved teh Kama... well... that, and teh Okinawan Oar. Note: I have no idea why I didn't see this one coming... I mean come on - two teenage guys, both diagnosed with ADHD, having injested large ammounts of Jolt playing with sharp toys? Yea... acident waiting to happen? lol. But, we're cool now.

Hmmm... very good question. Among the arts that I study are Aikido and Tai Chi Chuan. Both of these combat styles focus on this mystical... "force/thing" quite a bit. However, it is all physically based. In both Tai Chi and Aikido, I can trow a 300 pound man 10 feet without exerting any strength becauae I "Ki/Chi" into my target. In actuallity, I am simply sinking my weight, relaxing, rotating my hips and expanding outwards. The Hips are what drive the action.

Ah yes, Aikido. Some advice 1) Clench your teeth before you smack the deck... oh yea... and tuck your chin to yoour chest too 2) Don't go on deck with a full bladder (nothing worse than slamming into teh deck at 45 MPH with a full bladder... ok, so there are worse things but hey.) 3) TAP - At the first MOMENT you feel pain, tap. As a new student, your body will need time to get used to joint pain and manipulation. Hell, I've been studying Aikido for 7 years, and it still hurts liek a mofo. 4) If your school uses Hakama - ask your Sensei if you can hem the bottom up about an inch or so - it is VERY easy to get your toe caught in the lining of the Hakama and get itself broken - especially with a lot of footwork and hip action in play. 5) If you dont already have one, buy a Middle or Heavyweight Gi - or, at least make shure that you have traditional drawstring pants. I used a lightweight for about a month... that Gi (I keep all of my Gis... weird eh?) is worn almost through on the back. 6) When working with the Jo or teh Bokken, brasp the weapon at the very end - I once nailed myself in the sternum with the butt end of my Jo during a down-stike.... GOOD GOD... baseball sized bruise for a month. 7) Cut your hair short (-er) - this is optional of curse, but, the more hair you have, the more the sweat on your head and face will bother you. I've had my head buzz cut every 2 weeks for about 4 years now. Stretching - stretch out THOROUGHLY before class begins. As with any sport (oops, Aikido is NOT a sport... "physical activity"), there is a risk of muscle injury. Aikido is a high paced, high energy activity. If you arent properly stretched before hand, you could very seriously injure yourself 9) JOINTS - many (if not all) techniques in aikido involve locking joints or using joints as a means to throw a person. Stretch your joints VERY well before class - especially if you are younger than 21. Until taht age, your body cannot fully produce the hormones that cue you in to serious pain right away. Keep your joints alive and intact now, or arthritis could hit you later. Pay particualr attention to the wrists, shoulders, elbows, knees and hips. Oh yes... the wrists... REALLY get these warmed up and stretched. Wait until you become teh Uke for a Kote Gaeishi throw, and you will see why 10) HAVE FUN Hope this helped.

CAN it let you? HELL YES. Will you let it? Up to you. I have studied teh martial Arts for years, and have drilled everything into my subconcious - i don't have to think "block that punch," my mind sees it, throws my arm out and before the attacker knows it, WHAM, hes on teh ground from a Shihonage Throw.