SBN Doug

Nope. My art is Korean, so I have a Korean style sword. Razor sharp, but only about 2.5-3.0 ft long. I know the sword your speaking of, but aside from the novilty of having it I can't see the benefit. Ichigo is able to wield it because of his training and "spirit" energy. But a sword made properly in the real world and that big, would weigh a lot!! How much does yours weigh? If there is any truth to the "real" origins, a zanbatou was a horse slaying sword, designed to take down a horse and rider.

I honestly can't say I started over in the same art. I did switch arts, but that was because of other reasons than hitting a wall in my training. We are encouraged to assist with (or at my level lead) teaching the beginners and intermediates, because we reinforce the basics back into the advanced techniques we are currently learning. In addition, we are still corrected by our Senior Master on very subtle movements that make a great deal of difference in the effectiveness of the technique.

Maybe I read through this too quick and missed it, but who ever said submissions and chokes had to be done from the ground? This is just my philosophy, but if I have 1v1, I'd much rather subdue by either joint lock or choke rather than have to strike them into submission. That of course could be done either from standing or on the ground. Now if we have multiple attackers, I agree that you don't want to intentionally take it to the ground. But there are plenty of holds/chokes where you could neutralize one attacker quickly, and turn your attention to the next. Perhaps a choke wouldn't work fast enough, unless you could keep separation from the others for the 3-5 seconds you need to choke out the first. But as bushido stated, any joint lock is about an inch or less away from a crippling joint break. So I'd have to say that these are still worth while techniques to acquire.

I had a very difficult time finding competitions while I was living in CT. All I ever saw were the ones over closer to New York and Boston.

I agree. You can apply it to short staff, rope staff, spear, even sword.

This may take a while to read, but good advice through it. http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=6186

One of our mental drills: "What's the first step to strong mind training?" "Martial Arts etiquette, SIR!" We always teach everyone that when they walk through the door, they leave the "regular" world outside and prepare for training.

You guys talking about being in high school 10 years ago, but acting all "old" had better shut up before you tick me off. Had my 20 yr reunion a couple years ago.

I absolutely agree.

I do not carry a fan everywhere I go. But then again I don't carry (nor do I know people who carry) a gun, knife, batton, sai, or any other weapon everywhere either. My point is that it is an effect weapon for self defense in certain situations IF you are trained well in its use. You can also carry a folded fan around in places where carrying a bladed weapon could get you into a lot of trouble. Is it ever going to be fashionable again to carry one? Probably not. But again, the question was if it is effective, and it can be.

I mainly learn it for the enjoyment, but it is still effective and relevant. Just because more people carry knives doesn't mean they are less effective. Knives just take a lot less training to be dangerous.

Yeah, but a baton isn't going to help on a hot day with no AC. Anywho, I began training with fans after 3rd degree. They could be used today, and with a lot less legal implications than carrying a knife or even baton. Yes, they are occasionally used as a distraction, but also as a true weapon. Though most are made of wood, they are excellent for deflecting attacks (not so much for a full block). Yes, the edge when open could be used for minor cuts, but the true cutting action was developed when blades were concealed at the end of each spine. Also, when closed the "butt" of the spines are routinely used to strike vital points around the body. There is some "slapping" or "clubbing" actions as well, but they are usually to soft tissue areas, and aren't expected to be a single blow take down.

Well I just now spotted this, so congratulations! I remember you were really bummed when you had to switch. It's officially after 9/1. Has it cranked up yet?

Nothing really screaming "warning" to me here. It looks like any other TKD place trying to make a little money while teaching the art. I would suggest you watch a couple classes at other schools if you can find any. At least that way you have something to compare it to. In the end, it's whether or not YOU are comfortable with the instructors and the environment, and if you like what techniques the martial art teaches.

Kuk Sool Won is out there as well. A relatively young MA when compared to some. Rather than go through the whole thing again, here's an article I wrote way back. http://www.karateforums.com/introduction-to-kuk-sool-won-vt5250.html

During multiple attacker exercise at a BB test. But I was dodging so I didn't get the full tap. (He was supposed to pull it anyway)

There is no way for me to get through all the material (even once) I've learned over the years in a few 1 hr classes. So I have no choice but to train on my own at home as well, and go into class for practice. So, I guess my answer to your question is: I practice the same amount as I did as an under-belt I train quite a bit more, and it continues to grow over time as needed.

Kuk Sool Won does as well, but we don't get much work in it until the higher ranks.

We always set ours on the ground next to us after we draw, so I'm no help. It shows we have proper form as we always finish right where our scabbard is for re-sheathing.

I'm sorry to hear you aren't enjoying it as much as you should be. If you send me a PM of which school you're in, I'll see if I have any contacts left that can input some constructive critisism. There's some good vids on youtube if you get the chance. I particularly like this one from one of those Spike tv cop shows. They say "Karate" but he is a Kuk Sool Won master from the Houston area. For my own read on KSW: 60% Stand up grappling 15% Weapons 15% Striking 10% ground grappling

Alas, I haven't started spear yet, but I think it is in my current belt curriculum. In watching some spear/staff pre-arranged sparring, here is what I've noticed: While you build on your experience with a staff to learn spear, there still are differences. With a stab from a staff you typically put more weight behind it to affect a strike, while the stabbing motions of the spear appear more "poking" since it will take less contact to inflict damage. Also, I rarely (if ever) see a one-handed stab from a staff, while I have seen one-handed stabs with a spear. Also, even though the blunt end of a spear can be used as a staff, you definately see a focus on the attacks coming from the spear end, rather than the balanced attack from both ends you see in a staff. In general, the motions of the spear seem faster and shorter than those of the standard staff (IMO).

I bought mine through my school master. He and the Grand Master worked a deal with a swordsmith in Korea. $1,400, but is solid in my hand and slices through the rattan rolled mats like butter.

I could have sworn I'd heard that somewhere too.

It's not in any of our hyung, but we have had to break with it a few times at testing and tourneyment. As a warm up before applying bushido's suggestions; sit on the ground, lean back a little bit on 1 hand (as if in the air) and practice the scissor action a few (hundred ) times. Then, as bushido said, practice popping that jumping leg up to the chest & out to the side kick. Try it a few times with just the side kick but bring the jumping leg up to chamber as you kick. Also, I find it a little easier if I lean back just slightly (like on the floor). After you've done the jump & single kick a few times, mentally picture the other leg going out at the same time as the side kick. After a dozen of so jumps, you should have a good feel of your timing, then try and insert the reverse round kick. In other words, try breaking it down into pieces and work up to the full kick.