White Warlock

No argument there, and i stated similar in my intro. However, that is not what Vash stated. He referred to the practice of 'bowing' and that of including a foreign 'culture.' He mentioned nothing of a foreign language being imposed as a prerequisite to advancement. But, in the end... i will agree that such formalities, merely for inclusion of cultures foreign to the 'majority' of the students, is unnecessary fluff and merely serves as yet one more obstacle in the learning process of how to beat the crap out of people.

Yes, monotony kills many students... and schools. Mix it up a little and provide not only 'different' things, but fun things. Games are sometimes a good thing to toss in, creating a lot of fun as well as reinforcing dynamic use of techniques. For grappling, you could have knee rugby (no standing, no striking, techniques only). For striking, you could have a form of ball game, where you keep a large nerf ball in the air via punches and/or kicks. Make this more challenging by dictating which kicks or strikes to use... then changing them periodically to keep everyone on their toes. Examples, mind you. On the not so extreme, you could have rotation single-man defense drills, where one person is attacked once by each student, and then is replaced by the last student he defended against, and the process continues until everyone has had an opportunity to defend against all others. Weapon drills break up the monotony as well. Lots of things really.

there are lots of reasons. One is that you are commiting yourself, and if you get flipped (which can happen very quickly), your legs will be trapped. It is especially important to realize he would only need to use 'one' hand to keep both your feet in place. Another is that an ankle submission can be applied (one leg against the other). Another is that your intent is not to secure his waist, but to control and predict his legs, so he doesn't flip around on you. On the ground, the legs talk just before the hips do. Many many other reasons, but i gotta run.

responsibilities or requirements? Assuming 'just' responsibilities: Prepare & manage curriculumPrepare & manage individual student plans Evaluate & guide student performance Test & Grade students Conduct sessions, group and individualized Mentor each and every student Provide feedback to students and asst instructors Enforce harrassment policies Enforce safety codes, including regular equipment checks Send me checks in the mail Encourage, motivate, inspire Report to senior instructor Money orders accepted

Hehe. The wink, of course, was just a metaphor. Many men will take just about any sign that your interested, even make up a few just to give themselves the confidence they need to make the initial approach. But, a man either lacking sufficient confidence, motivation, or a clue... those you're going to have to throw a brick at. Methinks a brick is required for this one.

No, i think you understood his post. I think he overgeneralized, pretty much stating that if you're not from Japan, then you shouldn't include bowing in your instruction of the art. I think that's shortsighted, because it's pretty much saying that if you were born and raised somewhere, that's all there is to you. Personally, i was born and raised in the U.S., although my parents are from Argentina. As well, i spent a decent amount of personal time studying Japanese & Chinese history and culture. I've also studied a decent amount on other cultures. Does it mean because i was born and raised in the U.S., i am not allowed to adopt the actions or cultures of another country? Seriously.... should i stop eating hotdogs & hamburgers (Germany), spagetti & pizza (Italy)? Should i stop saluting my fencing partner prior to a bout? For that matter, shouldn't we just dispense with the English Queensbury rules, because in the U.S. we just sucker punch each other? While these may be silly examples, they are nonetheless similar. Bowing exists as a means to ensure respect is maintained in the dojo. It is also a means to ensure people don't 'sucker punch' at the onset of a match. If you don't understand the reason why bows exist, and you are an instructor, then yes... by all means, do not include it. But, any instructor worth their salt, especially a traditionalist, knows full well both the meaning behind the bow, and the culture associated with its birth. So... no, i don't think you misunderstood him.

The power is derived from a good grounded base, which helps to direct the energy of the blow from the ground, through the legs (actually, not legs... more like the space between the legs), up the torso (via the center line) and from the midsection of the chest into the target. The arm is a utility to accomplish this task (as opposed to the standard approach, which is to view the arm as a free-standing weapon), and is presented from the midsection of the chest, into the target. Power is generated by placing an emphasis on posture, A to B linear motion, and penetration. The elbow does not hyper-extend (ensuring power is maintained, as well as protecting the practitioner from an elbow lock or break), the fist strikes with the thumb up (allowing for an additional 1/2" penetration), and the bottom two knuckles are extended forward (wrist bent at or during impact, creating an additional penetration of 1/2" to 1"). Perceive a wing chun strike as an immovable object, in motion. Essentially, the power of a wing chun strike is in the use of the entire body focused on a singular goal. The ability to generate multiple powerful strikes in short succession is performed with but a subtle 'switching' of utilities (left arm to right arm, and back again), with the entire body's energy projected behind each strike. The 'switching' in rapid succession is accomplished because the energy is projected via the center line and through the chest, rather than directed to the shoulders and then through the arm. This concept takes a lot of practice and not all wing chun schools instruct it in exactly the same manner, so your mileage may vary.

Actually, Vash's comment is acceptable, except if you 'do' understand the culture. I studied sufficiently to understand the 'meaning' behind the action, as opposed to just the action, and i think it is important for traditional schools to instruct their students in that 'meaning.' But, to not include it altogether, is ridiculous. If a Japanese businessman visits the U.S., it is courteous for a U.S. businessman to bow and then to shake hands. The respect and formality applied in one culture or another is not restricted to regional boundaries, especially not in this day and age, and i find it shortsighted to restrict cordiality based on such. Ignorance i can understand, but if you know better and decide not to act in such a fashion, then that's just disrespectful.

Yes, i always bow before going on or off the mat. A standing bow, directed at the instructor, even if the school i am at doesn't practice bowing or the instructor doesn't acknowledge. It's become a quiet habit of mine, a sort of reminder to maintain respect. I have noticed a lot of misunderstanding on standing bows. You are not supposed to expose your back, or the back of your head, to the person you are bowing to. Doing so is actually interpreted as an insult.* Traditional - With those you know, or your superiors, bowing so that the top of your head is seen is acceptable, with your eyes focused around their navel. For those you don't know, a standing bow should be done with your eyes generally focused on their neck or collar. Modern-day 'hello' and 'goodbye' bows are short and sweet. * I had one instructor apologize this way, by doing a full-bent standing bow, not realizing he was actually insulting me. It was clear to me he didn't know what he was doing and was sincere in his efforts to apologize for being an * to me during our last session, but i understand this is a good way to get your teeth kicked in. I anyone would care to correct me, by all means.

hehe... or when you use attack combinations to smoothly open doors and cabinets, and then slide through the opening... creating but a ripple. Or when your interpretation of being a gentleman is to open, brace, then hold the door open for a woman, using the toe and/or heel of your foot.

Do make the differentiation between 'confident' and 'cocky.' Confidence is important, although i would recommend an emphasis on just being yourself. Also, if you don't already have a sense of humor, buy one at Sears. They are an essential element for 'breaking the ice' with just about anyone, but especially a woman. Men and women have it different in this society, even now. Women can stand there and wink at someone she's interested in and the man will come over. However, men must learn to be assertive (make the clear distinction here... assertive, NOT aggressive) and to approach a woman they are interested in. Don't be afraid to compliment a woman, but be sincere. Just to cover this... there's no rush. It is likely you don't have a woman in your life right now out of a subconscious choice. Possibly you realize that you will commit and haven't met anyone you wanted to commit to, or that you do not have your personal and/or business goals at a point where you feel that a relationship won't dramatically disrupt them. Have a little bit of confidence in yourself, by way of recognizing that you have what i like to refer to as a 'superconsciousness.' A thought process that guides you through the various events in your life, to the path you have 'superconsciously' decided is your fate. Allow it to play through, unless you realize that it is a self-destructive path.

The intent of a punching bag is to work on form while maintaining power. It is not about building up callouses on your hand, which punching a bag doesn't do for you anyway. In fact, what it will more likely do is cause you to fracture a finger, injure tendons, or pop a few arteries (bruise). Given this, wear protective gear. Put on some bag mitts that fit you.

The closest to what i believe you are aiming for is hogósha.

Oh, when i said, "secondarily because they hold a 'portion' of your future in their hands," i was not referring to the family jewels.

Ugh!

Blocking is a last resort action. Avoiding a strike altogether should be your initial defense and striking them before they even chamber their strike is optimal (offense).

just pestering you.

You're right, you don't know about South America.* South America is not a single nation, anymore than Europe is. Currency differs in every nation. In all fairness to these discussions and this UFT, 'no-holds barred' competitions were happening in Argentina, Brazil, and Peru long before the first UFC was experienced in the United States. Please people, the world doesn't revolve around the U.S.* *yes... it's one of my buttons.

You can fear what they 'can' do without actually fearing what they 'will' do. Or, you can fear being reprimanded, as opposed to the fear of being physically mauled. Teachers, whether they be instructors of martial arts, wrestling, or mathematics, hold an element of respect, primarily because they have something to teach you, but secondarily because they hold a 'portion' of your future in their hands. This creates a degree of vulnerability in a student.

Besides the points already brought up, the fact that you are committing two arms to one action, while leaving their two arms free to act in whatever way they wish, should ring a few warning bells. Strikes are a feature not commonly practiced in grappling schools, and they are useful. The thing is, every time you present an attack, you expose yourself to a lock. The more energy you put to an attack, the more vulnerable you are. Consider this. Also consider that it is not easy to target the groin, if you are inside a 'proper' guard. This is important, because a lot of people think that being between someone's legs is being 'inside' the guard. And while this may be true if your opponent actually knew what the guard is (and therefore knew how to work the guard), most do not. Having someone between your legs doesn't mean a dang thing if you don't know how to work the guard. Last note. Not to hurt your ego, and i may be wrong here but, the fact you were able to keep that guy at bay, even though groundwork is not your specialty (as you indicated), tells me that he wasn't well versed either.

All the pipedreams aside, racism exists and has existed in the martial arts training halls for quite some time. The fact that you don't see it doesn't make it any less a reality. Some Chinese martial arts masters still, to this day, train only Chinese and there are some Japanese instructors with similar mentalities. But, sometimes racism, or prejudism, isn't obvious. I, personally, encountered prejudicial treatment from a Chinese BB and a British BB, but I am well sure they weren't aware of their behaviors towards me and others. Things to consider - If a white-collar guy enters a boxing gym located in the slums, he's going to get a hard time. If a guy from the slums wants to join a high-collar martial arts school... he simply won't be able to afford the membership fees of the health club he's supposed to join before he can take the course. A man cannot join a martial arts course that is offered 'only' at a woman's gym, nor can a woman join one in a man's gym. Physical requirements also serve as discriminatory filters. I.e., courses offered on the second floor of a building do not accommodate the wheelchair-bound. As well, although it may not be 'recognized' as a race thing, people often do discriminate against others within the classroom... making it uncomfortable for one person or another to continue their training there. Subtle things like being professional, or not welcoming them to the inner circle. It's important to realize that your martial arts class is very much like your circle of friends. You choose those friends because they have already passed through whatever filters you may have placed in your school. Filters that you are blind to... but which nonetheless do exist. One of the biggest problems with racism and prejudism is that those who practice it, more often than not don't even realize they do.

Could be?!? I would say definitely. The entire write was copied verbatim. To handle presentation of other people's works, either obtain their permission or copy a portion of a paragraph and then provide a link to the rest of it, and/or summarize the rest of it in your own words. I agree, as well, to cite your sources, lest you be smacked down with plagiarism. When posting on the net, always consider copyright infringement and plagiarism. You definitely don't want the headaches.

Bah! You say that as if it hurts you to do so.

Those having serious boundary issues should seek therapy from qualified psychologists. If they are unable to complete a martial arts course because they are incapable of handling contact or proximity, they will fare no better in the battlefield. Only a handful of martial arts instructors also study psychology, and an even fewer amount have degrees in the subject. It is wholly unfair of these victims (for lack of a better word) to expect a resolution to their proximity phobias by entering a self-defense course. Even more unfair to blame the instructor. Granted, it would help significantly if an instructor could tell, just by looking, what students have these issues and which ones don't, but that is not only unrealistic, it is ridiculous. Having said all that, here are some of my recommendations: 1. If advertising self-defense, include a questionairre 'on the flyer' that includes queries into phobias (proximity or otherwise). If you don't know, you can't possibly accommodate. 2. Create a business relationship with a certified therapist (preferably one that accepts most HMOs and possibly even the local indigent medical coverage). 3. Give each self-defense student a private 5 minute interview. Get to know them and let them get to know you. 30 students = 1 hour out of your life. 4. Refer to the therapist those students with issues that are disruptive to their instruction. Allow the therapist to refer them out for further treatment, if necessary. 5. Once you've referred them out to the therapist, wash your hands of the process. Constantly asking the student of their therapy sessions, or their progress, is not only intrusive... but personal (a whole other can of worms). 6. If a student 'volunteers' to share with you, allow them to... but do not put on the therapist hat. Simply listen, and if the student becomes problematic with this, contact their therapist. I.e., don't get in the middle. Be aware of the differences between a self-defense course and that of a martial arts class, for it is huge. 7. Do not single them out. This only exacerbates the issue and places a spotlight on their problem. 8. For the self-defense course, spend the first month or two performing exercises that do not require physical contact (warm-ups, aerobics, yoga, breakfalls, rolls, drills, etc). 9. Do your utmost to start out physical contact sessions by pairing sexes. I.e., men practicing with men, women with women. Later, once a degree of trust and relationships are built, mix them up... but don't force. 10. In a self defense course it is very important to ensure each student feels in control of their learning experience: a. Provide ample opportunity for them to practice aggressive training on dummies (no live dummies please *looks suspiciously at Michigan*). b. Allow them to decide who to partner up with. c. If someone doesn't have a partner, do not become their partner. Instead, create a 3-person partnership composed of other students. d. Pay attention to any 'tension' that may exist between students. Handle this with professionalism and do not force them to practice together. If necessary, mediate. e. Whenever possible, correct errors by demonstration, not by hands-on adjustments. I.e., learn mime. f. Give every student equal time in the classroom. Do not single out or find yourself a 'students pet.' Rumors can cause more damage to your classroom's stability and longevity than mere phobias. g. Accept the fact that not every student is going to perform up to your expectations. In a self-defense course, you are there to facilitate, not to coach for an upcoming competition. h. If you end up finding yourself attracted to a particular student and wish to approach them on a personal level, do so after your 'course' is ended (not class session, but the entire course). If you are too impatient to do this, then you need to get a grip on yourself, or quit teaching self-defense courses... because you're behaving like a predator, which is exactly what they don't want to be dealing with. 11. Last comment, but it's an important one. Self defense courses are truly not about teaching someone how to fight. They are about removing fear. Help them to gain self-confidence and guide them to 'dealing' with their phobias. By gearing yourself to address fear as the primary goal of your course, you will have done far more than a lifetime of drills could have done for them.

Ugh!