Jerry

So you are almost there then .... tell you what. Get a partner (at the dojo under your Sensei's suprvision) and warm up properly. See how far you can split and then try this .... http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=174943&highlight=#174943

Whilst warming up I prefer not to hold a stretch for more than 10 seconds. Breathing is very important and you should focus on it. Once you have warmed up and feel that you can actually stretch more comfortabaly then you should hold it for longer periods with a slight tense for the last 5 count. This works for me.

And in my opinion, if it was not for your training they probably would have taken you apart. So don't think that you were useless, I think that you did gr8!!!! Das gut!

Self defence has a lot to do with your current state of mind when the situation arises. At times you might attack the attack (as said above) and at other times you would merely want to block it off, showing the guy that you can kick his butt, but don't really feel like doing it. What we do is we have seperate classes for self defence and we train to the extend that you are always in a certain state of mind when attacked/provoked. So maybe it's better to train for a situation rather and know what you will do at all times instead of relying on your state of mind. Sure, a drunk guy that can barely walk, need only be helped on. The thing comes in when you are fighting someone who can stand and fight for some time. Now this is the guy you would rather want to take out under a minute than have to stand risk of having your skull cracked (I see this is a common fear ). How do you know which is which when attacked? Well in my eyes you don't and that is why I feel that you have to be ready for it and always have a game plan. Trust that this might be some food for thought ... ????

While sparring I do use the odd spinning back kick/side kick. I also like to use the jumping spinning back kick, but it must be at the right time. In street fights, no fancy stuff. I stick to side and front kicks and I also use ax kicks to finish. But I mainly avoid fights and only fight if I really have to. In my school days it also came out via another kickboxer that I was able to help myself and the bullies pushed me around and told me that they will kick my * and my kickboxing's too ..... I always just smiled, turned around and walked off, even though I would have loved to kick his spine out making use of a front kick. None of them ever did dare take me on. Sure they pushed me and the one guy gave me a headbut, in which he ended up getting more hurt than what I did. I can not handle bullies and I teach my eldest son (almost 4 years old) not to be a bully and not to take it from bullies either.

Assuming that you have a garage or some outside building that you can use, I have a suggestion .... hang bags filled with sand at different hights (head hight and torso hight to represent punches and kicks). From here you swing them and start dodging them as they swing around the room. It's all I can think of seeing that you don't want to spend too much money ....

My 2c worth. I reckon that this guy has read up quite a bit and that is as far as it goes. but that is just an opinion .....

I had the chance to test mine again the other night. Went for a few drinks with buddies and left the possy. My pal was driving and as I got out of the car, I got a smack on the left year (we have right hand drive). I immediatly responded with two palm blows to the face, without thinking of what to do. I turned to take off my chain and watch and the guy came at me again and started hitting me in the ribs. I tirned and responded with a jab and followed with a front kick to the stomach which was a huge surprise to the guy. I just stood there and waited for the surprised guy to recover and he came at me again and I attacked with another fake front kick and planted two punches, jab reverse, and the fight was over. So to answer your question. Yes, my style was effective. Firstly it was printed into my brain and I did not have to think in order to survive. Secondly I had the element of surprise on my side because I could use my legs quick and effectively. Thirdly, I could take punishment (my buddy was so surprised to see me continue taking my stuff off while this guy is punching away at my ribs).

Personally I would suggest you build a solid foundation in one style before moving on to the next. Yes, never commit to only one style, but be sure that you have mastered one before moving on to the next. That way around you grow more and become a better fighter. In the end it is up to you and if you feel comfortable with cross training, go for it. It's your choice. Just be sure that it is your passion and not another way of whipping butt .....

Here is a link to a post of mine which will surely help you to split much quicker and easier. http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=174943&highlight=#174943 Always remember to warm up before you attempt to split. A muscle ripping sounds the same as your gi pants ripping ...... and it's not half as funny!

I have great respect for Ninjitsu. It is an art I wish to take up some day. The ninja was/is indeed a fighting machine. Self preservation for sure. The ninja originated in the age of the Samurai. Samurai dictated and ruled and that was the offspring of the Ninja. Yes they trained illegally, but it was to move silently and quickly and to stand up to the heavily armoured Samurai. Their training is so much different to any type of MA, because they truly become one with themselfs and have no fear.

I had a fight in high school with a guy who was taught a nasty move by his big cousin (size wize). We were on cement and he bent over, grabbed me around the waist and picked me up off the ground, his next move was to drop me over backward (my back). I saw trouble coming and grabbed him around the neck with my right arm (from the back) so that his head was then under my arm. And I them fell over backward. I don't suppose I have to say much more? He could not get his hands out to save his head.

I agree with Shane, first build your style and be comfortable with it and then expand. If you are at this stage now, then it's fine. Just remember that you will have to stay in control and do not mess up your technique and style. But if you are an experienced fighter in your field, your technique will be a part of you like your breathing and heart rate. Always remember why you are doing the boxing 1's a week and don't loose focus and end up boxing 3 times a week. The head guard will take a lot of the punishment, but you still get hit in the head. but don't let that put you off since you will not be going for ring fighting.

Bro, Also keep in mind that you and your friend were having a little friendly and he felt that obviously you are a "fighter" and therefore he will have to fight better, but not only that, I think it was also to show that even though you are a "trained fighter" he can still take you out. In other words, you were looking for a sparring session while he tried to show you something. I do exactly the same when I have to fight someone I don't know at a tournament or even when I fight in the street with someone I might have heard is a hell of a fighter. Like I have said in one of my previous posts: The best defence is offence. And that my friend you experienced first hand when you decided to take your buddy on.

Makes sense ..... we do all our kicks the same way, even a front kick if you follow up.

I would think that it is easier to control your body that way.......

I also like to fake with a front kick and then push my glove up his nose. That gives you momentum and distracts the oponant.

Yup, I also practice the freestyle kickboxing ands we also have belt gradings. The higher the ranks the fitter they expect you to be and you must be able to do certain jumping kick, spinning kicks and must perform well in the ring. It also helps for the new guys to respect your more advanced or experienced fighters. They don't just come in and expect to be the club champ, they know that it is something to work for.

For cat urine you use vinigar .... it also keeps them away from that spot and they wont wee there again ...... says my sister in law .... ??

Hawzit! Well firstly, welcome to the world of real sports. I don't really have any advice and tips apart from that you should have a passion for the sport and not an interest. Be the bast you can be and never under estimate an oponant. Offence is the best defence and fight with your head. Always remain calm and don't let your emotions get in your way. Give your best when training and don't stand down when get beaten. Remember that it is a sport and must be enjoyed. Don't copy some one else's technique, watch a couple of fighters an formulate your own. Never be predictable and change your style and / or teqnique every few weeks. Have about three different fighting styles and combine them. I won't bore you to sleep, so that's it for now. Cheers! Jerry

Wazup guys n gals! Back in '89-'90 I raced my younger sister from the shop after buying brad and managed to loose control of my bicycle and smashed into a tree. I was k-o for a short while ..... No permanent effects though ... Not that I would really know now would I? But my most embarresing injury was back in 2002 September. The Saturday we had national kickboxing championships and I won (my category) and took the gold, making me the South-African champion. Now that was FAB. Came Tuesday we were training and I (as always) led the class and did some stretching and warming up when one of our guys were attacked outside by 3 men and a woman. As we ran down the stairs, my foot (right) slipped and I twisted my ankle and sprained it very badly. Th next morning it was blue, purple and black and not to mention the green bits and the dry blood under my skin as far as up to my toes. The doc said that I ripped all the legaments (spelling?) in my ankle/foot. It was so bad that I will only be returning to my dojo this coming January.

Wazup guys n gals! Back in '89-'90 I raced my younger sister from the shop after buying brad and managed to loose control of my bicycle and smashed into a tree. I was k-o for a short while ..... No permanent effects though ... Not that I would really know now would I? But my most embarresing injury was back in 2002 September. The Saturday we had national kickboxing championships and I won (my category) and took the gold, making me the South-African champion. Now that was FAB. Came Tuesday we were training and I (as always) led the class and did some stretching and warming up when one of our guys were attacked outside by 3 men and a woman. As we ran down the stairs, my foot (right) slipped and I twisted my ankle and sprained it very badly. Th next morning it was blue, purple and black and not to mention the green bits and the dry blood under my skin as far as up to my toes. The doc said that I ripped all the legaments (spelling?) in my ankle/foot. It was so bad that I will only be returning to my dojo this coming January.

Hudson, Something I found to work very well for me on most of my kicks is to have a "resistance band" tied to your ankles, connecting your legs to one another, and then train in your normal manner. Once taken off, you kick faster, higher and harder. Makes your side kick is poison to any opponant's rib cage. A little trick I use (side and front kicks) .... Always ensure your heal ens up against the opponant.

Coco - kiddo, you did good! Sooner or later, taking your area into mind, you would have had to face the other guys. Yes, everyone has said that you should not wear your gi and I tend to agree. I never wear my belt outside my dojo, nor my gi top. I wear my pants though and a t shirt and jacket. I drive in my car to my dojo, but still wish not to attract attention as there is always a drunk or two who loves showing the tough guys a tough time. One thing I however do not agree with ... sorry guy, personal opinion here .... is that you should run away every time some pushes you around. That is what they want you to do. They want you to show them that you are a sissy .... Well, that is b/s. At my dojo, we focus on self defence as well, which include street fighting to a great extend. I love fighting 2 or 3 guys at a time. Surprise is on my side. Remember that the best defence is offence. If you see it coming, attack! Don't give them time to push you around. Let them surround you, take note of their positions and tackle the first guy, disable immediately if possible and attack the next, but no more than 5 to 7 blows per "victim". When you attack the first one, he will be so surprised that he will only notice what is going on after you started beating him again. One thing though .... gangsters carry knifes, maybe even guns. That is why you do not want to spend time fighting. It's survival of the fittest, always remember that buddy. It's a pity that Karate instructors are only focused on competetions and not everyday survival. That is why I went over to kickboxing, where we devote one evening per week for self defence. It's an extra class, but surely worth it. If you intend standing your ground to more than 3 people at any one given time, I would suggest you considder carying a weapon of some sort yourself. Nunchaka (spelling?) tens to work, scares the crap out of people too, but I would really think twice about being that brave. I never needed to fight more that 3 guys and therefore try to steer clear. But as for school fights, hit the bullies with a stick if you have to, keeping in mind that they might want to fight you again, but eventually they'll let you be. Pain goes away and I ended up not being bullied anymore. You earn respect by standing your ground. Damn, I don't even talk this much to my friends here locally .... If you have some who yeall out that he will whoop your a$$, just smile at the person, they hardly go over to action. Never return a comment, make eye contact, briefly and smile at the person, and be off on your way. Trust me on this one. Should you be approached, well, like mentioned before, be quick or be dead. And keep in mind that I have been a kickboxer since 1993, so don't just run out and think that you will kick butt. Focus and train. Well, enough said. Good luck.

Yes, being able to split will not make you kick higher and being able to kick high does not mean that you are able to split. BUT, being ble to split decreases your warm up time before a fight. Not only does it motivate you to train, but it impresses the spectators . I have been a kickboxer since 1993 and held divisional (weight) South-African titles until my ankle injury in 2002. I will be returning to the ring in January 2005 and I'm currently training in a gym here at work. We had a technique called "hyper stretching" or "negative stretching". Ensure that you are warmed up very good before attempting. Right before you do it, do a side split and see how far you can go down, after this you WILL go futher. The snag here is that you need a partner to help you. Great in the dojo! Here goes: Stand with your back up against the wall and your partner in fron of you. Partner - hands open, palms up. You, front kick position with your heal on your partner's hands. Relax. Then push down hard as you can, partner - resist and let not go down. Hold position for roughly 10 - 15 seconds. Relax and partner must slowly but firmly push your leg up (like leg swing position). Push to max, u relax and breathe, do not resist. When at max, hold for 10 - 15 seconds, then push little more for 3 seconds. Slowly let leg down, partner assisted, bend and hold knee up and let down slowly. Same on other leg. Change positions, do partner and then when your turn, stand with your side against the wall (side kick position). Do the same. After this. relax legs for 1 minute and do a side split. If this does not let u go futher down, you did it wrong. BUT be vary cautious, you can tear a muscle (I saw that once, when the leg was pushed up too quick). Don't do it more than every second week or once a month.