Quest33

Actually as I have given breif thought to this throughout the day I must admit I was a bit disturbed by the story line. Only in the sense that it was almost a copy of the movie Shogun. I did wonder why they so blatently altered the storyline. So yes I do agree. I don't watch much of the junk that comes out of Holywood but when I do I go with an expectation of that it is going to probably be far fetched. So that being said, I suppose that I could agree. I just can't stand unchecked American bashing, I mean get off of it already. I have absolutely heard enough of that crap to last me a lifetime. Every country has it's problems and every country has it's bad leaders. But that is another thread in a political forum. It did leave me curious about the roots of martial arts. Each style has it's own history. They say that Kung Fu is the oldest?

I believe this film never professed to be a "historical account of an American" I do believe it accurately potrayed the Japanese culture though. It's a freeking STORY for goodness sake. Much like the English adopting the tale of King Author from French lore.

this is definately not ego but I have always been a pretty good fighter. I had to spar against a black belt once and was left wondering "why was I able to get the upperhand so much?" Then I sparred Rod Boslo and my perspective changed... somewhere inbetween trying to recover the wind that got knocked out me

ROFL Fat Donkey

Gumbi, I definately think that you have come from a culture of martial arts where you have witnessed this type of mentality in instructors.. I must say that I have seen it myself. But tend to think that even if an instructor doesn't "deserve" to be called a particular title it shines better on the student to refer to the instructor by title than for that student to issue disrespect. That is the essense of the Japanese/Asian culture that I have been exposed to and I respect it. They have something there that many Americans (I being an American for one) don't have. Do you remember the quakes in Japan a few years ago that left thousands waiting in line for food and assistance? I remember the commentaries surrounding the fact that no one jumped out of line, no one cut or pushed. They had mutual respect and value for their fellow human beings. I would rather call an Instructor by title to show humility and humanity in myself than to not have those qualities. I am not talking about groveling humility here. I am talking about the type of humility that shows care and regard for another human being.... Christ like humility.

Yeah I knew I would provoke a couple of things there.. but I really don' care to. It is not my purpose here. I don't intend on cutting down boxing either.. Infact the whole post was rather rash.. so please disregard it. Instead let me say that martial carries no less respect than boxing.

I have been in a few "potential" situations with multiple attackers.. but thanks be to God I never was. I do play out the possibilities in my mind though. When I was a teen I used to cruise with a friend that loved to pick fights. In one situation my would-be attackers flanked me on four sides (four guys) and where definately going to follow through with it if provoked. *a distance strike would have been a big advantage here. If I had become immobilized in any way..even for a second, then they would have got me. My best defense would have been to be on the offense and effeciently. Precise, Deft and destructive is the key. If I am a seasoned martial artist I can take control of that adrenaline dump and use it in my favor. If I go for a neck strike with a Knife hand for example...would that not K.O. if not kill an attacker? (if it is executed properly and that is not to hard to do). Remember this is just and example. So I basically disagree that a precise strike is excluded as an option. It is actually in order. I believe that a martial artist can become a master at all rings of defense that suround them. Distance, medium range.. close quarters. That of course takes a lot of practice.

I just remembered something; My old Kenpo instructor used to call the ability to fight and spar "fighting merrit". He would separate it from the lower belts but required good fighting merrit for higher belt ranks. I think that is a perfect way to handle this dispute.

I have one question; Why would years of hard work, discipline, fortitude and skill be downplayed? Why would a 1st year student want to equality with one who has 20 yrs of experience? Boxing? sure boxing is good and there is nothing wrong with calling someone coach.. But do they call Boxing.. Fist ART? There are so many other things covered in martial arts that boxing is only a shadowy reflection in comparison. Again, if you talk about taking your martial art and using it for combat.. well then that SKILL needs to be practiced. It is not something you get by doing only Katas and punching a bag. It comes from trial by fire.. by practical application...FIGHTING. That fighting needs to be as realistic as possible without causing serious injury. Why should a man or woman who has poured their life and soul into becoming a martial artist for years not be given the respect of being called Sensei? I can tell you why, it is part of our modern liberal PC CULTURE.. that is why. Don't dare stand up and discipline your child you tyrant!!! ...sheesh (boy is that a can of worms)

ROFL DLOPEZ I wonder which one would be the politicaly worse thinig to say.... HEHEHE

Primarily I study martial arts for self-defense. I hope it is not a dis to tell a women to strike and run.... Martial ART is a beautifull thing and should be respected as such especially when practiced to the point where the artist is in complete touch with their body and mind. It is harmony. However, you all should well know that for the purpose of fighting and practical street application there are a number of other factors that need to be practiced and highlighted. Fighting on the street is an ugly, grimy and painfull thing. It will NOT go down beautifully.

LOL, that would be pretty creepy. YIKES!! "mmmm you smell good" ...that would go over well. SHEESH Well, I could imagine that I simply need to set down guidelines and only work with the level that the woman is comfortable with(well of course). She was definately exhilerated that she was able to throw a big dude to the ground. I guess the people at the front desk said that she came up raving about it. I just want to appeal to these gals because I am in this for the sake of helping equip women and children in combatting perps and bastards that attack them. I want a class with high standards, hi expectations and very long duration (I believe this is what is required). What more could they ask for? They have a big rag doll they can beat on.

I am apprehensive as an instructor to "get physical" with a female student. I do make it realistic but..... ground struggling? It is nessesary and I see this but how do you convey to the female students that it is nessesary and how do you keep it professional? It is a touchy subject to me. Two weeks ago I asked the girl who was taking a little bit of the class what she would like to practice and she asked for rear attacks. She seemed comfortable with it and she actually threw me to the ground a few times. She walked out seeming very happy but hasn't been back since.. ugggghhh.

What is the most ideal class for a woman who is seeking self-defense? How would it be structured? What do you expect from the instructor? Do you appreciate an instructor who gets physical (creating as real as situation as possible)? I have had various women ask about self defense but none seem to be serious enough about it to stay with it. I had one female prison gaurd who seemed more interested in actually sparring and having it out with the attacker than to learn fight/get away tactics. The girl that has attended came for a couple of weeks has unregular attendance. She claims that the class is good and has given good feedback. Do most women have a lax attitude about self defense? Are they intimidated by it? How can I reach these ladies so as to help them best?

I am thankfull that I am a man... that is for sure. I can imagine that it does "bite". I am pretty invigorated to help women and children combat preditors. Men have always been the same since the beginning of their creation...well since the fall of man anyway. If they see something weaker than themselves and they have no morals or they do not fear God then they will victimize that weaker thing. Combine lust with the absense of morality and even some hatred and a man becomes a criminal. No a woman should not need to know how to break a knee or shove a nose into someoness head before she should feel safe. Don't forget in the same hand that there are men/friends/brothers/strangers who would give their life on your behalf to protect a woman or child if they could. I hate it as much as you do. Relish in your friends and allies while you have them. Awefull things happen to good men too. The world is not safe.