KempoTiger

I meant both. I'm not gonna stand out their and try to punch his arms as he tries to hit me. But if I find myself on the inside of a punch, and he's not fast enough to get it back on guard, I'll sure as heck strike that inside of the elbow or bicep on the way into an elbow to the face.

To add to this, alot of people when they think of the martial arts, they also think of movie martial arts, which ironically seems to have hurt Martial arts credibility rather than bolster it's respect in the mainstream populace. People look at that and say, "it's just movie magic....they even made Keanu Reeves look awesome!"

It's interesting. I only had one or two people actually "challenge" me because I trained in Martial arts. And what I find interesting is that I don't believe I train in a "hard core" type school as you put it, but it's not quite a Mcdojo either. Currently I train rather hardcore I suppose, but that's because I've already had my fun doing kata's and the like, so all thats left is hitting hitting and more hitting. Regardless though, any 1 on 1 "fights" that I actually caved into participating in within my Jr High/High school days, I literally would make such a show of using the flashiest and least practical techniques to toss whatever "thug" or "gangsta" in my 93.6% white, upper middle class school around with.

It all comes down to the individual. It always does. I mean you can do the math and try to figure it out, but in the end both ways of fighting have very different theories on how to succeed. If you want my opinion, I'd give it to the Thai fighter, simply because the way they strike is very quick and they always bring their limbs back to a close guard which limits the Wing Chun fighter from parrying/striking/trapping the limbs and moving in. But the argument then continues to say that the Wing Chun fighter would be able to evade the strikes and return with deadly, accurate strikes to vital areas. Just remember, body-type, strength, size/weight, aggression, tact, and heart are all factors that come into play. Not to mention pre-fight rules...assuming there is any.

ugh....yeah I get that all the time. I have a manager that only refers to me as "grasshopper" or "Daniel-son." 9 times out of 10 when I show up to work he bows to me. In turn I began to refer to him as "Master Miagi" so in the end we both just eventually end up laughing.

How old are you? If you're in high school that "little kids" comment is most likely derived from the Rick James skit on Chapelles Show where Rick James made fun of Charlie Murphy for doing some kind of "karate kick." He said something along the lines of, 'Charlie Murphy...doin Karate....probably takes class with the little kids.' (not an exact quote but pretty much the jist of it) In my personal experience, not many people have mocked me or anything of the like at least to my face about doing martial arts. Part of that I attribute to the fact that I'm a black belt, and given the area I live in that puts a bit of fear and respect into my peers. Another part of that is I already proved myself in Jr. High/High school as I made clear in that post a while back that got deleted about what percentage of fights everyones "won".

WC is most effective against a) an untrained fighter and b) another WC practicioner. BUT, personally I attribute that to most WC practicioners not training in the fullest sense contact-wise. I've never formally trained in Wing Chun, but from what I've seen it has some very important theories that if ignored can lead to ones downfall when that person comes across someone who knows what they're doing. Attacking limbs can be a very viable strategy, assuming you get yourself in the position to do so. If not, quickly attacking vital areas such as the neck and the bridge of the nose can end a fight fairly quickly. "Brutal Force" is not always the best choice in a fight...especially if the other guy has more strength and force than you. But yes as it's been said, WC is fairly limited, and is primarily a hand fighting style that anticipates a limited amount of attacks from a would-be attacker. That's why I say switching up the footwork, and incorporating some kicking techniques would make a WC practicioner extremely capable.

I've seen a few videos of kickboxers beating WC guys senseless, but in my opinion I think that when properly training in WC full contact, one can be just as formidable as anyone else. Personally I feel that WC practicioners should also cross train in a system that works a bit more footwork but hey..

Last guy I met like that was a black belt at another dojo....... .....I beat the life out of him in front of the rest of the class. In fairness to myself he was the one that challenged ME to throw down

Well a different perspective on this would be that lets say a student/instructor has realized some flaws in techniques he/she teaches. What if they were to remove those techniques or drastically change them to be more efficient in their eyes, and in the end made a new system? (I'm speaking of re-creating perhaps one of the already existing hybrid type styles of martial arts)

Not sure if this was directed at me or Sharkey, but regardless I'll answer Firstly yes my teens are in the adult class. The problem we are now facing is that we have adults (18+) that have stopped comming to class, and I think it may have to do with us having to spend so much time trying to get these kids (teens) motivated and focused. No matter what I try I just can't seem to bring out that passion in them. I'm compelled to fall back on the cliche'd line "it's not for everyone", and just assume that they just don't have it in them, but I feel like I'm failing myself if I just let them flounder. On the other hand I also don't want to dedicate TOO much time to them, and cause disinterest in my motivated adult students. Lately I've just told them what I expect from them, and pair them up to work with more focused students that will help them move along, and show them what to aspire to be like....either that or they just get hit alot Anyways, thanks for the advice though. I'll keep that in mind about showing more and more that I still train too.

In "long" outside of my prior nutshell analysis.....what Shorin Ryu said.....well actually about half of what he said. He put more thought into this than I have

In short....7/10 times abandoning, 3/10 times enhancing

As usual, excellent post Warlock.

Although I agree with your assessment 110% in this instance, I do so feel compelled to play devils advocate and say that if one trains in an effective style, and puts all of their effort and focus into learning it's secrets, that they could theoretically become a thousand times more efficient than one who just samples and tastes a bit of each. To use an analogy, if you spend a year learning 12 languages, a different one every month, instead of being fluent in all of them, you'd be able to only introduce yourself and ask where the bathroom is in some of them. Like I said though, I agree for the most part

It depends the student. Just like all kids aren't alike, all adults aren't alike. Like I said before, find out what they are training for. Play to those goals. Aside from that, all you can do is remain as knowlegable as possible, and ensure that you are always genuine when you speak. If they feel you are talking down to them that can also work adversely to achieving their respect. I know that I got my younger brother respect despite his not so large size by speaking highly of him to my adult students when he wasn't around. He still doesn't even know what I've said. But what's good is that I didn't have to stretch the truth or lie about him. He's only like 5' 6'' or 7'', but he floors my adult advanced students who some stand at 6' 1-4'' Never underestimate the power of an angry little guy with MMA gloves on and a good right roundhouse kick

Ha! The oldest trick in the book. I used to play it nearly once a day when I first started helping instruct and I didn't have all the material downpact myself. If I ever forgot a move, or a step I'd tell the student I was teaching to do it. Then if they forgot too I'd say something like, "What??? You forgot it? You can't be forgetting your moves, try again." Then if they forgot it again and I still couldn't remember it myself I'd call another student over to do it which would firstly help me recall the move. But it would also serve as a teaching tool to show the first student I was teaching what they need to be like in reference to the second. If by chance the second student ALSO forgot the move, I'd make a show of it as well going on about how they all need to practice. By this point I'd announce to the entire class, that I need to see "Somebody to remind these two how to do this move." And on those rare occasions the entire class somehow forgets (has happened twice in 6 years ) I make them all drop and give me pushups while I slink away momentarily to look at my review book or ask another instructor

Small joint manipulation.Does this mean you can't use locks?? If so does this include things like the figure four type locks? If so, how can we consider this efficient and realistic grappling?

ugh....I have about 5 like that. Thanks for reminding me On the other hand though, when you get that dedicated teen student, they usually tend to come out being the best students, martial artists, and eventually instructors. Just that, that age is just a tricky spot for both them and us to get through.

Touche!

The one that works for you the easiest

Further thoughts on respect and ages....it's all about Personality Little guys 3-5: Have fun. End of story. Have them run, jump, play, Kia!, and hit things. Speak in more upbeat tones but take the opportunity to instill discpline by making sure that they can focus (ie: Stand in front position) at the drop of a hat. If not then they "don't get to play and have fun anymore." If you're over 4 feet tall 9/10 times you have their respect instantaneously Less little guys, 6-8: Keep it fun, but take sterner tones with them. Make yourself into (or at least appear to be ) the role model their parents want you to be. Be confident, and appear omnipotent in your mastery of both the Martial arts and the world around you. With such awe and respect towards you, they will not only listen to you, they will then begin to learn to train in your image. Bigger guys 9-12: Take even sterner tones in class. Drill the class a bit more, and make them want to train to become tough, while still having fun intermitently through class. Train them closer to how you'd train an aspiring adult student. If you talk to your students, take the time to give them advice on things if they need it. (note: Make sure you are capable of giving sound advice before you do ) Teens 13-15: Read above last post........ Older Teens, 16-19: Beat the life out of them .......ok no you don't have to, but my point still stands. Make sure that they don't doubt your ability. Like I said in the last post, always remain confident, and appear to know everything to every question that may come up. When it comes down to it, in sparring, give them a little bit more of a love tap if you feel they are doubting you or disrespecting you. College bound and then some, 18-20sumthings: Same as the older teens pretty much I'd suppose. Adults 30+: Make sure that you know why they are training and what they hope to accomplish. If they want self defense make sure everything you say and teach is along the lines of quick efficient protection of oneself. If it's for exercise make yourself knowledgable about different muscle groups, and overall human health. Many adults may look down at you, but I hate to say it, not alots gonna change that. You were born when they were in high school/college/beyond and sometimes there's no way of changing their image of you, even if they know you can kick their butt. Hope this helped, good luck

I agree with what was said above. Give respect, and remain confident at all times. Make sure when you demonstrate that you are in complete control, but try not to come off as cocky. Speak in strong even tones, and test yourself with other black belts to make sure you have an answer for everything. The last thing you want to do is be caught off guard by a question you don't know the answer to. Aside from this, you raise a point that perked my interest.... I'm 21, 2nd degree black belt and I teach full time, nearly running my school alongside two other senior instructors. The age group I honestly hate teaching the most is the early teens (13-15). Anything younger is fine, and anything older is fine. But these kids don't seem to have the focus anymore. Once they hit these ages I suppose things in their lives start "changing" and the discipline goes out the window. It's driving me nuts. Anyone have any thoughts on how to get these guys/girls to put the effort back into class, stop worrying about their unsightly blemishes, and just start really training again!? (No offense Sharkey )

I know Parker Kempo subscribes to this idea, but honestly I don't believe that what we would call "Kempo" originated in China. Firstly the word Kempo itself is a Japanese translation into romanized form. The chinese had a quite many different number of styles, but they weren't as hard or linear as many Kempo techniques are. Chinese martial arts primarily followed the theories of mimicking life and flowing. Most of these styles followed the Buddhist frame of thought. Yup