ps1

Go for it. Even one class a week will, over time, improve your skills quite drastically. It's wonderful to me to see that you realized you needed to learn the art, rather than scoffing at your loss. If you allow that mindset to be applied to your BJJ, you will gain skill by leaps and bounds. Egoless training is the way to get really good. Good luck and welcome to the forums.

I tend to look for the simplest explanation. They are different arts that developed in different times and different places in cultures that could not be more different. So let's examine what a punch needs to be capable of doing. 1. Generate knockout power: both can do that 2. Be versatile enough to hit multiple targets: both can do that 3. Leave you in a position to follow up with another strong strike: both do that So, in that regard, both striking styles are equally effective. As far as the idea of bringing hands back to the face, that's more a defensive thing rather than offensive. Boxers use their shoulders, hand position, head movement and footwork as a defensive strategy. They allow their shoulders and arms to absorb the blows. Karateka prefer to use parrys and footwork to avoid getting hit; set up an angle and strike. In addition, modern day karateka do not tend to train with alot of aliveness and, therefore do not have to fully test all of their techniques. That's a VERY basic analysis, I realize. But my opinion on why they are so different.

I would use what I need to use at the moment I feel it's needed. If that's a single leg takdown, then so be it. If that's a jump spinning outward crescent kick, so be it.

Ryan was, at one point, with Lloyd Irvin but eventually jumped ship. He later earned his Black Belt under Felipe Costa and joined team Marcel Garcia. He also runs his own academy and team called 50/50. http://5050bjj.com/instructors/ryan-hall

I'm afraid if you're looking for non-violence you are in the wrong place. While we talk of peace and tranquility and gentleness, the simple fact is we all are practicing fighting arts. They are designed with only one purpose. That is to tear apart the human body in a manner that is efficient, effective, and sometimes cruel. Humans, by nature, are violent beings. There has never been a time of total peace in all of human existence. It is through embracing and learning to control that violence that YOU can attain inner peace. There is no martial art that can hand it to you on a platter. Like anything worth having, it takes a great deal of strife, work, and time. Good luck.

Isn't Chun Ji the name of a form/kata in the TKD family? I think I remember doing a form called Chun Ji when i was 6 or 7...it's been 28 years now so go easy if I'm wrong...lol Edit: Ok...I'm right. There is a form called Chun Ji. That's got nothing to do with the system about which you are asking. Here's the website: http://www.chunjido.com/locations Seems kinda hokey to me...but that doesn't mean anything. I don't know the instructor or anything about his system. I'm just not a fan of people making up their own style and joining every crazy organization they can find. In the end, what's important is your friend enjoys it there. If he doesn't, I'm sure there are other options.

Guys at the pinnacle of their sport train strength and conditioning relentlessly. It's their job. There may be a natural ability, but it's certainly something trained.

I know for sure that all of these were in the various animal forms I studied in chuan fa. As far as referring to them as advanced...not sure about that. I think "specialized" would be a bit more appropriate. They, unlike many other strikes, are far less useful on the overall scale. In my opinion, this is why the strikes are so often overlooked. As you know, attaining skill with any movement takes tireless practice and effort. Not only in attaining but also in maintaining that skill. I think most practitioners would rather their time be spent on moves that are appropriate in a greater range of situations.

http://www.insidebjj.com/2011/11/18/advice-from-master-fabio-gurgel/

It is a good point. However, after 8 years of BJJ, I find myself waiting for the tap...meaning I'm completely conscious throughout the movements and everything I do is purposeful. I would be willing to bet that, somewhere between beginner and advanced, it does become more of a reflex for a time. There have been more than one fight in the UFC where a fighter let up on a hold because he thought the opponent tapped. However, you usually don't see the best grapplers doing this, they wait for the ref to stop the fight.

In all martial arts, breaking your opponent's balance (mentally or physically) is always the key. Learn to keep your opponent uncomfortable.

Learning BJJ is a long and difficult road. You need to begin by learning and repeatedly drilling moves with no resistance. Your body needs to build up "muscle memory." Once you've trained some basic moves for about a month, start doing drills that add some resistance. After that, you can do them with full resistance. I would normally suggest adding the resistance earlier, but without a qualified instructor, you would be building bad habits. Remember practice does not make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.

Not sure. In BJJ the youngest would be 33 yrs. In Shotokan (at least where I practiced) the minimum age for 5th is 35

I hold black belts in 3 very different systems, teaching certificates in 4 weapon systems, and a brown belt in BJJ. I could easily teach each system on it's own. Not a problem. That said, for my personal use, I have merged what I like from each system. But that's because I know what works for me, my body style, my flexibility, my strength and speed. I know I like grappling alot. I used my footwork from shotokan along with the speedy kicks from kung fu in order to get in range for the clinch. Once there, I use BJJ almost exclusively. But that may not work for everyone. I feel instructors do a disservice to their students when they don't separate the information for the student to decide what works best for them.

This is an excellent book. I like the way it describes the different types of martial arts and what makes one different from another. As a military vet, it really made alot of sense to me. Enjoy.

Hopefully my technique will one day be as sloppy as your paintings!

Same name for sure. The only thing you may want to add is north, south, east, or west in order to differentiate the schools.

Good advice. But you forgot to put your own lineage.

BJJ: Carlos & Helio Gracie-->Rickson Gracie-->Pedro Sauer/Tony Rinaldi-->me Shotokan (Kwanmukan): Funakoshi Gichen-->Byung Jik Rho-->George Anderson-->Bob Magnusun-->Me Chuan Fa (poekoelan tjimindie): Willy Wetzel-->Barb Niggle (sp?)-->Dale McGinnis--> me Chuan Fa (poekoelan teii): John Kinn-->Dale McGinnis-->me Aiki Jujitsu: Trias Society (specifics unknown to me)--> George Anderson -->Michael Dunphy/Ben DeLeon-->Bob Magnusun-->me

This is one of the more significant points that can be made on any forum in any thread anywhere. Nicely put!

I'd have to disagree. BOXERS get hit with the knees and kicks because they are not used to them. However, once they learn distance and kicking, they can bob and weave very effectively. This has been my experience in 8 years of MMA training and coaching. The lead jab isn't a strong strike. It's a guage and guide. It puts your opponent where you want them to be for your cross and hook. It also lets you get a feel for distance. Adding a leg kick in the mix can do the same thing, however. For the OP: That said, the CONSTANT bobbing a weaving shouldn't be done if you're trying to add it into your karate. Just a one or two in order to set you up for a strong strike. Hit one or two times and get out. That's how you try to incorporate it into karate. Karate footwork on the outside, boxing footwork inside, back out to karate footwork. Also, I would highly suggest going there more often. It's good to train with people from other systems. It keeps you honest. Do some rounds of boxing, then offer to do some rounds that allow kicks too. This way you can see how you're doing once you add them in. I do agree with kansascityshuffle that you will catch the boxer mid bob with your kicks. Then he'll learn something too. Let us know how it goes.

When You're being corrected by Saulo...most people listen, lol.

In fighting, be it judo, jiu-jitsu, or any other form, it's not about what you want. It's about taking what the opponent gives you. You named two techniques that worked well. You were taking what the opponent was giving you. The key is to continue doing it until the opponent attempts a new tactic. If it works, why change it? That said, in this situation it's important to circle. Circle one way, then the other. You're looking for the point where your opponent stops moving with you. That's the chance to enter. From that point I pummel up to an over the shoulder or high collar grip and turn. Because the opponent is off balance forward (into you) you can easily pull him onto your hip for koshi garuma, o goshi, uchi mata, tai otoshi, seio nage or any other forward throw. The key is that your opponent will have to react to stop it. Then you do a rear throw such as o soto gari and ko soto gari. You could also drop as you turn and do a double or single leg (illegal in judo comps).

I trained with him when I was a blue belt. Awesome experience. He's one of the best. Great attitude too.

That's great. Glad to hear things are going well for you and you're having fun again.