ps1

Any info I have is second hand at best. For a very long time a Karateka named George Anderson had his hands in it. He is the head of the Kwanmukan and was the co-head of the USANKF. For one reason or another, he seperated (or was seperated) from the organization. Now he has the USAKF. I don't know much about the circumstances that surrounded the events. I think it was his inability to get Karate to the Olympic stage (It's only a world game sport). Personally, I don't think Karate will ever get in because authorities tend to have difficulty "selling" yet another point fighting event. People simply don't watch it and the IOC has difficulty selling tickets for TKD now. Adding another similar sport would not be fiscally sound. I think the day will come that MMA is in the olympics and, sadly, Karate will still be saying, "one day."

I'm glad you think so. But many of my friends who specialize in pure Okinawan systems (Shorin Ryu, Shorei Ryu, Isshin Ryu) like to tell me how Shotokan is watered down, sold out for fame, an ineffectiver hybrid and so on.

This is exactly why I asked the question. I'm going to be working with some people with little/ no ground experience at all. I'm trying to get back into their mindset, so to speak. I've been in BJJ for almost 4 years now and the other options simply don't occur to me anymore without me thinking of an imediate grappling counter. For example: If I'm mounted and someone reaches up in any way, I armbar. From there I can keep on going to other submissions or ways to stand. But those counters are not obvious to the non-grappler and I'm trying to get a handle on some of the information I'll need to cover. Your responses are very helpful.

I would agree!

You already mentioned Ninja. But I would pit them against the classical Bushi of Japan. Shotokan v. any Okinawan System David Caradine's Kung Fu series always pitted Shaolin v Hung Gar, I believe Kenjutsu v European Swordmanship pesant arts vs. warrior arts

How did the switch go?

This really has never been a problem. A block is a block is a block. What I've learned by studying several systems is how to seamlessly flow from technique to technique and opening to opening. The block/deflection/movement used is of no consequence as long as I am able to flow to the opening that ensues. That said, it does take quite a while to develop those skills (I've been practicing for 22 years), and you do develop favorites. It's not likely that using a crane beak is ever going to cross my mind because I rarely practice it anymore. I'm more likely to palm heel or spear hand as these are habits I've developed (which is what it's all about). However, I'm not dismissing your concerns as negligable. In Chuan Fa every student was required to pass a rigirous self defense course before beginning training in the core of the art. This was to help develop the basics on how to defend yourself. All of the techniques were basic, simplistic, and often overlapped. This is because Chuan Fa has some intricate movements that would be difficult to apply in self defense shortly after learning them (if ever). After earning my 3rd degree black belt in Chuan Fa, I moved onto Shotokan. Most of the "basic" self defense moves there were very similar to what I had already learned. The same went for Aiki Jujitsu and some of the standing techniques in BJJ as I began learning those as well. In the Military we learned about the OODA loop. A person has to Observe the situation, examine the Options, Decide on an option, and Act. The fewer options you have, the quicker the decision. The same applies to self defense. However, the more advanced the practitioner, the more elaborate the options can be (this is where the years of practice are essential). For example: you sometimes see an MMA match where a person counters a punch with a kick to the head and is successful in achieving a victory. Does that mean I should teach that to a brand new student? Of course not. The basic defense should be as simple as possible. But as the student matures, the skill sets can mature along with him/her. That mature practitioner is able to make those observations and decisions much more quickly. In the end, no matter how many techniques you know... the ones you practice the most are the ones you will use first. But having options is good in case your "plan A" goes awry.

Ok, This one's for non-grapplers. I already know your answers. I'm curious to see how the non-grappler would react in the following situation: Somehow someone tackled you and is now mounted on top of you. Their hand is at your throat and they are about to punch you. What do you feel you would do? Clearly you're in a bad sitiuation. Try to avoid the cliche' answers like, "I wouldn't get there" or "I'd knee him as he takes me down." You're there...what do you like to do to defend yourself? As a disclaimer, I don't want this to turn into any kind of flame either. If you don't agree with how someone handles the situation, please say so respectfully.

I, like many others here, have had the great fortune to study several martial arts in great detail (to black belt and beyond). This has led me to develop my own unique way of using the techniques I've learned, strategizing (sp?), and adapting them to me. However, as a matter of respect, tradition, and just good form, I have always and always will teach each seperately. I figure the reason I was able to form my way of doing things is because I have learned the arts in an unblemished manner. I owe it to my students to offer the same. It's their path, who am I to change it. So...to answer your question, yes! There certainly is blurring. You should be able to adapt your skills seamlessly. Just keep in mind that your adaptations are possible because someone showed you the whole picture, not just their version of it. What often seperates the various martial systems is not the techniques used, rather the strategy with which they employ them.

They're correct. It's exceptionally difficult to break into the sport. However, I believe this is because people think that having a black belt or being a good wrestler or boxer will get them in. They neglect the fact that you need an active manager, good coaches, excellent training and a strong local fighting stage that has good regulations surrounding it. In addition, the risk of injury is very high. So even if you're good enough, one injury could end it all. Plus, it's a professional sport! I like to think the reason people in it get paid alot is because it's something not everyone can do. The percentage that train to the percentage that make it big is very small, just like Basketball, Football, Soccer, and so on... My advice to anyone who wants to make it in the sport is to find a gym that's reputable. Get a manager. Train very regularly and stay healthy. Then it's all up to your skill level and potential.

Yes, the discrepancies are quite normal. As with everyone else, 5 yrs to 2kyu is pretty long. I like the idea however. Afterall, in general, the longer you train (assuming good instruction) the better you tend to be. So I would hope black belts from your school are of the highest skill level.

All Right!! Glad to hear you figured it out! Keep us posted on your progress.

As it is presented in many videos... No. There is no such thing as knocking a person out without touching them. But a person can certainly be physically struck in any number of places and will be knocked out.

Yup...that's correct. The USA NKF is the "olympic" authority for Sport Karate in the USA.

Happy Birthday !!!!!!! ....and a .....uh half

I agree with Marie Curie on all of that. Having direct experience training in Karate, Kung Fu, and BJJ, everything she noticed is valid! Nice observations!

I am quite fortunate. I am also fortunate enough not to take them for granted.

Yeah! Mr. Utah certainly had no idea what he was in for or what he was doing. It was a fairly ugly armbar as far as that goes. He made it worse for himself by going belly up. But an armbar that works is a good one

Glad to hear you're feeling better.

Wow! Congratulations to everyone! Thank you to everyone! I am humbled.

The tournament sounds like a real confidence builder! I recently visited one similar to this. It was held by a smaller organization in NE Ohio. Everyone who participated earned a trophy and a plaque. As far as the age goes. I believe training martial arts can begin at nearly any age. However, it's the comprehension and purpose of training that changes. For example: A small child will not be able to stop a larger adult from grabbing them. They simply are not able to overcome the strength of the person. However, as you mention, things like yelling and listening to parents and teachers (discipline) are more important. In addition, they begin to learn great coordination and build good habits in regards to self defense. This way when they are older and strong enough to apply the techniques, they already have good habits. By the way, Welcome to the forum!! It's always good to have new people and fresh opinions around.

This week Professor Pedro Sauer, the first person to earn black belt from Rickson Gracie and 6th degree under Helio and Rickson, was awarded the Red & Black belt from Relson Gracie! This is only the 10th such belt awarded by the Gracies. Next week he will be traveling to Brazil to participate in a special ceremony with Helio and others. For those of you who may not be familiar with Pedro, he is a phenominal martial artist. Here is a list of some of his accomplishments. 1985 - Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu from Helio and Rickson Gracie 1986 - Tecnico de Jiu-Jitsu. This is a special certificate given in recognition of superior technical mastery of the art of jiu-jitsu, given to only a handful of students by Helio Gracie. 1990 - Certified Black Belt Instructor by Robson Gracie and the Federacao de Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Judo 1993 - 3rd Degree Black Belt from Rorion Gracie 1996 - Level 6 Instructor Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy (Rorion and Royce Gracie) 2000 - 5th Degree Black Belt under the Federacao de Jiu-Jitsu 2003 - 6th Degree Black Belt 1992- Defeats Mr. Utah in an Unsanctioned Vale Tudo fight 2005 - Named "Best of the Best BJJ Instructor in the World" in a World Wide poll by the Abu Dhabi Combat Club. All that asside, Pedro Sauer is a Martial Artist with alot of class. He has no ego, but knows he's good. I had the honor of transporting him from a seminar location to our school three hours away. During the car trip I learned more about Jiujitsu and it's purpose than I ever will on the mat. He spoke to me about friendships, rolling with Helio and the other greats, and general stuff. I am only a blue belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu but he talked to me as though we were friends for years. Congratulations to Pedro! I can't imagine anyone who deserves it more. Here's a link to an article from a student that was present. http://www.pedrosauer.com/pedrosauer/page.asp?ID=32 Here's a link to a pod cast interview with Professor Sauer. You can also download it in MP3 format if you don't have ipod. http://thefightworkspodcast.com/2007/04/02/61-pedro-sauer-andy-wang-diego-saraiva-interviews/

That is a bit humorous!

I believe it's an overhead "X" block. Typically applied as a rising block with the other hand crossing in order to serve as a trapping mechanism.

Welcome to the forums! Were you in this video? If so, what rank did you earn?