baronbvp

Somersault fighting? I am not familiar with the value of that.

I also found I had to resist the urge to take someone down.

Ahh, very good. A curriculum change (or change of focus) I would recommend at my old dojo would be more time with practical application, and less on "fun" or games. Personally, I would love to spar more. "Too much" contact was not something I experienced. Most older folks wouldn't want that, especially if it risked injury. Karate Chick, good words. Another great book is The Genius of Flexibility by Bob Cooley. It is not specifically targeted at martial artists, though. I'll check out Dr. Kim's Ultimate Flexibility. Anyone else have thoughts on training after age 40?

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Nice post, Sohan! Cats also keep their opponent away with their legs when not clawing. Sort of a double leg tiip kick, if you will. And they actually punch each other in the face, and tackle around the neck. Personally, I'd rather sleep curled up by the fire.

Jedi mind tricks! Always good.

How old are you? As you get older, equilibrium can be affected by motion. Try looking at one same spot as you spin around, instead of spinning your head, too. Ice skaters do that when they spin quickly. Can you stand on one foot and look straight up without falling over? That's a good test to see if you are okay.

I know this sounds a little Zen, but see everything, look at nothing. Look toward the torso area, but relax your focus so you can see peripherally as well. It is relatively easy. Don't get locked onto any one thing. Try this as you do it: In your fighting stance with your hands up, imagine you are looking out a window at your opponent with this relaxed gaze, almost like daydreaming (but paying attention). Anytime your opponent throws a punch or kick, it comes into your field of view - your window. Your job is just to wipe the window. Keep the window clean, hands moving left and right just enough to deflect the punches. Move your head side to side also so they don't connect as you clear your field of view. Kicks are more difficult, but the concept is the same. Against kicks, lift your legs to block with your shins and use down blocks with your arms. It worked well for me.

I predict MMA, or hybrid fighting, will eventually surpass American boxing in the United States. The rise of MMA due to UFC and Pride, and the increasing popularity of KB and BJJ among everyday people looking to begin their own training in martial arts, will drive it that direction. It will take awhile. I also think you will see MMA in the Olympics, and that will kick start it.

Thus the beauty of KarateForums.com

A backfist is a strike with the back of the fist using the two biggest knuckles, those of the forefinger and middle finger. It is typically executed with the leading (jab) hand and snapped quickly like a whip against targets such as the temple or nose. It can surprise your opponent and when struck correctly in the right spot, it hurts. (Them, not you.)

Kooky.

Great techniques here. I recommend you choose your method of escape based on whether you want to stay away from the person and run, or end up close to him and fight. The attacker's thumb is the weak point. If you just turn your wrist toward the thumb and pull your wrist free, you can maintain some distance and more easily escape the situation. If you attack the thumb, wrist, arm, head, or body, you will be closer to him and had better be prepared to follow up with a next move.

I prefer the jab as a premeditated punch, and the backfist when the opportunity presents itself. For instance, if I am fighting straight-on the jab works best. If I am turned away from my opponent somewhat (so that the side or back of my lead shoulder faces him more than it did), or if my jab goes past his head, then I like to come back with the backfist. I normally fight left-handed, so if I am turned slightly to the left or covered up after blocking a punch with my right arm or leg, or if I miss with the right jab to the left side of his head, then a right backfist works well. Not sure if YOU can picture it, but I know what I mean.

Why is it illegal?

If I try Sohan's challenge, I'll save time at the end to dial 911...

Bushido, I think the topic is great, I was just hoping for more from the book. I think there is a need for a detailed book about older martial artists and how things change. Example topics could include: 1. Fight avoidance and conflict deescalation (older people accosted by younger ones) 2. How to actually train, spar, and fight if you have a chronic injury such as knee, back, ankle, etc. 3. Changes in typical dojo curricula for older artists 4. Etc Ideas? Baron

I'm always reminded of Indiana Jones of finally shooting the guy with the whip. I've seen many older martial artists spar younger ones who obviously think their win will be easy. The older guys (and gals) move around lightly and calmly in basic fighting stance, not wasting energy. The youngsters are all motion and attitude. They attack with fast, blustery blows as the older ones defend and watch, learning. Before long, a short, sharp combination sends the youngster sprawling, surprised. I love it! For me, I have stayed about as fast as I was so far, which is one of my advantages for an older guy. I am not as flexible so it takes me awhile to warm up. I can't afford to get a serious injury, so I just will not spar someone who's looking for a domination experience on the old guy. I set ground rules where I don't get thrown hard or bent weird or struck in a joint, etc. It's all about my learning now, and that of my partners. I do what I want within the curriculum instead of just following someone else's program. I have much more fun now than when I was younger.

Well, I think the Pats just put it away. Next up: Giants/Eagles.

I just purchased and read a book of this name written by Sang H. Kim. Save your money - there is nothing new here. My review is on amazon.com. Too bad, the title is full of potential. Anyone out there have any glaring changes to their style, technique, or training regimen once they entered their 40s?

NO ONE deserves to be treated that way, not should they allow it to occur. You are paying for your training, and they provide a service to the students. If a dojo doesn't meet your needs or expectations - LEAVE!

Yeah it was! I don't know if my heart can take any more Seattle finishes like that. Holy cow. What a way to end a game. Glad we're still in it. I feel bad for Tony Romo, but he'll rebound.

There's Starbucks and there's "not exactly." I'm not only a client, I also own the company! (80 shares)

Sorry Bushido. Did you hear Herm Edwards tell Tony Dungy at the end to "go win this thing?" Good friends, those too. Guess it wasn't meant to be for the Chiefs this year.

Hulky Iron Man. My wife is laughing...a little too hard. Hulk 90% Iron Man 80% Green Lantern 70% The Flash 70% Catwoman 65% Spider-Man 60% Supergirl 50% Superman 50% Wonder Woman 35% Robin 30% Batman 25%