Venrix

I have to admit, I don't have a problem with the misconceptions of those that know nothing about the martials arts that they didn't ''learn'' from Jean Claude van Darth Vader. Generally, I only get tired of 'paper tigers' and 'paper black belts' that perceive themselves as martial artists. Typically, I simply smile politely and allow them to reside in their self-created bubble of false confidence. However, my response (to the 'unknowing') is usually fairly standard: "Martial arts is a way of life that revolves around the protection of those that I care about, respect for the human mind and body, and a moral code based on honour and dedication in all things." I quickly follow this with: "If you'd really like to know something about it, I'm happy to bring you to our training centre and you can join us in a few sessions." That's usually the point where Daniel-sans second cousin twice removed, starts to notice the scarring on my hands, the scarring on my face, the bruising on my arms, the light shining in my eyes etc. Approximately one second later, they generally start coughing politely and remembering how old war injuries prevent them from getting up off the couch. The odd few however, follow with: "Actually, that could be fun. What's involved exactly?" From this comes a productive conversation and has often lead to shiny new students in our merry little band of wannabe 'Robin Hoods'. -V-

I would suggest that 'knowledge is power' but too much knowledge is a 'disability'. That is: It is better to have the ABILILTY to implement a limited number of techniques instantly and WITHOUT THOUGHT than it is to spend dangerous seconds deciding upon which technique is to be used (particularly when that technique is unpractised and uncertain of success). I was a victim of IVS 'instructional video syndrome' in the past. The answer is simple: only watch enough material that you can then realistically train and put into practise. -V-

Definately some great material. It's worth pointing out that 98% of what's written doesn't (or at least shouldn't) solely to the over 40's. Any adult who has passed the 'growth' stage of their Biological development would benefit from the principles given in this article. This article really shines in that it demonstrates: "Being over 40 is no excuse for avoiding physical exercise and it certainly isn't too late to begin the process of 'self-development' (mind, body and soul)." I immediately think of a guy at our Dojo that constantly uses the excuse of 'I started to late in life'. He's 43. Makes me sad really. My old boss (he was a psychologist) had a simple philosophy that I adopted at a very early age. It suited him, it suits me and will suit anyone regardless of age: "Where the body is in need of devolopment, where stagnation has set in and 'getting started' never seems to happy, begin by first improving the mind. Where the mind has become lazy and getting off the ground academically seems impossible - begin first by improving the body." An active mind will not tolerate a lazy body. An active body generally results in a stimulated mind. This 'rule of thumb' applies to all ages. In the Martial Arts - age presents neither advantage nor disadvantage. At times, it simply presents a different set of obstacles and a different set of tools with which these obstacles can be overcome. Again, great article. -V-

I really liked that. -V-

My wife and I met during a 'break' in any serious training. As a result, she finds it quite hard to support what I'm doing (I started training again about 12 months ago). However, I should point out - she really does try to support it. I train full contact and almost daily which has obvious physical benefits and drawbacks (swings and roundabouts as we like to say in the UK). On the one hand: My wife likes the effect on my fitness/stamina levels. On the other hand: I have broken 10 bones in the last 9 months of training. I am PERMANENTLY covered in bruises etc. and my body generally looks like it's been worked over by a sledgehammer. I have never missed a day of training (despite the injuries) and I have never walked away from full contact Kumite (at one point, I was training/fighting despite two broken ribs, a broken thumb, two broken bones in my right foot and a torn rotator cuff). This is something that she doesn't like at all. I have to admit. I completely understand why it's hard for my wife to support my training. No one wants to see someone they love being hurt. Of course, every time she sees the 'small school boy' grin on my face after another totally enjoyable training session, she sees that this is 'just something that I have to do'. -V-

Seems like the perfect response to me. There is a big difference between asking: "What's the general policy regarding gradings? How long does one typically train between gradings? How does the grading/rank/belt/colour system work? How long will it take to become a black belt?" (These are questions of policy). AND "When will I get my next grading? I've been a blue belt for three and half days, when will I get my next lovely stripe?" (These questions born of impatience and/or disrespect). When one begins a new style, one has many questions. The vast majority of beginners arrive at the Dojo on Day 1 because they 'want to be a black belt'. Of course, with time - they will come to learn that this is by no means the target of a Martial Artist. However, it's to be 100% expected that the question will be asked. Also, the grading system was created to offer a 'point of reference'. That is, a guide to the persons current level of ability/knowledge, 'next step' for students to focus upon and/or an 'award of recognition' for the training that a student has put in. A grading is an examination. Would we expect to be told at Univeristy: "I want you to study for a Ph.D. in Astrophysics. There will be an exam. But, I'm not telling you anything about the contents of the the exam nor will I tell you when the exam will be held." Knowing 'when' is often an essential element of focus. Understanding a process is an essential element toward following that process. Of course, I am not making a case for or against the grading system. I'm simply pointing out that: "Once a grading system is utilised in a Dojo, it WILL become the focal point of many students, particularly beginners." Any trainer in a respectable Dojo will know this and would have no problem answering ANY kind of question. No matter how 'dumb' or 'disrespectful' it may sound. A question is only disrepectful when it is asked with disrespect. Go ahead and ask. If your instructor doesn't give you a concise answer, avoids the question or treats you with contempt for asking... ...find another instructor! Respect works both ways. One should show respect for ones teachers. A teacher should always show respect for one's students. -V-

Hi Aefibird, Thanks for answering. I understand what you are saying about moving this - BUT - if you move it to 'getting started' - then the people that are already practising won't see the thread and won't respond with the info that the people just starting out are looking for. Just an opinion. But, I really think the move would be a bad idea. -V-

There have been no successful Judoka in MMA events. Yes, they have 'taken down' their opponent - but they have virtually ALWAYS lost their matchups. Also, I am not talking about competition (a world with rules) - I am talking about the street (a world without rules). I never suggested otherwise. However, it's interesting to note - I am proficient in all of the styles that I have discussed. I make my decisions based on experience - not on MMA events. -V-

Hi. I certainly support the claim that Judo is effective on the street. However, Judo alone will not protect you from a serious striker. I am proficient in Kyokushin and Muay Thai (as a striker) plus Judo and BJJ as a grappler. If any one of these was completely 'self sufficient' - why would I waste my time? Also, please consider Jon Bluming (Kodokan 9. Dan and Judo LEGEND). At 4. Dan in Judo he started working with Kyokushin Karate. The merger of the two skill sets led Don Draeger to call him 'an animal' (and he meant it as a compliment). Jon Bluming now holds 10. Dan Kyokushin, 9. Dan Judo, 4. Dan Bo Jitsu, 4. Dan Jodo, 4. Dan Iai Jitsu, 2. Dan Kendo. His 'core' arts are Kyokushin and Judo. You will note that throughout the entire life of this martial arts legend - he considered that a well versed ability in a striking art and a grappling art is neccessary for 'urban survival'. I happen to agree with him. Indeed, his 10. Dan comes as a result of his striking art (Karate) not Judo. I must also state - if someone where to tell me that I can only continue with 1 art for the rest of my life - I would stick with the striking. Why? Yes - it's true that 90% of fights go to the ground (this is because 90% of fighters are ineffective strikers and they go with the 'grappling instinct' that all humans possess). However, is also a fact that 99.9% of fights start with striking! Personally, I would prefer to end the conflict BEFORE the grappling becomes an issue. My ultimate choice (and current practice): be well versed in all three combat zones... ....strike, transition (throw) and ground. But, I would never lose sight of my 'bread and butter' and that's my striking. -V-

Hi Master Jules,Just a quick question. I too worked as a doorman and avoided chokes like the plague! I considered it would be a bad idea to mix alcoholic intoxication and oxygen deprivation (particularly to the point of unconsciousness). Did you experience any problems as a result of choking out someone in a club/bar? -V-

Bujinkan Ninjutsu is the name currently used by Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi to represent his school of Ninjitsu. Do an internet search on him and you will find that he's the 'father' of modern Ninjitsu (directly decended from a Ninja line and 34th Soke of the Togakure Ryu). Hatsumi is, in fact, the current Soke of nine different schools of Ninjutsu. He brought them all under one umbrella through the Bujinkan. Dr. Hatsumi holds black belts in several arts, including judo, karate, kendo, aikido and jojutsu, and has studied such western arts as boxing. He is grandmaster of the following nine schools of the Bujinkan: # Togakure Ryu Ninpo Happo Hiken, 34th Grandmaster # Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu Happo Hiken, 28th Grandmaster # Koto R yu Koppojutsu Happo Hiken, 18th Grandmaster # Shinden Fudo Ryu Dakken Taijutsu Happo Hiken, 26th Grandmaster # Kukishin Ryu Taijutsu Happo Hiken, 28th Grandmaster # Takagiyoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu Happo Hiken, 17th Grandmaster # Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo Happo Hiken, 14th Grandmaster # Gyokushin Ryu Ninpo Happo Hiken, 21st Grandmaster # Gikan Ryu Koppojutsu Happo Hiken, 15th Grandmaster The official Bujinkan site doesn't have a lot to say - but, you can at least see the 'guidelines' for Bujinkan participation here: http://www.bujinkan.com/guidelines.htm The South African site is pretty good for info (it's in English). You can find it here: http://www.bujinkan.co.za/ it has pretty much everything. About Hatsumi, Brief History of Ninjutsu, Grades etc. Hope that helps but, again: a google search on Hatsumi himself is probably the best way to go.... -V-

Kata videos, in particular, can be very helpful. Typically, you would use the video as a 'memory aid'. I am not suggesting that you can 'learn' Kata from a video. However, it's clear that you could practise your kata at home if you had a video to help you 'remember the sequence'. The general advice of this thread is good though: "Work with your instructor and allow videos to supplement your training." -V-

Guys, Just found this article on the web. It's short enough and cover's the topic really nicely. Iain Abernethy is a 'kata/bunkai' guru and offers loads of free articles on his site. This article is called: "No First Attack in Karate?" http://www.iainabernethy.com/articles/article_2.htm Would be great to hear your thoughts on the article. -V-

I prefer to mix things up but everything I do is an attempt to manipulate my opponent to my advantage. Some time ago I was getting a little bored with full contact kumite (all round fighting). So, I decided to 'spice up my approach' by attempting to learn, integrate and apply the various strategies outlined by Miyamoto Musashi in 'A Book of Five Rings'. Of course, his strategies were based on sword combat. However, there is no doubt that the principles and strategies involved can (and do) apply to all forms of unarmed comabat. In the book Musashi states: "If you win but did not implement these strategies, it is not a win. For this is not the way. Victory is not a matter of chance, it is a matter of study and manipulation." For those of you that haven't read it - I strongly suggest that you consider it. I have a 'public domain' translation all cleaned up and ready for download on my homepage (if anyone is interested). http://www.kyokushinbudokai.org Go To: Downloads -> A Book of Five Rings: A Classic Guide to Strategy -V-

I only drink the diet variety and avoid all 'fizzy' drinks on Training days (4-5 days/week). So, the end result is I drink them very rarely. In the past I drank a truck load of Diet Coke daily. Putting a stop to it had an immediate impact on my conditioning (endurance) - the same goes for coffee. I cut it out altogether. -V-

For me - it depends on the strike I'm about to perform (or receive). Typically, Kiba feel 'weak and unbalanced' when striking to (or receiving a direct strike from) the front. There is nothing behind to stabilise the outgoing (or receive the incoming force of the incoming) strike. That's probably why most people find Shiko more 'stable'. However, when performing a technique to the side, Kiba is hugely more stable. For example, try a 'full throttle' Jun Tsuki in both Kiba and Shiko and watch what happens. Alternatively - here are a couple of drills to help you 'feel' the difference. 1) Block an incoming Tsuki whilst steping in and to the left (at 45°) into Zenkutsu Dachi (your opponent should finish to your right and 'inside' your Zenkustu. Your counter strike is a Left Tsuki from Shiko Dachi into the liver of your opponent. In other words - 'snap' from Zekutsu into Shiko whilst delivering the strike. Trust me - your opponent is down an out. 2) Next try the same drill with Kiba. Since the strike is delivered from your front (but at a 45° angle to your opponent) - you will find that you have far less power and far less stability. 3) Next - do the same drill. Finish in Shiko Dachi with a left Kake Uchi (also known as a good ole fashioned 'left hook' ) to your opponents kidneys (hitting him in the back). Since the force of the blow is coming from the side - Shiko does a good job of supporting the blow - but doesn't carry the strike through quite so well as.... 4) Same as No. 3 - this time in Kiba Dachi. Remember - these drills will only work if you 'snap' into your Kiba/Shiko with correct hip movement (the strike and hip movement snaping into it's target and 'locking' together at the point of impact). This is another example of how 'the application decides the stance that one chooses in a confrontation - the stance does not decide the application'. Hope this helps , have fun trying out the drills and remember to ask your opponent for feedback on the force of the strikes. -V-

Hi There. In general - the belt sequence can (and does) change from Dojo (school) to Dojo and Organisation to organisation. However, in the main - Karate Organisations and schools follow a 10 step ranking system. 10th Kyu - 1st Kyu (The coloured belts - with 10 being start and usually white belt). Some organisations and styles use an 8 Kyu system (starting at 8th Kyu - ending with 1st Kyu). The colours used to represent each Kyu grade varies from organisation to organisation and evens schools from the same organisation often choose to use a differing colour scheme for various reasons (e.g. a school that offers more than one style may choose to use the same 'colour sequence' for both styles in order to avoid confusion). Subsequent to the 'Kyu' system is the 'Dan' system. Beginning with 1st Dan and ending with 10th Dan (these being 'black belt grades' - although, many styles use red after 6th Dan). Typically, only those that have dedicated an entire lifetime to the Martial Arts will receive a 10th Dan from Japan. Therefore, if you know a 50 year old '10th Dan' it's worth checking out the background! One could probably place a fairly safe bet that this 'master' has 'appointed himself' the grade as the 'founder' of his own 'brand new turbo charged advanced mind meld' style. There is almost no chance that the grade was appointed by the Japanese Honbu's, as 50 years hardly constitutes a 'lifetime' in the eyes of the Japanese. Only a very select few actually have a 10th Dan in Karate awarded by the Honbu's of Japan. In Europe, for example, there is only one. Hope that helps. -V-

I completely agree. However, a few points should be considered: 1) You are not 'completely new' 2) He is refering to Kyokushin Budokai (full contact free fight) 3) He is not a native english speaker Certainly, he's not suggesting that violence is the only reason. He is simply suggesting that 'spirituality' cannot be the only reason. If it were - then one could simply learn Zen Buddhism. His choice of 'beat up on people' is more a reflection of the fact that he is speaking in a foreign language (he's Dutch). If you'd like to read the interview in context - it's available on my homepage ( http://www.kyokushinbudokai.org ) under 'Kyokushin Budo Kai' > 'In Depth Interview with Kaicho Jon Bluming'. On a lighter note - we seem to be digressing somewhat... Let's get back to the original thought: "Please list your motivations for practising martial arts." -V-

This is something that has always been a part of my training. I HATE the gym/fitness centre. I simply don't have the patience. However, working with weights during Kata simply gives the best of both worlds. The muscle groups involved in striking become stronger and my Kata improves (since performing them without weights feels like a walk in the park). Sure, it's not neccessary if your only goal is to improve upon your Kata. For me, it's just an alternative to boring myself to death in the Gym. -V-

I'm sure that most would agree: the situation dictates the best form of defense. There is an old military saying that can also apply to street level confrontation: "Attack is the best form of defense." That said, one must be truly certain that one is in fact 'in a war'. To strike first could mean 'striking before the war has begun'. That is, one runs the risk of causing a physical confrontation that could have ended without physical conflict. I must say however, when faced with multiple opponents (and getting the hell out of there just isn't an option), attack can certainly be the best form of defense. As an example: I currently live in a European city where many American Army Solidiers are based. They regularly visit the bars of the city and are - of course - large groups of 'seriously fit' young men. This story starts (rather unsuprisingly) with a woman. I was simply chatting to a young woman and an intoxicated GI decided that he really didn't like this. He had no intention of 'discussing' the matter (I would have simply said, "no problem" and left). Instead, he figured he would impress his female target and score some 'testo-points' with his squad. Dropping him fast and dropping him hard was - I believe - my only option. I had nowhere to run and no one to support me. Dropping him quickly and without fuss sent a very clear message to the entire group: "I just want to leave. No fuss." I didn't hang around to discuss it. They didn't try to stop me. I simply left and never returned to that bar. I consider myself a Martial Artist in that I am both a philosopher and a MARTIAL artist. Each individual must make a choice on how a situation is to be handled. For my part, I consider that far less violence occured as a result of my 'first strike' decision. Is this not one of the key purposes of the Martial Arts: "To Stop Violence". Believe me, had I not reacted as I've described, a lot more violence would have occured as a result. When alcohol, alpha-male and group dynamics are involved (forming a rather nasty cocktail), 'reasoning' is not always an option. I believe that Funakoshi was suggesting that Karate should never be used to attack an individual. A first strike is not always an attack. Sometimes, it is unavoidable and the best form of defense. -V-

I don't think that Bluming was really suggesting that these people stay. He was suggesting only that the initial motivation is 'to beat or be beaten'. With time people choose A or B: a) Leave b) Stay with a 'new mind' concerning what it is to be a martial artist I believe that many people are happy to state their reasons for continuing to practise and conveniently 'forget' their original motivation (or are ashamed to admit it). Personally, I am happy to state that I got involved in Martial Arts as an 'outlet' for the violent side of my nature (aka. Human Nature). However, I remain a Martial Artist to continuously 'keep my animal in it's box' AND for all the other reasons stated at the beginning of this thread. One should never be ashamed of one's initial motivations (however negative). One should simply be proud of the changes that the Arts have helped us to achieve. -V-

I really like this question. During an interview with Jon Bluming (10. Dan Kyokushin, 9. Dan Judo + many others - all awarded by Japan) he was quoted as saying: "When a new member applies for membership, he is not joining to learn kata. He wants to beat up as many people on the streets as he meets. When they say that they don’t come for that and when they say that they are signing up for the spiritual side of the martial arts, you have a terrible liar in front of you. "

Typically, when I'm asked this question I respond with: "A prescribed sequence of steps, strikes, and blocks combined in such a manner as to allow us to practise them with a view to achieving all techniques with balance, speed, power, precision, and grace of execution." However, it is fair to say that Kata is considerably more than this. In particular, the Kata were created (and changed and manipulated over the years) to pass techniques and teachings from generation to generation. Today - we have books, movies, videos. Back in the days of old - we did not. So, Kata served a 'dual purpose' - the 'self sufficient' training outlined above plus 'a record' of a given fighting system that could be passed on. -V-

Eh?? I've already started a thread for this in this forum.... -V- Thread Name: List Your Motivations for Martial Arts Training http://www.karateforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=18767

Glad you like it! To all so far - thanks for the responses. Please keep 'em coming! -V-