DKizzle

You don't have a Seven Swords technique? 5 Swords? That's odd.

I take Kenpo. We use english names for all the basics like "straight punch", "wheel kick", "inward block", but all the techniques are combinations of moves with cool names. The Cobra and the Mongoose Dance of Death Plucking a Bird From The Sky Seven Swords , etc.

Parker system, American Kenpo. Not sure what the lineage is, how do I figure that out?

Old saying: "The pen is mightier than the sword" Corollary: "...but you should always keep a sword handy, just in case." I believe in non-violent intervention. I try to practice it. But, I do not stick to it on principle. I am totally prepared to shed diplomacy and take it outside. Sometimes that's the only real solution. I'm the kind of guy who tends to be protective of people I care about. Girlfriend, close female friends, whoever. Guys, typically not as much, because I don't tend to get as close to guys as girls. And if someone chooses to mess with someone I care about, bad stuff will happen. Some people say I'm just a violent person. I'm not really. I'm quiet and reserved except around friends, but I'll burst out and protect myself and others if necessary. Now, if you are not in total control of your anger, that can easily be a problem. You could end up doing something real bad, like killing someone. Control your anger, don't let it control you, and there's nothing wrong with using force if necessary. Especially if it's someone close to you in danger. The guy deserved what he got and I wouldn't feel bad about it if I were you. Maybe not what you wanted to hear, but it's my opinion.

Let me correct myself. A better term for who I wouldn't hit would be "lady". And obviously a crack * with a knife is not a lady.

I'd not be likely to ever hit a girl in any situation. I just don't do that. I would block or evade, but it'd take a lot for me to hit them at all, outside sparring.

I'm curious as to what martial arts do/don't use belt systems, and how they work. So post yours here. Parker Kenpo- Stripes, except brown belts, are white. White Yellow Orange Orange Stripe Purple Purple Stripe Blue Blue Stripe Green Green Stripe Brown 3 (1 small black stripe at end of belt) Brown 3 Stripe (Brown with white stripe) Brown 2 (2 small black stripes at end of belt) Brown 2 Stripe (Brown with black stripe) Brown 1 (3 small black stripes at end of belt) Brown 1 Stripe (Half black and half brown) The black belts go from 1-10. 1st-4th degree are indicated by a black belt with 1-4 small red stripes on the end. 5-10, I'm not sure how it works, though I've seen a 6th and 8th degree before.

I think I could hold my own against a street fighter, probably even beat them. I think you can get the necessary skills from training and sparring. And I've gotten very fast in sparring, which is a huge advantage in a street fight.

I believe it's actually a 4th Degree Black Belt technique, because when the instructor in that class, Mr. John (6th Degree) mentioned the technique, Mr. Nick(3rd Degree), teaching the lower belts had no idea what it was.

And the rank system here is based on your post count.

I think tests are a good thing. Our school has the tests actually as a part of the promotions. They tell you if they think you are ready, then you come to testing. All those who pass get their new belts then and there. They've made our tests more difficult over the past few months as well. Instead of demonstrating techniques and basics in the air, we have to perform them on the instructors. The nervousness is good for you, IMO. You're likely to be scared or nervous in a real situation anyway.

Leveling the Clouds is a green belt technique at my school.

Ah we have a Student Creed kind of thing we have to have memorized, but it's not as much as that.

I am in Parker Kenpo. Leveling the Clouds Step right to 1:00 with a left upward block and hook the hand. Swing right, delivering right claw to face. Swing back left and deliver right back knuckle, then right palm to the elbow.

I'm completely addicted to them. They're terribly bad for you, and I really need to stop drinking them.

I forgot that I had posted my name and you scared me for a second there. <_

Push ups aren't the best show of strength anyway. Some people, even strong ones, just plain can't do a bunch of them. I believe it's due to lactic acid buildup being faster in some people.

Yeah, our instructors like to try to throw us off like that. They make us face a different way or have people try to distract us as we do the Kata, if we stumble or laugh, we have to start over.

I don't think it's possible, and I don't think it would make you any stronger than someone using their whole hand. You're just gonna mess up your fingers.

I do it so that I can live my life without being afraid of people. I do it to better myself mentally, spiritually, and of course, physically. What do you consider the right reasons?

This girl slapped another girl with a fish fillet at lunch today. It was hilarious.

In school, I would generally wait until they struck first to gain the self-defense argument. But if I was certain I was in danger, I'd strike first, in or outside of school.

A straight punch. The basics such as types of kicks and punches all have those kinds of names (Wheel Kick, Ridge Hand, etc.) but our techniques have the cool names.

I can't actually study with him, he was just giving a seminar at my karate school a few months ago. I believe he actually trains and teaches in California or something.

I'll ask him today if that's what it's called.