Tim Greer

I don't have any body shots handy, and I think it's punishment enough to post my face -- even though you all know I'm the self-proclaimed local stud here -- ha, ha. This picture is weird, because my eyes are blue, not brown... but then again everything turned out dark(er). This was from a few years ago... http://www.chatbase.com/tim.jpg

Wow, it seems like you've had your share of the goofy one's. Dressing the part, is bad enough. Trying to act all mystical is worse, but trying to speak with a Chinese accent on top of it? That's too funny. Get me some video and audio tracks of that next time, please.

I tell you, what I wouldn't give to be able to put on weight easily. My metabolism is in constant overdrive. I have to eat a lot and really, really work myself, because I can only gain muscle. If I don't work out for a month or more, I would easily drop 20 pounds. I have to keep up the work to keep on the muscle mass. This is not fun. I would prefer a happy medium.

Anyone can learn very basic techniques in a matter of hours, practice them and get used to them, to effectively block any attack without hurting themselves. If this person was blocking with his hand, or otherwise getting hurt from trying to block a kick or strike, than that person had no knowledge and that's not a very effective comparison to say what art or style would be more effective. That person simply didn't know what they were doing.

Would saying that crunches are like sit ups, but rather than bringing your chest up, you also bring your knees up to sort of meet at the same time, then go back down at the same time -- but neither the back or legs touch the ground again -- and repeat, while really tightening your stomach muscles? Is that an okay description, or do you think that would just be way off?

Kickbutt, we all know what you're saying. And, as for that site and what that person said, it's just that person's site and what that person said. It doesn't mean anything other than that person's opinion or interpretation, be it someone's right or wrong, you can't just believe what someone says -- and you obviously do not. This is a good thing and no intelligent person would argue that. Angus, my theory is, if you don't like the subject or topic, save yourself the stress nd don't read it. I'm not saying that to be rude or sarcastic or anything at all. Simply, if you don't like something, avoid it, do other things or ignore it. Of course, unless it affects you, which this doesn't. This is going to be a "hot topic" anywhere, and it's not a big deal or an issue. Some people do indeed need to shut up, but all of us here are being polite and just sharing our opinions about the topic... it's all in good spirits (no pun intended . Oh, by the way, if you don't believe fire will burn you, would it not burn you? (Sorry, I couldn't resist that one) . Cheers everyone!

I didn't read it, because it wasn't relevant to my input to this thread/debate. I simply meant to get across, that it wasn't neccessarily the most shared opinion, even in religious aspects. What the person or person's think that wrote that article are not relevant to what I said. However, I suppose if I did read it, I might have had more valued input to the thread, as I could have maybe pointed out what I personally thought was a flaw or whatever on that person's page... of not.

And I'm really glad you got the messages back, because, personally, I was worried that my posts with my mindless ranting, egoism and complaining would be lost forever! Wheew!

I should mention, on my list above, although it's certainly possible and likely to complete the entire workout, I don't always do all of the routines, sometimes for lack of time or being burned out, but all the days I can, hopefully most of them, if not all, I try to do it all... however, even sparring takes out a great deal of the day and my time. As long as you're fit, strong and fast enough, there's no need to go overkill, unless you want.

Aikido is okay, I mean, I've taken some and it was okay, but I didn't take enough to make any judgements, other than I wasn't too impressed with it. It might have been the teacher though, I had no further interest in it. As for an above poster's comments saying that your attacker will need to somehow fall into any locks and whatnot (in Ju Jutsu)? I don't get that. Perhaps I've studied a form of this that wasn't this style that the user mentioned? I say this, because Ju Jutsu can be quite brutal and effective. I do agree, however, that BJJ is quite good, especially for fighting a lot of untalented street thugs, so to speak... it's also a good all around style and is good to know. However, I personally find a few various styles and combinations of styles more effective -- even if it does involve some BJJ or Ju Jutsu. I tend to usually mix it up a little with some Tai Jutsu (which by itself is one of the most effective, brutal arts I've ever studied), various styles of Kung Fu, maybe some Chin Na techniques. Also, wrestling is good to know, for sure. Basically, try and cover all the aspects, such as striking arts, arts that deal with locks, throws, breaks, good blocking and whatnot. Arts that deal with ground fighting are a must to add to the mix as well. I'd suggest well rounded style that is a mix of many other's, but that's not going to be easy to get that information for most people. An, as I mentioned Tai Jutsu, well, it's very rare that you'll find anyone or any real school to teach that in the US or many other countries. However, there are some good arts out there. it also can depend on how able you are. Some people are seemingly better suited for other arts, or so it appears, but it's a personal choice. Also, once you develop your skills, they only grow further, if you allow them to. Use what you learn for a basis and stic kto the principals and further your knowledge, talent and style to best suit you. There are many good starting points for that result, try out a few styles and see what best suits you -- you might be limited to your choices by what's offered as well. And, I hope you find a truly qualified school, because a lot of them out there simply suck. _________________ Regards, Tim Greer | xanth@digital-star.com | Phone: 530-222-7244 Server/System administration, programming, security, consulting. Kung Fu, Modern Arnis, TaiJutsu, and anything I can put to use. This Message was edited by: Tim Greer on Jun 29, 2001 5:20am

I'd like to visit (if this is allowed?) the Mediterranean. Basically, all of it and all the islands and countries it borders. Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Egypt, Crete, you get the point... all of it. I was a big fan of that area all of my life, and after reading "The Histories" by Herodotus, I was reminded of how much I wanted to visit that entire region. Also, I'm alleged to be a descendant of Rob Roy MacGregeor and when my wife was in Scotland (Bonnie Scotland! , she sent me a lot of the collector type stuff, the lineage of the name and it was really interesting to see and I became intrigued by it all, pretty cool stuff. So, maybe Scotland would be a good choice, I don't think I'd lose there either. However, I'm very interested in ancient civilizations and history and the area around the Mediterranean and all the history, is just too much to ignore. I feel compelled by it all.

I word to the 56K'ers... don't feel too bad, I connect between 20,000 and 28,800 at most. My old neighborhood, I connected at 53,300 and sometimes a little higher. I moved into a nice, new neighborhood and you'd think the lines would be better here.. I was wrong. I was waiting to move before I got DSL, as my old home was about 400 yards (or less, maybe only 200!) from the PacBell switching station (I qualified for the fastest DSL you can have). Anyway, and horribly, there's nothing in this area of town, which is strange, since 4 (FOUR!) ISP's are less than 2 miles from me! Anyway, I'll have to go with wireless DSL or sattelite, which is costly.. very costly... I don't need the speed, since I don't do a lot of downloads and this is fast enough for my work, but boy is it just too slow for most things. I won't dare try and go to any link that is going to keep me waiting hours to download something. I saw the title of the thread and I was thinking "worst Ninja movie", since they are all so borrible. Speaking of, anyone see even part of "Ninja III -- The Domination"? I don't care for most of these crappy martial arts movies, but I caught parts of that one the other night, late on cable and it was soooooo bad... I mean, even worse than these type of movies usually are. You know, the 80's Ninja movies with no plot, no talent, all "magic" and bad 80's dressing, hair and leg warmers... okay, I feel sick now...

Boxing is good fun, a good skill to have an incoporate into almost any style. Take just striking out of a lot of styles of martial arts and boxing could beat many of them. Of course, there are styles that would be superior to boxing, but it depends on the fight and the medium. Still, boxing is something any martial artist should consider trying to see how and if it improves their applications, performance or striking skills. I agree with what some said here, it is a martial art, in it's very definitive term. It may not be for everyone, but if nothing else, it's a good way to get experience with what most decent street fighters will be doing, if they are even that good... which most are not, of course. I'd suggest trying it, it really is a lot of fun.

I like the Simpson's and the Family Guy (speaking of the Family Guy (TFG) which FOX has YET to air any new episodes -- [but I think their powerhouse (the Simpson's) that keep FOX alive for many people, felt a threat my the Family Guy's Emmy awards and popularity, because after all the raving, all the new episode's Seth has been waiting and promised will be aired], FOX has yet to "find an appropriate time slot" to fit this award winning series into. I think they (FOX) did their long time friend (The Simpson's) a favor and canned it (TFG), until the Simpson's start getting more bad episodes like the other year, before they release TFG again, if ever. Those $#@$#%%z! Other than that, I don't watch much TV. (Good think the Simpson's come on twice each day where I live

This evening, when sparring with some partners, we were really wanting to do some Ju Jutsu and tai Jutsu moves on each other. We (my usual sparring partners) do _not_ like to hold back, at all. However, we also don't want to hurt each other. You can't exactly do a lot of locks, throws and whatnot, without hurting someone... and who wants to 1/2 ass it? I agree with what egarlock said, it's about as good as you can get without hurting someone, especially people that don't know the risks, aren't used to being really hit and really hitting. You have to find some type of happy medium that will satisfy you, not hinder your development and not get your opponant (or you) hurt. My sparring partners and I all agree, we don't like and will not use padding or any protection. It's not natural enough. Yet, still, there's simply so many things that can't be done. And, as we all know, it's not always fun to practice these and get used to them without applying them in some realistic manner -- which accounts for the risk factor and that's going to be a reality. I think, you're going to need to get together with some people outside of the school. You're all going to have to know and test your limits and with each other and develop a sound routine for doing the hard core sparring (if you want to call it sparring). This isn't too difficult, but you have to know you can trust these people can they can trust you. Once you get a good routine, people will get hurt, hit, whatever... that's life, I don't mind it personally and neither do my partners. This is not for all (or most) people. It is risky. You can surely still develop ideas based on the foundation you know, without needing to apply it on someone. Obviously, no matter what, depending on the technique you're using, it simply can not be used on someone in any realistic manner without great danger. People can get their neck broken, their Trachea collapse and suffocate, and many other things that are very real and often result in death. Of course, you can also use your fingers to direct them and throw them down, forward or backward if you have them in that position anyway to execute a throat attack, for example. It's often just as effective, but safer and even fun, to do things like control people with one of their fingers, or yours. I'm sure you know what I'm talking about, where you have someone lay on their stomach, put their arms out forward, you grab their last finger or two and lift while their forearm is level on the ground -- they are stuck. They can't get up or turn or get out of it -- not without doing themselves harm -- no effort on your part, no harm to them -- and impressive at parties -- the big guy that challenged your claim that you could hold him down with his one pinky (that owes you a beer now), is intimidated. heh, heh. That goes back to the throat attack. Really, for most people, anything that involved the chin or nose... they are your puppet. You can also do different things to develop your skill without hurting people. Somewhat like preparing yourself. For example, concntrate and develop some things to lead into many techniques and make them become more effective. Such as, manipulate things that every human is vulnerable to -- their instinct. For a working example; some people are too large to realistically use a wrist lock on. Their arms and wrists are too think, too much bulk, too strong, whatever. Sure, some things work against people of any size or proportion, and some are *supposed to*, but don't. So, get used to taking them off balance, distracting them, etc. This only helps with people that wouldn't pose a problem anyway. If someone's too big and strong to easily take to the ground, throw your hand in their face (or towards it), they instinctually move their head back and lean a bit, by then you're taking them down since the weight has shifted and you've also distracted them, which is also helpful to open yourself up to more options. Save the brutal realities for people that can handle it, are experienced and know the risks and agree to them, and try other things when your options are more limited. You can come up with all sorts of useful theories and applications, simply because you had no other alternatives, perhaps. This is a chance to advance yourself in other ways, to take advantage of it. Just some basic (and probably obvious) ideas to maybe give you something to go off of.

Now that you bring it up, I do study science and I take both scientific and logic into account. There's many accomplished and famous scientists that believe in many types of religions. People seem to think that one cancels out the other, and that's simply not the case -- it's just how you look at it from your personal point of view and opinion. To some, it's reasonable that they can't associate science with religion, to other's it might make more sense. There are move evidences than contradictions and assumptions. It is true, that everything in the bible that was prophesied, has indeed came true. There's sound sound theories (I say theories to not outright claim it's proof -- not for everyone) of many events in the bible, did indeed occur. However, some might not agree these are sound or real proof, so I will not claim everything is proven, or even many things, since people seem to accept it or not. Anyway, I won't pretend to have all the answers... and I won't pretend that most questions posed aren't reasonable either. I suppose we all believe what we believe, things might and can happen to change that, or not. Again, I'm not saying this to convince anyone, just that this is what I know, or know of, maybe that will help to finally explain that aspect. However, I suppose anymore of that would risk bringing this even more off topic to the original question. Speaking of, I once again state that I don't believe in or know of anything that would state that martial arts is a sin or that there's anything wrong with it. You can do good or evil without ever studying how to defend yourself, fight or whatever else. _________________ Regards, Tim Greer | xanth@digital-star.com | Phone: 530-222-7244 Server/System administration, programming, security, consulting. Kung Fu, Modern Arnis, TaiJutsu, and anything I can put to use. This Message was edited by: Tim Greer on Jun 29, 2001 3:32am

That's okay, I didn't post anything to convince anyone, just to maybe help reason why some believe and not simply out of blind faith. The fact is, we have no explanation of anything and we will never know how we got here or what means we got here. I don't support Darwin's theory, not because I'm religious, but simply because I find it just as illogical as blind faith, as it were. Of course, that's not to say that if we were a result of evolution, that there wasn't a greater being that created it or started it either. If you are genuinely curious and wonder the why or how, etc. then maybe if you get time to read more of that page, it might give you a better idea of my perspective, or you might find it completely ridiculous and/or unreasonable. I believe there's things in life that humans will never understand or work out. I don't believe there's any rational explanation by any means, especially that is within the scope of human understanding. I also don't believe that the bible is some deperate attempt to rationalize it to make people feel secure about it all either. I want to be clear about that as well. I honestly don't know how it all happened, and it could be symbolic meanings, but for lack of a better reason, or anything anymore logical, I'd say that I do believe that is how it happened, and that it's surely symbolic -- but I don't know. I am not an expert or well versed by any means. I know enough to give me confidence in my belief and no harm will come from peace of mind and good will, as I'm sure most will agree. However, as some mentioned in this thread, it is apparent to all of us, that people to things in the name of religion, which makes people believe there's more to it than goodness -- which is not the case -- that's just the fault of humans. Therefore, since I'm not an expert or that well versed, I won't try and explain anything any further than what I know or believe, and I'll attempt to explain why -- all without trying to defend myself or convince other people to believe what I do. I would assume most people reading this thread would agree that I'm not doing either. I don't expect or tell anyone anything, firstly. Secondly, I wouldn't expect people to believe in something for no reason, or just for the sake of "what if it is true". Obviously if it is, many people are in for an experience that would not be fun. Again, the fact that it's a possibility, is not a good reason to believe anyway, since you'd not really be believing in it at that point, now that I bring that up. Nay, I expect people to have sound reasons to believe in something. Different people have different reasons, people have different comprehensions for things of this nature too. That's not to say that anyone is any less intelligent or whatnot -- I don't mean that kind of lack of comprehension, to be clear. I have no answer, or no immediate answer for why there's no huge miracles in this day and age. I believe that is explained in the bible, if you are seeking an answer for that reason, and I'm not familiar with it enough to give an answer beyond that, without further guessing and I don't want to do that. As for you asking if I've spoken to Jesus and/or God, if I thought I did, I would question my sanity. I don't think those questions are sarcastic, they are valid questions. I think people should have strong, solid foundations for their belief's. There are a great many of questions about so many things in life and things that are written in the bible, that I doubt anyone could have time to answer 1/2 of them, let alone to have answers good enough to convince anyone otherwise. I believe in some things and I have theories about others. It's worth mentioning that I don't have a theory about anything simply to fill in the gaps of things I don't have answers to or don't make sense to me, but it's just my nature to do so about everything. Be it a what I hear or read or think about, and all the possible things it can mean, in what way(s) and why and how. I am a pretty analytical type of person, I question everything. I can only assume, given the right logic applied, that most, if not everyone, if I could properly convey my reasons, would at least agree they were sound and valid, even if they didn't agree with them. Unfortunately, I don't seem to posses the talent to properly explain myself in a manner that would convey my thoughts and feelings that would result in anything very enlightening or profound, other than on the rare occastion... I think I must just like watching myself type. Seriously though, how my thought process functions and what I think and feel and the reasons, are a big part of why I have my belief's and why they are reasonable to me. Therefore, it's difficult to explain and if I don't have an answer to due my own ignorance or lack of knowledge about a subject, then I am pretty useless until I can find a proper way to explain it or rationalize it. Sometimes, topics that come up, such as this, help me form a better written reason, instead of this meaningless rambling. Oops.

I fail to understand how people believe it must be "blind" faith, since I see things around me everyday, including life itself, that would provide proof. There are things in the bible that do to. Of course, it depends on what bible and what version, since there's so many. Improper preachings by people that don't understand. I can't blame people for not agreeing with me, given that, and the fact that, well, that aren't me. I'm just posting this out of interest, but I think a web page explained this very well (or pretty well), for anyone that's interested in "proof" or this subject. http://www.daveandangel.com/CRN/BibleProofs.html Again, even religions that claim to be a certain type, including Christian, don't just assume it's proper. That's to say, simply because man decides to act on it and commit acts in the name of religion, doesn't mean that their actions are in any way a reflection of the religion or the meaning -- it's the person that's doing it that is using it wrongly. I'm speaking about the aspects of the bible and what it means and says, not what man does, does in it's name or how they abuse it, etc. In fact, that's the only aspect anyone will likely argue against religion, in a manner of saying it's not a positive thing or is only for control, etc. If man does that, that's man's action, there's nothing in the bible that supports that action. I hope that was more clear. Cheers!

I'm "this many" -- *...Holds up 29 fingers ..* (don't ask how)... PS: I'm a complete stud too, ask anyone... (okay, stop laughing)...

I don't agree that this type of thing would be wise. Sure, if the person you're fighting is bad enough, you can get away with it. There's too many other techniques that are better to execute though. You don't have to eactly leave yourself open just because you do one of these techniques, but there's better alternatives. If you're looking t oshow off or maybe intimidate someone, it's usually effective as well. Other than that, it's best left to use when you're fighting someone talented and get a little more tricky about it and pull some things to throw them off. Still though, there's usually no call for that and you'd be better off with other things. Perhaps this is my opinion, but there's rarely any need for anything that would involve anything such as that. But, I guess whatever works for you is what works for you. However, there's a reason why many of the more experienced fighters don't often use (if ever) any high kicks or spinning kicks in fighting.

I agree. If you can accomplish that task, that's great, you're lucky -- and I mean, lucky. Granted, if someone gave you a full, open opportunity to execute a good strick to a vital area, you have a decent chance. But, how can you possibly hit someone once and knockthem out? Who would dare wait and see if it had any effect, whn you would realistically be busy continuing your techniques until it was obvious that they were going down, and hard. I don't think anyone would wait around for that. If you have that much open opportunity, you probably have better options than even fighting them in the first place.

This is a work out routine I created for myself. You'll probably think this is crazy or just overkill... and it might be. I was seeking information on ways to "streamline" this with the same effects, if not replace somethings that would be more of an advantage: Daily: * Warm Up with various techniques and exercises. * Stretch out in various ways (all parts of the body). * Do some cardiovascular exercises to get the blood going. * Jump-rope. * Jumping Jacks. * Run 2 to 4 miles. * Isometrics. * Practice techniques of different arts/styles. * Sparring. * Use the heavy bag, speed bag, etc. * Punching, kicking, striking, etc. * Sparring (again). * Power and speed training. * Hands and fingers, gripping, grasping, Mou Sou, trapping hands, Chi Sao, blocking, locking, hooking, etc. * Wrist, arms, shoulders. * Eyes - hands. * Stability, balance. * More punching, kicking and applying, testing. * Attack zone's. * More sparring. * Weapons. * Free-style. * Stretch out again after finishing. And then, depending on if it's day one or day two (workouts w/ weights): Day one: (Upper body - every other-day). * Curls (reps 3 x 10). * Reverse Curls (reps 3 x 10). * Bench Press (reps 3 x 10). * Straight arm lifts (up) (reps 3 x 10). * Straight arm lifts (down) (reps 3 x 10). * Pull-bar (reps 3 x 10). * Military press (front and behind head) (reps 3 x 20). * Wrist-roller. * Push-ups (800) - Regular (on palm, fingers forward) (100). - Finger tips (100). - Pyramid (middle. thumbs and index fingers meet on both hands) (100). - Back of hand (fingers facing in towards each other) (100). - Regular (palms, fingers facing inside towards each other) (100). - Regular (plans, fingers facing outside, away from each other) (100). - Fist (First two knuckles only) (100). - First (side, last three knuckles only) (100). * Back-pushups (prop legs on chair, your back facing and touching the ground and push your body up). (500) - Fist (Knuckles facing head) (100). - Fist (knuckles to the side, facing out) (100). - Finger tips (straight down) (100). - Palms (Facing forward) (100). - Palms (Facing side ways) (100). * Elbow push-ups (make sense? Refer to above, but on elbows) (200). - Forearms facing each other (to inside). - Forearms facing outside. * Roman chair (push-ups in this position x 20) Hold for as long as possible and try lifting your body and legs up while in stance. * French Press (reps 3 x 10). * Incline Curls (reps 3 x 10). * Wrist curls (reps 3 x 10). * Reverse wrist curls (reps 3 x 10). * Pullover (reps 3 x 10). * Chin-ups (100). * Shoulder-Press. * Lot's of forearms stuff. Day Two: (Lower Body - every-other day). * Squats (reps 3 x 10). * Leg presses (forward, up) (reps 3 x 10). * Leg presses (backwards) (reps 3 x 10) * Leg raises/lifts (250) - hold after last one in air for 5 minutes ea. level x 5 levels. * Sit-ups (250). * Twisting Sit-ups (250) (125 per side). * Calf raise (reps 10 x 10). * Waist twist. * Leaning twist. * Side bends. * Kicks. * Cycling. * Treadmill. * Knees. * More Stomach and waist: - Flag. - Twist. - Bend. - Stretching. * Clean and press (reps 3 x 10). * Deep knee bends. * Side leg raises. * Stairs. * Dead lift. I realize this wouldn't be possible for most people, due to limitations on extra time. However, I work from home and program (various Internet stuff) and this affords me this lifestyle. This certainly takes time to build up to, but in reality, all the excersices are not difficult to do, provided you work your way up and add more tasks as you get used to it. I.e., adding another 100 pushups, after you can do 200, isn't difficult. I try and keep my body in constant motion. It's certainly not easy, but once you get used to this schedule and type of work out, every day, your body wakes up and wants to go. You have energy all day and feel great. Since I work from home, and since I have all the equipment, I can simply walk away from the computer and get busy doing this stuff, sit back down after my body as cooled down properly, do some work, get up and do more activity. When sparring, I get together with the person and we conjure up, theorize and apply new and different techniques and fighting methods. We try new things, to work off of others and incorpoerate ideas from one system into anothee and so forth. Practice to get to where, no matter what happens in action, in movement, you remain on balance and able to avoid, defend or counter or attack, given any position. That's to say, get used to being thrown, knocked around, knocked down, in a compromising position an think, practive and take action, by whatever manner you can, depending on different variables -- such as where they are, the force of the throw or take down, etc. Practice everything from standing and staying up, if possible, to wrestling/BJJ and various ground fighting. I'm sure this isn't an original thought, but to not be used to the clean, sparring with techniques you expect or know about or are used to. New things, surprising, unexpected, not intended to be directed at you as a beautifully executed attack, but attacks that are common to realistic fighting, uncontrolled even... your opponant doing completely horrible, stupid and reckless moves, do you are more experienced when fighting someone that's possibly big, strong and fast, but untrained and out of control. I find this fun. That's not to say that the most perfected techniques aren't applied and tetsed either, of course. Anything that anyone can suggest in a theory in technique, idea, or application, or that can be done to further develop greater speed, strength or whatever to use in them is also very desirable. Therefore, anything practical I can incorporate or make as an addition or replacement in my routine, I am very open to suggestions. I believe that as far as practicing and preparing for applications and techniques, I've got it down to a science that's best suited for me personally, which includes many things for speed and accuracy training, as well as to strengthen and make certain things more natural and fluid and fast... be it anything that applies to any style of technique I feel it of even the smallest of remote value. Therefore, a big portion of my day, every day, involves working out and moreso, practice and training. I don't mean to come off as completely intense or overkill, there are breaks, slowdowns, fun parts and the like. It's not contstant madness and excersion. As I said, realistically ,the workout's, there's not that any things I am doing, if you really look at it, and each day the cardivascular routines are not stressful on the body.. and well, training and praicticing and putting thought, effort and theory into developing techniques and a unique style that best suits a person's specific needs and desires is only what I want to be doing, so that too isn't overkill in my opinion. I just try and live it to the potential. Again, any suggestions on a better replacement, other's I've asked had nothing to offer...

I've actually seen more than a few conversations about martial arts and religion. People are often mislead or confused about what the bible says and what God wants or expects, or whatever you might want to call or describe it as. By many passages, you can easily see why people would interprete things the wrong way. Such as "Turn the other cheeck", people assume means "lay down, let them walk all over you, violence will damn you". However, that's not, as far as I know, how it is. These have other meanings. There are symbolic meanings throughout that shouldn't be taken literally. A Christan posted a question asking about martial arts and if it would somehow affect his after life and whatnot. I simply said something along the lines of: "No one is forcing you to be violent or evil, simply because you study and practice martial arts. If anything, it will give you the knowledge and confidence to control yourself, avoid situations and not only save yourself from harm, but the person that is confronting you. If you're worried about how much you can hurt them, learn martial arts, so you can save yourself from being a victim, yet still have the knowledge and control to stop them without possibly killing them or seriously harming them -- if the situation calls for that or you feel there much be another alternative." "Finally, that my personal belief, is that if someone is attacking an innocent and vulnerable person, is it your _duty_ to help them. If you are untrained, even as a man of God, you should be able to be fine with the idea of fighting against this evil person to stop them." Or something along those lines, give or take... I've seen some subtle to gross confusion about this subject and it doesn't make sense. If someone says it's evil or wrong, they, in my opinion and from what I know, are not properly educated. This is not a practice of evil, it's an act to be healthy, strong, and to be able to protect yourself and others when needed. Anyone can abuse a knowledge or ability and use it for "evil deeds", but that is the person, not the subject -- although some subjects can't be argued. I do believe in God and what the bible teaches. I find a lot of people have the opinion that it's there for oppress people, control people or influence them to conform. I find this funny, since it's teaching you to be free, telling you to live your life the way you want, although asking people be reasonable, fair, honest and good. I don't see any evidence of anything remotely conforming there. No one has or ever had anything to gain from this book, but a better world. I won't go on and on giving reasons or why's and why not's, but I believe it's very simple and obvious, outright obvious. Of course, this is my opinion, view and belief that accounts for my feelings, but they were based on these variables that seemed obvious to me. It's not a good thing to have someone (possibly, I didn't and won't bother to read the page) misquote and preach inaccurate or assumed things based on their personal interpretation. I would agree, however, that some religions (is seems many, to me) are conjured up for a great many reasons, and possibly some to influence people into some controlling nature. It takes time, understanding and thought to read and understand something like the bible. Of course, there's people that think it's a ridiculous thing and all make believe, but I guess out own experiences sometimes help us understand certain aspects more clearly, or not. Also, there are more substantial reasons, but I won't get into it, as I'm not here to preach.. I hope no one interpreted it that way, I know how touchy of a subject it can be.

I used to, in many avenues in life, especially arrogant, violent individuals', go out of my way to do just that -- humble them. However, in those efforts, over time, I believe they will be humbled by their own actions, without my involvement. This also saves court time. That's not to say though, that if someone needs to be stopped in an action that is harmful to someone, because they think they are "tough", that I won't get involved. I just let them have at it, if they truly need to such in such a manner to get over their little problems with their self esteem, unless it's needed that I do get involved on a physical level. There's simply too any idiot's in this world and none of us have that kind of time, but if the situation called for it, so be it. You have to approach if the proper way, or people will think you're the arrogant one, a bully or going around challenging people, simply for defending yourself or other's -- I've had that happen to me personally. It doesn't affect me, but it can get annoying and it's amazing how many people are dense enough to take things the wrong way or out of context and only confuse themselves. For those clear reasons and such as if this man is how he's rumoured to be, then I can only chuckle about it. Cheers!

thaiboxerken, I wouldn't assume Dan Inosanto (I assume that's whom you meant) would make it up, and I'm not out to insult your friend. In fact, I'm not questioning it if happened, it just sounds so stupid. I mean, to be blunt, anyone that would challenge someone to try that, especially repeated times, is someone that would be a waste of time to make an example out of, or waste your time proving it to the dork... I'm sure you agree with that. However, fun is fun... I might have done it myself.. but then again, I'd probably not humor the jerk. As for Lucy Liu, if I wasn't married, I would probably let her beat me too. Man, what a BAD movie that was... A wsste of 2 hours I'll never get back. My wife said she wanted to see it to see how bad it was, even she can't stand the thought of wasting that much time. Ugh...