UseoForce

Another thought: Does this guy see himself as sort of outside the "dojo family?" Many times these people think they have something to prove. They think of themselves as "tough guys," and need to let other people know.

Very true

No ninjas?

I just added a poll, I'd appreciate some responses .

But be careful whatever you do!

I think you have the wrong idea. Rather than practicing a technique endlessly, get with someone on a regular basis. Work on your techniques for a few minutes, then roll. All-out training is BJJ's greatest strength. Just be careful.

If you really want to "expand your skills", try MMA fighting.

3) You allowed your temper to get the better of you. While understandable (I've done it myself), it's like beating a puppy. They don't really understand why they are being beaten. Good point.

It gets pretty complicated, I'd have to write a LONG post to really go into detail. When you rolled with the catch guys, did they "catch" (pardon the pun) you in some seriously painful submissions that would get them kicked out of a sport BJJ dojo? They don't hold back. Any means of causing pain is fair game for them. I love it!

Don't we all!

Are there any practitioners of Ninjitsu here? I am fascinated by your art! Could you tell us about your techniques, strategy, and training methods?

I read on another forum recently about western weapon styles vs. eastern. Western came out victorious every time. I believe that is because of the tough western training methodology. Thoughts? Also, have any of you ever sparred or rolled with someone expierienced in savate, catch wrestling, or any of the German "ringen" I believe it is called? Impressions?

Well, thats kinda ridiculous. "Oh, btw, if we are chose you'll also have to accept 200 other new sports."

Failed as a martial artist? Not at all! You turned your emotions into a weapon, an effective weapon apparently. This is as good as or better than blocking them out completely. Many of the more traditional martial artists won't like me saying that, but that is my belief. You were driven by your emotions but not CONTROLLED by them. They gave you power but did not lose your head. You knew when he had had enough, and you stopped there. You broke no rules yourself. You didn't hurt the guy. You acted as a good MARTIAL artist should. BTW, are you higher ranked than he is? My school isn't very traditional, and certain types of "cheap shots" (eye gouges, groin strikes, etc.) are an integral part of training (we train for the street). However, I don't want to think about what would happen to me if I struck any of the dans or senior gups after sparring was over and they has lowered their guard .

Anyone see the new batman movie? There was a quote, it was something like this: "It is not who we are but what we do that defines us."

shoot into double-leg takedown

oooo....that's that Russian MA right? Always wanted to try it. Man, you're lucky! Where I live, there are lots of TSD schools, my school, and a BJJ school. Thats it! Wish I had the same variety you do!

I'd actually rather fight with a small axe and a shield, but thats just me.

I really don't understand the question.

Check out the ARMA website. I'm glad you're interested in Western MA. http://www.thearma.org/wheretostart.htm

YES! I'm glad you brought this up! BJJ is one of the few martial arts left where having a belt lower than black is actually worth something. Not to demean TKD blackbelts, but there are lots and lots of them. Same for TSD in my area. Combined with the fact there are so many McDojos, a TKD blackbelt has less value than a BJJ BB. NO OFFENSE to TKD or TSD practitioners. If you worked truly hard for your BB and earned it with your sweat, blood, and tears, I have the utmost respect for you. But you can't help the fact that there are so many TKD black belts, nor the fact that so many of these BBs earned their belts in just a couple years. You even see 12 year old kids with them! There are far fewer BJJ black belts. From what I've seen, it often takes 10 years or more to earn a BJJ black belt. It's not just time, either. Because all-out grappling is such an important part of BJJ, YOU CANNOT HIDE LACK OF SKILL! There are no excuses, like "Well, in a real fight he wouldn't expect it" (which sometimes is a viable excuse but I'd rather not have to guess at what my opponent expects or not). It is an honor to be a BJJ blue belt. Instead of looking a belt color, ask him about his expierience. And, finally, 50 bucks a month is bargain pricing for BJJ. Even if the quality of the instruction is not top-notch, you're not really paying top price either. Three more points: 1. He has a TKD black belt. His total martial arts expierience goes far beyond just his BJJ blue belt. 2. He cross-trains. This is a good indication of openmindedness, something you want in an instructor. 3. He lowered his price to fit your financial situation. That might indicate he's a decent guy who's flexible and accessible, other characteristics you want in an instructor. Good luck, trust your gut!

Muaythai boxer: Wrestling and boxing are certainly popular, but have yet to shake off their status as sports and be considered true MARTIAL arts. niel: The laws are certainly a factor, and I have considered that. And as long as you're mentioning guns vs. punches, most firearm tactics systems were developed in the West, and, in my opinion, are under sppreciated WMA. Anyway, despite those laws, westerners still developed highly effective unarmed and armed methods.

Is there a site for animations of Aikido throws? My respect for Aikido increased dramatically after I actually learned more about it. You Akidokas (can I say that?) actually share many techniques with Combat Hapkido practitioners, with minor differences.

markusan, I bet I could change you r mind ! There is plenty of stand up fighting in WMA, tho. Skeptic, I'd be THRILLED if most western martial arts had the same level of popularity as capoeira.

So did Dan Severn.