shogeri

I voted, unknown or undetermined. ---------------------------------- What is a "street fighter"? Before I started taking Martial Arts, by all rights, I too was a 'street fighter'. Meaning, no formal skills. However, that doesn't mean I would win against a poor Martial Artist, no matter how great I was. And regardless of how many scuffs I had been in either. Who knows what a person's past is. On the flip side, just because I was a street fighter, doesn't mean I was good one either. Nor a poor one. Once more, nobody knows anything for certain in these cases. A street fighter can be just as sensitive to a situation as a MA is. A street fighter may do focus training on a bag somewhere. Again, there are too many unknowns to pit one person against another based upon training versus no training, or style against style. All we have is conjecture, theory, and 'how we feel', as there are not globally accepted facts or statistics showing anything contrary to what I said above. At least none that I have ever seen. We can try to say, 'all things the same', or 'all things equal', but this is again, trying to fit a dynamic, expanding and or shrinking concept, such as a physical confrontation or conflict, into well defined box or picture perfect frame, and quite frankly that just doesn't work in the real world. A fight is alive. It's mean. It's real. It's in your face. It's down and dirty, and there is not shame, no rules. Only survival. It is more than just words on a screen, or written down on paper, or spoken out loud. Training helps, but again, it will only get you so far in life, and only so far in a conflict situation. In sum, with fighting, there are no guarantees, since we cannot quarantine, all the facts and variables within one simple equation that gives us one simple answer. That's what I say for now. Later!

First and foremost, I agree with many aspects and or thoughts posted here. Indeed the Martial Arts are about fighting. However, equally important to doing harm or causing death, is giving health and nurturing life. The Martial Arts are about preservation. One cannot truly only do the fighting aspects, and expect to reap the largest rewards. In other words, one cannot expect to do only the fighting, and take for granted that they are equally giving time to the health and life, since they are expecting the health attributes or results to just be a side effect of their martial training. It takes focused time and effort to both. In sum, and I may be repeating myself here: I believe it is in the best interest of any Martial Artist to examine the internal characteristics of their Martial Art training that directly relates to balancing their internal system, and building upon their fighting ability, as they continue strengthening the bond between their mind and body. Again, it is a great article, as it pointed out many things people should consider.

Bruce Lee just was who he was. A man who was a great fighter, and who had a vision for: 1. The effectiveness of Martial Arts in reality. 2. The future of Martial Art in films. 3. Making something better for his family. 4. Exposing Chinese Martial Arts to the world, thus softening the stereotype of Asians. He did not give credit to many styles and or their effectiveness or contribution to the world of MA. This according to his top student (training partner?), Dan Inosanto. May he rest in peace. For each of us takes from what we know, change it some (perhaps), and then bring it into our own way of fighting or living. That's just part of what it means to be dynamic. Which was what Bruce was, and will remain, regardless of what we say about him during our own time.

You are correct W.W... I somewhat referenced that point in my post as well, when I referred to mikkyo as esoteric buddhism. But I would never want to just limit it to that, as you mentioned also that many other religious sects use this type of resource as well.

Point sparring... Hmmmmmm.. This brings up visions of: Backfists (Spinning or Snap) Reverse punches Backkicks Frontkicks Roundhouses (Many, a majority to the back, hip, or the back of the head...which the latter is okay...lol) And many people only fighting with one side of their body. Switching back and forth between open and closed stance. Sometimes you will find those who actually combine several techniques over and over, and then switch frequently enough to gain the advantage over unsuspecting opponents. Train yourself to know whether they are feinting or faking. There is a slight difference in body posture, the look in their eyes, placement of their feet, etc. In sum, parry and or step in, the moment they begin to move toward you with intent. Strike first, and do not stop until a point is called. Do not wait for the proper moment. Make the moment yours, and make it count. Waiting only adds to the delirium of strike then counter, then strike and counter. Your goal is to win. You win with attitude, ferocity, and tenacity. You win with skill, talent, and on occasion, a lucky shot. Punch and kick a bag frequently. Use a partner often when sparring. And spar with intent to actually strike and not stop. This builds proper reaction, timing, speed, balance, and positioning skills. These are just some of the few ways that do such. There are more. Good luck!

As a person progresses in Budo Taijutsu, they advance their sensory perception skills, sometimes to the point of being uncanny. I suppose that we can tap into the part of the brain that is based upon an innermost need for survival. Some call this either animal brain or reptilian brain. In Japanese it is referred to as Zanshin. Whereas you are focused on the survival or the winning at whatever cost. Your mind is in a constant state similar to a cat prepared to pounce upon an unsuspecting mouse. That is, you are highly relaxed, and keenly aware, both mentally and physically. In Godan testing, Budo Taijutsu students must show that they can sense 'the intent to kill' or sakki, by avoiding a strike to the head from Soke. Just thought I would add that.

You are correct G.B.

One could say that Capoeira primarily attacks with kicks and sweeps, while the defensive technques consist of evasive moves and rolls. Malandragem involves a variety of improvisation and modifications of basic moves that manifest into a flurry of feints and fakes in a daring attempt to "trick" the partner or foe, into responding as the practitioner desires. Basically they use trapping, feinting, and faking techniques as ploys or lures to get the opponent closer or in range. The ability of the Capoeirista to be sensitive to the situation and be able to anticipate the moves of their opponents, then prepare the most effective and efficient response is one of the most crucial skills in which they can develop over time. From least to most, I would say the following are the primary(popular) leg strike styles: Tae Kwon Do - True TKD uses a mix of techniques, but it's focus has been on kicking, especially with the ever so popular ax-kick. Savate - Uses many leg strikes, along with simple, but effective short hand strikes Muay Thai - Is third for it's heavy use of the devasting roundhouse with shin Mok Gar - this style is not well known, and is often taught along Hung Gar Capoeira - A few hand techniques are employed. I put this list up, just to show that Capoeira has MA roots, and can be lethal to those not expecting what is coming next. Those are some of my random thoughts on this.

You did great. Watch, learn, adapt, and thrive. Once you combine your ability to adapt strategically in a dynamic way, with an ability to stick and or adhere to your opponent, following them, then your sensitivity will improve, and eventually your combat will flow. Stick and follow, rather than block/retrreat, and counter strike. Avoid stepping backward. Muay Thai is about in-fighting, so the above ability to blend with your opponent is crucial. In American Kickboxing, however, their is a trend to make it more of a distance form of fighting. This trend could and should change over time. However in-fighting involves retraining the mind, and learning skills that build confidence in technique, for they are techniques that work, over and over.

"As far as in depth, well all our techniques are studied in depth. Examples of techniques include arm bars, head locks, belt grabs, wrist locks/throws/grabs, leg grab/take downs, and a general category I like to call extensions where you take an opponent and pull their weapon (arm/fist) as far from their head as possible while moving them outside their base. " We learned the above in Goju Ryu, plus more. In sum, it is controlling your opponents center line(s), both horizontal and vertical. However, often we would get visiting Aikijutsu instructors come to the dojo, and help out the adult class (at the higher belt levels). Once we got to the point in kata where traditional the (Block, Control, Strike) technique ended or paused, we went a step further following up with a Jujutsu lock or takedown. Although, we did not, actually do submissive based grappling on the ground, as this was not the focus of Okinawan Goju Ryu, which is a striking art founded upon both Naha Te and Quan Fa or Chinese Kempo.

I disagree that video training or correspondence is only a scam. Video training, is just that, video training. Meaning it is two dimensional, as it is not right there, in your face, pressing you to react with your mind and body. Video training is a good tool or resource, but it is not the only tool. If you are gifted, and have the natural ability to pick up on the Martial Arts, then you might go farther than others, but at some point you will still need hands on correction by a instructor. Fellowship is crucial in the Martial Arts. There is nothing like person to person contact in a learning environment. I would buy videos, but would want to find someone qualified to help me get through it. So video corresponse would work up to a point. But I am only repeating myself here. There is you, your instructor, and your gear. Consider video, and articles, and books, part of your gear.

The following is from my own collection of notes and general information regarding Budo Taijutsu, previously known as Ninjutsu. Most of the following came about during a conversation with a fellow Martial Art researcher. The following are the official schools or ryu of Budo Taijjutsu, formerly known as Ninjutsu. * Togakure Ryu Ninpo "Hidden Door School" Gyokko Ryu Kosshijutsu "Jeweled Tiger School" Koto Ryu Koppojutsu "Tiger Toppling School" Shinden Fudo Ryu Daken Taijutsu "Immoveable Heart School" Kukishinden Ryu Taijutsu "Nine Demons School" Takagi Yoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu "High Tree / Raised Heart School" * Kumogakure Ryu Ninpo 'Hiding In The Clouds School" * Gyokushin Ryu Ninpo "Jeweled Heart School" Gikan Ryu Koppojutsu "Truth & Justice School" * These three are of the Ninjutsu tradition, and the rest are of the Samurai arts. The 9 Traditional Ryu of Budo Taijutsu fall under the auspicious care of the Bujinkan. Nin-jutsu is the physical aspect Budo Taijutsu, wherease Nin-po is the spiritual side. Budo Taijutsu is a complete martial art. Indeed, it incorporates strikes, punches, kicks, throws, locks, tumbling, weaponry, stealth, meditation, spiritual empowerment, and a literally unlimited universe of variations of those techniques. Budo Taijutsu literal means, "'body arts of the martial path'", but has an alternative meaning of "The Art of Distance". ------------------------------------------- The Training System The training follows a historic-honored tradition of instructing students in the nine 'kyu' and fifteen 'dan' blocks of knowledge, a measured progression that allows the student to learn through experience and build upon a firm foundation that is rooted in self-awareness, self-knowledge, and personal growth. Each of the 'kyu' are based on one of the five elemental responses, of which the 'Go-Dai' theory of five elements is comprised. Each level thereof offers instruction in the following topics: • Mind and body harmonizing postures • Mind and body energy awareness skills • Emergency medical treatment skills • Emergency survival skills • Physical capabilities cultivation • Body movement skills • Unarmed combat striking skills • Unarmed combat grappling skills • Self-protection combat weapons The kyu fall into the following order: 9th kyu through 6th kyu (Basic Green Belt) 5th kyu (Intermediate Green Belt) 4th kyu through 1st kyu (Advanced Green Belt) 1st dan through 5th dan - Heaven 6th dan through 10th dan - Earth 11th dan through 15th dan - Man ----------------------------------------------------- Heaven, Earth, and Man, relating to balance, harmony, yin/yang, and so on. Holistically, they represent the completeness, and yet the never-ending cycle of both opposing, and complimentary viewpoints on life, ninpo, and the art of fighting. Technically they relate to the traditional shoden, chuden, and okuden levels of training. There are 18 skills passed down to each Budo Taijutsu practitioner: Seishin teki kyoyo (spiritual refinement) Taijutsu (unarmed combat) Ninja ken (ninja sword) Bojutsu (stick and staff fighting) Shurikenjutsu (throwing blades) Yarijutsu (spear fighting) Naginatajutsu (halberd fighting) Kusarigama (chain and sickle weapon) Kayakujutsu (fire and explosives) Hensojutsu (disguise and impersonation) Shinobi iri (stealth and entering methods) Bajutsu (horsemanship) Sui ren (water training) Bo-ryaku (strategy) Cho ho (espionage) Intonjutsu (escape and concealment) Ten-mon (meteorology) Chi-mon (geography) Seishin teki kyoyo is one of the first skills learned, which when narrowed down, is mikkyo or esoteric buddhism. This is better term to use, as opposed to 'ninja magic'. Mikkyo is taught under Seishin teki kyoyo. Within mikkyo, we have Kuji Kiri, or mind powers of the ninja, which include; Rin, Pyo, Toh, Sha, Kai, Jin, Retsu, Sai, Zen, Juji. The Kuji-Kiri is very closely linked with the Kuji-In, so close than many people confuse the two. Both are said to have been introduced into Japan with Buddhism. In the Kuji-In the fingers are used to invoke the nine levels of power used by the Ninja and Samurai. In reality, the signs are pieces of mudra (a Sanskrit word meaning , gestures formed with the hands). However, there is energy involved, and this is part of the process of connection mind and body, while understanding qi, and qi movement, etc. The way you hold your hand is not as important as the feeling you get when you do it ~ that generates the power. But if you don't have anything linked to that unique feeling you won't get a response. Again, mind and body. Kuji Kiri act as triggers. In many ways, Budo Taijutsu is a mixed system of both internal (such as found in Taijiquan, Baquazhang), and eternal, such as found in daito ryu Jujutsu, karate, Wushu (the martial aspect of CMA not the dance), Budo, and so on. However, this is my own analysis, and is open to some scrutiny. Well, there are only so many ways to state the same information found throughout historic literature, and spoke of in conversation, technical books, etc. One could always google search on: bujinkan budo taijutsu ninjutsu ninpo That should be enough for now.

Fight=violence. Violence is inevitably up in your face! So be defensive in body and mind!!! Survival is your purpose. Winning your goal. So be prepared for in-fighting. Make it your passion. Make it flow. Relax. Be aware. Knees, elbows. forearms, heel palm strikes, and the occasional punch, with low kicks to the knee or groin. Accompanied soon thereafter with takedown. Key target zones Sternum Neck Eyes Temple Ribcage Kidney Knee

http://www.utbtaekwondo.us/photo.htm Master Brad does the egg in hand on a brick. ...So far that's all I found...Nothing in slo-mo yet... The physics of egg makes sense. The slow motion strike doesn't. Even using qi movement, one must do things a certain way. ...hmmmm... The answer lies in the wind, and yet it blows past our minds, and into the next day.

Yes. One must not go exactly by the diagram. One could have a diagram depicting the same lineage, but with a japanese period of time at the top. The diagram truly represents the metaphor, that all Martial Arts are related in purpose. And that warfare, and through warfare, rather than times of peace, ideas were exchanged, and practitioners were influenced. Nations hardly taught or heavily influenced others in regards to this type of thing.

I defend MA. The UFC represents itself. Not all fighters in the world. It does show that fighting can be brutal, and real, even with rules. -------------------- In regards to other statements: Just as your attitude will reflect whether or not you would be a great leader, so too does your training reflect whether or not you will be a great fighter. Thus, if your training physically and mentally, to win, no matter what, using whatever method or set of methods, along with a whatever it takes attitude, then at the very least, you will be a formidable opponent. That said, the likelihood that you will be defeated rests upon the principle foundation that was given to you during your training. A good fighter does what he/she can win. A great fighter possesses all they need for greatness. Speed, timing, reaction, hand and foot skills, ground skills, and so on. A champion is a great fighter that knows, understands, and is driven to pursue excellence beyond that of a great fighter, and carries that dominating characteristic with them in all facets of their life. So regardless, of whether a person practices, CMA, TMA, JMA, or MMA, or even sport based systems, they will indeed have something to offer, so long as their training allows for their body, and mind to be dynamic, and focused. Sport can be made deadly. Just as combat has been made into sport. There are extremes of each, and there is a juxtaposed answer somewhere in the middle of the two. Just some tidbit thoughts...

To begin with, the whole body must be totally loose (in a state of 'sung). Everypart, toes, waist, and fingertips, must be like a raggedy ann doll. The waist is the area of the body that will give you external fa-jing power. The Chinese word, 'Sung' implies not being able to feel your joints moving. Fajing power, in this case means explosive. It can be physical, but is most effective more internal it becomes. A Taijquan Instructor told me that the test for fa-jing can be done as such: Have a person hold a hard punching mitt on one hand. Touch the mitt with the tips of your fingers. Now, without drawing the hand back any more than the distance from your fingers to your palm, punch the mitt and cause it to be forced (violently) away. This is external fa-jing. Internal fa-jing is when the holder of the mitt, receives a sore palm from that punch... Taijiquan masters say that the movement is like sneezing, that is, it is with your whole body. Basically, every martial artists strives to better themselves physically and mentally, not just for combat, but to be something more in regards to their own self-identity, and their community. It is something a person is, in addition to being a father, mother, brother, sister, professional, and so on. Externalists (karateka) must begin to broaden their understanding of qi, and realize that it exists and it is real. They must go beyond western, and or japanese/okinawan application of qi. I have taken shotokan, and Goju Ryu, and TKD, and Jujutsu. None of these have truly focused in on the use of qi, as it is done in TCM, taijiquan, baquazhuang, and some shaolin systems of kung fu. Everyone seems to want to do things their own way. However, in regards to qi, it should be done one way. In external styles, our punches were as follows: Have a rooted stance. Waist is relaxed. Hand is in chamber. Waist moves forward. Hand follows. Fist tightens right before impact. Punch drives through opponent. Arm relaxes and returns to position. The problems lies in the physics of the above. In karate and external systems, the body is tense. The shoulder takes the energy back. If not the shoulder, then the upper body. The movement itself appears as it is, strong and hard. But without proper relaxation and utilization of Qi movement. How many karateka and TKD practitioners here feel the vibrations coursing through their own body after a punch, strike, or kick??? My shoulders are destroyed after hitting boards, concrete, and heavy bags using techniques from karate. Along with the Jo, Chu, and Ge blocks, this too, had an effect upon my shoulders. Now this doesn't happen to everyone, but after 20 years of doing such, it has had an effect upon my ability to continue doing it as much as I would like. As a result, I now have my own style, and practice Taijiquan/Chinese Boxing as well. In many Chinese Kung Fu systems, internal that is, you are relaxed through the entire movement. Save for when you make a fist. A western way of putting it, is that qi involves movement. Not only is qi equivalent to energy, it is also the energy of movement, and the internal energy produced through movement. “Qi Movement” (QM) means the movement in anything and everything that exists. Qi also means life force, thus any kind of movement small or big means life. This is not spirituality, nor do I speak of 'Star Wars'... QM can be a very small and slow movement as represented by geological transformation over a billion years. It can be a big and fast movement as in a tornado. Each of these are movements of or involving qi. This relationship between two forces, equal yet separate. Opposite yet complimentary, give rise to duality and relativity in all things. We call this ‘Yin and Yang’. ‘Yin and Yang’ is one way, the best way, in which to describe Qi and Qi Movement. It is through our own exploration of Body Mechanics, that a deep understanding of 'Qi Movement' will flourish, as it is through the study of Qi that Body Mechanics will deepen. QM involves many things. Understanding QM, helps us to broaden our knowledge and experiences in regards to punching, or striking in the Martial Arts. Just some random thoughts...

I believe what you are wanting to know is a touch of history. Much of everything started when, "...Japanese samurai warriors came into existence in the 12th century when two powerful Japanese clans fought bitter wars against each other - the Taira and the Minamato. At that time the Japanese shogunate, a system of a military ruler, called the shogun was formed. " - The full article is found here: => http://www.artelino.com/articles/samurai.asp In 1609 A.D. the Satsuma clan of Japan's southernmost island, Kyushu, conquered Okinawa. At that time, the Japanese samurai ruled supreme and the Okinawans were forbidden to carry weapons. Nobles, Farmers, merchants, and laypeople found it necessary to develop an alternative means of self-defense. Those who practiced their arts, continued practicing it. Some learned how to use anything, including their hands, but certainly they would have done this regardless. Throughout the hundreds of years their skills increased. Social changes occured, and history no longer had place for samurai, and western ideology set in. This brought about the Satsuma Rebellion of the 1800's, which also marked the end of the Tokugawa Shogunate, which lasted from 1603 to 1867. The Shogunate, and the last of the samurai, had fallen. Here is a link... http://www.taisho.com/satsuma.html In many ways, the Tom Cruise movie, The Last Samurai depicts the 'Satsuma Rebellion'. Now did the samurai way of life influence those who were defending themselves? Only by means of okinawans and any other country that was governed by the shogunate (of all walks of life) finding alternative ways of defending their life, family, and way of living. I am not one to believe that the samurai taught karateka how to faught. It was primarily rich people, or those of noble class that had the opportunities that others did not. Especially peasants or farmers. Thus very little exchanged occured. One was a cause, the other was the effect. This makes logical and historical sense. Remember the samurai existed as servants to the Emperor. Though somewhat questionable, it was an honorable profession, that basically fell prey to 'job cuts'.

From what I know, which isn't much...You can address them as teacher, S Sensei, instructor, sahbumnim, sah boo nim, kyo sah nim, O Sensei, or by whatever they suggest. If they really need to hear the term Master, and if you really have a problem saying it, then I suggest you let them know. I believe that anyone above 6th Dan could be considered, something more than just a Sensei, but I am not sure what I title I would feel comfortable with. I am one that doesn't follow the 'Master' terminology. Even founder's or creator's of a system, do not have it mastered, as no one person can every truly master themselves. Life doesn't allow for such. However, in the Asian culture, the term Master, has a positive spin on it, unlike in many of the western or european countries. Which is odd, since it was America that created the 'Master's' degree program...Hmmmmmmmm. Go figure. There is always something to learn, to expand on, to absorb, and to share. When we no longer do such, we could consider ourselves no longer living. Just some thoughts...

At the top of the line of TKD are the methods practiced by the warriors in the Kochosun province or region. The evolution of the Korean combat skills began about 5000 years ago when KoChoSun was established. KoChoSun was a country that started on the Korean peninsula. Their territory spanned far from the original peninsula, and eventually included all of Manchuria and all most half of China. These secret combat skills, which were called Um Yang Kwon, have survived the passage of time, and have been passed for 58 continuous generations. A visual of what I am saying: http://www.allmartialarts.com/KIXCO/History/history/map.htm Styles influence other styles. People observe what works for others, then they attempt to bring it into their own mix of things, and see if it works for them. Many of these 'exchanges' happened on the battefield, and during wars that lasted centuries. Japanese Jujutsu, or the the Japanese Martial Arts of that time already existed. Japanese warriors, may have witnessed something, and borrowed a particular method of doing something from the Korean Martial Arts. Okinawan Arts already existed, but became heavily influenced by Chinese Kempo, or Chuan Fa. Tae Kwon Do, while still evolving, became influenced by Shotokan. What better way to defeat your opponent, than to take something from him/her, and then use it back against them? Essentially, with human behavior, and cognitive processes, there really may be no such thing as an original idea or concept. Somewhere along the way, somebody on this great big planet, may have already thought of something remarkably similar. I prefer to say I practice Martial Arts, more than anything. Since when I start labeling what I do, people begin to have these visions pop up in their thoughts, cause I can see the wheels turning, and their eyes glaze over. Just some random thoughts from me...

In order to use qi, one must cultivate it. Study it, and practice with it. Taijiquan, Push Hands, and zhan zhuang (standing posture - qigong), are the primary components of understanding the flow of qi within you. When doing 3 circle standing qiqong, for example; Your knees are slightly bent, eyes are opened, tongue is touching the roof of your mouth, behind your upper front teeth. You are to be relaxed. You concentrate on standing there, focusing on relaxing your body, and clearing your mind of unnecessary thoughts. Your arms are up and out. Elbows slightly bent. Palms out before you. Fingers relaxed. Hands about 6 inches apart. You should be able to fit a fist beneath the armpit. This lowers the bridge, allowing the qi to flow properly. You should be in a comfortable stance, about shoulder width apart, with feet pointing forward. Breathe in and out regularly - deeply, and fully. Your gaze, perhaps slightly downward, is just between your fingers. Your back is straight, but your shoulders are slightly sunk forward and down in a comfortable position. In other words do not hold your shoulders up, as practiced in kung fu and or karate. It is as if you are a puppet, and someone has a string attached to both your head and spine, slightly pulling them upward. If you are in pain, or something is not feeling right (such as nausea, headaches, stomach pain), or you do not get to the phase of recognition, then your qigong is wrong. Stop doing the qiqong. Send a video clip to a person who can correct you, or visit a taijiquan instructor, if one is nearby. This particular qigong (zhanzhuang) works by applying the concept of intent over physical force to improve all the physiological organs and their functions. Although one is standing in a physically still position, the intent is working very hard inside the body to harmonize all physiological organs with this particular position so that all parts of the body are contributing to maintain this static position. There are three steps of Zhan Zhuang training associated with martial art's high demand: recognition, harmony, and application. As you progress your legs might be sore, and your body might shake. This increases over time, but with enough proper practice, it subsides, as the qi begins to flow properly. You will feel a difference within your body. This is the recognition phase. Sometime after, you will have connected your intent (Yi)j with your Qi. Your mind is then in sync with the qi in your body, at least on the lowest of levels. This could take up to a year to fully reap the benefits of. That is if you are least standing in it for up to an hour by then. This is the harmony phase of your qigong training. Then comes the application. In order to cultivate your fighting application of qi, you must practice push hands. This allows you to strengthen your body in a manner fitting to qi cultivation. It increases your sensitivity to the balance of others, and to their application of qi as well. After a year of push hands, you should be in the good, at least in the beginner sense of the term. It would be good to practice taijiquan long form as well. Waist movements should involve qi buildup. After one has learned how to cultivate it, they practice placing it where it needs to be in order to effectively strike using it. Coiling and silk reeling are things that help in doing this, as does the Taiji form. This waist movement accompanied with a strike, while in sung, with a relaxed body is called anjing. This would be the lowest outward physical application. The more internal it becomes, it evolves into fajing, and over time cultivates into an explosive means by which to disrupt your opponent, not just eternally, but internally. This is most true, when striking with fajing to given pressure points. This is why you might see Chinese Boxers, and Taijiquan (et al) practitioners, slightly shaking when doing certain strikes. These are also called fajing shakes, meaning they have internalized their methods. Perhaps in some way this is 'hado' in japanese, but I am not sure, since I have yet to see an externalist actually have their qi in proper order, especially without actually cultivating it in some way. Is all of this related to "proper body mechanics"? Certainly. All of this, is again reinforced with the following: When the body is in proper alignment. When the Yi lead Qi. Which only happens after one has obtained proper qi flow. When both mind and body are balanced both separately and as one, and such is represented through proper outward physical motion, then indeed qi is then found to be just as person needs it to be within themselves. Those are my own thoughts on this.

Continue building your skillset, working on principle and technique. Also, begin teaching privately in your spare time. This will build a small network of personal references, which are valuable come opening a school to the public. Have a five year plan. Ask questions, and learn from those who have gone before you, in a successful manner. Good luck!

That does sound odd. I would say that he might be a good fighter, and practices life with a Martial Art state of mind. However, in regards to Goju Ryu or Japanese Karate, (et al), upon his own admission, he is no expert. In the first paragraph, Mr. Morris is the first to admit having only 8 years of actually karate practice. That pretty much sums it up for me, and I believe Mr. Morris is also saying that one can take his karate experience for whatever they like, but his fighting talent and skill have always stood on their own, outside the realm of karate. He would be formidable opponent, indeed. I disagree with his statement regarding Dim Mak, especially since he is laying the foundation for an absolute statement, as there are no absolutes in the world of human interaction. Especially warfare, and self-preservation. NHB, in my view, is simply not all there is in the world. Mr. Morris's world perhaps, but not mine. A true Martial Artists pulls from all things they know in order to win a fight. Mr. Morris has a foundation of fighting principles that work, along with a handful of techniques has used over the span of his lifetime. In my view of things, Bruce Lee was attempting to break the mold of the typical kung fu and karate practictioners, and lead the way to a more dynamic method of fighting, one that incorporates a lifetime of attempting many things, in order to chip away at those things which do not work for you, while adding on those things that do work. The way Mr. Morris speaks, reminds me alot of how Mr. Lee would speak on similiar topics. This, in some sense, would label him as one of the first MMA fighters. Those are just some of my thoughts on the autobiography of Mr. Morris.

Always spar as if you are fighting. Remember you are not only training your brain to react in a certain way, you are training your body as well. The brain might forget, but your body remembers. So always: 1) Sidestep 2) Parry 3) Step forward - at angle or straight in trapping or locking or jamming the opponent up. Any combination of these are some of the more efficient means of footwork. You cannot redirect or control the centerline or your opponent's energy, or physical balance if you are backing up, that is fighting backwards. If you feel strength is a factor, then do not work on meeting blow with blow. Rather: 1) avoid their strike, 2) Then focus more on striking back, 3) Then control, and 4) Takedown or knockout/set up for a knockout. Just some of my thoughts...

Not sure..Urban founded his own Goju Ryu Association, perhaps not his own actual derivate of Goju Ryu. Most teachers who branch off, in general do not completely change what is taught, rather they teach, how it is taught, or the order in which it is taught. They should, in theory, only do that, if they truly understood why it was taught a certain way in the first place...