shogeri

Correspondence works up to a point. That point comes when one periodically needs correction in technique and principle. In sum, distance training only works when someone can attend either a seminar or meet up with the instructor, frequently of course.

There are three main styles of Ninjutsu: Tagekura Kumogakure Gyokushin Ryu The bottom two are branches of the Togekura school, which is the oldest known ninjutsu branch in the world. This is an affiliate of the SHK organization, as they might know a little more than the rest of us. Boulder Quest Center Kevin & Mary Casey 1200 Yarmouth Ave, Suite D Boulder, CO 80304 Phone: (303) 440-3647 Email: info@BoulderQuest.com Website: https://www.BoulderQuest.com Stephen Hayes Quest Center is found at: http://www.skhquest.com/ ...he does offer Home Study as well. I am not sure how many principles of Ninjutsu he includes in his style of to shin do.

Breaking is good to a degree. It is an accomplishment, but only reflects one part of the complete martial artist. However, physical age is a huge variable in determining what should be taught and when. Not all of the growth plates throughout the body mature at the same time, leaving many vulnerable areas up through the end of adolescence. Just be aware of physical changes and limitations. But never limit your mind.

Here is a timeline with Sensei Urban listed in it. http://www.gojujitsu.com/Goju%20Timeline.htm Here is Sensei Urban's Homepage: http://www.geocities.com/~usagojukarate/

Crescent kicks are highly telegraphed, and do not hold as much power as a roundhouse, or heel-kick. They still have impact, momentum, and some power, albeit, I believe that they are best utilized within a complex set of techniques rather than just a single one, as in striking to the head, or trying to dislodge a knife. It is almost as they were designed to have a spinning effect, rather than just shooting them from the hip/waist. Perhaps that is why they are not in the same category as snapping kicks. In my youth I liked them high. In kata they look good that way. But as I got older, they got lower, and now I have progress to not using them much at all.

In regards to the above statement, I further state that, so long as the philosophy, and principles of Goju Ryu remain unchanged, along with including the traditional or original naha te kata, then I agree it is still Goju Ryu.

It is better to understand a handful of principles, along with one technique, than a handful of techniques and only one principle. To be flexible and dynamic, you must have a skillset that has those characteristics as well. To be efficient and effective, one must learn more than just one way of doing something. However, I am saying to avoid solely learning one thing, and learning it well. In this respect the Martial Arts are not likened to promoting a product or service, where it is best to do one thing, and do it well. At some point, even businesses must make plans for diversification. In other words, I am saying once you learn something well enough, you move onto something else, building upon yourself until you have a sufficient foundation in which to continue building the framework upon your abilities, your skill, and your talent. Now back to the topic... Traditional TKD practitioners used both hands AND feet. Tae Kwon-do is famous for its powerful leaping and spinning kicks, though students also learn close-quarters hand fighting, throws, joint manipulation and other basic elements of self defense. Collectively, schools that teach such are traditional as they focus on the Martial Aspects. While on the other hand, true sport Taekwon-do, is almost always full contact and is predominantly oriented toward tournament competition. Schools not oriented toward Olympic style fighting, emphasize non-contact sparring. It is those schools that follow; executing a fast, strong technique and pulling it just short of your opponent's face or body is a higher achievement than pummeling your opponent. Each of these have a means of balancing body and mind, but in their own way. "As far back as the Silla Dynasty (668 AD - 935 AD), Chinese Chuan Fa techniques were used to train Korean warriors. These techniques evolved to become the empty-hand art of Subak, which was standardized during the Koryo Dynasty (935 AD - 1392 AD). During the early Joseon Dynasty (1393 - 1910), Subak was divided into Taekyon (a striking art) and Yusul (a grappling art). Through the years, however, Yusul was practiced with decreasing frequency and, eventually, only the Taekyon aspect of Subak remained." - wikipedia.org That said it seems that Tae Kwon do loosely represents the entire system of traditional martial arts in Korea, with an added flavor of shotokan karate, perhaps due to the Japanese occupation of Korea. Karate-Do uses both hands and feet. Although it emphasizes closed in fighting hand techniques. TKD uses both hands and feet. Although it emphasizes kicking techniques. This is where the practitioner comes in to create a situation that goes beyond the style, and places the deciding factor of a confrontation upon their own self, their own skill, talent, and usage of the environment, and so on. That is, it will be the person that wins or directs the situation. --------------- Just some more random thoughts...

I still get mixed feelings about this area, since I am involved more in the control and takedown (of all martial arts) accompanied with striking methods. Since we are only talking about BJJ and Judo, and if we completely restrain ourselves to those techniques, style versus style, and not person versus person, then it comes down to exactly what is being taught in the first place. If BJJ is indeed a combative form of judo, whereas it is evolved into a more sophisticated form of its predecessor, then indeed it might be the be the better, or more equipped style on the street. Judo would of course win in the sporting aspect of the question originally put forth in the survey. However, what we are really doing is pitting the submission holds of BJJ against the the throws of judo. While learning and practicing jujutsu, what I have learned is that in a moment, a blink of an eye or less, all techniques have a counter technique associated with them. Reflexive training and sensitivity are guiding factors in determining or demonstrating the best response. It takes longer to determine and train on how to release from a submission technique than a throw. Throws, and or takedowns can be easily reversed. That is perhaps why Ippon are so central to judo. So I would say that in some respects judo is good at some point, but so is BJJ as well.

This is straight from a BJJ site: "In the mid-1800's in Japan, there were a large number of styles ("ryu") of jiu-jitsu (sometimes spelled "jujitsu"). Techniques varied between ryu, but generally included all manner of unarmed combat (strikes, throws, locks, chokes, wrestling, etc.) and occasionally some weapons training. One young but skilled master of a number of jiu-jitsu styles, Jigoro Kano, founded his own ryu and created the martial art Judo (aka Kano-ryu jiu-jitsu) in the 1880's. One of Kano's primary insights was to include full-power practice against resisting, competent opponents, rather than solely rely on the partner practice that was much more common at the time. One of Kano's students was Mitsuo Maeda, who was also known as Count Koma ("Count of Combat"). Maeda emigrated to Brazil in 1914. He was helped a great deal by the Brazilian politician Gastão Gracie, whose father George Gracie had emigrated to Brazil himself from Scotland. In gratitude for the assistance, Maeda taught jiu-jitsu to Gastao's son Carlos Gracie. Carlos in turn taught his brothers Osvaldo, Gastão Jr., Jorge, and Helio. In 1925, Carlos and his brothers opened their first jiu-jitsu academy, and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu was born in Brazil. At this point, the base of techniques in BJJ was similar to those in Kano's Judo academy in Japan. As the years progressed, however, the brothers (notably Carlos and Helio) and their students refined their art via brutal no-rules fights, both in public challenges and on the street. Particularly notable was their willingness to fight outside of weight categories, permitting a skilled small fighter to attempt to defeat a much larger opponent. They began to concentrate more and more on submission ground fighting, especially utilizing the guard position. This allowed a weaker man to defend against a stronger one, bide his time, and eventually emerge victorious. In the 1970's, the undisputed jiu-jitsu champion in Brazil was Rolls Gracie. He had taken the techniques of jiu-jitsu to a new level. Although he was not a large man, his ability to apply leverage using all of his limbs was unprecedented. At this time the techniques of the open guard and its variants (spider guard, butterfly guard) became a part of BJJ. Rolls also developed the first point system for jiu-jitsu only competition. The competitions required wearing a gi, awarded points (but not total victories) for throws and takedowns, and awarded other points for achieving different ground positions (such as passing an opponent's guard). After Rolls' death in a hang-gliding accident, Rickson Gracie became the undisputed (and undefeated!) champion, a legend throughout Brazil and much of the world. He has been the exemplar of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique for the last two decades, since the early 1980's, in both jiu-jitsu competition and no-rules MMA competition. Jiu-jitsu techniques have continued to evolve as the art is constantly tested in both arenas. For example, in the 1990's Roberto "Gordo" Correa, a BJJ black belt, injured one of his knees, and to protect his leg he spent a lot of practice time in the half-guard position. When he returned to high-level jiu-jitsu competition, he had the best half-guard technique in the world. A position that had been thought of as a temporary stopping point, or perhaps a defensive-only position, suddenly acquired a new complexity that rapidly spread throughout the art. In the early 1990's, Rorion Gracie moved from Brazil to Los Angeles. He wished to show the world how well the Gracie art of jiu-jitsu worked. In Brazil, no-rules Mixed Martial Art (MMA) contests (known as "vale tudo") had been popular since Carlos Gracie first opened his academy in 1925, but in the world at large most martial arts competition was internal to a single style, using the specialized rules of that style's practice. Rorion and Art Davie conceived of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. This was a series of pay-per-view television events in the United States that began in 1993. They pitted experts of different martial arts styles against each other in an environment with very few rules, in an attempt to see what techniques "really worked" when put under pressure. Rorion also entered his brother Royce Gracie, an expert in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, as one of the contestants. Royce dominated the first years of the UFC against all comers, amassing eleven victories with no fighting losses. At one event he defeated four different fighters in one night. This, from a fighter that was smaller than most of the others (at 170 lbs, in an event with no weight classes), looked thin and scrawny, and used techniques that most observers, even experienced martial artists, didn't understand. In hindsight, much of Royce's success was due to the fact that he understood very well (and had trained to defend against) the techniques that his opponents would use, whereas they often had no idea what he was doing to them. In addition, the ground fighting strategy and techniques of BJJ are among the most sophisticated in the world. Besides the immediate impact of an explosion of interest in BJJ across the world (particularly in the US and Japan), the lasting impact of Royce's early UFC dominance is that almost every successful MMA fighter now includes BJJ as a significant portion of their training. Description: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is primarily a ground-fighting art. Most techniques involve both fighters on the mat. There is a heavy emphasis on positional strategy, which is about which fighter is on top, and where each person's legs are. Positions are stable situations, from which a large variety of techniques are available to both fighters. The primary positions include: Guard: The person applying the guard is on the bottom with his back on the ground; his legs are wrapped around his opponent's hips (who is said to be "in the guard"). Side control: Chest-on-chest but without the legs being entangled. Mount: On top of his opponent (who "is mounted"), sitting on his chest, with one leg on either side of his torso. Back mount: Behind his opponent, with his feet hooked around his opponent's hips and upper thighs. Specific techniques taught are designed either to improve one's position (for example, to "pass the guard", by going from being "in the guard" to getting around the opponent's legs, resulting in side control); or else as a finishing submissions. Most submissions are either chokes (cutting off the blood supply to the brain) or arm locks (hyperextending the elbow, or twisting the shoulder). Belt ranks start at white belt, and progress through blue, purple, brown, and then black. It generally takes about 2-3 years of training multiple times per week to be promoted to the next belt rank. However, there is no formal rank test. Instead, rank is about the ability to apply jiu-jitsu techniques in a competitive match. A student generally needs to be able to reliably defeat most other students at a given rank in order to be promoted to the next rank. Given the jiu-jitsu roots, and the interest in competition, occasionally related techniques are taught. In each case, other specific martial arts focus on these sets of techniques more than BJJ, and they generally just receive passing mention and rare practice in BJJ training. For example, takedowns tend to be similar to Judo and western wrestling; leg locks (such as in Sambo) are not encouraged but sometimes allowed. Some schools teach street self-defense or weapon defense as well; this instruction tends to be much more like old-style Japanese jiu-jitsu with partner practice, and rarely impacts the day-to-day grappling training. Also, many dedicated BJJ students are also interested in MMA competition, and attempt to practice their techniques without a gi, and sometimes with adding striking from boxing or Muay Thai. Training: Most training has students wearing a heavy ("jiu-jitsu" or "Judo") gi/kimono, on a floor with padded mats. A typical class involves 30 minutes of warm ups and conditioning, 30 minutes of technique practice with a willing partner, and 30 minutes of free sparring training, against an opponent of equal skill who attempts to submit you. Most of the training is done with all students on the mat. For example, training usually beings with both students facing each other from a kneeling position. Competition is also encouraged. For a jiu-jitsu tournament, competitors are divided by age, belt rank, and weight class. Time limits are generally five to ten minutes, depending on belt rank. Matches start with both competitiors standing, on a floor with a padded mat. A tap out from submission ends the match. If time runs out without a submission, points determine the winner: 2 points: Takedown from standing; Knee-on-stomach position; or Scissor, sweep, or flip, using legs (from bottom position to top) 3 points: Passing the guard 4 points: Mount; or Mount on back (with leg hooks in) Many BJJ students are also interested in open submission grappling tournaments (different points rules, usually no gi), or Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Most BJJ instructors encourage such competition, and often assist in the training. However, typically BJJ classes wear a gi, start from the knees, and prohibit strikes. " http://bjj.org/rma-faq.html And this is from https://www.gracie.com "The Gracie style was created in Brazil in the early part of this century by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu pioneer Carlos Gracie, who studied traditional Japanese jiu-jitsu as a teenager under the great Japanese champion, Mitsuyo Maeda (known in Brazil as Conde Koma -- the "Count of Combat"). Carlos Gracie, who was interested in streetfighting and was also a boxer, quickly modified the classical techniques he learned from Count Koma to meet the demands of real, "no rules" fighting in the streets of Brazil. The young Carlos Gracie then tested and refined his system through constant matches, open to all comers, constantly working to make it more effective. At one point, he even advertised in newspapers and on street corners for new opponents upon whom to practice and further refine his art. He fought anyone and everyone who was willing, regardless of size, weight or fighting style. Even though he was a mere 135 pounds, his style was so effective that Carlos Gracie was never defeated and became a legend in Brazil. This tradition of open challenge is a part of the heritage of the Gracie style of jiu-jitsu. Carlos Gracie taught his style of jiu-jitsu to his four younger brothers (Oswaldo, Gastão, Jorge, and finally Helio) and to his older sons (including Carlson and Carley), and they in turn taught their brothers, sons, nephews and cousins. After Carlos retired from the ring, he managed the fight careers of his brothers and sons, continuing to challenge fighters of all styles throughout the world. This tradition of open challenge has been continued by his sons, grandsons, brothers, nephews, and students, who have consistently demonstrated the superiority of the Gracie style in real fights and minimum-rule matches in rings throughout the world. "

Goju Boi, I was thinking that myself.

To me it is a style that cultivates, develops, and studies qi within the individual. However, why recreate the wheel with my own definition when this one will suffice: The following is from http://www.qi-journal.com : "Although many styles of Neijia exist around the world, three "internal" martial arts are most widely known... Taijiquan (T'ai Chi Ch'uan), Baguazhang (Pa Kua Ch'ang), and Xingyiquan (Hsing-I Ch'uan). Several other martial arts such as YiQuan (I-Ch'uan) must also be recognized because of its close adherance to the basic principles of Neijia as well as Aikido, a Japanese martial art. Neijia differs from other "external" martial arts in that all movement begins deeply within the body, then moves outwards towards the skin." -------------------------- The flip side of this would be weijia or external arts. Some external styles combine the two concepts, but if they do not employ qi, yin/yang theory into their combat, then more than likely they are still just an external style. Just some tidbits from me...

Both BJJ and Judo are derived from jujitsu/jujutsu. They are both submission based styles. And generally, their practitioners would not fair well against multiple opponents of 4 or more, unless such practitioner had been doing that style for a while, and had trained for such situations. However, from what I have learned, most BJJ practitioners are mixed Martial Artists, learning the striking arts as well as the throws, joint-locks, and takedowns. If judoka are trained under olympic rules, then the following is drilled into their heads: "Judo has two main elements, the sporting skills of attack and defense and the culture of the sport through, which these skills are performed. The moral code of Judo is politeness, courage, sincerity, self-control, honour, modesty, friendship and respect. In Judo competition, a judoka can be disqualified for deliberately hurting their opponent." Sporting defense???? Is this likened to TKD tournaments,where a point is awarded, even when a strike is not landed, but shows control??? Also, judo weighs heavily on the throw, according to the IJF, "When ippon is scored, the fight is over. The referee annouces ippon when in his opinion an applied technique corresponds to the following criteria : (a) when a contestant, in a controlled movement, throws the other contestant largely on his back with considerable force and speed (b) when a contestant holds with osaekomi waza (grappling technique) the other contestant who is unable to get away for 25 seconds after the announcement of osaekomi © when a contestant gives up by tapping twice or more with his hand or foot or says maitta generally as a result of a, shime waza (strangling technique) or kansetsu waza (armlock technique) (d) when a contestant is incapacitated by a shime waza or kansetsu waza" If this is the case, then this brings BJJ up a notch closer to Traditional Jujutsu, which by far, is more practical and dangerous being both a striking, kicking, lock, throw, and submission style. Having practiced Aikijutsu, and Okinawan Jujutsu, I would have to say that background helps me understand just what is more effective on the street. That is why I voted for BJJ. Opinions vary, and of course I have been proved wrong in many things.

Bodybuilding, thus weight training, is anaerobic. It will not, by itself build stamina, endurance, or cardiovascular strength. No matter what size their mass is, they simply will not last during a given situation unless they either; a) have a work out routine that includes enough cardio (based on their BMI and BMR), b) are on illegal drugs that give them a high, or c) have friends to help pummel you to the ground Most bodybuilders that are not professional about it, do not do aerobic exercises, nor are their muscles flexible, nor are their senses and reflexes keen or sharp. On the flip side, not all karateka are properly trained to take on different sized opponents, in different situations, such as with innocent bystanders, or vehicles around, or chairs, and desks, and so on. Some cannot fight their way out of a wet paper sack, even with instructions included. Essentially, there are not guarantees in any situation, and each one is guaranteed to have some surprise built into it.

They use a technique, which is not typically taught in karate, and or TKD. That is, through sensitivity training, such as push hands, one can train their strikes to have such sensitivity as well. When the strike first impacts body is relaxed, the arm is relaxed (since it is thrown by the motion of the waist), and there is a quick turn of the wrist into a fist. Traditional karateka are trained to stop there. With JKD (which borrows this from Taiji as do many others), Taijiquan, and Baguazhang (et al); Upon impact, your waist moves in the opposite direction, and then back toward the opponent again. This is called coiling. Similar to how a snake strikes. When the waist moves back, this stops the energy (of the impact) from being absorbed into your arm, which allows you to further your second impact into your opponent. It is like striking them twice, but with only one instance of contact. At slow speeds this is called anjing. The more internal one makes it, it then becames fajing. It takes years to perfect. At first, even the novice can achieve anjing. But without push hands, and or practicing the taijiquan form, it will hard to actually achieve fajing strikes. I have witnessed them, and they are different. I can partially do anjing, but many times I am not relaxed, nor is my internal energy balanced properly. Which means other body dynamics may not come into play. ---------- Just thought I would add my two bits...

I do it just because it has always interested me. There is always something to learn. It is who I am, which makes it more than a hobby. And I agree that we are all training not just our bodies, but our minds to react defensively, and in a manner befitting, a situation that may never come to be. With or without weapons. With weapon control the way it is, just as there was weapon control in japan, beijin, and now in even canada. It doesn't hurt to know a little something. This includes how to use, and safely handle firearms, bladed weapons, staffs, sticks, swords, long daggers, pencils, handbags, etc...One never know when America might be following this trend as well. Might as well learn it from those who also dealt with similar government or aristocratic, military, or czar control. History has a way of repeating itself ever so slightly. Martial Art, while emphasizing self-preservation through combative means, is a lifelong process in which we strive for self-mastery. ------ just some more thoughts...

357 magnum is pretty intense, and internal at some point, all without touching someone.

..."and Shogeri I don't know about the death strikes though. Do they include neck/temple/heart strikes? Or do you intend to somehow hit me in the ribs or arms and kill me?" I would have to say that many of the deadly blows are struck to some part of head, neck, or chest. A death "strike" might also include a series of blows to certain pressure points, which could lead to death. Karateka often strike to what is known as zones. Taijiquan pressure point fighting is just a hair more accurate, whereas real accuracy comes when using needles. ---------- Just some more tidbits from me...

Fighting in the street is not pretty. Most want to trade punches. But in reality, they really just want to pummel someone without taking anything in return. If they can't trade punches, they try to bully you to the ground, and hurt you that way. Korea recognizes TKD as sport, not a Martial Art. However, the oldest form of TKD is actually rooted in using both hands and feet. Modern TKD, well, it is geared for giving children Blackbelts, turning out robots, and teaching people that point sparring doesn't work out on the street. No matter what a person knows, or uses, I commend them for at least getting involved in helping others. To defend another, just by phoning the cops, is a form of martial art. To defend by going into the situation, is a form of martial art. To actually be physical with someone, of course, is being a martial artist. Better to get involved (in some way), than to not. To avoid the situation is to be weak, and have (at least momentarily) a lack of morality, concern, and compassion. Anything that works is good. If a person makes TKD work for them, then it's good. But in reality it goes back on the person being the focus of the situation, and not necessarily the style of Martial Art. Just some tidbits...

That's not cheap... Martial Arts should be spread around for free.

great posts!

I agree to the above. Self Defense is: 1) Basically, the art of fighting without fighting. 2) The art of not being there in the first place. 3) In relation to Martial Arts, something you do with your hands, feet, and body, in order to capitalize your opponents weaknesses, and survive the situation. Later!

We also used Kokumin Fukyugata, the series of kata created by Chojun Miyagi, which included, Gekisai I, Gekisai II and Tensho. Prior to the Fukyugata set, we had to learn Tando Kata Dai Ichi and Dai Ni. Along the way we also had the traditional kata, kumite, bunkai, and sparring techniques. The traditional kata included: Sanchin, Saifa, Seiunchin, Shisochin, Sanseiryu, Seipai, Kururunfa, Seisan, and Suparinpe (or Pecchurin). To see a suparinpe in action, follow this link, and choose your media preference. http:// http://www.wonder-okinawa.jp/023/eng/007/002/001.html It is performed by Sensei Morio Higaonna - 9th Dan Goju Ryu - Japan.

It's not the age for me either, it's the poor maintenance, along with the absence of a warranty.

These are just some collective thoughts on what lies beneath the surface of both BJJ, Karate, and indeed many Martial Arts. Anything can happen out on the street. As I get older and older, I find that comparing styles or methods of fighting is important, but it should by the driving force behind a persons motivation to train. Unless, of course a student plans on going out, and specifically picking fights with practitioners of BJJ, Aikido, or Jujutsu, or Chinese Boxers, Muay Tai, etc... Or perhaps they are thinking of joining the UFC? We train to face many different types of opponents. Counter techniques exist for anything given to you during a fight. That is when you train, you train against the unknown, faceless opponent. Your goal is to win or to die trying (if on the street). If a person's training method is to break the mold of fighting 'the average joe', then that is awesome, but it's best to not focus on just pitting styles or methods of fighting against the other, since statistically, we find that we are fighting the "average joe" out on the street. It is the situations we are in that are dynamic and could be full of surprises. Such as someone pulling out a weapon, being high on drugs, or stupidly inebriated with alcohol, having several people attack at once, etc. "Average Joe" training consists of: 1) Opponent throws big haymaker. Defender steps in, blocks or ducks under and strikes back. 2) Opponent rushes for a waist grab. Defender side steps, and either elbow strikes to back of neck or brings knee up to opponents chest or face. 3) Opponent grabs defenders wrist. Defender performs well executed shoulder throw, or perhaps wrist throw. 4) Opponent throws front kick. Defender grabs leg, sweeps rooted leg, and strikes ridgehand to neck or temple. ...my point is, it is better to create a dynamic fighting skillset, than to just train in the above 4 examples, or variances thereof. I would say learn (in some way)wrestling, jujutsu, boxing, and even conflict resolution, in order to compliment the main style or method of fighting in which you practice. I am in essence agreeing with the many similar posts put up just before mine. I am not one to say, practice the Martial Arts "to get into shape", or to "build character", or to "learn how to defend yourself". We practice the Martial Arts in order to build ourselves into a better surviving machine, mentally and physically. We carry these learned traits with us, throughout all aspects of our life. It is nothing that needs to be advertised in order to make it more exciting or alluring. Effective Street Fighting: Is the act of efficiently preparing for any street encounter, both mentally and physically During this process, we find ourselves developing into a person who can, according to White Warlock, "improvise, adapt, and overcome". [/i] We train for the unexpected, and yet expect nothing. All objects can be manipulated into being Martial. Our minds, our hands, feet, body, a knife, gun, pencil, brick, sheet of paper, and so on. We go into the situation with a clean slate, we analyze the environment, taking in a breathe, relaxing, and then we reach into our brain pulling out the animal instinct of survival. No thoughts, only reaction to stimuli. The more relaxed you are, the more sensitive you will be to the changes around you. People will actually seem to move in slow motion. Many times, your cognitive brain will shut down, and you will hardly recall what happened, since the other, more ancient part of the brain has taken over. Afterwards, we usually say, "it all happened so fast, I'm not sure what went on." I am saying that you need to connect body and mind, and understand the balances, and seek to fix any imbalances within you, or your training. Of all the weapons we have, over the past quarter of a century of practice, I have found that the mind, it the most powerful, useful, and yet under utilized objects we have in our possession. Do not fall into this trap. Do you what you feel is best in order to maintain your hold on the basics, grow in the principles, methods, and techniques that work for you, as you march forward in life. This is what the Martial Arts are about, nothing else. If you are not training to win, then you will not win. Take care!

My 3rd dan instructor of Goju Ryu was also a black belt in TKD. He was a tall chap, who was built like Dolph Lundgren. His footwork for leg strikes was reminiscence of Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, and yet, he could do the hand strikes and closed in fighting of Goju Ryu as well. If you could get inside quick enough, you could get to him. But then at that point, it's give and take. If you could get behind him, that is even better. Sorry, I got off topic.