shogeri

If someone could start a trend to move away from the term 'master', and onto to something else that would be great. In the meantime, a Mater is sometime who is a leader in their local community, within the Martial Art community, and most importantly within the system of Martial Art in which they belong. And when I say leader, I mean everything the word implies and more. They must have vision, compassion, integrity, humility, honor, interperson skills (be a people person), effective communiciation skills, ability to build and maintain cohesive units of qualified people below them, and so on. Leaders do not just lead. They formulate and employ methods in which others follow them, and at some point, lead others as well, either collectively as a team, or individually. The most important way they do this is by implanting the vision of what they are doing into the heart and minds of those who are looking toward their leaders for answers. Just some lose thoughts I am putting out there! Later!

Iron Warrior gave some sound advice about healing and preventative care. Other's did as well, but saying to start out slow, and then build up repitition. Train smart, not hard! Good luck!

I am not familiar with that area of the world. If this forum doesn't produce any decent references, you could always try a search engine such as google. Good luck!

FYI: There are methods one can use to avoid destroying the epidermis and or joints when hardening the knuckles. It is when the practitioner does too much too soon, and or does not follow throug with proper care, that unexpected results occur. I believe I posted, somewhere on this forum, some basic instructions on hardening the hands. So far as using it for modern purposes, I believe that correct body dynamics, along with proper technique (externally, internally, and mentally), can yield an alternate, and yet, effective means of destruction upon the body of another. p.s. Historic rumor has it that the practice of hardening of knuckles was a response to the opponent wearing armor or similar clothing. Later!

Good to have you JAY!

Welcome to KF! We look forward to hearing more from you!

Any time a person loses consciousness it's big deal. Please do not let anyone tell you othewise. It is more dangerous if it is a direct result of a blow. Restriction of blow flood, although not as dangerous, could still result in further injury down the road. Be safe, and think smart. The Martial Arts are serious, and are not just a game or sport or hobby... Take care of yourself! Good luck!

I agree that this thread is specifically related to Christianity and the Martial Arts, so let's all keep to the topic.

If someone were to read Asian text from a long time ago, and or watch some really old Asian films (not just martial art one), they would find that the term master, wasn't always used the same as it is now, and they would find more occurrences of the words, 'father, uncle', and 'teacher'... Take care!

The point of practice is to continue on the next day. Otherwise it is just self-imposed war upon either your own self, or your opponent. It is the intent behind using the weapon that counts the most, as well as understanding the limitations of using weapons, and the advantages of using the weapon. The main thing to remember is to work and train smart, and know that whatever you hold in your hand is just an extension of yourself, and of the primary weapon at your disposal, which is your brain. When we train with with weapons, we are not just training our limbs to react to certain stimuli, we are training our entire body, and mind. If you train with bladed weapons, you could always get the one's that are not "live". That is, the edge is dull, and the point is rubbed down. The point to any practice, especially weapons training, is that you do it safely, with the right amount of intent, purpose, body mechanics, and strategy. To each their own on this, and I wish each of you best of luck in your individual efforts to better your martial art training!

First I would like to hear your perception or thoughts regarding 'claimed effects'... My theory, is that qi is directly related to blood flow, and or the bodily fluids involved during the homeostatis process. There is often tingling involved, and or subtle feelings of heat or cold. Usually, the conscious mind has to be trained for this, since it is often the subconscious mind or process therein that guide the body toward healing and or attempting to balance itself, and so on. I do my best to not break it (the concept of qi) down. Perhaps into functions, yes, but not as in empirical scientific methodology. In my view, qi is not just bio-electricity. It may be in that process, but I would not want to limit it to just that. I believe some western scientist, or otherwise started stating such in order for qi to to be more acceptable to those who attempt to break things down into little compartments. So far as the symptoms of diabetes, high blood pressure, those have been studied by numerous organizations who track the progress of people who practice the Taijiquan form, and stick to a specific diet. You can certainly find them by searching google or askjeeves, etc. Here is a list of common references for you to look up: 1. Lan, C., Lai, J., & Wong, M. (1996). Cardiorespiratory function, flexibility, and body composition among geriatric Tai Chi Chuan practitioners. Archives of Physical and Medical Rehabilitation, 77, 612-616. 2. Lai, J., Lan, C., Wong, M., & Teng, J. (1995). Two-year trends in cardiorespiratory function among older Tai Chi Chuan practitioners and sedentary subjects. Journal of the American Geriatric Society, 43, 1222-1227. 3. Lan, C., Lai, J., Chen, S., & Wong, M. (1998). Twelve-month Tai Chi training in the elderly: Its effect on health fitness. Medical Science and Sports Exercise, 30(3), 345-351. 4. Channer, K.S., Barrow, D., Barrow, R., Osborne, M., & Ives, G. (1996). Changes in hemodynamic parameters following Tai Chi Chuan and aerobic exercise in patients recovering from acute myocardial infarction. Postgraduate Medical Journal, 72(848), 349-351. 5. Lan, C., Chen, S., & Wong, M. (1999). The effect of Tai Chi on cardiorespiratory function in patients with coronary artery bypass surgery. Medical Science and Sports Exercise, 31(5), 634-638. 6. Zhuo, D., Shephard, R., Plyley, M., & Davis, G. (1984). Cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses during Tai Chi Chuan exercise. Canadian Journal of Applied Sport Science, 9(1), 7-10. 7. Kirsteins, A., Dietz, F., & Hwang, S. (1991). Evaluating the safety and potential use of a weight-bearing exercise Tai Chi Chuan for rheumatoid arthritis patients. American Journal of Physical and Medical Rehabilitation, 70(3), 136-141. 8. Deusen, J., . (1987). The efficacy of the ROM dance program for adults with rheumatoid arthritis. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 41(2), 90-95. 9. Yan, J. (1999). Tai Chi practice reduces movement force variability for seniors. Journal of Gerontology, 54(12), M629-M634. 10. Province, M., & Hornbrook, M., . (1995). The effects of exercise on falls in elderly patients: A preplanned meta-analysis of the FICSIT trials. JAMA, 273(17), 1341-1347. ------------------------------ Here is a short pdf, regarding the effects of taijiquan and or qigong practice : http://imyim.com/excursions/Qigong&Neurologic_Illness --------------------------------- I know that Taijiquan and Qigong work, when done properly, and when a proper diet is in place, along with a balance in life all that it involves. Here is another link to cancer.org, further explaining what I just said above: Good luck on your own research of this topic. I will continue to check back in on this thread.

We are how we are made. I know I have limitations. I am short, so naturally I will not be able to kick as high as others. Also, my ligaments, and tendons can only stretch so far, and since I am male, my pelvic structure may not allow for such. So hopefully, I can always kick in proportion to my height. We can push outselves physically, but only do so with the guidance of a physician. In our youth, it seems more important to push, and push, and drive yourself further than the day before. As we get older, we simply do not want to lose what we have, which for some is just as hard work as trying to achieve something you do not have. --------------------------- As I have gotten older, my true goal is to stay limber enough to always hold out (to the midsection) a side kick or front kick or otherwise. That is I work on maintaining my physical health, flexibility, endurance, and so on, while attempting to better myself in skill, in knowledge, in and principle, etc. I would say with proper guidance take yourself as far as you can go, working on both bettering yourself externally, internally, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Just remember it's okay to ask for help. Good luck!

Relax, remain focused on just doing your best, not being perfect. You can do it!

I too do not believe it is practical for the dillman method. But ~ it is integrated into the Chinese Boxing system of Taijiquan. It takes up to 10 years just to get enough of the basics down, especially in regards to the accupoint system, in order to be a level 1 instructor. Ten years of internal work (the form and qigong), along with application and use of pressure point knowledge, each of which combined with various flowing or dynamic combat principles found in Chinese Boxing (Hao Chuan/Pao Chi/Taiji San Shou). It takes a lifetime (or several) to know the form. Note, when I say Taijiquan, I am not talking about the new age methods, nor am I promoting the form as used by eastern health systems. I speak of the system as it is related to it's Martial Art tradition and philosophy. Dillman may understand the concept of pressure point application, but without the application of chinese boxing (flowing combat that implements internal energy - especially Taijiquan), all he is doing is manipulating the meridian system on a basic level. The person who taught me can fight, and has gone to the ground, but I would be surprise to find someone who could get him there. I believe he goes down only when he wants to. When he fights, if the level gets high enough, his eyes roll back, and his breathing changes, and he gets a direct link to his animal instinct of survival. He is not representative of most teachers of Taijiquan, for His speed and accuracy and power are amazing for as few years as he has been doing it. He can do things, that I haven't been able to, even after 25 years of doing this stuff. ------------ Just putting some thoughts out there..

I would have had a talk, suspended him, and told him to write a letter of apology to both the school, and the person he hurt. If they are really young, I would have let the parents know. So far as the push ups go or the yelling, that's just a personal call, and you did what you felt was best at the time. Live and learn, for without learning we don't live. Take care!

I agree that is best to do your homework. Essentially there are two types of Martial Art systems. There are principle (concept) based styles or systems, and there are technique based systems. Many times in technique driven (dare I say traditional systems), at the higher level, after many, many years, the person begins to see the light, and understands the principles of fighting and or when to use given techniques. JKD is a system of Martial Arts. It is a concept or principle driven system. It is not technique driven, nor is it form (kata) driven. It is based upon combat and fighting methods that Mr. Lee came across during his study of the MA. It truly suited his wants, needs and desires at the time. It is heavily ladened with Wing Chun Gung Fu Concepts, mixed with Chi Na (and basic Jujitsu) and Western Boxing. The style does have syllabus, and it does have expectations, and there are specific methods a person must learn in order to advance. Typically there are phases one reaches, and not ranks one achieves. You will have to learn sticky hands, push hands, trapping hands, slapping hands, and so on. Basically all the "sao's" you can think of. You will learn about in-fighting, down-fighting, and out-fighting. Now once a person gets beyond whether a system is either principle or technique driven, then we get into whether it is internal or external. That is, how is the energy of the body implemented (and or applied) during combat, both toward the attacker, and by the defender. From there we can branch off into whether it is a striking art, or a grappling art. Then we branch off of the striking arts, into whether or not it is an art of primarily hand strikes and blocks, or kicks and sweeps. There are also systems that equally do hands and feet. From there we can branch off of grappling art, and find that it tends to be either a standing grappling (Chi Na, Jujutsu, Aikido, Judo) art, or a ground grappling art (BJJ). True jujutsu does teach ground grappling, but many teachers do not immediately teach these principles. Judo has evolved to being a throwing art. Aikido employs a sensitive or awareness similar to Taijiquan practitioners, and can easily maneuver and or sense change and instead of center line principle, then employ the axis principle instead which is very similar, and is a concept also used in many jujutsu techniques as well. JKD takes or borrows concepts from many of these systems, in some way or the other. Well, hopefully I didn't share too much...I tend to do that. Good luck in your quest!

Do you like to run, or to play soccer? Do you like to swim, or play football or basketball? I liked doing sports than involved the hands, but my upper body did not give me what I felt was an adequate representation of hand to hand. In my youth, I liked soccer, so I of course chose a kicking art. I was smaller, so strayed away from wrestling. In junior football, I was the fullback, because I could run. I even ran track my senior year. Then as I got older, and less agile, or physically able to do all the fancy kicks (due to some injuries along the way), I chose more close fighting techniques. I even enjoyed sewing and doing needlepoint (weird for a guy ~ I know), writing, drawing, etc. Then I went onto more knees and elbow when my bursitis (shoulders) began to flair up more frequently. Now I do light jujutsu, with elbow knees, and taijiquan, which in many (external) aspects is similar to wing chun in fighting philosophy (centerline, trapping, etc). So I, like others have evolved, based upon my own physical limitations, my likes and dislikes, and my own personal goals that more or less fell into place along with whatever I was doing at the time. You can expect this to happen as well. Good luck and remember to focus on you, and do not buy into anything you are not sure about.

I agree that jujutsu (jujitsu), like karate tends to be very diversely taught. Teachers instruct on what they know, and sometimes on what they don't know. But for the most part, they do what comes naturally to them. In regards to shotokan, some instructors will focus on the stand and deliver (block/parry{with or without lock} then strike) techniques of karate, while others add either more kicks, and or jujutsu methods. There are those jujutsu instructors who will teach mostly throws, along with the basic blocks and punches, which can be great against multiple opponents, contrary to popular belief. Any jujutsu instructor that attempts to teach a mix of kicks, locks, submission (up to and including a break) holds, strike downs, elbows, knees, heel-palm strikes to vital areas, various other hand strikes, low kicks, and so on, are at least coming close to what jujutsu is really about. With any martial art, there are set rules as to what comes next, or how one should follow through. There are no rules, for we are subjects of the situation. We can control ourselves, and many times, we can out-maneuver our opponent in order to win or decrease the conflict. But in no way do we have the power to control the situation itself. Within a jujutsu school, if it is taught like judo (or a gentleman's art), then by all means, it should be avoided. In my view, the choices would be narrowed down due to the following basic principles: In regards to what is being taught: judo - primarily a throwing art karate - primarily a striking art that incorporates low to mid section kicks TKD - has evolved to a kicking art, but traditional is equal in combat philosophy to karate Kung Fu - varies In my region of the world, Kung Fu (the external systems) focus on hand techniques, which either high or low kicks, depending on the system. Jujutsu - is traditionally a throwing, locking, seizing, submission, striking art. ------------------------------------------- Some karate or kung fu, are close fighting systems. That is they employ locking, trapping, strike-downs, or more elbows and knees. Wing Chun and Goju Ryu are two such systems. There are others as well, as those systems I have mentioned are just the beginning. I personally teach a jujutsu system, that incorporates internal principles and fighting methods of taijiquan, Hao Chuan {Chinese pressure point fighting}, muay thai (elbows, palm strikes, and knees), along with the principle methods of naha te (the root system of old Okinawan Karate Do). Basically, what I do, is a well rounded martial art, also termed an MMA. Not the best, but just something that works for me. As I continue with my research of the Martial Art systems, I find that they overlap quite frequently on many principles, and I will continue to take those concepts and mold them into what I believe a system should be. Which is use your entire body, every appendage, and do so either standing up, or on the ground, or something in between. It means to pick up something and use it, or if need be, then go down biting, pulling hair, scratching, or ripping flesh. The better a Martial Artist becomes, the more they will mold the style into what they believe works for them. If they do not, then the style or the instructor is not allowing for full growth within the system. The core of combat, which is also one of the many facets of the Martial Arts, is to do whatever it takes to win or overcome the situation at hand. That is why we train over and over in various situations, with various types of opponents and environments, so that we can apply many different strategies, techniques, tactics, and come to know our weaknesses, strengths, limitations, and fears ~ while doing so. In sum, jujutsu or not, if a Martial Art (or teacher of such art) does not allow you to adapt, to evolve to change with the situation (for situations themselves are alive and dynamic), then it is not a dynamic art, and should be avoided. Good luck in your search for knowledge and instruction!

Kata are just that ~ kata. They are about performance, and yet so much more. It is up to the practioner to determine the interpretation, the impression, and the expression of the form. Again, even though the techniques might be advanced(or basic), it is up to the person to visually explain the form, and display their own skill in application principle, and technical proficiency. The more someone knows what lies beneath, their opportunity to show the true colors of the kata will come into play. There are those that can perform kata, and make it look good, while not understanding what is at the core of the form. Just putting in some loose thoughts!

Congratulations! Your abilities, skills, talents, devotion, and passion will definitely be noticed as time goes by, for they tend to speak for themself. If people cannot respect such, then it is their loss. Keep up your training!

The above doesn't surprise me. Sleep, and or the results we get from having power naps provides us with similar results.

I agree. But the sad part is that many chinese/japanese or traditional asian systems use the term. It's not one that I have ever fully appreciated, nor desired to receive. The training yes, but titles do little for me. Experience, and the application thereof, while sharing it with others is one of the best things we can do for one another in the MA! Take care!

While you are doing much of the above relax your mind, and your body. Tension and fear will lock you up. Breathe the best you know how at the moment. And like other's have said, seize the moment when their is an opening or weakness...If there is not one, then work on making one. Teach yourself to see what you are about to do, before you do it. Train smart, not just hard! Take care and Good luck!

These are some great post! I study Taijiquan Pressure Point Fighting, and have also studied Okinawan Tuite. Grabbing and or rubbing (to a given point area) is not fighting. People do have a tolerance to pain. Some have a higher tolerance to accupoint manipulation. A strike to specific areas, decreases the ability to withstand the effect, since it is then coupled with highly charged strikes, that just don't quit. One hits, and they keep hitting, and moving the opponents center, and working the entire body, as they furiously strike to all the major areas, over and over. Not all points work the same on people. That is why trying to pick and choose certain points in a manner of 'grab then press' is totally unreasonable. Even in Okinawan Goju Ryu we were taught to strike to a point. We were demonstrated the effect by using pressure or massage, but the application of the technique involved striking to the point over and over until some degree of accuracy was achieved. Just some loose thoughts again...Others may vary, and that's a good thing.

There are the KOSHIKI-NO-KATA of KODOKAN JUDO. I cannot vouch for this information below, ---------------------- Judo Formal Techniques: A Complete Guide to Kodokan Randori No Kata From amazon.com This is the closest you might come to finding out the answer to your question. -------------------------------- However, I do know that the primary kata are: 1. NAGE-NO-KATA (Forms of Throwing) 2. GONOSEN-NO-KATA (Forms of Throws and Counter Throws) 3. KIME-NO-KATA (Forms of Self-Defense) 4. ITSUTSU-NO-KATA (Forms of 5) 5. KOSHIKI-NO-KATA (Forms of Antiquity) The most important kata would probably be: Nage No Kata of the Randori No Kata set. Within it you'll find: Technique / Attack Ogoshi / Right & left Ippon seoi / Club blow Sode tsurikomi goshi / Front choke Okuri ashi harai / Front hug (pinned) Uchi mata / Right & left Harai goshi / Front choke Utsuri goshi / Right & left Makikomi harai / Full nelson Hane goshi / Front hug (pinned) Uki otoshi / Rear strangle Drop sasae tsurikomi ashi / Front choke Tomoe nage / Front choke Ushiro goshi / Side headlock Lapel guruma / Right & left Yoko guruma / Side headlock Arm guruma / Club blow, juji uke Kata guruma / Right blow, block Kane sute / Straight lapel Thought I do not know them myself, I do know that to truly know jujitsu (or judo/aikido for that matter), a student will at some point need to understand and practice these kata. Later!